Evaluation of Genomic Instability in the Abnormal Prostate

Abstract

Abstract : The aim of this study is to investigate the field effect in prostate cancer, the relationship between tumor and nearby histologically normal tissues compared to truly disease free prostate tissue. Identification of changes within tumor adjacent tissues has two possible clinical implications: prognosis and diagnosis. Several tools are being used to investigate this effect, specifically the assessment of telomere length, allelic imbalance, and methylation status, all markers of genomic instability. Microarray studies will be used to aid in the identification of additional gene expression changes occurring between tumor and histologically normal tissues compared to truly disease free tissue. While telomere length and allelic imbalance have been shown to correlate with outcome, it is expected that, when compared with truly normal tissue from disease-free prostates, several progressive changes will be seen, as has been found in prostate cancer cell lines. The proposed study will allow for interaction with other scientists, exposure to new technologies, teaching and continued patient interaction, all of which are important to the physician scientist.