The application of prognostic tissue markers to prostate cancer : clinical and experimental studies

摘要: textabstractThe incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer have dramatically increased during the last two decadesl -}. It is now the most prevalent malignant non-skin tumor in the western male population its mortality second only to that lung cancer4• Potosky et at.' studied an analysis covering about 6% of USA population. A linear increase was found from 1973 1986, which became exponential 1987 1991. The can be largely attributed introduction specific antigen (PSA) , transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and, more recently, based screening programs as advocated by American Cancer Society Urological Associations.7. However, a very recent study indicates as 1991 age adjusted rate started decline fast it before (Figure I.1)'. This explained fact that application PSA, TRUS programs enabled diagnosis of cases would otherwise been either diagnosed later or even missed completely. These cases are progressively depleting potential new cases. Consequently, exponentially rising did not reflect true and will fall new, realistic steady state. phenomenon also occurred following the mammography test for breast cancer9. linear increase rates described above might be caused changes risk factors but life expectancy. Whether the observed superimposed on continuing trend be concluded if state reached.