Objectives: We analyzed the incidence of elevated serum levels of chromogranin A (CgA) (as marker of neuroendocrine activity) in nonmetastatic and metastatic prostate cancer populations. Material and Methods: 264 consecutive men with nonmetastatic prostate adenocarcinoma considered for radical prostatectomy (group 1) and 89 consecutive men with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma (group 2) represented our population. In all 353 cases a blood sample for the determination of serum total PSA and CgA levels was obtained (RIA). Two different cut-off for elevated serum CgA levels were used: >60 and >90 ng/ml. Results: In group 1, 35.0% of cases presented CgA levels >60 ng/ml and 6.4% >90 ng/ml. In group 2, 100% of cases presented CgA levels >60 ng/ml and 69.7% >90 ng/ml. The OR for CgA level >60 and >90 ng/ml significantly increased from nonmetastatic to metastatic cases (p = 0.0001). In group 1 the percentage of cases with CgA >60 ng/ml was 29.6% in Gleason score ≤7 (3 + 4) and 46.4% in Gleason score ≥7 (4 + 3) (p = 0.0001). In group 2, the percentage of cases with CgA >90 ng/ml was 51.8% in Gleason score ≤7 (3 + 4) and 77.4% in Gleason score ≥7 (4 + 3) (p = 0.0028). Conclusions: We describe a significant incidence of elevated serum levels of CgA either in nonmetastatic (using 60 ng/ml as cut-off) or in metastatic (using 90 ng/ml as cut-off) prostate adenocarcinoma cases.

Keywords:
Prostate neoplasm, Neuroendocrine, Chromogranin, Metastatic, Localized
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.