Biology and natural history of prostatic cancer: necessity of early diagnostic screening
Muzzonigro, G.; Beatrici, V.; Diambrini, M.; Minardi, D.; Rosciani, C.; Possati, L.; Polito, M.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 64(6): 555-561
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 3190908 Document Number: 324713
In order to evaluate the natural history of the prostatic carcinoma, we cultured 9 in vitro samples from surgical specimens of prostatic carcinoma. On the basis of the biological behaviour in culture, we identified 3 growth patterns: A) growth of epithelial cells and fibroblasts in confluent monolayer for more than 50 days; B) growth of epithelial cells in confluent monolayer and presence of scattered fibroblasts for more than 50 days; C) growth of scattered pleomorphic cells for less than 50 days. We correlated the growth patterns to the anatomo-clinical staging and we found that the high-stage tumours have a short life span in culture. Although our data needs further studies, the present findings seem to indicate that the carcinoma of the prostate has a long natural history, and the high-stage tumours can be considered at the end of their natural history. These findings suggest that an early diagnostic screening for carcinoma of the prostate is needed.