Pathogenic and Diagnostic Potential of BLCA-1 and BLCA-4 Nuclear Proteins in Urothelial Cell Carcinoma of Human Bladder. (2nd July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santoni, Matteo; Catanzariti, Francesco; Minardi, Daniele; Burattini, Luciano; Nabissi, Massimo; Muzzonigro, Giovanni; Cascinu, Stefano; Santoni, Giorgio
• Other Names: Schostak Martin Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Advances in urology. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-07-02
• Subjects: Urology -- Periodicals; 616.6005
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/397412
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-6369

Abstract

Abstract : Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is one of the most common malignancies of genitourinary tract. Patients with bladder cancer need a life-long surveillance, directly due to the relatively high recurrence rate of this tumor. The use of cystoscopy represents the gold standard for the followup of previously treated patients. Nevertheless, several factors, including cost and invasiveness, render cystoscopy not ideal for routine controls. Advances in the identification of specific alterations in the nuclear structure of bladder cancer cells have opened novel diagnostic landscapes. The members of nuclear matrix protein family BLCA-1 and BLCA-4, are currently under evaluation as bladder cancer urinary markers. They are involved in tumour cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. In this paper, we illustrate the role of BLCA-1 and BLCA-4 in bladder carcinogenesis and their potential exploitation as biomarkers in this cancer.