Marcatori molecolari prognostici nelle neoplasie vescicali

The authors reviewed current literature regarding prognostic molecular markers in bladder cancer. No marker has currently proved superior to Stage and Grade. Among the markers being studied, p53, Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinases and angiogenesis may be defined as useful. Preliminary promising data have come from other substances such as p21, cadherins, uPA, mdm-2, ratio bcl2/bax, T138 and CD44. Further studies, with a more appropriate selection of patients and better standardisation of laboratory techniques, could afford more reliable results in the future. At present it is always advisable to use a combination of markers in clinical practice, in any case always starting from the evaluation of Stage and Grade of the disease.