Reverse transcriptase PCR and staging prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To present a brief review of the diagnostic dilemma of staging prostate cancer and how a novel diagnostic technique, the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, is being used as an aid to better stage and manage the disease. DATA SOURCE: Research articles about prostate cancer and the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction published in the last 5 years, as well as data gathered by the authors. STUDY SELECTION: Performed by the authors. DATA EXTRACTION: Performed by the authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S. A wide variety of methods are used for the diagnosis; however, accurate staging of the disease to determine the most effective treatment is a problem. Because metastatic prostate cancer is routinely understaged, the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to identify prostate cancer cells in the circulatory system is becoming an important diagnostic aid for staging and monitoring the disease. It is analytically and clinically sensitive as well as specific. CONCLUSION: The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction is a highly accurate aid in staging and monitoring prostate cancer. Its prognostic value, particularly when a small number of prostate cancer cells are detected in the circulatory system requires further long-term follow-up studies.