Tumor Microenvironment: Prospects for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Prostate Cancer Based on Changes in Tumor-Adjacent Stroma

This chapter summarizes the role of stromal cells in the development and progression of prostate cancer and how alterations in gene expression in the tumor-adjacent stroma may be useful for diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. During embryogenesis, prostate stromal cells play a major role in prostate morphogenesis. Prostate stromal cells also play a major role in prostate carcinogenesis and prostate cancer progression. Changes in the stroma of tumor-bearing prostate glands have been used to detect the presence of tumor nearby. Furthermore, since stromal cells exhibit fewer genetic mutations than those in the tumor, gene expression profiles of the tumor-adjacent stromal cells may be a source of reliable biomarkers to predict outcomes during the course of clinical management of patients. The clinical and biological significance of changes in stroma is highlighted.