Korean J Urol.  2005 Mar;46(3):211-220.

Current Trend in Molecular Aspects of Bladder Cancer

• Kim WJ
• Yoon SJ

Abstract

A transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder has a diverse collection of biological and functional characteristics, which is reflected in its differing clinical courses. The diagnosis of bladder cancer is based on information provided by cystoscopy, the gold standard, in combination with urinary cytology findings. Many tumor markers have been evaluated for detecting and monitoring the disease in serum, bladder washes and urinary specimens. However, none of the biomarkers reported to date has shown sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the detection of the whole spectrum of bladder cancer diseases found in routine clinical practice. Due to the limited value of established prognostic markers, the analyses of new molecular parameters have gained interest in predicting the prognosis of bladder cancer patients; in particular, patient groups at high risk of progression and recurrence. Over the past decade, there has been major progress in the elucidation of the molecular genetic and epigenetic changes leading to the development of transitional cell carcinomas. This review focuses on the recent advances in the genetic and epigenetic aspects of bladder cancer, and emphasizes the ways in which molecular biology is likely to affect the development of future therapies.

MeSH Terms

Biomarkers
Carcinoma, Transitional Cell
Cystoscopy
Diagnosis
Epigenomics
Humans
Molecular Biology
Prognosis
Recurrence
Sensitivity and Specificity
Biomarkers, Tumor
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms*
Urinary Bladder*