Investigating the Prognostic Value of DD3 and AMACR Expression in Prostate Cancer

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major public health issue in men older than 40 years old. New genetic diagnostic markers like DD3 and racemase (AMACR) have been the subject of several studies in prostate cancer. Still, the real value of these markers in terms of prognosis has not been studied yet. Objectives: To describe and correlate DD3 and AMACR gene expression in PCa patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and to compare their expression in patients with localized and advanced tumors. Methods: Forty-two prostate samples were collected. DD3 and AMACR gene expression were measured by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Clinical and pathological data were obtained from the patient’s registry. Results: DD3 and AMACR did not correlate with the pathological stage. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was ρ = −0.15 (p = 0.39) and ρ = 0.17 (p = 0.49) for DD3 and AMACR, respectively. The mean difference in DD3 expression between localized and advanced disease was 0.74 (CI: −0.70 - 0.21; p = 0.30); the mean difference in AMACR between groups was 0.11 (CI: −0.32 - 0.10; p = 0.28). Conclusions: Comparison of gene expression between localized and advanced tumors has not shown significant differences. Correlation among different pathological groups was not important. DD3 and AMACR, although expressed in prostate cancer tissue, cannot be used as prognostic markers based on pathological staging.