The potential value of (myo)fibroblastic stromal reaction in the diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Reactive stromal changes that occur in different human cancers probably are involved in local tumor spreading. The aim of this study was to analyze changes of the stroma in prostatic carcinoma and to establish their possible diagnostic significance. METHODS. For the definition of reactive stroma in prostate cancer Mallory trichrome method and immunohistochemical analysis of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and desmin were performed. RESULTS. Compared with adjacent peritumoral tissue and stroma in benign prostatic hyperplasia, reactive stroma in prostate cancer showed increased vimentin expression, and decreased desmin expression (P < 0.05). Mallory method also showed more pronounced desmoplastic reaction in stroma of prostatic adenocarcinoma (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. Our study indicates that a reactive stroma, which occurs in prostatic carcinoma, could be clearly shown by Mallory method and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. We suggest that Mallory trichrome method may be used as a helpful additional diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of suspicious cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.