Determination of the cytokine profile and the psa levels in prostate cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital
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Date
2014-07-31
Authors
Mwirigi, Liza K.
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Abstract
Prostate cancer (pCa) is Kenya's second most frequently diagnosed cancer of men with an
incidence rate of 15.2 per 100,000 and mortality rate of 12.2 per 100,000. The International
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that it is the leading cancer in terms of
incidence and mortality in men from Africa and the Caribbean. It is predicted that the numbers
will almost double by 2030. Men of the Sub-Saharan Africa descent around the world appear to
suffer disproportionately compared to men of other races and ethnicities. Early diagnosis of PCa
would prove crucial in lowering the mortality rates. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is the main
diagnostic biomarker used for screening currently. Its use is controversial because normal PSA
levels have been found in men suffering from PCa. The PSA variations in the different stages of
PCa have not been established. Biopsy histology is invasive and tedious and yet it is the only
confirmatory test. Cytokines have been found to playa role in the growth and differentiation of
normal and PCa cells but they have not been studied as biomarkers. There is an urgent need to
develop other diagnostic modalities of PCa to lower the mortality and morbidity rates. The
objectives of this study are to evaluate thecytokine profile and determine the PSA levels in PCa
and to determine the risk factors that lead to the development of PCa. There is need to develop
other accurate and precise non-invasive biomarkers that can be used for screening and diagnosis.
Comparing the PSA levels with those of the cytokines in PCa will help in understanding their
role in the progression of the disease. Since cytokines are used as screening biomarkers in other
diseases, determining the cytokine profile could help single out various cytokines that could be
used as biomarkers of Pea. A cross sectional study will be carried out to determine the cytokine
profile and the PSA levels using serum samples involving 45 male patients aged 50 years and
above at the KNH Urology Outpatient Clinics. Cytometric Bead Array technique on a flow
cytometer will be used to determine the cytokine profile. Sandwich ELISA technique will be
used to determine the PSA levels. A questionnaire Will be used to deterinine the demographic
and risk factors that lead to the development of PCa. Data will be coded and statistical analysis
will be performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version l.5. Chisquare
test and ANOVA will be used to assess the relationship between the variables. The
fmdings from the study may lead to the implementation of various mitigation measures such as
creating awareness, encouraging early screening and provision of proper treatment to the sick.
This could in turn lower the morbidity and mortality rates from PCa. A comprehensive cytokine
cataloging may provide information on cytokines that can be used as biomarkers for PCa