There are accumulating epidemiological, experimental, and genetic data supporting that prostate inflammation may contribute to prostate carcinogenesis, and several inflammatory-related molecules have been linked to tumorigenesis and prognosis in several tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate tumor expression of inflammatory-related factors in prostate carcinomas and their possible relationship with biochemical recurrence (elevation of prostate-specific antigen serum levels). An immunohistochemical study was conducted using tissue microarrays and specific antibodies against interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, interferon β (IFNβ), and nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB). Determinations in cancer specimens from 118 patients with primary prostate cancer (78 without and 40 with recurrence during the follow-up period) were performed. Immunostaining for all the studied proteins was localized both in tumor cells and in stromal cells in the majority of tumors. High-score values for IL-1β or low-score values for IFNβ were significantly associated with biochemical recurrence. The analysis defined a score value of 160 for IL-1β and of 170 for IFNβ as the optimal cutoff points that identified 32.7% and 73.2% of patients, respectively, having high probability of biochemical recurrence. Multivariate analysis according to a Cox model indicated that the cutoff point 170 for IFNβ (P=0.035) was an independent factor associated with biochemical recurrence in patients with prostate cancer. Both IL-1β and IFNβ may be new biomarkers to distinguish high-risk/low-risk patients with prostate cancer, and to select appropriate therapeutic approaches.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer among males globally, and its occurrence is growing worldwide. Clinical decisions about the combination of therapies are becoming highly relevant. However, this is a heterogeneous disease, ranging widely in prognosis. Therefore, new approaches are needed based on tumor biology, from which further prognostic assessments can be established and complementary strategies can be identified. The knowledge of both the morphological structure and functional biology of the PCa stroma compartment can provide new diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic possibilities. In the present review, we analyzed the aspects related to the tumor stromal component (both acellular and cellular) in PCa, their influence on tumor behavior and the therapeutic response and their consideration as a new therapeutic target.

Given that tumor blood vessels are important in tumor progression and metastasis, tumor endothelial cells (ECs) are the main targets of antiangiogenic therapy. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phenotype of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) from ECs at the tumor center and its relationship to MMP/TIMP global expression and its relationship to the occurrence of distant metastasis. An immunohistochemical study was performed using tissue arrays and specific antibodies against MMPs (MMP-2, -7, -9, -11, -13, and -14) and TIMPs (TIMP-1, -2, and -3) at the tumor center in 104 patients with primary ductal invasive breast tumors. MMP-11 expression by ECs was related to shorter relapse-free survival, whereas TIMP-3 expression was related to low occurrence of distant metastasis. In addition, MMP-11 and TIMP-2 expression by ECs was associated with shorter overall survival, whereas TIMP-3 expression by ECs was associated with longer overall survival. Our findings indicate significant relationships between the expression of MMPs/TIMPs by ECs and the global expression of these factors at the tumor scene. High MMP/TIMP expression by ECs from breast carcinomas, which may be consequence of the cross-talk between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment.