Heat shock proteins: their role in urological tumors.

Abstract

Heat shock proteins are ubiquitous molecules that are expressed in response to stress in all living organisms. The 3 important roles in regard to cancer development that have also been described are the regulation of apoptosis, modulation of the immune response and drug resistance. Recent studies have dramatically increased our current knowledge and understanding of the role of heat shock protein in cancer. We used a MEDLINE approach to examine the past and current literature. The roles of heat shock protein in relation to urological tumors, namely those of the prostate, bladder, kidney and testis, are diverse. There are possible sites for heat shock protein modifications that may lead to new therapeutic approaches to urological cancer. The possibility of treating patients with vaccines earlier in the disease course may stimulate research.