Tissue Microarrays in Prostate Cancer Research

The goal of translating basic findings in prostate cancer research into clinically applicable biomarker tests and therapeutics has led to an increased need and use of prostate cancer tissue specimens. Many of the needs in these studies can be met through the use of archived prostate tissue specimens placed in tissue microarrays. In this chapter, we describe the development and use of tissue microarrays. Issues related to tissue microarray construction and design, with a specific emphasis on prostate cancer, are reviewed and discussed. We also examine the different types of tissue microarray designs, including general tissue microarrays, progression tissue microarrays, and outcomes-based tissue microarrays. Current and developing methods in tissue microarray analysis, including archived imaging and automated image analysis are described. Finally, we examine the statistical analyses needed for the optimal use of the associated tissue microarray data. Scientists will gather an understanding of the uses and limitations of tissue microarrays for prostate cancer studies from this chapter.