Telomerase activity as a potential marker in preneoplastic bladder lesions

Abstract

These results strongly suggest that the reactivation of telomerase may be an early event in bladder carcinogenesis, preceding morphological changes related to malignant transformation. Telomerase activity may therefore be useful both as an indicator of malignant potential in preneoplastic lesions, e.g. cystitis glandularis and severe dysplasia, and as a prognostic marker of bladder tumour relapse or progression.