Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating prostate cancer. FKBP markers are provided, wherein changes in the levels of expression of one or more of the FKBP markers is correlated with the presence of prostate cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for radiation treatment on a patient by use fiber laser and/or a tunable laser, a tunable fiber laser being used for preferred embodiments. Wavelength may be controlled to control depth of penetration and/or radiation absorption and may be scanned to scan depth of penetration.

Abstract: A light energy delivery head is provided which, in one aspect, mounts laser diode bars or other light energy emitters in a heat sink block which is adapted to cool both the emitters and a surface of a medium with which the head is in contact and to which it is applying light energy. In another aspect, various retroreflection configurations are provided which optimize retroreflection of back-scattered light energy from the medium. The size of the aperture through which light energy is applied to the medium is also controlled so as to provide a desired amplification coefficient as a result of retroreflection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided in a system for utilizing optical radiation which is applied to a handpiece in contact with a patient's skin to perform a dermatological treatment on the patient to protect the patient by assuring that radiation is applied only when there is good contact between the handpiece and the patient's skin. Good contact is detected by detecting light at a skin contacting surface of the handpiece and enabling the application of radiation only if the detected light is within a selected range. The apparatus assures that the source is not normally enabled and is enabled only when it is safe to apply radiation, and in particular when there is good contact between the handpiece and the patient's skin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the temperature of a surface to preheat or precool the surface, to heat or cool the surface to effect a therapeutic treatment or to post-heat or post-cool the surface. A roller, preferably mounted to a handle, is provided which contains a material which is heated or cooled prior to treatment as appropriate so as to undergo a phase change and is then rolled over the surface the temperature of which is to be controlled, gradually undergoing a phase change to return to its initial state as it is rolled over the surface to effect the desired heating or cooling of the surface. The roller preferably has a large internal surface area in contact with the material undergoing the phase change.