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Tumor markers in prostate cancer.
E H Cooper1, M R Robinson, P Whelan
1Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Cancer
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker for prostate cancer detection and monitoring. While PSA levels correlate with tumor stage, they also aid in assessing treatment effectiveness and predicting outcomes after surgery or radiation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Urology
Background:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a widely utilized biomarker in prostate cancer management.
- PSA levels increase with tumor progression, but significant overlap exists between different stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of PSA in the diagnosis and follow-up of prostate cancer.
- To discuss the prognostic value of PSA levels and their rates of change during treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of PSA's utility as a biochemical marker for prostate cancer.
- Analysis of PSA levels in relation to tumor stage, treatment response, and disease progression.
Main Results:
- PSA levels above 4 ng/ml warrant further investigation for suspected prostate cancer.
- PSA is crucial for assessing outcomes after prostatectomy and radiation therapy.
- PSA kinetics during hormone therapy can predict treatment duration and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- PSA is an essential tool for prostate cancer assessment, postoperative evaluation, and monitoring treatment response.
- While sensitive, rising PSA may precede clinical progression and does not always necessitate immediate treatment changes.
- Alkaline phosphatase and prostatic acid phosphatase offer less sensitive indicators for bone metastases and advanced disease activity.