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Do racial differences in prostate size explain higher serum prostate-specific antigen concentrations among black men?
John C Mavropoulos1, Alan W Partin, Christopher L Amling
1Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Urology
|June 19, 2007
Summary
Higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in Black men are not explained by larger prostate size. This study suggests other factors contribute to elevated PSA in Black men.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is common in Black men.
- Prostate size is a known factor influencing PSA levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if larger prostate size contributes to elevated serum PSA in Black men.
- To examine racial differences in PSA levels and prostate weight.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of two cohorts (SEARCH Database and Johns Hopkins Hospital) of men undergoing radical prostatectomy.
- Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association between race, PSA, and prostate weight, adjusting for demographic and clinicopathologic factors.
Main Results:
- Black men exhibited higher serum PSA values in both cohorts (P < 0.001).
- No significant association was found between race and prostate size after adjusting for relevant characteristics.
- Even after comprehensive adjustments, Black men had 15% higher serum PSA values compared to white men.
Conclusions:
- Higher serum PSA values in Black men are not attributable to larger prostate size.
- Alternative explanations are necessary to understand the disparity in elevated PSA levels observed in Black men.
