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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

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Phosphopeptide Enrichment Coupled with Label-free Quantitative Mass Spectrometry to Investigate the Phosphoproteome in Prostate Cancer
Published on: August 2, 2018
Reviving the acid phosphatase test for prostate cancer
Al Taira1, Gregory Merrick, Kent Wallner
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. ataira@u.washington.edu
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|August 25, 2007
Summary
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is re-emerging as a valuable prognostic marker for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. Recent studies highlight its role in predicting distant failure, especially after aggressive local treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarkers
- Urologic Oncology
Background:
- Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) was the first tumor marker for prostate cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing largely replaced PAP due to superior performance in the 1980s.
- Recent research indicates PAP's renewed clinical significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the prognostic value of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in prostate cancer.
- To assess PAP's utility in identifying patients who may benefit from aggressive systemic therapy.
- To determine PAP's role in predicting outcomes for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies investigating prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) as a prognostic factor.
- Analysis of PAP's correlation with treatment response and disease progression.
- Evaluation of PAP's predictive accuracy in specific prostate cancer risk groups.
Main Results:
- Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is a significant prognostic factor for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer.
- PAP demonstrates particular value in predicting distant failure in high-risk patients receiving aggressive local treatment.
- Elevated PAP levels may indicate a higher risk of disease recurrence or progression.
Conclusions:
- A re-evaluation of the prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) test is timely for modern prostate cancer management.
- PAP may aid in identifying patients who require more aggressive systemic therapies.
- PAP's prognostic capabilities warrant consideration alongside PSA in risk stratification.

