The changing scenario in diagnosing prostate cancer

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Prostate cancer (CaP) diagnosis relies on serum markers like Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).
• Distinguishing between benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and CaP can be challenging.
• Tissue Polypeptide Specific Antigen (TPS) is a marker for cell proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of serum total PSA, free PSA (f-PSA), and the f/t PSA ratio.
• To assess the role of TPS in differentiating BPH from CaP.
• To determine the effectiveness of these markers in various stages of prostate disease.

Main Methods:

• Fifty patients were divided into BPH (25) and CaP (25) groups.
• Serum levels of total PSA, f-PSA, and TPS were measured.
• f/t PSA ratio was calculated and analyzed in conjunction with PSA levels.

Main Results:

• Elevated total PSA was observed in 80% of BPH and 100% of CaP cases.
• The f/t PSA ratio was effective in differentiating BPH from CaP when total PSA < 10 ng/mL.
• TPS levels were significantly higher in CaP (92%) compared to BPH (32%), increasing with disease advancement.

Conclusions:

• The f/t PSA ratio is a valuable tool for differentiating BPH and CaP when total PSA is < 10 ng/mL.
• TPS serves as a useful adjunct marker for diagnosing and monitoring prostate cancer, particularly in distinguishing benign from malignant conditions.