[Prostatic acid phosphatase measured by immunoenzyme assay]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is an enzyme produced by the prostate gland.
• Elevated PAP levels can indicate prostate cancer, but its utility in staging and monitoring requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) testing in prostate cancer.
• To assess the reproducibility and stability of the PAP assay for clinical use.

Main Methods:

• Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) levels were determined using Merck-Kanto's test kit.
• Serum samples from untreated prostate cancer patients (stages A-D2), patients undergoing hormonal treatment, controlled cases, and recurrent cases were analyzed.
• Assay reproducibility and serum sample stability at -80°C were assessed.

Main Results:

• Abnormal PAP values were observed in 0% of stage A, 100% of stage B, 33% of stage C/D1, and 75% of stage D2 untreated prostate cancer cases.
• Hormonal treatment reduced elevated PAP levels in 5 out of 9 cases.
• Controlled cases showed a significantly lower ratio of abnormal PAP values compared to recurrent cases, suggesting its utility in follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) testing demonstrates increasing abnormality with advanced prostate cancer stages.
• The PAP assay exhibits good reproducibility and stability, making it suitable for clinical monitoring.
• PAP testing appears valuable for differentiating between controlled and recurrent prostate cancer and assessing treatment response.