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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Serum markers in prostate cancer detection
1aNuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK bDepartment of Clinical Sciences cDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden dDepartment of Laboratory Medicine eDepartment of Surgery (Urology) fDepartment of Medicine (GU-Oncology), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.
New blood tests for prostate cancer biomarkers, like kallikreins, can help personalize prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. This approach aims to reduce unnecessary biopsies and detect significant prostate cancer more effectively.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing reduces prostate cancer mortality but detects clinically insignificant cancers, necessitating improved diagnostic tools.
- Men with elevated PSA require complementary blood-based biomarkers to refine screening and diagnosis.
- Research focuses on novel biomarkers for prostate cancer detection in middle-aged men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in prostate cancer biomarkers in blood.
- To explore the utility of kallikrein-based tests and PSA in refining prostate cancer screening.
- To identify strategies for reducing harms associated with PSA testing.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on prostate cancer biomarkers published between March 2013 and August 2014.
- Analysis of research on PSA as a predictive marker.
- Evaluation of kallikrein-based tests including [-2] proPSA and the prostate health index.
Main Results:
- Progress in PSA as a predictive marker and development of kallikrein-based tests ([-2] proPSA, prostate health index, kallikrein panel).
- Individualized screening intervals based on PSA levels can lower costs and reduce biopsies for low-risk individuals.
- Kallikrein markers improve specificity for elevated PSA (2-10 ng/ml), reducing unnecessary biopsies and aiding risk stratification.
Conclusions:
- Personalized PSA testing intervals and reflex kallikrein marker testing can mitigate screening harms.
- These strategies may decrease unnecessary biopsies and improve the detection of significant prostate cancer.
- Prospective trials are needed to confirm the clinical value of proposed testing algorithms.
