Semen RNA-Based Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Detection and Risk Stratification: A Prospective Multicenter...

We assessed the diagnostic performance of semen RNA-based biomarkers for detecting prostate cancer and differentiating cancer grade groups.

In a multicenter prospective study, semen samples were collected from men before undergoing prostate biopsy. RNA was extracted and sequenced to generate exome-wide gene expression profiles. Differentially expressed genes were selected and used to train a machine-learning classifier designed to detect prostate cancer with ≥ 95% sensitivity. The finalized model was locked and independently evaluated in a validation cohort. Histopathological diagnosis served as the reference standard. Model performance was further analyzed in relation to International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group classification.

Of 301 enrolled participants, 279 samples met quality criteria and were included in model development (training set: n = 199; validation set: n = 80). The median age and PSA level were 62 years and 5.70 ng/mL, respectively. In the validation cohort, the classifier achieved an AUC of 0.90, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 69%, with no significant performance difference compared with the training cohort. Importantly, high-risk cancers (International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group ≥3) were ruled out with a negative predictive value of 96% in validation.

This study demonstrates that noninvasive, high-accuracy prostate cancer tests can be developed using semen samples collected at home. The proposed test could potentially eliminate 60% to 70% of unnecessary biopsies, representing a substantial improvement in prostate cancer testing and risk stratification.