Value of new fluorescent immunoassay for human prostatic acid phosphatase in prostate cancer

A new solid phase fluorescent immunoassay for human prostatic acid phosphatase in prostatic cancer has been evaluated. This technique is rapid, quantitative, and sensitive. In more than 133 patients studied by the National Prostatic Cancer Project, positive results were obtained in patients with localized, nonmetastatic disease as confirmed by clinical testing, surgical staging, and careful inspection of all pelvi lymph node material in appropriate cases. That this can occur even in Stage A2 patients may alter current concepts on the staging or, even further, on the therapy of prostatic cancer.