[Clinical significance of prostate-specific antigen]

Prostate-specific antigen has replaced acid phosphatase as a more sensitive marker of prostatic cancer. It is organ-specific but not cancer-specific. However, high serum level is more often indicative of cancer than of benign hyperplasia. The authors discuss the value of prostate-specific antigen in diagnosis and prognosis, and the indications for its use. This test should be included in the examination of men with prostatic symptoms and in men below age 70-75 with a suspicious finding in the prostate on digital rectal examination. At present, we do not recommend it for screening purposes, except in men with a family history of cancer of the prostate gland.