PCA3 Materials & News

Loeb S. Eur Urol 2008;54:980-1

• This editorial comments on the recent publication of the European PCA3 (Prostate CAncer gene 3) repeat biopsy study by Haese A, et al¹.
• The optimal management for men with persistently elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and multiple prior negative prostate biopsies is controversial. The PCA3 urine test has been suggested to aid in this management issue.
• Haese A, et al showed that in a large population of European men (n=463) mean PCA3 levels were significantly higher among men who were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) (vs. men with a negative repeat biopsy)¹.
• Moreover, the PCA3 Score was significantly higher in men with Gleason score >= 7 tumours (vs. Gleason score < 7), clinical stage T2 (vs. T1c), and “significant” cancer (vs. “insignificant”, using modified Epstein criteria¹).
• If PCA3 does correlate with PCa aggressiveness then PCA3 may be useful not only to identify potential candidates for active surveillance, but also to trigger intervention for those already enrolled in expectant management protocols.

1) Haese A, et al. Clinical utility of PCA3 urine assay in European men scheduled for repeat biopsy. Eur Urol 2008;54:1081-8

More information: Article at PubMed