PCA3 Materials & News

Ploussard G, Durand X, Xylinas E, Moutereau S, Radulescu C, Forgue A, Nicolaiew N, Terry S, Allory Y, Loric S, Salomon L, Vacherot F, de la Taille A.
Eur Urol 2011;59:422-9

• This prospective study in 106 patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) shows that the PCA3 Score is predictive of tumour volume and pathologically insignificant PCa. When combined with other clinical variables the PCA3 Score may be a useful marker to improve the selection of men who can be managed with active surveillance
• This French prospective study included 106 consecutive patients with low-risk PCa (PSA ≤ 10 ng/mL, stage cT1c-T2a, biopsy Gleason score 6). Insignificant PCa was defined according to pathological Epstein criteria: organ confined disease, tumour volume < 0.5 mL, no Gleason pattern 4 or 5
• The PCA3 Score was in a univariate analysis strongly correlated with tumour volume: r=0.409; P<0.001
• The mean PCA3 Score was statistically significantly lower in men with insignificant PCa vs. significant PCa: 29.3 vs. 60.1; P<0.001; median values 21.5 vs. 42.5 (Figure 1)
• There was a trend towards higher PCA3 Scores in men with unfavourable disease (pT3-4 and/or pathologic primary Gleason pattern 4), non-organ confined disease and pathological Gleason score > 6 cancers
• At a PCA3 Score cut-off of 25 there was a 3.2-fold higher chance of a tumour volume < 0.5 mL (Figure 2) and a 3.3-fold  higher chance of insignificant PCa (Figure 3)
• It was concluded that the findings of the study support the hypothesis that the PCA3 Score may be a useful marker to improve the selection of candidates for active surveillance in addition to the current criteria

Figure 1: The mean PCA3 Score was statistically significantly lower in men with insignificant PCa vs. significant PCa

Figure 2: Men with a PCA3 Score < 25 had a 3.2 higher chance of a tumour volume < 0.5 mL

Figure 3: Men with a PCA3 Score < 25 had a 3.3 higher chance of insignificant PCa

More information: Article at PubMed