PCA3 Materials & News

• Based on the results of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT)¹, a risk calculator was developed predicting the probability of a positive biopsy for men with suspicion of prostate cancer. This risk calculator has very recently been updated and now includes the PCA3 Score (see new PCPT risk calculator)
• This risk calculator predicts the probability of a positive biopsy, including the probability of a high grade (high Gleason score) biopsy. It takes into account:
  • race
  • age
  • serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level
  • family history of PCa
  • digital rectal examination (DRE) outcome
  • outcome of a potential prior biopsy
  • PCA3 Score
• This risk calculator is based on the PCPT trial in which 5,519 older American men with a PSA level  ≤ 3 ng/mL were included¹. These men were followed for 7 years with annual PSA and DRE evaluations while they did not receive active treatment. If the PSA level exceeded 4 ng/mL or if an abnormal DRE was noted, a 6-core biopsy was performed. In addition, after 7 years all men received a biopsy, regardless of PSA level or DRE outcome
• The PCA3 Score has shown to be predictive of the outcome of a (repeat) prostate biopsy^2,3,4,5. The predictive accuracy of the PCA3 Score in predicting biopsy outcome was better than that of the total PSA level, PSA density or % free PSA. Inclusion of the PCA3 Score into the PCPT risk calculator can enhance the predictive value of this risk calculator
• This risk calculator can be a useful tool for patients and physicians in estimating the probability of a positive biopsy and guide the decision whether an immediate prostate biopsy is needed 

1. Thompson IM, et al. N Engl J Med 2004;350: 2239-46
2. Haese A, et al. Eur Urol 2008;54: 1081-8
3. Marks LS, et al. Urology 2007; 69: 532-5
4. Deras IL, et al. J Urol 2008;179: 1587-92
5. de la Taille A, et al. Eur Urol Suppl 2009;8: 193 (abs. 292)

More information: PCPT calculator including PCA3