PCA3 News
← back
Website
The PCPT prostate cancer risk calculator now also includes the PCA3 Score
- 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:
• 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 biopsy2,3,4,5. 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)
Reviewed by
Prof. H. van PoppelMore information