In addition to screening millions of men, the Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC) participates in research and supports the development of technology to advance the detection and treatment of prostate cancer as well as other important men’s health conditions.
Measurement of testosterone: how important is a morning blood draw?
Date: August 7, 2015
Description: Since testosterone levels exhibit a circadian variation with peak levels in the morning, evidence-based guidelines recommend measuring morning total testosterone (TT) levels as the initial diagnostic test for androgen deficiency. However, it has been suggested that morning blood draw may not be necessary in older men due to a blunted circadian rhythm. We sought to determine whether it is possible to expand the morning sampling window for measurement of TT.
New biomarkers in prostate cancer.
Date: February 28, 2014
Description: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed male cancer in the United States. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) biomarker has been widely used to screen men for prostate cancer. Challenges of PSA cancer-specific sensitivity and specificity exist; fortunately, a new generation of PCa biomarkers is emerging, consisting of serum-, urine-, and tissue-based assays that may supplement PSA testing, or replace it over time.The identification and development of these biomarkers have been facilitated, in large part, by new genomic technologies that have enabled an additional interpretation of the individual patient's tumor biology. Several biomarkers with specific indications for disease diagnosis, prediction, prognosis, and therapeutic response are now commercially available. Furthermore, genomic assays may now stratify the risk of aggressive PCa at the time of diagnosis. In this article, we review recent advances in the discovery of PCa biomarkers, their integration into clinical practice, and implications for improving clinical management of the disease.
Diagnostic performance of PCA3 to detect prostate cancer in men with increased prostate specific antigen: a prospective study of 1,962 cases.
Date: September 19, 2012
Description: The detection of prostate cancer relies primarily on abnormal digital rectal examination or increased serum prostate specific antigen concentration. However, low positive predictive values result in many men with increased prostate specific antigen and/or suspicious digital rectal examination having a negative biopsy. We investigated the value of the PCA3 (prostate cancer gene 3) urine test in predicting the likelihood of diagnosis of cancer before biopsy.
Prostate-specific antigen 1.5-4.0 ng/mL: a diagnostic challenge and danger zone.
Date: June 28, 2011
Description: Large population screening trials like the ERSPC, PCPT and PLCO have noted that men with seemingly low PSA (even as low as 0.5 ng/dL) still can have prostate cancer. Despite these findings, PSA is still predominantly used as a current indicator for possible presence of prostate cancer rather than also serving as a prognostic marker. This study examines a larger number of men in a diverse US population to determine the prognostic value of a man's baseline or first PSA.
Screening for prostate cancer: the current evidence and guidelines controversy.
Date: October 18, 2011
Description: Prostate cancer presents a global public health dilemma. While screening with prostate specific antigen (PSA) has led to more men diagnosed with prostate cancer than in previous years, the potential for negative effects from over-diagnosis and treatment cannot be ignored.