Among the problems with the widely used PSA testing for prostate cancer: too many false positives, and no way to distinguish aggressive cancer from non-threatening cancer. Now comes a test from researchers at the University of Michigan that requires only a urine sample and appears to yield fewer false positives and a better understanding of when cancer is dangerous. The Los Angeles Times reports that scientists looked at urine samples of 1,312 men who had suspicious PSA levels and had gone on to have a biopsy or surgery to remove the prostate. The urine samples were examined for a marker indicating prostate cancer, a fusion of two genes called TMPRSS2:ERG. This gene fusion is found in about half of all cases of prostate cancer. Researchers also looked for another marker, a prostate cancer antigen called PCA3. The paper reports that the two urine markers together were able to reliably predict whether the patient had prostate cancer and suggested which men were at higher risk of aggressive disease. The researchers ranked the men into low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups based on the urine-test scores. The biopsies showed 21percent of the low-risk men had cancer compared to 43 percent of the medium-risk group and 69 percent of the high-risk group. Seven percent of the men in the low-risk group had aggressive cancer compared to 40 percent in the high-risk group.
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Absolutely Fantastic!!! When will they start usaing it????
I am a 59 year old male. I have regular check ups and my blood tests, and my reports USUALLY return with high PSA numbers. The high PSA number’s also lead me to biopsy and so far I am blessed to report, I have remained cancer free. However for those of us facing prostate biospy, infection resulting from the actual biopsy is always a concern, as well as the discomfort associated with the aftermath of these invassive procedures. So for those of us with concerns about prostate health, we are very intersted in any advances in testing or treatment associated with prostate health. How many Dr’s are currently using this new urine testing procedure? In what regions of the country do they now employ this new method of testing?
Lastly, isn’t it about time that prostate cancer was elevated to the same level of social concern and funding as breast cancer? Prostate cancer is killing husbands, fathers and brothers at an alarming rate. To date there has been very little social media promoting prostate cancer awareness, research or treament. As a result there is a lack of funding to support research and treament(s) leading to a cure for prostate cancer. Meanwhile prostate cancer remains “the silent killer”.
Right on. I get tired of seeing PINK ribbons,PINK walks, etc. When will there be BLUE whatevers for men with prostate cancer which kills as many men as does breast cancer in women.