Prostate cancer detection strategies.
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and, as a result, there has been a nationwide emphasis on screening and detection. With the widespread use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate cancer screening effectively detects localized prostate cancer. However, recent reports have identified a significant proportion of prostate cancer in men with low PSA levels. Many of these cancers are higher-grade malignancies. Consequently, PSA may function more effectively as a screening tool when applied over a continuum that is associated with degree of risk, rather than a binary measure. Other markers are currently being investigated. Ideally, a marker will identify the malignancy that is a clinical threat, thereby avoiding intervention for indolent disease. Prevention strategies may be employed for higher-risk patients, and these strategies eventually may be tailored to genetic or other risks.
Brand
Timothy C
TC
Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Mail Code 7845, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. brandt2@uthscsa.edu
Hernandez
Javier
J
Canby-Hagino
Edith D
ED
Basler
Joseph W
JW
Thompson
Ian M
IM
D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics
D005819:Genetic Markers; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen