Serum proPSA as a marker for reducing repeated prostate biopsy numbers

Abstract

Introduction: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) has a lower sensitivity and specifity range of 4-10 ng/mL. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of pPSA in reducing number of prostate biopsies.

Methods: This study enrolled 80 patients aged 50 years or older whom had serum total PSA levels between 4 ng/dL and 10 ng/dL. Age, prostate volume, tPSA, fPSA, pPSA, PSA%, pPSA%, t/pPSA, f/pPSA, p/fPSA, p/tPSA, f/p/tPSA, p/f/tPSA, PSAD, fPSA/PSAD, pPSA/PSAD, (Prostate Health Index) PHI, (t/f/pPSA)/tPSA, and PHI2 (New Prostate Health Index) biopsy results were compared between subjects BPH and PCa.

Results: Out of 80 subjects, 23 (29%) had PCa and 57 (71%) had BPH. Prostate volume was 51.65 mL in PCa and 64.85 mL in non-PCa group (p > 0.05). The rate of PCa increased as prostate volume was reduced and age increased. fPSA, PSA%, p/f/tPSA, fPSA/PSAD values were significant in favor of respectively; BPH, BPH, PCa and BPH (p < 0.05).

Discussion: Using prostate health index (PHI) was beneficial for predicting PCa. In addition, using pPSA in formulas such as (PHI2) pPSA/(fPSA*v tPSA), p/f/tPSA, (t/f/pPSA)/tPSA may also be useful. This study suggests that the use of pPSA may have a role in reducing the number of prostate biopsies in differentiating PCa and BPH.