Researchers aim for better prostate tests

Genetic markers, predictive computer models, protein patterns and PSA-precursors could make screening more accurate.

By Victoria Stagg Elliott, AMNews staff. Aug. 4, 2003.

Researchers are developing a growing number of additional tools that may make prostate cancer screening more accurate.

A paper in the July Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested certain genetic polymorphisms could raise PSA scores. This information, in turn, could indicate the need for a higher biopsy cut-off point.

"Most physicians would, with a PSA value above four, recommend prostate biopsy," said Scott D. Cramer, PhD, lead researcher and assistant professor of cancer biology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. "What our data suggest is that not all men are equal in this regard."

Research presented at the June meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago and the July meeting of the American Assn. for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C., also suggested that computer modeling, protein pattern analysis and measuring PSA precursors could reduce unnecessary biopsies and increase detection of forms of prostate cancer that most need treatment.

"The question is: Is there another test that may better determine who really needs a biopsy out of these people who come in with a higher PSA?" said Laura Crocitto, MD, a urologic oncology surgeon at City of Hope Cancer Center near Los Angeles. She is researching how measuring telomerase may improve PSA testing.