Serum proPSA as a marker for reducing repeated prostate biopsy numbers

Abstract

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*√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.