Normal Prostate-specific Antigen Levels Research Articles

Fourier transform InfraRed spectra analyzed by multivariate and machine learning methods in determination spectroscopy marker of prostate cancer in dried serum

Prostate cancer represents the second most prevalent form of cancer in males globally. In the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the most commonly utilised biomarker is prostate-specific antigen (PSA). It is unfortunate that approximately 25 % of men with elevated PSA levels do not have cancer, and that approximately 20 % of patients with prostate cancer have normal serum PSA levels. Accordingly, a more sensitive methodology must still be identified. It is imperative that new diagnostic methods be non-invasive, cost-effective, rapid, and highly sensitive. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a technique that fulfils all of the aforementioned criteria. Consequently, the present study used FTIR to assess dried serum samples obtained from a cohort of prostate cancer patients (n = 53) and a control group of healthy individuals (n = 40). Furthermore, this study proposes FTIR markers of prostate cancer obtained from serum. For this purpose, FTIR spectra of dried serum were measured and analysed using statistical, chemometric and machine learning (ML) algorithms including decision trees C5.0, Random Forest (RF), k-Nearest Neighbours (kNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The FTIR spectra of serum collected from patients suffering from prostate cancer exhibited a reduced absorbance values of peaks derived from phospholipids, amides, and lipids. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that it is challenging to distinguish serum samples from healthy and non-healthy patients. The ML algorithms demonstrated that FTIR was capable of differentiating serum collected from both analysed groups of patients with high accuracy (values between 0.74 and 0.93 for the range from 800 cm−1 to 1800 cm−1 and around 0.70 and 1 for the range from 2800 cm−1 to 3000 cm−1), depending on the ML algorithms used. The results demonstrated that the peaks at 1637 cm−1 and 2851 cm−1 could serve as a FTIR marker for prostate cancer in serum samples. Furthermore, the correlation test indicated a clear correlation between these two wavenumbers and four of the five clinical parameters associated with prostate cancer. However, the relatively small number of samples collected only from patients over the age of 60 indicated that the results should be further investigated using a larger number of serum samples collected from a mean age range. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of FTIR for the detection of prostate cancer in serum samples, highlighting the presence of distinctive spectroscopic markers associated with the analysed cancer type.

Prostate cancer with elevated free prostate-specific antigen density: A case report

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is often used in clinical practice to screen for prostate cancer. Normal total PSA (tPSA) level initially excludes prostate cancer. Here, we report a case of prostate cancer with elevated free PSA density (fPSAD). CASE SUMMARY A patient diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent prostatectomy, and the postoperative pathological results showed acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The patient is currently undergoing endocrine chemotherapy. CONCLUSION We provide a clinical reference for diagnosis and treatment of patients with normal tPSA but elevated fPSAD.

Triad of serum PSA, DRE and biopsy in diagnosing prostatic diseases- How useful it is?

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced by prostatic acini and prostatic tissue. Its concentration increases in prostatic diseases. Concentration above 4 ng/ml is considered abnormal but there is no clear-cut point between normal and abnormal PSA levels. PSA is considered as serum marker for prostatic cancer but it is organ specific, not cancer specific. Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a routine part of prostate cancer screening. Biopsies are performed when PSA test and DRE are abnormal. The study is an attempt for comparative analysis among serum PSA, age, DRE, and biopsy results for the institution of specific treatment at an early stage. Study was performed on 200 patients with different prostatic lesions in the Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. Clinical, DRE, PSA and histopathological biopsy were performed and analyzed by correlating the data. In our study 77.5% had normal (0-4 ng/ml) PSA level and 13.5% had >10 ng/ml PSA levels. BPH was the most common diagnosis (54.0%), followed by prostatitis (20.0%), BPH with prostatitis in 16.0% and carcinoma (10.0%). Serum PSA with positive DRE ranged from 1.2 ng/ml to 56 ng/ml while in negative DRE ranged from 0.18 ng/ml to 9.6 ng/ml. PSA is specific for prostate but not for prostatic diseases. With increasing age serum PSA also increases. Conjunction of serum PSA with other variables like age, DRE and biopsy makes a better diagnosis of prostatic diseases.

A Rare Case of Incidental Primary Follicular Lymphoma Co-Existing With Grade Group 5 Prostatic Adenocarcinoma

Abstract Introduction/Objective Primary lymphoma of the prostate is an exceedingly rare entity comprising less than 0.1% of all prostatic cancers with follicular lymphoma making up only 12% of primary prostatic lymphomas. There is very limited literature owing to their rarity and underdiagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, prostatic adenocarcinoma with an incidental follicular lymphoma presenting as a prostate imaging reporting and data system 4 (PI-RADS 4) lesion on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) with mildly elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) has not been previously described. Methods/Case Report A 73 year old male presented to Danbury Hospital for follow up on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosed in 2020. The patient was experiencing nocturia and had a serum PSA of 4.8. Multiparametric MRI revealed an enlarged, 5.5 x 4.1 x 3.3 cm, prostate gland (estimate weight of 45.5 grams) with a 1.2 cm PI-RADS 4 lesion in the right anterior mid gland. There was no evidence of metastatic disease on his most recent body imaging. He was subsequently scheduled for prostate needle biopsy. Histopathology showed a high grade prostatic adenocarcinoma, with a Gleason score 4 + 5=9, along with a focally prominent dense lymphoid infiltrate in four of four cores from the same area of abnormality that was detected on mpMRI. The latter comprised of ill defined follicles and sheets of small cleaved atypical lymphoid cells consistent with centrocytes and very few centroblasts. By immunohistochemical staining, the atypical cells in lymphoid follicles and interfollicular areas were positive for CD20, CD10 and BCL2 and negative for cyclin D1. CD21 stain highlighted the follicular dendritic cell meshwork in the germinal centers with a low Ki67 proliferation index. A final diagnosis of low grade follicular lymphoma (grade1-2) coexisting with the prostatic adenocarcinoma was rendered. The patient is currently undergoing lymphoma staging as the treatment for adenocarcinoma is planned. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Primary lymphoma of the prostate usually presents with non specific obstructive voiding symptoms and normal or near normal PSA levels which makes it challenging for physicians to suspect lymphomas. The lymphocytic infiltrate, originally thought to be prostatitis, underwent further evaluation with immunohistochemistry due to its monotonous appearance, which clinched the final diagnosis. Careful evaluation of prostate core needle biopsies is necessary even after spotting carcinoma in order to rule out low grade lymphomas.

Comparison of Serum Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Levels between Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Healthy Peers.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer affecting men, apart from cutaneous cancers. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels are frequently used to predict prostate cancer diagnosis. However, many causes (e.g., prostatitis, benign prostate obstruction, urethral catheterization) may cause elevated PSA, in addition to PCa. We aimed to investigate the gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, a serum biomarker not affected by situations other than cancer causing elevated PSA. The study evaluated male patients with prostate biopsy due to high serum PSA levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) examined in Ordu University Education and Research Hospital, Ordu/Turkey urology clinic from April 2019 to April 2021. The patient group in the study included 261 men with PCa diagnosis and the control group included 245 healthy men with normal PSA levels, and no PCa and/or benign prostate obstruction (BPO). The two groups were compared in terms of serum GGT levels. GGT was significantly low in the PCa group and might be a predictor in terms of PCa (P=0.000). In the malignant (PCa) group, the GGT cut-off value was identified as 21.5 (sensitivity 68.6%, specificity 54.4%). Serum GGT levels might assist in diagnosis of PCa. However, diagnostic power is weak due to low specificity. There is a need for studies investigating the efficacy of GGT levels for prediction of PCa diagnosis and assessing other parameters alongside GGT.

Tissue expression of the antiapoptotic protein survinin as a potential biomarker of prostate cancer

Background. Excessive expression of survivin is associated with inhibition of cell death, activated by extrinsic or intrinsic apoptotic pathways. The survininin overexpression has been shown in various malignancies, including lung cancer, pancreatic and breast cancer, colon cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma and high grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas.Aim. To investigate the level of survivin expression in prostate cancer tissues, and evaluate it as a diagnostic marker of prostate cancer.Materials and methods. The level of survivin expression and its subcellular localization were assessed immunohistochemically in patients with prostate cancer (n = 64) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (n = 33). Tissue samples obtained at transrectal biopsy were used for analysis. Prostate cancer samples obtained after cystprostatectomy in patients with normal prostate specific antigen level and normal ultrasound findings (n = 36) were considered control tissue (norm).Results. In prostate cancer group 3+ samples with a high level of survivin expression were present in 48.4 % of cases. In benign prostatic hyperplasia group the majority of samples were assessed as 2+, while 9.1 % of samples were negatively stained. 100 % of normal epithelium samples were negative. In patients with Gleason score <7 a survivin expression level was less than 3+ in 62.5 % of cases, and in patients with Gleason score >7 a highly positive reaction was detected in 68.8 % of cases. A high level of survivin expression was found in the large proportion of tissue samples at prostate specific antigen levels >10 ng/ml. Almost 50 % of highly positive cells were detected at a prostate health index (PHI) value of ≥60. The largest percentage of negative staining for surviving was common with PHI value <25. The degrees of staining for survining 1+ and 2+ prevailed in patients with prostate health index density (DPHI) <0.8, while a high level of prostate cells staining 3+ was observed at >0.8. As a Gleason score increase we observe the change of staining type for nucleocytoplasmic, and the largest number of samples has a staining degree of 2+ at a score GG4–5 (≥4 + 4). The type and frequency of prostate tissue samples staining were not differ depending on the initial prostate specific antigen level.Conclusion. Immunohistochemical assessment of the survivin level, including its subcellular localization, could be considered as tumor-associated and a potential biomarker for differential diagnosis and prediction of prostate cancer course.

Lymphome prostatique: une cause rare de rétention urinaire: à propos d'un cas

Prostate lymphomas (LP) are rare, fewer than 300 cases have been reported in the literature. Each time they are a diagnostic surprise as is the case with our study that is typical, didactic and reports the thirteenth case of prostatic lymphoma in the marginal zone. The study involved a 65-year-old patient, with no particular previous history who presented with signs of prostatism lasting for 4 months, aggravated by the occurrence of acute urinary retention. The diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia with normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was easily made and the patient underwent transurethral resection. To our surprise, the histological study revealed a massive infiltration of prostatic tissue by a non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) subtype. According to Steuter, it was classified as prostatic lymphoma stage IVB with leukemic transformation. The patient has experienced remission for 18 months with normalization of LDH after R-chop therapy. Although rare, these sites of occurrence should be suspected, LDH assay should be systematic in patients with prostatic signs and normal PSA levels. Prognosis is variable, according to age, histologic type and evolutionary stage, however, the median overall survival is identical for primary and secondary forms.

Gut Microbiota Composition across Normal Range Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels.

Animal studies have shown the interaction between androgens and the gut microbiome directly and indirectly; however, limited evidence from human studies is available. To evaluate the association between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels within the normal range, reflective of androgen receptor activity, and the gut microbiota composition, a cross-sectional analysis was performed in 759 Korean men aged between 25 and 78 years with normal PSA levels of ≤4.0 ng/mL. We evaluated the biodiversity of gut microbiota as well as the taxonomic and functional signatures associated with PSA levels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. PSA levels within the normal range were categorized into three groups: lowest quartile (G1), interquartile range (G2, reference), and highest quartile (G3). The G3 group had higher microbial richness than the G2 group, although it was dominated by a few bacteria. An increase in Escherichia/Shigella abundance and a reduction in Megamonas abundance in the G3 group were also detected. A U-shaped relationship was observed between the three groups across most analyses, including biodiversity, taxonomic composition, and inferred pathways in the gut microbiota. This study showed different microbiota patterns across PSA levels within the normal range. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of microbiota in regulating PSA levels.

Solitary lung metastasis from primary prostate cancer with normal prostate specific antigen levels: A case report and literature review

Pulmonary involvement from prostate cancer is a well‑known condition; however, solitary lung metastasis is rare, with its associated clinical characteristics not yet fully elucidated. The present study describes the case of a 77‑year‑old male, who had undergone radical prostatectomy at a previous hospital for primary prostatic carcinoma 14 years prior, who presented with a low‑grade fever. At the previous hospital, salvage radiation therapy was being considered, as the prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) level had gradually increased within the normal range. Computed tomography performed at the authors' institution revealed a solitary nodule with a spiculated morphology located on the upper lobe of the left lung, while positron emission tomography suggested malignancy without metastasis. Based on these findings, primary lung cancer was suspected and thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy with lymph node dissection was performed. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor was a solitary lung metastasis of prostate cancer. The post‑operative recovery was uneventful. In addition to reporting a case with normal PSA levels, the present study also performed a literature review. According to previous case reports, there are some pitfalls of prostate cancer leading to misdiagnosis as a primary lung tumor. However, it is considered that surgical resection is associated with an increased diagnostic accuracy and long‑term survival.

Prostate-Specific Antigen: From Promising to Disappointment Tool for Diagnosis of Chronic Renal Failure in Predialysis Patients

Introduction Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a biomarker commonly used for detection of prostate cancer. Its viability as a marker for diagnosis of chronic renal failure (CRF) in predialysis patients was investigated.Methods Sera from 230 patients with CRF were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for determining total PSA (tPSA) levels before hemodialysis.Results Of the patients investigated, 98.69% had a normal PSA level with a value less than 4 ng/mL. Three elderly men with both kidney failure showed a moderate elevation of PSA level.Conclusion PSA is considered a nonsignificant indicator for diagnosis of CRF.

Clinicopathologic features of metastatic small cell carcinoma of the prostate to the liver: a series of four cases

BackgroundSmall cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate (SCNECP) is a rare, aggressive subtype of prostate carcinoma. Most SCNECP arise from conventional prostate adenocarcinoma (CPAC) treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).Case presentationsWe identified four cases of CPAC treated with ADT, which evolved to SCNECP with liver metastasis. The average interval between the diagnosis of CPAC and SCNECP was 102 months (range: 12 to 168). Histologically, the tumors showed nests of cells with high nuclear:cytoplasmic ratios, granular chromatin, and frequent mitoses. All cases were synaptophysin, chromogranin, and AE1/AE3 positive, with a Ki-67 labeling index ≥70%. NKX3.1 was negative in all but one case and TTF-1 was positive in half. Weak ERG positivity by IHC was seen in one case which also demonstrated the TMPRSS2-ERG gene rearrangement; all other cases were negative for ERG by IHC. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were normal to near-normal in all. The median interval between the diagnosis of SCNECP and death was 3.25 months (range: 0.75 to 26).ConclusionsOur case series highlights the importance of considering a prostate primary, even in the setting of normal PSA levels and loss of prostate markers, when diagnosing neuroendocrine carcinoma in the liver. Further, we emphasize the significance of diagnosing SCNECP that metastasizes to the liver, as it portends a particularly dismal prognosis.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Prostate

Even though most tumors located in the prostate derive from prostatic glands, there is a long list of malignant and nonmalignant causes for prostatic growths that clinicians should be aware of. Tumors of the prostate can be grouped in epithelial, neuroendocrine, stromal, mesenchymal, hematolymphoid, and miscellaneous. Solitary fibrous tumor of the prostate (SFT), is an extremely rare mesenchymal tumor (only about 20 cases reported in the literature). Histologic features resemble those of the more common variant pleural SFT. Of all, 10%-20% of SFTs, also known as malignant SFTs, behave aggressively. Herein, we describe a case of prostatic SFT in a 66-year-old patient that presented with obstructive urinary symptoms and normal prostate-specific antigen levels.

Relation of Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen with Histological Features and Grading of Prostate Adenocarcinoma in Prostatic Biopsies

Abstract Introduction: The present study was undertaken on cases of prostate carcinoma and we tried to determine the relationship of elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level to histopathologic features associated with cancer in prostate biopsies and their relation to newest grade groups. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary health care center over a span of 3 years on patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma. The hematoxylin and eosin sections were reviewed as per World Health Organization 2016 new grading system and various other associated histopathological findings in the tissue noted. We tried to analyse correlation between serum PSA levels and histopathological features. Results: The majority of patients were in the age group of 70–80. Many patients (9/44) had the PSA in the range of 20–40 ng/ml and 10 patients (22.7%) had 80–100 ng/ml. There were three patients with normal PSA level and six patients with borderline level. Nine of 10 patients with marked increase in PSA level had higher grade groups. Histological subtyping showed 42 cases of acinar adenocarcinoma and 2 cases of ductal carcinoma. A number of associated findings were seen like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 13 cases, prostatitis: 28 cases, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: 7 cases - Low grade (1 case) and high grade (6 cases), and atrophy: 9 cases. Conclusions: We noticed majority of patients with grade group (GG) 3 and above had PSA value of more than 40 ng/ml, but PSA of <40 ng/ml did not correlate with the histologic grade groups. There was significant cut off value of PSA level 20 ng/ml between GG2 and GG3, differentiation of which is of clinical and histopathological significance. Histological subtyping showed acinar adenocarcinoma has no significant correlation with PSA levels however ductal carcinoma was associated with PSA levels <20 ng/ml. BPH association was seen to have PSA level of <40 ng/ml in majority of cases. The intensity of inflammation did not correlate with either degree of PSA level or histologic GG. We concluded serum PSA assay has prognostic application in the evaluation of patients undergoing prostate biopsies.

Prostate-specific antigen levels in patients with risk factors for prostate carcinoma disorders

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum concentration and the presence of risk factors for prostate diseases in adult patients with urogenital infections. Materials and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of PSA in 60 patients aged 40 to 65 years, from January to December 2013. PSA quantification was performed in serum by solid-phase chemiluminescence in two label cycles: 1. mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb); and 2. goat polyclonal antibody (pAbs). After each cycle the free antigen was removed. The readings were taken on the INMULITE ONE Siemens® automated equipment. From the PSA, 0.0-2.5 ng/ml was used to calculate the antigen distribution trend, and a bivariate statistical analysis of PSA was as opposed to previous exams, and endogenous and environmental risk factors detected. Results: Patients between 50-60 years of age, with a family history of urogenital and sexually transmitted infections, toxic habits, and exposure to occupational risk prevailed. Sixty-two percent of patients presented normal PSA levels, and the remaining presented slightly elevated and very high PSA levels. In the statistical analysis, a significant association (p < 0.001) of PSA was found as opposed to previous tests. A significant association (p = 0.001) was also found between PSA versus age, family history, personal pathological history, toxic habits, and risk exposure. Conclusion: The high association rate found between PSA versus age and other risk factors could be used as a predictive value for prostate cancer (Pca) or other prostate disorders.

Prostatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Masquerading as a Rectal Mass: A Case Report

Abstract Objective The approach to a patient presenting with a rectal mass who has a history of bright red blood per rectum (BRBPR) renders a wide range of differential diagnoses. The clinical reasoning to suspect prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) in a patient with BRBPR without a classical clinical presentation is highly unlikely. The incidence of PDA is rare with only 0.4% to 0.8% in pure ductal origin. Methods A 71-year-old African American male presented with 3-month history of watery, bloody diarrhea and a recent history of BRBPR with unintentional weight loss. Patient underwent colonoscopy, which showed a large polyp 10 cm from the anal verge, measuring 7 cm. The unclear history of this patient contributed to an initial impression of a colorectal cancer leading to a biopsy of the colonic mass. Results An erroneous diagnosis of tubulovillous adenoma was rendered initially. Further workup showed a large mass originating from the prostate area that was seen penetrating the colorectal region on an abdominal CT scan. The patient’s serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was alarmingly high (4,800 ng/mL) and a subsequent prostate biopsy showed PDA. The colonic biopsy was reviewed again by a genitourinary pathologist and a correct diagnosis was rendered. Conclusion The role of pathology in diagnosing PDA is crucial as patients with PDA can have normal digital rectal examination (DRE) as well as a normal serum PSA level (less than 4.0 ng/mL). Majority of PDAs originate from periurethral prostatic ducts. The unique presentation of primary prostate pathology offers appreciation into the approach and workups to diagnose PDA. Diagnosing PDA can be challenging due to its more aggressive nature of PDA compared to prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma. The clinical reasoning and pathological findings from this rare case can aid clinicians and pathologists to establish the diagnosis of PDA in a timely and efficient manner.

Pituitary Evaluation in Patients with Low Prostate-Specific Antigen

To evaluate pituitary function in men with a low screening prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of ≤0.1 ng/mL and test the hypothesis that low PSA is associated with hypogonadism alone or other hormone deficiency. This was a case-control study evaluating the rates of hypogonadism and low insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in a cohort of men with low or normal screening PSA level. Sixty-four men >40 years old without known prostate disease were divided into a low-PSA group (PSA ≤0.1 ng/mL) and normal-PSA group (PSA 1 to 4 ng/mL). Hormonal evaluation included total testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, IGF-1, growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, morning cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. The difference between each patient's observed IGF-1 and the IGF-1 age-specific lower limit was calculated. The odds ratios (ORs) for having hypogonadism and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. The rate of hypogonadism was significantly higher in the low-PSA group (n = 44) compared with the normal-PSA control group (n = 20) (45.5% vs. 15.0%; OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 18.4; P = .027). The total testosterone in the low-PSA group was significantly lower compared with the control group (181.7 ng/dL vs. 263.7 ng/dL; P = .008). IGF-1 values were below their lower bound in 18.6% of subjects in the low-PSA group, compared with 0% in the control group. Men with low PSA have significantly higher rates of hypogonadism and low IGF-1 compared with those with normal PSA. In such men, we recommend hormonal evaluation to exclude associated pituitary dysfunction. BMI = body mass index; GH = growth hormone; IGF-1 = insulin-like growth factor 1; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; PSA = prostate-specific antigen; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus; VA-NWIHCS = VA-Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System.

Extensive Metastases in Prostatic Carcinoma with Normal Prostate-Specific Antigen and Raised Carcinoembryonic Antigen – Small Cell Carcinoma of Prostate: A Rare Entity

AbstractSmall cell carcinoma of prostate is a neuroendocrine tumor of prostate seen in 0.5%–2% of men with carcinoma prostate. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a common tumor marker which is often raised in prostatic carcinoma. However, prostatic carcinoma can progress with normal or low serum PSA levels at the time of diagnosis. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker of different carcinomas. Small cell carcinoma prostate is a highly aggressive tumor which can progress with normal or low serum PSA levels and raised CEA levels. We report a case of 65-year-old male with enlarged prostate with extra-prostatic spread, hepatic metastases, metastatic retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes, osteoblastic metastasis in lumbar spine with normal serum PSA, and raised CEA levels. Prostatic biopsy was suggestive of small cell carcinoma.

Is magnetic resonance imaging helpful in detecting significant prostate cancer in patients with haematospermia, normal prostate specific antigen level and digital rectal examination. A single institution, observational, and retrospective study in a United Kingdom hospital.

IntroductionHaematospermia is an uncommon clinical condition that may be associated with prostate cancer. The optimal investigation of haematospermia is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate haematospermia as a presenting symptom of significant pathology and to assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Material and methodsPatient and treatment parameters were collected from a practice cohort of men referred to a urology center presenting with haematospermia. We used a multivariate logistic regression model to test the independent significance of MRI in detecting prostate cancer (PCa) after adjusting for other known predictors of PCa detection.ResultsA total of 125 men (median age 58 years) were evaluated between 2012–2015. In the univariate and multivariate logistic regression model MRI was a significant predictor of PCa diagnosis after adjusting for age, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) results (Odds Ratio (OR) 14.15, p = 0.001). Of 107 patients who underwent MRI prostate imaging, 31 (28.9%) had reports suspicious of PCa. In 26 patients, other benign conditions were detected on MRI. PCa was detected in 12 (25.5%) of the 47 men (median age 61 years; range 43 to 85) who underwent prostate biopsies. Eight (17%) of these patients had Gleason ≥7 grade cancer. The persistence of haematospermia was not an independent predictor of cancer diagnosis (OR 0.20, p = 0.15).ConclusionsPCa is not commonly associated with haematospermia. MRI seems to be improving detection rate of a significant PCa, particularly in patients presenting with haematospermia and normal PSA levels and DRE examination. Duration of haematospermia does not predict the presence of PCa.

Clinical and histopathological characteristics of patients with prostate cancer in the BioBank Japan project.

BackgroundProstate cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Japan. We aimed to elucidate the clinical and histopathological characteristics of patients with prostate cancer in the BioBank Japan (BBJ) project.MethodsFour thousand, seven hundred and ninety-three patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in the BBJ project were included. Clinical and histopathological data, including causes of death, were analyzed. Relative survival (RS) rates of prostate cancer were calculated.ResultsFour thousand, one hundred and seventy-one prostate cancer patients with available histological data had adenocarcinoma. The mean age of the patients was 72.5 years. The proportion of patients who were non-smokers, non-drinkers, had a normal body mass index, did not exercise, had a normal prostate-specific antigen level, and had a family history of prostate cancer were 30.7%, 28.0%, 66.6%, 58.1%, 67.6%, and 6.5%, respectively. The proportion of patients with Stage II, III, and IV disease were 24.4%, 7.3%, and 4.4%, respectively. After limiting to patients with a time from the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer to entry into the study cohort of ≤90 days (n = 869), the 5- and 10-year RS rates were 96.3% and 100.5%, respectively, although we were unable to consider management strategies due to a plenty of data missing.ConclusionsWe provide an overview of patients with prostate cancer in the BBJ project. Our findings, coupled with those from various high throughput “omics” technologies, will contribute to the implementation of prevention interventions and medical management of prostate cancer patients.

Screening for Circulating Tumour Cells Allows Early Detection of Cancer and Monitoring of Treatment Effectiveness: An Observational Study

Background: Circulating-Tumour-Cells (CTC) provide a blood biomarker for early carcinogenesis, cancer progression and treatment effectiveness. An increase in CTCs is associated with cancer progression, a CTC decrease with cancer containment or remission. Several technologies have been developed to identify CTC, including the validated Isolation-by-Size-of-Epithelial-Tumour (ISET, Rarecells) technology, combining blood filtration and microscopy using standard histo-pathological criteria. Methods: This study compared CTC count to cancer status and cancer risk, by monitoring treatment effectiveness in cancer patients and by screening for CTC in asymptomatic patients with risk factors, including family history of cancer. Results: Between Sept-2014 and Dec-2016 we undertook 600 CTC tests (542 patients), including 50% screening requests of patients without cancer diagnosis but with risk factors. CTC were detected in all cancer patients (n=277, 100%), and in half of the asymptomatic patients screened (50%, 132 out of 265 patients). Follow-up tests including scans were scheduled within 1-6 months of CTC tests. In up to 50% of male patients with normal PSA (prostatespecific- antigen) levels but detected CTC, PET scans using PSMA (Ga-68-prostate-specific-membrane-antigens) revealed increased uptake in the prostate, indicative of early prostate cancer. Other types of cancer, including early breast, ovarian, lung, or renal cancer were detected in a small number of asymptomatic men or women with a positive CTC count. A subgroup of patients with detected CTC underwent interventions, including nutritional therapy with immunestimulating and anti-carcinogenic nutrients. CTC repeat tests were available in 10% of patients with detected CTC (40 out of 409 patients, n=98 CTC tests) to assess treatment effectiveness. Conclusion: CTC screening provided a highly sensitive biomarker for the early detection of cancer, with higher CTC counts being associated with higher risk of malignancy. CTC monitoring over time indicated treatment effectiveness. Nutrients with anti-carcinogenic properties could reduce CTC count, and included curcumin, garlic, green tea, grape seed, modified-citrus-pectin, and medicinal mushroom-extract.