PCA3

PCA3 called a biomarker for prostate cancer. Detection methods for this molecule have been developed for medical diagnostics and are commercially available. The so-called " PCA3 test " is used to detect PCA3 positive tumor cells in the urine.

PCA3 test

Prostate cancer is the most common in Germany of the man diagnosed cancer. In searching for diagnosis methods for prostate cancer, a molecule ( a so-called " non-coding RNA ") was discovered in the cancer cells in the prostate almost 100 times higher concentration than in normal prostate cells.

After a medical tactile examination of the prostate are prostate cells released including any existing cancer cells in the urine, where they can then be detected. This is gentler than proven through a prostate biopsy, which is why tests have been developed for the detection of PCA3 in urine for the person concerned.

The detection of PCA3 in urine was brought by the California biotechnology company Gen-Probe Incorporated, headquartered in San Diego ( USA) Progensa ™ PCA3 test to market. The cost of the test are currently being taken not by the statutory health insurance ( GKV).

Studies

The medical importance and reliability of this test has been tested in several studies in men with suspected prostate cancer. It was investigated the extent to which the result of the PCA3 test (the " PCA3 Score" ) provides instructions to the expected result of a prostate biopsy. This test was performed both in patients with suspected prostate cancer prior to the first biopsy and before repeated biopsies.

The studies were performed in the U.S. and in Europe. The results suggest that the PCA3 test evidence of the result of a subsequent biopsy provides and that the PCA3 score can be used in the overall view of the present for a Qualifying clinical and diagnostic information as a decision aid for performing a biopsy.

Currently, a PCA -3 score of 35 is considered as cut- off value, since the ratio of sensitivity and specificity is particularly favorable. In clinical application, however, this does not seem to be in the foreground. The aim is to avoid unnecessary biopsies, while still possible to detect all patients with significant prostate cancer. Haese et al. have worked out in their publication, by how much can be reduced the number of unnecessary repeat biopsies depending on the PCA -3 cut- off value.

This means that when the PCA 3 cut-off of 20 9% of patients with prostate cancer.

As with almost all diagnostic tests are solely the PCA - 3 test, even if it is low, no absolute guarantee that no prostate cancer is present. The test, however, is much more specific than the previously used PSA level and also not affected by the prostate gland size, but should be assessed only in conjunction of all diagnostic criteria.