The widespread introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has enhanced the early detection of prostate cancer within New Zealand.
However, uncertainties associated with the test make it difficult to confidently differentiate low-risk patients from those that require a definitive diagnostic biopsy. In consequence, the decisions surrounding prostate cancer treatment become extremely difficult. A number of new tests have become available which might have the potential to complement the current PSA screens. We review a number of the best validated of these which provide data that, although currently not available in clinical practice, some of these might have considerable potential to aid diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decisions for men with prostate cancer in New Zealand.
Written by:
Ng L, Karunasinghe N, Benjamin CS, Ferguson LR. Are you the author?
Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
Reference: N Z Med J. 2012 Apr 20;125(1353):59-86.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22522272