Baseline PSA reading a reliable Prostate Cancer predictor for op to 30 years

Newswise — Premalignant phases of prostate cancer occur over long periods of time and a single prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reading taken at age 44-50 can help predict prostate cancer diagnosis up to 30 years subsequently, according to updated data from researchers in New York and Malmo, Sweden.

The findings expand the previously established baseline age-to-diagnosis interval.

Using data from a cohort of men under 50 who submitted blood samples for a cardiovascular study during 1974-1986, researchers examined records and found a greater delay in diagnosis for men who were younger at the time of the blood draw and baseline reading.

Men in the original cohort had a mean age of 47 at the time of the blood draw. In this update, the mean age was 45.

The relationship between PSA and advanced cancer was stronger in this update than the original report. Findings suggest possible prolonged periods of prostate cancer pre-malignancy and that extracellular PSA affects cancer development, or carcinogenesis. The study also reaffirms the relationship between the carcinogenic process and PSA.

In addition to the author, Anthony Y. Smith, M.D., a member of the AUA Public Media Committee, will be on hand to address reporter questions and provide third-party perspective on the study.

Lilja H, Cronin AM, Scardino PT, Dahlin A, Bjartel A, Berglund G et al: A single PSA predicts prostate cancer up to 30 years subsequently, even in men below age 40. J Urol, suppl., 2008; 179: 206, abstract 589.

About the American Urological Association

Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 15,000 members throughout the world.

An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs members and their patients, including UrologyHealth.org, an award-winning on-line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc.