New prostate cancer test

New prostate cancer test is intended to improve diagnostics

04.08.2011

A new diagnostic procedure will help to detect prostate cancer faster and more secure in the future. The method should be more reliable than the previous diagnostic methods. This is currently reported by scientists in the scientific journal „Science Translational Medicine“.

Over 11,000 deaths every year
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor disease that starts from the glandular tissue of the prostate gland. Every year more than 11,000 men die of the disease in Germany alone. About 10 percent of all cancer deaths in men are caused by carcinoma of the prostate. This makes prostate cancer the 3rd most common cause of death after colon and lung cancer. Early diagnosis is of high value, because the cancer in the early stages is usually asymptomatic.

PSA test provides no reliable knowledge
To date, malignant tumors have been recognized by measuring the enzyme antigen PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). Elevated levels of the antigen are considered to be a specific indicator of a possible cancer attack. However, the PSA is also formed in a non-affected prostate. If patients have inflammation or are on bicycle diagnostics, the values ​​may also be above normal. It is therefore often not possible for physicians to make a clear statement and make a concrete distinction. Only the PSA value can not be used for a reliable diagnosis without further examinations. Patients must therefore undergo tissue sampling of the prostate gland (biopsy) in case of suspected prostate cancer.

Urine test detects genetic abnormality
US scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a special urinalysis test in their research, which should allow a more accurate detection in check-ups. The research team led by Scott Tomlins used a genetic anomaly. The urine test can detect certain cells in which two specific genes are fused together. Earlier work showed that this anomaly occurs more when a man suffers from cancer of the prostate.

During one study, 1300 men whose PSA levels were elevated participated. Patients underwent the new urine test in addition to the current procedure. Based on the results, the researchers compared the results. Afterwards, all men underwent a tissue removal. The result of the study initially satisfied the scientists. In 69 percent of the patients for whom the new test procedure actually provided warnings, the diagnosis of cancer was made. In addition, it was also possible to determine how strongly the tumor was already pronounced.

Glimmer of hope on the horizon
According to Prof. Dr. Joachim Steffens, President of the German Urological Society, the results are a first „Glimmer of hope on the horizon“. Hopes for a timely practical application do not exist yet. For this, the procedure must be examined in further test series for its suitability for everyday use. Therefore, further clinical studies are needed before the procedure can be routinely used. Perspectively, the urine test as a so-called „diagnostic intermediate step“ be used before a medical procedure in order to secure the diagnostics prematurely. Thus, some patients could be saved from unnecessary surgeries, so the urologists hope.

Precaution can prevent death
The precaution is advisable from the middle age. In the first stage prostate cancer shows no symptoms. Only in the advanced stages show symptoms such as urinary symptoms, bone pain and later also underweight due to weight loss and anemia. If the cancer is only discovered when a patient shows symptoms, the cancer has usually metastasized. The chances of recovery are then many times lower. (Sb)

Also read:
Coffee protects against prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is said to be partly hereditary
Immune defenses block cancer growth
Infertility indicator of later prostate cancer

Picture: Rolf van Melis