Prostate Cancer Discovered in 40 Percent of Men Who Test Negative for the Disease
cancer may not even know they have it, according to a new research study by
the Prostate Cancer Foundation of
office biopsy procedure often isn’t enough to properly detect prostate cancer.
This new research will be published in an upcoming issue of Urology, a
national medical journal.
Researchers used an advanced biopsy technique called stereotactic
transperineal prostate biopsy (STPB). This was performed on patients with
persistent elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels who previously had
at least one negative office biopsy. All patients had received transrectal
prostate biopsies (TRPB), administered by a urologist.
“Men who have negative transrectal biopsies and continue to have elevated
PSA levels should consider STPB because 40% will harbor malignancy,” says
Cancer Foundation of
with regards to the presence or absence of cancer, and more specifically, the
exact location of the cancer within the prostate.”
STPB is performed by taking a median of 40 samples of the prostate through
the perineum while the patient is under general anesthesia. Performed as an
outpatient procedure, it allows more comprehensive sampling, compared to the
transrectal method, which takes fewer samples through the rectum. In
addition, by taking more samples during STPB, the exact location of the cancer
can be pinpointed.
Between
were studied. All patients had been tested using TRPB at least once and all
results had been negative. All patients received the STPB. Biopsy results
identified the presence of cancer in 291 (39%) of the patients.
One in six men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, the
most common form of cancer among men. For those with elevated or rising PSA
levels, this is a sign that further testing should be administered to rule out
prostate cancer.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of
not-for-profit organization that conducts ongoing research intended to improve
the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. For more information, visit
http://www.chicagoprostatefoundation.org to download or call Michelle at
630.654.2515.
SOURCE The Prostate Cancer Foundation of