Can the tumor stage of prostate carcinoma be determined with the aid of prostate-specific antigen?
Semjonow, A.; Hertle, L.
Der Urologe. Ausg. a 34(4): 290-296
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-2592 PMID: 7545843 Document Number: 454682
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is known to correlate with tumor grading, tumor volume, and lymph node and osseous metastases. If PSA concentrations exceed 20 ng/ml, the risk of extracapsular tumor extension increases greatly, and above 50 ng/ml organ-confined disease is extremely rare. Due to a considerable overlap in PSA concentrations between various tumor stages, the prediction of tumor stage with PSA alone is barely possible. In combination with other preoperative diagnostic findings, e.g. digital rectal examination or histological grade in multiple biopsies, the predictive value of PSA in terms of tumor stage determination can be increased to a large extent.