A new test could reliably detect early increases in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels -- a biomarker commonly used to measure the recurrence of prostate cancer -- in men who have undergone prostate cancer-treating surgery. Earlier detection of these rising levels would allow men with cancer recurrence to undergo earlier, more effective treatment for potentially better outcomes.
The new test is the "AccuPSA, which is a simple blood test that can tell your doctor important information about prostate specific antigen levels after radical prostatectomy or removal of the entire prostate gland. AccuPSA has the potential to eliminate unnecessary treatments and enable earlier detection of recurrence, which may lead to earlier treatment, better outcomes.
After undergoing radical prostatectomy, many men remain at a significant risk for cancer recurrence. Because of this, patients are monitored very closely for rapid increases in PSA, which may signal cancer recurrence. Once the prostate is surgically removed, PSA levels are usually undetectable using standard tests. This new test is able to detect PSA with unprecedented sensitivity, and at much lower levels than standard PSA tests because it can selectively capture and measure individual PSA molecules.
What this new test might mean for a post-radical prostatectomy patient is that a low level of PSA could indicate if the patient is effectively considered cured.
Excerpted from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808104618.htm