Biopsy Techniques Have Made PSA Test Less Predictive

While changes in biopsy practice patterns have improved cancer detection, these very changes “have negatively influenced the predictive value of PSA in men with a normal digital rectal exam such that, using current biopsy practice patterns, PSA no longer correlates with positive biopsy rate,” note the authors. They cite the urgent need for new blood or urinary markers to better determine who needs a prostate biopsy, adding that aside from family history or prior atypical biopsy findings, there is little other information available to help physicians decide who needs a biopsy and who does not.
From Article: “Negative Influence of Changing Biopsy Practice Patterns on the Predictive Value of Prostate-specific Antigen for Cancer Detection on Prostate Biopsy.” Michael J. Schwartz,et al. CANCER; Published Online: March 10, 2008 (DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23353);