(Science: tumour marker) A simple blood test used to detect prostate cancer in men. The test measures a specific antigen normally secreted by the prostate. If cancer is developing, the prostate secretes greater amounts of prostate-specific antigen. This test is recommended for men with an enlarged prostate and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
It is an enzyme that is produced by epithelial cells of both benign and malignant prostate tissue. It is an important marker for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
It is a single chain 31 kilodalton glycoprotein with 240 amino acid residues and 4 carbohydrate side chains that is a kallikrein protease.
It is found in normal seminal fluid and produced by the prostatic epithelial cells.
Elevated levels in blood serum are associated with prostatic enlargement and prostatic adenocarcinoma, and this allows early detection of cancer in many cases. In about 70% of cases, the rise is due to a cancerous condition.
No large scale clinical studies have been completed to assess the impact of testing on survival from prostate cancer, and the medical and economic value of testing remain uncertain.
Registry number: EC 18.104.22.168