Panel to Discuss New Research on Prostate-Specific Antigen

Newswise — One of the most controversial diagnostic tests in urology is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Numerous studies will be presented during the Annual Scientific Meeting of the AUA. Four will be highlighted in a press briefing, Understanding Prostate-Specific Antigen, moderated by Jeff Holzbeierlein. The briefing will be held on Tuesday, May 24 at 2:00 p.m. Reporters unable to attend the session in person can view a webcast of the briefing on line at http://www.AUA2005.org by 9:00 p.m. that same evening.

Featured research includes:

PSA Levels Between 4 and 10 NG/ML are Indicative of Cancer in Prostates Under 40 cc in Volume (522): Joseph C. Presti, Jr., M.D. and his team studied 925 first-time biopsy patients between the ages of 50 and 80 with PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml to evaluate the utility of using these numbers for predicting the presence of prostate cancer. After a four-year trial period it was found that PSA levels are higher in men with a positive biopsy compared to a negative biopsy in men with a prostate volume less than 40 cc, however, not in men with larger prostates.

The Use of an Upper Age Limit in Prostate Cancer Screening (1462): Monique J. Roobol, M.D. and her associates studied 2,246 men between the ages of 71 and 74 (upper age limit in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer) to assess the clinically diagnosed prostate cancer cases and deaths after a first screening, where 209 men were found to have cancer, which left a total of 2,037 subjects. It was found that not re-screening the 2,037 men resulted in 35 clinically detected cases during the follow-up period (5.3 year median).

Relation Between Literacy, Race, and PSA Level Among Men with Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer (1468): Michael S. Wolf, M.D. and his colleagues analyzed the results of a demographic questionnaire and literacy evaluation filled out by 197 patients, primarily African American. It was found that individuals with low health literacy skills were over two times more likely to have high PSA levels, and moreover the odds of having an elevated PSA level was similar for African Americans versus Caucasians. Therefore, it was evidenced that low literacy, possibly resulting in the delay of seeking medical care, rather than race, is a most likely predictor of prostate cancer.

"Studies on PSA are always enlightening, and I think this new research will contribute much to our understanding of the topic," said Dr. Holzbeierlein. "This briefing is something every cancer reporter should attend."

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association, Inc. is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 13,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs members and their patients, including UrologyHealth.org, an award-winning on line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc., formerly AFUD.

For full copies of abstracts, vist http://www.aua2005.org or contact the Press Room.