Which prostate cancer test is best?
As you navigate your prostate cancer risk and prognosis, you might be wondering which prostate cancer test is best.
We have identified the most effective blood, urine, and tissue-based prostate cancer tests based on where you are in your prostate cancer journey. These prostate cancer tests are known as biomarkers or prostate cancer markers (PCMs). Whether you’re just assessing your initial risk or dealing with prostate cancer recurrence, PCMs provide valuable insights as you navigate your prostate cancer journey.
What prostate cancer marker test should I consider?
Use this guide to identify where you are on the prostate cancer journey and which prostate cancer test may be worth considering. Think of each waypoint as a stop along the path–you may enter the path at different points and could go back and forth as you learn more about your prostate cancer risk and prognosis. PCMs empower and inspire with information unique to you.
Waypoint 1: PSA Testing
You have had a PSA test and wonder about additional testing, especially if your PSA results are 1.5 ng/ML or higher.
Waypoint 2: Biopsy
You have had a biopsy and would like more information to help you and your physician make a decision about next steps.
Waypoint 3: Active Surveillance
You are in the active surveillance stage and want to take proactive steps to help inform your options.
Waypoint 4: Prostate Cancer Treatment
You are treating your prostate cancer and prostate cancer markers tests may enhance your treatment plan.
Waypoint 5: Recurrence
Your prostate cancer has recurred and you want more insights about your cancer.
Waypoint 6: Advanced Prostate Cancer
You have late-stage prostate cancer and want to know if you may not respond to androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Worrying about prostate cancer doesn’t need to sideline your life. Use these frequently asked questions to learn more about prostate cancer marker tests. Below are frequently asked questions. You can also submit your question
Although there are many factors that contribute to your healthcare provider’s decision to conduct a prostate biopsy, there are several urinary and blood based PCMs that may help guide you and your physician through the decision of conducting a prostate biopsy. These include:
Genetic tests also may be worth considering if you have a family history of prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer or colorectal cancer. These genetic tests are recommended for men who are determined through genetic counseling to be at potential risk for hereditary cancer:
If you have a negative or atypical biopsy and are wanting more insights about prostate cancer risk, you might consider the tissue-based PCM test:
If your prostate biopsy has a Gleason Score of less than or equal to 7 or if your prostate biopsy has a Gleason Score greater than 7 and you have not yet undergone treatment (surgery or radiation), you and your healthcare provider might consider these tissue-based PCM tests:
If your prostate biopsy has a Gleason Score greater than 7 and you have already undergone treatment, please see Waypoint 4 for additional PCM tests to consider.
If you are in the active surveillance stage and wondering about getting more insights into your prostate cancer, these tissue-based tests can be performed on the prostate biopsy you previously had. Results can give you peace of mind or inform your next move.
If you have not had a biopsy and are in the watchful waiting stage based on your initial PSA, DRE, or other tests, consider the PCMs and genetic tests highlighted in Waypoint 1 of the prostate cancer journey.
A medicine that targets a specific receptor present in some prostate cancers is used to treat qualifying patients with late-stage cancer. This PCM test can help determine if you are a candidate for androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies.
The PSA test cannot differentiate between prostate cancer and non-cancerous (benign) conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Men who receive a PSA level above 1.5 ng/ML should discuss additional biomarker testing with their healthcare providers prior to considering a prostate biopsy.
Prostate cancer biomarkers (PCMs) are molecules found in blood, tissue, or body fluids. PCMs are revolutionary new, non-invasive diagnostic tests that may help your healthcare provider decide if your prostate cancer is in fact low risk, if something more aggressive may be lurking in your prostate, or if there are hot spots in the prostate that may need to be re-evaluated upon biopsy. PCMs also can help you and your healthcare provider determine the most appropriate treatment for your cancer.