What biomarker tests should I consider after a prostate biopsy?
If you have had a prostate biopsy, you might be surprised to find that the answer to whether you have prostate cancer or not--or what to do next if cancer is found--is not always clear.
There are a variety of PCM tests that help provide additional information after your biopsy if you:
- receive a negative biopsy result but have a high PSA or other concern of prostate cancer
- receive a positive biopsy result but with a low Gleason score
- receive a positive biopsy result with a high Gleason score
PCM Tests After Prostate Biopsy
PCM tests can help find prostate cancer that goes undetected by a biopsy. PCMs also can help detect whether identified prostate cancer is aggressive or slow growing and which type of treatment might be most beneficial.
Confirm MDx
The ConfirmMDx test can provide more information for patients who have a negative or inconclusive biopsy but there's a high suspicion of prostate cancer.
If your prostate biopsy has a Gleason Score of less than or equal to 7, you and your healthcare provider might consider these tissue-based PCM tests:
Decipher
Also known as Decipher Biopsy, this genomic test analyzes individual tumor aggressiveness and combines it with an individual’s clinically validated prostate cancer-specific mortality risk and personal risk of metastasis.
Prolaris Score
The Prolaris Score for prostate cancer analyzes the biology of the prostate cancer tumor as well as how fast the cells in the tumor are dividing (cancer aggressiveness).
Genomic Prostate Score
GPS is a powerful test for men with organ confined prostate cancer looking for more insights about whether or not to pursue treatment or an active surveillance protocol.
If your prostate biopsy has a Gleason Score greater than 7 and you have already undergone treatment, please see the Prostate Cancer Treatment point for additional PCM tests to consider.
Biopsy FAQs
As you assess your risk of prostate cancer after you have had a biopsy, you may have questions about PCMs, genetic testing, and more.
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.
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.