What biomarker tests should I consider after a prostate biopsy?
If you have had a prostate cancer 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 indicator of prostate cancer
- receive a positive biopsy but with a low Gleason score
- receive a positive biopsy 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
For negative or atypical biopsies, this tissue-based biomarker test screens for prostate cancer at a molecular level and can clarify and confirm biopsy results.
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:
Decipher Biopsy
This tissue-based genomic test evaluates tumor aggressiveness and combines it with a man’s risk of metastasis and clinically validated prostate cancer-specific mortality risk.
Prolaris
This tissue-based PCM test assesses the prostate cancer tumor biology and aggressiveness. This test can be conducted with the same tissue collected during a prostate cancer biopsy.
Oncotype DX GPS
This tissue-based test looks for the activation of 17 specific genes associated with prostate cancer, providing insights for men with organ-confined prostate cancer.
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.
Waypoint 2 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. Below is an initial list of frequently asked questions. You can also submit your question.
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.