Beyond PSA: are new prostate cancer biomarkers of potential value to New Zealand doctors?

Abstract

The widespread introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has enhanced the early detection of prostate cancer within New Zealand. However, uncertainties associated with the test make it difficult to confidently differentiate low-risk patients from those that require a definitive diagnostic biopsy. In consequence, the decisions surrounding prostate cancer treatment become extremely difficult. A number of new tests have become available which might have the potential to complement the current PSA screens. We review a number of the best validated of these which provide data that, although currently not available in clinical practice, some of these might have considerable potential to aid diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decisions for men with prostate cancer in New Zealand.