Published on: 5/22/2025
How Are PSA Levels Used to Monitor Prostate Cancer Progression?
PSA levels help doctors check how prostate cancer is doing. They look at how fast PSA levels change and use special tests to understand more about the cancer.
Explanation
PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a substance made by the prostate. Doctors use it to watch prostate cancer. They check how PSA levels change over time. If PSA levels go up quickly, it might mean the cancer is growing.
Key Points:
- PSA Changes: Doctors look at how fast PSA levels change. If they rise quickly, it could mean the cancer is getting worse.
- Free PSA: Special tests can measure different kinds of PSA. One is called 'free PSA,' which helps doctors understand more about the cancer.
- Genetic Adjustments: New research suggests a future where doctors use genetic information to adjust PSA levels. It may help them get a clearer picture of the cancer.
Using these methods, doctors can better understand how prostate cancer is behaving and decide on the best treatment plans.
(References)
- Kachuri L, Hoffmann TJ, Jiang Y, Berndt SI, Shelley JP, Schaffer KR, et al. (2023). Genetically adjusted PSA levels for prostate cancer .... Nature medicine, 37264206.
- Morote J, Raventós CX, Lorente JA, Lopez-Pacios MA, Encabo G, de Torres I, & Andreu J. (1997). Measurement of free PSA in the diagnosis and staging .... International journal of cancer, 9180142.
- Smith DS, & Catalona WJ. (1994). Rate of change in serum prostate specific antigen levels as .... The Journal of urology, 7520949.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about diseases
Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.