Seminal cell free DNA concentration levels discriminate between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Background/Aim: Seminal plasma cfDNA (scfDNA) was recently proposed as a novel PCa biomarker. Our aim was to evaluate whether scfDNA could discriminate PCa from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Patients and Methods: A cohort of 43 patients (18 and 25 pathology proven PCa and BPH patients), and 13 healthy age-matched control subjects were enrolled. scfDNA quantification was performed. Data were analyzed through ANOVA testing. Results: Average scfDNA concentrations were 1,407.83 ng/μl, 128.13 ng/μl and 78.09 ng/μl for PCa patients, BPH patients and healthy subjects, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference among the groups, allowing for distinction of patients with optimal accuracy. A cut-off level of 450 ng/μl scfDNA was identified for the differentiation of PCa and BPH patients. Conclusion: scfDNA concentrations are significantly different between PCa patients and BPH patients. scfDNA is a promising biomarker with several applications in PCa diagnosis, screening programs and therapeutic monitoring.