Biomarkers of prostate cancer

Abstract

The main biomarker of prostate cancer is prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is an extremely useful biomarker of prostate cancer not only for monitoring of disease and prediction of prognosis but also for screening. The population exposed to PSA in Japan is surprisingly lower than in the US. The PSA era in Japan is not over for prostate cancer. In this section, the history of PSA measurement is described along with its development. The synthesis and bioactivities of several molecular forms of PSA are explained in detail. The localized organ expression of PSA is mentioned, and the mechanism of androgen-induced expression of PSA is explained. The utilization and effect of several kinds of PSA parameters were mentioned and cut-off levels of them are also described. The definition of PSA biochemical failure after treatment is given. Almost all matters regarding PSA are summarized here. Some of useful other biomarkers of prostate cancer are additionally described. PSA has high sensitivity and low specificity for detection of prostate cancer. The recent discovery of new biomarkers will help PSA to avoid unnecessary patient biopsies. Outstanding developments in this field are expected.