Prostate specific antigen: the past, present and future

Curr Urol. 2013 Feb;6(4):175-8. doi: 10.1159/000343535. Epub 2013 Feb 8.

Abstract

Aim: To review current data available on use of prostate specific antigen for screening healthy men for prostate cancer.

Methods: Literature was reviewed and the guidelines from, American cancer Society, American Urologic Association was reviewed.

Results: Current screening protocols lead to over diagnosis of prostate cancer. This often results in unnecessary biopsy procedures and treatments.

Conclusion: We must consider the benefit of screening and treatment with the harms of over diagnosis and over treatment. Newer imaging modalities like magnetic resonance imaging have to be evaluated further.

Keywords: Prostate cancer; Prostate-specific antigen; Screening.

Publication types

  • Review