ROCHESTER, Minn., Nov 10, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- New Mayo
Clinic research studied the association between prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
levels and prostate size and found that routine annual evaluation of prostate
growth is not necessarily a predictor for the development of prostate cancer.
However the study suggests that if a man's PSA level is rising quickly, a
prostate biopsy is reasonable to determine if he has prostate cancer. These
findings are being presented this week at the North Central Section of the
American Urological Association (http://www.ncsaua.org/) in Scottsdale, Ariz.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090105/MAYOLOGO)
VIDEO ALERT: Additional audio and video resources are available on the Mayo
Clinic News Blog
(http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2009/11/09/routine-prostate-size-evaluation-not-as-effective-in-cancer-screening/).
These Mayo Clinic study findings were based on data in the Olmsted County Study
of Urinary Health Status among Men, a large cohort study of men living in
Olmsted County, Minn. Researchers randomly selected 616 men between the ages of
40 and 79 who did not have prostate disease. Patients participated in
examinations every two years for 17 years, which included PSA and prostate
volume measurements using ultrasound, to determine changes in prostate disease.
"One of the major advantages of this large cohort study is that the men have
participated in this study for over 17 years," says Rodney Breau, M.D., a Mayo
Clinic urologic oncology fellow who led the study. "Because of this, we have the
ability to look at long-term relationships between prostate growth, change in
PSA and development of prostate cancer."
Of the 616 men, 58 (9.4 percent) developed prostate cancer. Men who were
diagnosed with prostate cancer had a faster rise in PSA levels (6 percent/year)
compared to men who were not diagnosed with cancer (3.3 percent/year). However,
the increase in prostate size was similar between these two groups (median
change of 2.2 percent/year).
PSA is a substance produced in the prostate gland. Normally, a small amount of
PSA enters the bloodstream. A higher amount of PSA or an abrupt rise in PSA
levels can indicate a problem, possibly cancer.
"The question we're trying to answer is, if we see a man with a rising PSA
level, could this change in PSA be explained by a proportional increase in
prostate size?" says Dr. Breau. "Our data indicate that men with or without
prostate cancer have similar rates of prostate growth. If a man's PSA is quickly
rising, he likely deserves a prostate biopsy to determine if he has prostate
cancer. Assessment of change in prostate size should not influence the decision
to biopsy."
Other Mayo Clinic researchers involved in this study include: R. Jeffrey Karnes,
M.D. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/12463493.html); Debra Jacobson; Michaela
McGree; Steven Jacobsen, M.D., Ph.D.; Ajay Nehra, M.D.
(http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/12370606.html); Michael Lieber,
M.D.(http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/10203567.html); and Jennifer St. Sauver,
Ph.D.
To request an appointment at Mayo Clinic, please call 480-422-1490 for the
Arizona campus, 904-494-6484 for the Florida campus, or 507-216-4573 for the
Minnesota campus.
About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group practice
in the world. Doctors from every medical specialty work together to care for
patients, joined by common systems and a philosophy of "the needs of the patient
come first." More than 3,700 physicians, scientists and researchers and 50,100
allied health staff work at Mayo Clinic, which has sites in Rochester, Minn.;
Jacksonville, Fla.; and Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Collectively, the three
locations treat more than half a million people each year. To obtain the latest
news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. For information
about research and education, visit www.mayo.edu. MayoClinic.com
(www.mayoclinic.com) is available as a resource for your health stories.
SOURCE Mayo Clinic
URL: http://www.ncsaua.org
http://www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.mayoclinic.com
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