Most Accurate Test for Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

Estimated in the 2010, new reported cases of prostate (gland in the male reproductive system) cancer 217,730 and deaths 32.050 (second most common cause of cancer deaths. 11) in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute .1 The prostate located in the front of the rectum and between the bladder and the penis (walnut-size gland). The function of the prostate: Compresses fluid into the urethra ("In males, the urethra travels through the penis, and carries semen as well as urine." 2) expelling fluid with sperm as semen. 3 Prostate conditions diagnosed primarily among older males is prostate cancer (Factors linked to prostate cancer genetics and diet 4): Prostate cells grow out of control. 5 British researchers discovered a more accurate test for diagnosing prostate cancer compared to the current single biomarker called prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, unfortunately generates high false positive results. 6

Symptoms common for prostate cancer include: Frequent urination, tenuous or interrupted urinary stream, trouble starting or stopping the urinary stream, feeling a burning or painful sensation during urination or ejaculation, and blood in the urine or semen. Advance stage of prostate cancer include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the lower extremities & arthritic discomfort in the pelvis, lower back, ribs or upper thighs. These symptoms are not always linked to prostate cancer. 7

Currently the most common test for prostate cancer is Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): Detects a specific protein in the bloodstream possible presence of prostate cancer. Elevated level of the protein is not always indicative of prostate cancer and thus requires further examination of the prostate. A PSA test is helpful for diagnosing if prostate cancer has been totally eradicated after prostate cancer surgery and or after follow-up radiation therapy. 8 Prostate Specific Antigen results have lead to high false positive prostate cancer diagnosis, leading to unwarranted surgical and radiotherapy treatment. 6

Published in the Public Library of Science (PLos) One Journal (Issue in 2010), study by Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, led by Dr. Haley Whitaker of the institute discovered: Reduced levels of microseminoprotein-beta (MSMB) protein detected in urine test (9) linked to prostate cancer, and lesser detected amount in men, more aggressive forms of the cancer. "The protein - which regulates prostate cell death - is produced by normal prostate cells." 6

Currently researchers at Cancer Research United Kingdom and Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London testing 1,200 men for prostate cancer by administering this new MSMB test at Addenbrookie's Hospital in Cambridge. Results of the testing should be available by Christmas 2010. 9 Earlier testing of 350 men with and without prostate cancer found detectable amounts of MSMB in urine, risk developing the disease. "Researcher Dr. Hayley Whitaker said the initial studies suggest that the test is twice as accurate as the current one" (PSA Test). 10 Also, Dr. Whitkaer said: "You could in theory test a man in his 20's or 30's and identify those at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer." Dr Hayley Whitaker anticipates if further testing for MSMB is proven successful, within five years the test should be approved by regulatory authorities (Britain). 9 Certainly a urine test for MSMB could be more reliable, simple and provide fast results, compared to the common Prostate Specific Antigen blood test indicative of false positive results. Also, the MSMB test would screen for aggressive prostate cancer and provide conclusive findings for prostate cancer treatment or surgery.

References:

1.) National Cancer Institute - http://www.cancer.gov/prostate

2.) Urethra - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urethra

3.) Prostate Gland (Human Anatomy): Prostate Picture, Definition, Function, Conditions, Tests, and Treatments - http://men.webmd.com/picture-of-the-prostate

4.) Prostate Cancer - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostate_cancer

5.) Prostate Cancer Overview - http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/default.htm

6.) Protein urine test may signal prostate cancer - http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101014/ts_nm/us_cancer_prostate_urine_3

7.) Understanding Prostate Cancer Symptoms - http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/understanding-prostate-cancer-symptoms

8.) PSA Testing After Cancer Treatment - http://www.ehow.com/way_5535065_psa-testing-after-cancer-treatment.html

9.) 'Landmark' urine test for prostate cancer - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8062011/Landmark-urine-test-for-prostate-cancer.html

10.) Prostate cancer test breakthrough - http://www.iol.co.za/news/science/prostate-cancer-test-breakthrough-1.686152

11.) Protein Urine Test May Signal Prostate Cancer - http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/10/14/protein-urine-test-signal-prostate-cancer/