Flawed Data May Have Driven Anti-PSA Screening Recommendations: Researchers

Posted by The Prostate Seed Institute on July 24th, 2017

Men who are concerned about their prostate health are likely to find the debate over a routine screening test for prostate cancer continues to wage. While the Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA, test once served as the gold standard for early detection, its use fell into disfavor a few years ago. Citing concerns about misdiagnosis, over-diagnosis and inaccuracy in results, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force took the PSA out of the routine screening protocol for prostate cancer. While that organization has since relaxed its stand somewhat, researchers say the study that prompted the original decision was flawed at best.

Researchers who delved into the data from the original landmark study that cast a cloud of doubt over the PSA found a troubling problem with methodology used. According to the analysis of the initial study, the comparison data looked at mortality rates from prostate cancer in a group of men who had undergone PSA screening. This data was compared with a control group. While the control group was intended to be men who had not undergone PSA screening, the new analysis shows about 90 percent of those in the control group had undergone PSA tests. Essentially, the conclusions drawn that the PSA provided no significant lifesaving benefit was flawed.

Researchers who conducted the analysis of the study acknowledge that the PSA is not a perfect tool. This test is designed to detect elevated levels of an antigen that is commonly linked to prostate cancer. Elevations, however, may also be caused by false positives and the presence of benign prostate conditions, such as age-related enlargement. Even so, the PSA is the only cost-effective, widely available screening tool that can help detect this form of cancer in its earliest stages. With that in mind, the analysts suggested the task force take a second look at the recommendations and consider a more patient-specific approach. The task force recently did just that and now urges healthcare providers to consider the PSA based on a man’s risks for developing prostate cancer. That move essentially puts the PSA test back on the table, but not as a routine screen for all men.

Men who are concerned about prostate cancer and their risks are urged to talk with their doctors. The PSA is now recommended for use to screen men who are at higher risk for developing this form of cancer. Although not 100 percent accurate, the PSA is a valuable tool that can lead to early detection and potentially lifesaving treatment.

About Author

Dr. Echt and his team at the Prostate Seed Institute offer the most highly sophisticated methods of radiation therapy available in the United States, equal to that found in major medical center and academic settings. These include prostate seed implantation, high dose radiation implants, and external beam radiation with image-guided and intensity-modulated (IGRT and IMRT) capabilities.