Prostate PCA3 Test: The Prostate Cancer Urine Test
Posted on November 9th, 2009 in Duncan Harriss, Prostate PCA3 test
The PCA3 molecular urine assay is a relatively new test, an additional screening method that is available to consultant urologists. The new PCA3 test is not a screening test that can be performed by itself. It should be combined with a PSA measurement.
Currently, prostate biopsy is the only way to diagnose prostate cancer which affects 1 in 12 men in the UK each year. It is possible that the PCA3 prostate cancer urine test may reduce the number of biopsies that a patient may require.
The PCA3 is carried out on a urine sample. Following rectal examination of the prostate, prostate cells enter the urine and can be tested for the PCA3 cancer gene. PCA3 is highly specific to prostate cancer and therefore in relation to PSA does not increase as a consequence to benign enlargement of the prostate or prostatitis. Studies are showing that the PCA3 test is more accurate following a first negative biopsy and the the PCA3 test accurately predicts the results of repeat biopsies rather than the traditional prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
The PCA3 test is painless, takes 5 minutes to perform and as of March 2011 costs £500. Results are returned within 7 to 10 days. It is not currently available on the NHS. If you would like further information, please ring my secretary on 0115 966 2118.
3 Comments to "Prostate PCA3 Test: The Prostate Cancer Urine Test"
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I am not a doctor or a specialist in this field, but I have problems with my prostate(BHP I was told). The above info about the PCA3 sounds to me such a wonderful breakhrough Please please do press on with the wider use of this so EFFECTIVE yet for the patient painless and not destructive. I will ask my GP to refer me to Mr Harriss. I would like Mr Harriss to do the PCA3 and after examining all the results of examinations and tests I have had until now, to put all these together, make his assessment (synthesis of the findings and professional assessment which I never had for two years now) and advise me as to what I need to do. I am troubled with this BHP and haematuria for two years now. Congratualations to Mr Harriss and thank you
Posted on February 13, 2011, by Nikolaos Antalopoulos
The PCA3 Test
I’ve recently paid an eye watering £470 for a pca3 test at a private clinic in the UK.The result was negative for prostate cancer. I’ve found an accredited laboratory in Belgium that will perform a pca3 assay on a urine sample of mine; posted to them and supplied to them in a container they provide for £217. All I need now is a NHS docter or qualified nurse to perform the the prostate stroke before supplying the first expression urine sample.
Posted on March 21, 2011, by David Farmer
Whilst prostatic massage itself is not difficult and could be done by a nurse there would be no opportunity to have a consultation with a prostate cancer specialist who will take on board your individual history, interpret the results and give follow up advice. This is what you are paying for as well as the actual test result and is the most valuble resource.
Posted on March 21, 2011, by drh