Micrograph showing a prostate cancer (conventional adenocarcinoma) with perineural invasion. [Image from Wikipedia]
1. Blood test more accurately detects prostate cancer than current tests
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic, the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Northwest and elsewhere say a new blood test can detect prostate cancer more accurately than current tests.
The test, known as IsoPSA, can distinguish between cancers with benign conditions and can identify patients who have high-risk disease.
IsoPSA identifies molecular changes in the prostate specific antigen (PSA) and could reduce the need for biopsies. It may lower the likelihood of overdetection and overtreatment of non-lethal prostate cancer, according to a press release.
The study compared results from the IsoPSA to the PSA test. IsoPSA was proven to be more superior to PSA because of its ability to distinguish between prostate cancer and benign conditions as well as high-grade diseases. There was also a 50% reduction in unnecessary biopsies.
