Novel Biomarkers: Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, but standard PSA testing can be limited by its inability to clearly distinguish between prostate cancer and benign conditions such as benign prostate enlargement. Novel forms of the PSA protein – pro-PSA, 2proPSA, and Nicked PSA – may help improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary biopsies.

Pro-PSA

Pro-prostate specific antigen (pro-PSA) is an inactive precursor of the PSA protein. While total PSA levels can be elevated in both cancerous and non-cancerous prostate conditions, pro-PSA has shown stronger associations with prostate cancer. Higher levels of pro-PSA in the blood may indicate a greater likelihood of prostate cancer being present, especially when interpreted alongside total PSA and clinical risk factors such as age and family history. Research suggests pro-PSA could play a key role in stratifying patients at risk of prostate cancer and improve decision-making around further investigation or biopsy.

2proPSA

2proPSA is a specific form of the pro-PSA protein that is particularly relevant for prostate cancer detection. It is truncated, inactive molecule that accumulates in cancerous regions of the prostate and is found at higher levels in the tissue and blood of men with prostate cancer.

Studies have shown that 2proPSA can help differentiate between prostate cancer and benign conditions more effectively than total PSA alone. It may be especially useful when combined with other PSA derivatives in risk-scoring models such as the Prostate Health Index (PHI).

Nicked PSA

Nicked PSA, also referred to as benign PSA, is an inactive form of the PSA protein commonly associated with benign prostate enlargement rather than cancer. It results from structural changes to the PSA protein that impair its activity.

Unlike pro-PSA and 2proPSA, elevated levels of nicked PSA are more commonly found in men with non-cancerous prostate conditions, making it a potentially useful marker to help rule out prostate cancer and avoid unnecessary procedures.

Biochip Technology

Randox biochip technology enables precise measurement of PSA variants, providing valuable insights that could help distinguish between prostate cancer and benign conditions.

• Pro-PSA
• 2proPSA
• Nicked PSA