PSA-mRNA Cells in Blood After Prostate Biopsy
Author Information
Author(s): Hara N, Kasahara T, Kawasaki T, Bilim V, Tomita Y, Obara K, Takahashi K
Primary Institution: Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science
Hypothesis
Does prostate biopsy lead to the dissemination of cancer cells into the bloodstream?
Conclusion
Prostate biopsy may scatter prostate cells into the bloodstream, particularly in patients with high PSA levels.
Supporting Evidence
- PSA-mRNA was detected in 3 prostate cancer cases but in no benign prostatic hyperplasia patients before biopsy.
- After biopsy, PSA-mRNA was found in 16 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients and 21 prostate cancer patients.
- Patients with positive mRNA before biopsy had higher serum PSA levels.
- Patients after biopsy had higher serum PSA and PSA density levels.
- Positive PSA-mRNA cases had more cancer-involved biopsy cores than negative cases.
Takeaway
When doctors take a sample from the prostate, some cancer cells might get into the blood, especially if the PSA levels are high.
Methodology
The study examined PSA-mRNA bearing cells in blood samples from patients before and after prostate biopsy using nested RT-PCR.
Limitations
Further investigations are needed to confirm the findings.
Participant Demographics
108 patients with elevated serum PSA levels, including 62 diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia and 46 with prostate cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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