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Marc Laniado
MD FRCS(Urol) FEBU
CONSULTANT IN UROLOGY
PCA3 score FAQ
- What is the PCA3 score?
- How do I get the test done?
- What does the PCA3 score tell you?
- How does the PCA3 score compare with PSA?
- References
What is the PCA3 score?
This is a new genetic test that determines whether products of genes associated with prostate cancer are present in the urine of men.
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How do I get the test done?
A sample of urine that contains prostate cells is needed. This is obtained from the first part of the urine passed after the prostate has been examined with a finger. The sample is cooled and sent for analysis. No blood is taken.
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What does the PCA3 score tell you?
A numerical score is obtained and the value of this gives an idea on how likely biopsies are to be positive. The data are very new, but a rough idea is shown below:
| PCA3 Score | % of patients with prostate cancer | |
| AUA abstract 538 | AUA abstract 540 | |
| <5 | 15% | 21% |
| 5-19 | 27% | |
| 20-34 | 21% | 32% |
| 35-49 | 38% | 43% |
| 50-100 | 48% | 54% |
| >100 | 67% | |
As you can see, it does not rule in or rule out prostate cancer, and the chance of prostate cancer is variable. A prostate biopsy is still necessary to prove if cancer is present or not.
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How does the PCA3 score compare with PSA?
The results are more accurate than PSA alone, but are not sufficient to rely on in isolation. The PCA3 score is not affected by the size of the prostate, unlike PSA. It is not yet entirely clear whether inflammation or drugs can affect PSA. It is possible that reduced levels of testosterone that can occur with age or on drugs might influence the results.
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References
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