Fast Facts: Prostate-Specific Antigen

The development of serum-based assays for the measurement of prostate-specific antigen has revolutionized the approach to the management of prostate cancer. This text discusses the issues highlighted by PSA research and outlines recommendations for the diagnosis and management of prostatic disease.

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The development of serum-based assays for the measurement of prostate-specific antigen has revolutionized the approach to the management of prostate cancer. This advance has, however, been clouded by concerns about the overdetection of incidental carcinoma with little malignant potential. This text discusses the issues highlighted by research into PSA and outlines recommendations for the diagnosis and management of prostatic disease in Europe, the USA and elsewhere.