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Test for Prostate Cancer in the Works
Feb. 14, 2008 (San Francisco) -- A new blood test that measures a protein that is elevated in people with prostate cancer could spare thousands of men from unnecessary biopsies and risky treatments, researchers report.
The test, which homes in on a protein called human aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase, or HAAH, adds to the accuracy of standard PSA testing for prostate cancer, says Stephen Keith, MD. Keith is president and chief operating officer of Panacea Pharmaceuticals Inc., in Gaithersburg, Md., which is developing the test and sponsored the study.
The PSA test measures levels of a protein known as prostate-specific antigen in the blood. High PSA levels may signal cancer.
The problem is that not everyone with a high PSA level has prostate cancer. And not everyone with prostate cancer has a high PSA level. This uncertainty leads to many unnecessary prostate biopsies -- and to many unnecessary prostate surgeries or radiation treatments.
"There's a big movement in the field to increase the accuracy of PSA," says Eric A. Klein, MD, head of urologic oncology at Cleveland Clinic.
"This is one of a number of promising tests," Klein tells WebMD. Klein is a spokesman for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
The findings were presented at the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, which is co-sponsored by ASCO and two other cancer care organizations.
HAAH Adds to PSA Accuracy
The latest research involved 233 men with prostate cancer and 43 healthy men over 50 years old.
Results showed that the HAAH test had an overall sensitivity of 95%, meaning that 5% of prostate cancers were missed.
The specificity was 93%, meaning that the test gave false-positive results to 7% of people who didn't have the cancer.
In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity of PSA are only about 30% to 40%, Keith says.
Importantly, the HAAH test was accurate regardless of a man's PSA level, he adds.
The test may prove particularly useful for men with PSA scores between 2 and 4, Keith tells WebMD. Typically, doctors only refer men with PSA scores over 4 for biopsy.
"Men with PSA scores of 2 to 4 wouldn't normally be sent for a biopsy. If they have elevated HAAH levels, they should be," he says.
In men with PSA scores of 4 to 10, the addition of HAAH could decrease the number of unnecessary biopsies that show no cancer is present from about 75% to 10%, he says.
Panacea scientists plan to apply for FDA approval of the test, which costs about $125.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. It is diagnosed in more than 218,000 men and claims more than 27,000 lives each year.
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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