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Liquid biomarkers for early detection of prostate cancer and summary of available data for their use in African-American men

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases volume 25, pages 180–186 (2022)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background

Several liquid biomarker tests have been developed to account for the limitations of prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening prior to prostate biopsy. African ancestry is an established risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa) and must be particularly considered when evaluating patients with liquid biomarkers. While multiple tests have been developed over decades of exploration, recent advances can help patients and physicians incorporate data into a broader clinical context.

Methods

We sought to review currently available liquid biomarker tests in a practical, clinically directed fashion with particular focus on performance in men with African ancestry. We reviewed discovery and validation studies and highlight important considerations for each test.

Results

We discuss the advantages and limitations of percent free PSA, Prostate Health Index, Progensa® PCA3, ExoDx® Prostate Test, SelectMDx®, 4Kscore® Test, and Mi-Prostate Score and summarize salient studies on their use. A literature review of evidence specifically for men with African ancestry was conducted and available studies were summarized.

Conclusions

Liquid biomarkers can be useful tools for aiding in risk stratification prior to prostate biopsy. Use of such tests should be individualized based on a thorough knowledge of supporting evidence and the goals of the patient and physician. Further study should prioritize evaluation of such biomarkers in men with African ancestry.

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  1. Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Grant M. Henning, Gerald L. Andriole & Eric H. Kim

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GMH drafted the manuscript. GMH and EHK developed the search strategy, reviewed abstracts, and analyzed selected publications. All authors reviewed the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Grant M. Henning.

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Dr. Gerald Andriole serves as a medical consultant for Opko Health, Inc. There are no other potential conflicts of interest or relevant disclosures.

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Henning, G.M., Andriole, G.L. & Kim, E.H. Liquid biomarkers for early detection of prostate cancer and summary of available data for their use in African-American men. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 25, 180–186 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41391-022-00507-8

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