VALIDITY OF THE PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN TEST FOR PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING: FOLLOWUP STUDY WITH A BANK OF 21,000 SERA IN FINLAND

Purpose

We investigate the validity of prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a screening test for prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

A registry of serum samples drawn from 1968 to 1976 from 21,387 men was linked to the Finnish Cancer Registry. During followup from 1968 to 1991, 104 prostate cancers were identified. A matched case control design with incidence density sampling and nested in the serum sample bank was applied, and PSA was assessed.

Results

The estimated sensitivity of the test was 44% and specificity 94% at a cutoff of 4.0 μg./l. in the total material. The sensitivity had improved to 86% in patients diagnosed in 5 years after the sample drawing. The test had a better sensitivity (93%) and specificity (96%) in men younger than 65 years at the time of the sample drawing compared to those older. The sensitivity further improved to 100% with a cutoff of 2.5 μg./l.

Conclusions

PSA is a valid screening test for prostate cancer, which compares favorably with mammography for breast cancer. However, until an effect on mortality has been shown, routine screening cannot be recommended.

Key Words:  prostate-specific antigen , prostatic neoplasms , mass screening