Possibility of using PCA3 score without prostate massage in urine for diagnosing prostate cancer

Background. Prostate cancer holds one of the leading positions among malignant neoplasms in men. One of the most well-studied tumor-specific maskers is the PCA3 score in urine obtained after prostate massage. However, the study of the PCA3 score without prostate massage can significantly simplify the preanalytical phase of the study and minimize discomfort for the patient.

Objective. Investigation of the diagnostic significance of PCA3, determined in urine sediment without prostate massage and its comparison with the PCA3 score after prostate massage.

Materials and methods. The study included 2 groups of patients. In the first group (n = 50), the PCA3 score was assessed without prostate massage, and in the second group (n = 15) PCA3 was assessed in urine obtained before and after massage.

Results. The area under the ROC-curve (AUC) for the PCA3 score without prostate massage was 0.722 (95 % confidence interval 0.579—0.865; p = 0.008). Using the ROC analysis, the threshold value, sensitivity and specificity were determined: 25, 72.41 % (95 % confidence interval 54.28— 85.30 %) and 57.14 % (95 % confidence interval 36.55—75.53 %), respectively. The PCA3 score after massage was found to be more sensitive than without prostate massage. A small volume of material, less than 20 ml, significantly affects the sensitivity of PCA3 without massage.

Conclusion. PCA3 without prostate massage may serve as an option to improve the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, but its advantage over PCA3 after prostate massage has not been shown.

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