Post-biopsy rise in serum PSA. A potential tool for the dynamic evaluation of prostate cancer/prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN).

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The biochemical response of prostatic cells to needle core biopsies is known to manifest as a rise in serum PSA. The aim of this study is to evaluate the PSA response to mechanical trauma in prostate cancer patients, when compared to benign controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 consecutive patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound guided prostatic needle biopsies had their total serum PSA measured thirty minutes after the procedure. Change from the baseline PSA was estimated and correlated to histology. RESULTS: Data was analysed in 48 patients (mean age 68 years; range 55-87 years). Histology showed benign, cancer and PIN results in 24, 19 and 5 patients respectively. The highest rise in post biopsy PSA was observed in the PIN group. A significant difference in the rise in serum PSA was noted between controls and the cancer group. CONCLUSION: Post biopsy PSA response differs significantly between benign and malignant prostatic tissue. PIN causes an excessive in PSA values on mechanical stimulation. This small study indicates that the biopsy model may help us to assess the dynamics of prostate cancer.