The PCA 3 test, which stands for Gene 3 of prostate cancer, is a urine test that aims to diagnose prostate cancer effectively, so PSA testing, transrectal ultrasonography, or prostate biopsy are not necessary. this type of cancer is diagnosed.
In addition to allowing the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the PCA 3 exam is able to provide information about the severity of this cancer, and is useful for the urologist to indicate the best form of treatment.
What is it for
The PCA 3 exam is required to aid in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Currently, the diagnosis of prostate cancer is based on the results of PSA, transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy of the rectal tissue, however, the increase in PSA is not always indicative of cancer and may indicate only the benign enlargement of the prostate. Here's how to understand the outcome of the PSA.
Thus, the PCA 3 test provides a more accurate result when it comes to the diagnosis of prostate cancer. In addition, it is able to provide information about cancer severity: the higher the PCA 3 result, the greater the likelihood of prostate biopsy being positive.
PCA 3 can also be used to monitor the patient's response to cancer treatment, telling the doctor if the treatment is being effective or not. Usually when PCA 3 levels continue to increase even after starting treatment, it means that the treatment is not being effective, and other types of treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy, for example, are usually recommended.
When it is indicated
This test is indicated for all men, but especially for those with PSA results, suspected transrectal ultrasound or rectal examination, and family history, even if there are no symptoms. This examination may also be requested before the biopsy is performed, and it may be ruled out when the PCA 3 is found in large concentrations or when the prostate biopsy has been performed once or several times but there is no diagnostic conclusion.
PCA 3 can also be ordered by the doctor in patients who have prostate biopsy positive for cancer, and is indicated in these cases to check the severity of prostate cancer, indicating the best form of treatment.
This test is not usually required for men who are taking medicines that interfere with the concentration of PSA in the blood, such as Finasteride.
How is done
The PCA 3 test is done by collecting the urine after the rectal touch, because it is necessary that the prostate massage takes place so that there is release of this gene in the urine. This test is more specific for prostate cancer than PSA, for example, because it is not influenced by other non-cancerous diseases or prostate enlargement.
After rectal examination, the urine must be collected in a separate container and sent to the laboratory for analysis, where molecular tests are performed to identify the presence and concentration of this gene in the urine, indicating not only prostate cancer, but also the severity, which may suggest the best form of treatment. The rectal touch is essential for the release of this gene in the urine, otherwise the test result will not be correct. Understand how the rectal exam is done.
In addition to providing more specific tests on prostate cancer, this test is able to eliminate the need for prostate biopsy, which is usually negative in about 75% of cases when PSA is increased and rectal examination indicates enlargement of the prostate.
