Biomarkers in seminal fluid indicate presence and severity of prostate cancer

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Research findings from a study conducted at University of Adelaide in South Australia could improve diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. These results demonstrate that the presence of certain molecules in seminal fluid is indicative of whether a man has cancer. In addition, the biomarker indicates the severity of the cancer. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are not an ideal test for the cancer. It is not highly specific for prostate cancer, and results over-diagnosis and over-treatment of prostate cancers that could have been safely left alone. The scientists discovered a small number of microRNAs in seminal samples from 60 men that are known to be increased when prostate cancer is present. The study showed that presence of some of these microRNAs were surprisingly accurate in detecting cancer.