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Blutwerte · Marker

PSA

Prostataspezifisches Antigen · Prostate-Specific Antigen · tPSA

Tumormarker & Screening
Einheit:
ng/mL

PSA quantifies the concentration of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by prostate gland cells, in the blood.

Reference Ranges

Age Group

Reference
04ng/mL
0
2.5
4
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · ng/mL

PSA levels are typically higher in older men; age-specific ranges are recommended.

Overview

Übersicht

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced by the prostate gland, playing a crucial role in the liquefaction of semen. It is primarily measured in serum to assess prostate health. Clinically, PSA is a vital biomarker for the early detection, staging, and monitoring of prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostatitis, though it is not cancer-specific. Researchers observed that PSA screening could reduce prostate cancer mortality, but its use remains controversial due to potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment. In the context of athletic performance, biohacking, or longevity, PSA is not directly relevant. However, maintaining prostate health is essential for overall well-being, which indirectly supports longevity. Confounders affecting PSA levels include recent prostate manipulation, ejaculation, and certain medications. Time of day and fasting do not significantly influence PSA levels, but individual risk factors should guide screening protocols.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or prostatitis. Lowering PSA cut-offs can reduce advanced stage prostate cancer detection, although it may lead to unnecessary biopsies.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising PSA values suggest potential prostate pathology; re-test within 3-6 months.

Falling Values

Falling PSA levels may indicate response to treatment or resolution of benign conditions.

Re-test Interval

3-6 months if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Prostate cancer
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • Prostatitis
  • Recent ejaculation
  • Prostate manipulation
Cause

Low Levels

  • Medications affecting testosterone
  • Obesity
  • Hypogonadism
  • Certain herbal supplements
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise
  • Maintaining healthy weight
  • Avoiding prostate irritation
Lever

Nutrition

  • Tomatoes (lycopene)
  • Green tea
  • Soy products
Lever

Supplementation

  • Saw palmetto
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin D

Note:

Consult a physician before starting any supplementation, especially if undergoing prostate cancer treatment.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
Not Time-Sensitive

Testing Frequency

Annually for men over 50, or earlier based on risk factors.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent ejaculation
  • Prostate examination
  • Certain medications

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that reference ranges for PSA levels and optimal cut-off values remain debated, particularly regarding the impact of individual risk factors on screening protocols. Researchers have not yet established standardized approaches for interpreting PSA results in the context of benign prostatic conditions and other confounders. Additionally, clinical questions about the efficacy of novel biomarkers and their integration with PSA for improved prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies remain unanswered.

22 Research Publications

732

Total Citations

4.5

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

PSA and beyond: alternative prostate cancer biomarkers.

ReviewInfluence15.0
268
This study explored alternative biomarkers for prostate cancer beyond PSA. Researchers found that new genomic and proteomic technologies have led to the discovery of promising biomarkers that may offer better sensitivity and specificity for patient management.
View on PubMed
#02

Nanomaterial-based biosensors for detection of prostate specific antigen.

ReviewInfluence2.0
112
This review focused on advancements in nanomaterial-based biosensors for detecting prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Researchers found that electrochemical biosensors show the highest sensitivity, while various optical methods also provide improved detection capabilities compared to standard assays.
View on PubMed
#03

Altered glycosylation in prostate cancer.

ReviewInfluence1.0
93
This review summarized research on glycosylation changes in prostate cancer, particularly focusing on prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Researchers found that alterations in glycosylation patterns could provide insights into prostate cancer development and improve biomarker assays.
View on PubMed
#04

Prostate cancer biomarkers: an update.

ReviewInfluence3.0
85
This update reviewed the limitations of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a biomarker for prostate cancer. Researchers observed that while PSA is widely used, it often fails to distinguish between aggressive and indolent cancers, highlighting the need for additional biomarkers.
View on PubMed
#05

A guide to the interpretation of serum prostate specific antigen levels.

ReviewInfluence3.0
59
This review focused on the factors influencing serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Researchers found that clinical manipulations and various health conditions can affect PSA concentrations, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation of PSA results by laboratory staff and physicians.
View on PubMed
#06

Biomarkers in localized prostate cancer.

Review
46
This study reviewed the potential of biomarkers to enhance prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Researchers observed that while PSA is a common biomarker, its specificity can be improved by integrating it with other tests and molecular biomarkers.
View on PubMed
#07

Prostate cancer screening: guidelines review and laboratory issues.

ReviewInfluence3.0
35
This review assessed clinical practice guidelines for prostate cancer screening using PSA. Researchers found that many guidelines lack clarity and do not adequately address laboratory issues, suggesting a need for improvement in guideline development.
View on PubMed
#08

Prostate-specific antigen.

Review
16
This study examined the role of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in early prostate cancer detection and treatment monitoring. Researchers found that customizing screening protocols based on individual risk factors may reduce costs and unnecessary biopsies. Lowering PSA cut-offs could potentially decrease advanced stage prostate cancer cases.
View on PubMed
#09

[Biomarker docetaxel-based chemotherapy].

Review
6
This review discussed the challenges of using PSA in the context of chemotherapy for prostate cancer. Researchers found that while PSA sensitivity decreases after hormonal therapy, new drugs and prognostic markers are being investigated to improve treatment outcomes.
View on PubMed
#10

Glycosylated biomarker sensors: advancements in prostate cancer diagnosis.

Review
5
Researchers discussed advancements in glycosylated biomarker sensors for prostate cancer diagnosis, emphasizing their potential to improve upon traditional PSA testing. They found that these biosensing technologies could offer more reliable detection methods, reducing the need for invasive procedures. The study outlines future challenges and opportunities in prostate cancer diagnostics.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (5)

5

Total Trials

204

Total Enrolled

Cabazitaxel and Prednisone in Treating Patients With Metastatic Hormone-Resistant Prostate Cancer

NCT02844582Phase 2TERMINATED
Sponsor

University of California, Davis

Enrollment

2

Started

2017

Primary outcome

PSA Response Rate, Defined as >= 50% Decline in PSA From Baseline Maintained for at Least 3 Weeks and Measured by the Same Laboratory, and Without Evidence of Other Disease Progression Documented at Time of Confirmatory Values

Hormone-Resistant Prostate CancerStage IV Prostate Adenocarcinoma

PROSTVAC (PSA-TRICOM) in Preventing Disease Progression in Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Undergoing Active Surveillance

NCT02326805Phase 2COMPLETED
Sponsor

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Enrollment

154

Started

2015

Primary outcome

Change in CD8+ Positive Cells in the Stroma Adjacent to Tumor and Within the Malignant Portion of the Prostate Biopsies

Stage I Prostate Adenocarcinoma AJCC v7Stage II Prostate Adenocarcinoma AJCC v7

PSA Antibody Levels in Samples From Patients With Prostate Cancer Treated on Protocol ECOG-E9802

NCT01672905COMPLETED
Sponsor

Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group

Enrollment

20

Started

2012

Primary outcome

PSA antibody levels are compared between baseline and follow-up at 12 weeks, as well as 24 weeks, using Wilcoxon signed-rank test

Prostate Cancer

Linsitinib in Treating Patients With Asymptomatic or Mildly Symptomatic Metastatic Prostate Cancer

NCT01533246Phase 2COMPLETED
Sponsor

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Enrollment

17

Started

2012

Primary outcome

PSA Response Analyzed Using the PCWG2 Definition

Adenocarcinoma of the ProstateHormone-resistant Prostate CancerRecurrent Prostate CancerStage IV Prostate Cancer

Phenelzine Sulfate and Docetaxel in Treating Patients With Prostate Cancer With Progressive Disease After First-Line Therapy With Docetaxel

NCT01253642Phase 2TERMINATED
Sponsor

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Enrollment

11

Started

2010

Primary outcome

Proportion of Patients Who Experience a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Decline of at Least 30%

Hormone-Resistant Prostate CancerMetastatic Prostatic AdenocarcinomaProstate AdenocarcinomaRecurrent Prostate Carcinoma

Publication Trend

Research publications about PSA over time

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1
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1
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1
'13
1
'14
1
'15
2
'16
1
'17
1
'19

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