PCA3 gene

PCA3 is a gene specific to prostate cancer. The messenger RNA (mRNA) of the PCA3 gene is highly over-expressed (median 66-fold) in >95% of prostate cancer tissue compared to normal or benign prostate tissue of the same patients.

PCA3 gene expression is independent of prostate volume, inflammation, serum PSA value and number of previously performed biopsies.

PCA3 test

The test (ProgensaTM PCA3 assay, Gene Probe) is highly specific and is based on an amplification method that quantifies mRNA level of both PCA3 gene and PSA gene in a patient’s urine sample.

The obtained result will give a highly useful score. A high PCA3 score indicates an increased likelihood of a positive biopsy (i.e. presence of cancer cells in the prostate) and a low PCA3 score indicates a decreased likelihood of a positive biopsy.

The test costs 810 OFAS points, actually CHF 729.-. If medical indications are clear, the test might be covered by health insurance.

What are PCA3 test advantages?

• it gives additional information that may help the decision of a first biopsy (PSA level and/or suspicious digital rectal examination inconclusive).
• it predicts the probability of a positive biopsy in men that had a negative (tumour-free) biopsy but where the suspicion for prostate cancer remains.
• it gives an information that may reduce the patient’s anxiety and can avoid useless additional biopsy or examinations.

How to interpret this test?

A high PCA3 score indicates an increased likelihood of a positive biopsy and a low PCA3 score indicates a decreased likelihood of a positive biopsy

For additional information : www.pca3.org