Higher PSA Trajectory Associated with Metastasis and Death Risk
The study included 729 patients who were divided into four groups based on their PSA at diagnosis. All patients had rising PSA during 9 months of follow-up.
Patients in the higher PSA groups (PSA levels of 17, 61, and 513 ng/mL) had a greater risk for metastasis and death when compared to the group with the lowest PSA levels (7 ng/mL). There was a 1.5- to 3.5-fold increased risk of metastasis and a 1.9- to 4.5-fold greater risk of death for men in the higher PSA groups.
This data further supports the need to find better guidance for treating patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
The findings were presented at the 2018 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco in February.
Non-metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer has not yet spread outside the prostate, but the disease is already resistant to hormonal therapy. Men with this type of prostate cancer see their PSA levels rise, indicating the cancer continues to grow. Recent trials have looked at new drug treatment options for men in this category. See “Promising Results with Prostate Cancer Drugs for Men with Early-Stage Disease” in the Spring 2018 QUEST.