The Role and Significance of Bioumoral Markers in Prostate Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Prostate cancer (PCa) represents a very important health problem worldwide. Used as the main screening method for almost four decades, PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) has proven its limitations. In this review, the authors try to make an evaluation of the biomarkers commercially available and used to improve the PCa detection in patients with elevated PSA. The authors also present the current PCa screening and diagnosis protocols in Romania. ABSTRACT: The prostate is one of the most clinically accessible internal organs of the genitourinary tract in men. For decades, the only method of screening for prostate cancer (PCa) has been digital rectal examination of 1990s significantly increased the incidence and prevalence of PCa and consequently the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. In addition, the different types of oncology treatment methods have been linked to specific complications and side effects, which would affect the patient’s quality of life. In the first two decades of the 21st century, over-detection and over-treatment of PCa patients has generated enormous costs for health systems, especially in Europe and the United States. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is still the most common and accessible screening blood test for PCa, but with low sensibility and specificity at lower values (<10 ng/mL). Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary biopsies, several screening tests (blood, urine, or genetic) have been developed. This review analyzes the most used bioumoral markers for PCa screening and also those that could predict the evolution of metastases of patients diagnosed with PCa.