What is the PCA 3 exam for?

The PCA 3 test, which stands for Gene 3 of prostate cancer, is a urine test that aims to diagnose prostate cancer effectively, and it is not necessary to perform a PSA test, transrectal ultrasound or prostate biopsy so that this type of cancer is diagnosed.

In addition to allowing the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the PCA 3 exam is able to provide information about the severity of this type of cancer, being useful for the urologist to indicate the best form of treatment.

What is it for

The PCA 3 exam is requested to assist in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Currently, the diagnosis of prostate cancer is made based on the results of PSA exams, transrectal ultrasound and biopsy of the rectal tissue, however the increase in PSA is not always indicative of cancer, and may only indicate benign enlargement of the prostate. See how to understand the result of the PSA.

Thus, the PCA 3 exam provides a more accurate result when it comes to the diagnosis of prostate cancer. In addition, it is able to provide information about the severity of the cancer: the greater the result of PCA 3, the greater the probability of a prostate biopsy to be positive.

PCA 3 can also be used to monitor the patient's response to cancer treatment, telling the doctor whether the treatment is being effective or not. Usually when PCA 3 levels continue to increase even after treatment has started, it means that the treatment is not being effective, and other types of treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy, for example, are generally recommended.

When is indicated

This test is indicated for all men, but mainly for those who have suspected PSA, transrectal ultrasound or digital rectal exam results, as well as family history, even if there are no symptoms. This test can also be requested before the biopsy is performed, and it can be ruled out when the PCA 3 is found in large concentrations, or when the prostate biopsy was performed once or several times but there is no diagnostic conclusion.

PCA 3 can also be ordered by the doctor in patients who have had a prostate biopsy positive for cancer, being indicated in these cases to check the severity of prostate cancer, indicating the best form of treatment.

This test is usually not required for men who are using medications that interfere with the concentration of PSA in the blood, such as Finasteride, for example.

How is done

The PCA 3 exam is done by collecting urine after digital rectal examination, as it is necessary for prostate massage to occur in order to release this gene in the urine. This test is more specific for prostate cancer than PSA, for example, as it is not influenced by other non-cancerous diseases or by prostate enlargement.

After digital rectal examination, the urine must be collected in a proper container and sent to the laboratory for analysis, in which molecular tests are carried out to identify the presence and concentration of this gene in the urine, indicating not only prostate cancer, but also severity, which may suggest the best form of treatment. Digital rectal examination is essential for the release of this gene in the urine, otherwise the test result will not be correct. Understand how the digital rectal exam is done.

In addition to providing more specific tests for prostate cancer, this test is able to eliminate the need for a prostate biopsy, which is usually negative in about 75% of cases when the PSA is increased and the digital rectal examination indicates an enlarged prostate.

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