Prostatic manipulation has a minimal effect on complexed prostate-specific antigen levels

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of prostatic manipulation on complexed prostate-specific antigen (cPSA), as various forms of prostatic manipulation are known to increase the serum free and total PSA level.

Patients and methods: A series of 92 men (58 after prostatic biopsy, 16 after digital rectal examination and 18 after flexible cystoscopy) were assessed. Blood samples were taken from each patient before and 30 min after manipulation. Total and cPSA levels were measured using appropriate assays, respectively.

Results: There was no significant increase in cPSA levels after flexible cystoscopy and digital rectal examination, but prostate biopsy caused a statistically significant although minimal rise in cPSA level. There was no statistically significant increase in cPSA level after prostate biopsy in patients with prostate cancer (P = 0. 35) although there was a statistically significant but minimal rise in cPSA level in patients with benign histology (P < 0.01, mean increase 2.13 ng/mL) compared with that of total PSA, which increased markedly (P < 0.01, mean increase 19.79 ng/mL).

Conclusion: Prostatic manipulation has minimal effects on cPSA levels.