SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- A rapid rise in PSA levels often leads doctors to suggest biopsies, but U.S. researchers say a study shows the rise is not a good predictor of prostate cancer.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio say the rapid change in PSA levels, called PSA velocity, is not sufficient reason and other factors should be taken into account in determining a man's risk of prostate cancer and whether a biopsy is indicated, the school said in a release Thursday.
"Our conclusions are clear: PSA and other factors including race, age, family history and physical examination findings are what really matter in determining a man's risk of prostate cancer," said Ian M. Thompson of school's Cancer Therapy & Research Center.
"We found no evidence to support the recommendation that men with high PSA velocity should be biopsied in the absence of other indications; this measure should not be included in practice guidelines," the study said.
