Value of prostate-specific antigen in the staging of TRaiwanese patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer

Records of 71 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were reviewed retrospectively regarding clinical stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, CT scan of pelvis, bone scan, and pelvic lymph node dissection. Fourteen patients had pelvic lymphadenopathy based on the CT scan. Of these, no patient had a PSA level <4 ng/mL, 1 patient had a PSA level between 4 and 10 ng/mL, and 3 had a PSA level between 10 and 20 ng/mL. Twelve of 13 patients with positive bone scan results had a PSA level >20 ng/mL, and 1 patient had a PSA level between 10 and 20 ng/mL. PSA can be cost-effective in selecting and identifying appropriate staging for patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. CT scans are not indicated in men with clinical localized prostate cancer when PSA levels are less than or equal to10 ng/mL. Bone scan is not required for staging asymptomatic men with PSA levels of less than or equal to20 ng/mL. Pelvic lymphadenectomy for localized prostate cancer may not be necessary if PSA levels is less than or equal to20 ng/mL and Gleason score is less than or equal to5.