[sidebar] THE TEST: PCA3 WHO’S A CANDIDATE: A man with a higher-than-normal PSA level WHAT IT MEASURES: Determines urinary levels of prostate cancer gene 3, which is found only in cancerous prostate cells. A PCA3 score of 25 or lower means a biopsy likely isn’t needed; anything higher warrants a closer look. Unlike PSA levels, PCA3 levels are not influenced by benign conditions such as an enlarged prostate. “PCA3 testing can be very helpful for men in the biopsy gray area,” says Dr. Wolf. AVAILABILITY: Widely available COST: $250 to $700 with insurance; $700 without (projected to come down) THE TEST: PROLARIS WHO’S A CANDIDATE: A newly diagnosed man whose prostate biopsy detects cancer WHAT IT MEASURES: Analyzes genes of cancer cells removed in a biopsy to predict how aggressive a tumor is (based on how quickly cells divide), which can help a patient and doctor decide if surgery or other treatment is necessary. Clinical studies have shown this lab test to be an accurate estimate of tumor aggressiveness. AVAILABILITY: Widely available COST: Less than $375 with insurance; $3,400 without (Medicare coverage expected by 2014) More from Prevention: Sleep Off Prostate Cancer?
