Abstract
The use of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer is controversial because of its modest predictive value and the potential overdiagnosis and over-treatment of the disease. A research article in this issue of Science Translational Medicine describes single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in or near six genes that are independently associated with serum PSA concentrations and that help to explain interindividual PSA variation. Three of these SNPs are also associated with prostate biopsy outcomes. These findings are an important step toward incorporating genetic markers into PSA screening, with the ultimate goal of devising personalized PSA tests for use in the clinic.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Comment
MeSH terms
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Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
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Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
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Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
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Genetic Markers / genetics*
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Humans
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Kallikreins / genetics
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Male
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics
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Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood*
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Prostatic Neoplasms / blood
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Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
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Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
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Prostatic Secretory Proteins / genetics
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Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2 / genetics
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T-Box Domain Proteins / genetics
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Telomerase / genetics
Substances
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Biomarkers, Tumor
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Genetic Markers
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Prostatic Secretory Proteins
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T-Box Domain Proteins
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TBX3 protein, human
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beta-microseminoprotein
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FGFR2 protein, human
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Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2
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TERT protein, human
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Telomerase
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KLK3 protein, human
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Kallikreins
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Prostate-Specific Antigen