Abstract

ALLEPUZ LOSA, C.; BORQUE FERNANDO, Á.  and  RIOJA SANZ, L.A.. ¿Which is the most appropriate diagnostic algorithm for prostate cancer screening?. Actas Urol Esp [online]. 2005, vol.29, n.5, pp.465-472. ISSN 0210-4806.

Since the use of PSA to detect prostate cancer was generalised in the late 1980’s, prostate cancer diagnosis has increased considerably. Although there is now indirect evidence pointing to the beneficial effect of screening, there are no data justifying PSA screening in the general population. There is also a controversy concerning the most appropriate algorithm, should screening be performed. Therefore, our aim was to review the literature and, based on our experience, attempt to define the best algorithm for prostate cancer screening. We have made a search on Medline using the following terms: prostate biopsy, screening, algorithms, radical prostatectomy, PSA and prostate cancer. After analysing the literature, we can confirm that there is no "definitive" algorithm, due to the rapid appearance and use of new technical and biological breakthroughs, although it appears that at this time, without ceasing to include a rectal examination, more value should be given to personal risk factors, including PSA, at ages under 50, with individual monitoring based on these factors. The algorithms applied to a population have first to be validated for the population concerned.

Keywords : Prostate cancer; Screening; Prostate biopsy; PSA; Early diagnosis.

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