EARLY DETECTION OF PROSTATE-CANCER

Background: In the USA, prostate cancer is the most frequently and in Germany the second most frequently diagnosed tumor of man. At the time of diagnosis metastases are found in 40 % of all patients, and a loca lly advanced tumor is present in 30 %. An organ-confined tumor is foun d only in 30 %. Therefore in 70 % of the patients merely palliative tr eatment is possible, since only organ-confined tumors are curable. Con clusions: These data underline the great importance of the early detec tion of prostate cancer. Today for early detection most frequently the digital rectal examination and the determination of the PSA (prostate -specific antigen) value are used. A great number of studies revealed that PSA is superior to digital rectal examination, and the best resul ts are obtained by combining both methods. Because of the superiority of the PSA determination as tumor marker the analysis of prostatic aci d phosphatase is not recommended any longer.