PHYSIOLOGICAL VARIATIONS OF SERUM TESTOSTERONE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE DO NOT AFFECT SERUM PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN

Objectives. To determine the relationship between endogenous total ser um testosterone levels and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) conce ntrations, If a correlation exists between these two parameters, then use of testosterone-specific reference ranges may enhance the utility of PSA as a marker for prostate cancer. Methods, Data were obtained fr om 150 men without previous history of prostate cancer. PSA was measur ed by the Abbott IMX microparticle enzyme immunoassay and total testos terone determined by the Coat-A-Count radioimmunoassay. Results, No co rrelation was found between testosterone and PSA, even when corrected for age and weight. Conclusions, The data suggest that determination o f the total serum testosterone level does not improve the sensitivity or specificity of PSA as a tumor marker.