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Early Detection of Prostate Cancer with ProPSA Testing

The proPSA test now has been validated for early detection of prostate cancer.  Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. Prostate cancer can be found by testing the amount of PSA in the blood.  PSA in the blood can either circulate freely or attach itself to blood proteins.  PSA that circulates freely is called "free PSA."  The National Cancer Institute has now validated several previous research studies which showed that a form of free PSA is found in elevated levels in early stage prostate cancer.  This form of free PSA is called proPSA.  This is an important detection tool for early stage prostate cancer.  The studies also suggest that proPSA levels may be associated with aggressive and significant forms of prostate cancer.