How variability in PSA levels affects prostate cancer risk assessment and biopsy decisions

Influence of intra-individual variability in serial screening samples on clinical decision-making for risk stratification and biopsy by a single PSA and additional markers

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10898687

This study is looking at how changes in PSA levels can help doctors make better decisions about prostate cancer risk and whether a biopsy is needed, aiming to make testing more accurate and avoid unnecessary procedures for men with different PSA levels.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898687 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how fluctuations in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels can influence clinical decisions regarding prostate cancer risk stratification and the need for biopsies. By analyzing serial screening samples, the study aims to improve the accuracy of PSA testing and reduce unnecessary procedures. It also explores the role of additional markers, such as microseminoprotein-ß, in enhancing the predictive power of PSA measurements. The goal is to provide a more reliable assessment of prostate cancer risk, particularly for men with varying PSA levels over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men undergoing PSA testing for prostate cancer screening, particularly those with fluctuating PSA levels.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer or those who are not undergoing PSA testing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate prostate cancer risk assessments, reducing unnecessary biopsies and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using statistical models to enhance PSA testing specificity, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in prostate cancer detection.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.