PCA3 is a genetic test that may help detect the presence of prostateThe prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bla... Full Definition cancerCancer is a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally an... Full Definition. Unlike Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), PCA3 is prostate cancer-specific. The test is not accurate enough on its own to produce a diagnosis, but it may provide helpful additional information.
Who is this test best for?
Doctors might recommend this test to men to determine if they need to undergo a repeat biopsy during active surveillance, or if they have had a negative biopsy and yet have elevated PSA levels that suggest cancer.
What to Expect
This test is performed on urine taken after a digital rectal exam. The urine will be tested for the presence of the Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) gene, which is known to be elevated in most forms of prostate cancer.
Who orders or performs the test?
What are common side effects?
None