Diagnostics
PCA3
Cessation of PCA3 Testing
This bulletin is to inform you that due to the discontinuation of reagents from the supplier, Dynacare will no longer offer PCA3 testing, effective December 31, 2020. Any samples received prior to this date will be tested and reported. For any questions, contact us at 888.988.1888 or DynacareGenetics@dynacare.ca.
Please note however, that Les Cliniques Marois will continue to offer you other diagnostic exams related to prostate cancer, such as PSA, physical exam and transperineal prostate biopsy (https://www.lescliniquesmaroisurologue.ca/en/diagnostics/perineal-prostate-biopsy/) – with or without MRI fusion. (https://www.lescliniquesmaroisurologue.ca/en/diagnostics/prostate-biopsy-via-a-perineal-approach/ )
How to interpret the results of the PCA3 test?
The PCA3 test is simple: after a digital rectal exam, cancerous cells with high levels of PCA3 are evicted from the prostate and into the urine. A urine sample is then collected. This urine sample is sent to a WARNEX private laboratory that determines the PCA3 score. A high PCA3 score indicates an increased likelihood of the presence of cancerous cells, that is to say the presence of cancerous cells in the prostate. A low PCA3 score indicates a decrease in the probability of the presence of cancerous cells. If the PCA3 score is low, the biopsy can be deferred or avoided. PCA3 thus avoids many unnecessary first biopsies along with the discomfort and potential complications (pain, bleeding and infection) that arise from them.
The PCA3 test can also be performed in men who have already had one or more negative biopsies. This allows us to predict the likelihood that a repeat biopsy would be positive, or to assess the need for a repeat biopsy.
The PCA3 test can also be performed in men who have already had one or more negative biopsies. This allows us to predict the likelihood that a repeat biopsy would be positive, or to assess the need for a repeat biopsy.