Early prostate cancer antigen-2

Overview
Early prostate cancer antigen-2 (EPCA-2) is a protein of which blood levels are elevated in prostate cancer. It appears to provide more accuracy in identifying early prostate cancer than the standard prostate cancer marker, PSA.

EPCA-2 versus PSA
The steady decrease in prostate cancer mortality is indirect evidence that the early detection using serum PSA and rectal examination saves lives. However using serum PSA in screening for prostate cancer remains controversial, because of its low specificity.

Leman and colleagues describe, in the April 2007 issue of Urology, the performance characteristic of EPCA-2, a novel nuclear protein marker for prostate cancer cells.

A study was initiated which suggested that the EPCA-2 protein serum assay exhibits favorable performance characteristics which are potentially superior to serum PSA. However more studies are necessary to see if this test will retain its sensitivity when used in a screening population.