Comparative Significance of Prostate Specific Antigen (ASA) and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) in Prostatic Carcinoma

Abstract

This randomised control study was conducted at a teaching hospital to study the comparative rise of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and serum prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) levels in prostatic cancer patients and to observe any relationship between these levels with stage, grade and volume of the tumor. One hundred and thirty seven patients above the age of fifty years were studied in three batches of carcinoma prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal control. Serum PSA and serum PAP levels were estimated along with digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography and biopsies in group A &B. results showed correlation in serum PSA level rise and stage of carcinoma prostate as well as tumor volume. Serum PAP level rise was only in higher grades and bigger tumor volume. No correlation of both with tumor grade. So it is concluded that the role of serum PAP level as tumor marker for prostate cancer cannot be supported. In spite of limitations, serum PSA level is a far better although not ideal tumor marker for carcinoma of the prostate.