What is the Origin of Serum PSA Monitoring?

The term is a clinical shorthand, combining the biological source serum with the name of the biomarker, PSA. The discovery and subsequent clinical application of PSA as a tumor marker revolutionized prostate health management in the late 20th century. The Monitoring aspect emphasizes the necessity of serial measurements to track changes over time.

What is the Mechanism of Serum PSA Monitoring?

PSA functions as a protease, liquefying semen, but its clinical significance lies in its leakage into the bloodstream. In the presence of prostate tissue disruption, whether due to inflammation, enlargement, or cancer, more PSA enters the circulation. The blood test quantifies this concentration, and the rate of change (PSA velocity) or the ratio of free-to-total PSA can provide further diagnostic information for the clinician.

Serum PSA Monitoring ∞ Area

Serum PSA Monitoring

Meaning

Serum PSA Monitoring refers to the clinical practice of regularly measuring the concentration of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in a male patient’s blood serum, primarily used as a screening tool for prostate cancer and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. PSA is a glycoprotein produced by the cells of the prostate gland, and elevated or rapidly rising levels can indicate various prostate conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia or malignancy. In hormonal health, it is a crucial safety marker, particularly during androgen replacement therapy.