Serum concentrations of prostate-specific antigen after diagnostic procedures and transurethral microwave thermotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

The objective was to study the effects of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration. Urethrocystoscopy in combination with digital rectal examination was followed by a moderate increase of serum PSA for 7–10 days. At 1 day after transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), an acute and pronounced effect on PSA was observed, which returned to baseline level after 4 weeks. The initial rise in serum PSA corresponded to a PSA density of 1.11, compared to 0.07 at baseline. The present data should be taken into consideration in conjunction with endoscopic evaluation of the lower urinary tract. Additionally, the acute effect on PSA after TUMT strongly suggests the ability of thermo therapy to induce cellular injury and death. One-year follow-up, however, was associated with increased PSA levels, indicating that only a minor part of the PSA-producing compartment was lost in the acute phase.

Key Words:

• cystoscopy
• heating
• prostate
• PSA