Prostate Cancer Testing
New types of tests help guide prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Use this resource to learn which tests may be recommended at each step in your prostate cancer journey.
See definitions of each test at the bottom of the page.
You can download a printable version of this resource here.
Early Detection
Getting Answers
Your Treatment Path
When Things Change
Throughout Your Journey
Remember: This resource is a starting point. Your health care team may recommend testing at an earlier or later stage. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Words to Know
A simple blood test that measures your level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by the prostate gland. A PSA level above 3–4 ng/mL (or 2.5 ng/mL for men in their 40s) is typically considered high. After treatment, PSA levels are checked regularly to see whether cancer is returning.
Looks for areas of the prostate (and the area around it) that might contain cancer. If a biopsy is needed, MRI can guide where samples are taken.
Look at proteins or genetic material to help decide if a biopsy is needed.
Examples: Percent free PSA, PSA density, Prostate Health Index (PHI), 4Kscore, SelectMDx, ExoDx Prostate Test, MyProstateScore (MPS), MPS 2, Stockholm3, IsoPSA
If your biopsy is negative, more tests may done to check you prostate tissue, urine, or blood. The results show if a repeat biopsy is needed.
Examples: Percent free PSA, 4Kscore, PHI, ConfirmMDx, ExoDx Prostate Test, MPS, MPS 2, IsoPSA
Used for lower-risk prostate cancers. You get regular checks and only start treatment if your cancer starts to grow or change. This helps you avoid or delay treatment side effects while keeping a close eye on the cancer.
Looks at genetic material and/or proteins in tumor tissue from a biopsy or surgery. Gives more information about how fast your cancer is likely to grow and spread and may help guide treatment decisions.
If you have radiation therapy, genomic testing may help show if you should also receive hormone therapy (ADT). If you have surgery, genomic testing may help show if you need additional treatment.
Examples: Decipher Prostate, ArteraAI Prostate Test
Tests your blood or saliva for gene changes (such as BRCA2 & BRCA1) that run in families. This can give information about how your cancer might change and help guide treatment decisions.
Checks to see if prostate cancer has spread from your prostate to your lymph nodes, bones, or organs. PSMA PET detects a protein called PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) found on prostate cancer cells. It is more sensitive and precise than older imaging methods. If PSMA PET is unavailable, your doctor can order a CT scan (to check your lymph nodes and organs) and a bone scan.
Looks for changes in the DNA and proteins of your tumor cells that can drive tumor growth. For some patients, can help guide treatment decisions. Uses tumor tissue from a prostate biopsy or surgery. If tumor tissue is unavailable, a blood sample can be tested for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
This resource was produced with support from
