The utility of PSA doubling time to monitor prostate cancer recurrence

The Role and Significance of Bioumoral Markers in Prostate Cancer

The prostate is one of the most clinically accessible internal organs of the genitourinary tract in men. For decades, the only method of screening for prostate cancer (PCa) has been digital rectal examination of 1990s significantly increased the incidence and prevalence of PCa and consequently the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. In addition, the different types of oncology treatment methods have been linked to specific complications and side effects, which would affect the patient's quality of life. In the first two decades of the 21st century, over-detection and over-treatment of PCa patients has generated enormous costs for health systems, especially in Europe and the United States. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is still the most common and accessible screening blood test for PCa, but with low sensibility and specificity at lower values (<10 ng/mL). Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary biopsies, several screening tests (blood, urine, or genetic) have been developed. This review analyzes the most used bioumoral markers for PCa screening and also those that could predict the evolution of metastases of patients diagnosed with PCa.

Lung cancer. 2: screening and early diagnosis of lung cancer

Technical developments in spiral CT scanning mean that considerably smaller lung cancers can now be identified than with previous methods of detection. Only time will tell whether this enhanced capability will result in a reduction in the number of deaths from lung cancer. The implications and problems of screening for lung cancer are discussed. Screening implies a careful refinement of a range of clinical activities that must be routinely delivered in a carefully coordinated fashion to allow for the possibility of improved outcome. Critical analyses of the nuances of this process are essential if the field is to move forward.