Connect
New type of test for PSA: Prostate Screening EpiSwitch (PSE) test
First of all I want to thank all of those that responded. I has helped me in my fear and anxiety of what route to take.
Have any of you heard of the following new test called the Prostate Screening EpiSwitch (PSE) test that is showing promise as a more accurate alternative.
As reported the PSE test demonstrated 94% accuracy, significantly reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies compared to PSA testing alone.
The PSE test aims to be minimally invasive and cost-effective, making it suitable for both diagnostic and screening purposes.
I value your opinion.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Would like to hear from men that have had the "New type of test for PSA: Prostate Screening EpiSwitch (PSE) test." How do the results compare with the PSA Ultrasensitive or normal PSA test? How did you Oncologist view the results?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIt’s not a new type of PSA test. It is a specific test to see if you’ve got prostate cancer “bits” circulating in your bloodstream. That way, you know whether or not a biopsy would make sense. It’s Not a substitute for the PSA test.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsJeff,
Thanks for the clarification reply. I am monitoring PSA using the Ultrasensitive test post radical prostatectomy and seeing a rise (still below 0.1). Scans have not revealed anything. Do you know if Medcare will cover any of the costs of the PSE test?
Ralph
Jeff - thank you for the clarification- your knowledge is amazing and your answers are so helpful.
I’m in the situation where my PSA is 0.21, a PSMA PET and FDG PET showed no sign of cancer. My Oncologist suggested it may be due to the scenario you described- prostate cancer bits circulating after radical prostatectomy.
The Doc didn’t mention the PSE test but it sounds like it could help me decide if I should start SRT or wait. Is the PSE test available to most Oncologists?
I had a PSE after my PSA went to around 12 , it came back in the 90% range of my having High Risk aggressive Prostate Cancer, the following Biopsy confirmed the PSE findings. When in doubt your Urologist orders a PSE. I credit the PSE in helping to find my Prostate Cancer earlier.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsThe FDA has approved this test so it should be covered if your doctor orders it.
Have you had any treatment yet? If you’ve had a prostatectomy than a .21 is the point at which you should be getting salvage radiation or Start looking for spots with a pet test as you’ve already done.
The problem is that the pet test is not detecting metastasis below 2.7 mm, And according to a UCSF Radiation oncologist They have a problem, even if it’s 5 mm or less.
As a result, salvaged radiation may make sense. I had it and it gave me 2 1/2 more years before the cancer came back.
If you had radiation, then that is not a significant number.
Here are some information about when you should get salvage radiation if you’ve had a prostatectomy. This is from ASCO, They hold the major prostate cancer treatment conventions for doctors.
From Ascopubs about what PSA to do salvage radiation.
≤0.2 ng/mL: Starting at this level maximizes disease control and long-term survival. Patients treated at PSA < 0.2 ng/mL achieve higher rates of undetectable post-SRT PSA (56-70%) and improved 5-year progression-free survival (62.7-75%). Delaying SRT beyond PSA ≥0.25 ng/mL increases mortality risk by ~50%.
0.2–0.5 ng/mL: Still effective, particularly for patients with low-risk features (e.g., Gleason ≤7, slow PSA doubling time). The Journal of Clinical Oncology recommends SRT before PSA exceeds 0.25 ng/mL to preserve curative potential.
0.5–1.0 ng/mL: Salvage radiation remains beneficial but may require combining with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for higher-risk cases.
The ultrasensitive test may actually be testing down to 0.01 rather than just 0.1. If your PSA is undetectable down to 0.01, then I can't imagine an epigenetic component adding any extra info — its main *approved* use is for reducing false positives during routine PSA screening (i.e. if you have a borderline PSA like 10, it can help determine whether it's more or less likely to be cancer related).
The makers are also pushing to have it used for surveillance of existing cancer — even there, though, I didn't think it would matter unless/until you had rising PSA. PSA is the primary indicator, and EpiSwitch is just an extra refinement to help determine how serious rising PSA is.