So you do this test and now you know you have GG2 and AS is may not be an option ALTHOUGH you could have just a small amount of 3+4??!! You'll avoid any additional Bx's until GG2 shows up, but really - how many is that? We're in fantasy land here.
What you do now know is that you're at least GG2. The only way you'd know your exact Grade Group would be to 1) get surgery, or 2) get a biopsy. Will you plunge into surgery... we hope not if you learned anything from us.
So really - what's the bottom line here. Personally, I don't get the fuss. Much ado about zippo.
I called the company and was surprised to find out they will provide the MPS2 test for anyone right now for free. FREE. They will send you an email that you take to your urologist. The urologist has to use the information to contact the company. The company will send the urologist the urine test kit along with sampling instructions, and free next day FedEx delivery package to return the urine sample to the company. Prior to given a urine sample the patient needs to have his prostate stimulated by the urologist using a digital rectal exam approach. We know from public studies that touching the prostate with a digital retro exam can stimulate the prostate to increase its release of prostate specific antigen. The company will then process the urine sample in about 4 to 6 days and send the test results information via email or fax or portal to the urologist. I’ve already asked the company to email me the information that I need to provide to my urologist and I am anxious to have the test conducted and get my results.
Thanks for the question. I am planning a follow-up in which I may get at this. Two years ago, I was in touch with the lead author, Dr. Jeff Tosoian, and asked him something related. He told me: "I have always pointed towards PSA density (or some measure of prostate volume) and number of positive cores as by far the most predictive clinical factors for reclassification. All surveillance series that can measure density and number of cores have reported the same conclusions."
Gents - think this one through a little.
So you do this test and now you know you have GG2 and AS is may not be an option ALTHOUGH you could have just a small amount of 3+4??!! You'll avoid any additional Bx's until GG2 shows up, but really - how many is that? We're in fantasy land here.
What you do now know is that you're at least GG2. The only way you'd know your exact Grade Group would be to 1) get surgery, or 2) get a biopsy. Will you plunge into surgery... we hope not if you learned anything from us.
So really - what's the bottom line here. Personally, I don't get the fuss. Much ado about zippo.
usually these tests don't end up have real life benefits, so your comment seems worth thinking about
BTW, dumb question, why is PSAD not used more frequently... the literature seems to make a strong case for that avoiding biopsy and surgery?
Not a dumb question, but one that;s been answered: https://howardwolinsky.substack.com/p/yale-urologic-oncologist-michael
Great article! Very timely and very important.
I called the company and was surprised to find out they will provide the MPS2 test for anyone right now for free. FREE. They will send you an email that you take to your urologist. The urologist has to use the information to contact the company. The company will send the urologist the urine test kit along with sampling instructions, and free next day FedEx delivery package to return the urine sample to the company. Prior to given a urine sample the patient needs to have his prostate stimulated by the urologist using a digital rectal exam approach. We know from public studies that touching the prostate with a digital retro exam can stimulate the prostate to increase its release of prostate specific antigen. The company will then process the urine sample in about 4 to 6 days and send the test results information via email or fax or portal to the urologist. I’ve already asked the company to email me the information that I need to provide to my urologist and I am anxious to have the test conducted and get my results.
So, if you already have a confirmed 3+4 by biopsy, what is the benefit of this test?
Very interesting concept. Given my PSA history I may look into this as another tool to assist me in the decision making process. Richard
Can this work in conjunction with PSAD to avoid even more biopsies?
Thanks for the question. I am planning a follow-up in which I may get at this. Two years ago, I was in touch with the lead author, Dr. Jeff Tosoian, and asked him something related. He told me: "I have always pointed towards PSA density (or some measure of prostate volume) and number of positive cores as by far the most predictive clinical factors for reclassification. All surveillance series that can measure density and number of cores have reported the same conclusions."