Authors' objectives:

The aim of this review was to assess the value of PSA near patient testing by specialists for diagnosis and management of prostate cancer.

Authors' results and conclusions: To date, there was one published study that had marginally addressed the concept of PSA near patient testing. It was a pilot study of PSA testing in a pharmacy setting and was conducted in the context of screening in a city with a population of 100,000. The study failed to fully meet the eligibility criteria and did not answer the primary research questions for the current review. In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence to indicate that PSA near patient testing by specialists is superior to PSA testing in a laboratory setting. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and cost effectiveness of PSA near patient testing. Notably, although the 18 month trial currently underway in primary care setting does not include PSA testing, it could provide practical information on the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and safety of near patient testing in general.

Authors' recommendations: MSAC recommended that on the strength of evidence pertaining to the safety, effectiveness and cost effectiveness of prostate specific antigen testing for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer, the current funding arrangements remain unchanged.

Authors' methods: Systematic Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.msac.gov.au/reports.htm

Year Published: 2005

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Medical Services Advisory Committee

Contact Address: MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.

Contact Name: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Contact Email: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Copyright: Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)