Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, but the nature of the tumors – and therefore the course of treatment – can vary widely. Some prostate cancers grow and spread quickly and need aggressive treatment, while others grow and spread so slowly that it can take years for symptoms to develop. The more accurately you understand the nature of your cancer, the better equipped you are to choose the right treatment.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is currently used to diagnose prostate cancer, but it doesn’t give any information about how aggressive the cancer is. As a result, men often must undergo additional, more invasive tests, including digital rectal exams and biopsies, to determine treatment course.
ExoDx Prostate(IntelliScore), available now, is a non-invasive urine test that accurately predicts the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Our test will provide you and your doctor with the information necessary to determine the best course of action for treating your cancer.
About the Test
What is ExoDx Prostate(IntelliScore)?
ExoDx Prostate(IntelliScore) is a simple urine test that detects three important genetic biomarkers that can identify the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. Using this assessment, your physician can determine whether or not you should undergo an initial biopsy or continue to be monitored for disease progression. Treatment for prostate cancer can have unpleasant and disruptive side effects like impotence and incontinence, so for many men with slow-growing tumors, active surveillance may be a better choice.
Key Benefits
- Detects three important genetic biomarkers that can identify aggressive prostate cancer.
- Non-invasive test that does not require a digital rectal exam.
- Provides physicians with an easy-to-read score that corresponds to the Gleason Score. The Gleason Score is the measure used to grade cancer cells in biopsied tissue.
- Shown to accurately identify the presence of aggressive prostate cancer in a large, multi-center trial.
How Does the Test Work?
If your PSA result suggests that you might have prostate cancer, your doctor will be able to use our liquid biopsy test to look for three genetic biomarkers that appear in the urine of men with high-grade or aggressive prostate cancer. It’s a simple, non-invasive urine test, so you don’t have to undergo a digital rectal exam or premature surgical biopsy.
If the results of your test indicate that you do have high-grade prostate cancer, your doctor will talk to you about your treatment options. You may need additional tests to determine the extent of the cancer and its stage. If the results do not indicate the presence of a high-grade tumor, your physician may discuss the possibility of active surveillance rather than a tissue biopsy.
How Can I Get the Test?
You can order the test here.
About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer, and more than a quarter of a million men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year in the U.S. Risk factors include age, race and family history of prostate cancer.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm cells and is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Nearly all prostate cancers begin in the gland cells that make prostate fluid. This is called an adenocarcinoma. Some prostate cancers can grow and spread quickly, but most grow very slowly. In fact, most men are likely to die of other causes before becoming symptomatic.
Early prostate cancer is generally asymptomatic while advanced prostate cancer can cause frequent urination, the feeling that the urethra is blocked and blood in the semen. However, it is important to remember that some of these symptoms also occur with benign enlargement of the prostate. If you do experience these symptoms please consult your doctor.
Resources for Patients
Learn More About Prostate Cancer
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate
Find fact sheets and publications on prostate cancer and its prevention, screening and treatment as well as patient resources and access to clinical trials.
American Cancer Society
1 800-227-2345
www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer
Get information about prostate cancer statistics, screening, symptoms and treatment. National and local affiliates support research and policy, and provide accurate information about cancer prevention and treatment, support groups, survivorship care plans and other tools.
Prostate Cancer Information and Support Services
Prostate Cancer Foundation (formerly CaPCURE)
1-800-757-CURE (1-800-757-2873)
info@pcf.org
www.pcf.org
Provides information on prostate cancer and treatment options as well as patient guides and survivor stories.
US Too International, Inc.
1-800-80-US-TOO (1-800-808-7866)
ustoo@ustoo.org
www.ustoo.org
Offers information about all stages of prostate cancer, different treatment options, new research findings and current clinical trials, and some referrals to local support groups.
ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer
1-888-245-9455
info@zerocancer.org
www.zerocancer.org
Find education materials, links to resources, as well as advocacy, awareness events and fundraising.
General Cancer Information and Support Services
National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service
1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER)
www.cancer.gov
Live help line provides accurate, up-to-date information about cancer to patients, their families and the general public; also helps people find clinical trials in their area.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
1-888-650-9127
1-877-622-7937 (1-877-NCCS-YES) for publications and Cancer Survivor Toolbox® orders
info@canceradvocacy.org
www.canceradvocacy.org
Offers information on work, health insurance and more. The Cancer Survival Toolbox is a free, self-learning audio program to help cancer survivors and caregivers develop practical skills needed to deal with the diagnosis, treatment and challenges of cancer. Listen online or order CDs. Also available in Spanish and Chinese.
Cancer Support Community
1-888-793-9355
help@cancersupportcommunity.org
www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Provides support groups, counseling, education and healthy lifestyle programs for cancer patients.
Patient Advocate Foundation
1-800-532-5274
www.patientadvocate.org
Provides patients with debilitating diseases with arbitration, mediation and negotiation services to settle issues with access to care, medical debt and insurance.
Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials.gov
https://clinical.trials.gov/
Searchable database that provides patients, family members and the public with information about current ongoing clinical research studies.
Sources
American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer
National Cancer Institute. Prostate Cancer
National Cancer Institute. Prostate Cancer PDQ®
The Mayo Clinic. Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
The Mayo Clinic. Prostate Cancer Screening: Should You Get a PSA Test?
Billing Information
Questions from healthcare providers or patients can be directed to our main number at 844 EXOSOME (844 396 7663)