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 screen men for prostate cancer. However, prostate cancer is only diagnosed by prostate biopsy which reveals whether the cancer is “indolent” (slow growing) or aggressive (clinically significant).
ExoDx Prostate(IntelliScore (common name: EPI)), is a non-invasive urine test that stratifies men for risk of aggressive prostate cancer – providing patients and doctors with more information to help in the shared decision-making discussion regarding the need for a diagnostic prostate biopsy.
About the Test
What is ExoDx Prostate(IntelliScore)(Common name: The EPI Test)?
ExoDx Prostate(IntelliScore) or The EPI Test is a simple urine test that detects three important genomic biomarkers that are markers of aggressive prostate cancer. Using this assessment, your physician can determine whether or not you should undergo a diagnostic biopsy.
Key Benefits
- Detects three important genomic biomarkers associated with aggressive prostate cancer.
- Non-invasive test that does not require a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Provides physicians with an easy-to-read score that categorizes men at low risk vs high risk of aggressive cancer.
How Does the Test Work?
If your serum PSA results combined with other risk factors suggest that you are at risk for prostate cancer, your doctor may consider the need for a diagnostic needle biopsy of the prostate. However, prior to performing the biopsy, your physician may order an EPI liquid biopsy urine test to measure three molecular genomic biomarkers associated with high-grade or aggressive prostate cancer. The EPI test is a simple, non-invasive urine test which does not require a digital rectal examination (DRE) prior to urine collection.
If the results of your EPI test indicate that you are at risk for high-grade prostate cancer, your doctor will talk to you about your options – including the possibility of proceeding with a needle biopsy of the prostate. However, if the results of your EPI test indicate that you are at low risk for high-grade prostate cancer, your physician may still decide to proceed with a tissue biopsy based on other clinical risk factors such as family history, age, ethnicity and genetic factors.
If the biopsy is positive, treatment options such as active surveillance, radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy will be discussed by your urologist.
How Can I Get the Test?
EPI is a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) offered from our CLIA certified lab. A physician's office can order the test on line here or call 844 EXOSOME (844 396 7663)
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)