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ABSTRACT: ObjectiveProstate cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While the predisposing factors are not fully understood,
African descent is an important risk factor, and prostate cancer has become the number-one cancer in Nigerian men. This was
a retrospective study of the correlation between serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and Gleason grade and score in patients
of Nigerian descent.
Patients and MethodsThe University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan Cancer Registry was used to identify and quantify the incidence of prostate cancers
occurring between 1998 and 2000. The histological slides of appropriate cases were reviewed to confirm the Gleason grade and
score. The serum PSA values were retrieved from the patients' case notes and laboratory files. The data obtained were subjected
to statistical analysis to look for associations and correlations.
ResultsThe study included 67 men with prostate adenocarcinoma and PSA measurements who were diagnosed and treated at the UCH Ibadan
between January 1998 and December 2000. There was a positive correlation between serum PSA and Gleason grade, as well as between
serum PSA and Gleason score in our cohort of Nigerian African men with prostate cancer. PSA levels were significantly lower
in patients with stage B disease than in patients with stage D disease.
ConclusionSerum PSA is significantly higher in metastatic than in localized disease. Further studies are necessary to determine biomarkers
that complement serum PSA and the Gleason grading system in the prognostication of prostate cancer in African patients.
African Journal of Urology 04/2012; 14(1):15-22.
