Efficacy of Repeated Transrectal Prostate Biopsy in Men Younger Than 50 Years With an Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentration (>3.0 ng/mL): Risks and Benefits Based on Biopsy Results and Follow-up Status

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 50 years. Digital rectal examination (DRE) and measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations are standard screening methods for detecting prostate cancer. We retrospectively investigated the risks and benefits of repeated transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate needle biopsies in relation to the follow-up status of men younger than 50 years with a consistently high PSA concentration (>3.0 ng/mL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period from January 2000 through February 2013, we reviewed patient's ages, dates of procedures, DRE results, frequencies of biopsies, results of the biopsies, periods of follow-up, PSA concentrations, and prostate volumes in Chonbuk National University Hospital records. We conducted telephone interviews in patients who did not undergo regular follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 44.7 years, and the mean PSA concentration was 8.59 ng/mL (range, 3.04-131 ng/mL) before biopsy. The PSA concentration was significantly different (p3.0 ng/mL).