Hi, My latest PSA test was "undetectable at <0.05"? Is it reasonable to insist on a more precise result to better gauge my risk and prognosis? My MO at Stanford said this is their standard ultra sensitive test and I should continue it at their lab.
I've noticed many of you reference scores between 0.05 and 0.01 hence I'm wondering where I am in that spectrum.
A more precise score probably wouldn't change my immediate treatment plans (EBRT + 12-18 months of ADT+Zytiga), but I've seen some studies that show better odds based on nadir so I assume a <0.01 is better than a <0.05.
I don't think ultra sensitive is necessary since the threshold for a treatment decision/change is well above the level you are at now. All it will do is give you more Prostate Specific Anxiety which you don't need.
That's my opinion, not a doctor's so you could discuss it with your doctor.
Ultrasensitive PSAs are useless for you now. PSA will hopefully remain below 0.2. It will only cause anxiety to watch the extra decimal points and will make no difference in wen or what you do for your next treatment.
Good morning PGD 🌞I agree with Gregg and Tall. Why stress out when it’s that low? On 12/31/18 my PSA went up slightly from undetectable (<0.01) to 0.12. I’ll go back to the Mayo in Jax on 2/5 for an update on it, Guardant genomic testing, and a PET scan to see if there’s any new bone tumor activity...all just precautionary. I’m not sweating it, and I refuse to allow it to drive me crazy in the meantime. I’ve already discussed it at length with my oncologist. He was very reassuring. We will deal with anything that comes up when it happens. Meanwhile, I still feel pretty good. In fact, after I finish this I’m going out to the driving range to hit a couple of buckets of golf balls. Trust your M.O. and go out and enjoy the day! 😎
Dr. Myers always recommended getting an ultra sensitive test, the one I’ve been getting from Labcorp goes as low as <0.006, fortunately that’s where I’ve been holding for quite a while now. The test doesn’t give me anxiety, and I’d rather know ASAP when things start trending upward to plot the next line of treatment.
Less than < just means that your PSA is less than the lowest level that particular test can measure. So it is considered undetectable by that test.
Different labs use different testing methods, some measure to a lower level than others. Labcorp ultra sensitive is the lowest I’ve come across. That’s the one I use.
I should have said that I have reached my Nadar but the test is not accurate enough to give me a solid value. Last PSA from Labcorp was <.006
Undetectable or <0.1 is all I need. I asked my MO ten years ago and he reply was simple, “my decisions are based on standard testing, why put you through the stress. Besides, you will always have some PSA registered, not related to your prostate cancer.”
Did you have prostate removed? I have been < .006 and yesterday got a read of <.014 and this is lab corps ultra sensitive. Dr said not to worry cause still undetectable
Mike, no, I have seeds and a short course of IMRT as primary treatment. As your MO said you are undetectable. Defined as <0.1. Note, even w/o a prostate, you will always some measurable degree of what is called prostate antigen (PSA) from other sources. My guy told me that uPSA testing serves to cause worry in patients as PSA fluctuates in minute quantities and many, even physicians, do not know how to interpret the result. So, as long as you are below 0.1, you are good to go.
With a p3b N0 MX July 2009 and a recent PSA of <.006 and no standard treatment since surgery, PSA test as far as I'm concerned is not accurate or precise enough. If I reach the PSA level of females would that be considered a near cure?
Quest diagnostics goes down to 0.02, but with the successful Zytiga + radiation you did, I expect it will be a long time before you will need another PSA. Enjoy your remission. Enjoy life.
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Confused by PSA tests -- Husband's PSA for past 3 yrs: <0.1; now (8/10/19) reported 0.05. 
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