A blood test can predict the risk of recurrence of prostate cancer in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy (removal of the entire prostate gland). This discovery is the result of a study conducted by Dr. Giovanni Lughezzani and the medical team of Prof. Giorgio Guazzoni, head of the Operating Unit of Urology. The research, already published in the journal ‘Urologic Oncology’, also appeared on June 15th in the blog “Renal and Urology News” of the American Urological Association (AUA).
What aspects were highlighted in the study conducted by Dr. Lughezzani?
In about 35% of patients undergoing radial prostatectomy, recurrence arises. The work conducted by Dr. Lughezzani opens up new perspectives on the early detection of neoplastic recurrence in operated patients. “Our research – says Dr. Lughezzani – shows that the PHI is able to predict the risk of recurrence with accuracy far greater than that of the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). It has allowed us to identify a concentration threshold beyond which the patient is considered a subject at risk”. This distinction is crucial for closer monitoring of patients and enables a more proper follow-up appointment schedule. The study has resulted in the admission of over 300 patients with localized prostate tumor who had been previously subjected to prostatectomy. The next step will be activating a study on a larger scale, with follow-up after two years.
