Dr. Gomella on the Role of PSA in Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, professor, chair, Department of Urology, director, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Network, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, discusses the role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in the early detection of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer remains controversial when it comes to screening, Gomella explains. According to data, PSA screening has resulted in a dramatic reduction of the number of cases of late-stage diagnosed prostate cancer to 3% or 4%, Gomella explains.

However, there are some professional organizations still do not advocate for prostate cancer screening. Gomella believes it is important for physicians to have an ongoing dialogue that studies support the role of PSA-based screening in prostate cancer and help detect disease early, especially since there is no prevention for prostate cancer today. However, through early detection, there is a higher curative rate with that disease.