Dr. Leonard Gomella Discusses PSA Velocity

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, Bernard W. Godwin Jr. professor of prostate cancer and chairman of the Department of Urology, director of Clinical Affairs, Jefferson Kimmel Cancer Center, explains that physicians and researchers are beginning to learn more about how to use changes in PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels, also known as PSA velocity, to determine treatments for patients with prostate cancer.

Gomella notes that while the individual PSA level itself is important, especially if high, the PSA velocity may be a better indicator of how to treat patients with prostate cancer. If the number increases by more than 0.4 ng/ml per year there may be a need to conduct a biopsy or begin treatment. If the velocity remains flat the patient may be an ideal candidate for active surveillance.

Velocity offers insight into how to accurately treat a patient, but it remains important to consider multiple factors when determining treatment.