Published Jan 2025
Proclarix: Advancing Prostate Cancer Screening
By Dr. Peter Moule
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting men, and early detection is vital to improving outcomes. For years, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test has been the cornerstone of screening. However, interpreting PSA levels can be challenging, especially in the “grey zone,” where results are elevated but not definitively diagnostic of cancer. This is where Proclarix has proven to be a game changer.
What is Proclarix?
Proclarix is an advanced screening tool designed to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of PSA testing. By incorporating biomarkers and risk-based algorithms, Proclarix provides an additional layer of analysis that helps distinguish between benign conditions and potential prostate cancers. This is particularly valuable for patients with PSA levels in the grey zone, a range of serum PSA levels between 4.1 and 10 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). It’s called the grey zone because there are many clinical conditions that can cause PSA levels to increase to this amount, including: prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and age-related changes, in these cases decisions on further investigation can be challenging.
Why do I find Proclarix transformative?
As a GP, I have found Proclarix invaluable, particularly for cases that previously would have required a “watch and wait” approach or invasive biopsies to clarify the diagnosis. Here are some of the key benefits I’ve observed:
- Clarity in uncertainty:
Proclarix shines in situations where PSA results are ambiguous. With its ability to refine risk assessment, Proclarix offers greater confidence in determining which patients may require further investigation, such as an MRI or biopsy, and which can be safely monitored. - Early detection of treatable cancers:
I have personally seen how Proclarix helps uncover early-stage cancers that might otherwise have been missed. - Reducing unnecessary interventions:
One of the major challenges of PSA testing has been its lack of specificity, leading to false positives and unnecessary procedures. Proclarix helps address this by providing a more nuanced understanding of risk, sparing patients the physical and emotional burden of invasive diagnostics when they aren’t truly needed. - Improved patient confidence:
Patients often feel anxious about elevated PSA levels, especially when the next steps aren’t clear. Proclarix provides reassurance by offering a detailed, evidence-based risk assessment, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.
Real-world examples
I recently had a patient with a PSA level of 7.2 ng/mL—squarely in the grey zone. Before Proclarix, this result might have led to invasive testing and heightened anxiety. With Proclarix’s detailed risk assessment, we confirmed a low likelihood of clinically significant cancer, allowing for conservative monitoring, sparing the patient an unnecessary biopsy while ensuring close follow-up.
In another case, Proclarix identified a high risk of significant cancer in a patient with a PSA level of just 3.0 ng/mL. An MRI then confirmed the presence of bi-lobar prostate cancer. Thanks to early detection, the patient underwent rapid curative treatment, resulting in a highly positive outcome.
The future of prostate cancer screening
Proclarix represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer diagnostics. By refining the interpretation of PSA levels, it bridges the gap between traditional testing and more sophisticated imaging and biopsy techniques. For GPs like me, it has become an indispensable tool in managing patients with elevated PSA levels.
The ultimate goal of prostate cancer screening is to catch cancers early while avoiding overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Proclarix aligns perfectly with this objective, helping clinicians like myself navigate the complexities of PSA testing with greater precision and confidence.
As we continue to embrace innovation in medicine, tools like Proclarix remind us of the power of combining advanced science with patient-centred care to achieve the best possible outcomes.