Evaluation of prostate‑specific antigen density in the diagnosis of prostate cancer combined with magnetic resonance imaging before biopsy in men aged 70�years and older with elevated PSA

There is an increasing proportion of individuals aged 70 years and older, as well as an increasing life expectancy worldwide. The present study may guide the management of older patients with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA). The medical records of 241 older men aged >70 years who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) before prostate biopsy (PBx) at our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Multiple variables were evaluated as predictors for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). The variables included serum PSA level, digital rectal examination, size of region of interest on mpMRI, prostate volume and PSA density. PCa was positive in 162 (67.2%). Prostate volume and PSA density were significant PCa predictors (P<0.001). In patients aged 70-75 and >75 years, PSA density was significantly higher in patients with PCa (0.21 ng/ml/cc, P=0.014 and 0.24 ng/ml/cc, P<0.001, respectively). Similarly, PSA density was significant higher in patients with significant PCa (0.24 ng/ml/cc, P=0.004 and 0.29 ng/ml/cc, P<0.001, respectively). The cut-off value of PSA density was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Area under curve of PSA density was 0.698, and the best cut-off value was 0.20 ng/ml/cc. These results indicate that the combination of PSA density with mpMRI before PBx is a helpful method and can be a decision-making model for a selection of PBx.