Correlation of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Prostate Volume, and Histology in Ugandan Males

Background
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in African men and is increasing in low- and middle-income countries. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a tumor marker for prostate cancer. However, PSA alone does not provide sufficient sensitivity and specificity in assessing prostate malignancy. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between age, PSA, and prostate malignancy.

Objective
We sought to determine the correlation between age, PSA, prostate volume (PV), and histology.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of male patients at a rural Ugandan hospital who had undergone prostate biopsy. Age, presence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), PSA, and PV were recorded. A univariate logistic regression model was used to test the probability of PSA, PV, and age to predict benign or malignant prostate histology. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
PSA and age were shown to be significant predictors of histology. PSA values >78 ng/mL were also shown to be predictive of malignancy. PV was not a significant predictor of malignant prostate histology.

Conclusions
Our analysis demonstrates that increasing age and elevated PSA levels are significant predictors of prostate malignancy. Larger analyses are needed to determine the correlation between age, PSA, PV, and histology.