Which antigen is elevated in men with prostate cancer?

The elevation of PSA, or Prostate-Specific Antigen, is specifically associated with prostate cancer in men. PSA is a protein produced primarily by the cells of the prostate gland. In the context of prostate cancer, elevated levels of PSA can indicate the presence of cancerous changes, though they can also occur due to benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.

Routine screening for PSA levels is often used in clinical practice to help detect prostate cancer early, leading to timely intervention. The significance of PSA lies not only in its utility for diagnosis but also in monitoring treatment response and disease progression in men who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Other markers such as AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein), CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen), and CA 19-9 are more commonly associated with different types of cancers, such as liver and germ cell tumors for AFP, colorectal cancer for CEA, and pancreatic cancer for CA 19-9. Their role is not specific to prostate cancer, which underscores the importance of PSA as a dedicated marker for this particular malignancy.