NOVEL METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING BENIGN PROSTATIC DISEASES

摘要

The present invention relates to novel methods for diagnosing benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy, in a male human patient without requiring a biopsy. The total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. If the patient has a total PSA level of between about 2,5 ng/ml and 10.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient is measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25 %, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD. Optionally, if the patient has a total PSA level of between 10.1 ng/ml and 20.0 ng/ml, then the free PSA level in the blood or serum of the patient can also be measured. The proportion of free PSA to total PSA is calculated. If this proportion is equal to or greater than about 25 %, then the patient is diagnosed as having BPD.