THE USE OF TUMOR BIOMARKERS IN THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER AND THEIR CLINICAL LABORATORY RELEVANCE

Abstract

Prostate cancer primarily affects men, representing a leading cause of male morbidity and mortality and ranking among the most common neoplasms. The use of tumor biomarkers for the early identification of the disease enables more effective and less invasive interventions, directly contributing to early diagnosis and a reduction in associated mortality. The specificity of a given marker must be carefully considered; for instance, while Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is widely used, it exhibits low specificity compared to the Prostate Health Index (PHI), which serves as a more effective and less invasive diagnostic alternative. This study aims to analyze the relevance of tumor biomarkers in the early detection of prostate cancer. It is a descriptive-exploratory literature review, employing a qualitative approach, based on searches conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, as well as documents from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Institute (INCA). Articles published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were selected. The research utilized descriptors related to prostate cancer, tumor biomarkers, PSA, PHI, and early diagnosis. The evidence discussed indicates that, although PSA remains significant in the investigation of the disease, its limited specificity may lead to unnecessary follow-up examinations and biopsies. The PHI shows potential for improving risk stratification, while other blood-based, urinary, and molecular biomarkers can provide additional insights into the presence and behavior of a tumor. Nevertheless, the performance and applicability of these tests vary depending on their specific characteristics and the clinical context.