Common questions about prostate cancer and second opinions

Yes. It is possible for the degree of aggressiveness of prostate cancer to be assessed incorrectly, which leads to incorrect treatment decisions. Research shows that up to 20% of patients in the ISUP 2 group receive treatment unnecessarily, while some cases of aggressive cancer are incorrectly recommended active surveillance – something that is connected with the limitations of the Gleason method. That is the reason why an independent analysis with a more objective tool can be crucial What is a second opinion?.

A PSA test should always be taken where there are symptoms that raise a suspicion of prostate cancer. Beyond that, the test can be used as what is known as a prostate check, that is, to examine whether a man has a small prostate cancer even though he has no symptoms. There is no universal answer to whether a man should check his PSA – advantages and disadvantages can be valued differently by different people. What the test measures, who it is relevant for and what happens next we have collected separately PSA test.

There is no single value that is normal for everyone. The threshold for when the prostate should be examined more closely depends on age, and the size of the prostate affects the level. A raised level does not mean that you have cancer – both infection and benign prostate enlargement raise it. The PSA level also says nothing about how aggressive any cancer is; that assessment is made on the tissue sample. This is how the level is interpreted, with thresholds by age PSA levels.

Yes. You have the right to obtain supplementary information about your health. Spearpoint is happy to contact your urologist in order to collaborate on your case – but it is always your choice. Many people choose to have the analysis done and then present the result to their urologist.

No. We analyse the biopsies that have already been taken. We obtain the digitised images from your laboratory – you do not need to undergo a new biopsy.

It varies depending on how long it takes to obtain the biopsy images from your laboratory. Normally the whole process from order to written report takes 2–4 weeks.

The initial meeting is always free of charge. During the meeting we go through your situation and what a PCAI analysis can give you. If you feel afterwards that it is right for you, you can simply order a second opinion.

You receive a clear answer in a written report. Our urologist goes through the result with you and explains what it means. If PCAI How PCAI works indicates a different level of aggressiveness from the Gleason score, we give you advice on how you can present this to your urologist and what options you have.

PCAI is currently offered as a second opinion directly to the patient, which means that you are the purchaser of the service. PCAI is going through the IVDR approval process (the EU's regulatory framework for in vitro diagnostics). Clinics that are already evaluating the service today will have a head start when the IVDR approval is complete.

You may benefit from a second opinion if you have received the diagnosis ISUP 2 and are unsure whether surgery is right, if you feel anxious about your diagnosis, if your urologist recommends active surveillance but you want confirmation that it is safe to wait Surveillance vs. surgery, or if you simply want a more secure basis ahead of a life-changing decision.