Does having a higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level mean a worse prostate cancer prognosis?

Answer From Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D.

Yes. In general, a higher PSA level means a poorer prostate cancer prognosis.

PSA is a protein made by cells in the prostate. When cancer cells form in the prostate, they tend to make a lot of PSA. Having prostate cancer often causes high levels of PSA in the blood.

When you're diagnosed with prostate cancer, your PSA level gives your health care provider important information. Your PSA level helps your provider decide how likely it is that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. It also helps your provider decide how likely it is that your cancer will be cured with treatment. Other clues about your prognosis come from your cancer's stage, grade and Gleason score.

If you have prostate cancer and you're worried about your prognosis, talk with your provider.

With

Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D.

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Dec. 21, 2022 See more Expert Answers

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  2. Active surveillance for prostate cancer
  3. Biopsy procedures
  4. Blood in semen
  5. Blood in urine (hematuria)
  6. Bone scan
  7. Brachytherapy
  8. Cancer blood tests
  9. Cancer survivorship program
  10. Chemo targets
  11. Chemotherapy
  12. Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment
  13. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
  14. Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting: Prevention is best defense
  15. Choline C-11 PET scan
  16. Cryoablation for cancer
  17. CT scan
  18. Digital rectal exam
  19. External beam radiation for prostate cancer
  20. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
  21. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer
  22. Leg swelling
  23. Magic mouthwash
  24. MRI
  25. PALS (Pets Are Loving Support)
  26. Pelvic pain
  27. Prostate artery embolization
  28. Prostate biopsy
  29. Prostate Cancer
  30. Prostate cancer
  31. What is prostate cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  32. Prostate cancer metastasis: Where does prostate cancer spread?
  33. Prostate cancer prevention
  34. Prostate cancer FAQs
  35. Prostate cancer screening
  36. Prostatectomy
  37. Proton beam therapy
  38. Proton therapy
  39. PSA test
  40. PSA: To Test or Not To Test
  41. Radiation therapy
  42. Seeing inside the heart with MRI
  43. Symptom Checker
  44. Ultrasound
  45. Ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy
  46. MRI
  47. Orchestrating Care (and robotic surgery) for Prostate Cancer - Mayo Clinic