E. David Crawford, MD, presented “PC Markers Algorithm” virtually during the 21st Annual Future Directions in Urology Symposium in August 2020.
How to cite: Crawford, E. David. “PC Markers Algorithm” August 10th, 2020. Accessed Nov 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/pc-markers-algorithm/
Summary:
E. David Crawford, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Grand Rounds in Urology and Professor of Urology at University of California, San Diego, discusses how the PC Markers algorithm simplifies the process of screening, diagnosing, and treating prostate cancer for primary care physicians and urologists. Family practitioners and internists order 90% of PSA tests in men, but may be overwhelmed with other health concerns in their patients when deciding to refer them to urologists. Dr. Crawford discusses data behind the identification of PSA >1.5ng/ml as the trigger point for screening, with a significant increase in cancer diagnosis between 1.5-4.0ng/ml. He also notes that 73% of PSA tests are still below the 1.5ng/ml threshold of eligibility for further PCa screening. Dr. Crawford then details the development of the PC Markers algorithm and how it combines a range of blood, urine, and imaging biomarkers to better inform primary care physicians and urologists in how to proceed with prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
About The 2020 Virtual Future Directions in Urology Symposium
The Future Directions in Urology Symposium was founded 21 years ago to reflect on the current state of the urology community and predict trends in the treatment of urology conditions in the following 5-10 years. This conference brings together experts in the field, including urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, family practice doctors, researchers, and industry leaders to review current trends and prospects. Dr. Crawford presented this lecture during this year’s virtual conference in August 2020.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Researcher-physician E. David Crawford, MD, Jack A. Vickers Director of Prostate Research and Professor of Urology at the University of California, San Diego, has devoted his career in medicine to educating the public about men's health issues and finding effective techniques and procedures to address prostate cancer, the most common malignancy affecting men in the United States.