Researchers across the world have been trying to come up with better biomarkers for prostate cancer. Scientists want to have tests that have few falsely positive and falsely negative results. Also, the ones are able to distinguish between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancers.

There are certain shortcomings in currently available prostate cancer test. Researchers are conducting studies to come up with better biomarkers that are more accurate in terms of results and also, are able to distinguish between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancers.

Experts explained that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a biomarker. Biomarkers are chemicals that reveal about something wrong is happening in the body. PSA is released in the prostate gland and releases in high levels when prostate cells turn cancerous.

To know whether a person is having prostate cancer, the PSA test is done. But as said above, there are certain limitations in the test. To cite an example, high PSA levels do not always indicate that the person is having prostate cancer, as the test result can be 'falsely positive'.

Therefore, search is going on to find out better biomarkers for prostate cancer. Two most promising options include:

" Genetic tests of prostate tissue - Due to changes in genes, cells in prostate gland become cancerous. Through biopsy specimens, genetic changes can be done. These tests would help distinguish between cancers and whether they should be treated immediately or they are non-aggressive cancers.

" Circulating tumor cells - A new liquid biopsy with the help of blood test can measure circulating tumor cells and their telltale markers. The test one day will reduce the need of follow-up biopsies.