Biomarker Resource Center
Prostate Cancer Biomarkers
Reviewed by XpertPatient Medical Advisory · Updated June 2026 · Sources: NCI · ACS · ASCO · NIH/PMC
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What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a signal your cancer leaves behind. Doctors find these signals in your blood or tumor tissue. The signals tell your doctor important things — like what type of cancer you have and how it is behaving.
Think of it like a clue. Your doctor collects clues from your biomarker test results. Those clues help build a picture of your cancer. That picture helps your doctor and you have a more informed conversation about next steps.
Everyone’s cancer is different — even people with the same type of cancer can have very different results. That is why biomarker testing matters. It helps your care team understand your cancer specifically.
For Prostate Cancer
Why do biomarkers matter in prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer behaves very differently from person to person. Some grow slowly. Others may need more attention sooner. Biomarker tests give your doctor important information to help guide those conversations. Your results are one piece of a larger picture.
💬 A good question to ask your doctor: Your PSA level over time — not just a single number — is one of the most important things to track. Ask your doctor to explain your PSA trend and what it means for you.
The most important prostate cancer biomarkers are PSA and androgen receptor (AR) status. Together they help your doctor understand how active your cancer is and whether hormone-related approaches may be worth discussing.
Patient Poll
Have you had biomarker testing for your prostate cancer?
The Tests Your Doctor May Order
🔍 Is a prostate protein elevated in your blood?
PSA is a protein your prostate makes. It is measured with a simple blood test. A single high reading does not always mean cancer. Your doctor looks at how your PSA changes over time. Ask your doctor what your PSA level means in the context of your other results.
🔍 Does a urine test show signs of cancer activity?
PCA3 is measured from urine after a prostate exam. It is one of several tools doctors use alongside PSA. Ask your doctor whether PCA3 testing makes sense for your situation and what your result would mean.
🔍 Did two genes join in a way that affects cancer behavior?
This gene fusion is found in some prostate cancers. It gives your doctor additional information about how your cancer may be behaving. Ask your doctor whether this test is part of your workup and what it might mean for your care.
🔍 Does your cancer depend on male hormones to grow?
Most prostate cancers depend on testosterone — a male hormone — to grow. The AR test looks at whether your cancer has this dependency. Your doctor will use this information as part of a broader conversation about your care options. Ask your doctor what your AR result means for you.
Sources: Mayo Clinic · NIH/PMC · PCF
Watch & Learn
Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Every patient’s situation is different. Please talk to your doctor or care team about what your biomarker results mean for you specifically.
Common Questions
Prostate Cancer Biomarkers — Your Questions Answered
What PSA level should I pay attention to?
There is no single number that means the same thing for everyone. Your doctor looks at your PSA alongside your age, prostate size, and how your PSA has changed over time. Ask your doctor to explain what your specific PSA level and trend mean for you.
What is active surveillance?
Active surveillance means monitoring your cancer closely over time without immediate intervention. It is commonly discussed for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. Ask your doctor whether this approach might be worth discussing for your situation.
What does hormone therapy mean for prostate cancer?
Hormone therapy is a commonly used approach for prostate cancer that depends on testosterone to grow. It works by reducing or blocking that hormone. Ask your doctor whether this is something worth discussing for your case.
Should I get a second opinion?
Many patients find it helpful to get a second opinion after a prostate cancer diagnosis. This is completely normal and most doctors encourage it. Ask your doctor or patient navigator for help finding a specialist.
Quick Links
From the Prostate Cancer Center on XpertPatient
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