To determine the mean and median complexed prostate-specific antigen (cPSA) levels in a predominantly African-American population and to explore whether differences in cPSA exist between the races. Differences in total PSA (tPSA) levels between age-matched African-American and white men have been reported by several groups. Age-specific cPSA levels, however, have not been thoroughly evaluated and reported among African-American populations.

We prospectively evaluated the serum cPSA, tPSA, and percent cPSA levels by the Bayer Immuno 1 assay as a function of age among 1755 African-American and 630 white men in southern Louisiana presenting to a prostate cancer screening program. All men had a normal digital rectal examination or biopsy-proven benign pathologic findings. The intragroup and intergroup statistical analyses were carried out for each decade of age.

The median cPSA level for African-American men aged 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 to 69 years old was 0.45, 0.61, and 0.84 ng/mL, respectively. These did not differ significantly from those of age-matched white men. Also, no difference was found in the mean or median tPSA between the races. The percent cPSA values showed a trend for lower levels in African Americans.

These findings suggest that no significant difference exists between cPSA or tPSA levels in African-American and white men without prostate cancer. Genetic and epigenetic factors distinct to this region may account for this observation and thus need further evaluation.