The search for a tumor marker more sensitive and specific for prostate cancer than prostatic acid phosphatase led to the discovery more than two decades ago of several prostate antigens that subsequently became known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Today, PSA is recognized as the best tumor marker for prostate cancer. In 1996, 317,000 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed,<sup>46 Parker S.L., Tong T., Bolden S. , e al. Cancer statistics, 1996 CA Cancer J Clin 1996 ;  65 : 5  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> in part due to the utilization of the PSA assay as well as the awareness of the test and the disease among the general public. PSA's clinical importance is underscored by the fact that early detection of prostate cancer affords a potential cure. This article focuses on the discovery of PSA and describes some of its biochemical characteristics.