prostatic acid phosphatase
Last reviewed 10/2023
Prostatic acid phosphatase is used by some centres as an indicator of prostatic carcinoma as a raised value suggests spread beyond the capsule.
However:
- a normal PAP does not exclude carcinoma
- PAP is normal in 20% of patients with metastases
- PAP may be falsely elevated by urethral instrumentation
- the isoenzyme is unstable and must be sent for assay as soon as possible