4Kscore Test Cost And Results - MedicineNet

• Health A-Z
  • Diseases & Conditions
  • Procedures & Tests
• Drugs & Medications
  • RX Drugs & Medications
• Health & Living
  • Diet & Weight Management
  • Exercise & Fitness
  • Nutrition and Healthy Living
  • Prevention & Wellness
• Media
  • Slideshows
  • Quizzes
  • Images
• Privacy & Other Trust Info
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertising Policy

• What is the 4K biomarker?
• What does the 4Kscore test measure?
• What is the role of the 4Kscore test in prostate cancer screening?
• How does the 4Kscore test minimize unnecessary prostate biopsies?
• What is the cost of the 4Kscore test?
• What is the PHI (prostate health index test)?
• Is one test, the PHI or 4Kscore, better than the other?

What is the 4K biomarker?

The 4Kscore test combines the test results of four different proteins (prostate-specific kallikreins) in the blood together with clinical information in an algorithm that calculates an individual patient's percentage risk of having an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

What does the 4Kscore test measure?

The 4Kscore test relies on the measurement of four prostate-specific kallikreins in the blood: total PSA (prostate-specific antigen), free PSA, intact PSA, and human kallikrein 2 (hK2).

What is the role of the 4Kscore test in prostate cancer screening?

The 4Kscore test helps clarify the biopsy decision-making process by determining a patient-specific probability for finding aggressive, Gleason score 7 or higher prostate cancer upon biopsy. These are the aggressive prostate cancers that always require medical treatment or intervention. The blood test results are combined in an algorithm with patient age, digital rectal exam findings (nodules vs. no nodules), and prior negative biopsy (yes or no) to give physicians a personalized score for individual patients. The 4Kscore test predicts the risk percent score from less than 1% to greater than 95% of a man having aggressive cancer in a prospective biopsy.

How does the 4Kscore test minimize unnecessary prostate biopsies?

Several studies have demonstrated the ability of the 4Kscore test in predicting the detection of Gleason 7 or higher prostate cancer. One study involved 1,012 men in the United States.

The 4Kscore test has undergone extensive clinical research and laboratory test validation. Based on the results of clinical studies, as many as 30%-58% of biopsies are avoidable using the 4Kscore test. This is based on the fact that only about 20% of men who undergo prostate biopsy will have a 7 or higher Gleason score. The remainder will have either a negative biopsy or a cancer with a score of Gleason 6, which currently is often managed with active surveillance.

What is the cost of the 4Kscore test?

The cost of the 4Kscore test is listed as $760.00. If individuals have questions regarding the cost of the test, there is a toll-free number one can call: 1-855-452-4554.

What is the PHI (prostate health index test)?

The PHI is a PSA-based test; however, it uses a mathematical formula that combines total PSA, free PSA, and (-2)proPSA. The PHI has been demonstrated to outperform each of the component tests (total PSA, free PSA, and [-2]proPSA individually) of estimating the presence of overall and high grade prostate cancer on biopsy.

Is one test, the PHI or 4Kscore, better than the other?

There are no published studies comparing these two tests. The two tests provide somewhat different information and can be considered to be complimentary. PHI predicts the risk of having prostate cancer, whereas the 4Kscore predicts the risk of having high-risk prostate cancer.

SLIDESHOW

Signs of Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, PSA Test, Treatments See Slideshow References Loeb, S., and W. Catalona. "The prostate health index: a new test for the detection of prostate cancer." Therapeutic Advances in Urology 6.2 (2014): 74-77. Parekh, D.J., et al. "A multi-institutional prospective trial in the United States confirms that the 4Kscore accurately identifies men with high grade prostate cancer." European Urology 68.3 Sept. 2015: 464-470. Punnen, S., et al. "Finding the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: The 4Kscore Is a Novel Blood Test That Can Accurately Identify the Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer." Reviews in Urology 17.1 (2015): 3-13.

Top 4KScore Test Related Articles

• 

  Enlarged Prostate (BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

  Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. Half of all men over the age of 50 develop symptoms of BPH, but few need medical treatment. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. More serious symptoms are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency. BPH is not cancer. Not all men with the condition need treatment, and usually is closely monitored if no symptoms are present. Treatment measures usually are reserved for men with significant symptoms, and can include medications, surgery, microwave therapy, and laser procedures. Men can prevent prostate problems by having regular medical checkups that include a prostate exam.
• 

  BPH Slideshow

  Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition cause by an enlarged prostate. Get more information on how an enlarged prostate is diagnosed and available treatment for enlarged prostate glands.
• 

  BPH Quiz

  Take the Enlarge Prostate Quiz and challenge your knowledge of prostate problems. Learn causes, symptoms, treatments, and diagnosis as well as little-known facts about the prostate, and what happens to men when the prostate is enlarged.
• 

  Men's Health

  Men's health is an important component to a happy lifestyle and healthy relationships. Eating healthy, exercise, managing stress, and knowing when to have medical tests for a particular age is key to disease prevention in men.
• 

  Prostate Cancer

  Read about prostate cancer symptoms, treatment, survival rates, stages, surgery, screening, causes and diagnosis. Learn lifestyle strategies to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• 

  Prostate Cancer Quiz

  Is prostate cancer the most common cancer in men? Take this prostate cancer quiz to find out and learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this disease.
• 

  Signs of Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, PSA Test, Treatments

  What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Learn the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, along with causes and treatments. Know the stages, survival rates and how to lower your risk of prostate cancer.
• 

  Illustrations of Prostate

  Side View of the Prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. See a picture of the Prostate and learn more about the health topic.
• 

  PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen)

  Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein found in semen. PSA levels are used to detect prostate cancer and monitor the progression of the disease. Learn about test uses, results, and accuracy.
• 

  Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate Gland)

  Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Signs and symptoms of prostatitis include painful or difficulty urinating; fever; chills; body aches; blood in the urine; pain in the rectum, groin, abdomen, or low back; and painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction. Causes of prostatitis include STDs, bacteria from urinary tract infections, or E. coli. Treatment for prostatitis depends on if it is a bacterial infection or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland.