phi – Three Times Better than PSA for Prostate Cancer Detection. Call Us to Order (877) 230-4777

The benefits of phi

The Prostate Health Index (phi) is a new combination of 3 blood tests that results in a score, or “phi score.” This score gives you more accurate information on what an elevated PSA level might mean and the probability of finding cancer on biopsy.*

phi is

• 3x more specific for prostate cancer (PCa) detection than PSA testing alone¹
• The only multi-analyte PCa blood test with FDA approval²
• The only multi-analyte blood test recommended in the National Comprehensive Network (NCCN) Guidelines for PCa Early Dectection

3X better than PSA

Results from a prospective, multi-center clinical trial found that phi significantly enhanced clinical specificity relative to PSA for prostate cancer detection¹. This improved specificity allows for a substantial decrease in the number of prostate biopsies that are negative for cancer.

The power of phi

phi is the only multi-analyte blood test listed as a marker of specificity for prostate cancer in the NCCN Guidelines. The NCCN Guidelines indicate that a phi value > 35 is strongly suspicious for prostate cancer.

phi is a powerful combination of three Beckman Coulter assays:

• Access Hybritech PSA
• Access Hybritech free PSA
• Access Hybritech p2PSA³

The new and novel p2PSA assay is specific to measuring [-2]proPSA. The [-2]proPSA biomarker is an isoform of free PSA that was identified as the most prostate cancer-specific form found in tumor extracts.⁴ The p2PSA results are combined with PSA and free PSA test results by an algorithm in the Beckman Coulter Access instrument, providing a probability of prostate cancer.

Over 70 published clinical papers and meetings abstracts have demonstrated the benefits and economic value of the Prostate Health Index. These studies confirm that phi significantly improves clinical specificity for prostate cancer detection relative to PSA*

Better Detection to Reduce Negative Biopsies

PSA is a widely used screening tool for prostate cancer. However, with PSA’s limited specificity, a more precise tool is needed for prostate cancer detection. That tool was found in the discovery of phi.

The significantly higher specificity of phi means a greater probability of detecting those patients that actually need a biopsy, allowing for a substantial decrease in the number of prostate biopsies that are reported as negative for cancer. phi has the potential to reduce negative biopsies by ~ 30%.

USING phi  IN YOUR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Because phi is three times more specific than PSA for detecting prostate cancer¹, it fills the diagnostic gap between PSA testing and a prostate biopsy.

Combined with family and patient history, the phi results can be used to determine the best individualized patient management decisions.

Where to get phi

The Prostate Health Index is available for order from Accu Reference Medical Lab.

Accu Reference Medical Lab is a state-of-the-art, multi-specialty clinical laboratory that provides the complete range of tests for diagnostics, screening and evaluation of various health conditions. Information provided by ACCU Reference helps clinicians improve the quality of care by confirming diagnoses of medical conditions, directing therapy and predicting patients’ health risks.

Strategic partnership with Accu Reference Medical Lab prevents excessive utilization of medical procedures, ultimately promoting appropriate and cost-effective medical management.

Accu Reference Medical Lab is dedicated to delivering world-class service to physicians, medical centers, hospitals and their patients.

*The phi results are intended to be used as an aid in distinguishing prostate cancer from benign prostatic conditions in men 50 years of age and older with total PSA results in the 4 – 10 ng/mL range and negative digital rectal examination (DRE) findings.

1. Catalona WJ, Partin AW, Sanda MG, et al. A multicenter study of [-2]pro-prostate-specific antigen combined with prostate-specific antigen and free prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer detection in the 2.0 to 10.0 ng/mL prostate-specific antigen range. J Urology 2011 May;185:1650-55.
2. phi is a combination of three Beckman Coulter assays: Access Hybritech PSA, Access Hybritech free PSA, and Access Hybritech p2PSA.
3. Beckman Coulter Access Hybritech p2PSA Instructions for Use.
4. Mikolajczyk SD., Millar LS., Wang TJ., et al. A precursor form of prostate-specific antigen Is more highly elevated in prostate cancer compared with benign transition zone prostate tissue. Cancer Res 2000 Feb 1;60:756-759.