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A study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine and published earlier this month in the online version of the Journal of Clinical Oncology states that men who take various common medications can have a deceptively lower PSA Level when being screened for prostate cancer.
The study stated that men who take statins to lower their cholesterol, non – steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, and thiazide diuretics for fluid buildup and high blood pressure may have lower PSA levels than men who don’t take these drugs. It was noted that the affects of these drugs on PSA levels are greater the longer the drugs are taken.
The clinical implications of these findings are not known at this time without further study. Does the affect lower the believability of PSA in prostate cancer screening or do these drugs actually decrease the likelihood of developing the disease? No one knows for sure.
If you or someone you know takes these drugs and is being screened for prostate cancer using a PSA level they might want to discuss these results with their doctor. bjmdjd
Material modifications since posting: none
Journal of Clinical Oncology · NSAIDs · PSA · Stanford Univ. School of Medicine · statins · thiazide diuretics
Ina Hackworth · December 4, 2010 at 11:06 am
My husband had prostate cancer in 2000, and took radiation. All was fine with PSA readings until this time, it is +7 and has scheduled a biopsy this mo. (Dec.) with freezing if it shows cancer. He took a flu shot not too many weeks before this PSA test. Could the flu shot have affected the reading?(He also has been taking blood pressure meds, diabetes meds (type 2) mild fluid med., high cholesterol med., etc.He doesn’t know I’m asking this, so I can’t fill out the above.
Admin comment by bjmdjd · December 4, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Thanks for your comment. I usually don’t give patient specific information but since your husband is under treatment I’ll at least tell you what I know. It sounds like he has a good urologist because any increase in PSA after treatment for prostate cancer is significant and needs to be fully evaluated. I am unaware of any affect on PSA testing due to getting a flu shot. Non drug effects that can increase PSA levels include strenuous exercise like bicycle riding, ejaculation within 24 – 48 hrs. of being tested, and prostate infection. I’ll bet that with a PSA level of 7, even if it is a return of the cancer, your husband will do just fine. bjmdjd