Posted 6/20/2014 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Here is some info on this, as I did have this test run on my initial biopsy sample at UCSF. It is a genetic test very similar to the test used for breast cancer. It is scored on a scale of 0-100. 0 being the most favorable and 100 being the least favorable. It was used at UCSF to help determine if the samples taken were shown to be aggressive or non aggressive. My "beacon" score was a 0, so I stayed on Active Surveillance with ultrasensative PSA monitoring quarterly, an ultrasound of the prostate every 6 months and a repeat biopsy after 1 year.
The test is expensive if not covered by insurance at about $3800, but I know that the company that manufactures the test does have ways to help the patient with costs/payments.
From my understanding, like a biopsy, the results are only as good as the tissue that was taken to be tested.
Hope this helps.