Which biomarker is frequently elevated in prostate cancer diagnostics?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a biomarker specifically associated with prostate cancer. It is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells within the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA in the blood can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although it can also be elevated in benign prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. This makes PSA testing a critical tool in screening for and diagnosing prostate cancer, as well as in monitoring treatment response and recurrence.

The other biomarkers mentioned serve different purposes and are not typically used in the context of prostate cancer diagnosis. Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is primarily used as a marker for ovarian cancer. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is used mainly in diagnosing liver cancer and certain germ cell tumors. Cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) is linked to rheumatoid arthritis and is not relevant to prostate cancer diagnostics. Therefore, PSA is the most appropriate and commonly utilized biomarker in the context of prostate cancer.