“CORRELATION BETWEEN PSA LEVELS AND GLEASON SCORE IN PROSTATE CANCER: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY CONDUCTED AT THE EASTERN PROVINCE OF INDIA”

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men, and its prognosis largely depends on tumor grade and stage at diagnosis. Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and Gleason scoring are two important parameters used in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of prostate carcinoma. This study aimed to assess the correlation between serum PSA levels and histological Gleason scores in prostate cancer patients from Eastern India.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over one year at Rishi Pathological Laboratory, Kolkata, including 30 histologically confirmed cases of prostate carcinoma. Serum PSA levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay, and prostate biopsies were graded according to the Gleason scoring system. Patients were categorized into PSA ranges (≤10 ng/mL, 10.1–20 ng/mL, >20 ng/mL) and Gleason score groups (≤6, 7, ≥8). Spearman’s rank correlation was used to evaluate the association between PSA levels and Gleason scores.

Results: The majority of patients (43.3%) had PSA levels >20 ng/mL, and 43.3% had Gleason scores ≥8. A strong positive correlation was found between PSA levels and Gleason score (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). Higher PSA levels were significantly associated with higher Gleason grades, indicating a relationship between serum PSA concentration and tumor aggressiveness.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant positive correlation between serum PSA levels and Gleason score in prostate cancer patients. These findings support the combined use of PSA and Gleason grading for prognostication and risk stratification, especially in resource-limited settings like Eastern India where screening is still evolving.