The short answer that the slower the rise in PSA over time (known as the velocity), the slower the growth of any cancer cells. Should the time it takes for a man’s PSA to double (PSADT, or prostate-specific antigen doubling time) be a year or more, then any tumor can be considered slow growing. Should the doubling time be short (3-4 months, for example), then a form of targeted treatment would likely replace watchful waiting.
Dr. Lloyd Minsky, a Urologist with Northwell Health, introduced PSADT as a metric at one of our men’s support groups as several post-treatment men voiced concerns about rising PSA test results that were listed by labs or hospitals as “normal” or “in range.”
