DD3 Test

Differential display code 3, also known as DD3, is a promising test for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. It can help determine if a repeat prostate biopsy is indicated so as to help detect prostate cancer.

To do the test, the first amount of urine would be collected after a healthcare practitioner and then it would perform a digital rectal exam (DRE).

The PCA3 test result is a ratio of PCA3 mRNA to PSA mRNA. However, the test does not provide a definitive answer as to whether a man has a cancer or not.

Instead,  the test results together with other data are required to determine the likelihood that a repeat biopsy will be positive.

A PCA3 score that is less than the laboratory’s established cutoff is considered negative and is associated with a decreased likelihood of a positive biopsy.

About 90% of prostate cancers will over-express PCA3, but the PCA3 result cannot be used to diagnose or completely rule out prostate cancer, but it is still the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer.

Keywords: DD3, Differential Display Code 3, PCA3, Prostate Cancer Antigen 3