Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in Poland.

6 Reasons to Choose Stockholm3

Stockholm3 can detect prostate cancer at an early stage – even with low PSA levels.
Stockholm3 significantly reduces overdiagnosis of prostate cancer, decreasing the number of unnecessary biopsies by up to 50%.
Using a specialized algorithm, Stockholm3 calculates the individual risk of prostate cancer development and provides recommendations for further action.
Stockholm3 is based on clinical studies involving over 90,000 men.
Stockholm3 has been used in clinical practice in Sweden and Norway since 2017.
Stockholm3 was included in the guidelines of the American Urological Association (AUA) as the primary test for early detection of prostate cancer since 2023.

Current Situation and Challenges

The PSA test is currently used for the early detection of prostate cancer. However, measuring PSA levels alone has limited diagnostic value, as PSA is an organ-specific marker for the prostate, not a cancer-specific marker.

Many highly aggressive prostate cancers do not cause any increase in PSA levels.

Elevated PSA levels can lead to overdiagnosis, as the PSA test does not distinguish between benign prostate conditions and malignant tumors.

Prostate biopsy is an invasive procedure. Therefore, the suspicion of cancer should be made with high precision, as unnecessary biopsies disrupt the balance between diagnostic benefits and the risk of adverse events.

Why is the Stockholm3 Test a Better Solution than PSA?

The Stockholm3 test combines PSA measurement with three other protein markers, a range of genetic markers, and clinical information. This allows for a significantly more accurate risk assessment compared to the PSA test alone. The results are personalized, based on a documented medical history, which facilitates an individual risk evaluation.

This approach allows for better identification of men in high-risk groups, even when PSA levels remain low. It enables earlier in-depth diagnostics and helps avoid delayed diagnosis. The Stockholm3 test also provides better differentiation in cases with elevated PSA levels.

Results are analyzed using a specially developed algorithm, which also includes recommendations for further diagnostic procedures, assisting the physician in making informed decisions regarding the next steps.

“The blood test results using the Stockholm3 test are groundbreaking…”
— American Cancer Society

How the Stockholm3 Test Works

The innovative Stockholm3 test enables the detection of prostate cancer at a very early stage of development.
The test combines protein markers (free and total PSA, PSP94, GDF15, and KLK2) with numerous genetic markers and clinical data (such as age, family history of prostate cancer, previous biopsies, and use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors) into a single risk assessment algorithm.

Test Components

Genetic Risk Markers

The Stockholm3 test includes the measurement of a range of genetic markers, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), whose variability—according to scientific research—affects the risk of developing prostate cancer. Other genes or gene fragments are not analyzed.

Protein Risk Markers

The assessment of results takes into account the concentrations of protein markers: total PSA, free PSA, PSP94, GDF15, and KLK2. Their combination enhances the accuracy of the prostate cancer risk assessment.

Clinical Factors

When calculating the Stockholm3 Risk Score, clinical information is also taken into account, such as:

the patient’s age,
family history (prostate cancer in father, brother, or son),
previous prostate biopsies,
use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Results

The Stockholm3 test provides a risk score for prostate cancer along with clear recommendations for further action.
This test helps better understand the individual risk of developing prostate cancer, significantly reducing uncertainty and stress for patients.

Risk Score

The Stockholm3 test determines the likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer by providing a risk score.
The result includes the percentage probability of clinically significant prostate cancer being present

(Gleason Score ≥ 3+4=7 / ISUP ≥ 2).

Recommendation for Further Action

High Risk

Further urological diagnostics are recommended to confirm or exclude the presence of the disease.

Low or Normal Risk

It is recommended to repeat the test after 2 to 6 years, depending on individual clinical factors and the physician’s recommendations.

Indications for the Stockholm3 Test

The Stockholm3 test is intended for men aged 45 to 74 who have not previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

General Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Screening Remain Valid:

Men aged 50 and older,
or from 45 years old if there is a family history of prostate cancer (positive family history).
The upper age limit is typically 75 years, although screening may also be useful for older men if they are biologically younger and in good general health.
Life expectancy of at least 10 years.
No previous diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Rules for Performing the Test Based on PSA Levels

PSA < 1.5 ng/ml: The Stockholm3 test is not performed.
PSA 1.5 – 20 ng/ml: The Stockholm3 test is recommended.
PSA > 20 ng/ml: Further urological diagnostics are required.

The risk of prostate cancer is very low if the PSA level is below 1.5 ng/ml.
However, a PSA concentration above 20 ng/ml typically requires further testing and urological consultation.

Who is the Stockholm3 Test Intended For?

Patient Age

50–74 years old – men without a family history of prostate cancer.
From 45 years old – if there is a family history of prostate cancer (father, brother, son).
From 40 years old – if prostate cancer has been diagnosed in multiple first-degree relatives.

PSA Levels

PSA < 1.5 ng/ml – the test is not recommended (very low risk).
PSA 1.5–20 ng/ml – the Stockholm3 test is recommended.
PSA > 20 ng/ml – urgent urological consultation and further diagnostics are necessary (e.g., MRI, biopsy).

Clinical Criteria

No previous diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Life expectancy ≥ 10 years (the test is recommended only if potential treatment would be beneficial).
No contraindications for urological diagnostics (e.g., planned biopsy).