Prostate cancer diagnosis modernized – the genetic Stockholm3 test

Register now

The earlier a tumor is detected, the better the chances of recovery. With the innovative Stockholm3 test, we can detect prostate cancer earlier.

Here at the USZ, you can have the scientifically based Stockholm3 blood test, which significantly improves the early detection of aggressive prostate cancer, carried out. It has been practiced in Sweden and Norway since 2017 and is now also available in other European countries.

Numerous scientific studies with a total of 75,000 participants have demonstrated the following advantages of the Stockholm3 test:

  • Detects more cases of aggressive prostate cancer
  • Reduces the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies (tissue removal from the prostate)
  • Detects aggressive cancer even in men with a low PSA (prostate-specific antigen)

Procedure

1. make an appointment

Make an appointment by clicking on "Register now" to carry out Stockholm3.

2. perform a blood test

Meet a specialist at the USZ and carry out a simple blood test.

3. get the result

Get the result and see if you are in the risk zone for prostate cancer.

How does Stockholm3 work?

The Stockholm3 test is a blood test. This can be carried out from a PSA value of 1.5 ng/ml. Five different proteins and over 100 genetic biomarkers for the genetic risk profile are analyzed in the blood. The previous diagnostic standard, the PSA (prostate-specific antigen), is also determined. These laboratory values are combined with clinical data such as age, previous biopsies and family history in a risk score for the detection of aggressive prostate cancer at an early stage.

From a PSA value of 1.5 ng/ml, we can send blood samples from our patients to a Swiss laboratory. The treating urologist receives a clear treatment recommendation after the analysis. This may include, for example, that the risk of aggressive prostate cancer is low and that a further screening examination in 1-6 years is sufficient. Or she recommends using further diagnostic procedures such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or tissue removal from the prostate (biopsy) to clarify whether cancer could be present. All results are discussed with the patient and the next steps are decided.

Infografik Ablauf Stockholm3

Fill out the form. Then choose a time for the medical consultation and take the test at the USZ.

To the registration form

No special preparations such as sobriety are required for Stockholm3. The test can be carried out at any time of day. You do not need a referral from your doctor to have Stockholm3 performed at the USZ.

Since the PSA value is also included in the Stockholm3 algorithm, you should use at least Do not have sexual intercourse 48 hours before the test and refrain from cycling. Irritation caused, for example, by straining during bowel movements should also be avoided. All of this can increase the PSA value in the short term.

The costs of the Stockholm3 test and all related consultations with us are usually covered by health insurance. The Stockholm3 test is invoiced by the laboratory in Switzerland.

If you do not have a current PSA value, we will also carry out a PSA analysis on you, as the Stockholm3 test can only be carried out from a PSA value of 1.5 ng/ml. This is also covered by health insurance.

You should expect a maximum waiting period of three to four weeks from the time you take the blood test.

Stockholm3 was developed by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden’s leading medical university, and has been studied in clinical trials involving more than 75,000 Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish men. Stockholm3 was also carried out on German men in a study conducted by the USZ.

Your test result indicates whether you have a low, normal or increased risk of prostate cancer. If you have a low or normal risk, you will be recommended to have another prostate cancer examination in 2-6 years. If you have an increased risk, we will recommend a further examination with MRI and / or biopsy in consultation with the attending physician.

The earlier a tumor is identified, the better the chances of recovery. If the tumor grows within the prostate (i.e. is confined to the prostate), the chances of recovery with effective treatment are well over 95%. For men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer after it has spread outside the prostate, there is a high risk of dying from the disease. Stockholm3 is an important tool for finding prostate cancer earlier.