Value of acid phosphatase in screening for carcinoma in patients with prostatism in Nigeria

Analyses of total and prostatic acid phosphatase levels in patients undergoing prostatectomy at Iyi-Enu Hospital, Ogidi, Nigeria between June, 1989 and May, 1992 showed the following: total acid phosphatase sensitivity 72%; specificity 27%; predictive value 28% and while prostatic acid phosphatase sensitivity 72%; specificity 41%; predictive value 50%. While the prostatic acid phosphatase is better than total acid phosphatase both suffer from unacceptably low specificity and high rate of false positives. The clinical value is therefore poor and decision on surgery should be made on other parameter, especially rectal examination.