New technology can detect low-level PSA following prostatectomy

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed an ultra-sensitivetechnology based on gold nanoparticles and DNA that can detect PSA whenpresent at extremely low levels in the blood sample. The new protein-detectionmethod could be used to monitor prostate cancer patients following surgery,according to the researchers, whose findings are published in the Sept.26 issue of the journal Science (2003; 301:1884-6).