Prostate Health Index (PHI)

The Prostate Health Index (PHI) is a more refined blood-marker panel for prostate-cancer risk. It combines three measurements — total PSA, free PSA and the [-2]proPSA isoform — into a single calculated PHI score. Because [-2]proPSA is more closely associated with prostate cancer than total PSA alone, PHI improves the ability to distinguish cancer from benign prostate conditions in the diagnostic grey zone, which can reduce uncertainty and help avoid unnecessary further procedures. At Onkologie Bona Dea it is offered as a step up from the standard PSA test and interpreted within the oncologist's individual risk assessment.

The Prostate Health Index (PHI) is an advanced prostate-cancer-risk blood marker that builds on conventional PSA testing. It is calculated from three laboratory measurements — total PSA, free PSA and the [-2]proPSA isoform — combined using a validated formula into a single PHI score. The value of adding [-2]proPSA is that this particular isoform of PSA is more strongly associated with the presence of prostate cancer than total PSA, so combining the three measurements discriminates better between cancer and benign causes of a raised PSA, especially in the 'grey zone' of moderately elevated total PSA where a simple PSA reading is hardest to interpret. In practice a higher PHI score corresponds to a higher probability of clinically significant prostate cancer. The panel needs only a standard venous blood sample, and the same sensible preparation as for PSA applies — avoiding activities that can transiently raise PSA beforehand, as the clinic will advise. The laboratory performs the three measurements and reports the combined PHI score, which the oncologist then interprets alongside the clinical examination, age and family history. By giving a clearer picture of risk than PSA alone, PHI can help the doctor and patient decide whether further investigation, such as imaging or referral, is genuinely needed, or whether monitoring is sufficient — which in turn can reduce anxiety and the number of unnecessary downstream procedures. PHI suits men who want the most refined prostate-risk stratification, those facing a decision after a borderline or moderately raised PSA, and men with a family history who want a clearer read on their risk. At Onkologie Bona Dea it is positioned as a step up from the standard PSA and free PSA test, and is used within the oncologist's overall preventive assessment rather than as a stand-alone diagnosis. An abnormal score prompts a discussion of appropriate next steps. The test is self-pay and conducted in Czech.