Proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD)

Prostate Cancer Detection with IsoPSA™

DL39284

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Contractor Information

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Document Information

Source LCD ID
L39284
Proposed LCD ID
DL39284
Proposed LCD Title
Prostate Cancer Detection with IsoPSA™
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Issue

Issue Description

This LCD outlines limited coverage for this service with specific details under Coverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical Necessity.

CMS National Coverage Policy

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, §1862(a)(1)(A) states that no Medicare payment shall be made for items or services that “are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.”

42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §410.32 Diagnostic x-ray tests, diagnostic laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tests: Conditions

CMS Internet-Only Manual, Pub. 100-02, Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, §80 Requirements for Diagnostic X-Ray, Diagnostic Laboratory, and Other Diagnostic Tests

  • CMS IOM Publication 100-03, Medicare National Coverage Determinations (NCD) Manual,
    • Chapter 1, Part 3, Section 190.31 Prostate Specific Antigen
    • Chapter 1, Part 4, Section 210.1 Prostate Cancer Screening Tests
  • CMS IOM Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual,
    • Chapter 16 Laboratory Services
  • CMS IOM Publication 100-08, Medicare Program Integrity Manual,
    • Chapter 13, Section 13.5.4 Reasonable and necessary Provision in an LCD

 

 

 

Coverage Guidance

Coverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical Necessity

The IsoPSATM test will be considered medically reasonable and necessary when all the following are met:

Testing of men 50 years of age and older prior to an initial biopsy, who have a confirmed* moderately elevated PSA (greater than 4 and less than 10 ng/mL)

AND

No other relative contraindication for prostate biopsy including:

      • Less than a 10-year life expectancy
      • Benign disease not ruled out.

 

*PSA elevation should be verified after a few weeks under standardized conditions (e.g., no ejaculation, manipulations, and urinary tract infections, no medications such as 5α-reductase) in the same laboratory or other CLIA approved laboratory before considering a biopsy.

Summary of Evidence

Background

Screening modalities for prostate cancer include digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test at a frequency of every twelve months for men ages fifty and over in effort to detect increased risk for adenocarcinoma of prostate.1 PSA is a reliable immunocytochemical marker for adenocarcinoma of the prostate. However, screening and early treatment of prostate cancer have come under scrutiny due to concerns for overdiagnosis of low-risk cancers.2 Guidelines have been updated due to studies to refine the use of PSA, which remains the primary screening test.1-3 Investigations into adjunctive testing may provide opportunities to avoid biopsies and reduce overdiagnosis.2

ISOPSA is a blood-based single parameter, structure-based assay for improved detection of high-grade prostate cancer. The test utilizes partitioning isoforms of prostate-specific antigen with an aqueous two-phase reagent.4 The test aims to improve specificity by testing specific changes in PSA that arise specifically in cancer cells and would not be affected by conditions such as prostate hyperplasia, inflammation, or age that reduce the specificity of the standard PSA assays.4

 

Evidence Review

Klein et al.4 2017 was an industry-sponsored multi-centered prospective study that included 261 men scheduled for prostate biopsy due to rising PSA level or suspicious digital rectal exam. The study was conducted at five different academic and community centers within the United States over 15 months. The primary study endpoint was the presence or absence of cancer and cancer grade as detected by ultrasound or MRI fusion biopsy. Exclusion criteria included serum PSA<2 ng/ml; recent (<72 hours) prostate manipulation, including DRE; recent (<2 weeks) urinary tract infection and/or prostatitis; recent (<30 days) prostate surgery, urinary catheterization, prostate infarction, or endoscopic evaluation; and other urinary tract malignancy. Out of 434 samples collected, 173 were excluded. Reasons for exclusion included prolonged storage greater than ninety days, canceled biopsies, the breach of sample collection protocol, shipping delays, or not meeting study protocol.

The research aimed to assess two clinical performance objectives: the discriminatory power between malignant and non-malignant prostate conditions and between high-grade and low-grade cancers versus benign pathology. This population had an overall prevalence of 53% for prostate cancer, with 33.7% of cancers considered high-grade. They utilized receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine the discriminatory power measurement. In this preliminary analysis, they utilized decision curve analysis to access the clinical utility of the models by comparing the two extremes, no biopsy to biopsy for all (current patient cohort), and comparison against the modified prostate cancer prevention travel risk calculator 2.0. They reported results were: “for cancer versus no cancer endpoint, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.79 (95% CI 0.73–0.84) for IsoPSA versus 0.61 (95% CI 0.54–0.67) for total PSA (p < 0.001). For high-grade cancer versus low-grade cancer/benign histology, the AUC was 0.81 (95% CI 0.74–0.86) for IsoPSA versus 0.69 (95% CI 0.61–0.75) for total PSA (p < 0.005)”. Using the pre-selected cutoff to recommend a biopsy, they reported a 48% reduction in false-positive biopsies with IsoPSA. Utilizing a cutoff selected to identify men at low risk of high-risk disease, they reported a 45% reduction in the false-positive rate. They acknowledged that the test was not yet validated. The authors conclude that the IsoPSA outperformed PSA in predicting prostate cancer risk.

The authors acknowledge that clinical and demographic parameters including age, race, and prostate volume could impact the clinical performance of the ISOPSA test was not evaluated in this study which focused on the test’s clinical performance. They also acknowledge weaknesses in the study, including lack of central or standardized pathology review of the biopsies, a lack of distinction between primary and repeat biopsies, and variability in the use of MRI for decisions on the need for in the technique used in biopsies. Additional weakness includes the study design was a prospective trial without controls. This was not designed or powered for superiority, although the authors suggest the test outperformed standard PSA test. Age, race, prostate volume, presence of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) was not evaluated but could impact results. Various pathological labs and methods for biopsy may have some variability that was not controlled, introducing a risk of bias.

Stovsky et al. 20195 was an industry-sponsored multi-centered prospective validation study. Two hundred seventy-one men scheduled for prostate biopsy due to rising PSA or suspicious DRE over a ten-month period from seven academic and community centers were included. Biopsies were performed under ultrasound or MRI guidance. Exclusion criteria included: serum PSA less than 2 ng/ml; recent (less than 72 hours) prostate manipulation, including digital rectal examination; recent (less than two weeks) urinary tract infection and/or prostatitis; recent (less than 30 days) prostate surgery, urinary catheterization, prostate infarction or endoscopic evaluation; and any other urinary tract malignancy. Three hundred five samples were collected with thirty-four exclusions, including nine due to prolonged storage, forwarded canceled biopsies and fifteen due to PSA <2 (exclusion), and six unrelated, leaving a final cohort of 271.

The primary endpoint was the clinical performance of the test in discriminating power of IsoPSA for the presence of high-grade prostate cancer versus low-grade cancer or benign pathology. Using the data from Klein et al.4 a cutoff value of 17% was selected as the predicted probability of high-grade prostate cancer. The authors concluded using a cutoff of 17% yielded 93% negative predictive value. They calculate that this would reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies by 43%. Using modeling, they estimate that out of 1000 subjects; the test would miss twenty-two high-grade cancers, of which seven would have been Gleason sum 4 + 3 or higher. A sub-analysis of the African American participants showed similar results to the original combined cohort.

Additional analysis on the biopsy technique segregated biopsies done by ultrasound compared to MRI guidance. They observed significant improvement in the IsoPSA AUC when the biopsies were performed under MRI guidance. The number of biopsies done under MRI guidance increased from 4%4 to 41% in this study.

Strengths of the study include using a new patient cohort, the addition of sub-analysis for African Americans and based on biopsy type, test run in the same lab, and pre-specified fixed outcome measurements defined by the previously published study.

Weaknesses of this study include study design as a prospective trial without a control group. While the authors state the test had superior performance to PSA, the trial did not compare the performance of IsoPSA to PSA directly, which would require an appropriately designed and powered superiority study or non-inferiority study to demonstrate at least equally accurate. While the study addressed the test's clinical performance (validity), it did not address the clinical utility. The lack of standardized biopsy technique and lack of central pathology review introduces a risk of bias. Age, prostate volume, presence of BPH were not evaluated but could impact results. The authors acknowledge a significant increase in MRI guidance for the biopsies, which is more accurate than the ultrasound guidance and cannot exclude selection bias.

Scovell et al. 20216 conducted a real-world observational study aimed to assess the impact of the IsoPSA® test for prostate cancer risk assessment on provider patient management decisions. A total of 38 providers enrolled 900 men being evaluated for prostate cancer. The inclusion criteria which were defined as age >50 years, total serum prostate specific antigen [PSA] >4 and <100 ng/ml and no history of prostate cancer and IsoPSA indication for use. Of the 900 patients enrolled, 734 established the final study cohort. Providers recorded their intentions to recommend patients for biopsy and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), informed by all clinical data available at the time prior to IsoPSA testing. After IsoPSA was obtained, results were reported above or below an index threshold of 6.0, where an index 6.0 has a 90% negative predictive value for the absence of high-grade cancer (Gleason grade group 2 or higher) and an index value >6.0 has a 48% positive predictive value for the presence of high-grade cancer. Upon review of IsoPSA results, providers confirmed or updated their recommendations for biopsy and MRI.

The primary outcome was to determine the clinical utility of IsoPSA based on two things. One, provider willingness to use the test (test utilization) and two, the change in provider behavior as assessed by how IsoPSA influenced recommendations for biopsy and MRI. Consistency between IsoPSA results and recommendations for prostate biopsy was also considered. Changes in recommendations (either for or against) in 60.2% (442/734) for decisions on prostate biopsy and 6.0% (44/734) for decisions on MRI resulted based on the utilization of IsoPSA. Results included a 55% (284 vs 638) net reduction in recommendations for prostate biopsy for men with total PSA >4 ng/ml who underwent IsoPSA testing. A 9% reduction in recommendations for MRI was observed. A correlation was observed between IsoPSA results and provider recommendations for prostate biopsy, with 87% of patients with an IsoPSA index above the threshold recommended for biopsy and 92% of patients with an IsoPSA index below the threshold not recommended for biopsy.

Strengths of this study include a large number of providers representing real-world clinical practice including a broad range of practice styles, education and experience. Recruitment of patients ranged across varied practice settings, and participating providers served as intra-provider and intra-patient controls for both pre- and post-IsoPSA clinical decision making. A standardized reporting module was utilized to record the influence of IsoPSA on management decisions.

Limitations of this study include patient compliance with provider recommendations for or against biopsy post-IsoPSA were not assessed, a lack of long-term outcome data, and lack of a control group.

Cost analysis studies were excluded from evidence review.7

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommendations include consideration for the use of biomarker tests for men with persistent elevation in PSA between 3 to 10 ng/ml using a validated test (determined in peer-reviewed, multi-site studies using an independent cohort of patients) within the prostate cancer early detection algorithms.2,7 The algorithms breakdown the role of these test by age, risk factors for prostate cancer, and if the test is used to evaluate for possible initial biopsy versus management of biopsy results. As of 02/16/2022, they included percent-free PSA, 4Kscore, PHI, PCA3, ConfirmMDx, MPS, and IsoPSA in the guidelines.8

U.S. Preventive Service Task Force Guidelines updated in 2018 recommend PSA screening with a “C” recommendation and did not mention adjunctive screening test.3

The American Urological Association (AUA) states that PSA derivatives and isoforms and novel urinary markers and biomarkers for screening with the goal of reducing prostate cancer mortality provide limited evidence to draw conclusions and should not be used for primary screening. Additionally, the use of these markers after PSA screening may be considered a secondary test for informed decisions making regarding the need for prostate biopsy or repeat biopsies, but “emphasized the lack of evidence that these tests will increase the ratio of benefit to harm”.9

 

 

Analysis of Evidence (Rationale for Determination)

ISOPSA aims to improve the existing standard of care PSA testing for the detection of high-grade prostate cancer. CGS released a non-coverage LCD draft in October 2021. Since that time clinical validity data has been published and NCCN guidelines, have been updated to include ISOPSA. One of the initial concerns addressed in the draft LCD was while the test offered a 93% specificity, resulting in approximately twenty-two missed cancers in 1000 patients based on the mathematical models, there was uncertainty if this would provide confidence to providers to be comfortable not performing a biopsy.4,5 . In Scovall et al.6 changes in recommendations were reported in 60.2% for decisions on prostate biopsy resulting in a 55% net reduction in recommendations for prostate biopsy demonstrating confidence in this real-world population to utilize the test in decision making. In addition, this study provides the clinical utility data that was previously lacking. The impact of age, prostate volume, and comorbid conditions as well as use outside of the initial biopsy have not been investigated. There is a lack of long-term data on outcomes for missed cancers. The NCCN algorithm includes ISOPSA test for use outside the areas investigated in the ISOPSA studies, and CGS does not consider the use outside the study population applicable. The limited coverage criteria align with the population studied in the ISOPSA literature.

 

Proposed Process Information

Synopsis of Changes
Changes Fields Changed
Not Applicable N/A
Associated Information
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Sources of Information
N/A
Bibliography

 

  1. CMS. National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Prostate Cancer Screening Tests (210.1). 100-3 https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=268, 7/27/2021.
  2. Grubb RL, 3rd. Prostate Cancer: Update on Early Detection and New Biomarkers. Missouri medicine. 2018;115(2):132-134.
  3. USPTF. Prostate Cancer: Screening. May 08, 2018, 06/15/2021.
  4. Klein EA, Chait A, Hafron JM, et al. The Single-parameter, Structure-based IsoPSA Assay Demonstrates Improved Diagnostic Accuracy for Detection of Any Prostate Cancer and High-grade Prostate Cancer Compared to a Concentration-based Assay of Total Prostate-specific Antigen: A Preliminary Report. European urology. 2017;72(6):942-949.
  5. Stovsky M, Klein EA, Chait A, et al. Clinical validation of IsoPSA™, a single parameter, structure based assay for improved detection of high grade prostate cancer. The Journal of urology. 2019;201(6):1115-1120.
  6. Scovell JM, Hettel D, Abouassaly R, et al. IsoPSA Reduces Provider Recommendations for Biopsy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Men with Total Prostate Specific Antigen >4 ng/ml: A Real-World Observational Clinical Utility Study. Urology Practice. 2021;0(0):10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000291.
  7. Lotan Y, Stovsky M, Rochelle R, Klein E. Decision Analysis Model Comparing Cost of IsoPSA™ vs Repeat Biopsy for Detection of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Men with Previous Negative Findings on Biopsy. Urology Practice. 2021;8(1):40-46.
  8. NCCN. Prostate Cancer Early Detection. NCCN Clincal Practice Guidelines in Oncology Version 1.2022 2022;https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/prostate_detection.pdf. Accessed 3/17/22.
  9. Carter HB AP, Barry MJ et al. Early detection of prostate cancer: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2013;190:419.
Open Meetings
Meeting DateMeeting StatesMeeting Information
06/21/2022 Kentucky

Please check the CGS website for more information on the open meeting and presentation guidelines.

06/21/2022 Ohio

Please check the CGS website for more information on the open meeting and presentation guidelines.

Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) Meetings
N/A
MAC Meeting Information URLs
N/A
Proposed LCD Posting Date
05/19/2022
Comment Period Start Date
05/19/2022
Comment Period End Date
07/03/2022
Reason for Proposed LCD
  • Provider Education/Guidance
Requestor Information
This request was MAC initiated.
Contact for Comments on Proposed LCD
Meredith Loveless, MD
Attn: Medical Review
26 Century Blvd., Ste ST610
Nashville, TN 37214-3685
cmd.inquiry@cgsadmin.com

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