Alkaline Phosphatase and Prostate CancerWhy Is Alkaline Phosphatase Important?
Alkaline phophatase (sometimes called “alk phos” for short) is an enzyme produced naturally within the body. Everyone produces a baseline amount of this enzyme regardless of their state of health, gender, or age. Certain tissues within the body produce alkaline phosphatase in higher amounts than others. The bones and liver are two parts of the body that can make a great deal of alkaline phosphatase. Alkaline phosphatase can be measured easily with a simple blood test. What Does Alkaline Phosphatase Have to Do With Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer, when it spreads beyond the prostate, shows a strong affinity for the bones. The bones of the pelvis and spine are some of the most common areas of prostate cancer spread. When prostate cancer or another cancer moves to the bones, the bony tissue in the cancerous areas breaks down and releases increased levels of alkaline phosphatase into the bloodstream. Measur
