A panel of seven biomarkers for prostate cancer has been identified to predict the likelihood of recurrence or metastasis of the cancer in patients who have undergone surgery for the disease. A simple blood test detecting these biomarkers was found to be up to 86 percent accurate.

"We found that a combination of independent yet complementary markers may provide a more accurate prediction outcome compared to single markers," Dr. Shariat said. "This could help physicians provide individualized care and targeted therapy for patients. It will also allow us to design clinical trials to target these individual biomarkers."

The study has been published in the June 15 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.