Cell-free DNA (
cfDNA) includes
circulating DNA fragments, which can be obtained from different human biological samples.
cfDNA originates either from apoptotic and/or necrotic cells or is actively secreted by
cancer cells. As yet, a quantification and size distribution assessment of seminal plasma
cfDNA from
prostate cancer patients has never been assessed. To discover a novel, sensitive, non-invasive
biomarker of
prostate cancer, through the fluorometric quantification and the electrophoretic analysis of seminal
cfDNA in
prostate cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. The concentration of seminal plasma
cfDNA in
prostate cancer patients was 2243.67 ± 1758 ng/μl, compared to 57.7 ± 4.8 ng/μl in healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Electrophoresis sites distribution patterns were different; ladder fragmentation was associated with
prostate cancer patients and apoptotic electrophoretic fragmentation with healthy individuals. Human seminal fluid can be a valuable source of
cfDNA in the setting of liquid biopsy procedures for the identification of novel oncological
biomarkers. Seminal plasma
cfDNA in
prostate cancer patients is significantly more concentrated than that of age-matched, healthy controls. Fluorometric measurement and electrophoretic assessment allow a reliable quantification and characterization of seminal plasma
cfDNA, which can be used routinely in
prostate cancer screening programs.