ObjectiveTo investigate the promoter methylation status of Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) and adenomatosis polyposis coli promoter (APC) and its association with prostate cancer (PCa), so as to pave a way for early diagnosis of Pca.MethodsThe prostatic tissues and clinical data were collected from 60 patients with prostate cancer and 40 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues. Bisulphite Sequencing PCR was used to detect the promoter CpG methylation of RASSF1A and APC genes.ResultsThe methylation rates of promoter CG sites of RASSF1A and APC genes in Pca group were significantly higher whan those in the BPH group (RASSF1A: 60.8% vs 14%; APC: 48.84% vs 1.19%, P＜0.05). The methylation rates in RASSF1A and APC genes were significantly associated with PSA, Gleason score, pathologic stage and risk classification of PCa (P<0.01). Combined detection of methylation status of RASSF1A and APC genes yielded a sensitivity of 95.74% and a specificity of 82.90% in differential diagnosis of PCa and BPH.ConclusionThe promoter methylation of RASSF1A and APC genes are associated with the development and progression of PCa, and the changes of methylation rate is closely associated with risk classification of PCa. Combined detection of methylation in RASSF1A and APC genes may be a promising method for early diagnosis of prostate carcinoma.