A method for detecting biomarkers of prostate cancer or other medical condition of the prostate based on the use of microvesicles obtained from urine samples, and the nucleic acids present in the microvesicles. The method disclosed herein are advantageous in that they may be used to support diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, or therapy selection in lieu of or in conjunction with traditional biopsy-based diagnostics and do not require a digital rectal examination or prostate massage prior to urine sample collection.