Flaxseed-derived enterolactone is inversely associated with tumor cell proliferation in men with localized prostate cancer

Enterolactone and enterodiol, mammalian lignans derived from dietary sources such as flaxseed, sesame seeds, kale, broccoli, and apricots, may impede tumor proliferation by inhibiting activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We examined the associations between urinary enterolactone and enterodiol with prostatic tumor expression of NFκB, VEGF, and Ki67 among 147 patients with prostate cancer who participated in a presurgical trial of flaxseed supplementation (30 g/day) for ~30 days. Urinary enterolignans and tissue biomarkers were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and immunohistochemistry, respectively. After supplementation, we observed significant correlations between intakes of plant lignan and urinary concentrations of total enterolignans (ρ=0.677, P<.0001), enterolactone (ρ=0.676, P<.0001), and enterodiol (ρ=0.628, P<.0001). Importantly, we observed that total urinary enterolignans and enterolactone were significantly and inversely correlated with Ki67 in the tumor tissue (ρ=-0.217, P=.011, and ρ=-0.230, P=.007, respectively), and a near-significant inverse association was observed for enterodiol (ρ=-0.159, P=.064). An inverse association was observed between enterolactone and VEGF (ρ=-0.143, P=.141), although this did not reach statistical significance. We did not observe an association between enterolignans and NFκB. In conclusion, flaxseed-derived enterolignans may hinder cancer cell proliferation via VEGF-associated pathways.

Characteristics of patients diagnosed with both melanoma and renal cell cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and malignant melanoma (MM) have an increased risk of additional malignancies. We identified characteristics of MM and RCC associated with a patient developing both cancers.

METHODS

A total of 147,656 cases of RCC and 225,548 of MM submitted to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 1973 and 2008 were analyzed. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for MM after RCC and vice versa. Clinical and pathological characteristics were compared between patients with RCC or MM only and with both cancers using multivariable proportional hazards and competing risks regression models.

RESULTS

Overall 1,241 patients developed both cancers. The crude incidence rates of RCC in patients with a prior MM diagnosis and vice versa were 5.2 and 9.4 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. There was an excess of MM in RCC patients (SIR 1.45, CI 1.34-1.57) and of RCC in MM patients (SIR 1.34, CI 1.25-1.43). Median years from RCC to MM diagnosis was 4.3 (2.0-7.8) and from MM to RCC 4.7(2.3-9.9). Patients with a history of MM had more papillary RCC (10.2 vs. 4.8 %, p = 0.01) and were more likely to be female (25.9 vs. 20.5 %, p < 0.001). On multivariable analyses, ocular MM was independently associated with subsequent RCC (HR 1.76 CI 1.24-2.49), as were increasing age, and male sex.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed a bidirectional association between RCC and MM. A history of MM was found to be associated with papillary RCC and advanced RCC. Ocular MM predicted an increased risk of RCC diagnosis. Further research is warranted into the mechanisms responsible for the association between RCC and MM.

Phase 1 trial of neoadjuvant radiation therapy before prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate, in a phase 1 study, the safety of neoadjuvant whole-pelvis radiation therapy (RT) administered immediately before radical prostatectomy in men with high-risk prostate cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twelve men enrolled and completed a phase 1 single-institution trial between 2006 and 2010. Eligibility required a previously untreated diagnosis of localized but high-risk prostate cancer. Median follow-up was 46 months (range, 14-74 months). Radiation therapy was dose-escalated in a 3 × 3 design with dose levels of 39.6, 45, 50.4, and 54 Gy. The pelvic lymph nodes were treated up to 45 Gy with any additional dose given to the prostate and seminal vesicles. Radical prostatectomy was performed 4-8 weeks after RT completion. Primary outcome measure was intraoperative and postoperative day-30 morbidity. Secondary measures included late morbidity and oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

No intraoperative morbidity was seen. Chronic urinary grade 2+ toxicity occurred in 42%; 2 patients (17%) developed a symptomatic urethral stricture requiring dilation. Two-year actuarial biochemical recurrence-free survival was 67% (95% confidence interval 34%-86%). Patients with pT3 or positive surgical margin treated with neoadjuvant RT had a trend for improved biochemical recurrence-free survival compared with a historical cohort with similar adverse factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant RT is feasible with moderate urinary morbidity. However, oncologic outcomes do not seem to be substantially different from those with selective postoperative RT. If this multimodal approach is further evaluated in a phase 2 setting, 54 Gy should be used in combination with neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy to improve biochemical outcomes.

The role of focal therapy in the management of localised prostate cancer: a systematic review

CONTEXT

The incidence of localised prostate cancer is increasing worldwide. In light of recent evidence, current, radical, whole-gland treatments for organ-confined disease have being questioned with respect to their side effects, cancer control, and cost. Focal therapy may be an effective alternative strategy.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the existing literature on baseline characteristics of the target population; preoperative evaluation to localise disease; and perioperative, functional, and disease control outcomes following focal therapy.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline (through PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Review databases were searched from inception to 31 October 2012. In addition, registered but not yet published trials were retrieved. Studies evaluating tissue-preserving therapies in men with biopsy-proven prostate cancer in the primary or salvage setting were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 2350 cases were treated to date across 30 studies. Most studies were retrospective with variable standards of reporting, although there was an increasing number of prospective registered trials. Focal therapy was mainly delivered to men with low and intermediate disease, although some high-risk cases were treated that had known, unilateral, significant cancer. In most of the cases, biopsy findings were correlated to specific preoperative imaging, such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging or Doppler ultrasound to determine eligibility. Follow-up varied between 0 and 11.1 yr. In treatment-naïve prostates, pad-free continence ranged from 95% to 100%, erectile function ranged from 54% to 100%, and absence of clinically significant cancer ranged from 83% to 100%. In focal salvage cases for radiotherapy failure, the same outcomes were achieved in 87.2-100%, 29-40%, and 92% of cases, respectively. Biochemical disease-free survival was reported using a number of definitions that were not validated in the focal-therapy setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review highlights that, when focal therapy is delivered with intention to treat, the perioperative, functional, and disease control outcomes are encouraging within a short- to medium-term follow-up. Focal therapy is a strategy by which the overtreatment burden of the current prostate cancer pathway could be reduced, but robust comparative effectiveness studies are now required.

Short-term functional outcomes and complications associated with transperineal template prostate mapping biopsy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the complications and erectile and urinary functional outcomes of transperineal template mapping biopsy (TTMB) of the prostate.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 84 patients undergoing TTMB at our institution and recorded complications and functional outcomes. Erectile and urinary functions were measured at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 ± 2 weeks after TTMB using the International Index of Erectile Function short version (IIEF-5) and International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires. Erectile and urinary function parameters were compared between baseline and 2 and 6 weeks after TTMB in a paired fashion. A subanalysis of erectile function was performed in preoperatively potent men (IIEF-5 >17).

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (19%) experienced complications. The most common events were transient urinary retention (6%), prostatitis (4%) and local events, including perineal hematoma, bruising, or perineal pain (5%). One patient with hematuria required intervention. IIEF-5 scores at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks were 20 (interquartile range [IQR], 16-23), 18 (IQR, 12-22), and 18 (IQR, 12-22), respectively (P = .096 and P = .034). Among preoperatively potent men, IIEF-5 scores at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks were 22 (IQR, 20-24), 21 (IQR, 18-24), and 22 (IQR, 18-24), respectively (P = .011 and P = .018). International Prostate Symptom Scores were 6 (IQR, 3.5-11) at baseline, rose to 10 (IQR, 4.8-15) at 2 weeks (P = .012), and returned to 7 (IQR, 3.5-13) at 6 weeks (P = .628).

CONCLUSION

TTMB has a favorable morbidity profile, with mostly mild and transient complications. Urinary retention occurred in 6%, and only 1 patient required intervention with bladder irrigation. Despite a statistically significant decline in erectile function from baseline, the median change in IIEF-5 score was 1 point. Urinary symptoms worsened initially but returned to baseline within 6 weeks.

The state of prostate MRI in 2013

Compared with earlier prostate MRI techniques that suffered from relatively poor sensitivity and specificity for detecting prostate cancer because of their reliance predominantly on morphology, multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) in 2013 provides a wealth of functional information that has made possible vastly improved detection and characterization of prostate cancer. Our aims in this article are to describe the various imaging sequences that comprise the mpMRI exam, as well as to review current literature on the strengths/weaknesses of these sequences; to delineate strategies for standardizing interpretation and reporting of MRI results; and finally, to expound on the role that prostate MRI currently does and potentially can play in clinical practice.

Evolution of the concept of focal therapy for prostate cancer

The landscape of prostate cancer has been rapidly evolving, and technological advances in imaging and biopsy tools offer novel approaches to focal therapy. In this dynamic environment, the role of focal therapy for prostate cancer is being shaped both by advances in technology and by reconsidering the epidemiological and outcomes data for available treatments. Here we focus on the evolution of the concept of focal therapy and its potential roles in the management of prostate cancer.

Prostatic alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is positively associated with aggressive prostate cancer: a relationship which may depend on genetic variation in ALA metabolism

Previous observational studies have reported associations between prostate cancer and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). However, few investigations have been able to study this relationship prospectively and in well-controlled settings. Moreover, no studies have determined whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that influence ALA metabolism are associated with this common cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between prostatic levels of ALA, SNPs and prostate cancer-specific biomarkers in samples collected from a previous randomized clinical trial conducted using a presurgical model and which tested the effects of flaxseed supplementation, a rich source of ALA, prior to prostatectomy (n = 134). Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was determined and immunohistochemistry was used to assess tumor proliferation rate (Ki67). Prostatic ALA was determined with gas chromatography. Seven previously identified SNPs associated with delta-6 desaturase activity (rs99780, rs174537, rs174545, rs174572, rs498793, rs3834458 and rs968567) were tested for associations with prostatic ALA, PSA and Ki67. Despite consuming seven times more ALA per day, men in the flaxseed arm had similar amounts of prostatic ALA relative to men not consuming flaxseed. In unadjusted analysis, there were significant positive associations between prostatic ALA and PSA (ρ = 0.191, p = 0.028) and Ki67 (ρ = 0.186, p = 0.037). After adjusting for covariates (flaxseed, age, race, BMI and statin-use) the association between ALA and PSA remained (p = 0.004) but was slightly attenuated for Ki67 (p = 0.051). We did not observe associations between any of the SNPs studied and prostatic ALA; however, in models for PSA there was a significant interaction between rs498793 and ALA and for Ki67 there were significant interactions with ALA and rs99780 and rs174545. Independent and inverse associations were observed between rs174572 and Ki67. This study provides evidence that prostatic ALA, independent of the amount of ALA consumed, is positively associated with biomarkers of aggressive prostate cancer and that genetic variation may modify this relationship.

Sexual bother and function after radical prostatectomy: predictors of sexual bother recovery in men despite persistent post-operative sexual dysfunction

Changes in sexual bother (SB) following radical prostatectomy (RP) negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of prostate cancer survivors. However, post-operative SB tends to be neglected whereas sexual function (SF) is thoroughly assessed in clinical practice and few studies have focused on and evaluated patients' SB. We retrospectively reviewed 2 345 consecutive patients who underwent RP between 2001 and 2009 at a single institution. SF and SB were assessed using Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaires. We stratified our cohort by SB recovery and post-operative SF status, including a subset of men who recovered SB despite persistent post-RP sexual dysfunction. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors for men who have SB recovery. Of 319 eligible patients, 133 (41.7%) recovered their SB at a mean of 20 months after RP. Among the 133 men who demonstrated SB recovery, 109 had post-operative sexual dysfunction. Patients with SB recovery despite post-RP sexual dysfunction were more likely to be old (p = 0.004), to have higher clinical T stage (p < 0.001), to have more non-nerve-sparing RP (p < 0.001), to have lower pre-operative EPIC-SF/SB scores (p < 0.001), to have more extracapsular extension (p = 0.031) and to be PDE5i non-users after surgery (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, predictors for this subset were lower comorbidity (OR 0.62, p = 0.043), higher clinical cancer stage (OR 2.35, p = 0.026), worse pre-operative SF (OR 0.98, p = 0.010), SB (OR 0.98, p < 0.010) and no PDE5i use (OR 0.37, p = 0.002); age was not related (OR 0.99, p = 0.555). As SB can influence patients' overall HRQoL, expectations of SB recovery should be provided to patients in the same way that SF recovery is presented. This study may help clinicians to discuss SB with patients and assess their potential for SB recovery following RP.

Radical prostatectomy in men less than 50 years old

We studied the effect of age on tumor progression (defined as postoperative prostate specific antigen elevation) in 543 men who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Patients were divided into two age groups: patients under 50 years (N = 85) and patients older than 50 years (N = 458). The mean follow-up for both groups was S.3 years. Clinical stage was similar in both groups, with only 3% in each group detected by screening techniques. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, men under 50 years showed slightly less progression than men older than 50 years (p = 0.04), especially during the first 5 years following surgery. The key differentiating feature was a lower incidence of positive margins in the younger age group (18.8%) than the older age group (42.6%; p < 0.0001). There was a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis in the younger age group (14.1%) than the older age group (6.1%; p = 0.01); this adverse feature was present in only a small fraction of the patients and did not play a major role in the difference in progression between age groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two age groups in tumor grade, capsular penetration, or seminal vesicle invasion. Gland volume was significantly higher in the older age group. Within the younger age group, progression was not affected by a family history of prostate cancer. We found that, despite the tendency in younger men to preserve the neurovascular bundles and cut closer to the prostate, this age group still has a lower incidence of positive surgical margins possibly due to greater ease of surgical removal of small glands. Young men who are candidates for radical prostatectomy do not have a worse prognosis following surgery than older men, and even fare better during the first five postoperative years.

Clinical, pathologic, and functional outcomes after nephron-sparing surgery in patients with a solitary kidney: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Surgical management of a renal neoplasm in a solitary kidney is a balance between oncologic control and preservation of renal function. We analyzed patients with a renal mass in a solitary kidney undergoing nephron-sparing procedures to determine perioperative, oncologic, and renal functional outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter study was performed from 12 institutions. All patients with a functional or anatomic solitary kidney who underwent nephron-sparing surgery for one or more renal masses were included. Tumor size, complications, and recurrence rates were recorded. Renal function was assessed with serum creatinine level and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients underwent 105 ablations, and 100 patients underwent partial nephrectomy (PN). Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was similar between the groups. Tumors managed with PN were significantly larger than those managed with ablation (P<0.001). Ablations were associated with a lower overall complication rate (9.5% vs 24%, P=0.01) and higher local recurrence rate (6.7% vs 3%, P=0.04). Eighty-four patients had a preoperative eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Among these patients, 19 (23%) fell below this threshold after 3 months and 15 (18%) at 12 months. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in eGFR between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Extirpation and ablation are both reasonable options for treatment. Ablation is more minimally invasive, albeit with higher recurrence rates compared with PN. Postoperative renal function is similar in both groups and is not affected by surgical approach.

Long-term oncological outcomes of men undergoing radical prostatectomy with preoperative prostate-specific antigen <2.5 ng/ml and 2.5-4 ng/ml

OBJECTIVES

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has increased the detection of small, organ-confined tumors, and studies suggest that these patients may have favorable outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP). To date, there are limited data available on the outcomes of patients diagnosed with low PSA (≤ 4 ng/ml) who underwent RP. This study aimed to evaluate long-term oncological outcomes of patients undergoing RP with preoperative PSA <2.5 and 2.5-4 ng/ml compared with PSA 4.1-10 ng/ml.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were analyzed from 3,621 men who underwent RP between 1988 and 2010 at our institution. Patients were stratified into 3 PSA groups: <2.5 ng/ml (n = 280), 2.5-4 ng/ml (n = 563), and 4.1-10 ng/ml (n = 2,778). Patient and disease characteristics were compared. Overall, biochemical disease-free (bDFS), and PCa-specific survivals were analyzed and compared between the groups. Multivariable analyses were conducted using proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Compared with the 4.1-10 ng/ml PSA group, Gleason score >7, extracapsular extension, and non-organ-confined disease were less common in patients with PSA ≤ 4 ng/ml (all P < 0.001). The incidence of organ-confined disease was similar between the PSA < 2.5 and 2.5-4 ng/ml groups while perineural invasion (P = 0.050) and Gleason score ≥ 7 (P = 0.026) were more common in the 2.5-4 ng/ml PSA group. Estimated 10-year overall and PCa-specific survivals were comparable across all PSA groups, whereas bDFS was significantly lower in PSA 4.1-10 group (P < 0.001). bDFS was not statistically different between PSA <2.5 and 2.5-4 groups (P = 0.300). 10-year bDFS were 59.0%, 70.1%, and 76.4% in PSA 4.1-10, 2.5-4, and <2.5, respectively. For the PSA ≤ 4 ng/ml groups, age, race, margin status, pathologic stage, but not PSA were independent predictors of bDFS, whereas age, pathologic Gleason, and biochemical recurrence were associated with overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term oncological outcomes (overall, bDFS, PCa-specific survivals) of patients presenting with low PSA (≤ 4 ng/ml) were excellent in this study. Compared with PSA 4.1-10 ng/ml, patients presenting with PSA ≤ 4 ng/ml had better bDFS outcomes. However, there was no difference in long-term outcomes between PSA <2.5 and 2.5-4 ng/ml.

Characteristics and outcomes of tumors arising from the distal nephron

OBJECTIVE

To compare the characteristics and predictors of cancer-specific survival (CSS) of 2 rare distal nephron tumors--medullary renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) and collecting duct carcinoma (CDC).

METHODS

All cases of histologically verified MRCC and CDC reported to The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 1995 and 2007 were considered. A number of characteristics were compared by tumor histology. Subset analyses were performed for metastatic patients and those managed surgically. CSS was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Overall, 21 cases of MRCC and 227 cases of CDC met the criteria for analysis. Patients with MRCC were younger (median 24 vs 63 years, P < .001), more often black (71.4% vs 22.7%, P < .001), metastatic at presentation (71.4% vs 27.8%, P < .001), and less likely to undergo surgery (61.9% vs 85.6%, P = .015) compared with patients with CDC. Tumor size was similar between MRCC and CDC (median 6 vs 5 cm, P = .70). Median survival was 5 months for MRCC and 30 months for CDC (P < .001). In metastatic MRCC and CDC patients, surgery predicted CSS (HR 4.61 and 2.24, both P ≤.05) despite having larger primary tumors than those managed nonsurgically (median 7.5 vs 5.0 cm, P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Patients with MRCC present younger, at a later stage, and are more often black than patients with CDC. The stage migration toward localized kidney cancer is not apparent for these tumors. Although both cancers have a poor prognosis, the clinical and survival characteristics are distinct. Patients selected for cytoreductive surgery have improved survival.

Role of oxidative stress in a rat model of radiation-induced erectile dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Chronic oxidative stress is one of the major factors playing an important role in radiation-induced normal tissue injury. However, the role of oxidative stress in radiation-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) has not been fully investigated. Aims.  To investigate role of oxidative stress after prostate-confined irradiation in a rat model of radiation-induced ED.

METHODS

Fifty-four young adult male rats (10-12 weeks of age) were divided into age-matched sham radiotherapy (RT) and RT groups. Irradiated animals received prostate-confined radiation in a single 20 Gy fraction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements with cavernous nerve electrical stimulation were conducted at 2, 4, and 9 weeks following RT. The protein expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits (Nox4 and gp91(phox)), markers of oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]), lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal [4HNE]), and inflammatory response including inducible nitric oxide synthase, macrophage activation (ED-1), and nitrotyrosine, and endogenous antioxidant defense by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) were evaluated in irradiated prostate tissue and corpora cavernosa (CC). In addition, we investigated the relationships between results of ICP/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratios and expression level of oxidative stress markers.

RESULTS

In the RT group, hemodynamic functional studies demonstrated a significant time-dependent decrease in ICP. Increased expression of Nox4, gp91(phox), 8-OHdG, and 4HNE were observed in the prostate and CC after RT. Similarly, expressions of inflammatory markers were significantly increased. There was a trend for increased Nrf2 after 4 weeks. ICP/MAP ratio negatively correlated with higher expression level of oxidative markers.

CONCLUSION

NADPH oxidase activation and chronic oxidative stress were observed in irradiated prostate tissue and CC, which correlated with lower ICP/MAP ratio. Persistent inflammatory responses were also found in both tissues after RT. These findings suggest that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of radiation-induced ED.

Vitamin D(3) cryosensitization increases prostate cancer susceptibility to cryoablation via mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and necrosis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect and molecular mechanisms of action of Vitamin D(3) (VD(3) ) as a neo-adjunctive agent before cryosurgery in an effort to increase treatment efficacy for prostate cancer (CaP). To eliminate the potential for disease recurrence that exists at the periphery of the freeze lesion, where temperatures may be insufficient to destroy both androgen-sensitive (AS) and androgen-insensitive (AI) CaP.

METHODS

Human CaP cells, LNCaP, were each genetically altered to express the AS and AI phenotypes and subjected to VD(3) treatment and freezing in an in vitro and tissue-engineered model. Cell viability, caspase inhibitor and western blot studies were used to determine the basis of the different responses of AI and AS cells to VD(3) cryosensitization.

RESULTS

VD(3) was found to be a highly effective cryosensitizer, resulting in a >50% overall increase in cell death after -15 °C freezing. Fluorescence microscopy, western blot analysis and caspase protease assays confirmed that the increased activation of apoptosis was modulated through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway. Caspase inhibition studies showed that apoptosis played an integral role in cell death, with VD(3) cryosensitivation-induced apoptotic events responsible for >30% of the overall cell death after -15 °C freezing.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that the use of VD(3) as a cryosensitizer increases cryoablation efficacy through the increased activity of apoptosis as well as through necrosis. The data show that through VD(3) treatment the overall level of AI CaP cell tolerance to freezing is reduced to a level similar to that of AS CaP. VD(3) pre-treatment in conjunction with cryoablation may increase treatment efficacy and reduce disease recurrence for CaP patients.

The effect of noise-cancelling headphones or music on pain perception and anxiety in men undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of noise-cancelling headphones with or without music on patient pain and anxiety associated with routine, office-based transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy in a prospective randomized study.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for prostate biopsy as a result of elevated prostate-specific antigen and/or abnormal digital rectal examination were prospectively enrolled and randomized into a control, noise-cancelling headphones, or music-headphones group. Patients completed pain and anxiety questionnaires and had their physiological parameters assessed before and after the procedure and compared across groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were enrolled. Pain scores increased from baseline across all study groups, with the lowest mean score in the music group. No appreciable change was noted in anxiety scores after the procedure between groups (P>.05). Although postbiopsy systolic blood pressure values remained comparable with baseline levels in all groups, postbiopsy diastolic blood pressure increased in the control and headphones groups (P=.062 and .088, respectively) but remained stable in the music group (P=.552) after biopsy, indicating lesser physiological response to anxiety and pain in this group.

CONCLUSION

Music-induced attention shift during prostate biopsy may have a beneficial impact on procedural anxiety and pain perception, but no apparent effect was noted for use of headphones alone. Further studies are necessary to explore strategies to reduce perceived anxiety and pain in men undergoing prostate biopsy.

The number of high-risk factors and the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality after brachytherapy: implications for treatment selection

PURPOSE

To determine whether an increasing number of high-risk factors is associated with higher prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) among men treated with brachytherapy (BT)-based treatment, and whether supplemental therapy has an impact on this risk.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We analyzed the cases of 2234 men with localized prostate cancer treated between 1991 and 2007 with low-dose rate BT monotherapy (n = 457) or BT with supplemental external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT, n = 229), androgen suppression therapy (AST, n = 424), or both (n = 1124). All men had at least one high-risk factor (prostate-specific antigen >20 ng/mL, biopsy Gleason score 8-10, or clinical stage ≥T2c). Competing-risks multivariable regressions were performed to determine whether the presence of at least two high-risk factors was associated with an increased risk of PCSM, with adjustment for age, comorbidity, and the type of supplemental treatment.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 4.3 years. The number of men with at least two high-risk factors was highest in the group treated with BT, EBRT, and AST (21%), followed by BT plus EBRT or AST (13%), and BT alone (8%) (p(trend) < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) for PCSM for those with at least two high-risk factors (as compared with one) was 4.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-8.0; p < 0.001). The use of both supplemental EBRT and AST was associated with a decreased risk of PCSM (AHR 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; p = 0.03) compared with BT alone. When the high-risk factors were analyzed separately, Gleason score 8-10 was most significantly associated with increased PCSM (AHR 6.2; 95% CI, 3.5-11.2; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Men with high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma treated with BT have decreased PCSM if they receive trimodailty therapy that includes EBRT and AST. This benefit is likely most important in men with multiple determinants of high risk.