Role of radical prostatectomy in metastatic prostate cancer: data from the Munich Cancer Registry

[When is surgical resection of the primary tumor indicated in metastatic prostate cancer and what is the scientific rationale?]

Similar to other tumour entities, analyses of cancer databases giving hope that patients with advanced prostate cancer with osseous metastases benefit from cytoreductive surgery. Prospective clinical trials are in the process of proving this hypothesis. This review article focuses on molecular genetic pathways and clinical data.

[Radical prostatectomy as part of a multimodal concept for patients with prostate cancer and bone metastases at initial diagnosis]

In patients with metastatic prostate cancer presenting with synchronous bone metastases, the surgical removal of the primary is an experimental treatment approach. In the following article, we evaluate the rationale for this approach.

Role of radical prostatectomy in metastatic prostate cancer: A review

CONTEXT

Recent demonstration of efficacy with the use of chemohormonal therapy for men with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has expanded the therapeutic options for these patients. Furthermore, multimodal therapy to treat systemic disease in the context of locoregional control has gained increasing interest. Concomitantly, the role of radical prostatectomy (RP) in multimodal treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer is expanding. As a result, there is interest in investigating the potential benefit of cytoreductive RP in mPCa.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature regarding the role of cytoreductive prostatectomy in the setting of mPCa.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

MEDLINE and PubMed electronic databases were queried for English language articles related to patients with mPCa who underwent RP from January 1990 to June 2016. Key words used in our search included cytoreductive prostatectomy, radical prostatectomy, and metastatic prostate cancer. Preclinical, retrospective, and prospective studies were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

There are no published randomized control trials examining the role of cytoreduction in mPCa. Local symptoms are high in mPCa and often provide a necessity for palliative procedures with the impact on oncologic outcomes being uncertain. Recently, preclinical and retrospective population-based data suggest a benefit from treatment of the primary tumor in metastatic disease. Potential mechanisms mediating this benefit include prevention of symptomatic local progression and modulation of disease biology, resulting in an improvement in progression-free and overall survival. Current literature supports the feasibility of cytoreductive prostatectomy as it is associated with acceptable side effects that are comparable to RP for high-risk localized disease. In aggregate, these data compel prospective evaluation of the hypothesis that cytoreductive prostatectomy improves the outcome of men with mPCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytoreductive prostatectomy in mPCa is a feasible procedure that may improve outcomes for men when combined with multimodal management. Preclinical, translational, and retrospective evidence supports local therapy for metastatic disease. However, currently, evidence is limited and is subject to bias. The results of ongoing prospective randomized trials are required before incorporating this therapeutic strategy into clinical practice.

The impact of local treatment of the primary tumor site in node positive and metastatic prostate cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of the primary tumor in patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) is gaining traction. We discuss the biological rational and the existing literature on this approach.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature regarding surgical management of advanced and mPCa disease.

RESULTS

Surgical removal of the primary tumor despite metastases is becoming a standard in an increasing number of malignancies. Basic science data support the use of surgical removal of the prostate in metastatic PCa. In addition, durable long-term survival has been reported in patients with node-positive PCa treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) as mono or multimodal approach. Based on these data, several groups have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of RP in the metastatic setting. Retrospective series have also reported an improvement in survival for metastatic patients treated with RP in addition to systemic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although no level I data exist at this time to support the use of RP in clinically node-positive or mPCa patients, retrospective data together with basic research data and experience from other malignancies suggest that treatment of the primary tumor, in form of a RP, is safe and could improve long-term quality of life and survival. However, prospective evaluations are requested to validate these findings before including in the standard clinical practice.

Oligometastatic prostate cancer: definitions, clinical outcomes, and treatment considerations

The oligometastatic state has been proposed as an intermediate stage of cancer spread between localized disease and widespread metastases. With improvements in diagnostic modalities such as functional imaging, oligometastatic prostate cancer is being diagnosed with greater frequency than ever before. Furthermore, the paradigm for treatment of advanced prostate cancers is shifting toward a more aggressive approach. Many questions surround the understanding of the process and consequences of oligometastasis, meaning that the contemporary literature offers a wide variety of definitions of oligometastatic prostate cancer. Until genomic data exist to provide a biological component to the definition of oligometastatic disease, a clinical diagnosis made on the basis of up to five extrapelvic lesions is reasonable for use. Retrospective studies suggest that interventions such as radical prostatectomy and local or metastasis-directed radiotherapy can be performed in the metastatic setting with minimal risk of toxic effects. These therapies seem to decrease the need for subsequent palliative interventions, but insufficient data are available to draw reliable conclusions regarding their effect on survival. Thus, a protocol for clinicians to manage the patient presenting with oligometastatic prostate cancer would be a useful clinical tool.

Management of Node-Positive and Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer

Historically, stage IV prostate cancer was considered incurable. Although node-positive and oligometastatic prostate cancers are both classified as stage IV, these likely represent distinct clinical groups, and some patients may be curable with aggressive multimodality treatments. There is a lack of randomized evidence, but retrospective studies suggest that radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy may improve survival in these patients. This is an area of great current research interest and prospective randomized trials are needed to help define the optimal treatments for these patients.

Improved Survival With Prostate Radiation in Addition to Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Men With Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Purpose

There is growing interest in the role of local therapies, including external beam radiotherapy (RT), for men with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to evaluate the overall survival (OS) of men with mPCa treated with androgen deprivation (ADT) with and without prostate RT.

Methods

The NCDB was queried for men with newly diagnosed mPCa, all treated with ADT, with complete datasets for RT, surgery, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score, and Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score. OS was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, Cox proportional hazards models, and propensity score-matched analyses.

Results

From 2004 to 2012, 6,382 men with mPCa were identified, including 538 (8.4%) receiving prostate RT. At a median follow-up of 5.1 years, the addition of prostate RT to ADT was associated with improved OS on univariate (P < .001) and multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.624; 95% CI, 0.551 to 0.706; P < .001) adjusted for age, year, race, comorbidity score, PSA level, Gleason score, T stage, N stage, chemotherapy administration, treating facility, and insurance status. Propensity score analysis with matched baseline characteristics demonstrated superior median (55 v 37 months) and 5-year OS (49% v 33%) with prostate RT plus ADT compared with ADT alone (P < .001). Landmark analyses limited to long-term survivors of ≥1, ≥3, and ≥5 years demonstrated improved OS with prostate RT in all subsets (all P < .05). Secondary analyses comparing the survival outcomes for patients treated with therapeutic dose RT plus ADT versus prostatectomy plus ADT during the same time interval demonstrated no significant differences in OS, whereas both therapies were superior to ADT alone.

Conclusion

In this large contemporary analysis, men with mPCa receiving prostate RT and ADT lived substantially longer than men treated with ADT alone. Prospective trials evaluating local therapies for mPCa are warranted.

Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy in metastatic prostate cancer: Does it really make sense?

PURPOSE

Surgical removal of the primary tumor in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) is becoming a hotly debated issue. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current knowledge on cytoreductive radical prostatectomy (cRP) in this setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a non-systematic Medline/PubMed literature search of articles published in the field between January 2000 and April 2015.

RESULTS

Cytoreductive surgery has demonstrated its benefit in various malignancies with a solid biological rationale to justify its assessment in mPCa. cRP appears as a safe and feasible procedure in expert hands and well-selected patients. A growing body of evidence suggests a survival benefit for patients undergoing cRP as a part of a multimodal approach compared to those treated with systemic treatment alone. Nevertheless, little is known about the best clinical and tumor characteristics for the selection of patients most likely to benefit from cRP. The current literature is based on retrospective studies with small cohorts and limited follow-up or large uncontrolled population-based studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from various other malignancies together with the biological rationale and preliminary results in PCa suggest that cytoreductive surgery may be an option in some mPCa patients. The lack of randomized controlled trials and the low level of evidence in the current literature preclude any firms conclusion on the benefit of cRP in mPCa. Ongoing phase II and future phase III studies are mandatory to define the exact role of cRP in mPCa and to identify the patients who are most likely to benefit from cRP.

Urologic cancer in China

Cancer remains to be the second most common cause of death, and its incidence and mortality rates are increasing in China. According to the 2015 National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR) of China, the incidence of bladder cancer and prostate cancer ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in male cancers. The majority of prostate cancer patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer is the key to improve prostate cancer survival in China. Radical prostatectomy or radical radiotherapy is the main treatment for localized prostate cancer, and a comprehensive therapy based on androgen deprivation therapy is the treatment for advanced disease. The most common histologic types of bladder cancer in China were urothelial carcinoma, followed by adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma. The majority of patients were diagnosed using white-light cystoscopy with biopsy. Fluorescence and narrow-band imaging cystoscopy had additional detection rates and are becoming more popular. Following Chinese guidelines, most non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients were treated with diagnostic transurethral resection and more than half of the muscle invasive bladder cancer patients were treated with radical cystectomy. Due to the increased detection rate of kidney tumors by ultrasound in physical examination, the number of incidentally diagnosed renal cell carcinoma has increased. Localized kidney cancers are more and more often treated by nephron-sparing surgery. Radical nephrectomy is still the main treatment option for patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma. Both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgeries have been used in big medical centers. Both testicular cancer and penile cancer have lower incidence levels than that in Europe. As we have an enormous population base, the absolute patient number is big. The diagnosis and treatment follows the Chinese guidelines. In China, both medical professionals and public should concern more on the early diagnosis, as there is not enough cancer prevention information available. Urologists should also take a more active role in educating the population.

Cytoreductive surgery for men with metastatic prostate cancer

Background

Cytoreductive surgery for metastatic prostate cancer is an emerging area of interest with a potential upside that includes local control, delayed initiation of hormone therapy, and possibly improved cancer specific survival. In order for radical prostatectomy to be an effective treatment option for men in this group, the benefits must outweigh the surgical morbidity. The aim of this study was to present a case series and assess the literature feasibility of cytoreductive surgery for men with metastatic prostate cancer.

Methods

A retrospective review of clinical notes was performed to identify men with metastatic prostate cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery between 2012 and 2014 for a group of urologists at a single institution in Melbourne. Each patient was evaluated with regard to preoperative prostate-specific antigen, grade, stage, adjuvant therapy, and surgical outcomes.

Results

Six cases were identified. This included 1 pelvic exenteration and 5 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies. The men who underwent RARP had uncomplicated recoveries, regained continence within 3 months and remained pad-free at follow up. All patients proceeded to additional treatment of sites of metastatic disease with a variable PSA response, however, 3 of 6 men required recommencement of ADT for biochemical progression at follow up.

Conclusions

This data supports recent findings demonstrating that radical prostatectomy for metastatic prostate cancer is feasible. Further studies are needed to explore the role of cytoreductive surgery with regards to the potential oncological benefit.

[Oncological outcomes of prostate cancer surgery]

OBJECTIVE

Review of the oncological results of the radical prostatectomy as initial treatment of prostate cancer, according to the surgical approach and the risk stratification using D'Amico risk groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Review of literature using Medline databases and MedScience based on scientific relevance. Research focused on the oncological results of the radical prostatectomy in series and meta-analysis published since 10 years, taking into consideration the surgical approach if mentioned.

RESULTS

The characteristics of the operated tumor highly impact the local control authenticated by the pathologic stage and the rates of positive surgical margins (PSM), in addition to the survival and the biochemical recurrence. Surgical technique adapted according to the tumor treated, was a constant challenge to the urologist, who counter balance between the oncological control and the conservation of urinary and sexual function by conditioning the type of radical prostatectomy. Results of radical prostatectomy acceptable in terms of PSM and survival are not influenced by the surgical approach but by the degree of surgical experience.

CONCLUSION

Results of radical prostatectomy show the efficient local control of prostate cancer, taking into consideration the oncological rules and indications validated by multidisciplinary meetings, based on the national (CCAFU) and European oncological guidelines. Tendency is going toward considering radical prostatectomy indicated for patients with higher risk of disease progression, so integrating surgery in a multidisciplinary personalized approach.

A Multi-institutional Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes in 106 Men Who Underwent Radical Prostatectomy for Distant Metastatic Prostate Cancer at Presentation

BACKGROUND

Current trials are investigating radical intervention in men with metastatic prostate cancer. However, there is a lack of safety data for radical prostatectomy as therapy in this setting.

OBJECTIVE

To examine perioperative outcomes and short-term complications after radical prostatectomy for locally resectable, distant metastatic prostate cancer.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective case series from 2007 to 2014 comprising 106 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic (M1) prostate cancer from the USA, Germany, Italy, and Sweden.

INTERVENTION

Radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics were used to present margin status, continence, and readmission, reoperation, and overall complication rates at 90 d, as well as for 21 specific complications. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to estimate survival function. Intercenter variability and M1a/ M1b subgroups were examined.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Some 79.2% of patients did not suffer any complications; positive-margin (53.8%), lymphocele (8.5%), and wound infection (4.7%) rates were higher in our cohort than in a meta-analysis of open radical prostatectomy performed for standard indications. At a median follow-up of 22.8 mo, 94/106 (88.7%) men were still alive. The study is limited by its retrospective design, differing selection criteria, and short follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical prostatectomy for men with locally resectable, distant metastatic prostate cancer appears safe in expert hands for meticulously selected patients. Overall and specific complication rates related to the surgical extirpation are not more frequent than when radical prostatectomy is performed for standard indications, and the use of extended pelvic lymphadenectomy in all of this cohort compared to its selective use in localized/locally advanced prostate cancer accounts for any extra morbidity.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Men presenting with advanced prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate are increasingly being considered for treatments directed at the prostate itself. On the basis of results for our international series of 106 men, surgery appears reasonably safe in this setting for certain patients.

Treatment of the Primary Tumor in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives

CONTEXT

Multimodal treatment for men with locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) using neoadjuvant/adjuvant systemic therapy, surgery, and radiation therapy is being increasingly explored. There is also interest in the oncologic benefit of treating the primary tumor in the setting of metastatic PCa (mPCa).

OBJECTIVE

To perform a review of the literature regarding the treatment of the primary tumor in the setting of mPCa.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline, PubMed, and Scopus electronic databases were queried for English language articles from January 1990 to September 2014. Prospective and retrospective studies were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

There is no published randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing local therapy and systemic therapy to systemic therapy alone in the treatment of mPCa. Prospective studies of men with locally advanced PCa and retrospective studies of occult node-positive PCa have consistently shown the addition of local therapy to a multimodal treatment regimen improves outcomes. Molecular and genomic evidence further suggests the primary tumor may have an active role in mPCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of the primary tumor in mPCa is being increasingly explored. While preclinical, translational, and retrospective evidence supports local therapy in advanced disease, further prospective studies are under way to evaluate this multimodal approach and identify the patients most likely to benefit from the inclusion of local therapy in the setting of metastatic disease.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this review we explored preclinical and clinical evidence for treatment of the primary tumor in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). We found evidence to support clinical trials investigating mPCa therapy that includes local treatment of the primary tumor. Currently, treating the primary tumor in mPCa is controversial and lacks high-level evidence sufficient for routine recommendation.