Importance of TURP in diagnosing prostate cancer in men with multiple negative biopsies

Role of Hiraoka's transurethral detachment of the prostate combined with biopsy of the peripheral zone during the same session in patients with repeated negative biopsies in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Persistent suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa) due to a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after repeated negative biopsies is a serious challenge in clinical practice.

AIM

To determine the role of Hiraoka’s transurethral detachment of the prostate (TUDP) combined with biopsy of the peripheral zone during the same session in patients with repeated negative biopsies in the diagnosis of PCa.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the records of 10 patients who were eligible for inclusion in our hospital between December 2012 and August 2017. Patient demographics, a family history of PCa, the number of biopsies, prostate volume, pathological examination, and perioperative PSA level were obtained.

RESULTS

Two of 10 patients were pathologically diagnosed with PCa after surgery; the Gleason scores were 4 + 4 and 4 + 3, respectively. Both patients subsequently underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The median PSA levels preoperatively, and 3 mo and 1 year postoperatively in the other eight patients who were diagnosed with benign prostate hyperplasia after surgery were 19.10 ng/mL, 1.10 ng/mL, and 1.15 ng/mL, respectively. The adjusted P values of the 3-mo and 1-year post-operative PSA level vs pre-operative PSA level were 0.003 and 0.026, respectively. None of the patients had increased PSA levels or PCa detected after a median 35 mo of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

TUDP combined with peripheral zone biopsy may improve the detection rate of PCa in patients with repeated negative biopsies. The PSA level declined rapidly in patients who had negative pathological examinations after TUDP, which remained stable 1 year after surgery.

Role of Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate to increase cancer detection rate in patients with gray-zone PSA level

BACKGROUND

Even though the safety of the treatment for prostate cancer diagnosed by HoLEP has been reported, the diagnostic value of HoLEP for prostate cancer detection has not been confirmed. Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic potential of HoLEP for detecting prostate cancer.

METHODS

Between December 2009 and October 2015, 359 patients (median age, 70.9 years; range, 66.2-74.8) were treated simultaneously with HoLEP and transrectal prostate needle biopsy (TPNB). Of these, 199 patients with a normal digital rectal examination and serum PSA concentration between 3.5 and 10.0 ng/mL were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictive factor for prostate cancer detected by HoLEP.

RESULTS

Median PSA, prostate volume and PSA density were 4.97 ng/mL (range, 4.20-6.70), 57.40 gm (range, 43.67-77.80) and 0.09 ng/mL2 (range, 0.07-0.12), respectively. Prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥6) was detected in 46 cases (23.1%). Of these, 26 (56.5%) were detected by HoLEP pathology, 11 (23.9%) by TPNB pathology, and 9 (19.6%) by both. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in 179 patients, including benign prostatic hyperplasia patients (N=153, 76.9%) and patients with cancer detected by HoLEP pathology. PSA density was identified as an independent predictor of prostate cancer detected by HoLEP in gray-zone PSA.

CONCLUSIONS

HoLEP is a viable modality for detecting prostate cancer in selected cases. PSA density was an independent predictor of prostate cancer detected by HoLEP in gray-zone PSA.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subsequent MRI/ultrasonography fusion-guided biopsy increase the detection of anteriorly located prostate cancers

OBJECTIVE

To describe the detection rate of anteriorly located prostate cancer (PCa) with the addition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasonography (US) fusion-guided biopsy (FGB) to the standard transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients, regardless of their biopsy history, who were referred for clinical suspicion of PCa (i.e elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and abnormal digital rectal examination) underwent 3T multiparametric-MRI (mpMRI) screening; and those with suspicious lesions in the anterior region of the prostate were identified. Patients then received a FGB of all suspicious lesions in addition to a systematic 12-core extended sextant TRUS-guided biopsy. We conducted a lesion-based analysis comparing cancer detection rates of anterior targets using FGB vs systematic cores taken from the same anatomic sextant within the prostate. Lengths of cancer in the most involved core were also compared between the two biopsy techniques used. Patients with only anterior targets were analysed separately.

RESULTS

Of 499 patients undergoing FGB, 162 had a total of 241 anterior lesions. The mean age, PSA level and prostate volume in this group were 62 years, 12.7 ng/dL, and 57 mL, respectively. In total, PCa was diagnosed in 121 anterior lesions (50.2%) identified on mpMRI. Sixty-two (25.7%) of these anterior lesions were documented as positive for cancer on systematic 12-core TRUS-guided biopsy cores, while 97 (40.2%) were positive on the targeted FGB cores (P = 0.001). In lesions that were positive on both FGB and TRUS biopsy, the most involved core was 112% longer on FGB (3.7 vs 1.6 mm, P ≤ 0.01). Forty-two patients had only anterior lesions on mpMRI; of these, 24 (57.1%) were found to have cancer on the FGB + TRUS biopsy platform. Six patients were positive on FGB only and 13 were positive on both biopsy techniques; however, 7/13 patients were upgraded to a higher Gleason score after FGB. All five patients positive on TRUS biopsy only were candidates for active surveillance.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that FGB detects significantly more anteriorly located PCa than does TRUS-guided biopsy alone and it may serve as an effective tool for the subset of patients with such tumours.

Diagnostic role of prostate resection in the elderly patients who experience significant co-morbidity with a high clinical suspicion of prostate cancer

The necessity of routine prostate biopsy prior to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in elderly comorbid patients with a high prostate specific antigen (PSA) level remains controversial. We assessed the role of TURP in prostate cancer diagnosis in these individuals. A total of 197 patients underwent TURP in conjunction with prostatic needle biopsy. Pathologic reviews of specimens of TUR chips and biopsy cores were analyzed. Overall, prostate cancer (CaP) was detected in 114 patients (57.6%). Ninety-eight cancers (86%) were detected with TURP and biopsy, and seven cancers (6.1%) with only TURP. The Gleason score of a TUR-specimen was identical to that of the biopsy-core in 43.9% of cases. Variables associated with diagnostic accuracy in the TUR-specimens included the prebiopsy PSA level, prostate specific antigen density (PSAD), and the Gleason score in biopsy cores. In patients with a PSA level and a PSAD that was greater than 15.4 ng/mL and 0.69 ng/mL/g, respectively, 100% of the cancers were detected in the TUR-specimens. Our results suggest that a prostatic biopsy might be omitted prior to TURP in elderly patients with significant co-morbidity and levels for PSA of >15.4 ng/mL.

Comparison of transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate for detection of prostate cancer in patients with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms

BACKGROUND

To compare transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for detection of prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and December 2008, a total of 520 patients, aged 50.3-81.5 years, with moderate LUTS (International Prostate Symptom Score, 8-19), and elevation of prostate-specific antigen (≥ 4 ng/mL), or abnormal findings by digital rectal examination, were enrolled for evaluation. All the patients were recommended to receive TRUS-guided biopsy of the prostate (TRUS biopsy group) or TURP (TURP group) due to the possibility of PCa, according to their choice after full explanation by the doctors.

RESULTS

There were 379 patients in the TRUS biopsy group and 141 in the TURP group. PCa was detected in 80 patients (21.1%) in the TRUS group and in 27 (19.1%) in the TURP group. Clinically localized PCa (T1-2N0M0) was found in 46 patients (57.5%) in the TRUS biopsy group and in 16 (59.3%) in the TURP group. Bone metastasis was noticed in 22 (27.5%) patients in the TRUS biopsy group and in 7 (25.9%) in the TURP group. The percentage of low-grade tumor was significantly higher in the TURP group than in the TRUS biopsy group (11.1% vs. 5%).

CONCLUSION

TURP was not superior to TRUS-guided biopsy of the prostate for detection of PCa in patients with moderate LUTS and prostate-specific antigen ≥ 4 ng/mL.

'Prostatic evasive anterior tumours': the role of magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience and delineate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying patients presenting with a raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and clinical findings suggestive of anterior predominant tumours, which appear to be significant, particularly in those with a previous negative biopsy or low-volume disease undergoing active surveillance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our database to identify patients with anteriorly predominant tumours on MRI whom had undergone prostate biopsy.

RESULTS

In all, 31 patients with anterior predominant tumours on MRI also had a positive biopsy (14 on active surveillance and 17 with previous negative biopsies). MRI was usually invoked by the presenting PSA level or PSA velocity. MRI had a positive predictive value for anterior tumours of 87% (27/31). The Gleason score distribution for the 27 men with cancer was 6 in 15; 3 + 4 in three, 4 + 3 in six and 8/9 in three. For prostatic cores, 44/85 (52%) samples from the anterior prostate had cancer. Thirteen patients had a radical prostatectomy (pT2 in three, pT3 in seven and pT4 in three); seven of the 13 had positive surgical margins and a third of them had a biochemical recurrence at the 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

There is a subset of patients either having a negative biopsy or low-volume disease and who are on active surveillance who should be considered for MRI and further biopsy, as their pathology might be aggressive. An entity might be emerging with anterior predominant tumours that are impalpable, and we believe the term 'prostate evasive anterior tumour syndrome' to be appropriate. This requires further analysis in a large prospective database with consideration for triggers for MRI and targeted biopsies.

A new algorithm in patients with elevated and/or rising prostate-specific antigen level, minor lower urinary tract symptoms, and negative multisite prostate biopsies

Patients with elevated and/or rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA), minor lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and no evidence for prostate cancer on (multiple) extended prostate biopsies are a regularly encountered problem in urological practice. Even now, patients are seen with no objective explanation of this persistent elevated and/or rising PSA. So far, many strategic proposals have been elaborated and published to deal with this specific population including the use of different PSA derivates; applying different biopsy schemes—strategies—biopsy target imaging; diagnostic use of prostate cancer genes; and many more. In this review, we propose a new algorithm in which an urodynamic evaluation should be included since bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) can be expected. Once BOO is confirmed, a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can be offered to these patients. This procedure will result in subjective and biochemical improvement and allows extensive histological examination. Current literature was reviewed with regard to this specific population. This research was performed using the commercially available Medline online search tools and applying the following search terms: “diagnostic TURP”; “elevated PSA”; and “prostate biopsy”. Furthermore, subsequent reference search was executed on retrieved articles.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer: repeated transrectal prostate biopsy or transurethral resection

BACKGROUND

Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate is the major method by which prostate cancer is diagnosed. However, many patients might be overlooked with the initial biopsy. Not uncommonly, patients need repeated biopsies when they continue to exhibit suspicious clinical signs. This may cause psychological stress to both patients and doctors. The purpose of this study was to determine how many repeat transrectal biopsies are adequate for prostate cancer detection and when to switch to transurethral resection.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied a cohort of 2,996 patients who had undergone prostate biopsy. If the biopsy specimen was negative for malignancy, patients were given the choice of either being managed with observation or undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) if indicated. If there was a high suspicion of cancer, patients were advised to undergo additional biopsies. The primary endpoint of this study was a diagnosis of cancer.

RESULTS

The cancer detection rate was 22.9% (685 of 2,996 patients) in specimens taken during the first transrectal biopsy, 8.7% in those taken during the second biopsy (32 of 336 patients), and 6.1% in those taken during the third biopsy (6 of 98 patients). The cancer detection rate of TURP after 1 negative biopsy result was 9.3% (35 of 375 patients), and that after 2 negative biopsy results was 17.1% (6 of 35 patients). TURP-derived specimens that were pathologically diagnosed as malignant had lower Gleason grade on average, no matter how many repeat biopsies there were in patients whose previous transrectal biopsy specimens were negative for malignancy (p=0.002 for 2 negative biopsy results and p=0.007 for 3 negative biopsy results).

CONCLUSION

The chance of detecting malignancy beyond a third transrectal biopsy procedure is low. TURP, therefore, might be an alternative procedure for obtaining tissue for pathologic diagnosis, especially in patients with rising prostate-specific antigen levels and comorbid illnesses such as obstructive symptoms.

Clinical relevance of transurethral resection of the prostate in "asymptomatic" patients with an elevated prostate-specific antigen level

OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical relevance of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with minor lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) but elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

METHODS

We retrospectively included 82 patients, aged 50.2-78.2 yr, with minor LUTS, elevated PSA (> or =4 ng/ml), and no signs of prostate cancer (PCa) after (multiple) negative multisite biopsies who underwent TURP after they were diagnosed by urodynamics with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). We evaluated the clinical benefit of TURP by assessing its effect on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and PSA and the diagnostic value of histologic examination of the resected tissue for the presence of PCa.

RESULTS

After TURP, histologic analysis of the resected specimen revealed that eight patients (9.8%) had PCa; seven of these patients had a tumour that needed further treatment. The remaining 74 patients (90.2%) were diagnosed with BOO due to benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement (BPH/BPE). In this group, the mean PSA level decreased from 8.8 ng/ml before TURP to 1.1 ng/ml in the first year and 1.3 ng/ml in the second year after TURP; the mean IPSS decreased from 8.8 to 1.5 in the first year after TURP.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data suggest that patients with minor LUTS and elevated PSA without evidence of PCa are very likely to have BOO due to BPH/BPE and may benefit from TURP if obstruction is proved. However, a prospective trial is warranted to assess the impact of these results on clinical practice.

Computerized Three-Dimensional Localization of Prostate Cancer Using Contrast-Enhanced Power Doppler and Clustering Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential benefit of semiautomated localization of prostate cancer using clustering analysis on three-dimensional (3-D) contrast-enhanced power Doppler images.

METHODS

Thirty patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer and scheduled for radical prostatectomy underwent a 3-D contrast-enhanced power Doppler scan prior to surgery. A 3-D ellipsoid model was manually fitted around the prostate. The model automatically divided the prostate into 12 zones. After calculation of a so-called clustering map, the clustering values of each zone were calculated. They were compared with whole-mount section histopathology. Region-of-interest (ROI) analysis was performed with bootstrapping to evaluate overall performance.

RESULTS

The ROI analysis yielded area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.65 with a corresponding standard error of 0.03.

CONCLUSION

Semiautomatic localization based on clustering analysis of blood flow aids in localization of prostate tumors. A clustering map is an easy-to-interpret extension to standard power Doppler images.

Role of transurethral resection of the prostate and biopsy of the peripheral zone in the same session after repeated negative biopsies in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) together with biopsies of the peripheral zone in the diagnosis of prostate cancer after repeated negative transrectal biopsies and increasing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2004, 43 patients, aged 53-69 yr, were seen for a history of at least two negative biopsies for prostate cancer. Thirty-five men had an increasing PSA level and underwent another set of biopsies. Seven patients had prostate cancer (20%); three were lost at follow-up and four had a Charlson comorbidity index >1. The remaining 21 were offered TURP and biopsy of the peripheral zone. Bladder outlet obstruction had no influence on decision-making. Fourteen men accepted.

RESULTS

Eight patients (57%) had prostate cancer and underwent radical prostatectomy. Six cancers were detected only with TURP, one with TURP and biopsy, and one with biopsy alone. After a median of 9 mo of follow-up, two of six patients underwent rebiopsy for a rising PSA level, but no cancer was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

TURP combined with a set of transrectal needle biopsies of the lateral portion of the gland is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic power after repeated negative biopsies in patients with persistently increasing PSA levels.