Seminal vesicle invasion in radical prostatectomies: which is the most common route of invasion?

Myeloid differentiation factor-2/LY96, a potential predictive biomarker of metastasis and poor outcomes in prostate cancer: clinical implications as a potential therapeutic target

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most diagnosed cancer in males and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Patients with localized tumors are generally curable. However, no curative treatment exists for patients with advanced and metastatic disease. Therefore, identifying critical proteins involved in the metastatic process would help to develop new therapeutic options for patients with advanced and aggressive CaP. We provide strong evidence that Myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD2) plays a critical role in metastasis and CaP progression. Analysis of tumor genomic data showed that amplifications of MD2 and increased expression are associated with poor outcomes in patients. Immunohistochemistry analysis of tumor tissues showed a correlation between the expression of MD2 and cancer progression. The Decipher-genomic test validated the potential of MD2 in predicting metastasis. In vitro studies demonstrated that MD2 confers invasiveness by activating MAPK and NF-kB signaling pathways and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we show that metastatic cells release MD2 (sMD2). We measured serum-sMD2 in patients and found that the level is correlated to disease extent. We determined the significance of MD2 in metastasis in vivo and as a therapeutic target, showing that the molecular and pharmacological targeting of MD2 significantly inhibited metastasis in murine models. We conclude that MD2 predicts metastatic behavior, and serum-MD2 could be studied as a potential non-invasive biomarker for metastasis, whereas MD2 presence on prostate biopsy predicts adverse disease outcome. We suggest MD2-targeted therapies could be developed as potential treatments for aggressive metastatic disease.

Prostate Cancer Local Staging with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Accurate determination of the local stage of prostate cancer is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis. The primary objective of local staging is to distinguish between organ-confined and locally advanced disease, with the latter carrying a worse clinical prognosis. The presence of locally advanced disease features of prostate cancer, such as extra-prostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and positive surgical margin, can impact the choice of treatment. Over the past decade, multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has become the preferred imaging modality for the local staging of prostate cancer and has been shown to provide accurate information on the location and extent of disease. It has demonstrated superior performance compared to staging based on traditional clinical nomograms. Despite being a relatively new technique, mpMRI has garnered considerable attention and ongoing investigations. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the current use of mpMRI on prostate cancer local staging.

Myeloid differentiation factor-2/LY96, a new predictive biomarker of metastasis in prostate cancer: Clinical implications as a potential therapeutic target

Relapsed prostate cancer (CaP), usually treated with androgen deprivation therapy, acquires resistance to develop into lethal metastatic castration-resistant CaP. The cause of resistance remains elusive, and the lack of biomarkers predictive of castration-resistance emergence is a stumbling block in managing the disease. We provide strong evidence that Myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD2) plays a critical role in metastasis and CaP progression. Analysis of tumor genomic data and IHC of tumors showed a high frequency of MD2 amplification and association with poor overall survival in patients. The Decipher-genomic test validated the potential of MD2 in predicting metastasis. In vitro studies demonstrated that MD2 confers invasiveness by activating MAPK and NF-kB signaling pathways. Furthermore, we show that metastatic cells release MD2 (sMD2). We measured serum-sMD2 in patients and found that the level is correlated to disease extent. We determined the significance of MD2 as a therapeutic target and found that targeting MD2 significantly inhibited metastasis in a murine model. We conclude that MD2 predicts metastatic behavior and serum-MD2 is a non-invasive biomarker for tumor burden, whereas MD2 presence on prostate biopsy predicts adverse disease outcome. We suggest MD2-targeted therapies could be developed as potential treatments for aggressive metastatic disease.

The pathway of isolated seminal vesicle invasion has a different impact on biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy

OBJECTIVE

Prostate cancer with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) has been considered an aggressive cancer. To evaluate the prognostic significance of different patterns of isolated SVI in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymphadenectomy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent RP between 2007 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were localized prostate adenocarcinoma, SVI at RP, at least 24-months follow-up, and no adjuvant treatment. Patterns of SVI were following Ohori's classification: type 1: direct spread along the ejaculatory duct from inside; type 2: seminal vesicle invasion outside the prostate, through the capsule; type 3: the presence of cancer island(s) in the seminal vesicle with no continuity from the primary tumor (discontinuous metastases). Patients with type 3 SVI (isolated or in association) were included in the same group. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as any postoperative PSA ≥0.2 ng/ml. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of BCR. Time to BCR was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Sixty-one out of 1,356 patients were included. Median age was 67(7.2) years. Median PSA was 9.4(8.92) ng/ml. Mean follow-up was 85.28 ± 45.27 months. BCR occurred in 28(45.9%) patients. Logistic regression showed that a positive surgical margin (OR 19.964, 95%CI:1.172-29.322, P = 0.038) was predictor of BCR. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with pattern 3 had a significantly shorter time to BCR compared to other groups (log-rank, P = 0.016). The estimated time to BCR was 48.7 months in type 3, 60.9 months in pattern 1 + 2, 74.8, and 100.8 months in isolated patterns 1 and 2, respectively. In patients with negative surgical margins, pattern 3 confirmed a shorter time to BCR compared to other types of invasions, with an estimated time to BCR of 30.8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 3 SVI demonstrated a shorter time to BCR compared to other patterns.

Single tertiary cancer center experience on the management of pT3b prostate cancer after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Background

Pathological involvement of the seminal vesicle poses a treatment dilemma following robotic prostatectomy. Margin status plays an important role in deciding further management. A wide range of treatment options are available, including active monitoring, adjuvant radiotherapy, salvage radiotherapy, and occasionally androgen deprivation therapy. Patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy tend to have higher risk of urinary and bowel morbidities. The recent RADICALS-RT concluded that adjuvant radiotherapy did not have any benefit compared with salvage radiotherapy. We aim to audit the incidence, margin status, and management of T3b cancer cases at our center.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients diagnosed with pathological T3b (pT3b) prostate cancer following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy from January 2012 to July 2020. Preoperative parameters analyzed included prostate-specific antigen (PSA), T stage, and age. A chi-square test and 2-tailed t test were used to determine the relationship between categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to assess overall survival in patients with pT3b prostate cancer and used to compare unadjusted progression-free survival among those who underwent adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy.

Results

A total of 83 (5%) of 1665 patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy were diagnosed with pT3b prostate cancer between January 2012 and July 2020. Among these, 36 patients (44%) did not receive any radiotherapy during follow-up, compared with 26 patients (31%) who received adjuvant radiotherapy and 21 (25%) who received salvage radiotherapy. The median age of our cohort was 64 (SD, 6.4) years. Mean PSA at presentation was 12.7 μg/L. Positive margins were seen in 36 patients (43%); however, there was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups (p = 0.49). The median overall survival was 96%. There was no significant difference between the adjuvant and salvage groups in terms of biochemical progression-free survival (p = 0.66). Five-year biochemical progression-free survival was 94% for those in the adjuvant radiotherapy group and 97% for those in the salvage radiotherapy group.

Conclusions

Our audit corroborates with the recently concluded RADICALS-RT study, although we had fewer patients with positive margins. Radiotherapy can be avoided in patients with T3b prostate cancer, even if margin is positive, until there is definitive evidence of PSA recurrence. In keeping with the conclusion of RADICALS-RT, salvage radiotherapy may be preferable to adjuvant radiotherapy.

Predictive model containing PI-RADS v2 score for postoperative seminal vesicle invasion among prostate cancer patients

Background

Seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) is considered to be one of most adverse prognostic findings in prostate cancer, affecting the biochemical progression-free survival and disease-specific survival. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has shown excellent specificity in diagnosis of SVI, but with poor sensitivity. The aim of this study is to create a model that includes the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2) score to predict postoperative SVI in patients without SVI on preoperative mpMRI.

Methods

A total of 262 prostate cancer patients without SVI on preoperative mpMRI who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution from January 2012 to July 2019 were enrolled retrospectively. The prostate-specific antigen levels in all patients were <10 ng/mL. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with SVI, including the PI-RADS v2 score. A regression coefficient-based model was built for predicting SVI. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the performance of the model.

Results

SVI was reported on the RP specimens in 30 patients (11.5%). The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that biopsy Gleason grade group (GGG) and the PI-RADS v2 score were significant independent predictors of SVI (all P<0.05). The area under the curve of the model was 0.746 (P<0.001). The PI-RADS v2 score <4 and Gleason grade <8 yielded only a 1.8% incidence of SVI with a high negative predictive value of 98.2% (95% CI, 93.0-99.6%).

Conclusions

The PI-RADS v2 score <4 in prostate cancer patients with prostate-specific antigen level <10 ng/mL is associated with a very low risk of SVI. A model based on biopsy Gleason grade and PI-RADS v2 score may help to predict SVI and serve as a tool for the urologists to make surgical plans.

Prognostic value of seminal vesicle invasion on preoperative multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging in pathological stage T3b prostate cancer

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) on preoperative multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in pathological T3b prostate cancer (PCa). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients who underwent preoperative mpMRI and subsequent radical prostatectomy (RP). A total of 159 patients with pathologic T3b PCa were stratified into two groups based on mpMRI findings (negative vs. positive SVI). A positive SVI was defined as the presence of mpMRI evidence of SVI. In addition, 290 patients with pathologic T3a were also included in this study for further comparative analysis. Fifty-two patients (32.7%) had a positive SVI on preoperative mpMRI. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) occurred in a total of 45 (28.3%) patients, with 25 (23.4%) cases in the negative SVI group and 20 (38.5%) cases in the positive SVI group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of the two groups revealed significantly decreased BCR-free survival in the positive SVI group (median, 21 vs. 9 months, log-rank test, P < 0.001). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, pre-biopsy PSA (P = 0.035) and positive SVI on preoperative mpMRI (P = 0.049) were identified as significant predictors of BCR. Upon further comparative analysis with the pathologic T3a group, we also found significant differences among the groups throughout the Kaplan-Meier curve (P < 0.001). Conclusively, the unpredicted (negative) SVI group had a favorable BCR-free survival compared to the positive SVI group. In addition, significant differences were observed in the prognosis of pathologic T3a and these two groups. This suggests that pathologic T3b can be stratified into two categories.

Novel nomogram for the prediction of seminal vesicle invasion including multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVES

To create a model that predicts side-specific seminal vesicle invasion using clinical, biopsy and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging data.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 544 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at a single institution. To develop a side-specific predictive model, we ultimately considered four variables: prostate-specific antigen, highest ipsilateral biopsy Gleason grade, highest ipsilateral percentage core involvement and seminal vesicle invasion on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. A binary multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to predict seminal vesicle invasion. A nomogram was then built based on the coefficients of the resulting logit function. The leave-one-out cross validation method was used for internal validation, and the decision curve analysis for the evaluation of the net clinical benefit.

RESULTS

We relied on 804 side-specific cases after excluding negative biopsy observations (n = 284). Seminal vesicle invasion was reported on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in 41 (5%) cases, and on final pathology in 64 (8%) cases. All variables in the model emerged as predictors of seminal vesicle invasion (all P ≤ 0.001) and were subsequently considered to build a nomogram. The area under the curve of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging alone in predicting seminal vesicle invasion was 59.1%; whereas one of the clinical variables only was 85.1%. The area under the curve of the nomogram resulting from their combination was 86.5%. After internal validation, this resulted in 84.7%. The model achieved good calibration and the decision curve analysis showed its clinical benefit, especially when compared with relying only on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging prediction of seminal vesicle invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

A nomogram based on clinical and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging data can predict seminal vesicle invasion and serve as a tool to urologists for surgical planning.

Does index tumor predominant location influence prognostic factors in radical prostatectomies?

PURPOSE

To find any influence on prognostic factors of index tumor according to predominant location.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prostate surgical specimens from 499 patients submitted to radical retropubic prostatectomy were step-sectioned. Each transverse section was subdivided into 2 anterolateral and 2 posterolateral quadrants. Tumor extent was evaluated by a semi-quantitative point-count method. The index tumor (dominant nodule) was recorded as the maximal number of positive points of the most extensive tumor area from the quadrants and the predominant location was considered anterior (anterolateral quadrants), posterior (posterolateral quadrants), basal (quadrants in upper half of the prostate), apical (quadrants in lower half of the prostate), left (left quadrants) or right (right quadrants). Time to biochemical recurrence was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier product-limit analysis and prediction of shorter time to biochemical recurrence using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Index tumors with predominant posterior location were significantly associated with higher total tumor extent, needle and radical prostatectomy Gleason score, positive lymph nodes and preoperative prostate-specific antigen. Index tumors with predominant basal location were significantly associated with higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen, pathological stage higher than pT2, extra-prostatic extension, and seminal vesicle invasion. Index tumors with predominant basal location were significantly associated with time to biochemical recurrence in Kaplan-Meier estimates and significantly predicted shorter time to biochemical recurrence on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that index tumor predominant location is associated with prognosis in radical prostatectomies, however, in multivariate analysis do not offer advantage over other well-established prognostic factors.

Prognostic Significance of Vas Deferens Invasion After Radical Prostatectomy in Patients with Pathological Stage T3b Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Despite its anatomical similarity and close proximity to the seminal vesicle, the prognostic significance of vas deferens invasion (VDI) by PCa has not been elucidated. For these reasons, we investigated the impact of VDI on the oncological outcome of pT3b PCa in association with SVI.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3359 patients who had undergone a radical prostatectomy at our institution between January 2000 and December 2014 for PCa. Patients who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment (radiation, androgen deprivation therapy, or both) and those without adequate medical records were excluded. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS), and a Cox regression model was used to test the influence of VDI on biochemical recurrence (BCR).

RESULTS

Of 350 patients with pathologically confirmed SVI (pT3b), 87 (24.9%) had VDI, while the remaining 263 patients (75.1%) had isolated SVI. Compared with SVI patients without VDI, SVI patients with VDI were noted to have a significantly worse 5-year BCRFS (25.1 vs. 17.1%, respectively). VDI was a significant predictor of BCR in multivariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.90; p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results shows that the prognosis of PCa with SVI might be further stratified by VDI status, thus suggesting the role of VDI either as a surrogate for poor prognosis or as a determinant for adjuvant therapy.

Vas deferens invasion: A neglected issue in the sampling of radical prostatectomy materials

A radical prostatectomy affects the prostate, bilateral seminal vesicles (SV), and the distal parts of the bilateral vasa deferentia (VD). SV invasion (SVI) is associated with an increased risk of lymph node metastasis and recurrence. However, the significance of VD invasion (VDI), either with or without the involvement of their surgical margins, has not been fully appreciated. We think VDI might have an independent prognostic significance, as does SVI, and should be incorporated into the pathology guidelines and the staging systems of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Our case illustrates this.

Long-term cancer control after radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection for pT3bN0M0 prostate cancer in the prostate-specific antigen era

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated long-term cancer control outcomes of radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (RP) for pT3bN0M0 prostate cancer in the era of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the University of Southern California Prostate Cancer Database was performed. Between 1987 and 2008, 229 men underwent open RP for pT3bN0M0 prostate cancer. The cohort was divided into early (1987-1997) and contemporary (1998-2008) PSA eras. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional regression models were used to analyze clinical recurrence (CR) and biochemical recurrence (BCR).

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 14.5 years (range, 0.2-21.1y). The predicted 10-year freedom from CR and BCR rates for men treated in the early and contemporary PSA eras were 73% and 95% (Log-rank P = 0.001) and 65% and 73% (Log-rank P = 0.055), respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that pathologic Gleason grade 8-10 (CR: hazard ratio [HR] = 5.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.72-15.20; P = 0.003; BCR: HR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.60-7.48; P = 0.002) and contemporary PSA era (CR: HR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.06-0.41; P<0.001; BCR: HR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.28-0.86; P = 0.013) were independently associated with cancer control. Adjuvant radiation therapy and positive surgical margins were not independently associated with outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

RP conferred long-term cancer control in men with pT3bN0M0 prostate cancer treated in the PSA era. Pathologic Gleason grade 8-10 and treatment in the early PSA era were independently associated with poorer cancer control outcomes.

Local recurrence after retropubic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer does not exclusively occur at the anastomotic site

What's known on the subject? and what does the study add?: Local recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically organ-confined prostate cancer is largely assumed to occur at the anastomotic site, as reflected in European and North American guidelines for adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy after RP. However, the exact site of local recurrence often remains undetermined. The present study shows that roughly one out of five patients with local recurrence after RP has histologically confirmed tumour deposits at the resection site of the vas deferens, clearly above the anastomotic site. This should be considered when offering 'blind' radiotherapy to the anastomotic site in patients with biochemical recurrence alone.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the anatomical pattern of local recurrence and the corresponding clinical and pathological variables of patients treated with retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 41 patients with biopsy confirmed local recurrence after extended pelvic lymph node dissection and RRP performed between January 1992 and December 2009 at a single tertiary referral academic centre were retrospectively studied. The site of local recurrence as assessed on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was reviewed. Two sites were identified: the vesicourethral anastomotic site and the cranial resection margin of the surgical bed, where the vas deferens was transected and clipped. Age and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level at RRP, pathological tumour and nodal stage, Gleason score, tumour location, surgical margin status, age and serum PSA level at the time of local recurrence, and time to diagnosis of local recurrence were assessed for the two sites and compared with the chi-square or Wilcoxon rank sum tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

Local recurrence occurred at the anastomotic site in 31/41 (76%) patients and at the resection site of the vas deferens in nine of 41 (22%) patients. One patient had distinct lesions at both sites. There was no significant difference in any of the clinical and pathological variables between patients with local recurrence in the former and latter site.

CONCLUSION

Most local recurrences after RRP occur exclusively at the anastomotic site. However, 22% of locally recurrent cases had tumour at the resection site of the vas deferens. This should be taken into account when considering adjuvant or salvage radiation therapy.

Maintenance of genomic integrity after DNA double strand breaks in the human prostate and seminal vesicle epithelium: the best and the worst

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent cancer types in men, and its incidence is steadily increasing. On the other hand, primary seminal vesicle carcinomas are extremely rare with less than 60 cases reported worldwide. Therefore the difference in cancer incidence has been estimated to be more than a 100,000-fold. This is astonishing, as both tissues share similar epithelial structure and hormonal cues. Clearly, the two epithelia differ substantially in the maintenance of genomic integrity, possibly due to inherent differences in their DNA damage burden and DNA damage signaling. The DNA damage response evoked by DNA double strand breaks may be relevant, as their faulty repair has been implicated in the formation of common genomic rearrangements such as TMPRSS2-ERG fusions during prostate carcinogenesis. Here, we review DNA damaging processes of both tissues with an emphasis on inflammation and androgen signaling. We discuss how benign prostate and seminal vesicle epithelia respond to acute DNA damage, focusing on the canonical DNA double strand break-induced ATM-pathway, p53 and DNA damage induced checkpoints. We propose that the prostate might be more prone to the accumulation of genetic aberrations during epithelial regeneration than seminal vesicles due to a weaker ability to enforce DNA damage checkpoints.

A contemporary analysis of outcomes of adenocarcinoma of the prostate with seminal vesicle invasion (pT3b) after radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

Despite earlier detection and stage migration, seminal vesicle invasion is still reported in the prostate specific antigen era and remains a poor prognostic indicator. We investigated outcomes in men with pT3b disease in the contemporary era.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional radical prostatectomy database (1982 to 2010) of 18,505 men was queried and 989 with pT3b tumors were identified. The cohort was split into pre-prostate specific antigen (1982 to 1992), and early (1993 to 2000) and contemporary (2001 to present) prostate specific antigen eras. Of the 732 men identified in the prostate specific antigen era 140 had lymph node involvement and were excluded from study. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine biochemical recurrence-free, metastasis-free and prostate cancer specific survival. Proportional hazard models were used to determine predictors of biochemical recurrence-free, metastasis-free and cancer specific survival.

RESULTS

In the pre-prostate specific antigen, and early and contemporary prostate specific antigen eras, 7.7%, 4.3% and 3.3% of patients, respectively, had pT3bN0 disease (p >0.001). In pT3bN0 cases, the 10-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rate was 25.8%, 28.6% and 19.6% (p = 0.8), and the cancer specific survival rate was 79.9%, 79.6% and 83.8% (p = 0.6) among the eras, respectively. In pT3bN0 cases in the prostate specific antigen era, prostate specific antigen, clinical stage T2b or greater, pathological Gleason sum 7 and 8-10, and positive surgical margins were significant predictors of biochemical recurrence-free survival on multivariate analysis while clinical stage T2c or greater and Gleason 8-10 were predictors of metastasis-free and cancer specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a decreased frequency of pT3b disease, and lower rates of positive surgical margins and lymph nodes, patients with seminal vesicle invasion continue to have low biochemical recurrence-free survival. Advanced clinical stage, intermediate or high risk Gleason sum at pathological evaluation and positive surgical margins predict biochemical recurrence. High risk clinical stage and Gleason sum predict metastasis-free and cancer specific survival.

Large phyllodes tumour of the seminal vesicle: case report and literature review

A rare case of phyllodes tumour arising in the seminal vesicle is reported here. A 59-year-old male presented with lower abdominal discomfort and symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction for 1 year. Transrectal ultrasonography and pelvic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large mass posterior to the bladder and anterior to the rectum. Tumour excision and right seminal vesiculectomy were performed via a transvesical approach. The left seminal vesicle, bladder and prostate were not involved. The patient had an uneventful post-operative course and recovered well. There was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis during 22 months of regular follow up. The diagnosis, histological classification, treatment and prognosis of this case are presented together with a review of the literature. It is suggested that the behaviour of phyllodes tumour of the seminal vesicle is related to its histological parameters.

The triple clinicopathologic features to seminal vesicle-sparing radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

With the widespread early detection programs for prostate cancer, there has been a downward stage migration and a marked decrease in the percentage of men with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) compared with previous data. We evaluated clinicopathologic findings that are associated with SVI to select patients for potential seminal vesicle-sparing surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed our radical prostatectomy database from 1997 to 2006 to evaluate the incidence and clinical correlates of SVI. Variables analyzed included serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical stage, percentage of positive cores with cancer, Gleason score on biopsy, age, prostate weight, and urethral and vesical surgical margins. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Of 267 patients, 32 (12%) had SVI. Preoperative PSA level, biopsy Gleason score, and percentage of positive cores were highly predictive of SVI on multivariate analysis. SVI was present in only 1/98 patients (1.02 %) with biopsy Gleason score ≤6, 0/23 patients (0%) with serum PSA level <4 ng/mL, and only 1 patient with ≤12.8% of positive cores on biopsy. In all cases of distal SVI, there was proximal involvement.

CONCLUSION

Serum PSA level, Gleason score, and percentage of positive cores on biopsy are statistically significant predictors of SVI on multivariate analysis. Seminal vesiculectomy does not benefit almost 99% of patients with biopsy Gleason score ≤6, PSA level <4 ng/mL, and with <12% cores with cancer. In cases of seminal vesicle-sparing surgery, frozen section of the proximal portion may be of adjunct usefulness for the triple.

Comparative proteomic analysis of proteins involved in the tumorigenic process of seminal vesicle carcinoma in transgenic mice

We studied the seminal vesicle secretion (SVS) of transgenic mice by using one-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with LTQ-FT ICR MS analysis to explore protein expression profiles. Using unique peptide numbers as a cut-off criterion, 79 proteins were identified with high confidence in the SVS proteome. Label-free quantitative analysis was performed by using the IDEAL_Q software program. Furthermore, western blot assays were performed to validate the expression of seminal vesicle proteins. Sulfhydryl oxidase 1, glia-derived nexin, SVS1, SVS3, and SVS6 showed overexpression in SVS during cancer development. With high sequence similarity to human semenogelin, SVS2 is the most abundance protein in SVS and is dramatically decreased during the tumorigenic process. Our results indicate that these protein candidates could serve as potential targets for monitoring seminal vesicle carcinoma. Moreover, this information can provide clues for investigating seminal vesicle secretion-containing seminal plasma for related human diseases.