Factors influencing prostate cancer patterns of care: An analysis of treatment variation using the SEER database

Salvage High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer after Radiation Failure: A Narrative Review

For patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, there are multiple treatment options available. The traditional treatment modalities include radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, focal therapy, including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy, has emerged as a less-invasive method in this setting. Some patients undergoing primary radiation therapy experience recurrence, but there is currently no consensus on the optimal approach for salvage treatment in such cases. The lack of robust data and randomized controlled trials comparing different whole-gland and focal salvage therapies presents a challenge in determining the ideal treatment strategy. This narrative review examines the prospective and retrospective data available on salvage HIFU following radiation therapy. Based on the literature, salvage HIFU for radio-recurrent prostate cancer has promising oncological outcomes, with an overall 5-year survival rate of around 85%, as well as incontinence rates of about 30% based on the patient's risk group, follow-up times, definitions used, and other aspects of the study. Salvage HIFU for prostate cancer proves to be an effective treatment modality for select patients with biochemical recurrence following radiotherapy.

Changes in the trends of initial treatment for newly diagnosed prostate cancer in Japan: a nationwide multi-institutional study

BACKGROUND

In previous large-scale studies conducted through 2010, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was the most common initial treatment for prostate cancer patients in Japan. However, recent advancements in treatment technologies have significantly affected the management of prostate cancer in Japan. This study analyzed the trends in initial treatments for prostate cancer based on two nationwide surveys.

METHODS

Two Japan-wide multi-institutional surveys, J-CaP2010 and J-CaP2016, were conducted to enroll patients newly histologically diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010 and 2016-18, respectively. Both surveys included age at diagnosis, initial PSA level, ISUP Grade Group, TNM classification, and initial treatment for prostate cancer.

RESULTS

J-CaP2010 included data from 8192 patients across 140 institutions, whereas J-CaP2016 included data from 21 841 patients across 186 institutions. In J-CaP2016, the proportion of radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation therapy (RT) in the initial treatment increased (from 32% to 36% and 21% to 26%, respectively), whereas the proportion of ADT decreased (from 40% to 29%) compared with those in J-CaP2010. The increase in RP or RT was noticeable in patients aged 75 years and older (from 20% to 38%) and those with high-risk localized cancer (from 58% to 74%) or locally advanced cancer (from 38% to 56%). The proportion of active surveillance or watchful waiting increased in patients with low-risk localized cancer (from 21% to 41%). The proportion of robot-assisted RP within all RPs and the proportion of intensity-modulated RT within all RTs increased remarkably (from 2.3% to 78% and 20% to 50%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In Japan, RP and RT have increased as initial treatments for prostate cancer, whereas ADT has decreased. Consequently, RP has emerged as the most commonly selected initial treatment, replacing ADT.

A review of factors influencing the uptake of prostate cancer treatment in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The uptake of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment determines the disease course, but is influenced by several factors. This review assessed the factors that influence the uptake of PCa treatments in Nigeria, with a view to providing evidence for policies and other interventional approaches that enhance treatment uptake and PCa outcomes.

METHODS

A review of relevant articles retrieved from electronic databases of Web of science, PubMed, Google scholar, African Journals online and Hinari was performed using relevant keywords. Relevant studies were also extracted from the bibliographic references of the identified studies. Peer-reviewed published articles that reported any associated factor to the uptake or utilisation of PCa treatment options from 2000 to 2023 were considered eligible, and the most pertinent reports were extracted and incorporated into this review.

RESULTS

The uptake of PCa treatment options was observed to be dependent on several factors which could be grouped as economic, system-related and patient-related factors. Among these were the availability of treatment options and targeted therapies, cost and financial constraints, system-related barriers, funding gaps and lack of insurance coverage, patients' beliefs and perceptions, access to radiotherapy services and access to PCa screening.

CONCLUSION

Several influencing factors posed barriers to the timely uptake of PCa treatment. Policies and strategies aimed at reducing or preventing these barriers are solicited from relevant stakeholders.

The effect of dose-escalation radiotherapy with simultaneous-integrated-boost on the use of short-term androgen deprivation therapy in patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To compare the biochemical failure (FFBF) and prostate cancer specific survival (PCSS) rates of patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer (IR-PC) who were treated with 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with 78 Gy to the prostate, those treated with ADT and focal boost (FB) of 86 Gy to intraprostatic lesion (IPL) using the simultaneous-integrated boost (SIB) technique, and those treated with SIB alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 320 IR-PC patients treated between January 2012 and April 2021 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups based on their treatment arm: 78 + ADT (109 patients, 34.1%), 78/86 (102 patients, 31.8%), and 78/86 + ADT. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine prognostic factors for FFBF and PCSS.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 8.8 years. The 8-year FFBF and PCSS rates were 88.6% and 99.0%. Patients who received ADT had significantly higher pretreatment PSA levels and clinical tumor stage. Disease progression occurred in 45 patients (7.3%) at a median of 41.9 months after definitive radiotherapy (RT). Younger age, positive core biopsy (PCB) ≥ 50%, and the absence of ADT were all independent predictors of poor FFBF in multivariate analysis, whereas patients with PCB < 50% who were also given ADT had better PCSS. Patients treated with 78/86 Gy alone had worse FFBF than those treated with 78 Gy and ADT (Hazard ratio [HR] = 3.39 [95% CI = 1.46-7.88]; p = 0.005), as well as than those treated with 78/86 Gy and ADT (HR = 3.21 [95% CI = 1.23-6.46]; p = 0.009). However, FB to IPL has no effect on PCSS in multivariable analysis. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in terms of acute and late Grade ≥2 genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that patients who received 78/86 alone did worse than patients who received ADT with either 78 or 78/86 Gy. However, because IR-PC patients are so diverse, additional prospective trials are needed to validate our findings.

What can patient-reported experience measures tell us about the variation in patients' experience of prostate cancer care? A cross-sectional study using survey data from the National Prostate Cancer Audit in England

OBJECTIVES

A national survey aimed to measure how men with prostate cancer perceived their involvement in and decisions around their care immediately after diagnosis. This study aimed to describe any differences found by socio-demographic groups.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of men who were diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer.

SETTING

The National Prostate Cancer Audit patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) survey in England.

PARTICIPANTS

Men diagnosed in 2014-2016, with non-metastatic prostate cancer, were surveyed. Responses from 32 796 men were individually linked to records from a national clinical audit and to administrative hospital data. Age, ethnicity, deprivation and disease risk classification were used to explore variation in responses to selected questions.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Responses to five questions from the PREMs survey: the proportion responding to the highest positive category was compared across the socio-demographic characteristics above.

RESULTS

When adjusted for other factors, older men were less likely than men under the age of 60 to feel side effects had been explained in a way they could understand (men 80+: relative risk (RR)=0.92, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.00), that their views were considered (RR=0.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.87) or that they were involved in decisions (RR=0.92, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.00). The latter was also apparent for men who were not white (black men: RR=0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98; Asian men: RR=0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96) and, to a lesser extent, for more deprived men.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed discrepancies highlight the need for more focus on initiatives to improve the experience of ethnic minority patients and those older than 60 years. The findings also argue for further validation of discriminatory instruments to help cancer care providers fully understand the variation in the experience of their patients.

Dose-Escalated Radiotherapy Alone or in Combination With Short-Term Androgen Deprivation for Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer: Results of a Phase III Multi-Institutional Trial

PURPOSE

It remains unknown whether or not short-term androgen deprivation (STAD) improves survival among men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer (IRPC) treated with dose-escalated radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS

The NRG Oncology/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0815 study randomly assigned 1,492 patients with stage T2b-T2c, Gleason score 7, or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value >10 and ≤20 ng/mL to dose-escalated RT alone (arm 1) or with STAD (arm 2). STAD was 6 months of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist/antagonist therapy plus antiandrogen. RT modalities were external-beam RT alone to 79.2 Gy or external beam (45 Gy) with brachytherapy boost. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM), non-PCSM, distant metastases (DMs), PSA failure, and rates of salvage therapy.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 6.3 years. Two hundred nineteen deaths occurred, 119 in arm 1 and 100 in arm 2. Five-year OS estimates were 90% versus 91%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.11]; P = .22). STAD resulted in reduced PSA failure (HR, 0.52; P <.001), DM (HR, 0.25; P <.001), PCSM (HR, 0.10; P = .007), and salvage therapy use (HR, 0.62; P = .025). Other-cause deaths were not significantly different (P = .56). Acute grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 2% of patients in arm 1 and in 12% for arm 2 (P <.001). Cumulative incidence of late grade ≥3 AEs was 14% in arm 1 and 15% in arm 2 (P = .29).

CONCLUSION

STAD did not improve OS rates for men with IRPC treated with dose-escalated RT. Improvements in metastases rates, prostate cancer deaths, and PSA failures should be weighed against the risk of adverse events and the impact of STAD on quality of life.

Cancer Treatment Patterns and Factors Affecting Receipt of Treatment in Older Adults: Results from the ASPREE Cancer Treatment Substudy (ACTS)

INTRODUCTION

Cancer treatment planning in older adults is complex and requires careful balancing of survival, quality of life benefits, and risk of treatment-related morbidity and toxicity. As a result, treatment selection in this cohort tends to differ from that for younger patients. However, there are very few studies describing cancer treatment patterns in older cohorts.

METHODS

We used data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial and the ASPREE Cancer Treatment Substudy (ACTS) to describe cancer treatment patterns in older adults. We used a multivariate logistic regression model to identify factors affecting receipt of treatment.

RESULTS

Of 1893 eligible Australian and United States (US) participants with incident cancer, 1569 (81%) received some form of cancer treatment. Non-metastatic breast cancers most frequently received treatment (98%), while haematological malignancy received the lowest rates of treatment (60%). Factors associated with not receiving treatment were older age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.96), residence in the US (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.22-0.54), smoking (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40-0.81), and diabetes (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39-0.80). After adjustment for treatment patterns in sex-specific cancers, sex did not impact receipt of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is one of the first describing cancer treatment patterns and factors affecting receipt of treatment across common cancer types in older adults. We found that most older adults with cancer received some form of cancer treatment, typically surgery or systemic therapy, although this varied by factors such as cancer type, age, sex, and country of residence.

The 17-Gene Genomic Prostate Score Test Is Prognostic for Outcomes After Primary External Beam Radiation Therapy in Men With Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

The Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (GPS) assay has been validated as a strong prognostic indicator of adverse pathology, biochemical recurrence, distant metastasis (DM), and prostate cancer (PCa)-related death (PCD) in men with localized PCa after radical prostatectomy. However, it has yet to be tested in men undergoing external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), for whom assessing PCa progression risk could inform decisions on treatment intensity. We analyzed whether GPS results are associated with time to biochemical failure (BCF), DM, and PCD after EBRT in men with localized PCa and whether the association is modified by race.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We conducted a retrospective study of men with localized PCa treated with EBRT at the VA Health Care System in Durham, NC from 2000 to 2016. Study endpoints were time to BCF per the Phoenix criteria, DM, and PCD. The association of GPS results, per 20-unit increase or dichotomous variable (0-40 vs 41-100), was evaluated with each endpoint using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results were then stratified by race.

RESULTS

A total of 238 patients (69% Black) met the eligibility criteria. Median follow-up for patients who did not experience BCF was 7.6 years. GPS results per 20-unit increase were significantly associated with BCF (hazard ratio [HR], 3.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.59-5.02), DM (HR, 4.48; 95% CI, 2.75-7.38), and PCD (HR, 5.36; 95% CI, 3.06-9.76) in univariable analysis. GPS results remained significant in multivariable models adjusted for baseline clinical and pathological factors, with HRs being similar to the univariable analysis. There was no significant interaction between the GPS assay and race (P = .923). HRs for BCF were similar in Black men (HR, 3.88; 95% CI, 2.40-6.24) versus non-Black men (HR, 4.01; 95% CI, 2.42-6.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Among men treated with EBRT, the GPS assay is a strong, independent prognostic indicator of time to BCF, DM, and PCD, and performs similarly in Black and non-Black men.

Patient-reported Outcomes After External Beam Radiotherapy With Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy Boost vs Radical Prostatectomy for Localized Prostate Cancer: Five-year Results From a Prospective Comparative Effectiveness Study

PURPOSE

Data comparing radical prostatectomy and external beam radiation therapy with low dose rate brachytherapy boost are lacking. To better guide shared decision making regarding treatment, we compared patient reported outcomes through 5 years following radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation therapy with low dose rate brachytherapy boost for localized prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2011-2012, men aged <80 years with localized prostate adenocarcinoma were enrolled and followed longitudinally. Patient reported outcomes included the Expanded Prostate Index Composite. Regression models adjusted for baseline scores and covariates were constructed.

RESULTS

The study population included 112 men treated with external beam radiation therapy with low dose rate brachytherapy boost and 1,553 treated with radical prostatectomy. Compared to radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy with low dose rate brachytherapy boost was associated with clinically meaningful worse urinary irritative/obstructive (adjusted mean score difference [95% confidence interval]: 5.0 [-8.7, -1.3]; P = .008 at 5 years) and better urinary incontinence function (13.3 [7.7, 18.9]; P < .001 at 5 years) through 5 years. Urinary function bother was similar between groups (P > .4 at all timepoints). Treatment with external beam radiation therapy with low dose rate brachytherapy boost was associated with worse bowel function (-4.0 [-6.9, -1.1]; P = .006 at 5 years) through 5 years compared to radical prostatectomy. Treatment with external beam radiation therapy with low dose rate brachytherapy boost was associated with better sexual function at 1 year (12.0 [6.5, 17.5]; P < .001 at 1 year) compared to radical prostatectomy, but there was insufficient evidence to reject the supposition that no difference was seen at 3 or 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy with low dose rate brachytherapy boost was associated with clinically meaningful worse urinary irritative/obstructive and bowel functions but better urinary incontinence function through 5 years after treatment. These patient-reported functional outcomes may clarify treatment expectations and help inform treatment choices for localized prostate cancer.

Trends and variation in the use of radiotherapy in non-metastatic prostate cancer: A 12-year nationwide overview from the Netherlands

PURPOSE

This population-based study describes nationwide trends and variation in the use of primary radiotherapy for non-metastatic prostate cancer in The Netherlands in 2008-2019.

METHODS

Prostate cancer patients were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (N = 103,059). Treatment trends were studied over time by prognostic risk groups. Multilevel analyses were applied to identify variables associated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachy-monotherapy versus no active treatment in low-risk disease, and EBRT versus radical prostatectomy in intermediate and high-risk disease.

RESULTS

EBRT use remained stable (5-6%) in low-risk prostate cancer and increased from 21% to 32% in intermediate-risk, 37% to 45% in high-risk localized and 50% to 57% in high-risk locally advanced disease. Brachy-monotherapy decreased from 19% to 6% and from 15% to 10% in low and intermediate-risk disease, respectively, coinciding an increase of no active treatment from 55% to 73% in low-risk disease. Use of EBRT or brachy-monotherapy versus no active treatment in low-risk disease differed by region, T-stage and patient characteristics. Hospital characteristics were not associated with treatment in low-risk disease, except for availability of brachy-monotherapy in 2008-2013. Age, number of comorbidities, travel time for EBRT, prognostic risk group, and hospital characteristics were associated with EBRT versus prostatectomy in intermediate and high-risk disease.

CONCLUSION

Intermediate/high-risk PCa was increasingly managed with EBRT, while brachy-monotherapy in low/intermediate-risk PCa decreased. In low-risk PCa, the no active treatment-approach increased. Variation in treatment suggests treatment decision related to patient/disease characteristics. In intermediate/high-risk disease, variation seems furthermore related to the treatment modalities available in the diagnosing hospitals.

Trends and practices for managing low-risk prostate cancer: a SEER-Medicare study

BACKGROUND

Expectant management (EM) has been widely recommended for men with low-risk prostate cancers (PCa). We evaluated trends in EM and the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with EM, initiating a National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline-concordant active surveillance (AS) monitoring protocol, and switching from EM to active treatment (AT).

METHODS

We used the SEER-Medicare database to identify men ages 66+ diagnosed with a low-risk PCa (PSA < 10 ng/mL, Gleason ≤ 6, stage ≤ T2a) in 2010-2013 with ≥1 year of follow-up. We used claims data to capture (1) PCa treatments, including surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, and (2) AS monitoring procedures, including PSA tests and prostate biopsy. We defined EM as receiving no AT within 1 year of diagnosis. We used multivariable regression techniques to identify factors associated with EM, initiating AS monitoring, and switching to AT.

RESULTS

During the study period, EM increased from 29.4% to 49.0%, p < 0.01. Age < 77, being married/partnered, non-Hispanic ethnicity, higher median ZIP code income, lower PSA levels, stage T1c, and more recent year of diagnosis were associated with EM. Nearly 39% of the EM cohort initiated AS monitoring; age <77, White race, being married/partnered, higher median ZIP code income, and lower PSA levels were associated with initiating AS. By three years after diagnosis, 21.3% of the EM cohort had switched to AT, usually after undergoing AS monitoring procedures.

DISCUSSION

We found increasing uptake of EM over time, though over 50% still received AT. About 60% of EM patients did not initiate AS monitoring, even among those with life expectancy >10 years, implying that a substantial proportion was being managed by watchful waiting. AS monitoring was associated with switching to AT, suggesting that treatment decisions likely were based on cancer progression.

Impact of age on treatment response in men with prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy

Objective

To analyse the effect of age at diagnosis on clinical outcomes of localized prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radiation therapy.

Subjects and methods

We identified 12 784 patients with intermediate‐ or high‐risk localized PCa treated with radiation therapy (RT) and neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) between 2000 and 2015 from nationwide Veterans Affairs data. Patients were grouped into three age categories (≤59, 60–69, and ≥70 years old). Outcomes included immediate PSA response (3‐month post‐RT PSA and 2‐year PSA nadir, grouped into <0.10 ng/ml, 0.10–0.49 ng/ml, and ≥0.50 ng/ml), biochemical recurrence, and PCa‐specific mortality. Multivariable regression models included ordinal logistic regression for short‐term PSA outcomes, Cox regression for biochemical recurrence, and Fine‐Gray competing risks regression for PCa‐specific mortality.

Results

A total of 2136 patients (17%) were ≤59 years old at diagnosis, 6107 (48%) were 60–69 years old, and 4541 (36%) were ≥70 years old. Median follow‐up was 6.3 years. Younger age was associated with greater odds of higher 3‐month PSA group (≤59 vs. ≥70: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.90, 95% CI 1.64–2.20; p < 0.001) and higher 2‐year PSA nadir group (≤59 vs. ≥70: aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.62–2.19, p < 0.001). Younger age was associated with greater risk of biochemical recurrence (≤59 vs. ≥70: adjusted hazard ratio 1.45, 95% CI 1.26–1.67, p < 0.001) but not PCa‐specific mortality (p = 0.16).

Conclusion

In a large nationwide sample of US veterans treated with ADT and RT for localized PCa, younger age was associated with inferior short‐term PSA response and higher risk of biochemical recurrence.

Validating Modern NRG Oncology Pelvic Nodal and Groupe Francophone de Radiothérapie Urologique Prostate Bed Contouring Guidelines for Post-Prostatectomy Salvage Radiation: A Secondary Analysis of the LOCATE Trial

PURPOSE

We used the patterns of recurrence on ¹⁸F-fluciclovine positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) in patients enrolled in the LOCATE trial after prostatectomy to evaluate how well the most recent NRG Oncology and Groupe Francophone de Radiothérapie Urologique (GFRU) contouring recommendations encompassed all sites of recurrence in the prostate fossa and pelvic nodes in comparison to former Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) recommendations.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy with a positive finding within the prostate fossa or pelvic nodes on ¹⁸F-fluciclovine PET/CTs were identified from the LOCATE patient population. Areas of gross disease were delineated. Prostate fossa contours were delineated using both the 2010 RTOG consensus guidelines and the recently published 2020 GFRU consensus guidelines. Pelvic nodes were contoured with both the 2009 RTOG consensus guidelines and the 2020 NRG consensus guidelines. The performance of the contouring guidelines was assessed by determining what proportion of gross recurrent lesions were encompassed completely or marginally.

RESULTS

Of the 213 patients within the LOCATE trial, 45 patients were eligible for analysis with positive ¹⁸F-fluciclovine PET findings. Of the 30 total prostate fossa recurrences, the 2010 RTOG contour covered 20 (67%) and missed or marginally covered 10 (33%). The 2020 GFRU contour covered 27 recurrences (90%), and missed or marginally covered 3 (10%). Of the 43 total nodal recurrences, the 2009 RTOG pelvic nodal contour covered 29 nodes (67%), and missed or marginally covered 14 (32%). The 2020 NRG pelvic nodal contour covered 43 nodes (100%), with no misses or marginal coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

This secondary analysis of the LOCATE trial exemplifies the improved coverage of the latest prostate fossa contouring recommendations from the GFRU. Similarly, it also validates the updated 2020 NRG pelvic nodal contouring guidelines by demonstrating improved coverage of recurrent disease in this patient population.

Predicting survival after radical prostatectomy: Variation of machine learning performance by race

BACKGROUND

Robust prediction of survival can facilitate clinical decision-making and patient counselling. Non-Caucasian males are underrepresented in most prostate cancer databases. We evaluated the variation in performance of a machine learning (ML) algorithm trained to predict survival after radical prostatectomy in race subgroups.

METHODS

We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to identify patients undergoing radical prostatectomy between 2004 and 2016. We grouped patients by race into Caucasian, African-American, or non-Caucasian, non-African-American (NCNAA) subgroups. We trained an Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifier to predict 5-year survival in different training samples: naturally race-imbalanced, race-specific, and synthetically race-balanced. We evaluated performance in the test sets.

RESULTS

A total of 68,630 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 57,635 (84%) were Caucasian, 8173 (12%) were African-American, and 2822 (4%) were NCNAA. For the classifier trained in the naturally race-imbalanced sample, the F1 scores were 0.514 (95% confidence interval: 0.513-0.511), 0.511 (0.511-0.512), 0.545 (0.541-0.548), and 0.378 (0.378-0.389) in the race-imbalanced, Caucasian, African-American, and NCNAA test samples, respectively. For all race subgroups, the F1 scores of classifiers trained in the race-specific or synthetically race-balanced samples demonstrated similar performance compared to training in the naturally race-imbalanced sample.

CONCLUSIONS

A ML algorithm trained using NCDB data to predict survival after radical prostatectomy demonstrates variation in performance by race, regardless of whether the algorithm is trained in a naturally race-imbalanced, race-specific, or synthetically race-balanced sample. These results emphasize the importance of thoroughly evaluating ML algorithms in race subgroups before clinical deployment to avoid potential disparities in care.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Toxicity After Definitive High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Among Veterans With Prostate Cancer

Purpose

High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for prostate cancer. There is limited research, however, investigating toxicity outcomes with HDRBT treatment among veterans. The objective of this study is to assess the impact on health-related quality of life (hrQOL) and physician-graded toxicities associated with HDRBT as monotherapy among veterans treated at Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital in Hines, Illinois.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2019, 74 veterans with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer were treated with HDRBT as monotherapy with 27 Gy in 2 fractions, delivered over 2 implants. Veteran-reported hrQOL in the genitourinary (GU), gastrointestinal (GI), and sexual domains was assessed using the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) questionnaire. Mixed linear effect models were used to assess differences in the hrQOL scores at follow-up compared with baseline scores. Statistically significant differences in hrQOL scores from baseline were further assessed for clinical significance, using minimal clinically important difference (MCID) evaluations.

Results

Median follow-up was 18 months. Veterans reported declines in GU, GI, and sexual hrQOL scores immediately after treatment, with the IPSS and EPIC-26 hrQOL scores all displaying significant decrease from baseline over time. The majority of the declines in hrQOL scores met criteria for MCID. These hrQOL scores trended toward a return to baseline, with the EPIC-26 urinary obstruction score returning to baseline at the 18-month follow-up assessment and the EPIC-26 bowel score returning to baseline at the 12-month follow-up. The IPSS, urinary incontinence, and sexual scores did not return to baseline at 18 months. The grade 2 maximum physician-graded GU, GI, and sexual toxicity rates were 65%, 5%, and 53%, respectively. There was 1 incidence of grade 3 GU toxicity but no grade 3 GI or sexual toxicity.

Conclusions

HDRBT as monotherapy is a well-tolerated treatment option for veterans with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer, with favorable veteran-reported and physician-graded toxicities. Veterans should be educated about HDRBT as an option when counseled regarding treatment for localized prostate cancer.

Robotic Prostatectomy and Prostate Cancer-Related Medicaid Spending: Evidence from New York State

BACKGROUND

Robotic prostatectomy is a costly new technology, but the costs may be offset by changes in treatment patterns. The net effect of this technology on Medicaid spending has not been assessed.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the association of the local availability of robotic surgical technology with choice of initial treatment for prostate cancer and total prostate cancer-related treatment costs.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used New York State Medicaid data to examine the experience of 9564 Medicaid beneficiaries 40-64 years old who received a prostate biopsy between 2008 and 2017 and were diagnosed with prostate cancer. The local availability of robotic surgical technology was measured as distance from zip code centroids of patient's residence to the nearest hospital with a robot and the annual number of robotic prostatectomies performed in the Hospital Referral Region.

MAIN MEASURES

Multivariate linear models were used to relate regional access to robots to the choice of initial therapy and prostate cancer treatment costs during the year after diagnosis.

KEY RESULTS

The mean age of the sample of 9564 men was 58 years; 30% of the sample were White, 26% were Black, and 22% were Hispanic. Doubling the distance to the nearest hospital with a robot was associated with a reduction in robotic surgery rates of 3.7 percentage points and an increase in the rate of use of radiation therapy of 5.2 percentage points. Increasing the annual number of robotic surgeries performed in a region by 10 was associated with a decrease in the probability of undergoing radiation therapy of 0.6 percentage point and a $434 reduction in total prostate cancer-related costs per Medicaid patient.

CONCLUSIONS

A full accounting of the costs of a new technology will depend on when it is used and the payment rate for its use relative to payment rates for substitutes.

Trends and variations in utilization and costs of radiotherapy for prostate cancer: A SEER medicare analysis from 2007 through 2016

OBJECTIVE

To assess recent changes and disparities in utilization and costs of radiotherapy in Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer.

METHODS

Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) -Medicare linked data from 2006-2016 were used to identify continuously enrolled Medicare beneficiaries with a first-time diagnosis of prostate cancer who, within 12 months of diagnosis, underwent at least one radiotherapy related service. Trends in the utilization of different radiotherapy techniques over time, yearly changes in per-patient costs of radiotherapy, and effect of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics on total cost were measured. Per patient annual costs, annual incidence of prostate cancer, and utilization of radiotherapy were used to estimate total costs of radiotherapy to the Medicare program.

RESULTS

For Medicare beneficiaries with a first-time diagnosis of prostate cancer, the utilization of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), proton therapy, and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) increased 23.62%, 0.74% and 1.61% respectively (p <0.0001) while brachytherapy decreased 17.04% (p <0.0001). Cost per beneficiary decreased $340.24 (95% CI: $136.05 - $544.43) annually (p = 0.0065). Age, registry region, and Gleason score were all associated with expenditures. The total cost to the Medicare program was estimated at US $1.16 billion in the year 2016.

DISCUSSION

In Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy, IMRT is the primary mode of treatment. Utilization of brachytherapy decreased significantly despite the efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Although per patient costs have decreased, the share of patient responsibility remained unaltered across years. The current costs to Medicare of radiotherapy for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients is substantial.

Trends in risk classification at diagnosis and choice of primary therapy for prostate cancer: An analysis of 10 839 patients from the Nara Urological Research and Treatment Group registry between 2004 and 2015

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate trends in risk classification at diagnosis and choice of primary therapy in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 10 839 patients who were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2004 and 2015 at 23 Japanese institutions. Risk classification and primary therapies between 2004 and 2015 were evaluated. The trends in risk classification and primary therapy were evaluated using chi-squared tests for trend during four periods (2004-2006; 2007-2009; 2010-2012; and 2013-2015). Binary logistic analysis was used to evaluate the extent to which factors such as age, risk classification, and institution influenced primary therapy choice in the 2013-2015 cohort.

RESULTS

The number of patients with very-low or low-risk classification (P < 0.001) and metastasis (P = 0.04) decreased and the number with intermediate-risk classification (P < 0.001) increased during the four periods. A tendency to choose radical prostatectomy as primary therapy for prostate cancer was not observed during the four periods (P = 0.90). The number of patients who chose radiation therapy (P < 0.001) and active surveillance/watchful waiting (P < 0.001) as primary therapies increased during the four periods and the number of patients who chose androgen deprivation therapy (P < 0.001) decreased. Age, institution, and risk classification significantly influenced primary therapy choice.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown the trends in risk classification of prostate cancer and primary therapy choices between 2004 and 2015 in Japan. Age, institution, and risk classification significantly influenced the decision on primary therapy for prostate cancer.

Characterizing Surgical and Radiotherapy Outcomes in Non-metastatic High-Risk Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Identifying the optimal management of high-risk non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) is an important public health concern, given the large burden of this disease. We performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing PCa-specific mortality (CSM) among men diagnosed with high-risk non-metastatic PCa who were treated with primary radiotherapy (RT) and radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods Medline and Embase were searched for articles between January 1, 2005, and February 11, 2020. After title and abstract screening, two authors independently reviewed full-text articles for inclusion. Data were abstracted, and a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, involving a comprehensive list of confounding variables, was used to assess the risk of bias. Results Fifteen studies involving 131,392 patients were included. No difference in adjusted CSM in RT relative to RP was shown (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% confidence interval: 0.84, 1.25]). Increased CSM was found in a subgroup analysis comparing external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with RP (1.35 [1.10, 1.68]), whereas EBRT combined with brachytherapy (BT) versus RP showed lower CSM (0.68 [0.48, 0.95]). All studies demonstrated a high risk of bias as none fully adjusted for all confounding variables. Conclusion We found no difference in CSM between men diagnosed with non-metastatic high-risk PCa and treated with RP or RT; however, this is likely explained by increased CSM in men treated with EBRT and decreased CSM in men treated with EBRT + BT studies relative to RP. High risk of bias in all studies identifies the need for better data collection and confounding control in the PCa research.

Post-prostatectomy adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy- Current opinions and practices of Canadian urologists

INTRODUCTION

Despite the proven benefit of adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for patients receiving primary radiation, there are few studies evaluating adjuvant ADT after prostatectomy. In the absence of evidence, opinions and practice patterns vary. We surveyed Canadian prostate cancer surgeons about their use of adjuvant ADT and their opinions on the design of a potential adjuvant ADT trial.

METHODS

An electronic survey was devised and distributed using a modified Dillman approach. The survey was sent to 38 Canadian urologists that perform radical prostatectomy and representing all 17 major academic institutions in Canada and all 10 Canadian provinces. Reminders were sent three and four weeks following the original request. In addition to demographic information, we asked surgeons about their current use of postoperative adjuvant ADT and their opinion about the need for a clinical trial. To inform trial design, we asked respondents their opinions about which patients should be eligible, what duration of ADT was most appropriate, and which outcomes are clinically meaningful. The survey was sent in February 2020 and all responses were received by March 2020.

RESULTS

All 38 (100%) invited urologists completed the survey. Only 3 (7%) respondents currently offer postoperative adjuvant ADT as an option for patients without metastases. 35 (92%) urologists believed that a trial is needed before short-term adjuvant treatment should be offered to prevent recurrence. 15 (45%) urologists believed an adjuvant ADT trial was most appropriate for patients with an estimated PSA recurrence risk of >25% and 16 (42%) believed a recurrence risk of >50% was most appropriate. 25 (66%) respondents believed 12-month was the optimal duration of treatment with adjuvant ADT for a randomized trial. 37 (97%) respondents felt that prolonging the time to PSA recurrence and/or pelvic radiation was a clinically important outcome. The majority (20; 53%) of respondents would recommend 12 months of adjuvant ADT in their practice if a randomized trial showed a 50% relative risk reduction in PSA recurrence at 5-year postoperative.

CONCLUSION

The vast majority of Canadian prostate cancer surgeons do not offer adjuvant ADT following prostatectomy in patients without metastases. Based on the results from this survey, a randomized trial was considered warranted and feasible, and would influence patient care.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy recommendations for localized prostate cancer in Brasil

OBJECTIVE

Several prospective randomized trials have shown that hypofractionation has the same efficacy and safety as the conventional fractionation in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. There are many benefits of hypofractionation, including a more convenient schedule for the patients and better use of resources, which is especially important in low- and middle-income countries like Brasil. Based on these data, the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia) organized this consensus to guide and support the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer in Brasil.

METHODS

The relevant literature regarding moderate hypofractionation (mHypo) and ultra-hypofractionation (uHypo) was reviewed and discussed by a group of experts from public and private centers of different parts of Brasil. Several key questions concerning clinical indications, outcomes and technological requirements for hypofractionation were discussed and voted. For each question, consensus was reached if there was an agreement of at least 75% of the panel members.

RESULTS

The recommendations are described in this article.

CONCLUSION

This initiative will assist Brazilian radiation oncologists and medical physicists to safely treat localized prostate cancer patients with hypofractionation.

Physician practice variation in head and neck cancer therapy: Results of a national survey

OBJECTIVES

Choice between surgical or medical treatments in head and neck cancer depends of many patient-related and disease-related factors. We investigated how patients' socioeconomic status and practitioners' specialty could affect medical decision-making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional online, nationwide survey, send to surgeons, oncologists and radiotherapists specialized in head and neck oncology. We collected data on medical decision-making for seven clinical scientific scenarios involving head and neck carcinoma and physicians' demographic data. Patients' gender and socioeconomic position were distributed across scientific scenarios using a Latin square design. The scientific scenarios were grouped into several categories according to the prognostic and functional impact of the therapeutic choice.

RESULTS

We obtained 206 assessable answers. Surgeons seemed to propose surgery in 49% of cases, whereas oncologists and radiotherapists opted for it in 34% of cases only. This was particularly relevant when the oncological result of surgery and the medical approach were equivalent, and when the surgery appeared to be superior in terms of curative potential but was burdened by a large functional impact. Patient's socioeconomic position also influence therapeutic decision. Among surgeons, the "single male manager" had significantly more chance of being offered surgery than the "married male blue-collar worker". Among oncologists and radiotherapists, the "single male blue-collar worker" had the lowest probability of being proposed surgery. Regarding gender, surgeons tended to offer surgical management more to women regardless of their clinical profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' sex, marital status, socioeconomic status, practitioners' specialty affect therapeutic management decisions in head and neck oncology.

Salvage Radical Prostatectomy: Baseline Prostate Cancer Characteristics and Survival Across SEER Registries

OBJECTIVE

To test for baseline prostate cancer characteristics and survival differences after salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) across 18 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries from 2004 to 2016.

METHODS

We tabulated prostate-specific antigen (PSA), cT stage, age, and SRP rates across individual SEER registries. Kaplan-Meier and competing risks regression methodologies depicted cancer-specific mortality and other cause mortality. Finally, overall mortality was compared with predicted life expectancy.

RESULTS

Overall, 428 SRP patients (2004-2016) were identified in the SEER database. Median follow-up duration was 74 months (interquartile range [IQR], 31-114). The median age at diagnosis was 68 years (IQR, 61-73 years) with a median PSA at diagnosis of 8.8 ng/mL (IQR, 5.4-18.6 ng/mL) and 10% cT3-4 stage (0%-23.8%). Variability existed across individual SEER registries regarding age, PSA, cT stage, and annual number of SRPs (0-17), as well as cumulative numbers of SRPs (7-73) between 2004 and 2016. At 10 years, cancer-specific mortality was 23.2% vs. other cause mortality 19.3%. Finally, SRP patients exhibited higher 10-year overall mortality (43.3%) than predicted by life tables (31.8%).

CONCLUSION

SRP is rarely performed. In most SEER registries, SRP use is very occasional. More than 2 average annual SRPs were reported in only 5 of all registries. Nonetheless, across all registries, SRP patients showed marginal to moderate differences in PSA, cT stage, and age at diagnosis. However, at 10 years of follow-up, 1 of 5 SRP patients died of other causes and observed overall mortality was higher than expected (36%).

Patterns of care for men with prostate cancer: the 45 and Up Study

OBJECTIVES

To describe patterns of care in New South Wales for men with prostate cancer, and to ascertain factors associated with receiving different types of treatment.

DESIGN

Individual patient data record linkage study.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

4003 New South Wales men aged 45 years or more enrolled in the population-based 45 and Up Study in whom prostate cancer was first diagnosed during 2006-2013.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prostate cancer treatment type received; factors statistically associated with treatment received; proportions of patients who consulted radiation oncologists prior to treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 1619 of 4003 patients underwent radical prostatectomy (40%), 893 external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (22%), 183 brachytherapy (5%), 87 chemotherapy (2%), 373 androgen deprivation therapy alone (9%), and 848 no active treatment (21%). 205 of 1628 patients who had radical prostatectomies (13%) had radiation oncology consultations prior to surgery. Radical prostatectomy was more likely for patients aged 45-59 years, with regional stage disease, living 100 km or more from the nearest radiotherapy centre, having partners, or having private health insurance, while lower physical functioning, obesity, and living in areas of greater socio-economic disadvantage reduced the likelihood. EBRT was more likely for patients aged 70-79 years, with non-localised or unknown stage disease, living less than 100 km from the nearest radiotherapy centre, or not having private health insurance, while the likelihood was lower for patients aged 45-59 years or more than 80 years and for those who had several comorbid conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with prostate cancer were twice as likely to have radical prostatectomy as to receive EBRT, and fewer than one in seven had consulted radiation oncologists prior to prostatectomy. The treatment received was influenced by several socio-demographic factors. Given the treatment-specific side effects and costs, policies that affect access to different treatments for prostate cancer should be reviewed.

Functional Outcomes after Local Salvage Therapies for Radiation-Recurrent Prostate Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To assess the rate and severity of functional outcomes after salvage therapy for radiation recurrent prostate cancer.

METHODS

This systematic review of the MEDLINE/PubMed database yielded 35 studies, evaluating salvage radical prostatectomy (RP), brachytherapy (BT), high-intensity focal ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy (CT) after failure of primary radiation therapy. Data on pre- and post-salvage rates and severity of functional outcomes (urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and lower urinary tract symptoms) were collected from each study.

RESULTS

The rates of severe urinary incontinence ranged from 28-88%, 4.5-42%, 0-6.5%, 2.4-8% post salvage RP, HIFU, CT and BT, respectively. The rates of erectile dysfunction were relatively high reaching as much as 90%, 94.6%, 100%, 62% following RP, HIFU, CT and BT, respectively. Nonetheless, the high pre-salvage rates of ED preclude accurate estimation of the effect of salvage therapy. There was an increase in the median IPSS following salvage HIFU, BT and CT ranging from 2.5-3.4, 3.5-12, and 2, respectively. Extended follow-up showed a return-to-baseline IPSS in a salvage BT study. The reported data suffer from selection, reporting, publication and period of study biases, making inter-study comparisons inappropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

local salvage therapies for radiation recurrent PCa affect continence, lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual functions. The use of local salvage therapies may be warranted in the setting of local disease control, but each individual decision must be made with the informed patient in a shared decision working process.

Identifying Risk Profiles of Malignant Prostate Cancer Surgical Delay Using a Person-Centered Approach to Understand Prostate Cancer Disparities: The Constellation of Health Determinants Using Latent Class Analysis on Cancer Registry Data

Surgical prostate cancer (PCa) treatment delay (TD) may increase the likelihood of recurrence of disease, and influence quality of life as well as survival disparities between Black and White men. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify risk profiles in localized, malignant PCa surgical treatment delays while assessing co-occurring social determinants of health. Profiles were identified by age, marital status, race, county of residence (non-Appalachian or Appalachian), and health insurance type (none/self-pay, public, or private) reported in the Tennessee Department of Health cancer registry from 2005 to 2015 for adults ≥18 years (N = 18,088). We identified three risk profiles. The highest surgical delay profile (11% of the sample) with a 30% likelihood of delaying surgery >90 days were young Black men, <55 years old, living in a non-Appalachian county, and single/never married, with a high probability of having private health insurance. The medium surgical delay profile (46% of the sample) with a 21% likelihood of delay were 55–69 years old, White, married, and having private health insurance. The lowest surgical delay profile (42% of the sample) with a 14% likelihood of delay were ≥70 years with public health insurance as well as had a high probability of being White and married. We identified that even with health insurance coverage, Blacks living in non-Appalachian counties had the highest surgical delay, which was almost double that of Whites in the lowest delay profile. These disparities in PCa surgical delay may explain differences in health outcomes in Blacks who are most at-risk.

Downregulation of miRNA-205 Expression and Biological Mechanism in Prostate Cancer Tumorigenesis and Bone Metastasis

Background

The expression and mechanism of microRNA-205 (miRNA-205) in prostate cancer (PCa) and its bone metastasis remain controversial.

Materials and Methods

The expression and discriminating capability of miRNA-205 were assessed by drawing a forest plot and a summarized receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve, using data available from 27 miRNA-array and miRNA-sequencing datasets. The miRNA-205 target genes were acquired from online prediction tools, differentially upregulated genes in PCa, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after miRNA-205 transfection into PCa cell lines. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to explore the biological mechanism of miRNA-205 targets. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to verify the protein level of the hub gene.

Results

The expression of miRNA-205 in the PCa group (1,461 samples) was significantly lower than that in the noncancer group (510 samples), and the downregulation of miRNA-205 showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between the two groups. In bone metastatic PCa, the miRNA-205 level was further reduced than in nonbone metastatic PCa, and it showed a good capability in distinguishing between the two groups. In total, 153 miRNA-205 targets were screened through the three aforementioned methods. Based on the results of functional enrichment analysis, the targets of miRNA-205 were mainly enriched during chromosome segregation and phospholipid-translocating ATPase activity and in the spindle microtubule and the p53 signaling pathway. CDK1 had the highest connectivity in the PPI network analysis and was screened as one of the hub genes. A statistically significant negative correlation between miRNA-205 and CDK1 was observed. The expression of CDK1 in PCa samples was pronouncedly upregulated in terms of both the mRNA level and the protein level when compared with noncancer samples.

Conclusion

miRNA-205 may play a vital role in PCa tumorigenesis and bone metastasis by targeting CDK1.

Minimally invasive strategies for the treatment of prostate cancer recurrence after radiation therapy: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this review was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the role of minimally invasive salvage modalities in radio-recurrent prostate cancer and the associated clinical outcomes and toxicity profiles.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the current literature was conducted through the Medline and NCBI PubMed, Scopus databases in January 2020. All papers published after 2000, concerning studies conducted on humans for radio-recurrent prostate cancer were considered for the review.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 545 studies were identified. After duplicate exclusion, initial screening, and eligibility evaluation, a total of 80 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, corresponding to a cohort of 6681 patients. The median age at initial diagnosis ranged from 59 to 75.5. Pre-treatment PSA ranged from 6.2 to 27.4 ng/mL. All patients underwent primary radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Cryotherapy, Brachytherapy, EBRT, HIFU were the minimally invasive options mostly used as salvage therapy. They showed to be promising approaches for recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) control, with acceptable toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive therapeutic options offer promising results in terms of biochemical control in the local recurrence setting. Unfortunately, the absence of high quality and comparative studies makes it difficult to establish which method is the best in terms of oncological and safety outcomes.

The Cost-Effectiveness and Value Proposition of Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is an effective treatment modality for a wide range of malignancies. However, brachytherapy utilization for both prostate and gynecologic malignancies has significantly declined over the last 20 years in favor of external beam radiation techniques. The cause of this decline is multifactorial, with logistical challenges, lower reimbursement, and inadequate training contributing to the preference of many radiation oncologists to more frequently recommend external beam radiation therapy. While the authors recognize the application of brachytherapy to a wider range of disease presentations among which include breast, skin, head and neck, and connective tissue cancers, in this review, we will review the analyses supporting brachytherapy as a cost-effective component of the management in patients with prostate, cervix, and endometrial cancer.

Association of Sociodemographic and Health-Related Factors With Receipt of Nondefinitive Therapy Among Younger Men With High-Risk Prostate Cancer

IMPORTANCE

Multiple randomized clinical trials have shown that definitive therapy improves overall survival among patients with high-risk prostate cancer. However, many patients do not receive definitive therapy because of sociodemographic and health-related factors.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with receipt of nondefinitive therapy (NDT) among patients aged 70 years and younger with high-risk prostate cancer.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study identified 72 036 patients aged 70 years and younger with high-risk prostate cancer and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 2 or less who were entered in the National Cancer Database between January 2004 and December 2014. Data analysis was conducted from November 2018 to December 2019.

EXPOSURE

Receipt of NDT as an initial treatment approach.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Survival rates were compared based on receipt of definitive therapy or NDT, and sociodemographic and health-related factors were associated with the type of therapy received. Residual life expectancy was estimated from the National Center for Health Statistics to calculate person-years of life lost.

RESULTS

A total of 72 036 men with a median (range) age of 63 (30-70) years, Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 2 or less, and high-risk prostate cancer without regional lymph node or distant metastatic disease were analyzed. Among eligible patients, 5252 (7.3%) received NDT as an initial therapeutic strategy. On univariate and multivariate analyses, NDT was associated with worse overall survival (univariate analysis hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.40-2.69; P < .001; multivariate analysis hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 2.26-2.56; P < .001). Compared with patients with private insurance or managed care, those with no insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare were more likely to receive systemic therapy only (no insurance: odds ratio [OR], 3.34; 95% CI, 2.81-3.98; P < .001; Medicaid: OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 2.48-3.43; P < .001; Medicare: OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.20-1.53; P < .001) or no treatment (no insurance: OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 2.24-3.08; P < .001; Medicaid: OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.45-2.01; P < .001; Medicare: OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24; P = .004). Compared with white patients, black patients were more likely to receive systemic therapy only (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.74-2.14; P < .001) or no treatment (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.32-1.61; P < .001), and Hispanic patients were more likely to receive systemic therapy only (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13-1.64; P = .001) or no treatment (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.60; P < .001). Between 2004 and 2014, patients without insurance or enrolled in Medicaid had 1.83-fold greater person-years of life lost compared with patients with private insurance (area under the curve, 77 600 vs 42 300 person-years of life lost).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, receipt of NDT was associated with insurance status and race/ethnicity. While treatment decisions should be individualized for every patient, younger men with high-risk prostate cancer and minimal comorbidities should be encouraged to receive definitive local therapy regardless of other factors. These data suggest that significant barriers to life-extending treatment options for patients with prostate cancer remain.

Bother Associated With Climacturia After Radical Prostatectomy: Prevalence and Predictors

INTRODUCTION

Orgasm-associated incontinence, climacturia, is one of the lesser studied radical prostatectomy (RP) complications. Little is known about patient bother related to this condition, specifically, its prevalence and predictors.

AIM

To ascertain the prevalence and predictors of patient bother associated with climacturia.

METHODS

Patients presenting for the evaluation of sexual dysfunction after RP at a single center were queried on various domains of sexual dysfunction. This included orgasmic dysfunction and sexual incontinence (including climacturia and arousal incontinence). Patients were specifically asked about the frequency and amount of climacturia. In addition, questions addressed patient bother and the perceived bother of their partners. Descriptive statistics were used for patient characteristics. A t-test was used for comparing the frequency of patient and partner bother, and the Pearson correlation test compared relationships between bother and predictors. Multivariable analysis was conducted to define predictors of climacturia-associated bother.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measures was the prevalence and predictors of climacturia-associated patient bother and perceived partner bother.

RESULTS

Climacturia was reported by 23% of 3,207 consecutive men analyzed. Bother of any degree was experienced by 45% of these patients, and 14% reported partner bother related to this condition. Patient bother was associated with perceived partner bother (P < .001) and inversely correlated with relationship duration (P < .001). The overall frequency and quantity of climacturia were also predictive (P < .001 for both). In the adjusted model, all of these factors remained significant.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Given the prevalence of this condition and the bother associated with it, this complication should be discussed with patients preoperatively.

STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS

Strengths include a large study population and specific questions on climacturia-associated bother. Limitations include the fact that it is a single-center study and no direct partner questioning occurred.

CONCLUSION

Climacturia and its associated bother are common after RP. The predictors of patient bother include perceived partner bother, shorter relationship duration, and increasing frequency and quantity of climacturia. Salter CA, Bach PV, Miranda E, et al. Bother Associated With Climacturia After Radical Prostatectomy: Prevalence and Predictors. J Sex Med 2020;17:731-736.

PSMA ADC monotherapy in patients with progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer following abiraterone and/or enzalutamide: Efficacy and safety in open-label single-arm phase 2 study

BACKGROUND

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well-established therapeutic and diagnostic target overexpressed in both primary and metastatic prostate cancers. PSMA antibody-drug conjugate (PSMA ADC) is a fully human immunoglobulin G1 anti-PSMA monoclonal antibody conjugated to monomethylauristatin E, which binds to PSMA-positive cells and induces cytotoxicity. In a phase 1 study, PSMA ADC was well tolerated and demonstrated activity as measured by reductions in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). To further assess PSMA ADC, we conducted a phase 2 trial in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) subjects who progressed following abiraterone/enzalutamide (abi/enz) therapy.

METHODS

A total of 119 (84 chemotherapy-experienced and 35 chemotherapy-naïve) subjects were administered PSMA ADC 2.5 or 2.3 mg/kg IV q3w for up to eight cycles. Antitumor activity (best percentage declines in PSA and CTCs from baseline and tumor responses through radiological imaging), exploratory biomarkers, and safety (monitoring of adverse events [AEs], clinical laboratory tests, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status) were assessed.

RESULTS

PSA declines ≥50% occurred in 14% of all treated (n = 113) and 21% of chemotherapy-naïve subjects (n = 34). CTC declines ≥50% were seen in 78% of all treated (n = 77; number of subjects with ≥5 CTCs at baseline and a posttreatment result) and 89% of chemotherapy-naïve subjects (n = 19); 47% of all treated and 53% of chemotherapy-naïve subjects had a transition from ≥5 to less than 5 CTCs/7.5 mL blood at some point during the study. PSA and CTC reductions were associated with high PSMA expression (CTCs or tumor tissue) and low neuroendocrine serum markers. In the chemotherapy-experienced group, the best overall radiologic response to PSMA ADC treatment was stable disease in 51 (60.7%) subjects; 5.7% of subjects in the chemotherapy-naïve group had partial responses. The most common treatment-related AEs ≥Common Terminology Criteria for AE (CTCAE) grade 3 were neutropenia, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, anemia, and neuropathy. The most common serious AEs were dehydration, hyponatremia, febrile neutropenia, and constipation. Two subjects who received 2.5 mg/kg died of sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

PSMA ADC demonstrated some activity with respect to PSA declines, CTC conversions/reductions, and radiologic assessments in abi/enz treated mCRPC subjects. Clinically significant treatment-related AEs included neutropenia and neuropathy.

Comparison of Radical Prostatectomy Versus Radiation and Androgen Deprivation Therapy Strategies as Primary Treatment for High-risk Localized Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

There is little level 1 evidence regarding the relative efficacy of radical prostatectomy (RP) compared with radiotherapy (RT) combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for high-risk prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing overall and prostate cancer-specific mortality (OM and PCM) among patients with high-risk prostate cancer treated with RP or RT/ADT.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library through July 2019 covering a period since 2009. We report the results of our systematic search according to recommendations from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were extracted for each endpoint. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 23 studies with low to moderate risk of bias were found to meet the inclusion criteria. In keeping with prior studies, external beam radiation therapy (XRT) without specification of ADT was associated with worse OM and PCM (aHR 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-1.91, p <  0.0001: I² = 53.4%) and (aHR 1.90, 95% CI 1.61-2.23, p <  0.0001: I² = 50.4%). These associations were weaker although not entirely eliminated when comparing RT/ADT versus RP (PCM aHR 1.54, 95% CI 1.16-2.04, p =  0.002: I² = 61.5%). Combination of RT and brachytherapy (MaxRT), on the contrary, was associated with improved PCM compared with RP (aHR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30-0.78, p =  0.003: I² = 23.8%), an effect that was not significant when comparing MaxRT with the combination RP/adjuvant RT (aHR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59-1.11, p =  0.197: I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence demonstrating definitive superiority of either modality is lacking. Recent studies show improved consideration of ADT, radiation dose, brachytherapy boost, and utilization of postoperative adjuvant radiation. Residual confounding continues to limit the interpretation of observational data.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In the treatment of high-risk prostate cancer, many observational studies reporting higher mortality for radiotherapy demonstrate potential for confounding. More recent studies with current standard of care radiation regimens using androgen deprivation therapy or brachytherapy boost demonstrate approaching equivalence of prostatectomy and radiation modalities. Prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

The Relationship and Psychosocial Impact of Arousal Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION

Arousal incontinence (AI) is a lesser known complication of radical prostatectomy (RP), and few data are available on its impact on self-esteem and sexual relationships.

AIM

The goal of this study was to assess the impact of AI on patient self-esteem, confidence, and sexual relationships.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. The validated Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, as well as questions regarding AI, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), climacturia, International Prostate Symptom Score, and the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain, were sent to men who had undergone an RP within the past 24 months at a single institution. The data were de-identified and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

OUTCOMES

The outcomes of this study include prevalence of AI, SEAR domain scores, patient and partner bother, management strategies employed by the patients, and the presence of concurrent climacturia or SUI.

RESULTS

Fifty-three percent of men experienced post-operative AI; of these, 41% were currently experiencing AI, and 12% reported having prior AI that had resolved. Bother of any severity was reported by 87% of men, and perceived partner bother was reported by 64% of men. Forty-one percent of men with current AI avoided sexual activity due to the presence of AI, and 14% of men with prior AI still avoided intercourse. There was no difference in total SEAR score or in the subdomains of self-esteem, sexual relationship, or confidence between men with current AI compared to those with no AI.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

AI leads to patient bother and avoidance of sexual situations.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This is the largest study specifically evaluating AI and the only study assessing its impact on self-esteem, sexual relationships, and self-confidence. Limitations include lack of a validated AI questionnaire, poor survey response rate, being a single-center study, and the potential for recall bias.

CONCLUSION

Although AI is a common occurrence post-RP and is associated with patient bother in the majority of men, it does not impact overall self-esteem, confidence, or sexual relationships compared to post-RP men who have not experienced AI. Salter CA, Bach PV, Katz D, et al. The Relationship and Psychosocial Impact of Arousal Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy. J Sex Med 2020;17:94-98.

Treatment paths for localised prostate cancer in Italy: The results of a multidisciplinary, observational, prospective study (Pros-IT CNR)

Background

There are several treatments available to newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCA) patients. Although surgery and radiotherapy (RT) with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are widely adopted treatment options for localized PCA together with active surveillance (AS), there is no consensus nor randomised trials on treatment selection, prospective quality of life (QOL), along with toxicity outcomes and according to treatment modality in the Italian population. The current study aimed to describe clinical-therapeutic features and QOL at PCA diagnosis, according to different treatment patterns in a large prospective, Italian population, enrolled in the Pros-IT CNR study.

Methods

The Pros-IT CNR is an on-going national, multicenter, observational, prospective study on patients affected by PCA who have been referred by 97 Italian Urology, Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology facilities participating in the project. The possible relationships between the treatment patterns reported in the 6 month follow-up case report form and patients’ features at diagnosis were evaluated using exploratory multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and other data analysis method.

Results

At diagnosis, surgery and AS patients were significantly younger, had fewer comorbidities, lower PSA levels and Gleason Score (GS) values; they were also diagnosed at an earlier stage of disease with respect to the RT or ADT patients who showed significantly worse QoL scores at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusions

An analysis of the data collected at baseline and 6 months later uncovered substantial differences in ages, comorbidities, clinical and QOL features in the various treatment groups. These findings do not fully reflect the current PCA treatment guidelines and suggest the need for a multidisciplinary consensus guideline to ameliorate both the counselling and treatments of PCA patients.

Primary Radical Prostatectomy or Ablative Radiotherapy as Protective Factors for Patients With mCRPC Treated With Radium-223 Dichloride: An Italian Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

We investigated, in a real-life setting, the prognostic relevance of previous primary treatment (radical prostatectomy [RP] or external beam radiotherapy [EBRT]) on overall survival for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with radium-223 (²²³Ra).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present multicenter retrospective study, we enrolled 275 consecutive patients. The demographic and clinical data and mCRPC characteristics were recorded and evaluated at baseline and at the end of treatment or progression. ²²³Ra was administered according to the current label authorization until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. We divided the whole cohort into 2 groups: those who had undergone primary radical prostatectomy or ablative radiotherapy (RP/EBRT) and those who had not received previous primary treatment (NO).

RESULTS

Of the 275 patients, 128 (46.5%) were alive and undergoing monitoring at the last follow-up examination, 103 (37.4%) had stopped treatment because of disease progression or the onset of comorbidities, and 147 (53.5%) had died during the study period. Of the 275 patients, 132 were in the RP/EBRT group (48%), of whom 93 had undergone RP and 76 had undergone ablative EBRT, and 143 patients were in the NO group (52%). The data showed a clear advantage for the patients in the RP/EBRT group compared with those in the NO group, with an estimated median survival of 18 versus 11 months, respectively (P < .001). The results from the multivariate analysis corroborated this trend, with a hazard ratio of 0.7 (P = .0443), confirming the better outcome for the RP/EBRT group.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous radical treatment provides a protective role for patients with mCRPC undergoing ²²³Ra treatment.

Racial differences in the PSA bounce in predicting prostate cancer outcomes after brachytherapy: Evidence from the Department of Veterans Affairs

PURPOSE

African American men have historically had poorer prostate cancer biochemical and survival outcomes than Caucasians. However, emerging data suggest nononcologic factors drive much of this disparity. Prior evidence has suggested an association between a transient prostate specific antigen (PSA) bounce and improved biochemical control. However, racial differences in this relationship have remained relatively unexplored.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We identified 4477 men treated for low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from 2000 to 2010 with brachytherapy alone or in combination with external beam radiotherapy without androgen deprivation. Longitudinal PSA data were used to define to biochemical failure and PSA bounce. Cox proportional hazard models were used explore racial differences in the relationship between the PSA bounce and time to biochemical failure.

RESULTS

Thirty-one percent of our sample experienced a PSA bounce, with African Americans more likely to experience a bounce (42%) compared with Caucasians (29%); p < 0.001. Despite this, African Americans had a higher likelihood of biochemical failure (hazard ratio [HR] 1.4; p = 0.006). However, African American men experiencing a PSA bounce were less likely to experience a biochemical failure (HR = 0.64; p = 0.046), whereas this relationship was not statistically significant for Caucasians (HR = 0.78; p = 0.092). On multivariate analysis, African Americans receiving brachytherapy alone were most sensitive to the protective benefit of the PSA bounce (HR = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

A PSA bounce was associated with improved biochemical control among patients receiving brachytherapy as part of their treatment for low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer at the VA. African American men treated with brachytherapy had a particularly pronounced biochemical control benefit of a PSA bounce.

Treatment patterns of high-dose-rate and low-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Monotherapy with high-dose-rate (HDR) or low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy are both recommended modalities for prostate cancer. The choice between HDR and LDR is dependent on patient, physician, and hospital preferences. We sought to identify treatment patterns and factors associated with receipt of HDR or LDR monotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We queried the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for patients with localized low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with HDR or LDR monotherapy. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patterns of HDR vs. LDR. Patient characteristics were correlated with HDR vs. LDR using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 50,326 patients from 2004-2014: LDR 37,863 (75.2%) vs. HDR 12,463 (24.8%). Median follow-up was 70.3 months. The overall use of monotherapy declined over time. HDR application declined relative to LDR. In 2004, 27.0% of cases were HDR compared to 19.2% in 2014. Factors associated with increased likelihood of HDR on multivariable analysis included: increasing age (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.01), cT2c disease (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11-1.41), treatment at an academic center (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 2.24-2.65), non-white race (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.27-1.42), and income > $63,000 (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.59-1.88). LDR was more common in 2010-2014 (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.54-0.65), Charlson-Deyo comorbidity index > 0 (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.95), and for patients receiving hormone therapy (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83-0.93). No difference in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or Gleason score and receipt of HDR vs. LDR was observed. Mean overall survival was 127.0 months for HDR and 125.4 for LDR, and was not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an overall decrease in brachytherapy (BT) monotherapy use since 2004 for localized prostate cancer. Despite similar survival outcomes, the use of HDR monotherapy declined relative to LDR.

Patterns and predictors of registration and participation at a supportive care program for prostate cancer survivors

PURPOSE

To examine registration rates, and the timing/intensity of follow-up with a prostate cancer supportive care (PCSC) program, and to explore clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with participation and non-participation.

METHODS

We used electronic medical records for a cohort of men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) who attended a PC-related appointment at the Vancouver Prostate Centre, January 2013-December 2016. We used multivariate logistic regression to quantify the effect of diagnostic treatment and sociodemographic characteristic PCSC program registration and subsequent attendance. We produced Kaplan-Meier estimators to assess the probability of program attendance over the disease trajectory for those who registered.

RESULTS

Almost 15% of the men who registered for the program did not end up using any services. An additional 23% attended only one session/clinical appointment. Surgical and radiation treatments increased the odds and intensity of participation. Long travel distance decreased the odds of registering and participating. Low income decreased the odds of registration but not subsequent participation.

CONCLUSIONS

While the use of supportive care services can help address the detrimental effects of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, one in six men who register for supportive care do not end up using any. Offering these services at no cost and alongside treatment appears to be insufficient to ensuring access for all patients. Additional research is needed to understand barriers and facilitators of accessing supportive care in this population.

A review of salvage treatment options for disease progression after radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer

Recurrence of prostate cancer after initial treatment with radiation therapy (RT) is highly dependent on pretreatment risk group and unfortunately, a proportion of patients fail primary treatment. The treatment of recurrence after primary radiation is rapidly changing with advances in imaging and it is important to distinguish those with a local failure from those with distant failure. If disease remains locally confined, salvage treatment with a variety of techniques can still provide a potential cure. Patients with distant failure are often treated with androgen deprivation, or in those with a shorter life expectancy, conservative management. In patients with a higher burden of metastatic disease, there is emerging evidence that chemotherapy and advanced androgen therapy can improve survival. We review the relevant literature on available salvage treatment options and appropriate patient selection for patients with recurrent prostate cancer after RT. We report on the efficacy and adverse effects of the currently available local salvage modalities including salvage radical prostatectomy, high dose rate and low dose rate brachytherapy, cryotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, and stereotactic body RT. We additionally discuss diagnosis of oligometastatic disease on imaging and current approaches to treatment with either radiation or surgery. While a full review of chemotherapy and advanced androgen therapies is beyond the scope of this article we briefly discuss their use in the treatment of newly diagnosed recurrence after radiation.

Dose Escalation for Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Long-Term Update on the Outcomes of a Phase 3, Single Institution Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To determine the long-term outcomes for prostate adenocarcinoma when escalating radiation dose from 70 Gy to 78 Gy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 1993 and 1998, 301 patients with biopsy-proven clinical stage T1b-T3 prostate adenocarcinoma, any prostate-specific antigen level, and any Gleason score were randomized to 70 Gy in 35 fractions versus 78 Gy in 39 fractions of photon radiation therapy using a 4-field box technique without hormone deprivation therapy. The primary outcome was powered to detect a 15% difference in biochemical or clinical failure. Secondary outcomes included survival, prostate cancer mortality, biochemical failure, local failure, nodal failure, distant failure, and secondary malignancy rates.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 14.3 years, the cumulative incidence of 15-year biochemical or clinical failure was 18.9% versus 12.0% in the 70 Gy versus 78 Gy arms, respectively (subhazard ratio [sHR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.98; Fine-Gray P = .042). The 15-year cumulative incidence of distant metastasis was 3.4% versus 1.1%, respectively (sHR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13-0.82; Fine-Gray P = .018). The 15-year cumulative incidence of prostate cancer-specific mortality was 6.2% versus 3.2%, respectively, (sHR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-0.98; Fine-Gray P = .045). There were no differences in overall survival (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.84-1.45; log rank P = .469) or other-cause survival (sHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.99-1.79; Fine-Gray P = .061). Salvage therapy was more common in the 70 Gy arm, at 38.7% versus 21.9% in the 78 Gy arm (P = .002). There was a 2.3% secondary solid malignancy rate (1 bladder, 6 rectal) within the radiation treatment field, which was not significantly different between treatment arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose escalation by 8 Gy (78 Gy vs 70 Gy) provided a sustained improvement in biochemical and clinical failure, which translated into lower salvage rates and improved prostate cancer-specific mortality, but not overall survival. Long-term follow-up demonstrated a low incidence of potential solid tumor secondary malignancies.