International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Consensus Conference on Handling and Staging of Radical Prostatectomy Specimens. Working group 2: T2 substaging and prostate cancer volume

Tumor upgrading among very favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: how can it impact the clinical course?

PURPOSE

We sought to investigate predictors of unfavorable tumor upgrading in very favorable intermediate-risk (IR) prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, in addition to evaluate how it may affect the risk of disease progression.

METHODS

A very favorable subset of IR PCa patients presenting with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) < 10 ng/mL, percentage of biopsy positive cores (BPC) < 50%, and either International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group 1 and clinical stage T2b or ISUP grade group 2 and clinical stage T1c-2b was identified. Unfavorable pathology at radical prostatectomy was defined as the presence of ISUP grade group > 2 (unfavorable tumor upgrading), extracapsular extension (ECE), and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI). Disease progression was defined as the event of biochemical recurrence and/or local recurrence and/or distant metastases. Associations were evaluated by Cox regression and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, 210 patients were identified between January 2013 and October 2020. Unfavorable tumor upgrading was detected in 71 (33.8%) cases, and adverse tumor stage, including ECE or SVI in 18 (8.6%) and 11 (5.2%) patients, respectively. Median (interquartile range) follow-up was 38.5 (16-61) months. PCa progression occurred in 24 (11.4%) patients. Very favorable IR PCa patients with unfavorable tumor upgrading at final pathology showed a persistent risk of disease progression, which hold significance after adjustment for all factors (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 5.95, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.97-17.92, p = 0.002) of which PSA was an independent predictor (HR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.12-2.08, p = 0.008). Moreover, these subjects were more likely to belong to the biopsy ISUP grade group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Very favorable IR PCa patients hiding unfavorable tumor upgrading were more likely to experience disease progression. Unfavorable tumor upgrading involved about one-third of cases and was less likely to occur in patients presenting with biopsy ISUP grade group 1. Tumor misclassification is an issue to discuss, when counseling this subset of patients for active surveillance because of the risk of delayed active treatment.

Prognostic Impact and Clinical Implications of Adverse Tumor Grade in Very Favorable Low- and Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Experience of a Single Tertiary Referral Center

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prognostic impact and predictors of adverse tumor grade in very favorable low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

METHODS

Data of low- and intermediate PCa risk-class patients were retrieved from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Adverse tumor grade was defined as pathology ISUP grade group > 2. Disease progression was defined as a biochemical recurrence event and/or local recurrence and/or distant metastases. Associations were assessed by Cox's proportional hazards and logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and October 2020, the study evaluated a population of 289 patients, including 178 low-risk cases (61.1%) and 111 intermediate-risk subjects (38.4%); unfavorable tumor grade was detected in 82 cases (28.4%). PCa progression, which occurred in 29 patients (10%), was independently predicted by adverse tumor grade and biopsy ISUP grade group 2, with the former showing stronger associations (hazard ratio, HR = 4.478; 95% CI: 1.840-10.895; p = 0.001) than the latter (HR = 2.336; 95% CI: 1.057-5.164; p = 0.036). Older age and biopsy ISUP grade group 2 were independent clinical predictors of adverse tumor grade, associated with larger tumors that eventually presented non-organ-confined disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In a very favorable PCa patient population, adverse tumor grade was an unfavorable prognostic factor for disease progression. Active surveillance in very favorable intermediate-risk patients is still a hazard, so molecular and genetic testing of biopsy specimens is needed.

Index tumor location affected early biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy in patients with negative surgical margin: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Index tumors are the most aggressive tumors of the prostate. However, their clinical significance remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the incidence of index tumor location according to the zonal origin and whether these locations affect the prognosis after radical prostatectomy in patients with negative surgical margins.

METHODS

This single-centered, retrospective study evaluated 1,109 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomies. An index tumor was defined as the largest tumor in the prostate gland. We detected these locations based on McNeal's zonal origin using whole-mount sections. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) free survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards model were performed to determine the predictive factors for early BCR (within 1-year).

RESULTS

A total of 621 patients with negative surgical margins who did not receive adjuvant therapy were included in this study. The index tumor were located in the transitional zone in 191 patients (30.8%), the peripheral zone in 399 patients (64.3%), and the central zone in 31 patients (5.0%). In total, 22 of 621 patients (3.5%) experienced early BCR and 70 patients (11.2%) experienced overall BCR at a median follow-up of 61.7 months. According to the index tumor location, the early BCR-free rates were 99.5%, 95.7 %, and 83.3% in the transitional, peripheral, and central zones, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the index tumor in the central zone was an independent predictor of early BCR with negative surgical margins following radical prostatectomy, followed by prostatectomy pathological grade, index tumor in the peripheral zone, and high prostate-specific antigen level.

CONCLUSIONS

We assessed the significance of index tumor location in patients with negative surgical margins following radical prostatectomy. Index tumors located in the central zone, although infrequent, were the strongest predictive factors for early BCR. Our results may allow urologists and patients to reconsider the therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.

Positive independent association between preoperative endogenous testosterone density and tumor load density in surgical specimen of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of endogenous testosterone density (ETD) and tumor load density (TLD) in the surgical specimen of prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

METHODS

ETD was assessed as the ratio of endogenous testosterone (ET) to prostate volume (PV). TLD was calculated as the ratio of tumor load (TL) to prostate weight. Preoperative prostate-specific antigen relative densities (PSAD) and percentage of biopsy-positive cores (BPCD) were also assessed. The association of high TLD (above the first quartile) with clinical and pathological factors was assessed by the logistic regression model (univariate and multivariate analysis).

RESULTS

Between November 2014 and December 2019, ET was measured in 805 cases treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). Median (IQR) of ET and ETD was 412 (321.4-519 ng/dL) and 9.8 (6.8-14.4 ng/(dLxmL)) as well as for TL and TLD was 20 (10-30%) and 0.33 (0.17-0.58%/gr), respectively. As a result, high TLD was detected in 75% of cases. A positive independent association was found between high TLD and ETD. Accordingly, as ETD levels increased, the risk of detecting high TLD in the surgical specimen increased, regardless of PSAD and BPCD.

CONCLUSIONS

At diagnosis of PCa, a positive independent association was found between ETD and risk of high TLD. Subjects with increasing ETD levels were more likely to have high TLD, associated with unfavorable pathology features. The positive association between ETD and TLD in the prostate microenvironment might adversely influence PCa's natural history.

Updated prevalence of latent prostate cancer in Chinese population and comparison of biopsy results: An autopsy-based study

Prostate cancer detected by autopsy is named latent prostate cancer. As the repertoire of clinical prostate cancer, latent cancer may better reflect the disease burden. Unlike clinical prostate specimens, which are obtained exclusively from biopsy-positive cases, prostate specimens obtained through autopsy provide information on biopsy-negative cases, helping calculate the true sensitivity of prostate biopsy. From 2014 to 2021, we collected autopsy specimens of the prostate from body donors in China and performed transperineal and transrectal biopsies on specimens before step-sectioning and pathological measurements. We found that the crude prevalence of latent prostate cancer in middle-aged and elderly men was 35.1% (81/231), which was higher than previous estimates for Chinese populations. The overall per-patient sensitivities of transperineal and transrectal biopsies were not significantly different (33.3% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.82), but the two approaches differed in preferential sampling area along the proximal-distal axis of the prostate. Transperineal biopsy had a higher sensitivity for detecting clinically significant lesions in the distal third (34.7% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.02) and distal half (30.6% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.04), while transrectal biopsy had a higher sensitivity for lesions in the proximal half (25.0% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.046). Both transperineal and transrectal methods of biopsy missed most small lesions (<0.1 mL) and 35.3% (6/17) of large lesions (>0.5 mL). In conclusion, the prevalence of latent prostate cancer in China has increased over the past 2 decades. Systematic transperineal and transrectal methods of biopsy had comparable sensitivities but had different preferential sampling areas. Both approaches miss one-third of large lesions.

The impact of prognostic group classification on prostate cancer progression in intermediate-risk patients according to the European Association of Urology system: results in 479 patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at a single tertiary referral center

Background

Treatment outcomes in intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) may be impaired by adverse pathology misclassification including tumor upgrading and upstaging. Clinical predictors of disease progression need to be improved in this category of patients.

Objectives

To identify PCa prognostic factors to define prognostic groups in intermediate-risk patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Design

Data from 1143 patients undergoing RARP from January 2013 to October 2020 were collected: 901 subjects had available follow-up, of whom 479 were at intermediate risk.

Methods

PCa progression was defined as biochemical recurrence and/or local recurrence and/or distant metastases. Study endpoints were evaluated by statistical methods including Cox's proportional hazards, Kaplan-Meyer survival curves, and binomial and multinomial logistic regression models.

Results

After a median (interquartile range) of 35 months (15-57 months), 84 patients (17.5%) had disease progression, which was independently predicted by the percentage of biopsy-positive cores ⩾ 50% and the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group 3 for clinical factors and by ISUP > 2, positive surgical margins and pelvic lymph node invasion for pathological features. Patients were classified into clinical and pathological groups as favorable, unfavorable (one prognostic factor), and adverse (more than one prognostic factor). The risk of PCa progression increased with worsening prognosis through groups. A significant positive association was found between the two groups; consequently, as clinical prognosis worsened, the risk of detecting unfavorable and adverse pathological prognostic clusters increased in both unadjusted and adjusted models.

Conclusion

The study identified factors predicting disease progression that allowed the computation of highly correlated prognostic groups. As the prognosis worsened, the risk of PCa progression increased. Intermediate-risk PCa needs more prognostic stratification for appropriate management.

'High proliferative cribriform prostate cancer' defines a patient subgroup with an inferior prognosis

AIMS

A cribriform pattern, reactive stroma (RS), PTEN, Ki67 and ERG are promising prognostic biomarkers in primary prostate cancer (PCa). We aim to determine the relative contribution of these factors and the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment Postsurgical (CAPRA-S) score in predicting PCa prognosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 475 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (2010-12, median follow-up = 8.7 years). Cribriform pattern was identified in 57% of patients, PTEN loss in 55%, ERG expression in 51%, RS in 39% and high Ki67 in 9%. In patients with multiple samples from the same malignant focus and either PTEN loss or high Ki67, intrafocal heterogeneity for PTEN and Ki67 expression was detected in 55% and 89%, respectively. In patients with samples from two or more foci, interfocal heterogeneity was detected in 46% for PTEN and 6% for Ki67. A cribriform pattern and Ki67 were independent predictors of biochemical recurrence (BCR) and clinical recurrence (CR), whereas ERG expression was an independent predictor of CR. Besides CAPRA-S, a cribriform pattern provided the highest relative proportion of explained variation for predicting BCR (11%), and Ki67 provided the highest relative proportion of explained variation for CR (21%). In patients with a cribriform pattern, high Ki67 was associated with a higher risk of BCR [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.83, P < 0.001] and CR (HR = 4.35, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

High Ki67 in patients with a cribriform pattern identifies a patient subgroup with particularly poor prognosis, which we termed 'high proliferative cribriform prostate cancer'. These results support reporting a cribriform pattern in pathology reports, and advocate implementing Ki67.

Grossing and reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens: An evidence-based approach

Radical prostatectomy (RP) constitutes the primary treatment option for patients with clinically localized, biopsy-proven prostate cancer that requires local treatment with curative intent. Accurate reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens is required to guide further risk stratification and management of patients. Hence, for the handling and reporting of RP specimens, a standardized protocol should be followed. Many general pathologists may not be well-versed with the guidelines for the handling of radical prostatectomy specimens. This article discusses a detailed approach to grossing techniques, including specimen description, fixation requirements, gross cut-up, and reporting of the grade and stage of RP specimens. This will enable the pathologist to aid in multidisciplinary management.

Prognostic impact of palpable prostate tumors on disease progression after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of palpable prostate tumors on digital rectal exam (DRE) on the disease progression of prostate cancer (PCa) treated with RARP surgery in a tertiary referral center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall, 901 patients were evaluated in a period ranging from January 2013 to October 2020. In the surgical specimen, unfavorable pathology included ISUP grade group ≥3, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), and pelvic lymph node invasion (PLNI). Disease progression was defined as the occurrence of biochemical recurrence and/or local recurrence and/or distant metastases; its association with the primary endpoint was evaluated by Cox's proportional model.

RESULTS

Palpable prostate tumors were detected in 359 (39.8%) patients. The overall median (IQR) follow-up was 40 months (17-59). PCa progressed in 159 cases (17.6%). Nodularity or induration of the prostate at DRE was significantly associated with features of unfavorable pathology, increased risk of PCa progression (hazard ratio, HR = 1.902; 95% CI: 1.389-2.605; p < 0.0001) and, on multivariable analysis, was an independent prognostic factor for disease progression after adjusting for clinical and pathological variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate tumors presenting with an abnormal DRE finding have an independent adverse outcome for disease progression after PCa surgery. They provide also independent prognostic information, as they may be more aggressive than impalpable PCa.

Advanced age is an independent prognostic factor of disease progression in high-risk prostate cancer: results in 180 patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection in a tertiary referral center

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess more clinical and pathological factors associated with prostate cancer (PCa) progression in high-risk PCa patients treated primarily with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) in a tertiary referral center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a period ranging from January 2013 to October 2020, RARP and ePLND were performed on 180 high-risk patients at Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona (Italy). PCa progression was defined as biochemical recurrence/persistence and/or local recurrence and/or distant metastases. Statistical methods evaluated study endpoints, including Cox's proportional hazards, Kaplan-Meyer survival curves, and binomial logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The median age of included patients was 66.5 [62-71] years. Disease progression occurred in 55 patients (30.6%), who were more likely to have advanced age, palpable tumors, and unfavorable pathologic features, including high tumor grade, stage, and pelvic lymph node invasion (PLNI). On multivariate analysis, PCa progression was predicted by advanced age (≥ 70 years) (HR = 2.183; 95% CI = 1.089-4377, p = 0.028), palpable tumors (HR = 3.113; 95% CI = 1.499-6.465), p = 0.002), and PLNI (HR = 2.945; 95% CI = 1.441-6.018, p = 0.003), which were associated with clinical standard factors defining high-risk PCa. Age had a negative prognostic impact on elderly patients, who were less likely to have palpable tumors but more likely to have high-grade tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk PCa progression was independently predicted by advanced age, palpable tumors, and PLNI, which is associated with standard clinical prognostic factors. Consequently, with increasing age, the prognosis is worse in elderly patients, who represent an unfavorable age group that needs extensive counseling for appropriate and personalized management decisions.

Intravoxel incoherent motion predicts positive surgical margins and Gleason score upgrading after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Whether Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) can be used as a predictive tool of positive surgical margins (PSMs) and Gleason score (GS) upgrading in prostate cancer (PCa) patients after radical prostatectomy (RP) still remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the ability of IVIM and clinical characteristics to predict PSMs and GS upgrading.

METHODS

A total of 106 PCa patients after RP who underwent pelvic mpMRI (multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging) between January 2016 and December 2021 and met the requirements were retrospectively included in our study. IVIM parameters were obtained using GE Functool post-processing software. Logistic regression models were fitted to confirm the predictive risk factor of PSMs and GS upgrading. The area under the curve and fourfold contingency table were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of IVIM and clinical parameters.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that percent of positive cores, apparent diffusion coefficient and molecular diffusion coefficient (D) were independent predictors of PSMs (Odds Ratio (OR) were 6.07, 3.62 and 3.16, respectively), Biopsy GS and pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) were independent predictors of GS upgrading (OR were 0.563 and 7.15, respectively). The fourfold contingency table suggested that combined diagnosis increased the ability of predicting PSMs but had no advantage in predicting GS upgrading except the sensitivity from 57.14 to 91.43%.

CONCLUSIONS

IVIM showed good performance in predicting PSMs and GS upgrading. Combining IVIM and clinical factors enhanced the performance of predicting PSMs, which may contribute to clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Significance of extraprostatic extension by Grade Groups 1-3 prostatic carcinoma on needle biopsy

BACKGROUND

It is rare for extraprostatic extension (EPE) on biopsy to be seen with Grade Groups (GG) 1-3 (Gleason scores 3 + 3 = 6; 3 + 4 = 7; 4 + 3 = 7) prostatic adenocarcinoma, and there is no data whether this finding should be a contraindication for performing radical prostatectomy (RP).

METHODS

Thirty eight cases with GG 1-3 prostatic adenocarcinoma as the highest grade in the case with EPE on biopsy were identified from our consultation files. Highly unfavorable findings at RP were those that if they could have been predicted preoperatively, might have factored into the decision of whether to proceed with surgery. For these purposes, highly unfavorable pathology at RP was defined as either the presence of seminal vesicle invasion or lymph node metastases or GG5 (Gleason score 9-10).

RESULTS

Among 37 patients with clinical follow-up data, 18 (49%) received radiation and/or hormonal therapy (RT/HT), 13 patients (35%) either underwent (n = 11) or are planning (n = 2) RP, and 6 patients (16%) received either ablation therapy or active surveillance. Based on the 11 RP pathology reports, 8 were GG2, one GG3 with tertiary pattern 5, and two GG3. Ten cases were reported to have EPE and six cases had positive margins. Only one had highly unfavorable pathology with pT3bN1 disease. The only difference between the RP and the RT/HT groups in their pretreatment parameters was the mean age of the RP patients was 61 compared with 69 for the RT/HT men (p = 0.02); the lack of many cases with highly unfavorable pathology at RP cannot be attributable to a selection bias of men with lower volume cancer on biopsy or lower serum prostate-specific antigen levels choosing RP over RT/HT.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite EPE on biopsy, most men do not have highly unfavorable pathology at RP, and this treatment should remain an option in this setting.

Preoperative endogenous total testosterone predicts prostate cancer progression: results in 580 consecutive patients treated with robot assisted radical prostatectomy for clinically localized disease

PURPOSE

To test the role of endogenous total testosterone (ETT) as a predictor of prostate cancer (PCa) progression in patients treated with robot assisted radical prostatectomy for clinically localized disease.

METHODS

Between November 2014 and December 2019, 580 consecutive patients were evaluated. Preoperative ETT levels were classified as ≤ 350 ng/dL vs. > 350 ng/dL. The associations between ETT levels and the risk of PCa progression, defined as any event of biochemical recurrence and/or local recurrence and/or distant metastases, or other clinical and pathological factors were evaluated by regression analyses.

RESULTS

Preoperative ETT levels resulted ≤ 350 ng/dL in 173 (29.8%) patients. Disease progression occurred in 101 (17.1%) cases. Progressing patients were more likely to present with PSA levels > 10 ng/mL, as well as with unfavorable tumor grade (ISUP 4-5) and stage (pT3b) at final pathology, but less likely to have ETT levels ≤ 350 ng/mL. On clinical multivariable Cox regression models, ETT ≤ 350 ng/mL exhibited a statistically significant protective effect on tumor progression (hazard ratio: 0.57, p = 0.013). Subjects presenting with ETT levels ≤ 350 ng/mL were less likely to harbor ISUP 4-5 tumor grade either at biopsy (odds ratio [OR]: 0.46, p = 0.028) or final pathology (OR: 0.45, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

At PCa diagnosis, ETT, which associates with ISUP tumor grade, is an independent predictor of disease progression. Accordingly, as ETT decreases to levels ≤ 350 ng/dL, the risk of unfavorable tumor grade decreases, and a more favorable prognosis is expected. Preoperative ETT levels may allow further patient stratification along prognostic risk groups.

Normal preoperative endogenous testosterone levels predict prostate cancer progression in elderly patients after radical prostatectomy

Background

The impact of senior age on prostate cancer (PCa) oncological outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) is controversial, and further clinical factors could help stratifying risk categories in these patients.

Objective

We tested the association between endogenous testosterone (ET) and risk of PCa progression in elderly patients treated with RP.

Design

Data from PCa patients treated with RP at a single tertiary referral center, between November 2014 and December 2019 with available follow-up, were retrospectively evaluated.

Methods

Preoperative ET (classified as normal if >350 ng/dl) was measured for each patient. Patients were divided according to a cut-off age of 70 years. Unfavorable pathology consisted of International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) grade group >2, seminal vesicle, and pelvic lymph node invasion. Cox regression models tested the association between clinical/pathological tumor features and risk of PCa progression in each age subgroup.

Results

Of 651 included patients, 190 (29.2%) were elderly. Abnormal ET levels were detected in 195 (30.0%) cases. Compared with their younger counterparts, elderly patients were more likely to have pathological ISUP grade group >2 (49.0% versus 63.2%). Disease progression occurred in 108 (16.6%) cases with no statistically significant difference between age subgroups. Among the elderly, clinically progressing patients were more likely to have normal ET levels (77.4% versus 67.9%) and unfavorable tumor grades (90.3% versus 57.9%) than patients who did not progress. In multivariable Cox regression models, normal ET [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27-8.55; p = 0.014] and pathological ISUP grade group >2 (HR = 5.62; 95% CI = 1.60-19.79; p = 0.007) were independent predictors of PCa progression. On clinical multivariable models, elderly patients were more likely to progress for normal ET levels (HR = 3.42; 95% CI = 1.34-8.70; p = 0.010), independently by belonging to high-risk category. Elderly patients with normal ET progressed more rapidly than those with abnormal ET.

Conclusion

In elderly patients, normal preoperative ET independently predicted PCa progression. Elderly patients with normal ET progressed more rapidly than controls, suggesting that longer exposure time to high-grade tumors could adversely impact sequential cancer mutations, where normal ET is not anymore protective on disease progression.

"Urethral-Sparing" Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: Critical Appraisal of the Safety of the Technique Based on the Histologic Characteristics of the Prostatic Urethra

BACKGROUND

The prostatic urethra (PU) is conventionally resected during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP). Recent studies demonstrated the feasibility of the extended PU preservation (EPUP).

AIMS

To describe the histologic features of the PU.

METHODS

The PU was evaluated using cystoprostatectomy and RALP specimens. Cases of PU infiltration by prostate cancer or distortion by benign hyperplastic nodules were excluded. The thickness of the chorion and distance between the urothelium and prostate glands were measured. Prostate-specific antigen expression in the PU epithelium was evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

Six specimens of PU were examined. Histologically, the following layers of the PU were observed: (1) urothelium with basal membrane, (2) chorion, and (3) prostatic peri-urethral fibromuscular tissue. The chorion measures between 0.2 and 0.4 mm. There is not a distinct urethral muscle layer, but rather muscular fibers that originate near the prostatic stroma and are distributed around the PU. This muscular tissue appears to be mainly represented in the basal and apical urethra, but not in the middle urethra. The mean distance between the chorion and prostatic glands is 1.74 mm, with significant differences between base of the prostate, middle urethral portion, and apex (2.5 vs. 1.49 vs. 1.23 mm, respectively). PSA-expressing cells are abundant in the PU epithelium, coexisting with urothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The exiguity of thickness of the PU chorion, short distance from glandular tissue, and coexistence of PSA-expressing cells in the epithelium raise important concerns about the oncologic safety of EPUP.

Preoperative endogenous testosterone density predicts disease progression from localized impalpable prostate cancer presenting with PSA levels elevated up to 10 ng/mL

OBJECTIVE

To investigate endogenous testosterone density (ETD) predicting disease progression from clinically localized impalpable prostate cancer (PCa) presenting with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels elevated up to 10 ng/mL and treated with radical prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a period ranging from November 2014 to December 2019, 805 consecutive PCa patients who were not under androgen blockade had endogenous testosterone (ET, ng/dL) measured before surgery. ETD was evaluated as the ratio of ET on prostate volume (PV). Unfavorable disease was defined as including ISUP ≥ 3 and/or seminal vesicle invasion in the surgical specimen. The risk of disease progression was evaluated by statistical methods.

RESULTS

Overall, the study selected 433 patients, of whom 353 (81.5%) had available follow-up. Unfavorable disease occurred in 46.7% of cases and was predicted by tumor quantitation features that were positively associated with ETD. Disease progression, which occurred for 46 (13%) cases, was independently predicted only by ETD (hazard ratio, HR = 1.037; 95% CI 1.004-1.072; p = 0.030) after adjusting for unfavorable disease. According to a multivariate model, ETD above the third quartile was confirmed to be an independent predictor for PCa progression (HR = 2.479; 95% CI 1.355-4.534; p = 0.003) after adjusting for unfavorable disease. The same ETD measurements, ET mean levels were significantly lower in progressing cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

In this particular subset of patients, increased ETD with low ET levels, indicating androgen independence, resulted in a more aggressive disease with poorer prognosis.

Prognostic Impact and Clinical Implications of Unfavorable Upgrading in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Results of a Single Tertiary Referral Center

Objective: to evaluate predictors and the prognostic impact of favorable vs. unfavorable tumor upgrading among low-risk prostate cancer (LR PCa) patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: From January 2013 to October 2020, LR PCa patients treated with RARP at our institution were identified. Unfavorable tumor upgrading was defined as the presence of an International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group at final pathology > 2. Disease relapse was coded as biochemical recurrence and/or local recurrence and/or presence of distant metastases. Regression analyses tested the association between clinical and pathological features and the risk of unfavorable tumor upgrading and disease relapse. Results: Of the 237 total LR PCa patients, 60 (25.3%) harbored unfavorable tumor upgrading. Disease relapse occurred in 20 (8.4%) patients. Unfavorable upgrading represented an independent predictor of disease relapse, even after adjustment for other clinical and pathological variables. Conversely, favorable tumor upgrading did not show any statistically significant association with PCa relapse. Unfavorable tumor upgrading was associated with tumors being larger (OR: 1.03; p = 0.031), tumors extending beyond the gland (OR: 8.54, p < 0.001), age (OR: 1.07, p = 0.009), and PSA density (PSAD) ≥ 0.15 ng/mL/cc (OR: 1.07, p = 0.009). Conclusions: LR PCa patients with unfavorable upgrading at final pathology were more likely to be older, to have PSAD ≥ 0.15 ng/mL/cc, and to experience disease relapse. Unfavorable tumor upgrading is an issue to consider when counseling these patients to avoid delayed treatments, which may impair cancer-specific survival.

Multiparametric MRI-based nomograms in predicting positive surgical margins of prostate cancer after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Background

Positive surgical margins (PSMs) are an independent risk factor of biochemical recurrence in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy; however, limited MRI-based predictive tools are available. This study aimed to develop a novel nomogram combining clinical and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) parameters to reduce PSMs by improving surgical planning.

Methods

One hundred and three patients with PCa (55 patients with negative surgical margins [NSMs] and 48 patients with PSMs) were included in this retrospective study. The following parameters were obtained using GE Functool post-processing software: diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI); intravoxel incoherent motion model (IVIM); and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). Patients were divided into different training sets and testing sets for different targets according to a ratio of 7:3. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm was used to analyze the data set to select the optimal MRI predictors. Preoperatively clinical parameters used to build a clinical nomogram (C-nomogram). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to build an MRI nomogram (M-nomogram) by introducing the MRI parameters. Based on the MRI and clinical parameters, build an MRI combined with clinical parameters nomogram (MC-nomogram). Comparisons with the M-nomogram and MC-nomogram were based on discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA). A 3-fold cross-validation method was used to assess the stability of the nomogram.

Results

There was no statistical difference in AUC between the C-nomogram (sensitivity=64%, specificity=65% and AUC=0.683), the M-nomogram (sensitivity=57%, specificity=88% and AUC=0.735) and the MC-nomogram (sensitivity= 64%, specificity=82% and AUC=0.756). The calibration curves of the three nomograms used to predict the risk of PSMs in patients with PCa showed good agreement. The net benefit of the MC-nomogram was higher than the others (range, 0.2-0.7).

Conclusions

The mpMRI-based nomogram can predict PSMs in PCa patients. Although its AUC (0.735) is not statistically different from that of the clinical-based nomogram AUC (0.683). However, mpMRI-based nomogram has higher specificity (88% VS. 63%), model stability, and clinical benefit than clinical-based nomogram. And the predictive ability of mpMRI plus clinical parameters for PSMs is further improved.

Prostate cancer in PI-RADS scores 1 and 2 version 2.1: a comparison to previous PI-RADS versions

PURPOSE

To evaluate the validity of PI-RADS categories 1 and 2 version 2.1 (V2.1) as predictors of the absence of carcinoma and to reevaluate lesions that were analysed as suspicious prior to PI-RADS or according to PI-RADS versions 1 and 2 and classified as PI-RADS 1 or 2 in V2.1.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of 1170 multiparametric MRIs performed at one academic teaching hospital (2012-2019). Study cohort comprised 188 men that achieved PI-RADS scores 1 or 2 (V2.1) and underwent systematic and targeted biopsy, split into one group with suspect findings in the original reports that were created prior to PI-RADS or with version 1 and 2, and another group with unremarkable reports. Differences in presence of prostate cancer and PSA density were assessed by Chi-square and Fisher's exact test, and the negative predictive value (NPV) for both groups was conducted.

RESULTS

The NPV for clinically significant carcinoma (csCa) was 89.1% for 55 men with suspect findings in the original report and 93.2% for 133 men with negative MRI. There was no difference between the groups regarding the detection of csCa (p = 0.103). PSA density was significantly higher in the group with suspect original reports (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

A PI-RADS score 1 or 2 appears less likely to miss existing prostate cancer, although a small amount of csCa can be overlooked. In case of clinical suspicion or elevated PSA density and PI-RADS score 1 or 2, an individual decision has to be taken if biopsy is necessary or if monitoring is sufficient.

Artificial intelligence trained with integration of multiparametric MR-US imaging data and fusion biopsy trajectory-proven pathology data for 3D prediction of prostate cancer: A proof-of-concept study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that predicts the volume and location of clinically significant cancer (CSCa) using convolutional neural network (CNN) trained with integration of multiparametric MR-US image data and MRI-US fusion prostate biopsy (MRI-US PBx) trajectory-proven pathology data.

METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients prospectively underwent MRI-US PBx, followed by robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). The AI algorithm was trained with the integration of MR-US image data with a MRI-US PBx trajectory-proven pathology. The relationship with the 3D-cancer-mapping of RARP specimens was compared between AI system-suggested 3D-CSCa mapping and an experienced radiologist's suggested 3D-CSCa mapping on MRI alone according to the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2. The characteristics of detected and undetected tumors at AI were compared in 22,968 image data. The relationships between CSCa volumes and volumes predicted by AI as well as the radiologist's reading based on PI-RADS were analyzed.

RESULTS

The concordance of the CSCa center with that in RARP specimens was significantly higher in the AI prediction than the radiologist' reading (83% vs. 54%, p = 0.036). CSCa volumes predicted with AI were more accurate (r = 0.90, p < 0.001) than the radiologist's reading. The limitations include that the elastic fusion technology has its own registration error.

CONCLUSIONS

We presented a novel pilot AI algorithm for 3D prediction of PCa. AI was trained by integration of multiparametric MR-US image data and fusion biopsy trajectory-proven pathology data. This deep learning AI model may more precisely predict the 3D mapping of CSCa in its volume and center location than a radiologist's reading based on PI-RADS version 2, and has potential in the planning of focal therapy.

A prognostic hypoxia gene signature with low heterogeneity within the dominant tumour lesion in prostate cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Gene signatures measured in a biopsy have been proposed as hypoxia biomarkers in prostate cancer. We assessed a previously developed signature, and aimed to determine its relationship to hypoxia and its heterogeneity within the dominant (index) lesion of prostate cancer.

METHODS

The 32-gene signature was assessed from gene expression data of 141 biopsies from the index lesion of 94 patients treated with prostatectomy. A gene score calculated from the expression levels was applied in the analyses. Hypoxic fraction from pimonidazole immunostained whole-mount and biopsy sections was used as reference standard for hypoxia.

RESULTS

The gene score was correlated with pimonidazole-defined hypoxic fraction in whole-mount sections, and the two parameters showed almost equal association with clinical markers of tumour aggressiveness. Based on the gene score, incorrect classification according to hypoxic fraction in whole-mount sections was seen in one third of the patients. The incorrect classifications were apparently not due to intra-tumour heterogeneity, since the score had low heterogeneity compared to pimonidazole-defined hypoxic fraction in biopsies. The score showed prognostic significance in uni-and multivariate analysis in independent cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our signature from the index lesion reflects tumour hypoxia and predicts prognosis in prostate cancer, independent of intra-tumour heterogeneity in pimonidazole-defined hypoxia.

Collision tumors revealed by prospectively assessing subtype-defining molecular alterations in 904 individual prostate cancer foci

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is multifocal with distinct molecular subtypes. The utility of genomic subtyping has been challenged due to inter- and intrafocal heterogeneity. We sought to characterize the subtype-defining molecular alterations of primary prostate cancer across all tumor foci within radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens and determine the prevalence of collision tumors.

METHODS

From the Early Detection Research Network cohort, we identified 333 prospectively collected RPs from 2010 to 2014 and assessed ETS-related gene (ERG), serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and speckle type BTB/POZ protein (SPOP) molecular status. We utilized dual ERG/SPINK1 immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization to confirm ERG rearrangements and characterize PTEN deletion, as well as high-resolution melting curve analysis and Sanger sequencing to determine SPOP mutation status.

RESULTS

Based on index focus alone, ERG, SPINK1, PTEN, and SPOP alterations were identified in 47.5%, 10.8%, 14.3%, and 5.1% of RP specimens, respectively. In 233 multifocal RPs with ERG/SPINK1 status in all foci, 139 (59.7%) had discordant molecular alterations between foci. Collision tumors, as defined by discrepant ERG/SPINK1 status within a single focus, were identified in 29 (9.4%) RP specimens.

CONCLUSION

Interfocal molecular heterogeneity was identified in about 60% of multifocal RP specimens, and collision tumors were present in about 10%. We present this phenomenon as a model for the intrafocal heterogeneity observed in previous studies and propose that future genomic studies screen for collision tumors to better characterize molecular heterogeneity.

FUNDING

Early Detection Research Network US National Cancer Institute (NCI) 5U01 CA111275-09, Center for Translational Pathology at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, US NCI (WCM SPORE in Prostate Cancer, P50CA211024-01), R37CA215040, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, US MetLife Foundation Family Clinical Investigator Award, Norwegian Cancer Society (grant 208197), and South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (grant 2019016 and 2020063).

Endogenous testosterone density is an independent predictor of pelvic lymph node invasion in high-risk prostate cancer: results in 201 consecutive patients treated with radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection

Objective

To evaluate the influence of endogenous testosterone density (ETD) on pelvic lymph node invasion (PLNI) in high risk (HR) prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) and staged with extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND).

Materials and methods

ETD was evaluated as the ratio of endogenous testosterone (ET) on prostate volume (PV). HR-PCa was assessed according to the European Association of Urology (EAU) system. The association of ETD and other routinely clinical factors (BPC: percentage of biopsy positive cores; PSA: prostate specific antigen; ISUP: tumor grade system according to the International Society of Urologic Pathology; cT: tumor clinical stage) with the risk of PLNI was assessed by the logistic regression model.

Results

Overall, 201 out of 805 patients (24.9%) were classified HR and PLNI occurred in 42 subjects (20.9%). On multivariate analysis, PLNI was independently predicted by BPC (OR 1.020; 95% CI 1.006–1.035; p = 0.019), ISUP > 3 (OR 2.621; 95% CI 1.170–5.869; p = 0.019) and ETD (OR 0.932; 95% CI 0.870–0.999; p = 0.045). After categorizing continuous clinical predictors, the risk of PLNI was independently increased by ETD up to the median (OR 2.379; 95% CI 1.134–4.991; p = 0.022), BPC > 50% (OR 3.125; 95% CI 1.520–6.425; p = 0.002) as well as by ISUP > 3 (OR 2.219; 95% CI 1.031–4.776; p = 0.042).

Conclusions

As ETD measurements decreased, patients were more likely to have PLNI. In HR disease with PLNI, the influence of PCa on ETD should be addressed by higher level studies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11255-022-03103-w.

Expression profiles of GPR21, GPR39, GPR135, and GPR153 orphan receptors in different cancers

Orphan receptors have unknown endogenous ligands, are expressed in different tissues, and participate in various diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. We studied the expression profiles of GPR21, GPR39, GPR135 and GPR153 orphan receptors in several tumour tissues. Cervical, breast, skin, prostate, and astrocytoma tissues were analysed for orphan receptor gene expression using Real time PCR analysis. GPR39 is over-expressed in cervical and prostate cancer tissues, and GPR21 and GPR135 receptors are significantly decreased in cervical, breast, skin, prostate, and astrocytoma tissues, when compared with healthy human fibroblasts. In conclusion, GPR21 and GPR135 receptor gene expression is reduced in cancerous tissues. GPR39 may have a role in the development and evolution of cervical and prostate cancer. These data suggest these receptors may be alternative molecules for new diagnostic approaches, and the design of novel therapeutics against oncological pathologies.

Advanced age portends poorer prognosis after radical prostatectomy: a single center experience

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Although advanced age doesn't seem to impair oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), elderly patients have increased rates of prostate cancer (PCa) related deaths due to a higher incidence of high-risk disease. The potential unfavorable impact of advanced age on oncological outcomes following RARP remains an unsettled issue. We aimed to evaluate the oncological outcome of PCa patients > 69 years old in a single tertiary center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1143 patients with clinically localized PCa underwent RARP from January 2013 to October 2020. Analysis was performed on 901 patients with available follow-up. Patients ≥ 70 years old were considered elderly. Unfavorable pathology included ISUP grade group > 2, seminal vesicle, and pelvic lymph node invasion. Disease progression was defined as biochemical and/or local recurrence and/or distant metastases.

RESULTS

243 cases (27%) were classified as elderly patients (median age 72 years). Median (IQR) follow-up was 40.4 (38.7-42.2) months. Disease progression occurred in 159 cases (17.6%). Elderly patients were more likely to belong to EAU high-risk class, have unfavorable pathology, and experience disease progression after surgery (HR = 5.300; 95% CI 1.844-15.237; p = 0.002) compared to the younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients eligible for RARP are more likely to belong to the EAU high-risk category and to have unfavorable pathology that are independent predictors of disease progression. Advanced age adversely impacts on oncological outcomes when evaluated inside these unfavorable categories. Accordingly, elderly patients belonging to the EAU high-risk should be counseled about the increased risk of disease progression after surgery.

Radical or Not-So-Radical Prostatectomy: Do Surgical Margins Matter?

Simple Summary

Prostate cancer is the second most common noncutaneous malignancy in men. Prostatectomy is a commonly used treatment modality for selected patients. The prostate’s ill-defined borders and its vicinity with vital structures complicate the wide excision of the organ, resulting in positive margins of resection. Neoplastic infiltration of margins of resection in prostatectomy specimens affects patients’ prognosis. The surgical technique and surgeons’ expertise affect the incidence of margin positivity. The location and the extent of positive margins diversify the risk of recurrence, with basal infiltration and multifocal foci of positive margins behaving more aggressively. Pathologists are encouraged to thoroughly report the status of margins of resection, as they provide important information for patients’ prognosis and enable the clinician to decide upon the most appropriate subsequent therapeutic steps.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men, and prostatectomy is the treatment of choice for most patients with at least low risk of progression. The presence of positive margins in the radical prostatectomy specimen is considered an adverse pathologic feature, and may prompt additional therapeutic intervention in the patients. The absence of a distinct capsule around the prostate and intraoperative manipulations that aim to minimize postoperative adverse effects, complicate its wide removal. Proper handling of the specimen during the gross processing is essential for accurate determination of the status of margins or resection. Positive margins, defined as the presence of neoplastic glands in the highlighted-with-ink margin of resection, range from 6–38%. The surgical technique, surgeon’s expertise and tumor (i.e., grade and stage) and patients’ (i.e., BMI) characteristics affect the rate of margin positivity. Extensive or multifocal and nonanterior/nonapical positive margins are linked with higher recurrence rates, especially in organ-confined disease, underscoring the need for treating these patients more aggressively. In summary, detailed description of the status of the margins should be performed in every pathology report to determine patients’ prognosis and the most appropriate therapeutic plan.

Contemporary Grading of Prostate Cancer: The Impact of Grading Criteria and the Significance of the Amount of Intraductal Carcinoma

(1) Background: Prognostic grade group (PGG) is an important prognostic parameter in prostate cancer that guides therapeutic decisions. The cribriform pattern and intraductal carcinoma (IDC) are two histological patterns, that have additional prognostic significance. However, discrepancies exist regarding the handling of IDC according to the guidelines published by two international genitourinary pathology societies. Furthermore, whether, in addition to its presence, the amount of IDC is also of importance has not been studied before. Lastly, the handling of tertiary patterns has also been a matter of debate in the literature. (2) Methods: A total of 129 prostatectomy cases were retrieved and a detailed histopathologic analysis was performed. (3) Results: Two cases (1.6%) upgraded their PGG, when IDC was incorporated in the grading system. The presence and the amount of IDC, as well as the presence of cribriform carcinoma were associated with adverse pathologic characteristics. Interestingly, in six cases (4.7%) there was a difference in PGG when using the different guidelines regarding the handling of tertiary patterns. In total, 6.2% of the cases would be assigned a different grade depending on the guidelines followed. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight a potential area of confusion among pathologists and clinicians and underscore the need for a consensus grading system.

Gleason grade accuracy of transperineal and transrectal prostate biopsies in MRI-naïve patients

PURPOSE

Accurate assessment of Gleason grade is essential to guiding prostate cancer management. Not all healthcare systems have universal access to prostate MRI. We investigated whether transperineal (TP) prostate biopsies provide more accurate Gleason grading than transrectal (TR) biopsies in MRI-naïve patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing TP and TR systematic prostate needle biopsies from 2011 to 2018 were analysed. Patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) within 180 days of biopsies were included. Patients undergoing MRI prior to biopsies were excluded. Pathological concordance, incidence of Gleason upgrading, and correlation coefficients among biopsies and RP Gleason grade were compared. A sub-analysis for concordance in anterior prostate tumours was conducted.

RESULTS

262 patients were included (112 TP; 150 TR), the median age was 63 years, and median time from biopsy to RP was 68 days. Concordance with RP histology for TP was 65% compared to 49% for TR (p = 0.011). Biopsy technique predicted RP concordance independent of the number of cores. Gleason upgrading occurred following 24% of TP versus 33% of TR biopsies. In anterior and apical tumours, upgrading occurred in 19% of TP biopsies and 38% of TR biopsies (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests TP approach to prostate biopsies result in improved histological grade accuracy in men whom MRI is not available, even after controlling for number of cores. TP approach also resulted in less upgrading for lesions in the anterior and apical prostate compared to TR.

Prospective trial of regional (hockey-stick) prostate cryoablation: oncologic and quality of life outcomes

PURPOSE

To report long-term follow-up of the efficacy of subtotal prostate ablation using a "hockey-stick" template, including oncologic control and quality of life (QoL) impact.

METHODS

We performed a prospective controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of subtotal prostate ablation in selected men with baseline and confirmatory biopsy showing grade group (GG) 1-2 prostate cancer. "Hockey-stick" cryoablation that included the ipsilateral hemi-gland and contralateral anterior prostate was performed. Prostate biopsies and QOL queries were performed at 6, 18 and 36 months following regional ablation, and follow-up was updated to include subsequent clinic visits.

RESULTS

Between August 2009 and January 2012, 72 men were screened for eligibility and 47 opted to undergo confirmatory biopsy. Of these, 23 were deemed eligible and treated with regional cryoablation. Median age was 64 years. Median follow-up was 74 months. A single patient had < 1 mm of in-field viable tumor with therapy effect on 36-month biopsy. At time of last follow-up, a total of 12/23 (52%) patients did not have evidence of disease, all patients had preserved urinary control with no patients requiring pads for urinary incontinence. Sexual decline was significant at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.01 for both), though improvement was seen at subsequent time points.

CONCLUSION

Subtotal (hockey-stick template) cryoablation of the prostate provides oncologic control to targeted tissue in a generally low-risk group with minimal impact on sexual and urinary function. Further studies are needed to evaluate this ablation template in the MRI-targeted era and higher risk populations.

A 25 year perspective on advances in the pathologic assessment and diagnosis of urologic cancers

Over the past 25 years, diagnostic categories in genitourinary pathology have changed dramatically. Prostate cancer reporting incorporated numerous new variant categories, recognized the importance of intraductal carcinoma, and introduced the concept of Grade Groups. Pathologic diagnosis of bladder cancer not only added new variant categories, but also modified the grading of non-invasive urothelial neoplasms and refined staging definitions. Kidney cancer classification expanded from a handful of diagnostic categories to a broad array of additional cancer types defined by unique immunohistochemical and molecular findings. Segregation of penile carcinoma by human papillomavirus status more accurately reflected pathogenesis and helped improve prediction of cancer behavior. Testicular pathology research advanced understanding of germ cell tumor subtypes and their impact on patient outcomes. Finally, adrenal gland pathology has evolved to incorporate a broader recognition of morphological variation and risk factors associated with tumor progression. Taken together, changes in pathology over the past quarter century have revolutionized our approach to genitourinary cancers. This review seeks to highlight some of the many significant changes in genitourinary pathology that have occurred during the past 25 years and emphasize impacts on clinical outcomes or therapy, as relevant.

Prognostic value of intraductal carcinoma for adjuvant radiotherapy candidates after radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic significance of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens and predictive value of IDC-P for biochemical recurrence and adjuvant therapy decision.

METHOD

We retrospectively evaluated patients who were performed RP between 2000 and 2014. Among, 67 patients who had stage pT3a tumour with negative surgical margin (Group 1, n = 35) and who had stage pT2 tumour with positive surgical margin (Group 2, n = 32) were included in the study. RP specimens were re-evaluated for the presence of IDC-P component and other prognostic factors. In both the groups, prognostic factors were compared according to the presence of IDC-P and biochemical recurrence status.

RESULTS

In Group 1, IDC-P was detected in five cases and biochemical recurrence was detected in three cases. Patients with IDC-P showed significantly higher biochemical recurrence than those without IDC-P (P = .002). In univariate analysis, IDC-P was found to be significantly associated with worse progression-free survival (P < .001). In Group 2, IDC-P was detected in four cases and biochemical recurrence was detected in 10 cases. Also, tumour volume was significantly higher in patients with IDC-P than those without IDC-P (P = .02). IDC-P was also significantly associated with worse progression-free survival in Group 2 (P = .033).

CONCLUSIONS

In both the groups, IDC-P was a prognostic factor for progression-free survival and/or biochemical recurrence. Especially in these patients, the presence of IDC-P might be helpful for postoperative adjuvant therapy management decision.

High BMI, Aggressive Tumours and Long Console Time Are Independent Predictive Factors for Symptomatic Lymphocele Formation after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection

INTRODUCTION

Lymphocele (LC) formation is a common complication which may cause severe symptoms after robot-assisted radical prostatovesiculectomy (RARP) with concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). Compared to open radical prostatectomy, the amount of data on potential risk factors for LC formation is still limited. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for symptomatic LC formation (sLC) after RARP with PLND.

METHODS

We used the data of a prospective multicentre series of 232 RARP patients which were treated between March 2017 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was the presence of sLC within 90 days. Asymptomatic LC (aLC) formation was also recorded. We evaluated clinical, perioperative, and histopathological criteria and compared their distribution in patients with and without post-operative sLC. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses (MVAs) were performed to identify potential predictors for LC formation. Regarding the influence of patients' BMI, 2 models were calculated: BMI continuously (model 1) and BMI dichotomized with cut-off 30 kg/m2 (WHO definition, model 2).

RESULTS

Post-operative sLC was present in 21 patients (9.1%), while aLC was detected in 49 patients (21.1%) 90 days after RARP with PLND. Patients with sLC showed higher median baseline PSA levels (9.8 vs. 8.1 ng/mL), higher prevalence of obesity (BMI >30; 42.9 vs. 19.9%), and longer median console time (180 vs. 165 min) compared to patients without sLC. On MVA higher BMI {model 1: OR 1.145 (confidence interval [CI] 1.025-1.278); model 2: OR 2.761 (1.045-7.296)}, longer console time (model 1: OR 1.013 [1.005-1.021]; model 2: OR 1.013 [1.005-1.020]) and an ISUP grade ≥3 (model 1: OR 3.247 [1.182-8.917]; model 2: OR 2.791 [1.050-7.423]) were identified as independent predictors for sLC development.

CONCLUSION

Patients with aggressive tumours and higher BMI should be informed about a potentially increased risk for sLC formation. In case of a long console time, a close and regular follow-up should be considered to check for LC development.

Assessment of PSIM (Prostatic Systemic Inflammatory Markers) Score in Predicting Pathologic Features at Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in Patients with Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Who Met the Inclusion Criteria for Active Surveillance

BACKGROUND

circulating levels of lymphocytes, platelets and neutrophils have been identified as factors related to unfavorable clinical outcome for many solid tumors. The aim of this cohort study is to evaluate and validate the use of the Prostatic Systemic Inflammatory Markers (PSIM) score in predicting and improving the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy for low-risk prostate cancer who met the inclusion criteria for active surveillance.

METHODS

we reviewed the medical records of 260 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for active surveillance. We performed a head-to-head comparison between the histological findings of specimens after radical prostatectomy (RP) and prostate biopsies. The PSIM score was calculated on the basis of positivity according to cutoffs (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) 2.0, platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) 118 and monocyte-to-lymphocyte-ratio (MLR) 5.0), with 1 point assigned for each value exceeding the specified threshold and then summed, yielding a final score ranging from 0 to 3.

RESULTS

median NLR was 2.07, median PLR was 114.83, median MLR was 3.69.

CONCLUSION

we found a significantly increase in the rate of pathological International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) ≥ 2 with the increase of PSIM. At the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, prostate specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, prostate volume and PSIM, the latter was found the sole independent prognostic variable influencing probability of adverse pathology.

The Impact of Histopathological Features of Prostate Cancerous Lesions on Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings using PI-RADS Version 2

OBJECTIVES

To determine the square measure threshold of prostate cancer lesions in pathological specimens showing PI-RADS categories 3 to 5, and to identify the pathological characteristics of cancerous lesions over the threshold.

METHODS

Cancer foci detected in horizontal sections of specimens were defined as pathological cancerous lesions, in which square measure, lesion location (peripheral or transition zone), Gleason pattern (GP), GP4-5 component percentages, and GP 4 subtypes were assessed. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the threshold of the square measure of pathological specimens that distinguishes between lesions of PI-RADS categories 1 and 2 and those of 3 to 5. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the histopathological features associated with PI-RADS categories 3 to 5.

RESULTS

A total of 100 consecutive patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. A total of 1366 pathological cancerous lesions were detected, 217 of which were classified as PI-RADS categories 3 to 5. A square measure of 40 mm² on pathological specimens was the threshold for PI-RADS categories 3 to 5. Of the 415 lesions that were over 40 mm², 211 lesions exhibited PI-RADS categories 1, 2 and 204 lesions exhibited PI-RADS categories 3 to 5. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that square measure, fused glands, and cribriform glands were independently associated with PI-RADS categories 3 to 5.

CONCLUSION

Cancerous lesions over 40 mm² showing PI-RADS categories 3 to 5 are associated with square measure, fused glands, and cribriform glands.

Obesity leads to a higher rate of positive surgical margins in the context of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Results of a prospective multicenter study

Introduction

Current results concerning the effect of body mass index (BMI) on positive surgical margins (PSMs) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with localized prostate cancer are inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further analyse the association between BMI and PSMs after RARP.

Material and methods

Between March 2017 and December 2017 a multicentre, prospective, randomised, single-blind series with a blinded outcome assessment of 232 RARP patients was performed. Multivariate logistical regression models were used to analyse the independent effect of obesity, with body-mass-index (BMI) dichotomised at 30 kg/m² (model-1) and at 90^th percentile (model-2), on PSMs.

Results

Median BMI was 27.2 kg/m², PSMs were found in 15.5% (n = 36). In multivariate model-1, obesity did not have a significant effect on PSMs (OR 2.34, p = 0.061). However, if BMI was dichotomized at the 90^th percentile (BMI ≥33.7 kg/m²), patients with a higher BMI showed PSMs four-times more frequently (OR 3.99, p = 0.013). In both models, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and pathological tumour stage had a significant effect on PSMs. There was no significant correlation between BMI and the extent of PSMs, nor a significant difference between the BMI groups and the localisation of PSMs. There was a higher percentage of posteriolateral PSM localisation in obese patients compared to patients with a BMI of less than 30 kg/m² (58.3% and 25.3% of the localisations were posterolateral in obese and non-obese patients, respectively), however this effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.175).

Conclusions

In addition to a longer operation time and about twice as many complications, patients with a BMI of ≥33.7 kg/m² had a higher PSM rate after RARP. Differences in localization of PSMs in relation to obesity should be evaluated in future research.

Preoperative prostate health index predicts adverse pathology and Gleason score upgrading after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

We aimed to explore the utility of prostate specific antigen (PSA) isoform [- 2] proPSA and its derivatives for prediction of pathological outcome after radical prostatectomy (RP).

METHODS

Preoperative blood samples were prospectively and consecutivelyanalyzed from 472 patients treated with RP for clinically localized prostate cancerat four medical centers. Measured parameters were PSA, free PSA (fPSA), fPSA/PSA ratio, [- 2] proPSA (p2PSA), p2PSA/fPSA ratio and Prostate Health Index (PHI)(p2PSA/fPSA)*√PSA]. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine the accuracy of markers for prediction of pathological Gleason score (GS) ≥7, Gleason score upgrading, extracapsular extension of the tumor (pT3) and the presence of positive surgical margin (PSM). The accuracy of predictive models was compared using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Of 472 patients undergoing RP, 339 (72%) were found to have pathologic GS ≥ 7, out of them 178 (53%) experienced an upgrade from their preoperative GS = 6. The findings of pT3 and PSM were present in 132 (28%) and 133 (28%) cases, respectively. At univariable analysis of all the preoperative parameters, PHI was the most accurate predictor of pathological GS ≥7 (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p<0.001), GS upgrading (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p<0.003), pT3 disease (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p<0.007) and the presence of PSM (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p<0.002). Adding of PHI into the base multivariable model increased significantly the accuracy for prediction of pathological GS by 4.4% to AUC = 66.6 (p = 0.015) and GS upgrading by 5.0% to AUC = 65.9 (p = 0.025), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative PHI levels may contribute significantly to prediction of prostate cancer aggressiveness and expansion of the tumor detected at final pathology.

The 2019 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Consensus Conference on Grading of Prostatic Carcinoma

Five years after the last prostatic carcinoma grading consensus conference of the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), accrual of new data and modification of clinical practice require an update of current pathologic grading guidelines. This manuscript summarizes the proceedings of the ISUP consensus meeting for grading of prostatic carcinoma held in September 2019, in Nice, France. Topics brought to consensus included the following: (1) approaches to reporting of Gleason patterns 4 and 5 quantities, and minor/tertiary patterns, (2) an agreement to report the presence of invasive cribriform carcinoma, (3) an agreement to incorporate intraductal carcinoma into grading, and (4) individual versus aggregate grading of systematic and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsies. Finally, developments in the field of artificial intelligence in the grading of prostatic carcinoma and future research perspectives were discussed.

Updates in Staging and Reporting of Genitourinary Malignancies

CONTEXT.—

The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual changed the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification systems of genitourinary malignancies in 2017. However, some of the changes appear not well appreciated or recognized by practicing pathologists.

OBJECTIVE.—

To review the major changes compared with the 7th edition in cancers of the prostate, penis, testis, bladder, urethra, renal pelvis/ureter, and kidney and discuss the challenges that pathologists may encounter.

DATA SOURCES.—

Peer-reviewed publications and the 8th and 7th editions of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual.

CONCLUSIONS.—

This article summarizes the updated staging of genitourinary malignancies, specifically highlighting changes from the 7th edition that are relevant to the pathologic staging system. Pathologists should be aware of the updates made in hopes of providing clarification and the remaining diagnostic challenges associated with these changes.

Updates in Histologic Grading of Urologic Neoplasms

CONTEXT.—

Tumor histology offers a composite view of the genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, and microenvironmental determinants of tumor biology. As a marker of tumor histology, histologic grading has persisted as a highly relevant factor in risk stratification and management of urologic neoplasms (ie, renal cell carcinoma, prostatic adenocarcinoma, and urothelial carcinoma). Ongoing research and consensus meetings have attempted to improve the accuracy, consistency, and biologic relevance of histologic grading, as well as provide guidance for many challenging scenarios.

OBJECTIVE.—

To review the most recent updates to the grading system of urologic neoplasms, including those in the 2016 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Bluebook, with emphasis on issues encountered in routine practice.

DATA SOURCES.—

Peer-reviewed publications and the 4th edition of the WHO Bluebook on the pathology and genetics of the urinary system and male genital organs.

CONCLUSIONS.—

This article summarizes the recently updated grading schemes for renal cell carcinoma, prostate adenocarcinomas, and bladder neoplasms of the genitourinary tract.

Circulating preoperative testosterone level predicts unfavourable disease at radical prostatectomy in men with International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group 1 prostate cancer diagnosed with systematic biopsies

Purpose

The association between circulating total testosterone (T) levels and clinically significant PCa is still a matter of debate. In this study, we evaluated whether serum testosterone levels may have a role in predicting unfavorable disease (UD) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with clinically localized (≤ cT2c) ISUP grade group 1 PCa at biopsy.

Methods

408 patients with ISUP grade group 1 prostate cancer, undergone to radical prostatectomy and T measurement were included. The outcome of interest was the presence of unfavourable disease (UD) defined as ISUP grade group \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\ge$$\end{document}≥ 3 and/or pT \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\ge$$\end{document}≥ 3a.

Results

Statistically significant differences resulted between serum testosterone values and ISUP grade groups (P < 0.0001). Significant correlation was found analyzing testosterone values versus age (P < 0.0001), and versus PSA (P = 0.008). BCR-free survival was significantly decreased in patients with low levels of testosterone (P = 0.005). These findings were confirmed also in the ISUP 1–2 subgroups (P = 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that T outperformed PSA in predicting UD (AUC 0.718 vs AUC 0.525; P < 0.001) and was and independent risk factor for BCR.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that circulating total T was a significant predictor of UD at RP in patients with preoperative low- to intermediate-risk diseases, confirming the potential role of circulating androgens in preoperative risk assessment of PCa patients.

Automatic cancer detection on digital histopathology images of mid-gland radical prostatectomy specimens

Purpose: Automatic cancer detection on radical prostatectomy (RP) sections facilitates graphical and quantitative surgical pathology reporting, which can potentially benefit postsurgery follow-up care and treatment planning. It can also support imaging validation studies using a histologic reference standard and pathology research studies. This problem is challenging due to the large sizes of digital histopathology whole-mount whole-slide images (WSIs) of RP sections and staining variability across different WSIs. Approach: We proposed a calibration-free adaptive thresholding algorithm, which compensates for staining variability and yields consistent tissue component maps (TCMs) of the nuclei, lumina, and other tissues. We used and compared three machine learning methods for classifying each cancer versus noncancer region of interest (ROI) throughout each WSI: (1) conventional machine learning methods and 14 texture features extracted from TCMs, (2) transfer learning with pretrained AlexNet fine-tuned by TCM ROIs, and (3) transfer learning with pretrained AlexNet fine-tuned with raw image ROIs. Results: The three methods yielded areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96, 0.98, and 0.98, respectively, in leave-one-patient-out cross validation using 1.3 million ROIs from 286 mid-gland whole-mount WSIs from 68 patients. Conclusion: Transfer learning with the use of TCMs demonstrated state-of-the-art overall performance and is more stable with respect to sample size across different tissue types. For the tissue types involving Gleason 5 (most aggressive) cancer, it achieved the best performance compared to the other tested methods. This tool can be translated to clinical workflow to assist graphical and quantitative pathology reporting for surgical specimens upon further multicenter validation.

Histologic tissue components provide major cues for machine learning-based prostate cancer detection and grading on prostatectomy specimens

Automatically detecting and grading cancerous regions on radical prostatectomy (RP) sections facilitates graphical and quantitative pathology reporting, potentially benefitting post-surgery prognosis, recurrence prediction, and treatment planning after RP. Promising results for detecting and grading prostate cancer on digital histopathology images have been reported using machine learning techniques. However, the importance and applicability of those methods have not been fully investigated. We computed three-class tissue component maps (TCMs) from the images, where each pixel was labeled as nuclei, lumina, or other. We applied seven different machine learning approaches: three non-deep learning classifiers with features extracted from TCMs, and four deep learning, using transfer learning with the 1) TCMs, 2) nuclei maps, 3) lumina maps, and 4) raw images for cancer detection and grading on whole-mount RP tissue sections. We performed leave-one-patient-out cross-validation against expert annotations using 286 whole-slide images from 68 patients. For both cancer detection and grading, transfer learning using TCMs performed best. Transfer learning using nuclei maps yielded slightly inferior overall performance, but the best performance for classifying higher-grade cancer. This suggests that 3-class TCMs provide the major cues for cancer detection and grading primarily using nucleus features, which are the most important information for identifying higher-grade cancer.

Effect of observation size and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in PI-RADS v2.1 assessment category 4 and 5 observations compared to adverse pathological outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare observation size and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2.1 category 4 and 5 observations to adverse pathological features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With institutional review board approval, 267 consecutive men with 3-T MRI before radical prostatectomy (RP) between 2012 and 2018 were evaluated by two blinded radiologists who assigned PI-RADS v2.1 scores. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. A third blinded radiologist measured observation size and ADC (ADC.mean, ADC.min [lowest ADC within an observation], ADC.ratio [ADC.mean/ADC.peripheral zone {PZ}]). Size and ADC were compared to pathological stage and Gleason score (GS) using t tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Consensus review identified 267 true positive category 4 and 5 observations representing 83.1% (222/267) PZ and 16.9% (45/267) transition zone (TZ) tumors. Inter-observer agreement for PI-RADS v2.1 scoring was moderate (K = 0.45). Size was associated with extra-prostatic extension (EPE) (19 ± 8 versus 14 ± 6 mm, p < 0.001) and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) (24 ± 9 versus 16 ± 7 mm, p < 0.001). Size ≥ 15 mm optimized the accuracy for EPE with area under the ROC curve (AUC) and sensitivity/specificity of 0.68 (CI 0.62-0.75) and 63.2%/65.6%. Size ≥ 19 mm optimized the accuracy for SVI with AUC/sensitivity/specificity of 0.75 (CI 0.66-0.83)/69.4%/70.6%. ADC metrics were not associated with pathological stage. Larger observation size (p = 0.032), lower ADC.min (p = 0.010), and lower ADC.ratio (p = 0.010) were associated with higher GS. Size correlated better to higher Gleason scores (p = 0.002) compared to ADC metrics (p = 0.09-0.11).

CONCLUSION

Among PI-RADS v2.1 category 4 and 5 observations, size was associated with higher pathological stage whereas ADC metrics were not. Size, ADC.minimum, and ADC.ratio differed in tumors stratified by Gleason score.

KEY POINTS

• Among PI-RADS category 4 and 5 observations, size but not ADC can differentiate between tumors by pathological stage. • An observation size threshold of 15 mm and 19 mm optimized the accuracy for diagnosis of extra-prostatic extension and seminal vesicle invasion. • Among PI-RADS category 4 and 5 observations, size, ADC.minimum, and ADC.ratio differed comparing tumors by Gleason score.

In Organ-confined Prostate Cancer, Tumor Quantitation Not Found to Aid in Prediction of Biochemical Recurrence

In the eighth edition AJCC staging, all organ-confined disease is assigned pathologic stage T2, without subclassification. We investigated whether total tumor volume (TTV) and/or maximum tumor diameter (MTD) of the index lesion are useful in improving prediction of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in pT2 patients. We identified 1657 patients with digital tumor maps and quantification of TTV/MTD who had pT2 disease on radical prostatectomy (RP). Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess whether TTV and/or MTD are independent predictors of BCR when adjusting for a base model incorporating age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, RP grade group, and surgical margin status. If either tumor quantification added significantly, we calculated and reported the c-index. Ninety-five patients experienced BCR after RP; median follow-up for patients without BCR was 5.7 years. The c-index was 0.737 for the base model. Although there was some evidence of an association between TTV and BCR (P=0.088), this did not meet conventional levels of statistical significance and only provided a limited increase in discrimination (0.743; c-index improvement: 0.006). MTD was not associated with BCR (P>0.9). In analyses excluding patients with grade group 1 on biopsy who would be less likely to undergo RP in contemporary practice (622 patients; 59 with BCR), TTV/MTD was not a statistically significant predictor (P=0.4 and 0.8, respectively). Without evidence that tumor quantitation, in the form of either TTV or MTD of the index lesion, is useful for the prediction of BCR in pT2 prostate cancer, we cannot recommend its routine reporting.

Multifocal Extraprostatic Extension of Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prognostic utility of multifocal extraprostatic extension (EPE) on biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

We conducted retrospective analysis of biochemical recurrence and prognostic pathologic variables in 673 men with stage pT3a/pT3b prostate cancer from 2000 to 2012. Extent of EPE on radical prostatectomy was divided into three groups: focal EPE (tumor dimension <0.8 mm), established (≥ 0.8 mm), and multifocal (more than one focus of EPE <0.8 mm).

RESULTS

Type of EPE had significant effect on recurrence with progressively lower progression-free probability and higher recurrence probability from focal to established to multifocal. Multifocal and established tumors exhibited worse prognostic features and higher hazard ratio than focal. In multivariate analysis, established and multifocal were independent prognostic factors with the greatest adverse prognostic significance associated with multifocal.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of multifocal EPE provides important prognostic information associated with increased likelihood of recurrence compared to focal and established tumors.

Percent tumor volume vs American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system subclassification for predicting biochemical recurrence in patients with pathologic T2 prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Here, we re-checked the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition subclassification and confirmed the possibility of percent tumor volume as a prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence in the 8th edition subclassification.

METHODS

A total of 1073 patients with pathologic T2 stage disease who underwent radical prostatectomy were included. Exclusion criteria were neoadjuvant therapy and pathologic T3 and N1 disease. Biochemical recurrence-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox hazard regression was used to predict biochemical recurrence.

RESULTS

According to the 7th edition subclassification, 141 patients (13.1%) had T2a, 43 (4.0%) had T2b, and 889 (82.9%) had T2c disease. The 7th edition subclassification did not differ significantly on Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.502). Mean percent tumor volume was 8.7 ± 8.0% (interquartile range, 5-10%). Percent tumor volume was positively correlated with initial prostate-specific antigen, grade group, surgical margin, and T2 subclassification (all p < 0.001). The 7th edition subclassification was not a significant factor, whereas percent tumor volume was (hazard ratio, 1.023; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.041; p = 0.0128) on multivariate analysis. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, percent tumor volume (> 7.5% vs ≤ 7.5%) differed significantly for biochemical recurrence-free survival (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The 7th edition pathologic T2 subclassification had poor prognostic value for biochemical recurrence in our cohort. Elimination of the 8th edition subclassification was suitable. Percent tumor volume classified biochemical recurrence prognosis in pathologic T2 stage. Therefore, percent tumor volume can be a candidate factor for the next T2 subclassification.

68Ga-PSMA PET/CT better characterises localised prostate cancer after MRI and transperineal prostate biopsy: Is 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT guided biopsy the future?

BACKGROUND

68Ga prostate specific membrane antigen PET/CT (68Ga-PSMA PET/CT) may be superior to multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) for localisation of prostate cancer tumour foci, however the concordance and differences between 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI when applied to all biopsied patients and potential benefit in patients with negative mpMRI is unclear.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing mpMRI, prostate biopsy and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT over a 3-year period. Diagnostic performance of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI were assessed using biopsy histopathology for the entire cohort and radical prostatectomy specimen in a subset of patients. Lesion concordance and additional detection of each modality were determined, including in a dedicated cohort of patients with mpMRI PIRADS 2 scans.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients were included in the study. Index lesion/foci detection was similar between 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI (sensitivity 83.1% vs 90.1%; p = 0.267), however lesions missed by mpMRI were larger (1.66 cm³ vs 0.72 cm³; p = 0.034). Lesion detection rates were similar across the biopsy histopathology and radical prostatectomy specimen subset, with a high concordance for index (80.1%) and a moderate concordance for total (67%) lesions between the 2 imaging modalities. The additional detection yield favoured 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT over mpMRI for index (13.5% vs 4.3%) and total (18.2% vs 5.4%) lesions; both modalities missed 2.1% and 12.3% of index and total lesions, respectively. 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT identified 9 of 11 patients with PIRADS 2 mpMRI but subsequently diagnosed with Gleason ≥ 3 + 4 disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high concordance rates, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT incrementally improved tumour localisation compared with mpMRI. These results suggest that 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT may have an incremental value to that of mpMRI in the diagnostic process for prostate.

Preoperative prostate health index and %p2PSA as the significant biomarkers of postoperative pathological outcomes of prostate cancer in Korean males: A prospective multi-institutional study

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical utility of percentage of serum prostate-specific antigen (proPSA) to free PSA (%p2PSA) and the prostate health index (PHI) for predicting aggressive pathological outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) in Korean males.

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational multicenter study included 160 Korean males who consecutively underwent RP. The predictive utility of preoperative %p2PSA and PHI for predicting the following pathological outcomes of RP including pT3 disease, pathologic Gleason sum ≥7, and Gleason sum upgrading was investigated using multivariate and decision-curve analyses.

Results

The PHI and %p2PSA levels were significantly higher in patients with pT3 disease, pathologic Gleason sum ≥7, and Gleason sum upgrading. On univariate analysis, PHI was an accurate predictor of pT3 disease, pathologic Gleason sum ≥7, and Gleason sum upgrading. Multivariate and decision curve analyses revealed that inclusion of PHI to a base multivariate model including total PSA, percentage free PSA, PSA density, percentage of positive biopsy core, biopsy Gleason sum, and clinical stage factors significantly increased its predictive accuracy; %p2PSA showed a similar result. However, PHI was a more valuable predictor of pathological outcomes of RP.

Conclusions

This study revealed PHI and %p2PSA as preoperative biomarkers of pathological outcomes in Korean males who underwent RP for prostate cancer.