Performance of transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy in detecting prostate cancer in the initial and repeat biopsy setting. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2010;13:71-77. [PMID: 19786982 PMCID: PMC2834351 DOI: 10.1038/pcan.2009.42]

Application value of multi-parameter magnetic resonance image-transrectal ultrasound cognitive fusion in prostate biopsy

Objective

To investigate the effect of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction-assisted cognitive fusion in targeted prostate biopsy.

Results

There was no significant difference in the detection rate of prostate cancer (PCa) between targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy, and there was significant difference in the detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) between targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy. In the low prostate total specific antigen (tPSA) group, there was no statistically significant difference in the detection rate of prostate cancer between the two biopsy modalities. However, compared with systematic puncture, targeted puncture had a higher detection rate for csPCa and a lower detection rate for clinically insignificant prostate cancer (ciPCa), and the difference was statistically significant. In the high tPSA group, there was no significant difference in the detection rate of PCa, csPCa, and ciPCa between the two biopsy types. Single needle positive rate of targeted puncture (29.77%) was significantly higher than that of systematic puncture (10.28%).

Conclusions

The detection rate of csPCa in 3D reconstruction-assisted cognitive fusion targeted prostate biopsy is better than that of 12-needle systematic biopsy, which markedly improved the positive rate of prostate biopsy.

Non-infectious adverse events of transperineal prostate biopsies performed under local anaesthesia

OBJECTIVE

To report non-infectious adverse events associated with transperineal prostate biopsy (TPBx) performed under local anaesthesia (LA) in an outpatient setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study reports secondary outcomes from the Norwegian arm of the prospective NORAPP study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04146142) and included all patients referred for prostate biopsy from November 2019 to February 2021. Transperineal magnetic resonance imaging-transrectal ultrasonography fusion TPBx were taken using 40 mL 1% lidocaine with 4 mL of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate placed in the perineal skin, under the prostatic apex, in the m. levator ani bilaterally, and along the path of the needle. Follow-up using patient-reported questionnaires was done immediately after TPBx, and after 2 weeks and 2 months. Pain was reported using a visual analogue scale (VAS) during placement of the LA, and during and after TPBx. Haematuria and acute urinary retention (AUR) rates were recorded.

RESULTS

We included 402 patients, and the response rate was 99.8% (401/402). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 69 (63-74) years, the prostate volume was 40 (27-58) mL, the prostate-specific antigen level was 7.0 (4.5-11) ng/mL, and the number of biopsy cores taken was 8 (6-10). The median (IQR) VAS pain score was 1 (1-2) during placement of LA, 1 (0-2) during TPBx, and 0 (0-0) after TPBx. Haematuria and AUR rates were 64% (95% confidence interval [CI] 60-69%) and 0.5% (95% CI 0.1-1.8%), respectively. No patients were hospitalised or required after the TPBx surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Transperineal prostate biopsies can be performed under LA with limited discomfort to the patient and few post-TPBx adverse events.

Risk factors for Gleason score upgrade from prostate biopsy to radical prostatectomy

Accurate identification of prostate cancer Gleason grade group remains an important component of the initial management of clinically localized disease. However, Gleason score upgrading (GSU) from biopsy to radical prostatectomy can occur in up to a third of patients treated with surgery. Concern for disease undergrading remains a source of diagnostic uncertainty, contributing to both over-treatment of low-risk disease as well as under-treatment of higher-risk prostate cancer. This review examines the published literature concerning risk factors for GSU from time of biopsy to prostatectomy final pathology. Risk factors identified for Gleason upgrading include patient demographic and clinical factors including age, body mass index, race, prostate volume, and biomarker based assays, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density, and testosterone values. In addition, prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have also been associated with GSU. Biopsy-specific characteristics associated with GSU include lower number of biopsy cores and lack of targeted methodology, and possibly increasing percent biopsy core positivity. Recognition of risk factors for disease undergrading may prompt confirmatory testing including repeat sampling or imaging. Continued refinements in imaging guided biopsy techniques may also reduce sampling error contributing to undergrading.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different anesthesia strategies for transperineal MRI/US fusion prostate biopsy

This study aims to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of three different anesthesia strategies, namely chatting while under local anesthesia (Chat-LA), total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), and general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway (GA-LMA), employed in transperineal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasound (US) fusion prostate biopsy (TP-MUF-PB). A retrospective study was conducted involving 1202 patients who underwent TP-MUF-PB from June 2016 to April 2023 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (Suzhou, China). Clinical data and outcomes, including total costs, complications, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), were compared. Probability sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. Chat-LA was found to be the most cost-effective option, outperforming both TIVA and GA-LMA. However, subgroup analyses revealed that in younger patients (under 65 years old) and those with smaller prostate volumes (<40 ml), TIVA emerged as a more cost-effective strategy. While Chat-LA may generally be the most cost-effective and safer anesthesia method for TP-MUF-PB, personalization of anesthesia strategies is crucial, considering specific patient demographics such as age and prostate volume.

A novel biopsy scheme for prostate cancer: targeted and regional systematic biopsy

PURPOSE

To explore a novel biopsy scheme for prostate cancer (PCa), and test the detection rate and pathological agreement of standard systematic (SB) + targeted (TB) biopsy and novel biopsy scheme.

METHODS

Positive needles were collected from 194 patients who underwent SB + TB (STB) followed by radical prostatectomy (RP). Our novel biopsy scheme, targeted and regional systematic biopsy (TrSB) was defined as TB + regional SB (4 SB-needles closest to the TB-needles). The McNemar test was utilized to compare the detection rate performance for clinical significant PCa (csPCa) and clinical insignificant PCa (ciPCa). Moreover, the accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were investigated. The agreement between the different biopsy schemes grade group (GG) and RP GG were assessed. The concordance between the biopsy and the RP GG was evaluated using weighted κ coefficient analyses.

RESULTS

In this study, the overall detection rate for csPCa was 83.5% (162 of 194) when SB and TB were combined. TrSB showed better NPV than TB (97.0% vs. 74.4%). Comparing to STB, the TB-detection rate of csPCa had a significant difference (p < 0.01), while TrSB showed no significant difference (p > 0.999). For ciPCa, the overall detection rate was 16.5% (32 of 194). TrSB showed better PPV (96.6% vs. 83.3%) and NPV (97.6% vs. 92.9%) than TB. Comparing to STB, the detection rate of both schemes showed no significant difference (p = 0.077 and p = 0.375). All three schemes GG showed poor agreement with RP GG (TB: 43.3%, TrSB: 46.4%, STB: 45.9%). Using weighted κ, all three schemes showed no difference (TB: 0.48, TrSB: 0.51, STB: 0.51). In our subgroup analysis (PI-RADS = 4/5, n = 154), all three schemes almost showed no difference (Weighted κ: TB-0.50, TrSB-0.51, STB-0.50).

CONCLUSION

Our novel biopsy scheme TrSB (TB + 4 closest SB needles) may reduce 8 cores of biopsy compared with STB (standard SB + TB), which also showed better csPCa detection rate than TB only, but the same as STB. The pathological agreement between three different biopsy schemes (TB/TrSB/STB) GG and RP GG showed no difference.

The effect of the combination of prostate-specific antigen derivatives with multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging scores on the negative predictive value of it in grey zone patients

OBJECTIVE

To calculate the negative predictive value (NPV) of negative multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), accepted as no lesions on images, when combined with prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) and free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio (f/t PSA) in grey zone patients.

METHODS

191 patients with PSA levels between 4-10 mg/mL and negative mpMRI were analyzed. The NPV of negative mpMRI was calculated according to a PSAD level of <0.15 ng/mL/mL, f/t PSA ratio of >0.15, and a combination of both. Patients were divided into three risk groups according to these two parameters, which were PSAD 0.01-0.07 ng/mL/mL and f/t PSA ratio ≥25 in a low-risk group, PSAD 0.08-0.15 ng/mL/mL, and f/t PSA ratio 0.15-0.24 in an intermediate-risk group and high-risk group, in which PSAD > 0.15 ng/mL/mL and f/t PSA ratio <15.

RESULTS

NPV of negative mpMRI was 92.6% for clinically significant prostate carcinoma (CSPCa). It increased to 97.5% in a low-risk group and decreased to 33.3% for CSPCa in a high-risk group. NPV of negative mpMRI results were so close when combined with PSAD < 0.15 ng/mL/mL and f/t PSA > 15.

CONCLUSION

f/t PSA ratio might also be used to increase the NPV of mpMRI, like PSAD. We advise not to avoid prostate biopsy when PSAD is >0.15 ng/mL/mL and the f/t PSA ratio is <0.15. However, we need randomized controlled studies with more patients to confirm our study.

Prediction of Gleason score in prostate cancer patients based on radiomic features of transrectal ultrasound images

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to develop a model for predicting the Gleason score of patients with prostate cancer based on ultrasound images.

METHODS

Transrectal ultrasound images of 838 prostate cancer patients from The Cancer Imaging Archive database were included in this cross-section study. Data were randomly divided into the training set and testing set (ratio 7:3). A total of 103 radiomic features were extracted from the ultrasound image. Lasso regression was used to select radiomic features. Random forest and broad learning system (BLS) methods were utilized to develop the model. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the model performance.

RESULTS

After the screening, 10 radiomic features were selected. The AUC and accuracy of the radiomic feature variables random forest model in the testing set were 0.727 (95% CI, 0.694-0.760) and 0.646 (95% CI, 0.620-0.673), respectively. When PSA and radiomic feature variables were included in the random forest model, the AUC and accuracy of the model were 0.770 (95% CI, 0.740-0.800) and 0.713 (95% CI, 0.688-0.738), respectively. While the BLS method was utilized to construct the model, the AUC and accuracy of the model were 0.726 (95% CI, 0.693-0.759) and 0.698 (95% CI, 0.673-0.723), respectively. In predictions for different Gleason grades, the highest AUC of 0.847 (95% CI, 0.749-0.945) was found to predict Gleason grade 5 (Gleason score ≥9).

CONCLUSIONS

A model based on transrectal ultrasound image features showed a good ability to predict Gleason scores in prostate cancer patients.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This study used ultrasound-based radiomics to predict the Gleason score of patients with prostate cancer.

A novel clinically significant prostate cancer prediction system with multiparametric MRI and PSA: P.Z.A. score

PURPOSE

This study aims to establish and validate a new diagnosis model called P.Z.A. score for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).

METHODS

The demographic and clinical characteristics of 956 patients were recorded. Age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free/total PSA (f/tPSA), PSA density (PSAD), peripheral zone volume ratio (PZ-ratio), and adjusted PSAD of PZ (aPSADPZ) were calculated and subjected to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The nomogram was established, and discrimination abilities of the new nomogram were verified with a calibration curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). The clinical benefits of P.Z.A. score were evaluated by decision curve analysis and clinical impact curves. External validation of the model using the validation set was also performed.

RESULTS

The AUCs of aPSADPZ, age, PSA, f/tPSA, PSAD and PZ-ratio were 0.824, 0.672, 0.684, 0.715, 0.792 and 0.717, respectively. The optimal threshold of P.Z.A. score was 0.41. The nomogram displayed excellent net benefit and better overall calibration for predicting the occurrence of csPCa. In addition, the number of patients with csPCa predicted by P.Z.A. score was in good agreement with the actual number of patients with csPCa in the high-risk threshold. The validation set provided better validation of the model.

CONCLUSION

P.Z.A. score (including PIRADS(P), aPSADPZ(Z) and age(A)) can increase the detection rate of csPCa, which may decrease the risk of misdiagnosis and reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. P.Z.A. score contains data that is easy to obtain and is worthy of clinical replication.

[MR-Guided Targeted Prostate Biopsy from Radiologists' Perspective]

The prostate cancer diagnosis has traditionally been based on a systematic biopsy method in which tissue samples are randomly obtained from the prostate 10-12 sites. However, there are concerns as the method can fail to diagnose all prostate cancers or lead to over-detection of clinically insignificant cancers. MRI-guided prostate targeted biopsy has been proposed to address these shortcomings. This method involves identifying suspicious lesions using MRI and performing targeted biopsies under ultrasound or MRI guidance. We review the methods of MRI-based targeted biopsy and discuss recent guidelines and trends in prostate cancer diagnosis.

A Comprehensive Assessment of the Utility of Transperineal Template Prostate Mapping Biopsy: A 13-year Experience

OBJECTIVE

To assess Duke's experience on the utility of transperineal template mapping biopsy (TTMB) for re-evaluating patients with persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen after prior negative biopsy, with pre-existing prostate cancer (PCa) already on active surveillance (AS), or considering focal therapy (FT).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed Duke patients undergoing TTMB. Functional outcomes were evaluated using International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Complications within 30 days were recorded. Nonparametric statistical analyses compared functional measures from baseline to 2 and 6 weeks post-TTMB.

RESULTS

From 8/2009 to 1/2021, 218 patients underwent TTMB, with 57-month median follow-up. Complication rate was 17.4%, with the majority Clavien I. Overall PCa detection was 72.9%, with clinically significant PCa in 53.2%; for those without prior PCa diagnosis (n = 117), overall detection was 64.1% with clinically significant PCa in 49.5%. Of those on AS at TTMB (n = 86), 36 (41.8%) had Gleason upgrading. TTMB changed management for 59 (68.6%) patients, with 38 (44.2%) proceeding to whole-gland therapy and 21 (24.4%) electing FT. Regarding functional outcomes, IPSS were insignificantly different from baseline at 6 weeks (P = NS). Overall functional score impacts were minimal across subgroups; in groups with significant declines in IIEF-5, median score drops were ≤1 point and caused minimal/no movement in IIEF-5 scoring category.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, TTMB offered enhanced cancer detection with overall minimal impact to functional outcomes. We conclude from this comprehensive assessment that TTMB provides value to rule out PCa, prevent overtreatment of those that can remain on AS, evaluate FT candidacy, and identify those needing whole-gland management.

Photoacoustic Spectral Analysis for Evaluating the Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer Labeled by Methylene Blue Polyacrylamide Nanoparticles

Evaluating the aggressiveness of prostate cancer (PCa) is crucial for PCa diagnosis and prognosis. Previously, studies have shown that photoacoustic spectral analysis (PASA) can assess prostate tissue microarchitecture for evaluating the aggressiveness of PCa. In this study, in a transgenic mouse (TRAMP) model of PCa, we utilized methylene blue polyacrylamide nanoparticles (MB PAA NPs) to label the cancer cells in prostate in vivo. MB PAA NPs can specifically target proliferating cancer cells as a contrast agent, allowing photoacoustic (PA) imaging to better detect PCa tumors, and also assessing prostate glandular architecture. With the PA signals from the prostates measured simultaneously by a needle hydrophone and a PA and ultrasound (US) dual-imaging system, we conducted PASA and correlated the quantified spectral parameter slopes with the cancer grading from histopathology. The PASA results from 18 mice showed significant differences between normal and cancer, and also between low-score cancer and high-score cancer. This study in the clinically relevant TRAMP model of PCa demonstrated that PA imaging and PASA, powered by MB PAA NPs that can label the PCa microarchitectures in vivo after systemic administration, can detect PCa and, more importantly, evaluate cancer aggressiveness.

MR conditional prostate intervention systems and actuations review

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the ability to provide high-resolution images of soft tissues without the use of radiation. So much research has been focused on the development of actuators and robotic devices that can be used in the MRI environment so "real-time" images can be obtained during surgeries. With real-time guidance from MRI, robots can perform surgical procedures with high accuracy and through less invasive routes. This technique can also significantly reduce the operation time and simplify pre-surgical procedures. Therefore, research on robot-assisted MRI-guided prostate intervention has attracted a great deal of interest, and several successful clinical trials have been published in recent years, pointing to the great potential of this technology. However, the development of MRI-guided robots is still in the primary stage, and collaboration between researchers and commercial suppliers is still needed to improve such robot systems. This review presents an overview of MRI-guided prostate intervention devices and actuators. Additionally, the expected technical challenges and future advances in this field are discussed.

Assessment of prostate cancer progression using a translational needle photoacoustic sensing probe: Preliminary study with intact human prostates ex-vivo

In our previous studies, we demonstrated the ability of an interstitial all-optical needle photoacoustic (PA) sensing probe and PA spectral analysis (PASA) to assess the aggressiveness of prostate cancer. In this clinical translation investigation, we integrated the optical components of the needle PA sensing probe into a 18G steel needle. The translational needle PA sensing probe was evaluated using intact human prostates in a simulated ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy. PA signals were acquired at 1220 nm, 1370 nm, 800 nm and 266 nm at each interstitial measurement location and quantified by PASA within the frequency range of 8-28 MHz. The measurement locations were stained for establishing spatial correlations between the quantitative measurements and the histological diagnosing. Most of the quantitative PA assessments reveal statistically significant differences between the benign and cancerous regions. Multivariate analysis combining the PASA quantifications shows an accuracy close to 90% in differentiating the benign and cancerous regions in the prostates.

Prostate cancer screening: Continued controversies and novel biomarker advancements

Prostate cancer (PCa) screening remains one of the most controversial topics in clinical and public health. Despite being the second most common cancer in men worldwide, recommendations for screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are unclear. Early detection and the resulting postscreening treatment lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of otherwise indolent cases. In addition, several unwanted harms are associated with PCa screening process. This literature review focuses on the limitations of PSA-specific PCa screening, reasons behind the screening controversy, and the novel biomarkers and advanced innovative methodologies that improve the limitations of traditional screening using PSA. With the verdict of whether or not to screen not yet unanimous, we hope to aid in resolution of the long-standing debate.

Optimized grade group for reporting prostate cancer grade in systematic and MRI-targeted biopsies

PURPOSE

To explore an optimized grade group (oGG) criterion from systematic biopsies (SB) and targeted biopsies (TB) and offer a better prediction of radical prostatectomy (RP) grade group (GG).

METHODS

Positive needles were collected from 146 patients who underwent SB + TB followed by RP. The grade was assigned for two different kinds of biopsies with five GG criteria: (1) global GG (gGG); (2) most common GG (most common GG from SB + TB, mGG); (3) highest GG (highest numerical GG from SB + TB, hGG); (4) largest volume/linear length cancer GG (defined as GG from the SB + TB with the largest length of cancer in a needle, lGG). These biopsy grades were compared (equivalence, upgrade, or downgrade) with the final grade of the RP lesion, using weighted κ coefficients; (5) Then the best agreement of the (2) (3) (4) grading scores from SB or TB was combined to introduce an oGG.

RESULTS

In this study, gGG showed generally poor agreement (47.2%) with RP GG (weighted κ: 0.43). Using the three criteria (mGG, hGG, and lGG) of SB, mGG had the best agreement (55.5%, weighted κ: 0.46), while hGG and lGG had a lower agreement (48.6% and 48.6%, weighted κ: 0.42 and 0.38). Using the three criteria (mGG, hGG and lGG) of TB: lGG had the best agreement (56.8%, weighted κ: 0.43), while mGG and hGG had lower agreement (50.0% and 49.3%, weighted κ: 0.40 and 0.40); Then oGG was generated (higher GG between mGG of SB and lGG of TB) and the agreement of oGG increased to 59.6% and weighted κ was 0.49. Additionally, oGG had a lower upgrade rate than gGG, while the downgrade rate remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

oGG showed better agreement with RP GG than gGG. oGG had a lower upgrade rate than gGG, while downgrade rate remained unchanged.

The Application of Biopsy Density in Transperineal Templated-Guided Biopsy Patients With PI-RADS<3

Background

In patients with multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) low-possibility but highly clinical suspicion of prostate cancer, the biopsy core is unclear. Our study aims to introduce the biopsy density (BD; the ratio of biopsy cores to prostate volume) and investigates the BD-predictive value of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in PI-RADS<3 patients.

Methods

Patients underwent transperineal template–guided prostate biopsy from 2012 to 2022. The inclusion criteria were PI-RADS<3 with a positive digital rectal examination or persistent PSA abnormalities. BD was defined as the ratio of the biopsy core to the prostate volume. Clinical data were collected, and we grouped the patients according to pathology results. Kruskal–Wallis test and chi-square test were used in measurement and enumeration data, respectively. Logistics regression was used to choose the factor associated with positive biospy and csPCa. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the ability to predict csPCa.

Results

A total of 115 patients were included in our study. Biopsy was positive in 14 of 115 and the International Society of Urological Pathology grade groups 2–5 were in 7 of all the PCa patients. The BD was 0.38 (0.24-0.63) needles per milliliter. Binary logistics analysis suggested that PSAD and BD were correlated with positive biopsy. Meanwhile, BD and PSAD were associated with csPCa. The ROC curve illustrated that BD was a good parameter to predict csPCa (AUC=0.80, 95% CI: 0.69-0.91, p<0.05). The biopsy density combined with PSAD increased the prediction of csPCa (AUC=0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.97, p<0.05). The cut-off value of the BD was 0.42 according to the Youden index.

Conclusion

In PI-RADS<3 patients, BD and PSAD are related to csPCa. A biopsy density of more than 0.42 needles per millimeter can increase the csPCa detection rate, which should be considered as an alternative biopsy method when we perform prostate biopsy in patients with PI-RADS<3.

Pan-segmental intraprostatic lesions involving mid-gland and apex of prostate (mid-apical lesions): assessing the true value of extreme apical biopsy cores

Objective

When considering increased morbidity of apical biopsies, the added diagnostic value of separate targeting of mid-gland and apical segment of the pan-segmental mid-apical mpMRI prostate cancer (PCa) suspicious lesions was assessed.

Materials and methods

A total of 420 patients with a single mpMRI PCa-suspicious PI-RADS ≥ 3 intraprostatic lesion extending from the mid-gland to the apical segment of the gland underwent transrectal MRI-targeted (TBx) and systematic prostate biopsy. Clinically significant PCa (CsPCa) was defined as Gleason Score (GS) ≥ 3 + 4. PCa detection rates of TBx cores were assessed according to targeted anatomical segments. Finally, the diagnostic values of two theoretical TBx protocols utilizing 1-core (A) vs. 2-cores (B) per anatomical segment were compared.

Results

TBx within the pan-segmental mid-apical lesions yielded 44% of csPCa. After stratification into mid- vs. apical segment of the lesion, csPCa was detected in 36% (mid-gland) and 32% (apex), respectively. Within the patients who had no csPCa detection by mid-gland sampling (64%, n = 270), extreme apical TBx yielded additional 8.1% of csPCa. Comparison of extreme apical TBx strategy B vs. overall PCa detection in our cohort revealed corresponding similar rates of 49 vs.50% and 31 vs.32%, respectively.

Conclusion

Separate analyses of both segments, mid-gland and apex, clearly revealed the diagnostic contribution of apical TBx. Our findings strongly suggest to perform extreme apical TBx even within pan-segmental lesions. Moreover, our results indicate that a higher number of cores sampled from the mid-gland segment might be avoided if complemented with a two-core extreme apical TBx.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00345-022-04006-2.

Comparison of MRI/US Fusion Targeted Biopsy and Systematic Biopsy in Biopsy-Naïve Prostate Patients with Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen: A Diagnostic Study

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the detection rate of prostate cancer (PCa) between targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy.

Patients and Methods

A total of 671 patients who underwent both targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy were included in this study. The stratified analysis was conducted based on Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) scores, region of interest load (ROI-load).

Results

There was no statistical difference in the detection rate of PCa patients between systematic biopsy and targeted biopsy (44.41% vs 45.6%, P>0.05), while the detection rate of targeted biopsy in clinically significant PCa (csPCa) patients was slightly higher than that of systematic biopsy (40.83% vs 38.15%, P=0.033). Stratified analysis indicated that targeted biopsy was more advantageous in csPCa patients with PIRADS score ≥ 4 and ROI-load > 5%. The comparison of diagnostic sensitivity of systematic biopsy and targeted biopsy demonstrated that targeted biopsy was more sensitive than systematic biopsy to diagnose PCa (Z=2.110, P=0.035) at ROI-load ≤ 5%. In addition, ROI-load may be a better targeted biopsy indicator than ROI diameter for the diagnosis of PCa (Z=2.168, P=0.030).

Conclusion

MRI/US fusion targeted biopsy may be more suitable for PCa detection than systematic biopsy in patients with low ROI-load.

Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Transperineal Prostate Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Transperineal prostate biopsy is associated with a significantly lower risk of infectious complications than the transrectal approach. In fact, the risk of infectious complications with transperineal prostate biopsy is so low that the utility of administering periprocedural antibiotics with this procedure has come under question.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess for differences in the rates of infectious complications (septic, nonseptic, and overall) after performing transperineal prostate biopsy with and without the administration of periprocedural antibiotic prophylaxis.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE) were searched, and studies were included if they included patients who underwent transperineal prostate biopsy, were published after January 2000, included information on periprocedural antibiotic administration, and reported postbiopsy complications. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines were utilized.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 106 unique studies describing 112 cohorts of patients were identified, of which 98 (37 805 men) received antibiotic prophylaxis and 14 (4772 men) did not receive it. All patients were included in the analysis of septic complications. In total, there were 19/37 805 (0.05%) episodes of sepsis in the group of men who received antibiotics, which was similar to the no antibiotic group with 4/4772 (0.08%) episodes (p = 0.2). For overall infections (septic plus nonseptic), there were 403/29 880 (1.35%) versus 58/4772 (1.22%) events among men with evaluable data who received and did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis, respectively (p = 0.8). Restricting our analysis to studies with a comparable low number of biopsy cores (<25 cores), there remained no difference in the rates of sepsis between groups, but there was a small, statistically significant lower risk of infectious complications with antibiotic administration-67/12 140 (0.55%) versus 58/4772 (1.22%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The likelihood of septic infections after transperineal prostate biopsy is low with and without antibiotic prophylaxis. The omission of periprocedural antibiotics with this procedure stands to benefit patients by avoiding potential drug reactions. Furthermore, this practice is in line with calls throughout the medical community for improved antibiotic stewardship.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In a large systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated infectious complications after transperineal prostate biopsy with or without the administration of prophylactic antibiotics. We conclude that prophylactic antibiotics do not decrease the rate of postbiopsy sepsis but may have a small benefit in terms of preventing less serious infections.

Quick identification of prostate cancer by wavelet transform-based photoacoustic power spectrum analysis

Pathology is currently the gold standard for grading prostate cancer (PCa). However, pathology takes considerable time to provide a final result and is significantly dependent on subjective judgment. In this study, wavelet transform-based photoacoustic power spectrum analysis (WT-PASA) was used for grading PCa with different Gleason scores (GSs). The tumor region was accurately identified via wavelet transform time-frequency analysis. Then, a linear fitting was conducted on the photoacoustic power spectrum curve of the tumor region to obtain the quantified spectral parameter slope. The results showed that high GSs have small glandular cavity structures and higher heterogeneity, and consequently, the slopes at both 1210 nm and 1310 nm were high (p < 0.01). The classification accuracy of the PA time frequency spectrum (PA-TFS) of tumor region using ResNet-18 was 89% at 1210 nm and 92.7% at 1310 nm. Further, the testing time was less than 7 mins. The results demonstrated that identification of PCa can be rapidly and objectively realized using WT-PASA.

Prostate zones and cancer: lost in transition?

Localized prostate cancer shows great clinical, genetic and environmental heterogeneity; however, prostate cancer treatment is currently guided solely by clinical staging, serum PSA levels and histology. Increasingly, the roles of differential genomics, multifocality and spatial distribution in tumorigenesis are being considered to further personalize treatment. The human prostate is divided into three zones based on its histological features: the peripheral zone (PZ), the transition zone (TZ) and the central zone (CZ). Each zone has variable prostate cancer incidence, prognosis and outcomes, with TZ prostate tumours having better clinical outcomes than PZ and CZ tumours. Molecular and cell biological studies can improve understanding of the unique molecular, genomic and zonal cell type features that underlie the differences in tumour progression and aggression between the zones. The unique biology of each zonal tumour type could help to guide individualized treatment and patient risk stratification.

Application of 16 G Biopsy Needle in Transperineal Template-Guided Prostate Biopsy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of 16 G biopsy needle in transperineal template-guided prostate biopsy (TTPB), compared with 18 G biopsy needle.

METHODS

The patients who underwent TTPB from August 2020 to February 2021 were randomized into 2 groups using a random number table. The control group (n = 65) and the observation group (n = 58) performed biopsy with 18 G (Bard MC l820) and 16 G (Bard MC l616) biopsy needles, respectively. Positive rate of biopsy, Gleason score, complications, and pain score were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The age, prostate volume, PSA, and the number of cores were comparable between the 2 groups. The positive rate of biopsy in the observation group was 68.9% (40/58), meanwhile the control group was 46.2% (30/65). There was statistical difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.011). Gleason score of the observation group (8 [7-9]) was higher than that of the control group (8 [6-9]) (p = 0.038). There was no significant difference in pain score and complications including hematuria, hematospermia, perineal hematoma, infection, and urinary retention between the 2 groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

16 G biopsy needle significantly improved the positive rates and accurately evaluate the nature of lesions, meanwhile did not increase the incidence of complications compared with 18 G biopsy needle.

Imaging of Neuroendocrine Prostatic Carcinoma

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer that typically has a high metastatic potential and poor prognosis in comparison to the adenocarcinoma subtype. Although it can arise de novo, NEPC much more commonly occurs as a mechanism of treatment resistance during therapy for conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma, the latter is also termed as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The incidence of NEPC increases after hormonal therapy and they represent a challenge, both in the radiological and pathological diagnosis, as well as in the clinical management. This article provides a comprehensive imaging review of prostatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Combined mpMRI/US fusion targeted and concurrent standard biopsies in the detection of prostate cancer: a retrospective study

In this retrospective study we compared the PCa detection rates between combined (combined MRI/US fusion targeted biopsy with concurrent standard biopsy) and standard systemic, combined and targeted (component), and targeted (component) and concurrent standard (component) biopsies.

DESIGN

Two cohorts, totaling 735 cases, were selected from the University of Wisconsin Pathology archive. 390 cases (cohort 1) were combined biopsies from 2017-2020 and 345 cases (cohort 2) were part of the standard US-guided systematic biopsies from the same period. PCa was stratified into three categories: low, intermediate, and high risks.

RESULTS

We found that combined biopsy was significantly better than the standard biopsy in detection of PCa (65.4% vs. 51.6%, P<0.01) and intermediate-risk PCa (18.7% vs. 10.4%, P=0.05) but only slightly better at detecting high-risk PCa (26.7% vs. 23.5%, P=0.32). Further examining the biopsy results in cohort 1, we found that combined biopsy was superior to targeted biopsy (65.4% vs. 56.9%, P=0.02) or concurrent standard biopsy (65.4% vs. 52.1%, P=0.0002) in PCa detection. Combined biopsy detected significantly more high-risk PCa than concurrent standard biopsy (26.7% vs. 17.4, P=0.002), but the difference in detecting high-risk PCa between combined and targeted biopsies was not significant (26.7% vs. 22.1%, P=0.133). Similarly, the differences in detecting PCa and high-risk PCa between targeted and concurrent standard biopsies were not significant (56.9% vs. 52.1%, P=0.172 and 22.1% vs. 17.4, P=0.133, respectively). Both targeted and concurrent standard biopsies missed PCa of each risk level.

CONCLUSION

Combined MRI/US fusion targeted plus standard prostate biopsy is a superior technique for the detection of PCa and clinically significant PCa.

Comparing outcomes of transperineal to transrectal prostate biopsies performed under local anaesthesia

Objectives

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusion

Rationale and protocol for randomized study of transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsy efficacy and complications (ProBE-PC study)

BACKGROUND

Rrisk of infection and hospitalization after transrectal prostate biopsy (TRBx) has been increasing worldwide. Several modified antibiotic regimens have met with variable success in preventing such infections. Transperineal prostate biopsy (TPBx) is increasingly recommended as the preferred alternative due to a potentially lower risk of post-biopsy infections. Aim of this review is to define the magnitude of post-biopsy complications and the effectiveness of preventive strategies, including TPBx approach.

METHODS

We performed a focused review of literature on infectious complications after TRBx and detailed the use of various preventive measures. We summarized the effectiveness of several preventive measures, including TPBx, and outlined the inconsistencies in reported outcomes. We identified potential barriers to the uptake of TPBx, including the gap in knowledge such as lack of high-quality evidence.

RESULTS

Several antibiotic prophylaxis protocols, including targeted and augmented, have been utilized for TRBx without demonstrating a clearly superior regimen. Of the non-antibiotic preventive measure, povidone-iodine rectal prep appears to be most effective strategy. Several single-arm cohort studies have reported very low rates of infections after TPBx and demonstrated the feasibility of an office-based procedure. However, barriers to the adoption of TPBx exist including retrospective data, and conflicting results showing minimal reduction in complications with increased burden of resource utilization. Presently, there are no randomized studies comparing the infectious complications after TRBx and TPBx. We discuss the rationale and protocol for a randomized controlled trial to determine the comparative effectiveness of biopsy techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

TPBx approach has the potential to lower the rate of post-biopsy infections and hospitalizations. However, there are several barriers to widespread adoption of this approach including inconsistencies in reported outcomes and lack of Level-1 evidence. Randomized controlled studies are required to directly compare the infectious complications associated with each biopsy procedure.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on Freedom From Therapeutic Intervention and Quality of Life in Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on overall survival, freedom from distant metastases, rates of therapeutic intervention (TI), and quality of life (QOL) in active surveillance (AS) prostate cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred forty consecutive, prospectively evaluated AS patients underwent a staging transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy before AS enrollment and were stratified by BMI (<25, 25 to 29.9, 30 to 34.9, and >35 kg/m2). Evaluated outcomes included overall survival, freedom from distant metastases, TI, QOL to include urinary, bowel, sexual function and depression and serial postvoid residual urine measurements. The relationship between BMI and anterior prostate cancer distribution was evaluated. Repeat biopsy was based on prostate specific antigen kinetics, abnormal digital rectal examination and patient preference.

RESULTS

Of the 340 patients, 323 (95%) were Gleason 3+3 and 17 patients (5.0%) were Gleason 3+4. The median follow-up was 5.2 years (range: 1 to 14 y). At 10 years, TI was instituted in 4.7%, 2.2%, 9.5%, and 25.0% of patients in BMI cohorts <25, 25 to 29.9, 30 to 34.9, and ≥35 (P=0.075). No patient has developed distant metastases. The median time to TI was 4.86 years. In multivariate analysis, TI was most closely predicted by prostate specific antigen density (P=0.071). At 8 years, no statistical differences in urinary function, bowel function, depression or postvoid residual were noted. However, a trend for erectile dysfunction was identified (P=0.106).

CONCLUSION

At 10 years, BMI did not statistically predict for TI, geographic distribution of prostate cancer or QOL parameters.

Three-Dimensional Printing for Cancer Applications: Research Landscape and Technologies

As a variety of novel technologies, 3D printing has been considerably applied in the field of health care, including cancer treatment. With its fast prototyping nature, 3D printing could transform basic oncology discoveries to clinical use quickly, speed up and even revolutionise the whole drug discovery and development process. This literature review provides insight into the up-to-date applications of 3D printing on cancer research and treatment, from fundamental research and drug discovery to drug development and clinical applications. These include 3D printing of anticancer pharmaceutics, 3D-bioprinted cancer cell models and customised nonbiological medical devices. Finally, the challenges of 3D printing for cancer applications are elaborated, and the future of 3D-printed medical applications is envisioned.

The impact of age on prostate cancer progression and quality of life in active surveillance patients

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of age on overall survival (OS), freedom from distant metastasis (FDM), rates of therapeutic intervention (TI), and quality of life (QOL) in active surveillance (AS) prostate cancer patients.

Materials and methods

Three hundred and five consecutive, prospectively evaluated AS patients who underwent a staging transperineal template‐guided mapping biopsy (TTMB) prior to enrollment on AS were evaluated and stratified by age. Evaluated outcomes included OS, FDM, TI, and QOL to include urinary, bowel, sexual function, and depression. Post void residual (PVR) urine measurements were also followed. Repeat biopsy was based on PSA kinetics, abnormal digital rectal examination or patient preference.

Results

Of the 305 patients, 290 (95.1%) were Gleason 3 + 3 and 15 patients (4.9%) were Gleason 3 + 4. The median follow‐up was 5.5 years (range 1‐14 years). At 10 years, TI was 0%, 1.0%, and 11.4% for patients ≤59, 60‐69, and ≥70 years of age (P < .001). No patient has developed distant metastasis. The median time to TI was 4.71 years. No statistical differences in urinary function, bowel function, or depression were noted. Potency preservation was dependent on patient age.

Conclusion

Within the confines of the follow‐up of our series, younger patients were less likely to proceed to therapeutic intervention. In addition, patient age did not adversely impact QOL outcomes.

Photoacoustic spectral analysis at ultraviolet wavelengths for characterizing the Gleason grades of prostate cancer

The diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) has relied on microscopic architectures, namely Gleason patterns, of tissues extracted through core biopsies. Technology capable of assessing the tissue architecture without tissue extraction will reduce the invasiveness of PCa diagnosis and improve diagnostic accuracy by allowing for more sampling locations. Our recently developed photoacoustic spectral analysis (PASA) has achieved quantification of tissue architectural heterogeneity interstitially. Taking advantage of the unique optical absorption of cell nuclei at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths, this study investigated PASA at 266 nm for quantifying the tissue architecture heterogeneity in prostates. The results have shown significant differences among the normal, early cancer, and late cancer stages in mouse prostates ex vivo and in vivo (n=20, p<0.05). The study with human samples ex vivo has shown a correlation of 0.80 (n=11, p<0.05) between PASA quantification and pathologic diagnosis.

Transperineal prostate biopsy: The modern gold standard to prostate cancer diagnosis

In patients suspicious for prostate cancer, a prostate biopsy should be performed. Biopsies are possible either by the transrectal or transperineal routes. Compared with the transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPBx), transperineal prostate biopsy (TPPBx) offers a non-inferior cancer detection rate (CDR), especially in patients undergoing re-biopsy for persistently elevated PSA and in cases of active surveillance (AS), in which TPPBx seems to be superior. Moreover, the transperineal route achieves superior sampling of the anterior and apical regions, especially after previous multiple negative TRPBx. Infectious complications are nullified due to avoidance of needle passage through the rectal mucosa, and there is a highly significant evidence of reduced fever and sepsis rates when compared with TRPBx, with maintaining acceptable urinary retention rates. This is an important upcoming topic due to the increasing antibiotic resistance rates, thus reducing periinterventional hospitalization and health care costs. To date, TPPBx is perfectly feasible in the inpatient and out-patient settings and under local anesthesia, characterized by a moderate learning curve and a good reproducibility. By applying mpMRI as a diagnostic tool, clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection seems to be comparable to transrectal MRI-fusion biopsy (TR-MRIFBx). Finally, focal treatment of localized disease is currently performed exclusively through a TP approach.

Differentiation of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia: comparisons of the histogram analysis of intravoxel incoherent motion and monoexponential model with in-bore MR-guided biopsy as pathological reference

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of histogram analysis of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters for differentiating prostate cancer (PCa) from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and compare with the monoexponential model, with in-bore MR-guided biopsy as pathological reference.

METHODS

Thirty patients were included in this study. DWI images were processed with Matlab R2015b software by IVIM and monoexponential model for quantitation of diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The multiparametric data were compared between PCa and BPH group. Correlations between parameters and Gleason scores of PCa were assessed with Spearman rank test. ROC analysis was used to evaluate and compare the diagnostic ability of each parameter for discriminating PCa from BPH. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of combination of different histogram parameters.

RESULTS

Sixteen PCa lesions and 20 BPH nodules were analyzed in this study. For IVIM-derived D, the histogram mean, 75th, 90th, and max of PCa were significantly lower than BPH. PCa had significantly lower min and 10th D* than BPH. For f, histogram mean, min, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, max and skew showed significant differences between PCa and BPH. For ADC, PCa were significantly lower than BPH in terms of histogram mean, min, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, max and kurtosis. Histogram mean D and min, 25th D* show significantly negative correlation with Gleason score (r = - 0.582, - 0.534, - 0.554, respectively). Histogram max D and mean f and min ADC showed higher diagnostic performance than other parameters (AUC = 0.925, 0.881, 0.969, respectively). The IVIM model (combined with max D, min D* and mean f) (AUC = 0.950 [0.821, 0.995]) didn't show significant difference from the monoexponential model (AUC = 0.969 [0.849, 0.999], p = 0.23). Besides, combination of the IVIM and monoexponential model didn't improve diagnostic performance compared with the single model (p = 0.362 and 0.763, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Histogram analyses of IVIM and monoexponential model were both useful methods for discriminating PCa from BPH. The diagnostic performance of IVIM model seemed to be not superior to that of monoexponential model. Combination of IVIM and monoexponential model did not add significant information to the single model alone.

Yield of concurrent systemic biopsy during MRI-targeted biopsy according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 in patients with suspected prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the yield of concurrent systemic biopsy (SB) during MRI-targeted biopsy (MRTB) as Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 (v2) interpretations in patients with suspected prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

A total of 285 patients with suspected PCa underwent prebiopsy 3-T MRI, followed by MRI-transrectal ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy and concurrent standard SB for lesions with PI-RADS v2 scores 3-5. Detection rates and positive core rates of PCa and clinically significant cancer (CSC) were evaluated.

RESULTS

In concurrent MRTB and SB, PCa and CSC detection rates were 18.9% and 9.4% for PI-RADS score 3, 45.9% and 32.4% for PI-RADS score 4, and 82.1% and 72.6% for PI-RADS score 5, respectively. Overall detection rate of CSCs (40.0%) for concurrent MRTB and SB was significantly higher than that of MRTB (34.4%, p = 0.004) or SB alone (27.7%, p < 0.001): an increase of 5.6% (16 patients) compared with MRTB alone. For patients with PI-RADS score 4 or 5, the CSC detection rate of concurrent MRTB and SB was 47.0%, an increase of 6.1% when compared with MRTB (40.9%) only (p < 0.001). Of the 110 patients with both MRTB- and SB-positive findings, 22 (20.0%) had the highest Gleason score in SB compared with that in MRTB. In 9.5% (27/285) patients including 12 patients with CSCs, only SB was positive, with negative MRTB.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent SB with MRTB based on PI-RADS v2 can yield a higher CSC detection rate compared with MRTB alone in patients with suspected PCa.

KEY POINTS

• Concurrent SB with MRTB yields an increase of 5.6% CSC detection compared with MRTB alone. • Of both MRTB- and SB-positive findings, 20.0% patients have upgraded Gleason score in SB. • In 18.4% patients, only SB was positive, with negative MRTB. Adding MRTB to SB is helpful for adequate risk stratification, reducing diagnostic uncertainty of PCa.

Design, Development, and Multi-Characterization of an Integrated Clinical Transrectal Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Device for Human Prostate Imaging

The standard diagnostic procedure for prostate cancer (PCa) is transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided needle biopsy. However, due to the low sensitivity of TRUS to cancerous tissue in the prostate, small yet clinically significant tumors can be missed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with TRUS fusion biopsy has recently been introduced as a way to improve the identification of clinically significant PCa in men. However, the spatial errors in coregistering the preprocedural MRI with the real-time TRUS causes false negatives. A real-time and intraprocedural imaging modality that can sensitively detect PCa tumors and, more importantly, differentiate aggressive from nonaggressive tumors could largely improve the guidance of biopsy sampling to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient risk stratification. In this work, we seek to fill this long-standing gap in clinical diagnosis of PCa via the development of a dual-modality imaging device that integrates the emerging photoacoustic imaging (PAI) technique with the established TRUS for improved guidance of PCa needle biopsy. Unlike previously published studies on the integration of TRUS with PAI capabilities, this work introduces a novel approach for integrating a focused light delivery mechanism with a clinical-grade commercial TRUS probe, while assuring much-needed ease of operation in the transrectal space. We further present the clinical potential of our device by (i) performing rigorous characterization studies, (ii) examining the acoustic and optical safety parameters for human prostate imaging, and (iii) demonstrating the structural and functional imaging capabilities using deep-tissue-mimicking phantoms. Our TRUSPA experimental studies demonstrated a field-of-view in the range of 130 to 150 degrees and spatial resolutions in the range of 300 μm to 400 μm at a soft tissue imaging depth of 5 cm.

MRI/TRUS fusion vs. systematic biopsy: intra-patient comparison of diagnostic accuracy for prostate cancer using PI-RADS v2

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of multiparametric magnetic resonance/transrectal ultrasound fusion (MRI/TRUS fusion) biopsy versus systematic biopsy and its association with PI-RADS v2 categories in patients with suspected prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

122 patients undergoing both MRI/TRUS fusion and systematic biopsy, with suspicion of prostate cancer, with suspicious findings on MRI based on PI-RADS v2, were included between April 2016 and March 2017. Comparison of tumor detection rates using each technique and combined techniques was performed for all lesions as well as those that are traditionally difficult to access (i.e., anterior lesions).

RESULTS

Prostate cancer was detected in 83/122 patients (68%) with 74.6% clinically significant lesions (Gleason 3 + 4 or greater). There was a statistically significant difference in presence of clinically significant prostate cancer in PI-RADS v2 categories of 3, 4, and 5 (20%, 52% and 77%, respectively, p < 0.001). Fusion biopsy was positive in a significantly higher percentage of patients versus systematic biopsy (56% versus 48%, respectively, p < 0.05). The fusion biopsy alone was positive in 20%. Of 34 patients with anterior lesions on MRI, 44% were detected only by fusion biopsy, with a joint yield of 71%. In patients with previous negative systematic biopsies, 48.7% lesions were found by fusion biopsy with 20.5% being exclusively positive by this method. The percentage of positive cores for fusion biopsies was significantly higher than for systematic biopsies (26% vs. 12.3%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy significantly improves the detection rate of prostate cancer versus systematic biopsy, particularly for anterior lesions.

Current techniques of prostate biopsy: an update from past to present

Knowing the demerits of the transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy has led to a shift in the general techniques and technology of the prostate biopsy. In addition, the advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sensitivity and the evidence from the PROMIS trial about its ability to detect clinically significant tumours encourage urologists and industry to implement MRI-guided targeted biopsy. However, the science is still looking how to improve safety and increase its cancer detection rate (CDR).

Stereotactic robot-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia and sedation: moving robotic biopsy from operating theatre to clinic

This IRB-approved prospective pilot study evaluates the safety and feasibility of performing stereotactic robot-assisted transperineal MRI-US fusion targeted prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia (LA) with sedation. 30 patients who underwent robotic transperineal prostate biopsy between September 2017 and June 2018 were recruited. All biopsies were performed with the iSR'obot Mona Lisa^® and BK3000 ultrasound system. Intravenous paracetamol 1 g, with midazolam and fentanyl were given at positioning. After administration of 5 mL of 1%-lidocaine into the perineal skin 2 cm above and lateral to the anus, periapical prostatic block with 10 mL mixture of 1%-Lidocaine and 0.5%-Marcaine was given. The median age of patients was 66 years (range 53-80 years). Median PSA and mean prostate volume were 8.1 ng/ml (range 4.2-20.6 ng/ml) and 40.1 cc (range 18.6-70 cc). 24 (80.0%) patients had targeted prostate biopsy, with median number of targeted cores of 8 (range 5-16). All patients had saturation biopsy and median number of saturation cores was 21 (range 9-48). Mean dose of intravenous midazolam given was 1.5 mg (range 0-5 mg) and intravenous fentanyl was 75 mcg (10-150 mcg). No patient required conversion to GA. Two patients required motion compensation of 3 mm and 7.5 mm, respectively, due minor movement. Immediate post-operative pain score was 0 for all patients. 29 of 30 patients (96.7%) were discharged within 24 h of procedure. There were no immediate severe complications. Adenocarcinoma was detected in 19/30 (63.3%) cases. This pilot feasibility study showed that stereotactic robotic transperineal MRI-US fusion targeted prostate biopsy can be safely and accurately performed under LA with sedation.

Histogram analysis from stretched exponential model on diffusion-weighted imaging: evaluation of clinically significant prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of histogram analysis of stretched exponential model (SEM) on diffusion-weighted imaging in evaluating clinically significant prostate cancer (CSC).

METHODS

A total of 85 patients with prostate cancer underwent 3 T multiparametric MRI, followed by radical prostatectomy. Histogram parameters of the tumor from the SEM [distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) and α] and the monoexponential model [MEM; apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)] were evaluated. The associations between parameters and Gleason score or Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System v. 2 were evaluated. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was calculated to evaluate diagnostic performance of parameters in predicting CSC.

RESULTS

The values of histogram parameters of DDC and ADC were significantly lower in patients with CSC than in patients without CSC (p < 0.05), except for skewness and kurtosis. The value of the 25th percentile of α was significantly lower in patients with CSC than in patients without CSC (p = 0.014). Histogram parameters of ADC and DDC had significant weak to moderate negative associations with Gleason score or Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System v. 2 (p < 0.001), except for skewness and kurtosis. For predicting CSC, the area under the curves of mean ADC (0.856), 50th percentile DDC (0.852), and 25th percentile α (0.707) yielded the highest values compared to other histogram parameters from each group.

CONCLUSION

Histogram analysis of the SEM on diffusion-weighted imaging may be a useful quantitative tool for evaluating CSC. However, the SEM did not outperform the MEM.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Histogram parameters of SEM may be useful for evaluating CSC.

A multicentre parallel-group randomised trial assessing multiparametric MRI characterisation and image-guided biopsy of prostate in men suspected of having prostate cancer: MULTIPROS study protocol

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence suggesting that multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is a marker for prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness and could be used to plan treatment. Improving early detection of clinically significant PCa with pre-biopsy mpMRI would very likely have advantages including optimising the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and diminishing patient anxiety.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This is a prospective multicentre study of pre-biopsy mpMRI diagnostic test accuracy with subgroup randomisation at a 1:1 ratio with respect to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and MRI/US fusion-guided biopsy or TRUS-only biopsy. It is designed as a single-gate study with a single set of inclusion criteria. The total duration of the recruitment phase was 48 months; however, this has now been extended to 66 months. A sample size of 600 participants is required.

DISCUSSION

The primary objective is to determine whether mpMRI can improve PCa detection and characterisation. The key secondary objective is to determine whether MRI/US fusion-guided biopsy can reduce the number of false-negative biopsies. Ethical approval was obtained from the East of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1 (14/ES/1070) on 20 November 2014. The results of this study will be used for publication and presentation in national and international journals and at scientific conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02745496. Retrospectively registered on 20 April 2016.

Surface-projection-based transperineal cognitive fusion targeted biopsy of the prostate: an original technique with a good cancer detection rate

Background

To report a new standardized cognitive fusion technique on transperineal targeted biopsy (TB) of prostate, and to evaluate its efficacy for cancer detection combined with systematic biopsy (SB) .

Methods

We present a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI) imaging of the prostate with subsequent transperineal prostate biopsy from January 2016 to December 2018. A free-hand 12-core SB was performed for each patient. PI-RADS 3–5 lesions were further targeted for biopsy with our TB technique. Firstly, a central point of suspicious lesion (B′) was registered cognitively on a transverse section of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Then, biopsy gun punctured vertically through a fixed pioneer site (A) on skin of perineum, and deep into the TRUS section to get A’. Next, targeted site (B), the surface-projection of B′, would be determined on skin of perineum by A and distance from B′ to A’. Finally, puncture through B to reach B′. Pathological findings of SB and TB were analyzed.

Results

A total of 126 patients underwent transperineal prostate biopsy (47 SB only, 79 SB + TB). The age of the patients was 68.7 ± 9.2 years. The median preoperative PSA value was 11.8 ng/mL. Preoperative prostate volume was 60.5 ± 50.0 mL. The numbers of patients with PI-RADS scores of 1 through 5 were 4, 43, 27, 21 and 31, respectively. The overall detection rate of cancer was 61/126 (48.4%), and it was significantly higher in the combination cohort (56/79, 70.9%) compared with the SB only cohort (5/47, 10.6%, p<0.001). When focused on the combination cohort, TB detected a similar overall rate of PCa (53/79, 67.1% vs 52/79, 65.8%; p = 0.87) compared with SB. The clinically significant PCa (csPC) detection rate was 52/79 (65.8%), while for TB and SB the csPC/PC rate was 51/53 (96.2%) and 48/52 (92.3%), respectively(p = 0.44). TB demonstrated a better sampling performance (positive rate for each core) compared with SB (51.0% vs 31.3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Surface-projection-based transperineal cognitive fusion targeted biopsy of the prostate has a good efficacy in detecting PCa.

Targeted biopsy: benefits and limitations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the current literature regarding the role of multiparametric MRI and fusion-guided biopsies in urologic practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Fusion biopsies consistently show an increase in the detection of clinically significant cancers and decrease in low-risk disease that may be more suitable for active surveillance. Although, when to incorporate multiparametric MRI into workup is not clearly agreed upon, studies have shown a clear benefit in both biopsy naïve and those with prior negative biopsies in determining the appropriate treatment strategy. More recently, cost-analysis models have been published that show that upfront MRIs are more cost-effective when considering missed cancers and treatment courses.

SUMMARY

With improved accuracy over systematic biopsies, fusion biopsies are a superior method for detection of the true grade of cancer for both biopsy naïve and patients with prior negative biopsies, choosing appropriate candidates for active surveillance, and monitoring progression on active surveillance.

Location and Grade of Prostate Cancer Diagnosed by Transperineal Template-guided Mapping Biopsy After Negative Transrectal Ultrasound-guided Biopsy

OBJECTIVES

To determine the location and grade of prostate cancer diagnosed by transperineal template-guided mapping (TTMB) after negative transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This analysis consisted of 1118 consecutive patients who underwent TTMB from January 2005 to August 2015. Eight hundred thirty-five underwent TTMB after at least 1 negative TRUS biopsy and 283 underwent TTMB as the first biopsy procedure. The study population was divided into cohorts based on the number of prior TRUS biopsy sessions (0, 1, 2, and ≥3). No patient underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Differences in location and cancer grade detected on TTMB were evaluated as a function of the number of prior TRUS biopsies.

RESULTS

Of the 1118 patients, 679 were diagnosed with prostate cancer. This included 208, 325, 104, and 42 patients who underwent 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 prior TRUS biopsies. The incidence of cancer detection on TTMB decreased as the number of prior TRUS biopsies increased (73.5% vs. 62.4% vs. 51.7% vs. 37.2%, P<0.001); however, it became increasingly likely that TTMB would detect anterior prostate only as the number of prior TRUS biopsies increased (P=0.007). Moreover, the incidence of high grade cancer (Gleason score ≥7) in the anterior gland increased with the number of previous TRUS biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

TTMB detected prostate cancer in over half of the patients with one or more negative TRUS biopsies. The majority of TTMB detected cancers were Gleason score ≥7. As the number of prior TRUS biopsies increased, there was a commensurate increase in the proportion of high-grade, anterior only disease.

Improved detection and reduced biopsies: the effect of a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-based triage prostate cancer pathway in a public teaching hospital

PURPOSE

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) improves clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection by facilitating targeted biopsy (cognitive, fusion technology, or in-gantry MRI guidance) and reducing negative biopsies. This study sought to describe the feasibility of introducing an mpMRI-based triage pathway, including diagnostic performance, applicability to training, and cost analysis.

METHODS

An observational retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients attending a large public tertiary referral training hospital who underwent mpMRI for suspicion of prostate cancer was considered. Standard clinical, MRI-related, histopathological, and financial parameters were collected for analysis of biopsy avoidance, diagnostic accuracy of biopsy approach, and operator (consultant and resident/registrar) and logistical (including financial) feasibility.

RESULTS

653 men underwent mpMRI, of which 344 underwent prostate biopsy resulting in a 47% biopsy avoidance rate. Overall, 240 (69.8%) patients were diagnosed with PCa, of which 208 (60.5%) were clinically significant, with higher rates of csPCa observed for higher PIRADS scores. In patients who underwent both systematic and targeted biopsy (stTPB), targeted cores detected csPCa in 12.7% and 16.6% in more men than systematic cores in PIRADS 5 and 4, respectively, whereas systematic cores detected csPCa in 5% and 3.2% of patients, where targeted cores did not. A high standard of performance was maintained across the study period and the approach was shown to be cost effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Introdution of an mpMRI-based triage system into a large public tertiary teaching hospital is feasible, cost effective and leads to high rates of prostate cancer diagnosis while reducing unnecessary biopsies and detection of insignificant PCa.

Active surveillance outcomes in prostate cancer patients: the use of transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy for patient selection

PURPOSE

To evaluate active surveillance (AS) outcomes including overall survival (OS), freedom from distant metastases (FDM), freedom from therapeutic intervention (FTI), and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in prostate cancer patients using transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy (TTMB) for patient selection.

METHODS

From April 2005-January 2016, 226 consecutive, prospectively evaluated prostate cancer patients underwent TTMB for either low-grade prostate cancer or persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or the presence of ASAP. Evaluated outcomes included OS, FDM, FTI and QOL including urinary, bowel, sexual function and depression. Repeat biopsy was based on PSA kinetics and/or abnormal digital rectal examination.

RESULTS

Of the 226 patients, 212 (93.8%) were Gleason 3 + 3 and 14 (6.2%) were Gleason 3 + 4. The median follow-up was 5.0 years (range 0.8-13.0 years). The mean prostate volume was 61.3 cm³ with a mean of 59.5 TTMB cores/patient. At the time of AS enrollment, an average of 72.9 cores (TRUS + TTMB) had been obtained for each patient. At 8 years, OS, FTI and FDM were 92.5, 96.8 and 100%. Two hundred and twenty-two patients (98.2%) had a PSA doubling time of more than 3 years. No statistical changes in urinary function, bowel function or depression were noted. At 8 years, 73% of the patients maintained erectile function.

CONCLUSION

Within the confines of the follow-up of this study, the use of TTMB for patient selection identifies a cohort of patients unlikely to develop biochemical or clinical progression and maintain a favorable quality of life.

Prostate MRI, with or without MRI-targeted biopsy, and systematic biopsy for detecting prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with or without MRI-targeted biopsy, is an alternative test to systematic transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy in men suspected of having prostate cancer. At present, evidence on which test to use is insufficient to inform detailed evidence-based decision-making.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the index tests MRI only, MRI-targeted biopsy, the MRI pathway (MRI with or without MRI-targeted biopsy) and systematic biopsy as compared to template-guided biopsy as the reference standard in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer as the target condition, defined as International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 2 or higher. Secondary target conditions were the detection of grade 1 and grade 3 or higher-grade prostate cancer, and a potential change in the number of biopsy procedures.

SEARCH METHODS

We performed a comprehensive systematic literature search up to 31 July 2018. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, eight other databases and one trials register.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered for inclusion any cross-sectional study if it investigated one or more index tests verified by the reference standard, or if it investigated the agreement between the MRI pathway and systematic biopsy, both performed in the same men. We included only studies on men who were biopsy naïve or who previously had a negative biopsy (or a mix of both). Studies involving MRI had to report on both MRI-positive and MRI-negative men. All studies had to report on the primary target condition.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the QUADAS-2 tool. To estimate test accuracy, we calculated sensitivity and specificity using the bivariate model. To estimate agreement between the MRI pathway and systematic biopsy, we synthesised detection ratios by performing random-effects meta-analyses. To estimate the proportions of participants with prostate cancer detected by only one of the index tests, we used random-effects multinomial or binary logistic regression models. For the main comparisions, we assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

The test accuracy analyses included 18 studies overall.MRI compared to template-guided biopsy: Based on a pooled sensitivity of 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83 to 0.95; 12 studies; low certainty of evidence) and a pooled specificity of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.29 to 0.46; 12 studies; low certainty of evidence) using a baseline prevalence of 30%, MRI may result in 273 (95% CI: 249 to 285) true positives, 441 false positives (95% CI: 378 to 497), 259 true negatives (95% CI: 203 to 322) and 27 (95% CI: 15 to 51) false negatives per 1000 men. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and inconsistency.MRI-targeted biopsy compared to template-guided biopsy: Based on a pooled sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69 to 0.87; 8 studies; low certainty of evidence) and a pooled specificity of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90 to 0.97; 8 studies; low certainty of evidence) using a baseline prevalence of 30%, MRI-targeted biopsy may result in 240 (95% CI: 207 to 261) true positives, 42 (95% CI: 21 to 70) false positives, 658 (95% CI: 630 to 679) true negatives and 60 (95% CI: 39 to 93) false negatives per 1000 men. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and inconsistency.The MRI pathway compared to template-guided biopsy: Based on a pooled sensitivity of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60 to 0.82; 8 studies; low certainty of evidence) and a pooled specificity of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98; 8 studies; low certainty of evidence) using a baseline prevalence of 30%, the MRI pathway may result in 216 (95% CI: 180 to 246) true positives, 28 (95% CI: 14 to 42) false positives, 672 (95% CI: 658 to 686) true negatives and 84 (95% CI: 54 to 120) false negatives per 1000 men. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations, inconsistency and imprecision.Systemic biopsy compared to template-guided biopsy: Based on a pooled sensitivity of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.93; 4 studies; low certainty of evidence) and a pooled specificity of 1.00 (95% CI: 0.91 to 1.00; 4 studies; low certainty of evidence) using a baseline prevalence of 30%, systematic biopsy may result in 189 (95% CI: 57 to 279) true positives, 0 (95% CI: 0 to 63) false positives, 700 (95% CI: 637 to 700) true negatives and 111 (95% CI: 21 to 243) false negatives per 1000 men. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and inconsistency.Agreement analyses: In a mixed population of both biopsy-naïve and prior-negative biopsy men comparing the MRI pathway to systematic biopsy, we found a pooled detection ratio of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.23; 25 studies). We found pooled detection ratios of 1.44 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.75; 10 studies) in prior-negative biopsy men and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.95 to 1.16; 20 studies) in biopsy-naïve men.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Among the diagnostic strategies considered, the MRI pathway has the most favourable diagnostic accuracy in clinically significant prostate cancer detection. Compared to systematic biopsy, it increases the number of significant cancer detected while reducing the number of insignificant cancer diagnosed. The certainty in our findings was reduced by study limitations, specifically issues surrounding selection bias, as well as inconsistency. Based on these findings, further improvement of prostate cancer diagnostic pathways should be pursued.

Multiparametric MRI to improve detection of prostate cancer compared with transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy alone: the PROMIS study

BACKGROUND

Men with suspected prostate cancer usually undergo transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy. TRUS-guided biopsy can cause side effects and has relatively poor diagnostic accuracy. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) used as a triage test might allow men to avoid unnecessary TRUS-guided biopsy and improve diagnostic accuracy.

OBJECTIVES

To (1) assess the ability of mpMRI to identify men who can safely avoid unnecessary biopsy, (2) assess the ability of the mpMRI-based pathway to improve the rate of detection of clinically significant (CS) cancer compared with TRUS-guided biopsy and (3) estimate the cost-effectiveness of a mpMRI-based diagnostic pathway.

DESIGN

A validating paired-cohort study and an economic evaluation using a decision-analytic model.

SETTING

Eleven NHS hospitals in England.

PARTICIPANTS

Men at risk of prostate cancer undergoing a first prostate biopsy.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants underwent three tests: (1) mpMRI (the index test), (2) TRUS-guided biopsy (the current standard) and (3) template prostate mapping (TPM) biopsy (the reference test).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diagnostic accuracy of mpMRI, TRUS-guided biopsy and TPM-biopsy measured by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) using primary and secondary definitions of CS cancer. The percentage of negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans was used to identify men who might be able to avoid biopsy.

RESULTS

Diagnostic study - a total of 740 men were registered and 576 underwent all three tests. According to TPM-biopsy, the prevalence of any cancer was 71% [95% confidence interval (CI) 67% to 75%]. The prevalence of CS cancer according to the primary definition (a Gleason score of ≥ 4 + 3 and/or cancer core length of ≥ 6 mm) was 40% (95% CI 36% to 44%). For CS cancer, TRUS-guided biopsy showed a sensitivity of 48% (95% CI 42% to 55%), specificity of 96% (95% CI 94% to 98%), PPV of 90% (95% CI 83% to 94%) and NPV of 74% (95% CI 69% to 78%). The sensitivity of mpMRI was 93% (95% CI 88% to 96%), specificity was 41% (95% CI 36% to 46%), PPV was 51% (95% CI 46% to 56%) and NPV was 89% (95% CI 83% to 94%). A negative mpMRI scan was recorded for 158 men (27%). Of these, 17 were found to have CS cancer on TPM-biopsy. Economic evaluation - the most cost-effective strategy involved testing all men with mpMRI, followed by MRI-guided TRUS-guided biopsy in those patients with suspected CS cancer, followed by rebiopsy if CS cancer was not detected. This strategy is cost-effective at the TRUS-guided biopsy definition 2 (any Gleason pattern of ≥ 4 and/or cancer core length of ≥ 4 mm), mpMRI definition 2 (lesion volume of ≥ 0.2 ml and/or Gleason score of ≥ 3 + 4) and cut-off point 2 (likely to be benign) and detects 95% (95% CI 92% to 98%) of CS cancers. The main drivers of cost-effectiveness were the unit costs of tests, the improvement in sensitivity of MRI-guided TRUS-guided biopsy compared with blind TRUS-guided biopsy and the longer-term costs and outcomes of men with cancer.

LIMITATIONS

The PROstate Magnetic resonance Imaging Study (PROMIS) was carried out in a selected group and excluded men with a prostate volume of > 100 ml, who are less likely to have cancer. The limitations in the economic modelling arise from the limited evidence on the long-term outcomes of men with prostate cancer and on the sensitivity of MRI-targeted repeat biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating mpMRI into the diagnostic pathway as an initial test prior to prostate biopsy may (1) reduce the proportion of men having unnecessary biopsies, (2) improve the detection of CS prostate cancer and (3) increase the cost-effectiveness of the prostate cancer diagnostic and therapeutic pathway. The PROMIS data set will be used for future research; this is likely to include modelling prognostic factors for CS cancer, optimising MRI scan sequencing and biomarker or translational research analyses using the blood and urine samples collected. Better-quality evidence on long-term outcomes in prostate cancer under the various management strategies is required to better assess cost-effectiveness. The value-of-information analysis should be developed further to assess new research to commission.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN16082556 and NCT01292291.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 39. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. This project was also supported and partially funded by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at University College London (UCL) Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and UCL and by The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research Biomedical Research Centre and was co-ordinated by the Medical Research Council's Clinical Trials Unit at UCL (grant code MC_UU_12023/28). It was sponsored by UCL. Funding for the additional collection of blood and urine samples for translational research was provided by Prostate Cancer UK.

The clinical utility of prostate cancer heterogeneity using texture analysis of multiparametric MRI

PURPOSE

To determine if multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) derived filtration-histogram based texture analysis (TA) can differentiate between different Gleason scores (GS) and the D'Amico risk in prostate cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients whose pre-operative 1.5T mpMRI had shown a visible tumour and who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). Guided by tumour location from the histopathology report, we drew a region of interest around the dominant visible lesion on a single axial slice on the T2, Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) map and early arterial phase post-contrast T1 image. We then performed TA with a filtration-histogram software (TexRAD -Feedback Medical Ltd, Cambridge, UK). We correlated GS and D'Amico risk with texture using the Spearman's rank correlation test.

RESULTS

We had 26 RP patients with an MR-visible tumour. Mean of positive pixels (MPP) on ADC showed a significant negative correlation with GS at coarse texture scales. MPP showed a significant negative correlation with GS without filtration and with medium filtration. MRI contrast texture without filtration showed a significant, negative correlation with D'Amico score. MR T2 texture showed a significant, negative correlation with the D'Amico risk, particularly at textures without filtration, medium texture scales and coarse texture scales.

CONCLUSION

ADC map mpMRI TA correlated negatively with GS, and T2 and post-contrast images with the D'Amico risk score. These associations may allow for better assessment of disease prognosis and a non-invasive method of follow-up for patients on surveillance. Further, identifying clinically significant prostate cancer is essential to reduce harm from over-diagnosis and over-treatment.

Multiparametric MRI and radiomics in prostate cancer: a review

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is an imaging modality that combines anatomical MR imaging with one or more functional MRI sequences. It has become a versatile tool for detecting and characterising prostate cancer (PCa). The traditional role of mpMRI was confined to PCa staging, but due to the advanced imaging techniques, its role has expanded to various stages in clinical practises including tumour detection, disease monitor during active surveillance and sequential imaging for patient follow-up. Meanwhile, with the growing speed of data generation and the increasing volume of imaging data, it is highly demanded to apply computerised methods to process mpMRI data and extract useful information. Hence quantitative analysis for imaging data using radiomics has become an emerging paradigm. The application of radiomics approaches in prostate cancer has not only enabled automatic localisation of the disease but also provided a non-invasive solution to assess tumour biology (e.g. aggressiveness and the presence of hypoxia). This article reviews mpMRI and its expanding role in PCa detection, staging and patient management. Following that, an overview of prostate radiomics will be provided, with a special focus on its current applications as well as its future directions.