Partial prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Localized prostate cancer treatment aims to balance cancer control with preserving urinary and erectile function. While focal ablative therapies have emerged, their uncertain prognosis prompts exploration of partial prostatectomy. We systematically reviewed its efficacy as a primary treatment, particularly in low-to-intermediate-risk patients.

METHODS

Our review comprehensively analyzed existing studies on partial prostatectomy for localized cancer. We focused on patient selection, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes, emphasizing tumor control, continence, and erectile function. Studies involving multiparametric MRI and targeted biopsies for candidate selection were included.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Partial prostatectomy, encompassing various techniques, demonstrates promising short-term outcomes in tumor control and functional preservation. Preoperative imaging and biopsy aid in candidate selection. However, longer-term data on cancer recurrence are limited, warranting further investigation. Heterogeneity among studies and the lack of standardized follow-up protocols are notable limitations.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Partial prostatectomy offers a minimally invasive and effective treatment option for localized prostate cancer, particularly in selected patients. Preoperative imaging and biopsy play crucial roles in patient selection, while standardized follow-up protocols are needed to assess long-term outcomes. Future research should focus on elucidating its precise role and optimizing patient selection criteria, contributing to improved prostate cancer management strategies.

ADVANCING PRACTICE

Partial prostatectomy is explored for localized prostate cancer treatment, aiming to balance cancer control with preserving function. Short-term outcomes are promising, but long-term data on recurrence are lacking. Further research is needed to optimize patient selection and standardize follow-up protocols.

Presence of lymph nodes and metastasis within prostatic anterior fat pad in radical prostatectomy patients: A single Chinese institution experience and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Limited data from China, aim to investigate the incidence and the risk fctors of lymph node metastases in the prostatic anterior fat pad (PAFP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) were enrolled between March 2020 to December 2022 at a single institution. Separate pathological analysis of PAFP was performed within this area. Univariate analysis and Multivariate analysis were performed to determine the risk factor of PAFP metastasis.

RESULT

A total of 255 patients were included. The study revealed an average age of 67.72 ± 7.07 years, with a mean total tumor volume of 41.54 ± 23.79 mL, and an average Pre-op PSA of 16.85 ng/mL. Clinical T stage was divided into T2, T3, and T4 (226, 25, 4 cases, respectively), while the Clinical M stage was categorized as M0 and M1 (248 and 7 cases, respectively). Out of the patients with PAFP, 19 (7.45 %) had lymph node in PAFP, and 3 (1.18 %) patients had metastases. In the univariate and multivariate analysis, Clinical M stage and anterior primary tumor were found to be a significant high-risk factor. Among the other 15 studies, six examined the risk factors associated with it, including anterior tumors, higher tumour volume, intermediate or high risk prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

Due to the low proportion of lymph node involvement (7.45 %) and rare tumor metastasis (1.18 %), routine separate pathological analysis of PAFP is not recommended in all RP patients unless there are anterior tumors, higher tumor volume, or intermediate/high risk prostate cancer.

MRI-measured adipose features as predictive factors for detection of prostate cancer in males undergoing systematic prostate biopsy: a retrospective study based on a Chinese population

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the data of 901 men undergoing ultrasonography-guided systematic prostate biopsy between March 2013 and May 2022. Adipose features, including periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness, were measured using MRI before biopsy. Prediction models of all PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) (Gleason score higher than 6) were established based on variables selected by multivariate logistic regression and prediction nomograms were constructed. Patients with PCa had higher PPAT thickness (4.64 [3.65-5.86] vs. 3.54 [2.49-4.51] mm, p < 0.001) and subcutaneous fat thickness (29.19 [23.05-35.95] vs. 27.90 [21.43-33.93] mm, p = 0.013) than those without PCa. Patients with csPCa had higher PPAT thickness (4.78 [3.80-5.88] vs. 4.52 [3.80-5.63] mm, p = 0.041) than those with non-csPCa. Adding adipose features to the prediction models significantly increased the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the prediction of all PCa (0.850 vs. 0.819, p < 0.001) and csPCa (0.827 vs. 0.798, p < 0.001). Based on MRI-measured adipose features and clinical parameters, we established two nomograms that were simple to use and could improve patient selection for prostate biopsy in Chinese population.

[CASE OF LOW-RISK PROSTATE CANCER WITH LYMPH NODE METASTASIS IN THE ANTERIOR PROSTATIC FAT TISSUE]

A 78-year-old man with a prostate-specific antigen level of 10 ng/mL was referred to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System category of 5 in the apex transition zone. Transrectal and transperineal prostate needle biopsies were performed at a total of 20 sites. A well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 3+3 was detected on the right peripheral zone of the biopsied specimen. There were no apparent metastases, and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy was performed (Lesion 1: 30 mm lesion with a Gleason score of 4+5, EPE1, RM1, ly0, v0, pn1, sv0 in the bilateral transitional zones; Lesion 2: 4 mm lesion with a Gleason score of 3+3, EPE0, RM0, ly0, v0, pn0, sv0 in the left peripheral zone). Lymph node metastasis was found in the separately submitted anterior prostatic fat tissue. Removal of the anterior prostatic fat tissue is a simple procedure and is considered useful for evaluating the stump, and in this hospital, the tissue is routinely submitted for pathological diagnosis. It is extremely unlikely that lymph nodes will be found in the anterior prostatic fat tissue, and it is even less likely that any lymph node in the tissue will contain lymph node metastases. We therefore report a case of incidental discovery of lymph node metastasis in the anterior prostatic fat tissue at our hospital.

Anterior prostate fat resection during prostatectomy: a histopathologic review

A common practice during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is to dissect the anterior prostate space and send this anterior fat sample for histological analysis to assess for the presence of any malignant tissue. Theoretically, this may help with prognostication and oncological control, however, is this a futile process? To determine the incidence of malignant tissue found in the anterior prostate (APF) samples sent for histological review. All RARP patients within a single urology centre over a 2-year period were included. The pathology results of these patients were reviewed and the proportion of patients with APF sent were analysed for presence of lymph nodes and malignant tissue. 657 patients were identified. 358 patients had APF samples reviewed by the histopathologists. 38 (10.6%) samples had lymph nodes identified within the sample. Malignant lymph node tissue was found in one patient (0.3%). Given the yield of malignancy found in APF samples is so small and the financial and time burden on pathology services, this process is not worthwhile.

The impact of histopathological analysis of anterior peri-prostatic fat in radical prostatectomy patients

Objective:

To determine the usefulness of histopathological analysis of peri-prostatic fat in a cohort of prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) in an Australian regional centre. During RP, removal of the anterior peri-prostatic fat (APPF) is commonly undertaken; some surgeons routinely request histopathological analysis of this specimen. Previously published data show positive cancer detection in peri-prostatic fat in 0–2.5% of specimens and positive yields are mostly detected in patients with adverse pathological features.

Subjects and methods:

All patients undergoing RP in a regional urology unit in Queensland were identified. Pathology results were examined retrospectively to determine the rate of cancer involvement in APPF specimens and medical records were reviewed to assess any clinical impact.

Results:

APPF was sent for pathological analysis in 270/298 (90%) of patients undergoing RP. Prostate cancer was detected in one sample containing a single involved lymph node in a patient with Gleason 5 + 4 = 9 prostate cancer and pathological stage pT3bN1R1Mx. The presence of the cancer in the APPF did not affect the decision to offer adjuvant radiotherapy.

Conclusion:

In our population, we have identified a positive cancer yield of 0.3% in APPF specimens. When combined with all previously published series, we found positive cancer detection in 72/7391 (1%) specimens, and most patients with positive fat involvement had adverse pre-operative and final pathological features. Surgeons may consider omitting sending APPF specimens for analysis based on the low yield with little additional staging information. If surgeons continue this practice, they should consider selectively requesting analysis in intermediate- and high-risk patients.

Level of evidence:

2b

Handling and reporting of pelvic lymphadenectomy specimens in prostate and bladder cancer: a web-based survey by the European Network of Uropathology

AIMS

Pathological evaluation of lymphadenectomy specimens plays a pivotal role in accurate lymph node (LN) staging. Guidelines standardising the gross handling and reporting of pelvic LN dissection (PLND) in prostate (PCa) and bladder (BCa) cancer are currently lacking. This study aimed to establish current practice patterns of PLND evaluation among pathologists.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A web-based survey was circulated to all members of the European Network of Uropathology (ENUP), comprising 29 questions focusing on the macroscopic handling, LN enumeration and reporting of PLND in PCa and BCa. Two hundred and eighty responses were received from pathologists throughout 23 countries. Only LNs palpable at grossing were submitted by 58%, while 39% routinely embedded the entire specimen. Average LN yield from PLND was ≥10 LNs in 56% and <10 LNs in 44%. Serial section(s) and immunohistochemistry were routinely performed on LN blocks by 42% and <1% of respondents, respectively. To designate a LN microscopically, 91% required a capsule/subcapsular sinus. In pN+ cases, 72% reported the size of the largest metastatic deposit and 94% reported extranodal extension. Isolated tumour cells were interpreted as pN1 by 77%. Deposits identified in fat without associated lymphoid tissue were reported as tumour deposits (pN0) by 36% and replaced LNs (pN+) by 27%. LNs identified in periprostatic fat were included in the PLND LN count by 69%.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights variations in practice with respect to the gross sampling and microscopic evaluation of PLND in urological malignancies. A consensus protocol may provide a framework for more consistent and standardised reporting of PLND specimens.

Impact of prostatic anterior fat pads with lymph node staging in prostate cancer

Background: Several reports have revealed the presence of lymph nodes in the prostatic anterior fat pad (PAFP). To date, no study has described the characteristics of Taiwanese patients harboring PAFP lymph nodes with metastatic prostate cancer involvement.

Method: Between December 2006 and May 2015, a total of 849 consecutive patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with PAFP dissection. Pathological examination of the dissected PAFP was conducted to assess the presence of lymphoid tissue and prostate cancer involvement.

Results: Of the 849 patients, 76 (9.0%) had 1-3 PAFP lymph nodes. Moreover, 11 (1.3%) of the 76 patients had positive lymph node metastases of prostate cancer in the PAFP; 5 (0.6%) of the 11 patients, who had negative pelvic lymph node involvement, were upstaged because of positive metastases in PAFP lymph nodes. Among the 76 patients having PAFP lymph nodes, metastatic lymph nodes were associated with the clinical T stage, preoperative Gleason score, pathological T stage, and pathological N stage (p < 0.001). Patients with pathological seminal vesicle invasion and a higher surgical Gleason score also exhibited PAFP lymph node metastases (p < 0.005).

Conclusion: Our data show that 9.0% of patients had PAFP lymph nodes and that 1.3% had prostate cancer metastases. Additionally, 0.6% of patients were upstaged because of positive metastases in PAFP lymph nodes. Because of the pathological analysis of the PAFP, a few patients were upstaged. Thus, routine pathological analysis of the PAFP should only be conducted for those with higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen, higher Gleason score, and advanced T stage observations.

Metastatic Involvement of the Prostatic Anterior Fat Pad: Implications for the Pathologist

OBJECTIVES

There is little information regarding the utility of pathologic evaluation of the prostatic anterior fat pad (PAFP) in patients with a low preoperative probability of recurrence. Our study aimed to determine the utility of PAFP pathologic examination, especially for this group of patients.

METHODS

We analyzed a tertiary care academic center's radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens from 2009 to 2017.

RESULTS

Of 602 RP specimens, 420(70%) included the PAFP; four of 420 (1%) had lymph node involvement (LNI) in the PAFP. In two of four cases with LNI in the PAFP, this was the only site of LNI. Of these two cases, one occurred in a patient with low probability of recurrence and involved a nonpalpable PAFP lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS

Pathologic evaluation of the PAFP may be useful even in patients with low probability of recurrence because it may change staging by detecting metastatic involvement of small PAFP lymph nodes.