Prognostic factors in lymph node metastases of prostatic cancer patients: the size of the metastases but not extranodal extension independently predicts survival

Characterization of Lymph Node Tumor Burden in Node-Positive Prostate Cancer Patients after Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy with Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) nodal staging does not account for lymph node (LN) tumor burden. The LN anatomical compartment involved with the tumor or the quantified extent of extranodal extension (ENE) have not yet been studied in relation to biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS).

METHODS

Histopathological slides of 66 pN1 PCa patients who underwent extended pelvic lymph node dissection were reviewed. We recorded metrics to quantify LN tumor burden. We also characterized the LN anatomical compartments involved and quantified the extent of ENE.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 38 months. The median number of total LNs obtained per patient was 30 (IQR 23-37). In the risk-adjusted cox regression model, the following variables were associated with BRFS: mean size of the largest LN deposit per patient (log2: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.91, p < 0.001), the mean total span of all LN deposits per patient (2.07, p < 0.001), and the mean percent surface area of the LN involved with the tumor (1.58, p < 0.001). There was no significant BRFS association for the LN anatomical compartment or the quantified extent of ENE.

CONCLUSION

LN tumor burden is associated with BRFS. The LN anatomical compartments and the quantified extent of ENE did not show significant association with BRFS.

The prognostic value of lymph node staging with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection in node-positive patients with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether patients with suspected pelvic lymph node metastases (molecular imaging [mi] N1) on staging prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) had a different oncological outcome compared to those in whom the PSMA PET/CT did not reveal any pelvic lymph node metastases (miN0).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with pelvic lymph node metastatic (pN1) disease after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) between January 2017 and December 2020 were included. To assess predictors of biochemical progression of disease after RARP, a multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed, including number of tumour-positive lymph nodes, diameter of the largest nodal metastasis, and extranodal extension.

RESULTS

In total, 145 patients were diagnosed with pN1 disease after ePLND. The median biochemical progression-free survival in patients with miN0 on PSMA PET/CT was 13.7 months, compared to 7.9 months in patients with miN1 disease (P = 0.006). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, both number of tumour-positive lymph nodes (>2 vs 1-2: hazard ratio [HR] 1.97; P = 0.005) and diameter of the largest nodal metastasis (HR 1.12; P < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of biochemical progression of disease.

CONCLUSION

Patients in whom pelvic lymph node metastases were suspected on preoperative PSMA imaging (miN1), patients diagnosed with >2 tumour-positive lymph nodes, and patients with a larger diameter of the largest nodal metastasis had a significantly increased risk of biochemical disease progression after surgery.

Current Status and Future Perspective on the Management of Lymph Node-Positive Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy

Pathological lymph node involvement (pN1) after a pelvic lymph node dissection represents one of the most unfavorable prognostic factors for disease recurrence and cancer-specific mortality in prostate cancer. However, optimal management for pN1 patients remains unclear. Thus, the guideline from the European Association of Urology recommends discussing three following management options with pN1 patients after an extended pelvic lymph node dissection, based on nodal involvement characteristics: (i) offer adjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy, (ii) offer adjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy with additional radiotherapy and (iii) offer observation (expectant management) to a patient with ≤2 nodes and a prostate-specific antigen <0.1 ng/mL. Treatment intensification may reduce risks of recurrence and cancer-specific mortality, but it may increase adverse events and impair quality of life. Few randomized control trials for pN1 are under investigation. In addition, there are limited reports on the quality of life and patient-reported outcomes in patients with pN1. Therefore, more research is needed to establish an optimal therapeutic strategy for patients with pN1. This review summarizes current evidence on the treatments available for men with pN1, summarizes randomized control trials that included pN1 prostate cancer, and discusses future perspectives.

Patients with Positive Lymph Nodes after Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymphadenectomy—Do We Know the Proper Way of Management?

Simple Summary

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent malignancy in the male population worldwide. Men with a nodal invasion established after radical prostatectomy with lymph node dissection are a heterogeneous group of patients who require more thorough stratification and therapy individualization, which remain uncovered by current guidelines. Considering a multitude of prognostic factors and novel diagnostic techniques, classifying patients into narrower and more specified risk groups should be a vital part of lymph node positive PCa management in the future.

Abstract

Lymph node invasion in prostate cancer is a significant prognostic factor indicating worse prognosis. While it significantly affects both survival rates and recurrence, proper management remains a controversial and unsolved issue. The thorough evaluation of risk factors associated with nodal involvement, such as lymph node density or extracapsular extension, is crucial to establish the potential expansion of the disease and to substratify patients clinically. There are multiple strategies that may be employed for patients with positive lymph nodes. Nowadays, therapeutic methods are generally based on observation, radiotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy. However, the current guidelines are incoherent in terms of the most effective management approach. Future management strategies are expected to make use of novel diagnostic tools and therapies, such as photodynamic therapy or diagnostic imaging with prostate-specific membrane antigen. Nevertheless, this heterogeneous group of men remains a great therapeutic concern, and both the clarification of the guidelines and the optimal substratification of patients are required.

Prognostic significance of histomorphologic features of lymph node metastases in prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy: A single center study

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the prognostic value of histomorphologic features of lymph node (LN) metastases in patients with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the effect of the features of LN metastasis on the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in 280 LN-positive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2006 to 2018. LN specific parameters recorded included number of metastatic LNs, size of the largest metastatic focus, Gleason Grade (GG) of the metastatic focus, and extranodal extension (ENE).

RESULTS

A solitary positive LN was found in 166/280 (59%), 95/280 (34%) patients had 2-4 positive LNs, and 19/280 (7%) had 5 or more positive LNs. The size of the largest metastatic focus > 2 mm (macrometastasis) in 154/261 (59%). GG of the metastatic focus was as follows: GG 1-2: 29/224 (13%); GG 3: 27/224 (12%); and GG 4-5: 168/224 (75%). ENE was identified in 99/244 (41%). We found the number of LNs positive (2-4 vs. 1 Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.5; P = 0.04) and GG of the metastatic focus (GG 4&5 vs. 1-3 HR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.14-3.2; P= 0.014) to be independent predictors of the risk of BCR after surgery on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed the number of LNs positive and GG of the LN metastatic focus to be significant independent predictors of BCR after radical prostatectomy. We recommend reporting histomorphologic parameters of LN metastasis as they may help in defining BCR risk categorization.

Management of Patients with Node-positive Prostate Cancer at Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Optimal management of prostate cancer (PCa) patients with lymph node invasion at radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection still remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of postoperative treatment strategies for pathologically node-positive PCa patients. The secondary aim was to identify the most relevant prognostic factors to guide the management of pN1 patients.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review was performed in January 2020 using Medline, Embase, and other databases. A total of 5063 articles were screened, and 26 studies including 12 537 men were selected for data synthesis and included in the current review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendations.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Ten-year biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free, clinical recurrence-free, cancer-specific (CSS), and overall (OS) survival rates ranged from 28% to 56%, 70% to 92%, 72% to 98%, and 60% to 87.6%, respectively. A total of seven, five, and six studies assessed the oncological outcomes of observation, adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT), or adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), respectively. Initial observation followed by salvage therapies at the time of recurrence represents a safe option in selected patients with a low disease burden. The use of aRT with or without ADT might improve survival in men with locally advanced disease and a higher number of positive nodes. Risk stratification according to pathological Gleason score, number of positive nodes, pathological stage, and surgical margins status is the key to risk stratification and selection of the optimal postoperative therapy. Limitations of this systematic review are the retrospective design of the studies included and the lack of data on adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

While the majority of men with pN1 disease would experience BCR after surgery, long-term disease-free survival has been reported in selected patients. Management options to improve oncological outcomes include observation versus adjuvant therapies such as aRT and/or ADT. Disease characteristics should be used to select the optimal postoperative management for pN1 PCa patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Finding node-positive prostate cancer after a radical prostatectomy often leads to high postoperative prostate-specific antigen levels and is overall a poor prognostic factor. However, this does not necessarily translate into poor survival for all men. Management can be tailored to the severity of disease and options include observation, androgen deprivation therapy, and/or radiotherapy.

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.

Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Metastatic Conventional Prostate Cancer Is Significantly Increased in Lymph Node Metastases Compared to the Primary Tumors

Neuroendocrine serum markers released from prostate cancers have been proposed for monitoring disease and predicting survival. However, neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in various tissue compartments of metastatic prostate cancer is poorly described and its correlation with specific tumor features is unclear. NED was determined by Chromogranin A expression on immunostains from a tissue microarray of 119 nodal positive, hormone treatment-naïve prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and extended lymphadenectomy. NED in the primary cancer and in the metastases was correlated with tumor features and survival. The mean percentage of NED cells increased significantly (p < 0.001) from normal prostate glands (0.4%), to primary prostate cancer (1.0%) and nodal metastases (2.6%). In primary tumors and nodal metastases, tumor areas with higher Gleason patterns tended to display a higher NED, although no significance was reached. The same was observed in patients with a larger primary tumor volume and higher total size and number of metastases. NED neither in the primary tumors nor in the metastases predicted outcome significantly. Our data suggest that (a) increasing levels of neuroendocrine serum markers in the course of prostate cancer might primarily derive from a poorly differentiated metastatic tumor component; and (b) NED in conventional hormone-naïve prostate cancers is not significantly linked to adverse tumor features.

Extranodal extension of lymph node metastasis influences recurrence in prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The extranodal extension (ENE) of nodal metastasis involves the extension of neoplastic cells through the lymph node capsule into the perinodal adipose tissue. This morphological feature has recently been indicated as an important prognostic factor in various cancer types, but its role in prostate cancer is still unclear. We aimed to clarify it, performing the first meta-analysis on this issue, comparing prognostic parameters in surgically treated, node-positive prostate cancer patients with (ENE+) vs. without (ENE-) ENE. Data were summarized using risk ratios (RRs) for number of deaths/recurrences and hazard ratios (HRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for the time-dependent risk related to ENE positivity. Six studies followed-up 1,113 patients with N1 prostate cancer (658 ENE+ vs. 455 ENE-) for a median of 83 months. The presence of ENE was associated with a significantly higher risk of biochemical recurrence (RR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.03-1.28; I2 = 0%; HR = 1.40, 95%CI: 1.12-1.74; I2 = 0%) and "global" (biochemical recurrence and distant metastasis) recurrence (RR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.04-1.28; I2 = 0%; HR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.14-1.74; I2 = 0%). ENE emerged as a potential prognostic moderator, earmarking a subgroup of patients at higher risk of recurrence. It may be considered for the prognostic stratification of metastatic patients. New possible therapeutic approaches may explore more in depth this prognostic parameter.

Lymph node staging in prostate cancer: perspective for the pathologist

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) currently represents the gold standard method for nodal staging in the setting of localised prostate cancer and may also have a therapeutic benefit in certain patients. The histopathological evaluation of PLND specimens plays a critical role in accurate lymph node staging, however there is currently a lack of consensus regarding the optimum approach and no quality parameters are in place. In addition, there are no guidelines as to the handling of less commonly encountered nodal specimens such as those identified within the anterior fat pad. This summary provides an overview of pertinent issues regarding lymph node staging in prostate cancer, with a focus on the histopathological evaluation of resected nodal specimens. We hope that this review will further the discussion on how to achieve a more standardised approach to the processing and reporting of PLND specimens in the setting of prostate cancer.

Clinicopathologic Significance of Extranodal Tumor Extension in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma with Regional Lymph Node Metastasis

Background. This study investigated the clinicopathologic significance of extranodal tumor extension in colorectal adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis. Method. Included were 419 patients who underwent curative resection for primary colorectal adenocarcinoma. Results. Extranodal tumor extension was observed more frequently in tumors with ulceroinfiltrative gross type (p = 0.026), higher histologic grade (p = 0.012), high grade tumor budding (p = 0.003), vascular invasion (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p = 0.015), tumor deposit (p < 0.001), high ratio of metastatic/total lymph nodes (p < 0.001), and high pN stage (p < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly different between an extranodal tumor extension (−) group and an extranodal tumor extension (+) group for both N1 (p = 0.022) and N2 homogeneous staging (p = 0.007). Both overall (p = 0.002) and disease-free survival (p = 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups in an N1a homogeneous group and overall survival was significantly different (p = 0.016) in an N2b homogeneous group. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that extranodal tumor extension was a useful prognostic factor for colorectal adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis, especially in homogeneous pN staging groups.

Update on histopathological evaluation of lymphadenectomy specimens from prostate cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Metastases to lymph nodes (LNs) represent an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Histological examination represents the gold standard in the evaluation of the lymphadenectomy (LND) specimens for the presence of secondary deposits.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The metastatic detection rate can vary according to the approach adopted in the microscopic analysis of the LNs, which includes frozen-section examination, total inclusion of the tissue with and without whole-mount sections, serial sectioning, and the application of immunohistochemistry. The assessment of the sentinel LN, the search for micrometastases, and the evaluation of atypical LN metastatic sites further contribute to the detection of the metastatic spread.

CONCLUSION

In this review, an update on the histopathological evaluation of LND specimens in patients with PCa is given, and focus is made on their clinical and prognostic significance.

Treatment of the Primary Tumor in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives

CONTEXT

Multimodal treatment for men with locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) using neoadjuvant/adjuvant systemic therapy, surgery, and radiation therapy is being increasingly explored. There is also interest in the oncologic benefit of treating the primary tumor in the setting of metastatic PCa (mPCa).

OBJECTIVE

To perform a review of the literature regarding the treatment of the primary tumor in the setting of mPCa.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline, PubMed, and Scopus electronic databases were queried for English language articles from January 1990 to September 2014. Prospective and retrospective studies were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

There is no published randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing local therapy and systemic therapy to systemic therapy alone in the treatment of mPCa. Prospective studies of men with locally advanced PCa and retrospective studies of occult node-positive PCa have consistently shown the addition of local therapy to a multimodal treatment regimen improves outcomes. Molecular and genomic evidence further suggests the primary tumor may have an active role in mPCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of the primary tumor in mPCa is being increasingly explored. While preclinical, translational, and retrospective evidence supports local therapy in advanced disease, further prospective studies are under way to evaluate this multimodal approach and identify the patients most likely to benefit from the inclusion of local therapy in the setting of metastatic disease.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this review we explored preclinical and clinical evidence for treatment of the primary tumor in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). We found evidence to support clinical trials investigating mPCa therapy that includes local treatment of the primary tumor. Currently, treating the primary tumor in mPCa is controversial and lacks high-level evidence sufficient for routine recommendation.

Extracapsular Extension of Pelvic Lymph Node Metastasis is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We aimed to elucidate the relation between extracapsular extension (ECE) and clinical outcomes in node-positive patients following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from their respective dates of inception until September 2014.

RESULTS

Ten articles that met the eligibility criteria included 43-748 subjects per study, with the total number of patients being 1,893. The frequency of ECE ranged from 36.6 to 58.1 %. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) was statistically significant for recurrence-free survival (RFS) [pooled HR 1.56; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.13-2.14] and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (pooled HR 1.60; 95 % CI 1.29-1.99) but not overall survival (OS) (pooled HR 1.47; 95 % CI 0.71-3.05). Heterogeneity in RFS (I (2) 84 %, p < 0.00001) and OS (I (2) 80 %, p = 0.03) was statistically significant. According to subgroup analysis with meta-regression analyses, "region" (pheterogeneity < 0.0001) and "analysis results" (pheterogeneity < 0.0001) were the sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis showed that omission of any study did not lead to a significant difference. No statistical evidence of publication bias regarding RFS or CSS was revealed among the studies using Begg's and Egger's tests.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that ECE is an efficient prognostic factor for node-positive bladder cancer. However, large prospective studies are needed to confirm the clinical utility of ECE as an independent prognostic factor before these results can be applied clinically.

Prevalence and prognostic significance of TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion in lymph node positive prostate cancers

BACKGROUND

TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion is the most frequent genetic alteration in prostate cancer. However, information about its distribution in lymph node positive prostate cancers and the prognostic significance in these advanced tumors is unknown.

METHODS

Gene fusion status was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization on a tissue-microarray constructed from 119 hormone-naïve nodal positive, surgically treated prostate cancers containing samples from the primary tumors and corresponding lymph node metastases. Data were correlated with various tumor features (Gleason score, stage, cancer volume, nodal tumor burden) and biochemical recurrence-free, disease-specific, and overall survival.

RESULTS

TMPRSS2-ERG fusion was detected in 43.5% of the primary tumors. Conversely, only 29.9% of the metastasizing components showed the fusion. Concordance in TMPRSS2-ERG status between primary tumors and metastases was 70.9% (Kappa 0.39); 20.9% and 8.1% of the patients showed the mutation solely in their primary tumors and metastases, respectively. TMPRSS2-ERG fusion was not correlated with specific histopathological tumor features but predicted favorable biochemical recurrence-free, disease-specific and overall survival independently when present in the primary tumor (P < 0.05 each).

CONCLUSION

TMPRSS2-ERG fusion is more frequent in primary prostate cancer than in corresponding metastases suggesting no selection of fusion-positive cells in the metastatic process. The gene fusion in primary tumors independently predicts favorable outcome.

Prognosis of patients with pelvic lymph node (LN) metastasis after radical prostatectomy: value of extranodal extension and size of the largest LN metastasis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prognostic role of extranodal extension (ENE) and the size of the largest lymph node (LN) metastasis in predicting early biochemical relapse (eBCR) in patients with LN metastasis after radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated BCR-free survival in men with LN metastases after RP and pelvic LN dissection performed in six high-volume centres. Multivariable Cox regression tested the role of ENE and diameter of largest LN metastasis in predicting eBCR after adjusting for clinicopathological variables. We compared the discrimination of multivariable models including ENE, the size of largest LN metastasis and the number of positive LNs.

RESULTS

Overall, 484 patients were included. The median (interquartile range, IQR) follow-up was 16.1 (6-27.5) months. The median (IQR) number of removed LNs was 10 (4-14), and the median (IQR) number of positive LNs was 1 (1-2). ENE was present in 280 (58%) patients, and 211 (44%) had their largest metastasis >10 mm. Patients with ENE and/or largest metastasis of >10 mm had significantly worse eBCR-free survival (all P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, number of positive LNs (≤2 vs >2) and the diameter of LN metastasis (≤10 vs >10 mm), but not ENE, were significant predictors of eBCR (all P < 0.003). ENE and diameter of LN metastasis increased the area under the curve of a baseline multivariable model (0.663) by 0.016 points.

CONCLUSIONS

The diameter of the largest LN metastasis and the number of positive LNs are independent predictors of eBCR. Considered together, ENE and the diameter of the largest LN metastasis have less discrimination than the number of positive LNs.

[Muscle invasive bladder cancer after radical cystectomy. Prognostic factors of adjuvant chemotherapy]

BACKGROUND

The indications to administer adjuvant systemic chemotherapy to patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who underwent radical cystectomy is discussed controversially and all international guidelines are very restrictive with regard to its recommendation for routine daily practice due to the low scientific evidence concerning its therapeutic benefit. Currently, adjuvant systemic chemotherapy should be preferably administered within clinical trials. In the daily routine adjuvant treatment might be given in patients with lymph node positive disease. Clinical, pathohistological and molecular biomarkers which might be associated with a positive or negative treatment response have been evaluated sparsely in the past.

RESULTS

The presence of hemangiosis/lymphangiosis carcinomatosa and/or extranodal expansion in patients with lymph node metastases appears to be associated with a poor outcome. The markers ERCC-1, XAF and anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family seem to represent the most promising biomarkers associated with response to adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Pelvic lymph node dissection in the context of radical cystectomy: a thorough insight into the connection between patient, surgeon, pathologist and treating institution

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in patients with bladder cancer varies widely in extent, technique employed, and pathological workup of specimens. The present paper provides an overview of the existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of PLND and elucidates the interactions between patient, surgeon, pathologist, and treating institution as well as their cumulative impact on the final postoperative lymph node (LN) staging. Bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy with extended PLND appear to have better oncologic outcomes compared to patients undergoing radical cystectomy and limited PLND. Attempts have been made to define and assess the quality of PLND according to the number of lymph nodes identified. However, lymph node counts depend on multiple factors such as patient characteristics, surgical template, pathological workup, and institutional policies; hence, meticulous PLND within a defined and uniformly applied extended template appears to be a better assurance of quality than absolute lymph node counts. Nevertheless, the prognosis of the patients can be partially predicted with findings from the histopathological evaluation of the PLND specimen, such as the number of positive lymph nodes, extracapsular extension, and size of the largest LN metastases. Therefore, particular prognostic parameters should be addressed within the pathological report to guide the urologist in terms of patient counseling.

Does quantification of USPIO uptake-related signal loss allow differentiation of benign and malignant normal-sized pelvic lymph nodes?

Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles are promising contrast media, especially for molecular and cellular imaging besides lymph node staging owing to their superior NMR efficacy, macrophage uptake and lymphotropic properties. The goal of the present prospective clinical work was to validate quantification of signal decrease on high-resolution T(2)-weighted MR sequences before and 24-36 h after USPIO administration for accurate differentiation between benign and malignant normal-sized pelvic lymph nodes. Fifty-eight patients with bladder or prostate cancer were examined on a 3 T MR unit and their respective lymph node signal intensities (SI), signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) were determined on pre- and post-contrast 3D T(2)-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) images. Based on histology and/or localization, USPIO-uptake-related SI/SNR decrease of benign vs malignant and pelvic vs inguinal lymph nodes was compared. Out of 2182 resected lymph nodes 366 were selected for MRI post-processing. Benign pelvic lymph nodes showed a significantly higher SI/SNR decrease compared with malignant nodes (p < 0.0001). Inguinal lymph nodes in comparison to pelvic lymph nodes presented a reduced SI/SNR decrease (p < 0.0001). CNR did not differ significantly between benign and malignant lymph nodes. The receiver operating curve analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.96, and the point with optimal accuracy was found at a threshold value of 13.5% SNR decrease. Overlap of SI and SNR changes between benign and malignant lymph nodes were attributed to partial voluming, lipomatosis, histiocytosis or focal lymphoreticular hyperplasia. USPIO-enhanced MRI improves the diagnostic ability of lymph node staging in normal-sized lymph nodes, although some overlap of SI/SNR-changes remained. Quantification of USPIO-dependent SNR decrease will enable the validation of this promising technique with the final goal of improving and individualizing patient care.

Pathological features of lymph node metastasis for predicting biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Subclassification of nodal stage may have prognostic value in men with lymph node metastasis at radical prostatectomy. We explored the role of extranodal extension, size of the largest metastatic lymph node and the largest metastasis, and lymph node density as predictors of biochemical recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed pathological material from 261 patients with node positive prostate cancer. We examined the predictive value when adding the additional pathology findings to a base model including extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion, radical prostatectomy Gleason score, prostate specific antigen and number of positive lymph nodes using the Cox proportional hazards regression and Harrell concordance index.

RESULTS

The median number of lymph nodes removed was 14 (IQR 9, 20) and the median number of positive lymph nodes was 1 (IQR 1, 2). At a median followup of 4.6 years (IQR 3.2, 6.0) 155 of 261 patients experienced biochemical recurrence. The mean 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rate was 39% (95% CI 33-46). Median diameter of the largest metastatic lymph node was 9 mm (IQR 5, 16). On Cox regression radical prostatectomy specimen Gleason score (greater than 7 vs 7 or less), number of positive lymph nodes (3 or greater vs 1 or 2), seminal vesicle invasion and prostate specific antigen were associated with significantly increased risks of biochemical recurrence. On subset analysis metastasis size significantly improved model discrimination (base model Harrell concordance index 0.700 vs 0.655, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that the number of positive lymph nodes is a predictor of biochemical recurrence in men with node positive disease. The improvement in prognostic value of measuring the metastatic focus warrants further investigation.

Lymph node-positive prostate cancer: current issues, emerging technology and impact on clinical outcome

Lymph node metastasis in patients with prostate cancer indicates a poorer prognosis compared with patients without lymph node metastasis; however, some patients with node-positive disease have long-term survival. Many studies have attempted to discern what characteristics of lymph node metastasis are prognostically significant. These characteristics include nodal tumor volume, number of positive lymph nodes, lymph node density, extranodal extension, lymphovascular invasion and tumor dedifferentiation. Favorable characteristics of regional lymph node involvement included a smaller tumor size and smaller tumor volume. However, the current staging system for prostate cancer does not provide different subclassifications for patients with node-positive prostate cancer. In recent years numerous advanced technologies for the detection of lymph node metastasis have been developed, including molecular imaging techniques and the CellSearch Circulating Tumor Cell System. With the increased detection of patients with prostate cancer, emergence of new technology to identify lymph node metastasis and the number of radical prostatectomies being performed on the rise, subclassifying patients with lymph node-positive disease is imperative. Subclassification would provide a better picture of patient prognosis and allow for a better understanding of targeted therapies to treat patients with lymph node metastasis.

High CD10 expression in lymph node metastases from surgically treated prostate cancer independently predicts early death

Patients with nodal positive prostate cancers are an important cohort with poorly defined risk factors. CD10 is a cell surface metallopeptidase that has been suggested to play a role in prostate cancer progression. CD10 expression was evaluated in 119 nodal positive prostate cancer patients using tissue microarrays constructed from primary tumors and lymph node metastases. All patients underwent radical prostatectomy and standardized extended lymphadenectomy. They had no neoadjuvant therapy and received deferred androgen deprivation. In the primary tumor, high CD10 expression was significantly associated with earlier death from disease when compared with low CD10 expression (5-year survival 73.7% vs. 91.8%; p = 0.043). In the metastases, a high CD10 expression was significantly associated with larger total size of metastases (median 11.4 vs. 6.5 mm; p = 0.015), earlier death of disease (5-year survival 71.5% vs. 87.3%; p = 0.017), and death of any cause (5-year survival 70.0% vs. 87.2%; p = 0.001) when compared with low CD10 expression. CD10 expression in the metastases added independent prognostic information for overall survival (p = 0.029) after adjustment for Gleason score of the primary tumor, nodal tumor burden, and resection margins. In conclusion, a high CD10 expression in prostate cancer predicts early death. This information is inherent in the primary tumors and in the lymph node metastases and might help to personalize patient management.

Androgen receptors are differentially expressed in Gleason patterns of prostate cancer and down-regulated in matched lymph node metastases

BACKGROUND

Androgen receptor (AR) expression profile in the different Gleason patterns (GP) of primary prostate cancers and nodal metastases is unknown. More information about AR distribution is needed to optimize evaluation methods and to better understand the role of AR in development and progression of prostate cancer.

METHODS

A tissue microarray was constructed from 119 hormone-naïve nodal positive, surgically treated prostate cancers containing tissues from all GP present in every primary tumor and the matched metastases. ARs were evaluated immunohistochemically and an expression score (intensity × percentage of positive cells) was assigned for each tissue spot.

RESULTS

ARs were up-regulated in primary tumors compared to normal glands and significantly different expressed in the GP (mean AR scores: GP 3=128.7, GP 4=159.1, GP 5=123.5; P=0.016). A similar expression profile was observed in metastases, however, on significantly (P<0.001) lower level (mean AR scores: GP 3=70.5, GP 4=90.4, GP 5=71.7; P=0.114). High AR expression in metastases was associated with larger total size of metastases (P=0.008). All other correlations of AR expression in primary tumors and metastases with quantitative (age, prostate cancer volume, number of metastases) or categorical (tumor stage, Gleason score of the primary tumor and metastases) tumor characteristics or with survival were insignificant.

CONCLUSION

ARs are differentially expressed in GP what should be considered in prognostic models which include AR. In nodal metastases, ARs are significantly down-regulated suggesting decreased dependence on androgens already under hormone-naïve conditions. AR expression level is not prognostic in nodal positive disease.

High-level cytoplasmic cyclin D1 expression in lymph node metastases from prostate cancer independently predicts early biochemical failure and death in surgically treated patients

AIMS

To test the prognostic significance of cyclin D1 in nodal-positive prostate cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nuclear and cytoplasmic cyclin D1 expression was evaluated in 119 nodal-positive prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and extended lymphadenectomy. Cyclin D1 was correlated with various tumour features and biochemical recurrence-free survival (bRFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). In the metastases, high-level cytoplasmic cyclin D1 expression independently predicted poor outcome (5-year bRFS, 12.5% versus 26.4%, P = 0.006; 5-year DSS, 56.3% versus 80.7%, P = 0.007; 5-year OS, 56.3% versus 78.7%, P = 0.011). These patients had a 2.62-fold elevated risk of dying from prostate cancer as compared with patients with low-level cytoplasmic cyclin D1 expression (P = 0.024). All other subcellular compartments of cyclin D1 expression in primary tumours and metastases were prognostically non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The subcellular location of cyclin D1 expression in prostate cancer is linked to specific clinical courses. Survival stratification according to biomarker expression in metastases indicates an important role for tumour sampling from these tissues.

Survival benefit of radical prostatectomy in lymph node-positive patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Positive lymph node (LN) status is considered a systemic disease state. In prostate cancer, LN-positive diagnosis during pelvic LN dissection (PLND) potentially leads to the abandonment of radical prostatectomy (RP).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the overall survival (OS) and relative survival (RS; as an estimate for cancer-specific survival) in LN-positive patients with or without RP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Between 1988 and 2007, a total of 35 629 men with prostate cancer were identified at the Munich Cancer Registry; of those, 1413 patients had positive LNs.

INTERVENTION

Of these 1413 LN-positive patients, prostatectomy was abandoned in 456 LN-positive patients, whereas 957 underwent RP despite the LN-positive finding.

MEASUREMENTS

Crucial analyses are based on 938 LN-positive patients (688 with RP and 250 without RP) with complete data regarding age, grade, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). OS (Kaplan-Meier estimates) and RS are presented, and Cox regression analysis was used to show the influence of predictors such as clinical stage, age at surgery, number of positive LNs, PSA level, grade, and extent of surgery.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 5.6 yr. OS of patients at 5 yr and 10 yr was 84% and 64%, respectively, with RP and was 60% and 28%, respectively, with aborted RP. The RS of patients at 5 yr and 10 yr was 95% and 86%, respectively, with RP and was 70% and 40%, respectively, with abandoned surgery. There was an imbalance, however, in the number of positive LNs: 17.2% with RP had four or more positive nodes versus 28% in the patient group without RP. In the multivariate model, RP was a strong independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio: 2.04 [95% confidence interval, 1.59-2.63; p<0.0001]).

CONCLUSION

LN-positive patients with complete RP had improved survival compared to patients with abandoned RP. These results suggest that RP may have a survival benefit and the abandonment of RP in node-positive cases may not be justified.