Radical prostatectomy findings in patients predicted to have low-volume/low-grade prostate cancer diagnosed by extended-core biopsies: an analysis of volume and zonal distribution of tumour foci

Focal therapy for localized prostate cancer: is there a "middle ground" between active surveillance and definitive treatment?

In recent years, it has come a long way in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of prostate cancer. Beside this, it was argued that definitive treatments could cause overtreatment, particularly in the very low, low, and favorable risk group. When alternative treatment and follow-up methods are being considered for this group of patients, active surveillance is seen as a good alternative for patients with very low and low-risk groups in this era. However, it has become necessary to find other alternatives for patients in the favorable risk group or patients who cannot adopt active follow-up. In the light of technological developments, the concept of focal therapy was introduced with the intensification of research to treat only the lesioned area instead of treating the entire organ for prostate lesions though there are not many publications about many of them yet. According to the initial results, it was understood that the results could be good if the appropriate focal therapy technique was applied to the appropriate patient. Thus, focal therapies have begun to find their "middle ground" place between definitive therapies and active follow-up.

Differentiation of prostate cancer lesions in the Transition Zone by diffusion-weighted MRI

Objective

To differentiate prostate cancer lesions in transition zone by diffusion-weighted-MRI (DW-MRI).

Methods

Data from a total of 63 patients who underwent preoperative DWI (b of 0–1000 s/mm²) were prospectively collected and processed by a monoexponential (DWI) model and compared with a biexponential (IVIM) model for quantitation of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), perfusion fraction f, diffusivity D and pseudo-diffusivity D*. Histogram analyses were performed by outlining entire-tumor regions of interest (ROIs). These parameters (separately and combined in a logistic regression model) were used to differentiate lesions depending on histopathological analysis of Magnetic Resonance/transrectal Ultrasound (MR/TRUS) fusion-guided biopsy. The diagnostic ability of differentiate the PCa from BHP in TZ was analyzed by ROC regression. Histogram analysis of quantitative parameters and Gleason score were assessed with Spearman correlation.

Results

Thirty (30 foci) cases of PCa in PZ and 33 (36 foci) cases of BPH were confirmed by pathology. Mean ADC, median ADC, 10th percentile ADC, 90th percentile ADC, kurtosis and skewness of ADC and mean D values, median D and 90th percentile D differed significantly between PCa and BHP in TZ. The highest classification accuracy was achieved by the mean ADC (0.841) and mean D (0.809). A logistic regression model based on mean ADC and mean D led to an AUC of 0.873, however, the difference is not significant. There were 7 Gleason 6 areas, 9 Gleason 7 areas, 8 Gleason 8 areas, 5 Gleason 9 areas and 2 Gleason 10 areas detected from the 31 prostate cancer areas, the mean Gleason value was(7.5 ± 1.2). The mean ADC and mean D had correlation with Gleason score(r = −0.522 and r = −0.407 respectively, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The diagnosis efficiency of IVIM parameters was not superior to ADC in the diagnosis of PCa in TZ. Moreover, the combination of mean ADC and mean D did not perform better than the parameters alone significantly; It is feasible to stratify the pathological grade of prostate cancer by mean ADC.

Baseline and longitudinal plasma caveolin-1 level as a biomarker in active surveillance for early-stage prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the role of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) as a predictor of disease reclassification (DR) in men with early prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance (AS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed archived plasma samples prospectively collected from patients with early prostate cancer in a single-institution AS study. Of 825 patients enrolled, 542 had ≥1 year of follow-up. Baseline and longitudinal plasma Cav-1 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tumour volume or Gleason grade increases were criteria for DR. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between clinicopathological characteristics and reclassification risk.

RESULTS

In 542 patients, 480 (88.6%) had stage cT1c disease, 542 (100.0%) had a median prostate-specific antigen level of 4.1 ng/mL, and 531 (98.0%) had a median Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment score of 1. In all, 473 (87.3%) had a Gleason score of 3+3. After a median of 3.1 years of follow-up, disease was reclassified in 163 patients (30.1%). The mean baseline Cav-1 level was 2.2 ± 8.5 ng/mL and the median 0.2 ng/mL (range, 0-85.5 ng/mL). In univariate analysis, baseline Cav-1 was a significant predictor for risk of DR (odds ratio [OR] 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-2.65; P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, with adjustments for age, tumour length, group risk stratification and number of positive cores, reclassification risk associated with Cav-1 remained significant (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.28-2.84; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Baseline plasma Cav-1 level was an independent predictor of disease classification. New methods for refining AS and intervention may result.

Intraprostatic locations of tumor foci of higher grade missed by diagnostic prostate biopsy among potential candidates for active surveillance

To establish optimal biopsy scheme for selection of candidates for active surveillance (AS) among prostate cancer (PCa) patients, information on topographical distribution of tumor foci of higher grade missed by contemporary biopsy amongst potential candidates of AS would certainly be useful. Thus we analyzed topographic distribution of tumor foci by examining prostatectomy specimens in 444 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for low risk PCa. Anterior and posterior prostate areas were demarcated by a horizontal line drawn at midpoint of prostatic urethra. Among 444 subjects, patients with upgrading showed relatively higher prevalence of index tumor foci in anterior prostate than those without upgrading, though not reaching statistical significance (p = 0.252). Meanwhile, among 135 (30.4%) patients with very low risk PCa, patients with upgrading showed significantly higher prevalence of index tumor foci in anterior prostate than those without upgrading (52.2% vs 33.8%; p = 0.031). In conclusions, tumor foci of higher grade missed by diagnostic biopsy were mostly located in anterior prostate among very low risk PCa patients. Such finding would be concrete evidence to support the notion that more efforts are needed to increase accuracy in detecting tumor foci in anterior prostate among potential candidates for AS.

Disease reclassification risk with stringent criteria and frequent monitoring in men with favourable-risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency of disease reclassification and to identify clinicopathological variables associated with it in patients with favourable-risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance (AS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed 191 men, selected by what may be the most stringent criteria used in AS studies yet conducted, who were enrolled in a prospective cohort AS trial. Clinicopathological characteristics were analysed in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. Key features were an extended biopsy with a single core positive for Gleason score (GS) 3 + 3 (<3 mm) or 3 + 4 (<2 mm) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level <4 ng/mL (adjusted for prostate volume). Biopsies were repeated every 1-2 years and clinical evaluations every 6 months. Disease was reclassified when PSA level increased by 30% from baseline, or when biopsy tumour length increased beyond the enrolment criteria, more than one positive core was detected or any grade increased to a dominant 4 pattern or any 5 pattern.

RESULTS

Disease was reclassified in 32 patients (16.8%) including upgrading to GS 4 + 3 in five patients (2.6%). The median (interquartile range) follow-up time among survivors was 3 (1.9-4.6) years. Overall, 13 of the 32 (40.6%) had incremental increases in GS. Tumour length (hazard ratio 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-6.46; P = 0.007) and older age (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.09; P = 0.05) were identified as significant and marginally significant predictors of disease reclassification, respectively. Disease remained stable in 83.2% of patients.

CONCLUSION

The need persists for improvements in risk stratification and predictive indicators of cancer progression.

Localization of higher grade tumor foci in potential candidates for active surveillance who opt for radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

To investigate actual intraprostatic location of higher graded tumor foci undetected via standard transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy amongst patients who would be clinically considered appropriate candidates for active surveillance (AS) but underwent radical prostatectomy (RP).

METHODS

We reviewed entirely-submitted and whole-mounted RP specimens from 169 men who were deemed appropriate for AS clinically, but opted for RP and were found to have higher grade tumors. For each case, tumor nodules were circled and color-coded in a grade-specific manner and digitally scanned to created tumor maps. The locations of tumor foci with Gleason grade ≥4 were stratified by specific sites: anterior, anterolateral, lateral only (not clearly anterior or posterior), posterior, and posterolateral area.

RESULTS

Of 169 patients, 86% had clinical stage T1c and 14% T2a. RP Gleason score 7 in all but two men. Higher-grade tumor foci were localized to: anterior (n=66, 39%), anterolateral (n=4, 2%), lateral only (not clearly anterior or posterior) (n=5, 3%), posterior (n=52, 31%), and posterolateral (n=42, 25%) prostate, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients deemed clinically appropriate for AS, higher-grade tumor foci missed by standard prostate biopsies were localized to both the anterior and posterior prostate, without predominance of a particular area. These findings lend additional support to performing repeat standard prostate biopsy in potential candidates for AS and should be considered in efforts to optimize current biopsy strategies for the selection of AS patients.

Active surveillance in men with low-risk prostate cancer: current and future challenges

INTRODUCTION

The implementation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has coincided with a decrease in mortality rate from prostate cancer at the cost of overtreatment. Active surveillance has thus emerged to address the concern for over-treatment in men with low-risk prostate cancer.

METHODS

A contemporary review of literature with respect to low-risk prostate cancer and active surveillance was conducted. The premise of active surveillance, ideal candidates, follow-up practices, treatment triggers, and the observed outcomes of delayed interventions are reviewed. Various institutional protocols are compared and contrasted.

RESULTS

Eligibility criteria from various institutions share similar principles. Candidates are followed with PSA kinetics and/or repeat biopsies to identify those who require intervention. Various triggers for intervention have been recognized achieving overall and cancer-specific survival rates > 90% in most protocols. New biomarkers, imaging modalities and genetic tests are also currently being investigated to enhance the efficacy of active surveillance programs.

CONCLUSION

Active surveillance has been shown to be safe and effective in managing men with low-risk prostate cancer. Although as high as 30% of men on surveillance will eventually need intervention, survival rates with delayed intervention remain reassuring. Long-term studies are needed for further validation of current active surveillance protocols.

Incremental value of transition zone and midline apical biopsy at baseline TRUS-guided biopsy for prostate cancer detection

PURPOSE

To determine the diagnostic yield of transition zone (TZB) and midline apical biopsies (MAB) in baseline transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsies and to establish whether TZB and MAB for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) add clinical relevant information.

METHODS

We performed baseline 9-core TRUS-guided biopsy in 412 consecutive subjects using sextant biopsies of the PZ (PZB), with an additional TZB on either side and a MAB at the prostatic apex. We determined the incremental diagnostic value of additional TZB an MAB to sextant PZB.

RESULTS

Within a cohort of 412 patients with a median PSA of 7.5 ng/ml, 178 (43.2 %) patients were diagnosed with PCa upon baseline TRUS-guided biopsies. In 102 cases, at least one TZB was positive for PCa, with 6/412 (1.4 %) cases displaying PCa in the TZB only. MAB alone was positive for PCa in 4/412 (1.0 %) cases. One case (1/412; 0.2 %) had only a TZB and a MAB positive for PCa without positive PZB. Thus, 11/412 (2.7 %) of cases would not have been diagnosed with PCa at baseline TRUS-guided biopsy had only sextant PZ biopsy been performed. TZB detected a high-grade Gleason component (Gleason 4 and/or 5) not present in the PZB in 2.4 % of PCa cases.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited value for TZB and MAB in the context of sextant PZB at baseline TRUS-guided biopsies for PCa.

Transition zone prostate cancer: incremental value of diffusion-weighted endorectal MR imaging in tumor detection and assessment of aggressiveness

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incremental value of using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in addition to T2-weighted imaging for the detection of prostate cancer in the transition zone and the assessment of tumor aggressiveness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective HIPAA-compliant institutional review board-approved study included 156 consecutive patients (median age, 59.2 years) who underwent MR imaging before radical prostatectomy. Two readers who were blinded to patient data independently recorded their levels of suspicion on a five-point scale of the presence of transition zone tumors on the basis of T2-weighted imaging alone and then, 4 weeks later, diffusion-weighted imaging and T2-weighted imaging together. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were measured in transition zone cancers and glandular and stromal benign prostatic hyperplasia. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate detection accuracy, and generalized linear models were used to test ADC differences between benign and malignant prostate regions. Whole-mount step-section histopathologic examination was the reference standard.

RESULTS

In overall tumor detection, addition of diffusion-weighted imaging to T2-weighted imaging improved the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for readers 1 and 2 from 0.60 and 0.60 to 0.75 and 0.71, respectively, at the patient level (P = .004 for reader 1 and P = .027 for reader 2) and from 0.64 and 0.63 to 0.73 and 0.68, respectively, at the sextant level (P = .001 for reader 1 and P = .100 for reader 2). Least squares mean ADCs (× 10(-3) mm(2)/sec) in glandular and stromal benign prostatic hyperplasia were 1.44 and 1.09, respectively. Mean ADCs were inversely associated with tumor Gleason scores (1.10, 0.98, 0.87, and 0.75 for Gleason scores of 3 + 3, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, and ≥ 4 + 4, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Use of diffusion-weighted imaging in addition to T2-weighted imaging improved detection of prostate cancer in the transition zone, and tumor ADCs were inversely associated with tumor Gleason scores in the transition zone.

Preoperative predictors of pathologic stage T2a and pathologic Gleason score ≤ 6 in men with clinical low-risk prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy: reference for active surveillance

To assess preoperative parameters that may be predictive of pathologic stage T2a (pT2a) and pathologic Gleason score (pGS) ≤ 6 disease in low-risk prostate cancer patients considering active surveillance. A cohort of 1,495 men with low-risk prostate cancer between 1993 and 2009 was utilized. Preoperative assessment focused on patient age, race, diagnostic PSA level, clinical stage, diagnostic biopsy Gleason score, and prostate cancer laterality. Kaplan-Meier curves and a Cox regression model were used for analysis of PSA recurrence. Preoperative parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods. Of 1,495 patients, 187 (12.5 %) were identified with pT2a and pGS ≤ 6 disease. Of the 187 men with pT2a and pGS ≤ 6 disease, only 6 (3.2 %) cases had PSA recurrence. Kaplan-Meier PSA recurrence-free survival curves identified a difference between prostate cancers with pT2a and pGS ≤ 6 and prostate cancers with >pT2a or pGS ≥ 7 disease (p = 0.002). Only biopsy tumor unilaterality (OR, 10.452; p ≤ 0.001) and low diagnostic PSA levels (OR, 0.887; p = 0.003) were independent predictors of prostate cancers with pT2a and pGS ≤ 6 disease on univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Biopsy tumor unilaterality and low diagnostic PSA levels are the independent predictors of pT2a and pGS ≤ 6 disease in low-risk prostate cancer patients. Unilateral cancer by prostate biopsy and low diagnostic PSA level may be the reference to improving the selection of appropriate candidates for active surveillance within a low-risk prostate cancer cohort.

Prostate cancer: multiparametric MRI for index lesion localization--a multiple-reader study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of multiparametric MRI in localization of the index lesion of prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients who underwent 3-T MRI of the prostate with a pelvic phased-array coil that included T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences before prostatectomy were included. Six radiologists assessed all images to identify the lesion most suspicious of being the index lesion, which was localized to one of 18 regions. A uropathologist using the same 18-region scheme reviewed the prostatectomy slides to localize the index lesion. MRI performance was assessed by requiring either an exact match or an approximate match (discrepancy of up to one region) between the MRI and pathologic findings in terms of assigned region.

RESULTS

The pathologist identified an index lesion in 49 of 51 patients. In exact-match analysis, the average sensitivity was 60.2% (range, 51.0-63.3%), and the average positive predictive value (PPV) was 65.3% (range, 61.2-69.4%). In approximate-match analysis, the average sensitivity was 75.9% (range, 65.3-69.6%), and the average PPV was 82.6% (range, 79.2-91.4%). The sensitivity was higher for index lesions with a Gleason score greater than 6 in exact-match (74.8% vs 15.3%, p<0.001) and approximate-match (88.7% vs 36.1%, p=<0.001) analyses and for index lesions measuring at least 1 cm in approximate-match analysis (80.3% vs 58.3%, p=0.016). In exact-match analysis, 30.0%, 44.9%, and 79.1% of abnormalities found with one, two, and three MRI parameters represented the index lesion (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity and PPV of multiparametric MRI for index lesion localization were moderate, although they improved in the setting of more aggressive pathologic features and a greater number of abnormal MRI parameters, respectively.

Active surveillance for favorable-risk prostate cancer: background, patient selection, triggers for intervention, and outcomes

With the advent of increasingly sensitive and widely used diagnostic testing, cancer overdiagnosis in particular has emerged as a problem in multiple organ sites. This has the greatest ramifications in the case of prostate cancer because of the very high incidence of latent prostate cancer in aging men, the availability of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and the long-term effects of definitive therapy. The condition of most men with favorable-risk prostate cancer is far removed from the consequences of a rampaging, aggressive disease. Most of these men are not destined to die of their disease, even in the absence of treatment. Unfortunately, most of these patients are treated radically and are exposed to the risk of significant side effects. Therefore, a selective approach to treatment is appealing. The concept is to identify the subset that harbor more aggressive disease early enough that curative therapy is still a possibility, thereby allowing the others to enjoy improved quality of life, free from the side effects of treatment. This review article summarizes the evidence supporting active surveillance, and the current approach to this management strategy, including the roles of serial biopsy, PSA kinetics, and MR imaging.

Extended biopsy based criteria incorporating cumulative cancer length for predicting clinically insignificant prostate cancer

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The criteria used for selecting patients with prostate cancer for active surveillance (AS) are still not satisfactory due to the difficulty in predicting the significance of the prostate cancer. Urologists could predict insignificant prostate cancer by incorporating cumulative cancer length and biopsy Gleason score, derived from extended biopsy. The present study has added new criteria for predicting insignificant prostate cancer, which would lead to a better selection of candidates for AS.

OBJECTIVE

• To develop extended biopsy based criteria for predicting insignificant cancer (IC) using extended biopsy findings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• From 2000 to 2009, 1575 patients with prostate cancer were primarily treated by radical prostatectomy in two referral hospitals. • Of these, the study cohort comprised 499 patients with extended biopsy confirmed, clinically organ-confined (cT1-2N0M0) prostate cancer with PSA levels of <20 ng/mL. • Cancer information obtained through extended biopsy included cumulative cancer length (CCL) divided by the number of biopsy cores (CCL/core).

RESULTS

• Pathological examination revealed 39 ICs (7.8%). All these ICs fell in a category of prostate cancer with clinical stage ≤ T2a and 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology Consensus Conference (ISUP) modified biopsy Gleason score ≤ 7. • Accordingly, we analysed predictors of IC in a subset cohort of 370 patients in this category. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that 2005 ISUP modified biopsy Gleason score and CCL/core were independently significant predictors of IC. • We determined a threshold value of CCL/core of 0.20 mm for predicting IC using receiver operating characteristic analysis. • Based on these findings, we developed simple extended biopsy based criteria for predicting IC as follows: (i) PSA level of <20 ng/mL; (ii) Clinical stage ≤ T2a; (iii) 2005 ISUP modified biopsy Gleason score ≤ 6; (iv) CCL/core of <0.20 mm. • The specificity of the criteria was 91%, which was significantly higher than the value from a subset of criteria without item iv (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

• We have developed extended biopsy based criteria for predicting IC incorporating the 2005 ISUP modified biopsy Gleason score and CCL/core.

Usefulness of perflubutane microbubble-enhanced ultrasound in imaging and detection of prostate cancer: phase II multicenter clinical trial

PURPOSE

To explore the possibility of targeted biopsy (TBx) using transrectal ultrasound (US) with perflubutane microbubbles, we studied the findings of different cancerous tissue imaging modalities and evaluated needle biopsy in prostate cancer (PCa) using contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) in a multicenter clinical trial.

METHODS

Seventy-one patients undergoing prostate biopsy received intravenous injection of perflubutane microbubbles (Sonazoid(®)). We evaluated and compared images obtained by CEUS. The safety observation period was 2 days after contrast administration.

RESULTS

Among the 30 patients with cancer, one or more sites with findings suggestive of cancer in CEUS were detected in 23 patients (32.4%) by TBx. Although 22 patients had positive cores of cancer by systematic biopsy (SBx), 8 patients had positive cores of cancer in TBx alone (11.3%). There was a significant difference in cancer detection rate by TBx between two cohorts with PSA < 10 ng/mL (22.9%) and PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL (52.2%) (P < 0.02). Close observation of various CEUS findings with Sonazoid(®) enabled targeting of cancerous areas, and consequently, a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the detection rate of cancer was recognized in the transition zone (TZ): SBx; 21/120 (17.5%) and TBx; 17/55 (30.9%). The incidence of adverse events was 6.7% and that of adverse reactions was 4%.

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS with Sonazoid(®) improved the detection rate of PCa by visualizing cancerous lesions. More detailed examination of CEUS images provided efficient characterization especially in the TZ area. TBx according to this procedure is expected to enable a lower number of biopsies and more accurate diagnosis of PCa.

Transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy does not reliably identify dominant cancer location in men with low-risk prostate cancer

Study Type - Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The widespread use of serum PSA testing followed by TRUS-guided biopsy have resulted in profound prostate cancer stage migration with many patients presenting with focal rather than multifocal disease. There is increasing interest in the use of focal rather than whole-gland treatment. However, current biopsy schemes may still miss cancer or, even when cancer is identified, its extent or grade might not be accurately characterized. In order for focal therapy to be effective, the area of highest tumour volume and/or grade needs to localized accurately. The aim of this study was to assess how well biopsy, as currently performed, locates the focus of highest prostate cancer volume and/or grade.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided extended core biopsy to identify the dominant tumour accurately in men with early stage prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with early stage, low-risk prostate cancer who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and had complete surgical specimens were identified. Re-review was performed by a single uropathologist using ImageJ software to identify tumour location, dominant grade (DG) and dominant volume (DV). Pathology findings were then compared with biopsy results.

RESULTS

A total of 51 men with early stage, low-risk prostate cancer, who had undergone RP, had complete specimens for review and a median of 15 biopsy cores taken for diagnosis and grading. Sixteen men had a single diagnostic biopsy, 21 had one repeat biopsy, and 14 had two or more repeat biopsies. Compared with surgical findings, biopsy correctly identified the sextant with the largest tumour volume in 55% (95% CI 0.5-0.6) of specimens and the highest grade in 37% (95 CI 0.3-0.5). No demographic or clinical factors were significantly associated with identification of DG. Interval between last biopsy and RP, total tissue length taken and total length of tumour identified were significantly associated with correct identification of DV.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that TRUS-guided biopsy detects and localizes DV better than it does DG. Even with an extended scheme, TRUS-guided biopsy does not reliably identify dominant cancer location in this low-risk cohort of men with early stage prostate cancer. TRUS-guided biopsy may perform better in similar men with low stage, but higher volume disease.

Changes in prostate cancer grade on serial biopsy in men undergoing active surveillance

PURPOSE

Active surveillance is now considered a viable treatment option for men with low-risk prostate cancer. However, little is known regarding changes in Gleason grade on serial biopsies over an extended period of time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1998 and 2009 who elected active surveillance as initial treatment, with 6 or more months of follow-up and a minimum of six cores at biopsy, were included in analysis. Upgrading and downgrading were defined as an increase or decrease in primary or secondary Gleason score. Means and frequency tables were used to describe patient characteristics, and treatment-free survival rates were determined by life-table product limit estimates.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-seven men met inclusion criteria. Mean age at diagnosis was 61.9 years. Fifty-three percent of men had prostate-specific antigen of 6 ng/mL or less, and 94% had Gleason score of 6 or less. A majority of men were cT1 (62%), had less than 33% of biopsy cores involved (80%), and were low risk (77%) at diagnosis. Median number of cores taken at diagnostic biopsy was 13, mean time to follow-up was 18.5 months, and 29% of men had three or more repeat biopsies. Overall, 34% (129 men) were found to have an increase in Gleason grade. The majority of men who experienced an upgrade (81%) did so by their second repeat biopsy.

CONCLUSION

A proportion of men experience an upgrade in Gleason score while undergoing active surveillance. Men who experience early upgrading likely represent initial sampling error, whereas later upgrading may reflect tumor dedifferentiation.

Does diabetes mellitus increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy?

The objective was to test the hypothesis that in patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP), diabetic patients are at a higher risk of harboring a high-grade tumor than non-diabetic patients. We examined 2060 consecutive men who underwent RP between 2001 and 2009. Of them, 7.1% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A high-grade tumor was defined as having a Gleason score ≥ 8. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to test the relationship between type 2 DM and high-grade tumor. Mean patient age was 64 years (range: 45-85). Mean total PSA level was 9 ng ml(-1) (range: 1-89.5). A significantly higher percentage of diabetic patients had high-grade tumor on biopsy (16.3 vs 7.6%; P = 0.001) and on RP specimen (21.1 vs 11.7%; P = 0.001) in comparison with non-diabetic patients. In multivariable analyses, DM was an independent predictor of high-grade tumor on biopsy (odds ratio = 2.31, P = 0.001) and on final pathological specimen (odds ratio = 2.22, P = 0.002). In patients undergoing RP, those with type 2 DM had a higher risk of harboring a poorly differentiated tumor on final pathological examination.

Is there an optimal management for localized prostate cancer?

Widespread screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has led to a significant increase in the detection of early stage, clinically localized prostate cancer (CaP). Various treatment options for localized CaP are discussed in this review article including active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and cryotherapy. The paucity of high-level evidence adds a considerable amount of controversy when choosing the "optimal" intervention, for both the treating physician and the patient. The long time course of CaP intervention outcomes, combined with continuing modifications in treatments, further complicate the matter. Lacking randomized trials that compare treatment options, this review article attempts to summarize the different treatment options and associated side-effects, including effects on health-related quality of life, from current published literature.