Does the size matter?: Prostate weight does not predict PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy

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.

Cognitive fusion-targeted biopsy versus transrectal ultrasonography-guided systematic biopsy: comparison and analysis of the risk of Gleason score upgrading

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to assess the precision of the Gleason score (GS) obtained through cognitive fusion-targeted biopsy (COG-TB) in comparison to transrectal ultrasonography-guided systematic biopsy (TRUS-SB), and to identify factors that can predict Gleason score upgrading (GSU) in a cohort of Chinese patients.

METHODS

A final enrollment of 245 patients was recorded. Between 2020 and 2022, 132 patients underwent TRUS-SB, and 113 patients underwent COG-TB. The Chi-square test was performed to analyze the variation in downgrading, concordance, and upgrading between TRUS-SB and COG-TB. Multivariable analyses were performed to seek factors predicting Gleason score upgrading. Finally, a model which utilizes multivariable logistic regression was developed to predict the likelihood of GSU.

RESULTS

The concordance for TRUS-SB and COG-TB were 42.4% and 65.5%, respectively. TRUS-SB and COG-TB exhibited notable disparities in downgrading, concordance, and upgrading. Age, prostate volume, body mass index (BMI), and the biopsy modality were significant predictive factors.

CONCLUSION

COG-TB can significantly increase concordance with final histopathology. Age, prostate volume, BMI, and the biopsy modality were predictive factors of GSU.

Comparing histology between prostate cognitive fusion targeted biopsy and radical prostatectomy: exploring risk factors of Gleason score upgrading in Chinese patients

PURPOSE

To explore and identify the relevant clinical and pathological predictors leading to biopsy Gleason score upgrading (GSU) in cognitive fusion targeted biopsy (COG-TB) in Chinese patients.

METHODS

Clinical and pathological information of 496 patients who underwent COG-TB and radical prostatectomy (RP) in our hospital from January 2020 to September 2023 were retrospectively compiled and analyzed. In this study, we screened valuable predictors through univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses and then constructed predictive models. We draw nomograms to visualize the predictive models. In addition, the discriminatory power of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive power of the model and the net benefits it could deliver.

RESULTS

Out of the 496 patients eligible for the study, 279 had a consistent Gleason score (GS) on biopsy and postoperative GS, 191 experienced GSU, and 26 experienced downgrading. Significant associations for GSU were identified for five risk factors through multivariable logistic regression analyses, which included age, prostate volume, BMI, tumor percentage in biopsy tissue, and tumor location. Our model had excellent discriminatory power through ROC analysis. Calibration curves and DCA showed that our model was well calibrated and provided certain benefits for patient treatment decisions.

CONCLUSION

Age, prostate volume, BMI, tumor percentage in biopsy tissue, and tumor location are risk indicators for predicting GSU in COG-TB. Our prediction model is more suitable for Chinese patients and can assist in accurately evaluating biopsy GS and developing effective treatment plans.

The association between prostate weight and positive surgical margins in prostate cancer: A meta-analysis

There have been some conflicting claims whether larger prostate weight (PW) reduces the risk of positive surgical margins (PSMs). This study aims to examine the associations between PW and PSMs. PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane library were systematically retrieved. Relative risks (RRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were synthesised utilising random-effect models. Ultimately, 22 cohort studies met criteria were enrolled in this meta-analysis, of which 18 studies reporting the RR of the highest VS lowest category of PW yielded the combined RR of PSMs of 0.61 (95% CI 0.50-0.74). Subgroup analysis showed that geographic region and surgical modalities were considered as potential confounders of influence of PW on PSMs. The nonlinear dose-response relationship demonstrated that PSM risk decreased by 1% (RR = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.98-0.99) for every one gram increment in PW. This study suggests PW has a negative association with risk of PSMs, and having a appropriate PW is very important.

The integration of pharmacology and pathophysiology into locoregional chemotherapy delivery via mass fluid transfer

The prevailing paradigm of locoregional chemotherapy has been centred around delivering chemotherapy as close to the tumour as possible and in some cases incorporating vascular isolation techniques. Strategically, the development of these techniques has been rudimentary without consideration for the interdependencies between macrovascular manipulation and the microvascular effects. This review focuses on how new capabilities offered by recent advances in vascular access technology could be exploited to facilitate the mass fluid transfer (MFT) of anticancer agents to solid tumours. A haemodynamic model of MFT is proposed using the physical laws of fluid flow, flux, and diffusion that describe the microvascular effects anticancer agents may have upon tumours through the manipulation of macrovascular blood flow control. Finally, the possible applications of this technique for several organs are discussed.

Impact of prostate volume on oncologic, perioperative, and functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

The impact of prostate volume (PV) on oncologic, perioperative and functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) remains controversial, as recent studies present inconsistent results. We studied the influence of PV on outcomes in a large single center dataset and summarized the existing literature.

METHODS

5,477 patients who underwent RP between January 2008 and December 2011 were analyzed. The impact of PV on biochemical recurrence (BCR) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Uni- and multivariate logistic regressions were used to estimate the impact of PV on surgical margin (SM), 1-week, 3-months and 12-months continence and 3-months and 12-months potency. Finally, the impact of PV on intraoperative blood loss was analyzed using uni- and multivariate linear regressions.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 36.1 months. Overall, 16.5% of patients recurred during the follow-up period. The mean preoperative PV was 43.3 ml. One-week, 3-months and 12-months continence rates were 55.6%, 69.3%, and 87.4% for patients with PV ≥ 70 compared to 64.4%, 78.3%, and 92.1% for patients with PV < 30, respectively. Three-months and 12-months potency rates were 37.1% and 54.8% for men with large glands (≥70) and 56.3% and 65.0% for men with PV < 30. In multivariate analysis, continence at 1 week, 3 months and 12 months was significantly worse in patients with glands ≥70 ml, while potency was not influenced by PV in multivariate analysis. There was a higher mean blood loss (P < 0.001) in patients with larger glands. In univariate analysis, higher PV was significantly associated with lower BCR (P = 0.019), but not with metastasis free survival (P = 0.112).

CONCLUSIONS

PV significantly influences BCR-free survival only in univariate analysis. Especially early (1-week and 3-months) postoperative continence is negatively affected by higher PV in multivariate analysis, while PV did not influence potency after adjusting for further covariates in a specialized high-volume institution.

Average Weight of Seminal Vesicles: An Adjustment Factor for Radical Prostatectomy Specimens Weighed With Seminal Vesicles

The International Society of Urological Pathology in 2010 recommended weighing prostates without seminal vesicles (SV) to include only prostate weight in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD) calculation, because SV do not produce PSA. Large retrospective cohorts exist with combined weight recorded that needs to be modified for retrospective analysis. Weights of prostates and SV were separately recorded in 172 consecutive prostatectomies. The average weight of SV and proportion of prostate weight from combined weight were calculated. The adjustment factors were then validated on databases of 2 other institutions. The average weight of bilateral SV was 6.4 g (range = 1-17.3 g). The prostate constituted on average 87% (range = 66% to 98%) of the total specimen weight. There was no correlation between patient age and prostate weight with SV weight. The best performing correction method was to subtract 6.4 g from total radical prostatectomy weight and to use this weight for PSAD calculation. The average weights of retrospective specimens weighed with SV were not significantly different between the 3 institutions. Using our data allowed calibration of the weights and PSAD between the cohorts weighed with and without SV. Thus, prostate weight in specimens including SV weight can be adjusted by subtracting 6.4 g, resulting in significant change of PSAD. Some institution-specific variations may exist, which could further increase the precision of retrospective analysis involving prostate weight and PSAD. However, unless institution-specific adjustment parameters are developed, we recommend that this correction factor be used for retrospective cohorts or in institutions where combined weight is still recorded.

Importance of prostate volume in the stratification of patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the role of prostate volume assessed at final pathology in the risk of biochemical recurrence in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

Overall, 5637 patients treated with radical prostatectomy between January 1993 and August 2013 were identified. Multivariable Cox regression analyses tested the association between prostate volume and biochemical recurrence in the overall population and after stratifying patients according to the D'Amico risk groups.

RESULTS

Mean (median) prostate volume was 50.61 mL (46 mL). When patients were stratified according to D'Amico risk groups, mean (median) prostate volume was 51.7 mL (48 mL), 49.8 mL (45 mL) and 50.6 mL (46 mL) in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk prostate cancer, respectively (P = 0.04). Overall, the 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rate was 87.9%. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, prostate volume was associated with a lower risk of biochemical recurrence (hazard ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.99-1.00), after accounting for disease characteristics. However, when patients were stratified according to D'Amico risk groups, prostate volume represented an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence only in individuals with intermediate-risk disease (hazard ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.99-1.00). Conversely, prostate volume was not associated with the risk of experiencing biochemical recurrence in patients with low- and high-risk disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Smaller prostates are associated with increased risk of biochemical recurrence after surgery only in men with intermediate-risk disease. In this category, the preoperative assessment of prostate volume might be helpful in order to identify patients at higher risk of biochemical recurrence after surgery. Additionally, prostate volume might be used to individualize follow-up schedules after radical prostatectomy.

Time from first detectable PSA following radical prostatectomy to biochemical recurrence: A competing risk analysis

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we estimated the time from first detectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following radical prostatectomy (RP) to commonly used definitions of biochemical recurrence (BCR). We also identified the predictors of time to BCR.

METHODS

We identified subjects who underwent a RP and had an undetectable PSA after surgery followed by at least 1 detectable PSA between 2000 and 2011. The primary outcome was time to BCR (PSA ≥0.2 and successive PSA ≥0.2) and prediction of the rate of PSA rise. Outcomes were calculated using a competing risk analysis, with univariable and multivariable Fine and Grey models. We employed a mixed effect model to test clinical predictors that are associated with the rate of PSA rise.

RESULTS

The cohort included 376 patients. The median follow-up from surgery was 60.5 months (interquartile range [IQR] 40.8-91.5) and from detectable PSA was 18 months (IQR 11-32). Only 45.74% (n = 172) had PSA values ≥0.2 ng/mL, while 15.16% (n = 57) reached the PSA level of ≥0.4 ng/mL and rising. On multivariable analysis, the values of the first detectable PSA and pathologic Gleason grade 8 or higher were consistently independent predictors of time to BCR. In the mixed effect model rate, the PSA rise was associated with time from surgery to first detectable PSA, Gleason score, and prostate volume. The main limitation of this study is the large proportion of patients that received treatment without reaching BCR. It is plausible that shorter estimated median times would occur at a centre that does not use salvage therapy at such an early state.

CONCLUSION

The time from first detectable PSA to BCR may be lengthy. Our analyses of the predictors of the rate of PSA rise can help determine a personalized approach for patients with a detectable PSA after surgery.

Understanding the relationship between tumor size, gland size, and disease aggressiveness in men with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between prostate gland and tumor volume in men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. We hypothesized that larger tumors within smaller prostate glands are associated with more aggressive disease characteristics.

METHODS

Records of patients undergoing RP from 2000-2008 at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively. The dominant nodule was considered to be the largest focus of cancer within the prostate, and the dominant nodule-to-prostate volume ratio (DNVR) was calculated according to the ratio of the dominant nodule volume to the gland weight. Cox regression was performed to assess the relationship between DNVR and both pathologic outcomes (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment post-Surgical score) and biochemical recurrence (BCR).

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 174 patients (7.2%) suffered BCR. There was no linear correlation between tumor volume and gland size (R = -0.09). DNVR above the median (≥0.033 cc/gm) was closely associated with high clinicopathologic risk as measured by Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment post-Surgical score (hazard ratio, 35.53; 95% confidence interval, 14.42-87.55 for high- vs low-risk groups). In the univariable analysis, both tumor diameter and DNVR were associated with increased risk of BCR. However, in the multivariable model, only tumor diameter remained a significant predictor of BCR (hazard ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.91).

CONCLUSION

Increased DNVR appears to be a characteristic of aggressive prostate tumors, although it did not predict BCR in the present study. However, these data support the association between tumor diameter and BCR after RP for prostate cancer independent of other key clinicopathologic features.

Impact of prostate size on pathologic outcomes and prognosis after radical prostatectomy

Purpose

We investigated prostate size and its correlation with final pathologic outcomes and prognosis.

Materials and Methods

From 1993 to 2009, 830 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy with follow-up duration of 12 months or more were included in this study. Patients were categorized according to prostate size as follows: group 1, prostate size ≤40 g (n=458), and group 2, prostate size >40 g (n=472). Preoperative parameters and postoperative pathologic outcomes were compared between groups. Multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify the pathologic and clinical factors affecting biochemical recurrence.

Results

Patients in group 1 had higher pathologic T stage (pT2a=17.7% vs. 23.9%, pT2b=1.1% vs. 0%, pT2c=40.4% vs. 39.8%, pT3a=29.5% vs. 21.0%, pT3b=10.7% vs. 13.2%, p=0.003) and higher positive surgical margin (40.3% vs. 33.1%, p=0.033) than did patients in group 2. Pathologic Gleason score was not significantly different between the two groups. The 5-year biochemical-recurrence-free survival was 62.3% for patients in group 1 and 73.2% for patients in group 2 (p=0.005). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that prostate size of 40 g or less (hazard ratio [HR], 1.378; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.027 to 1.848; p=0.032), extracapsular extension (HR, 1.592; 95% CI, 1.147 to 2.209; p=0.005), positive surgical margin (HR, 2.348; 95% CI, 1.701 to 3.242; p<0.001), and pathologic Gleason sum (HR, 1.507; 95% CI, 1.292 to 1.758; p<0.001) were independent predictors of biochemical recurrence.

Conclusions

Smaller prostate size was associated with increased risk of higher pT stage and positive surgical margin after radical prostatectomy. Also, prostate size less than 40 g was an independent prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence.

Smaller prostate gland size and older age predict Gleason score upgrading

OBJECTIVES

Gleason score is important for prostate cancer (CaP) risk stratification and prognostication but has a significant rate of upgrading. We examined the effect of prostate size and age on upgrading of Gleason 6 CaP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients with Gleason 6 CaP who underwent radical prostatectomy from 2001 through 2010. Preoperative clinical and pathologic variables were assessed to determine association with risk of upgrading at prostatectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 1,836 patients were identified with Gleason 6 on prostate biopsy. Upgrading was observed in 543 (29.6%) patients with a final Gleason score of 3+4 in 463 (25.2%), 4+3 in 49 (2.7%), and 8-10 in 31 (1.7%). On univariate logistic regression, age, prostate weight, and PSA were significant predictors of Gleason score upgrading and remained significant on multiple logistic regression. Prostate weight was inversely related to risk of upgrading. To further explore this effect, we performed multiple logistic regression to examine risk of Gleason 6, 7, or 8-10 disease in 2,493 patients with Gleason 6-10 at prostatectomy. After controlling for age and PSA, there was a progressively increased risk of Gleason 6, 7, and 8-10 disease with decreasing prostate weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, higher PSA, and smaller prostate gland size are associated with increased risk of Gleason score upgrading. The inverse relationship of prostate weight to risk of Gleason upgrading may be related to increased high-grade disease in smaller glands.