Active surveillance in patients with a PSA >10 ng/mL

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to enlarged prostates

INTRODUCTION

The surgical treatment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and significantly enlarged symptomatic prostates on active surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) is not well defined. We report our single-institution initial experience with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for LUTS in men with low-risk PCa being managed with AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Men on AS who underwent HoLEP between 2013 and 2019 were identified. Data regarding preoperative cancer workup, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), perioperative outcomes, and voiding parameters were analyzed. Postoperative surveillance for PCa including PSA nadir, prostate magnetic resonance imaging, prostate biopsy (PBx), and PSA at last follow-up were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty men met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative mean max flow 7.9 ml/s, median postvoid residual 101 cc, and mean transrectal ultrasound prostate size 99 cc. Patients had a median adjusted preoperative PSA of 8.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.8-13.2) ng/ml. Mean resected tissue weight was 65.5 g with improved postoperative flow rate and significantly decreased residual. A total of 5/20 men had PCa in the specimen (all Gleason Grade Group 1). The median postoperative PSA nadir was 1.2 (IQR: 0.5-1.8) ng/ml at median of 5 months. At the last follow-up (median 18.5 months, IQR: 10.5-37.8), the median postoperative PSA was 1.4 (IQR: 0.63-2.48) ng/ml. Nine men underwent postoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) with the identification of a new prostate imaging reporting and data system 5 lesion in one patient who underwent negative fusion biopsy. Five men underwent post-HoLEP PBx with progression in two patients, who both successfully underwent radical prostatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Men on AS for low-risk PCa can safely undergo HoLEP with significantly improved voiding parameters. Postoperative monitoring with PSA, mpMRI, and PBx can detect disease progression requiring definitive treatment. Further research is needed to optimize surveillance strategies and long-term cancer-specific outcomes.

Active surveillance in intermediate-risk prostate cancer with PSA 10-20 ng/mL: pathological outcome analysis of a population-level database

BACKGROUND

Active surveillance (AS) is generally recognized as the preferred option for men with low-risk prostate cancer. Current guidelines use prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 10-20 ng/mL or low-volume biopsy Gleason grade group (GG) 2 as features that, in part, define the favorable intermediate-risk disease and suggest that AS may be considered for some men in this risk category.

METHODS

We identified 26,548 men initially managed with AS aged <80 years, with clinically localized prostate cancer (cT1-2cN0M0), PSA ≤ 20 ng/mL, biopsy GG ≤ 2 with percent positive cores ≤33% and who converted to treatment with radical prostatectomy from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results prostate with the watchful waiting database. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of adverse pathology at RP according to PSA level (<10 vs 10-20 ng/mL) and GG (1 vs 2).

RESULTS

Of 1731 men with GG 1 disease and PSA 10-20 ng/mL, 382 (22.1%) harbored adverse pathology compared to 2340 (28%) of 8,367 men with GG 2 and a PSA < 10 ng/mL who had adverse pathology at RP. On multivariable analysis, the odds of harboring adverse pathology with a PSA 10-20 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71-2.05, p < 0.001) was less than that of GG 2 (OR 2.56, 95%CI 2.40-2.73, p < 0.001) after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support extending AS criteria more permissively to carefully selected men with PSA 10-20 ng/mL and GG 1 disease.

The impact of pretreatment PSA on risk stratification in men with Gleason 6 prostate cancer: Implications for active surveillance

BACKGROUND

There are limited data to support the safety of active surveillance in men with favorable-intermediate risk prostate cancer due only to a prostate specific antigen (PSA) above 10 ng/ml. We therefore evaluated the impact of pretreatment PSA on risk-stratification in men with Gleason 6 prostate cancer.

METHODS

We identified men aged 18 to 75 with cT1-2cN0cM0, pre-treatment PSA < 20 ng/ml, Gleason 6 prostate cancer diagnosed from 2010 to 2016 in the National Cancer Database who underwent radical prostatectomy. The associations of patient and disease features with Gleason score upgrading or adverse pathologic features at prostatectomy were evaluated using logistic regression. To evaluate for non linear relationships between PSA and each outcome, we examined predicted marginal event rates standardized for baseline characteristics with PSA modeled using restricted cubic splines RESULTS: A total of 75,566 patients were included in the cohort. In unadjusted analyses, patients with pretreatment PSA ≥ 10 ng/ml had higher rates of Gleason core upgrading (58.8% vs. 47.9%; P< 0.001) and adverse pathologic features (19.7% vs. 10.0%; P< 0.001) compared to patients with PSA < 10 ng/ml. In multivariable analyses, PSA ≥ 10 ng/ml was associated with statistically significantly increased risks of Gleason score upgrading (OR 1.47;95%CI 1.39 - 1.55) and adverse pathologic features (OR 2.15;95%CI 2.01 - 2.30). When modeled as a non linear continuous covariate, PSA was associated with increased adjusted rates of Gleason score upgrading and adverse pathologic features without a clear dichotomization at a threshold of 10 ng/ml.

CONCLUSION

Higher pretreatment PSA was independently associated with increased risks of Gleason score upgrading and adverse pathologic features at prostatectomy. Flexible modeling of the relationship between PSA and each outcome did not support dichotomization at a threshold of 10 ng/ml. These results can be used to improve patient risk-stratification for active surveillance.

[Active surveillance of prostate cancer: treatement-free survival according to restricted or expanded eligibility criteria]

AIM

Overtreatment is an actual problem in low risk localized prostate cancer (PC) management. Active surveillance (AS) is a solution to limit this problem, but eligibility criteria remained discussed. The aim was to assess possibilities of widening selection criteria for patient in AS, studying curative treatment free survival (CTFS) according to restricted or expanded eligibility criteria.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients beginning AS between 2008 and 2014, for Gleason 6 localized PC, PSA<15ng/ml,<cT3. The group "strict criteria" was defined:≤cT2a, PSA<10ng/ml, 2≤positive biopsies (PB+), total tumoral length≤3mm, tumoral invading≤50%, PSA density≤0,15ng/ml/cm³. MRI was performed at baseline and during follow-up. Radical treatment was proposed in case of biological, histological or clinical progression. Criteria associated with AS survival were analyzed by Cox regression.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty patients were included (follow-up 46 months). One hundred and eleven patients had "strict" criteria vs. 69 "expanded" criteria. Eighty-two patients (45%) were treated with median time of 18.2 months (CTFS was 71% at 2 years, 52% at 5 years.). The widening of the inclusion criteria was not associated with CTFS (65 vs 54% at 5 years, P=0.13). Factors significatively associated with discontinuation of AS were bilaterality (HR=2.12) and abnormal rectal digital examination cT2 (HR=2,07); MRI target (HR=2,48)) tended towards significance.

CONCLUSION

Our study concludes that curative treatment free survival is similar for patients included with expanded criteria compared with those included with strict criteria. However, high initial cancer volume) is associated with AS discontinuation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urology Association combined clinical management guidelines for prostate cancer 2017

This is an update to the previously published Saudi guidelines for the evaluation and medical and surgical management of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is categorized according to the stage of the disease using the tumor node metastasis staging system 7^th edition. The guidelines are presented with supporting evidence levels based on a comprehensive literature review, several internationally recognized guidelines, and the collective expertise of the guidelines committee members (authors) who were selected by the Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urological Association. Local factors, such as availability, logistic feasibility, and familiarity of various treatment modalities, have been taken into consideration. These guidelines should serve as a roadmap for the urologists, oncologists, general physicians, support groups, and health-care policymakers in the management of patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urology Association combined clinical management guidelines for prostate cancer 2017

This is an update to the previously published Saudi guidelines for the evaluation and medical and surgical management of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is categorized according to the stage of the disease using the tumor node metastasis staging system 7^th edition. The guidelines are presented with supporting evidence levels based on a comprehensive literature review, several internationally recognized guidelines, and the collective expertise of the guidelines committee members (authors) who were selected by the Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urological Association. Local factors, such as availability, logistic feasibility, and familiarity of various treatment modalities, have been taken into consideration. These guidelines should serve as a roadmap for the urologists, oncologists, general physicians, support groups, and health-care policymakers in the management of patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

[Is there still a role for active surveillance in prostate cancer?]

Long-term data demonstrate a higher oncological risk associated with active surveillance (AS) than initially anticipated. In particular, patients with more than two tumor-involved biopsy cores and/or Gleason-7a foci must be regarded as having an increased risk of developing an incurable stage of disease after an initial attempt of AS. For patients with Gleason-7a foci, the 15-year risk of suffering from an incurable tumor stage is reported as high as 60%. Furthermore, life expectancy must be regarded as one of the major risk factors to finally develop symptomatic incurable disease. A discussion has therefore started as to whether a high life expectancy should be regarded as an exclusion criterion against AS. An estimated life expectancy exceeding 15 or 20 years has been proposed for patients suffering from Gleason 7a or 6 foci at initial biopsy, respectively. Furthermore, it must be expected that a number of molecular risk factors will gain importance in the near future for the decision-making process for or against AS.

Saudi oncology society and Saudi urology association combined clinical management guidelines for prostate cancer

This is an update to the previously published Saudi guidelines for the evaluation, medical, and surgical management of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is categorized according to the stage of the disease using the tumor node metastasis staging system 7(th) edition. The guidelines are presented with supporting evidence level, they are based on comprehensive literature review, several internationally recognized guidelines, and the collective expertise of the guidelines committee members (authors) who were selected by the Saudi oncology society and Saudi urological association. Considerations to the local availability of drugs, technology, and expertise have been regarded. These guidelines should serve as a roadmap for the urologists, oncologists, general physicians, support groups, and health care policy makers in the management of patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate to.

Metastatic Prostate Cancer in Men Initially Treated with Active Surveillance

PURPOSE

Active surveillance is an approach to low and low intermediate risk prostate cancer that is designed to decrease overtreatment. Despite close monitoring a small subset of patients progress to metastatic disease. We analyzed the clinical and pathological correlates of surveillance in patients who eventually experienced metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single center, prospective cohort study. Eligible patients were treated with an expectant approach. The main outcome measure was metastasis-free survival. Predictive factors for metastasis were identified.

RESULTS

Metastasis developed in 30 of 980 patients, of whom 211 were classified at intermediate risk, including 14 who progressed to metastatic disease. Median followup was 6.3 years, median age was 70 years, median prostate specific antigen was 6.2 ng/ml and median time to metastasis was 8.9 years. Metastases developed in bone in 18 patients (60%) and in lymph nodes in 13 (43%). Prostate specific antigen doubling time less than 3 years (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.4, p = 0.0006), Gleason score 7 (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.3, p = 0.0018) and a total of 3 or more positive cores (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1-6.8, p = 0.0028) were independent predictors of metastasis. Although the intermediate risk group was at higher risk for metastasis, those with Gleason score 6 and prostate specific antigen greater than 10 ng/ml were not at increased risk for metastasis. Metastasis developed in only 2 patients with Gleason score 6 and neither had surgical pathology grading.

CONCLUSION

Active surveillance appears safe in patients at low risk and in select patients at intermediate risk, particularly those with Gleason score 6 and prostate specific antigen greater than 10 ng/ml. Patients with elements of Gleason pattern 4 on diagnostic biopsy are at increased risk for eventual metastasis when treated with an initial conservative approach.

Syndecan-1 up-regulates microRNA-331-3p and mediates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs with a length of approximately 19-24 nucleotides that regulate gene expression through translational inhibition and contribute to the progression of various tumors including prostate cancer. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been implicated in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer. The present study aimed to investigate whether miR-331-3p controlled by syndecan-1 positively affects the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Overexpression of miR-331-3p upregulated mesenchymal markers such as vimentin, N-cadherin, and snail and downregulated epithelial markers such as E-cadherin and desmoplakin in the prostate cancer cell line PC3. We identified Neuropilin 2 and nucleus accumbens-associated protein 1 as putative target molecules in silico, as they were closely associated with the expression of miR-331-3p and TGF-β/Smad 4 signals. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry of radical prostatectomy samples revealed miR-331-3p in cancer cells with high Gleason patterns, in which EMT was demonstrated by decreased E-cadherin, and increased vimentin staining. Syndecan-1 gene silencing decreased levels of Dicer, which is involved in miRNA maturation. MiR-331-3p-mediated miRNA maturation and enhanced EMT via effects on TGF-β/Smad 4 and Dicer are essential for the development of prostate cancer mediated by syndecan-1. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with Gleason score 6 prostate cancer and symptomatic prostatic enlargement: a risk-adaptive strategy for the era of active surveillance

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether transurethral resection of the prostate can be used as both (i) treatment for symptomatic prostatic enlargement in patients with prostate cancer and (ii) a risk-adaptive strategy for reducing prostate-specific antigen levels and broadening the indications of active surveillance.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data of 3680 patients who underwent prostate biopsies at a single institution (March 2006 to January 2012). Of 529 men who had Gleason score 6 prostate cancer and were ineligible for active surveillance, 86 (16.3%) underwent transurethral resection of the prostate for symptomatic prostatic enlargement. We assessed how changes in prostate-specific antigen and prostate-specific antigen density influenced the eligibility for active surveillance and the outcome of subsequent therapy. The following active surveillance criteria were used: prostate-specific antigen ≤ 10 ng/ml, prostate-specific antigen density ≤ 0.15, positive cores ≤ 3 and single core involvement ≤ 50%.

RESULTS

The median age, pre-operative prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume were 71 years, 6.95 ng/ml, and 45.8 g, respectively. In 82.6% (71/86) of analyzed cases, ineligibility for active surveillance had resulted from elevated prostate-specific antigen level or prostate-specific antigen density. With a median resection of 16.5 g, transurethral resection of the prostate reduced the percentage of prostate-specific antigen and the percentage of prostate-specific antigen density by 34.5 and 50.0%, respectively, making 81.7% (58/71) of the patients eligible for active surveillance. Prostate-specific antigen level remained stabilized in all (21/21) patients maintained on active surveillance without disease progression during the median follow-up of 50.6 months. Among patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, 96.7% (29/30) exhibited localized disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk-adaptive transurethral resection of the prostate may prevent overtreatment and allay prostate-specific antigen-associated anxiety in patients with biopsy-proven low-grade prostate cancer and elevated prostate-specific antigen. Additional benefits include voiding symptom improvement and the avoidance of curative therapy's immediate side effects.