The 2019 Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS) White Paper on Contemporary Grading of Prostate Cancer

Undetected Cribriform and Intraductal Prostate Cancer at biopsy is associated with adverse outcomes

BACKGROUND

Intraductal carcinoma (IDC) and cribriform pattern (Crib) of prostate cancer are increasingly recognized as independent prognosticators of poor outcome, both in prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our project is to assess the impact of false negative biopsies for these two characteristics on oncological outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients who underwent RP between January 2015 and December 2022 were included in the study. Predictors of Biochemical Failure were examined using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS AND LIMITATION

Among the 836 patients who underwent RP, 233 (27.9%) had Crib, and 125 (15.0%) had IDC on prostate biopsy, with 71 (8.5%) patients having both IDC and Crib. Concerning IDC/Crib status at biopsy, 217 (26%) patients had a false-negative biopsy, 332 (39.7%) had a true-negative biopsy, 256 (30.6%) showed a true-positive biopsy, and 24 (3.7%) exhibited a false-positive biopsy, with respect to either pattern. When comparing false-negative, false-positive, true-negative and true-positive biopsies for IDC/Crib, we found that patients with a false-negative biopsy for IDC/Crib versus those with a true-negative biopsy for IDC/Crib disclosed a rate of advanced pathological stage (≥pT3) which was twice that of patients with a true-negative biopsy for IDC/Crib: 56.8% versus 28.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariate Cox analysis, log PSA before RP (hazard ratio [HR] 2.07, 95% CI 1.53-2.82; p < 0.001), a higher percentage of positive cores at biopsy ( ≥ 33%) (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07-2.63; p = 0.024), and false negative biopsy for IDC/Crib (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.41-3.25; p < 0.001), were each significantly associated with an increased risk of BCR.

CONCLUSIONS

A false-negative biopsy for IDC/Crib is independently associated with higher risk of BCR and advanced pathological stage compared to a true negative biopsy.

Prospective Clinical Implementation of Paige Prostate Detect Artificial Intelligence Assistance in the Detection of Prostate Cancer in Prostate Biopsies: CONFIDENT P Trial Implementation of Artificial Intelligence Assistance in Prostate Cancer Detection

PURPOSE

Pathologists diagnose prostate cancer (PCa) on hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained sections of prostate needle biopsies (PBx). Some laboratories use costly immunohistochemistry (IHC) for all cases to optimize workflow, often exceeding reimbursement for the full specimen. Despite the rise in digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, clinical implementation studies are scarce. This prospective clinical trial evaluated whether an AI-assisted workflow for detecting PCa in PBx reduces IHC use while maintaining diagnostic safety standards.

METHODS

Patients suspected of PCa were allocated biweekly to either a control or intervention arm. In the control arm, pathologists assessed whole-slide images (WSI) of PBx using HE and IHC stainings. In the intervention arm, pathologists used the Paige Prostate Detect AI algorithm on HE slides, requesting IHC only as needed. IHC was requested for all morphologically negative slides in the AI arm. The main outcome was the relative risk (RR) of IHC use per detected PCa case at both patient and WSI levels.

RESULTS

Overall, 143 of 237 (60.3%) slides of 64 of 82 patients contained PCa (78.0%). AI assistance significantly reduced the risk of IHC use per detected PCa case at both the patient level (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.72) and slide level (RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.52). Cost reductions on IHC were €1,700 for the trial, at €50 per IHC stain. AI-assisted pathologists reported higher confidence in their diagnoses (80% v 56% confident or high confidence). The median assessment time per HE slide showed no significant difference between the AI-assisted and control arms (139 seconds v 112 seconds; P = .2).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that AI assistance for PCa detection in PBx significantly reduces IHC costs while maintaining diagnostic safety standards, supporting the business case for AI implementation in PCa detection.

Atypical Intraductal Proliferation in Prostate Needle Core Biopsy: Validation as a Marker of Unsampled Adverse Pathology in a Clinicopathologic Series of 142 New Patients

Atypical intraductal proliferation (AIP) of the prostate is characterized by morphologic features exceeding that of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia but not meeting strict diagnostic criteria for intraductal carcinoma. We examined the clinical significance of AIP in biopsy specimens. Patients with AIP diagnosed on biopsy were identified from surgical pathology archives. Initial biopsies, any repeat biopsies, and any radical prostatectomy (RP) slides were rereviewed. We also identified a control group of 50 consecutive patients with available prostate biopsies showing invasive prostatic adenocarcinoma but no AIP and having paired RP for comparison. Medical records were searched for nonsurgical treatment and clinical outcome status. Patients with initial biopsies showing invasive adenocarcinoma with either grade group (GG) ≥3 and/or unfavorable histology (as recently defined) were excluded from both the study and control groups. Correlation with subsequent adverse pathology at rebiopsy or RP, as defined by separate criteria: unfavorable histology, large cribriform/intraductal carcinoma, GG ≥3, pN1, and/or pM1, was assessed for both groups. Phosphate and tensin (PTEN) homolog and ETS-related gene (ERG) immunohistochemistry were performed on biopsies with available paired RP, using standard protocols. One hundred forty-two patients with AIP met inclusion criteria. At initial biopsy, 16 patients (11.3%) had AIP without concomitant invasive carcinoma, whereas 126 (88.7%) also had invasive adenocarcinoma. Of the 126 invasive tumors with AIP meeting study criteria, 19 (15.1%) were GG 1 and 107 (84.9%) GG 2. One hundred thirty-nine of 142 patients with AIP (97.9%) had available clinical follow-up (mean: 36.9 mo). Fifty-two (36.3%) patients with AIP underwent RP, 36 (25.4%) had brachytherapy, 28 (19.7%) had radiotherapy, 17 (12%) remained on active surveillance, 2 (1.4%) had cryoablation, 2 (1.4%) received androgen deprivation therapy, and 1 (0.7%) had high-intensity focused ultrasound. Forty-seven of 52 patients undergoing prostatectomy (90.3%) had glass slides available for review: 30 (63.8%) were GG2, 13 (27.7%) GG3, 1 (2.1%) GG4, and 3 (6.4%) GG5. Seventeen (36.2%) patients were staged as pT2, 25 (53.2%) pT3a, and 5 (10.6%) pT3b. Forty-two of 47 (89.4%) patients had associated unfavorable histology on prostatectomy, including 41 (87.2%) with large cribriform/intraductal carcinoma, 17 (36.2%) GG≥3, and 5 (10.6%) with metastatic disease. In the 36 AIP lesions examined for PTEN and ERG immunoreactivity, 14 (38.9%) had concomitant PTEN loss and ERG over-expression, 6 (16.7%) showed PTEN loss only, and 6 (16.7%) had ERG overexpression only. AIP morphology was more predictive of risk for unfavorable histology at RP than PTEN/ERG immunophenotype. Seventeen patients not undergoing RP had rebiopsy, of which 5 (29.4%) had at least one adverse feature identified on repeat biopsy. Nineteen of 50 patients (38%) in the non-AIP control group had adverse pathology at RP (by any definition), compared with 89.4% in the AIP study group (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, AIP in prostate needle core biopsy is strongly associated with unsampled adverse pathology, defined by unfavorable histology and other traditional definitions of aggressive disease. For optimal patient risk stratification and active surveillance management, AIP should gain better recognition as a standard reporting element given its association with an increased likelihood of unsampled high-risk disease.

Framework for the Pathology Workup of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Biopsies

Lineage plasticity and histologic transformation from prostate adenocarcinoma to neuroendocrine (NE) prostate cancer (NEPC) occur in up to 15% to 20% of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) as a mechanism of treatment resistance and are associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. NEPC tumors typically display small cell carcinoma morphology with loss of androgen receptor (AR) expression and gain of NE lineage markers. However, there is a spectrum of phenotypes that are observed during the lineage plasticity process, and the clinical significance of mixed histologies or those that co-express AR and NE markers or lack all markers is not well defined. Translational research studies investigating NEPC have used variable definitions, making clinical trial design challenging. In this manuscript, we discuss the diagnostic workup of metastatic biopsies to help guide the reproducible classification of phenotypic CRPC subtypes. We recommend classifying CRPC tumors based on histomorphology (adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, other morphologic variant, or mixed morphology) and IHC markers with a priority for AR, NK3 homeobox 1, insulinoma-associated protein 1, synaptophysin, and cell proliferation based on Ki-67 positivity, with additional markers to be considered based on the clinical context. Ultimately, a unified workup of metastatic CRPC biopsies can improve clinical trial design and eventually practice.

Comparison of Pathologist and Artificial Intelligence-based Grading for Prediction of Metastatic Outcomes After Radical Prostatectomy

Gleason grade group (GG) is the most powerful prognostic variable in localized prostate cancer; however, interobserver variability remains a challenge. Artificial intelligence algorithms applied to histopathologic images standardize grading, but most have been tested only for agreement with pathologist GG, without assessment of performance with respect to oncologic outcomes. We compared deep learning-based and pathologist-based GGs for an association with metastatic outcome in three surgical cohorts comprising 777 unique patients. A digitized whole slide image of the representative hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide of the dominant tumor nodule was assigned a GG by an artificial intelligence-based grading algorithm and was compared with the GG assigned by a contemporary pathologist or the original pathologist-assigned GG for the entire prostatectomy. Harrell's C-indices based on Cox models for time to metastasis were compared. In a combined analysis of all cohorts, the C-index for the artificial intelligence-assigned GG was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.81), compared with 0.77 (95% CI: 0.73-0.81) for the pathologist-assigned GG. By comparison, the original pathologist-assigned GG for the entire case had a C-index of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73-0.82). PATIENT SUMMARY: Artificial intelligence-enabled prostate cancer grading on a single slide was comparable with pathologist grading for predicting metastatic outcome in men treated by radical prostatectomy, enabling equal access to expert grading in lower resource settings.

Confirmatory Biopsy Outcomes in Patients with Grade Group 2 Prostate Cancer: Implications for Early Management

Background and objective

Guideline recommendations regarding early management of grade group (GG) 2 prostate cancer with confirmatory biopsy (cBx) are not well established. Our aim was to determine which patients with GG 2 cancer should undergo cBx before treatment decision-making by evaluating the probability of downgrading to GG 1 or no cancer on cBx.

Methods

This was a single-institution retrospective analysis of patients with GG 2 prostate cancer who underwent cBx. We modeled the probability of having no Gleason pattern 4 on cBx according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score, presence of extraprostatic extension (EPE) on MRI, total length of pattern 4 across all cores on initial Bx, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density.

Key findings and limitations

Among 301 patients, 62 (21%) were downgraded to GG 1 and 23 (8%) had no cancer on cBx. For patients with nonsuspicious MRI findings (PI-RADS 1-3; n = 123), the probability of having no pattern 4 on CBx was 34%, 20%, and 11% for 1, 2, and 3 mm of pattern 4 at initial Bx. For PI-RADS 4-5 without EPE on MRI (n = 146), the corresponding probabilities were 18%, 10%, and 5%. Patients with EPE on MRI (n = 32) had low probability (<10%) of having no pattern 4 on cBx irrespective of pattern 4 on initial Bx. Results using a model based on PSA density followed a similar trend. After applying the model in a cohort of patients with GG 2 cancer who immediately underwent surgery (n = 2275), we estimated that two-thirds would be eligible for cBx before treatment using a probability threshold of 5-10% for avoiding immediate surgery.

Conclusions and clinical implications

Patients with GG 2 prostate cancer, no evidence of EPE, and a few millimeters of pattern 4 should undergo cBx before proceeding to surgery. Further research should define the oncologic risk for such patients, refine the criteria for cBx in GG 2 disease, and assess methods for quantifying pattern 4 length in MRI-targeted cores.

Patient summary

For patients with grade group (GG) 2 prostate cancer, we found that the amount of Gleason pattern 4 cancer in the initial biopsy, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) density, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) findings help to identify men who are likely to be downgraded to less aggressive GG 1 cancer or no cancer at all on a repeat confirmatory biopsy. We assessed these predictors in a group of patients with similar characteristics who underwent immediate surgery, and found that approximately two-thirds would benefit from a confirmatory biopsy.

Clinical significance of location of perineural cancer invasion detected on prostate needle core biopsy

The clinical impact of site-specific perineural invasion (PNI) in prostate cancer remains poorly understood. We compared radical prostatectomy findings and oncologic outcomes in 434 patients with single-site PNI on systematic sextant biopsy. PNI was present in the right apex (n = 62; 14%), right mid (n = 70; 16%), right base (n = 89; 21%), left apex (n = 64; 15%), left mid (n = 58; 13%), and left base (n = 91; 21%). There were no significant differences in biopsy or prostatectomy findings, when comparing apex vs. mid vs. base PNI. Univariate analysis revealed that apex-localized PNI was associated with a significantly higher risk of progression, compared with base (P = 0.037) or mid/base (P = 0.024) PNI. Multivariable analysis showed that apex-localized PNI was an independent risk factor for progression (hazard ratio 2.049, P = 0.002). Among biopsies demonstrating PNI at one sextant site, apex-localized PNI is independently associated with poorer prognosis, though not worse histopathologic features on prostatectomy, compared with mid or base PNI.

Cribriform intraductal carcinoma of the prostate may be more aggressive than cribriform conventional/acinar prostatic adenocarcinoma

It remains to be determined if the prognostic value of cribriform morphology (Crib) associated with intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC) is equivalent to that in conventional/acinar prostatic adenocarcinoma (CPA). We herein assessed radical prostatectomy findings and long-term oncologic outcomes in 732 men with Grade Group 2-4 CPA without any Gleason pattern 5. Our cases were divided into four cohorts according to the absence or presence of Crib within CPA and/or IDC: Cohort-1, no Crib (n=347; 47.4%); Cohort-2, Crib only in CPA (n=203; 27.7%); Cohort-3, Crib only in IDC (n=17; 2.3%); and Cohort-4, Crib in both CPA and IDC (n=165; 22.5%). Compared with that in CPA only (Cohort-2), Crib in both CPA and IDC (Cohort-4) was significantly associated with adverse histopathological features, including higher tumour grade/stage and larger tumour volume. Univariate analysis revealed significantly higher risks of postoperative recurrence in patients with Crib in IDC only [Cohort-3; hazard ratio (HR) 2.450, p=0.022] or both CPA and IDC (Cohort-4; HR 2.835, p<0.001) than in those with Crib in CPA only (Cohort-2), whereas the prognosis was analogous between Cohort-3 and Cohort-4 (p=0.913). In a multivariable analysis [Crib in CPA only (Cohort-2) as a reference], Crib in IDC only (Cohort-3; HR 3.821, p=0.002) or both CPA and IDC (Cohort-4; HR 1.905, p=0.004) showed significantly worse recurrence-free survival. Compared with Crib in CPA only, its presence in both CPA and IDC was thus found to be independently associated with a poorer prognosis, suggesting a potentially greater clinical impact of Crib in IDC than in CPA.

Identification of intraductal-to-invasive spatial transitions in prostate cancer: proposal for a new unifying model on intraductal carcinogenesis

AIMS

Intraductal carcinoma (IDC) is an independent pathological parameter for adverse prostate cancer (PCa) outcome. Although most IDC are believed to originate from retrograde spread of established PCa, rare IDC cases may represent precursor lesions. The actual transition areas between intraductal and invasive cancer, however, have not yet been identified. Our objective was to identify intraductal-invasive PCa transitions using 2- and 3-dimensional microscopy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy-five samples from 46 radical prostatectomies with PCa were immunohistochemically stained for basal cell keratins. In 35 samples, atypical glands that were indistinguishable from invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) had focal 34BE12-positive basal cells. These IAC-like glands were present adjacent to IDC and prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia (PIN) in 21 of 45 (46.7%) and 16 of 58 (27.6%) cases, respectively. Whole-mount confocal imaging of immunofluorescent Ker5/18 double-stained and cleared 1-mm-thick intact tissues revealed spatial continuity between IDC, IAC-like glands and IAC with a gradual loss of basal cells. In 24 of 35 (68.6%) samples more than one IAC-like focus (median 3.0) was present.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified areas of spatial transition between PIN, IDC and IAC, characterised by remnant basal cells in IAC-like glands. Based on the coexistence of IDC and PIN, the gradual loss of basal cells in IAC-like glands and IAC-like glands' multifocality, we propose a novel hypothesis on intraductal carcinogenesis, which we term 'repetitive invasion, precursor progression' (RIPP).

Artificial intelligence-based personalized clinical decision-making for patients with localized prostate cancer: surgery versus radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Surgery and radiotherapy are primary nonconservative treatments for prostate cancer (PCa). However, personalizing treatment options between these treatment modalities is challenging due to unclear criteria. We developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model that can identify patients with localized PCa who would benefit more from either radiotherapy or surgery, thereby providing personalized clinical decision-making.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from consecutive patients with localized PCa who received radiotherapy or surgery with complete records of clinicopathological variables and follow-up results in 12 registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were analyzed. Patients from 7 registries were randomly assigned to training (TD) and internal validation datasets (IVD) at a 9:1 ratio. The remaining 5 registries constituted the external validation dataset (EVD). TD was divided into training-radiotherapy (TRD) and training-surgery (TSD) datasets, and IVD was divided into internal-radiotherapy (IRD) and internal-surgery (ISD) datasets. Six models for radiotherapy and surgery were trained using TRD and TSD to predict radiotherapy survival probability (RSP) and surgery survival probability (SSP), respectively. The models with the highest concordance index (C-index) on IRD and ISD were chosen to form the final treatment recommendation model (FTR). FTR recommendations were based on the higher value between RSP and SSP. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for patients receiving recommended (consistent group) and nonrecommended treatments (inconsistent group), which were compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

The study included 118 236 patients, categorized into TD (TRD: 44 621; TSD: 41 500), IVD (IRD: 4949; ISD: 4621), and EVD (22 545). Both radiotherapy and surgery models accurately predicted RSP and SSP (C-index: 0.735-0.787 and 0.769-0.797, respectively). The consistent group exhibited higher survival rates than the inconsistent group, particularly among patients not suitable for active surveillance (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

FTR accurately identifies patients with localized PCa who would benefit more from either radiotherapy or surgery, offering clinicians an effective AI tool to make informed choices between these 2 treatments.

High GLUT1 membrane expression and low PSMA membrane expression in Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Intraductal Carcinoma of the prostate

BACKGROUND

Both Ductal Adenocarcinoma (DAC) and Intraductal Carcinoma (IDC) of the prostate are generally associated with aggressive clinical behavior and poor prognosis, which were linked with discordant FDG positivity and low Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) expression. A recent study only cited a DAC patient with low 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT uptake but high 18F-FDG PET/CT uptake, however, there is lack of directly compared articles nor large data sets. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the expression of PSMA and GLUT1 in DAC and IDC-P patients.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 87 DAC or/and IDC-P patients without any treatment and 97 PAC patients with a Gleason score ≥8 of prostate biopsies and prostatectomy samples between August 2017 and August 2022. We performed immunohistochemical staining and scoring of various cancer component samples from the patients to reflect the protein expression levels of PSMA and GLUT1.

RESULTS

PSMA expression in PAC was significantly higher than in DAC/IDC-P (141.2 vs 78.6, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in PSMA expression between DAC/IDC-P and adjacent PAC (78.6 vs 93.4, p = 0.166). GLUT1 expression was higher in DAC/IDC-P than in adjacent PAC (68.6 vs 51.3, p = 0.007), but was still lower than that in pure PAC (68.6 vs 93.1, p = 0.0014). It is worth noting that GLUT1 membrane expression in DAC/IDC-P was significantly increased than in pure PAC (13.0 vs 6.6, p = 0.025), and in PAC adjacent to DAC/IDC-P (13.0 vs 2.0, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In DAC/IDC-P tissues, PSMA expression is low, while GLUT1 expression, especially GLUT1 membrane expression is high. These findings imply that DAC/IDC-P may have higher glucose metabolic and raise interest in targeting membrane GLUT1 as a novel anticancer strategy for DAC/IDC-P and other prostate cancer with high glucose metabolism.

Topline/Final Diagnostic Inclusion of Relevant Histologic Findings in Surgical Pathology Reporting of Carcinoma in Prostate Biopsies

INTRODUCTION

As the list of histologic parameters to include in surgical pathology reports of prostate cancer biopsies grows, some pathologists include this information in the microscopic description or summary sections of the report, whereas others include it in the "topline" or final diagnosis section. This prompted us to develop a multi-institutional survey to assess reporting trends among genitourinary (GU) pathologists.

METHODS

A survey instrument was shared among 110 GU pathologists via surveymonkey.com. Anonymized respondent data was analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighty-four (76%) participants completed the survey across four continents. Most participants report tumor volume quantitation (88%), number of cores involved (89%), and both Gleason grade and Grade group (93%) in their topline; 71% include percent of pattern 4, with another 16% including it depending on cancer grade; 58% include the presence of cribriform growth pattern 4, with another 11% including it depending on cancer grade. When present, most include extraprostatic extension (90%), prostatic intraductal carcinoma (77%), and perineural invasion (77%). Inclusion of atypical intraductal proliferation (AIP) in the topline diagnosis was cancer grade-dependent, with 74% including AIP in Grade group 1, 61% in Grade group 2, 45% in Grade group 3, 30% in Grade group 4, and 26% in Grade group 5 cancers.

CONCLUSION

Certain histologic features such as Gleason grade and tumor volume/cores involved are frequently included in the topline diagnosis, whereas the incorporation of other findings are more variably included. Prostate biopsy reporting remains a dynamic process with stylistic similarities and differences existing among GU pathologists.

Can the free/total psa ratio predict undetected intraductal carcinoma and cribriform pattern at biopsy?

BACKGROUND

Intraductal carcinoma (IDC) and cribriform pattern (Crib) of prostate cancer are recognised as independent prognosticators of poor outcome, both in prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the predictive value of Free-to-total PSA ratio (FPSAR) in identifying missed IDC/Crib at the time of biopsy as compared to the final surgical specimen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent RP between January 2015 and December 2022 were included in the study. Predictors of a false negative biopsy were examined using a multivariate logistic regression. Associations between true positive/true negative/false negative biopsies (for IDC/Crib) with FPSAR as primary outcome parameter were determined using Chi-squared test and Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

This study included 639 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2015 and 2022 (Table 1) and had available FPSAR- at the time of biopsy. The median age was 63.0 years (IQR: 58.9-68.0). The median serum PSA before RP was 7.0 ng/ml (IQR: 5.3-9.5). Among the 639 patients, 177 (28%) had Crib, and 97 (15%) had IDC on prostate biopsy, with 54 (9%) patients having both IDC and Crib. Concerning Grade Group distribution at biopsy, there was: GG1 in 62 patients (10%), GG2 in 428 (67%), GG3 in 102 (16%), GG4 in 28 (4%), and GG5 in 19 (3%) patients. On multivariate regression analysis, the following were associated with lower odds of a false-negative IDC/Crib biopsy: Percentage of pattern 4 ≥ 10% at biopsy (odds ratio [OR] 0.17, 95% CI 0.10-0.29; p < 0.001); higher Gleason score (grade group 4/5) on biopsy (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.91; p = 0.03) and higher percent of positive cores at biopsy ≥ 33% (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.88; p = 0.02). FPSAR ≥ 0.10 was not an independent predictor of a false-negative IDC/Crib biopsy (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our study's findings suggest that FPSAR is not a reliable biomarker for identifying IDC/Crib status at the time of biopsy. Further research is needed to identify biomarkers or combinations of biomarkers that can improve the diagnostic accuracy for these aggressive variants of PCa. Our study that involved 639 patients shows that FPSAR is not a good marker for detecting aggressive types of PCa, during a biopsy. More research is needed to find better markers or combinations of markers that can help diagnose these aggressive forms of prostate cancer more accurately.

Tumor architecture and emergence of strong genetic alterations are bottlenecks for clonal evolution in primary prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCA) exhibits high levels of intratumoral heterogeneity. In this study, we developed a mathematical model to study the growth and genetic evolution of PCA. We explored the possible evolutionary patterns and demonstrated that tumor architecture represents a major bottleneck for divergent clonal evolution. Early consecutive acquisition of strong genetic alterations serves as a proxy for the formation of aggressive tumors. A limited number of clonal hierarchy patterns were identified. A biopsy study of synthetic tumors shows complex spatial intermixing of clones and delineates the importance of biopsy extent. Deep whole-exome multiregional next-generation DNA sequencing of the primary tumors from five patients was performed to validate the results, supporting our main findings from mathematical modeling. In conclusion, our model provides qualitatively realistic predictions of PCA genomic evolution, closely aligned with the evidence available from patient samples. We share the code of the model for further studies. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.

Histopathological evaluation and grading for prostate cancer: current issues and crucial aspects

ABSTRACT

A crucial aspect of prostate cancer grading, especially in low- and intermediate-risk cancer, is the accurate identification of Gleason pattern 4 glands, which includes ill-formed or fused glands. However, there is notable inconsistency among pathologists in recognizing these glands, especially when mixed with pattern 3 glands. This inconsistency has significant implications for patient management and treatment decisions. Conversely, the recognition of glomeruloid and cribriform architecture has shown higher reproducibility. Cribriform architecture, in particular, has been linked to the worst prognosis among pattern 4 subtypes. Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) is also associated with high-grade cancer and poor prognosis. Accurate identification, classification, and tumor size evaluation by pathologists are vital for determining patient treatment. This review emphasizes the importance of prostate cancer grading, highlighting challenges like distinguishing between pattern 3 and pattern 4 and the prognostic implications of cribriform architecture and intraductal proliferations. It also addresses the inherent grading limitations due to interobserver variability and explores the potential of computational pathology to enhance pathologist accuracy and consistency.

French AFU Cancer Committee Guidelines - Update 2024-2026: Prostate cancer - Diagnosis and management of localised disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the Oncology Committee of the French Urology Association is to propose updated recommendations for the diagnosis and management of localized prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature from 2022 to 2024 was conducted by the CCAFU on the elements of diagnosis and therapeutic management of localized PCa, evaluating references with their level of evidence.

RESULTS

The recommendations set out the genetics, epidemiology and diagnostic methods of PCa, as well as the concepts of screening and early detection. MRI, the reference imaging test for localized cancer, is recommended before prostate biopsies are performed. Molecular imaging is an option for disease staging. Performing biopsies via the transperineal route reduces the risk of infection. Active surveillance is the standard treatment for tumours with a low risk of progression. Therapeutic methods are described in detail, and recommended according to the clinical situation.

CONCLUSION

This update of French recommendations should help to improve the management of localized PCa.

Prostate cancer lesions in transition zone exhibit a higher propensity for pathological upgrading in radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

The varying malignancy and lethality of different grades of prostate cancer (PCa) highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the upgrading of transition zone (TZ) prostate cancer biopsies and identify factors to improve TZ biopsy accuracy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 217 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy after 12 + X cores transperineal transrectal ultrasound-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided targeted prostate biopsy from 2018 to 2021 in our center.

RESULTS

Patients with TZ lesions showed a higher incidence of International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade upgrading from 1 to higher grade compared to peripheral zone lesions (16.9% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis confirmed TZ lesions as an independent risk factor (OR: 4.594, 97.5% CI: 1.569-15.238, p = 0.008) for upgrading from 1 to higher. Additionally, the number of positive biopsy cores (OR: 0.586, 97.5% CI: 0.336-0.891, p = 0.029) and anterior TZ lesion location (OR: 10.797, 97.5% CI: 1.503-248.727, p = 0.048) were independent factors for the upgrading in TZ patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that PCa lesions located in the TZ, particularly the anterior TZ, have a higher risk of ISUP grade upgrading. This elevated risk arises from the insufficient distribution of biopsy cores around the TZ lesion. The findings underscore the importance of having an adequate number of biopsy cores around the lesion area to improve the accuracy of ISUP grade assessments.

Enhancing Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Artificial Intelligence-Driven Virtual Biopsy for Optimal Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Biopsy Approach and Gleason Grading Strategy

An optimal approach to magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted prostate biopsy (PBx) remains unclear (number of cores, intercore distance, Gleason grading [GG] principle). The aim of this study was to develop a precise pixel-wise segmentation diagnostic artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for tumor detection and GG as well as an algorithm for virtual prostate biopsy that are used together to systematically investigate and find an optimal approach to targeted PBx. Pixel-wise AI algorithms for tumor detection and GG were developed using a high-quality, manually annotated data set (slides n = 442) after fast-track annotation transfer into segmentation style. To this end, a virtual biopsy algorithm was developed that can perform random biopsies from tumor regions in whole-mount whole-slide images with predefined parameters. A cohort of 115 radical prostatectomy (RP) patient cases with clinically significant, magnetic resonance imaging-visible tumors (n = 121) was used for systematic studies of the optimal biopsy approach. Three expert genitourinary (GU) pathologists (Y.T., A.P., A.Q.) participated in the validation. The tumor detection algorithm (aware version sensitivity/specificity 0.99/0.90, balanced version 0.97/0.97) and GG algorithm (quadratic kappa range vs pathologists 0.77-0.78) perform on par with expert GU pathologists. In total, 65,340 virtual biopsies were performed to study different biopsy approaches with the following results: (1) 4 biopsy cores is the optimal number for a targeted PBx, (2) cumulative GG strategy is superior to using maximal Gleason score for single cores, (3) controlling for minimal intercore distance does not improve the predictive accuracy for the RP Gleason score, (4) using tertiary Gleason pattern principle (for AI tool) in cumulative GG strategy might allow better predictions of final RP Gleason score. The AI algorithm (based on cumulative GG strategy) predicted the RP Gleason score of the tumor better than 2 of the 3 expert GU pathologists. In this study, using an original approach of virtual prostate biopsy on the real cohort of patient cases, we find the optimal approach to the biopsy procedure and the subsequent GG of a targeted PBx. We publicly release 2 large data sets with associated expert pathologists' GG and our virtual biopsy algorithm.

How To Report the Minor Component of a High-grade Pattern in Radical Prostatectomy Specimens: Time To Abandon the "Tertiary" Terminology?

The International Society of Urological Pathology and Genitourinary Pathology Society differ in their recommendations for reporting of minor components of high-grade pattern in prostatectomy specimens. This can affect the grade group assigned, particularly when there are only two Gleason patterns in a cancer nodule. We therefore argue that the term "tertiary" should be changed to "minor" component.

Proposal for an optimised definition of adverse pathology (unfavourable histology) that predicts metastatic risk in prostatic adenocarcinoma independent of grade group and pathological stage

AIMS

Histological grading of prostate cancer is a powerful prognostic tool, but current criteria for grade assignment are not fully optimised. Our goal was to develop and test a simplified histological grading model, based heavily on large cribriform/intraductal carcinoma, with optimised sensitivity for predicting metastatic potential.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two separate non-overlapping cohorts were identified: a 419-patient post-radical prostatectomy cohort with long term clinical follow-up and a 209-patient post-radical prostatectomy cohort in which all patients had pathologically confirmed metastatic disease. All prostatectomies were re-reviewed for high-risk histological patterns of carcinoma termed 'unfavourable histology'. Unfavourable histology is defined by any classic Gleason pattern 5 component, any large cribriform morphology (> 0.25 mm) or intraductal carcinoma, complex intraluminal papillary architecture, grade 3 stromogenic carcinoma and complex anastomosing cord-like growth. For the outcome cohort, Kaplan-Meier analysis compared biochemical recurrence, metastasis and death between subjects with favourable and unfavourable histology, stratified by pathological stage and grade group. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models evaluated adding unfavourable histology to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) post-prostatectomy nomogram and stratification by percentage of unfavourable histology. At 15 years unfavourable histology predicted biochemical recurrence, with sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 88%, metastatic disease at 100 and 48% and death at 100 and 46%. Grade group 2 prostate cancers with unfavourable histology were associated with metastasis independent of pathological stage, while those without had no risk. Histological models for prediction of metastasis based on only large cribriform/intraductal carcinoma or increasing diameter of cribriform size improved specificity, but with lower sensitivity. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that unfavourable histology significantly improved discriminatory power of the MSKCC post-prostatectomy nomogram for biochemical failure (likelihood ratio test P < 0.001). In the retrospective review of a separate RP cohort in which all patients had confirmed metastatic disease, none had unequivocal favourable histology.

CONCLUSIONS

Unfavourable histology at radical prostatectomy is associated with metastatic risk, predicted adverse outcomes better than current grading and staging systems and improved the MSKCC post-prostatectomy nomogram. Most importantly, unfavourable histology stratified grade group 2 prostate cancers into those with and without metastatic potential, independent of stage. While unfavourable histology is driven predominantly by large cribriform/intraductal carcinoma, the recognition and inclusion of other specific architectural patterns add to the sensitivity for predicting metastatic disease. Moreover, a simplified dichotomous model improves communication and could increase implementation.

GRIN3A: A biomarker associated with a cribriform pattern and poor prognosis in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer with a cribriform pattern, including invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC) and/or intraductal carcinoma (IDC) is associated with a poor prognosis, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to identify biomarkers for this feature. Using a radical prostatectomy cohort, we performed within-patient differential expression analyses with RNA sequencing data to compare samples with a cribriform pattern to those with non-cribriform Gleason pattern 4 (NcGP4; n=13). ACSM1, GRIN3A, PCDHB2, and REG4 were identified as differentially expressed, and validation was performed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (n=99; 321 RNA samples) and RNA in situ hybridization on tissue microarrays (n=479; 2047 tissue cores). GRIN3A was significantly higher expressed in cribriform pattern vs. NcGP4, when assessed within the same patient (n=27; p=0.005) and between different patients (n=83; p=0.001). Tissue cores with IDC more often expressed GRIN3A compared to ICC, NcGP4, and benign tissue (52 % vs. ≤ 32 %). When IDC and NcGP4 was compared within the same patient (173 pairs of tissue cores; 54 patients), 38 (22 %) of the tissue microarray core pairs had GRIN3A expression in only IDC, 33 (19 %) had expression in both IDC and NcGP4, 14 (8 %) in only NcGP4 and 88 (51 %) were negative in both entities (p=0.001). GRIN3A was as well associated with biochemical recurrence (log-rank, p=0.002). In conclusion, ectopic GRIN3A expression is an RNA-based biomarker for the presence of cribriform prostate cancer, particularly for IDC.

Prognostic significance of the PI-RADS score in men with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES

MRI-targeted biopsy (T-Bx) for which Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) assessment categories are useful has been shown to more accurately detect clinically significant prostate cancer. However, the prognostic significance of the PI-RADS in prostate cancer patients needs further investigation. In the present study, we compared radical prostatectomy findings and postoperative oncologic outcomes in men with prostate cancer initially undergoing T-Bx for PI-RADS 3 vs. 4 vs. 5 lesions.

METHODS

We assessed consecutive patients undergoing T-Bx with concurrent systematic biopsy (S-Bx), followed by radical prostatectomy. Within our Surgical Pathology database, we identified a total of 207 men where prostatic adenocarcinoma was detected on either S-Bx or T-Bx, or both.

RESULTS

Prostate cancer was detected on S-Bx only (n = 32; 15%), T-Bx only (n = 39; 19%), or both S-Bx and T-Bx (n = 136; 66%). These patients had PI-RADS 3 (n = 42; 20%), 4 (n = 86; 42%), or 5 (n = 79; 38%) lesions, while T-Bx detected cancer in 31 (74%) of PI-RADS 3 cases, 72 (84%) of PI-RADS 4 cases, and 72 (91%) of PI-RADS 5 cases. There were no significant differences in any of the clinicopathologic features examined, including tumor grade on biopsy or prostatectomy and pT or pN stage, among the PI-RADS 3 vs. 4 vs. 5 groups, except a significantly higher rate of positive margin and significantly larger tumor volume in PI-RADS 5 cases than in PI-RADS 3 cases. Univariate and multivariable analyses revealed significantly higher risks of biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy in patients with PI-RADS 5 lesion than in those with PI-RADS 3 or 4 lesion. Additionally, compared with respective controls, detection of any grade cancer (P = 0.046) or Grade Group 2 or higher cancer (P = 0.005) on T-Bx was associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence in patients with PI-RADS 5 lesion, but not in those with PI-RADS 3 or 4 lesion.

CONCLUSION

PI-RADS 5 lesions were thus found to independently predict a significantly poorer postoperative prognosis. Moreover, the failure of detection of any grade cancer or clinically significant cancer on T-Bx of PI-RADS 5 lesion may particularly indicate favorable outcomes in radical prostatectomy cases.

Artificial intelligence in pathologic diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of prostate cancer

Histopathology, which is the gold-standard for prostate cancer diagnosis, faces significant challenges. With prostate cancer ranking among the most common cancers in the United States and worldwide, pathologists experience an increased number for prostate biopsies. At the same time, precise pathological assessment and classification are necessary for risk stratification and treatment decisions in prostate cancer care, adding to the challenge to pathologists. Recent advancement in digital pathology makes artificial intelligence and learning tools adopted in histopathology feasible. In this review, we introduce the concept of AI and its various techniques in the field of histopathology. We summarize the clinical applications of AI pathology for prostate cancer, including pathological diagnosis, grading, prognosis evaluation, and treatment options. We also discuss how AI applications can be integrated into the routine pathology workflow. With these rapid advancements, it is evident that AI applications in prostate cancer go beyond the initial goal of being tools for diagnosis and grading. Instead, pathologists can provide additional information to improve long-term patient outcomes by assessing detailed histopathologic features at pixel level using digital pathology and AI. Our review not only provides a comprehensive summary of the existing research but also offers insights for future advancements.

Patients ask and pathologists answer: ten questions around prostate cancer grading

Pathologists have closely collaborated with clinicians, mainly urologists, to update the Gleason grading system to reflect the current practice and approach in prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This has led to the development of what is called patient advocacy and patient information. Ten common questions asked by patients to pathologists concerning PCa grading and the answers given by the latter are reported.

Prognostic significance of invasive cribriform gland size and percentage in Gleason score 7 prostate adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Cribriform glands are linked to poorer outcomes in prostate adenocarcinoma. We aimed to assess the prognostic role of the percentage of cribriform glands and the size of the largest invasive cribriform gland in Gleason score 7 prostate adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

The presence, percentage, and size of the invasive cribriform glands were investigated and their association with prognostic factors were assessed in 177 Grade Groups 2 and 3 prostate adenocarcinomas.

RESULTS

Biochemical recurrence-free survival was statistically significantly lower in cases with a cribriform gland percentage greater than 10% (P < .001) and in cases where the largest invasive cribriform gland size was greater than 0.5 mm (P < .001). Mean largest cribriform gland size and percentage were statistically significant associated with more advanced pT status, lymph node metastasis, biochemical recurrence, and higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen values.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the presence of a cribriform pattern, increases in the percentage of such patterns, and increases in the size of the largest cribriform gland within a given tumor are associated with poor prognosis. We suggest that a more aggressive clinical approach may be needed in Grade Group 2 and 3 cases with invasive cribriform glands larger than 0.5 mm and a cribriform gland percentage greater than 10%, especially in prostate needle biopsy specimens.

Bioprinted research models of urological malignancy

Urological malignancy (UM) is among the leading threats to health care worldwide. Recent years have seen much investment in fundamental UM research, including mechanistic investigation, early diagnosis, immunotherapy, and nanomedicine. However, the results are not fully satisfactory. Bioprinted research models (BRMs) with programmed spatial structures and functions can serve as powerful research tools and are likely to disrupt traditional UM research paradigms. Herein, a comprehensive review of BRMs of UM is presented. It begins with a brief introduction and comparison of existing UM research models, emphasizing the advantages of BRMs, such as modeling real tissues and organs. Six kinds of mainstream bioprinting techniques used to fabricate such BRMs are summarized with examples. Thereafter, research advances in the applications of UM BRMs, such as culturing tumor spheroids and organoids, modeling cancer metastasis, mimicking the tumor microenvironment, constructing organ chips for drug screening, and isolating circulating tumor cells, are comprehensively discussed. At the end of this review, current challenges and future development directions of BRMs and UM are highlighted from the perspective of interdisciplinary science.

Recent Advances in Genitourinary Tumors: Updates From the 5th Edition of the World Health Organization Blue Book Series

CONTEXT.—

Urinary and Male Genital Tumours is the 8th volume of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours series, 5th edition. Released in hard copy in September 2022, it presents an update to the classification of male genital and urinary tumors in the molecular age. Building upon previous volumes in this series, significant effort has been made to harmonize terminology across organ systems for biologically similar tumors (eg, neuroendocrine tumors). Genomic terminology has been standardized and genetic syndromes covered more comprehensively. This review presents a concise summary of this volume, highlighting new entities, notable modifications relative to the 4th edition, and elements of relevance to routine clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE.—

To provide a comprehensive update on the World Health Organization classification of urinary and male genital tumors, highlighting updated diagnostic criteria and terminology.

DATA SOURCES.—

The 4th and 5th editions of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours: Urinary and Male Genital Tumours.

CONCLUSIONS.—

The World Health Organization has made several changes in the 5th edition of the update on urinary and male genital tumors that pathologists need to be aware of for up-to-date clinical practice.

Application of Photoactive Compounds in Cancer Theranostics: Review on Recent Trends from Photoactive Chemistry to Artificial Intelligence

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the number of cancer cases and deaths worldwide is predicted to nearly double by 2030, reaching 21.7 million cases and 13 million fatalities. The increase in cancer mortality is due to limitations in the diagnosis and treatment options that are currently available. The close relationship between diagnostics and medicine has made it possible for cancer patients to receive precise diagnoses and individualized care. This article discusses newly developed compounds with potential for photodynamic therapy and diagnostic applications, as well as those already in use. In addition, it discusses the use of artificial intelligence in the analysis of diagnostic images obtained using, among other things, theranostic agents.

Comparison of Multiparametric MRI-targeted and Systematic Biopsies for Detection of Cribriform and Intraductal Carcinoma Prostate Cancer

Background Intraductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive cribriform (Cr) subtypes of prostate cancer (PCa) are an indication of aggressiveness, but the evidence regarding whether MRI can be used to detect Cr/IDC-pattern PCa is contradictory. Purpose To compare the detection of Cr/IDC-pattern PCa at multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)-targeted biopsy versus systematic biopsy in biopsy-naive men at risk for PCa. Materials and Methods This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective randomized controlled trial that recruited participants with a clinical suspicion of PCa between April 2017 and November 2019 at five centers. Participants were randomized 1:1 to either the MRI arm or the systematic biopsy arm. Targeted biopsy was performed in participants with a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score of at least 3. MRI features were recorded, and biopsy slides and prostatectomy specimens were reviewed for the presence or absence of Cr/IDC histologic patterns. Comparison of Cr/IDC patterns was performed using generalized linear mixed modeling. Results A total of 453 participants were enrolled, with 226 in the systematic biopsy arm (median age, 65 years [IQR, 59-70 years]; 196 biopsies available for assessment) and 227 in the mpMRI-targeted biopsy arm (median age, 67 years [IQR, 60-72 years]; 132 biopsies available for assessment). Identification of Cr/IDC PCa was lower in the systematic biopsy arm compared with the mpMRI arm (31 of 196 biopsies [16%] vs 33 of 132 biopsies [25%]; P = .01). No evidence of a difference in mean cancer core length (CCL) (11.3 mm ± 4.4 vs 9.7 mm ± 4.5; P = .09), apparent diffusion coefficient (685 µm2/sec ± 178 vs 746 µm2/sec ± 245; P = .52), or dynamic contrast-enhanced positivity (27 [82%] vs 37 [90%]; P = .33) for clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was observed between participants with or without Cr/IDC disease in the MRI arm. Cr/IDC-positive histologic patterns overall had a higher mean CCL compared with Cr/IDC-negative csPCa (11.1 mm ± 4.4 vs 9.2 mm ± 4.1; P = .009). Conclusion MRI-targeted biopsy showed increased detection of Cr/IDC histologic patterns compared with systematic biopsy. Clinical trial registration no. NCT02936258 © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Scialpi and Martorana in this issue.

MRI-guided in-bore biopsy of the prostate - defining the optimal number of cores needed

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsy approaches are superior to traditional systematic transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (TRUS-Bx). The optimal number of biopsy cores to be obtained per lesion identified on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) images, however, remains a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incremental value of additional biopsy cores in an MRI-targeted "in-bore"-biopsy (MRI-Bx) setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred and forty-five patients, who underwent MRI-Bx between June 2014 and September 2021, were included in this retrospective single-center analysis. All lesions were biopsied with at least five biopsy cores and cumulative detection rates for any cancer (PCa) as well as detection rates of clinically significant cancers (csPCa) were calculated for each sequentially labeled biopsy core. The cumulative per-core detection rates are presented as whole numbers and as proportion of the maximum detection rate reached, when all biopsy cores were considered. CsPCa was defined as Gleason Score (GS) ≥ 7 (3 + 4).

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-two of 245 Patients (53.9%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer and csPCa was found in 64 (26.1%) patients. The first biopsy core revealed csPCa/ PCa in 76.6% (49/64)/ 81.8% (108/132) of cases. The second, third and fourth core found csPCa/ PCa not detected by previous cores in 10.9% (7/64)/ 8.3% (11/132), 7.8% (5/64)/ 5.3% (7/132) and 3.1% (2/64)/ 3% (4/132) of cases, respectively. Obtaining one or more cores beyond the fourth biopsy core resulted in an increase in detection rate of 1.6% (1/64)/ 1.5% (2/132).

CONCLUSION

We found that obtaining five cores per lesion maximized detection rates. If, however, future research should establish a clear link between the incidence of serious complications and the number of biopsy cores obtained, a three-core biopsy might suffice as our results suggest that about 95% of all csPCa are detected by the first three cores.

Somatic Tumor Testing in Prostate Cancer: Experience of a Tertiary Care Center Including Pathologist-Driven Reflex Testing of Localized Tumors at Diagnosis

Somatic tumor testing in prostate cancer (PCa) can guide treatment options by identifying clinically actionable variants in DNA damage repair genes, including acquired variants not detected using germline testing alone. Guidelines currently recommend performing somatic tumor testing in metastatic PCa, whereas there is no consensus on the role of testing in regional disease, and the optimal testing strategy is only evolving. This study evaluates the frequency, distribution, and pathologic correlates of somatic DNA damage repair mutations in metastatic and localized PCa following the implementation of pathologist-driven reflex testing at diagnosis. A cohort of 516 PCa samples were sequenced using a custom next-generation sequencing panel including homologous recombination repair and mismatch repair genes. Variants were classified based on the Association for Molecular Pathology/American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines. In total, 183 (35.5%) patients had at least one variant, which is as follows: 72 of 516 (13.9%) patients had at least 1 tier I or tier II variant, whereas 111 of 516 (21.5%) patients had a tier III variant. Tier I/II variant(s) were identified in 27% (12/44) of metastatic biopsy samples and 13% (61/472) of primary samples. Overall, 12% (62/516) of patients had at least 1 tier I/II variant in a homologous recombination repair gene, whereas 2.9% (10/516) had at least 1 tier I/II variant in a mismatch repair gene. The presence of a tier I/II variant was not significantly associated with the grade group (GG) or presence of intraductal/cribriform carcinoma in the primary tumor. Among the 309 reflex-tested hormone-naive primary tumors, tier I/II variants were identified in 10% (31/309) of cases, which is as follows: 9.2% (9/98) GG2; 9% (9/100) GG3; 9.1% (4/44) GG4; and 13.4% (9/67) GG5 cases. Our findings confirm the use of somatic tumor testing in detecting variants of clinical significance in PCa and provide insights that can inform the design of testing strategies. Pathologist-initiated reflex testing streamlines the availability of the results for clinical decision-making; however, pathologic parameters such as GG and the presence of intraductal/cribriform carcinoma may not be reliable to guide patient selection.

The Oncological and Functional Prognostic Value of Unconventional Histology of Prostate Cancer in Localized Disease Treated with Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: An International Multicenter 5-Year Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The impact of prostate cancer of unconventional histology (UH) on oncological and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) receipt is unclear. We compared the impact of cribriform pattern (CP), ductal adenocarcinoma (DAC), and intraductal carcinoma (IDC) in comparison to pure adenocarcinoma (AC) on short- to mid-term oncological and functional results and receipt of aRT after RARP.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data for a large international cohort of men with localized prostate cancer treated with RARP between 2016 and 2020. The primary outcomes were biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival, erectile and continence function. aRT receipt was a secondary outcome. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were performed.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 3935 patients were included. At median follow-up of 2.8 yr, the rates for BCR incidence (AC 10.7% vs IDC 17%; p < 0.001) and aRT receipt (AC 4.5% vs DAC 6.3% [p = 0.003] vs IDC 11.2% [p < 0.001]) were higher with UH. The 5-yr BCR-free survival rate was significantly poorer for UH groups, with hazard ratios of 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-2.40; p = 0.005) for DAC, 5.22 (95% CI 3.41-8.01; p < 0.001) for IDC, and 3.45 (95% CI 2.29-5.20; p < 0.001) for CP in comparison to AC. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of UH doubled the risk of new-onset erectile dysfunction at 1 yr, in comparison to AC (grade group 1-3), with hazard ratios of 2.13 (p < 0.001) for DAC, 2.14 (p < 0.001) for IDC, and 2.01 (p = 0.011) for CP. Moreover, CP, but not IDC or DAC, was associated with a significantly higher risk of incontinence (odds ratio 1.97; p < 0.001). The study is limited by the lack of central histopathological review and relatively short follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

In a large cohort, UH presence was associated with worse short- to mid-term oncological outcomes after RARP. IDC independently predicted a higher rate of aRT receipt. At 1-yr follow-up after RP, patients with UH had three times higher risk of erectile dysfunction post RARP; CP was associated with a twofold higher incontinence rate.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Among patients with prostate cancer who undergo robot-assisted surgery to remove the prostate, those with less common types of prostate cancer have worse results for cancer control, erection, and urinary continence and a higher probability of receiving additional radiotherapy after surgery.

Cribriform versus Intraductal: How to Determine the Difference

Over the years, our understanding of cribriform and intraductal prostate cancer (PCa) has evolved significantly, leading to substantial changes in their classification and clinical management. This review discusses the histopathological disparities between intraductal and cribriform PCa from a diagnostic perspective, aiming to aid pathologists in achieving accurate diagnoses. Furthermore, it discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the different recommendations between ISUP and GUPS, which pose challenges for practicing pathologists and complicates consensus among them. Recent studies have shown promising results in integrating these pathological features into clinical decision-making tools, improving predictions of PCa recurrence, cancer spread, and mortality. Future research efforts should focus on further unraveling the biological backgrounds of these entities and their implications for clinical management to ultimately improve PCa patient outcomes.

Ductal, intraductal, and cribriform carcinoma of the prostate: Molecular characteristics and clinical management

Prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma accounts for approximately 95% of prostate cancer (CaP) cases. The remaining 5% of histologic subtypes of CaP are known to be more aggressive and have recently garnered substantial attention. These histologic subtypes - namely, prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P), and cribriform carcinoma of the prostate (CC-P) - typically exhibit distinct growth characteristics, genomic features, and unique oncologic outcomes. For example, PTEN mutations, which cause uncontrolled cell growth, are frequently present in IDC-P and CC-P. Germline mutations in homologous DNA recombination repair (HRR) genes (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, and CHEK2) are discovered in 40% of patients with IDC-P, while only 9% of patients without ductal involvement had a germline mutation. CC-P is associated with deletions in common tumor suppressor genes, including PTEN, TP53, NKX3-1, MAP3K7, RB1, and CHD1. Evidence suggests abiraterone may be superior to docetaxel as a first-line treatment for patients with IDC-P. To address these and other critical pathological attributes, this review examines the molecular pathology, genetics, treatments, and oncologic outcomes associated with CC-P, PDA, and IDC-P with the objective of creating a comprehensive resource with a centralized repository of information on PDA, IDC-P, and CC-P.

Contemporary Diagnostic Reporting for Prostatic Adenocarcinoma: Morphologic Aspects, Molecular Correlates, and Management Perspectives

The diagnosis and reporting of prostatic adenocarcinoma have evolved from the classic framework promulgated by Dr Donald Gleason in the 1960s into a complex and nuanced system of grading and reporting that nonetheless retains the essence of his remarkable observations. The criteria for the "Gleason patterns" originally proposed have been continually refined by consensuses in the field, and Gleason scores have been stratified into a patient-friendly set of prognostically validated and widely adopted Grade Groups. One product of this successful grading approach has been the opportunity for pathologists to report diagnoses that signal carefully personalized management, placing the surgical pathologist's interpretation at the center of patient care. At one end of the continuum of disease aggressiveness, personalized diagnostic care means to sub-stratify patients with more indolent disease for active surveillance, while at the other end of the continuum, reporting histologic markers signaling aggression allows sub-stratification of clinically significant disease. Whether contemporary reporting parameters represent deeper nuances of more established ones (eg, new criteria and/or quantitation of Gleason patterns 4 and 5) or represent additional features reported alongside grade (intraductal carcinoma, cribriform patterns of carcinoma), assessment and grading have become more complex and demanding. Herein, we explore these newer reporting parameters, highlighting the state of knowledge regarding morphologic, molecular, and management aspects. Emphasis is made on the increasing value and stakes of histopathologists' interpretations and reporting into current clinical risk stratification and treatment guidelines.

Clinical Management of Intraductal Carcinoma of the Prostate

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) has emerged as a distinct entity with significant clinical implications in prostate cancer (PCa) management. Despite historically being considered an extension of invasive PCa, IDC-P shows unique biological characteristics that challenge traditional diagnostic and therapeutic settings. This review explores the clinical management of IDC-P. While the diagnosis of IDC-P relies on specific morphological criteria, its detection remains challenging due to inter-observer variability. Emerging evidence underscores the association of IDC-P with aggressive disease and poor clinical outcomes across various PCa stages. However, standardized management guidelines for IDC-P are lacking. Recent studies suggest considering adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies in specific patient cohorts to improve outcomes and tailor treatment strategies based on the IDC-P status. However, the current level of evidence regarding this is low. Moving forward, a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of IDC-P and its interaction with conventional PCa subtypes is crucial for refining risk stratification and therapeutic interventions.

Prostate Cancer Risk Stratification by Simple Scoring of the Current pT3 Lesions: A Proposal for a New Pathologic T-Staging System

Cancer spread beyond the prostate, including extraprostatic extension (other than seminal vesicle or bladder invasion; EPE)/microscopic bladder neck invasion and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) currently classified as pT3a and pT3b lesions, respectively, does not uniformly indicate poor oncologic outcomes. Accurate risk stratification of current pT3 disease is therefore required. We herein further determined the prognostic impact of these histopathologic lesions routinely assessed and reported by pathologists, particularly their combinations. We assessed consecutive 2892 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for current pT2 (n = 1692), pT3a (n = 956), or pT3b (n = 244) disease at our institution between 2009 and 2018. Based on our preliminary findings, point(s) were given (1 point to focal EPE, microscopic bladder neck invasion, or unilateral SVI; 2 points to nonfocal/established EPE or bilateral SVI) and summed up in each case. Our cohort had 0 point (n = 1692, 58.5%; P0), 1 point (n = 243, 8.4%; P1), 2 points (n = 657, 22.7%; P2), 3 points (n = 192, 6.6%; P3), 4 points (n = 76, 2.6%; P4), and 5 points (n = 32, 1.1%; P5). Univariate analysis revealed associations of higher points with significantly worse biochemical progression-free survival, particularly when P4 and P5 were combined. In multivariable analysis (P0 as a reference), P1 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; P = .033), P2 (HR, 3.25; P < .001), P3 (HR, 4.01; P < .001), and P4 + P5 (HR, 5.99; P < .001) showed significance for the risk of postoperative progression. Meanwhile, Harrell C-indexes for the current pT staging, newly developed point system, and the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment post-Surgical (CAPRA-S) score were 0.727 (95% CI, 0.706-0.748), 0.751 (95% CI, 0.729-0.773), and 0.774 (95% CI, 0.755-0.794), respectively, for predicting progression. We believe our data provide a logical rationale for a novel pathologic T-staging system based on the summed points, pT1a (0 point), pT1b (1 point), pT2 (2 points), pT3a (3 points), and pT3b (4 or 5 points), which more accurately stratifies the prognosis of prostate cancer.

Large cribriform glands (> 0.25 mm diameter) as a predictor of adverse pathology in men with Grade Group 2 prostate cancer

AIMS

A recent outcome-based, radical prostatectomy study defined > 0.25 mm diameter to distinguish large versus small cribriform glands, with > 0.25 mm associated with worse recurrence-free survival. This study evaluates whether identification of > 0.25 mm cribriform glands in Grade Group 2 patients at biopsy is associated with adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Tumours containing biopsy slides for 133 patients with Grade Group 2 prostate cancer with subsequent radical prostatectomy were re-reviewed for large cribriform glands (diameter > 0.25 mm). The primary outcome was adverse pathology (Grade Groups 3-5; stage pT3a or greater, or pN1). The secondary outcome was recurrence-free survival. Cribriform pattern was present in 52 of 133 (39%) patients; of these, 16 of 52 (31%) had large cribriform glands and 36 of 52 (69%) had only small cribriform glands. Patients with large cribriform glands had significantly more adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy compared to patients with small cribriform glands and no cribriform glands (large = 11 of 16, 69%; small = 12 of 36, 33%; no cribriform = 25 of 81, 31%; χ2 P-value 0.01). On multivariate analysis, large cribriform glands were also associated with adverse pathology, independent of age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA)/PSA density at diagnosis, year of diagnosis and biopsy cores percentage positive (global P-value 0.02). Large cribriform glands were also associated with increased CAPRA-S surgical risk score (Kruskal-Wallis P-value 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Large cribriform glands using a diameter > 0.25 mm definition in Grade Group 2 patients on biopsy are associated with increased risk of adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy. The presence of large cribriform histology should be considered when offering active surveillance for those with Grade Group 2 disease.

Significance of the cribriform morphology area ratio for biochemical recurrence in Gleason score 4 + 4 prostate cancer patients following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

In prostate cancer, histological cribriform patterns are categorized as Gleason pattern 4, and recent studies have indicated that their size and percentage are associated with the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR). However, these studies included a mixture of cases with various Gleason scores (GSs). We therefore examined the prognostic value of the area and percentage of cribriform patterns in patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer.

METHODS

We investigated 108 patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). After digitally scanning the hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides, we measured the area of the entire cancer and cribriform patterns. Predictive factors for BCR were explored using log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model analyses.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven (62.0%) patients had a cribriform pattern in RARP specimens, and 32 (29.6%) experienced BCR. The median total cancer area, cribriform pattern area, and percentage of cribriform pattern area (% cribriform) were 427.70 mm2 (interquartile range [IQR], 171.65-688.53 mm2 ), 8.85 mm2 (IQR, 0-98.83 mm2 ), and 2.44% (IQR, 0%-33.70%), respectively. Univariate analyses showed that higher preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, positive resection margins, advanced pathological T stage, extraprostatic extension, larger total cancer area, larger cribriform morphology area, and higher % cribriform values were significantly associated with BCR. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the PSA level (hazard ratio [HR], 1.061; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.011-1.113; p = 0.017) and % cribriform (HR, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.005-1.031; p = 0.005) were independent predictors of BCR.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased % cribriform value was associated with BCR in patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer following RARP.

Grade group 4 prostate cancer without intraductal carcinoma on biopsy is more likely to be downgraded on prostatectomy than with intraductal carcinoma

In this study, we investigated the association between intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDCP) along with several histopathological features on prostate biopsy and downgrading of grade group 4 (GG4) prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with the highest grade tumor of GG4 PCa in at least one core. A total of 29 cases had the highest grade tumor of GG4 PCa and radical prostatectomy performed between 2016 and 2021. IDCP was detected in 11 out of 29 cases on biopsy. The cases without IDCP were more likely to be downgraded on prostatectomy than with IDCP, with statistical significance (88.9% vs 36.4%, p = 0.003). The proportions of the highest-grade tumors by length and cores involved, average numbers of PCa-positive cores, and mean patient's age did not differ between cases that were downgraded and not downgraded at prostatectomy. Our results suggest that the absence of IDCP on biopsy could be a predictor of downgrading at prostatectomy for patients with the highest grade tumor of GG4 PCa.

Addition of cribriform pattern 4 and intraductal prostatic carcinoma into the CAPRA-S tool improves post-radical prostatectomy patient stratification in a multi-institutional cohort

AIMS

Pre-surgical risk classification tools for prostate cancer have shown better patient stratification with the addition of cribriform pattern 4 (CC) and intraductal prostatic carcinoma (IDC) identified in biopsies. Here, we analyse the additional prognostic impact of CC/IDC observed in prostatectomies using Cancer of Prostate Risk Assessment post-surgical (CAPRA-S) stratification.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of treatment-naïve radical prostatectomy specimens from three North American academic institutions (2010-2018) was assessed for the presence of CC/IDC. Patients were classified, after calculating the CAPRA-S scores, into low-risk (0-2), intermediate-risk (3-5) and high-risk (6-12) groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to estimate biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival. Prognostic performance was examined using Harrell's concordance index, and the effects of CC/IDC within each risk group were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 825 prostatectomies (grade group (GG)1, n=94; GG2, n=475; GG3, n=185; GG4, n=13; GG5, n=58). CC/IDC was present in 341 (41%) prostatectomies. With a median follow-up of 4.2 years (range 2.9-6.4), 166 (20%) patients experienced BCR. The CAPRA-S low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk groups comprised 357 (43%), 328 (40%) and 140 (17%) patients, and discriminated for BCR-free survival (p<0.0001). For CAPRA-S scores 3-5, the addition of CC/IDC status improved stratification for BCR (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.66, p<0.001) and improved the overall c-index (0.689 vs 0.667, analysis of variance p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The addition of CC/IDC into the CAPRA-S classification significantly improved post-radical prostatectomy patient stratification for BCR among the intermediate-risk group (CAPRA-S scores 3-5). The reporting of CC and IDC should be included in future prostate cancer stratification tools for improved outcome prediction.

Aberrant expression of GATA3 in metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate: an important pitfall

AIMS

The distinction of high-grade prostate cancer (PCa) from poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma (UC) can be somewhat challenging on clinical and morphological grounds alone, yet it is of great importance for prognostication and choice of treatment. GATA3 is a useful immunohistochemical marker to confirm urothelial origin. However, recent works report strong GATA3 immunoexpression in primary high-grade PCa. The aim of this study was to explore GATA3 expression specifically in metastatic PCa.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The pathology databases of four tertiary institutions were queried for cases of metastatic PCa. Available slides and clinical records were reviewed by experienced genitourinary pathologists. Prostatic markers (PSA, PSAP, NKX3.1) and GATA3 immunohistochemistry were performed. A total of 163 metastatic PCa cases were included. At least one prostate marker was positive in each case of non-regional distant metastasis, confirming prostatic origin. GATA3 strong staining was found in four (2.5%) cases: two liver, one bone and one non-regional lymph-node metastases. All four patients had Grade Group 5 PCa at the initial diagnosis. The metastatic prostatic adenocarcinomas were solid, either with no gland formation (n = 3) or with only focal cribriforming (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study exploring GATA3 expression specifically in metastatic PCa. Despite being infrequent, GATA3 positivity in high-grade PCa may lead to misdiagnosis, with clinical implications. We recommend a panel of immunohistochemical markers, both prostatic and urothelial, for ruling out UC, either in primary tumour samples or in the event of metastases of unknown primary, when a genitourinary origin is suspected.

Gleason score 3+3=6 prostatic adenocarcinoma is not benign and the current debate is unhelpful to clinicians and patients

Prostate adenocarcinoma is a common malignancy associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. In both prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomy specimens Gleason scoring informs both treatment and outcome prediction. The current convention is that in needle biopsies, Gleason patterns 3, 4 and 5 are considered to be malignant. Despite this there is debate as to whether or not Gleason score (GS) 3+3=6 should be diagnosed as cancer due to potential over-treatment and the psychological impact on patients. It is apparent that GS 3+3=6 is indolent disease with a low risk of metastasis. However, it does have the histological features of malignancy and is capable of infiltrating the prostate gland, extraprostatic extension, and metastatic spread. Furthermore GS 3+3=6 carcinoma has immunohistochemical and molecular genetic features similar to those of higher grade prostatic carcinoma. If GS 3+3=6 tumour is considered benign, the question arises should a benign label be given to the Gleason pattern 3 component of tumour that includes Gleason patterns of higher grade? This would seem a logical step as GS 3+3=6 cancers and the pattern 3 component in cancers with multiple patterns are morphologically identical. If pattern 3 is considered to be benign, then Gleason scoring would be limited to 4+4=8, 4+5=9, 5+4=9 and 5+5=10 which is clearly inappropriate. The correct strategy to address potential over-treatment of patients with low-grade cancer is clinician and patient education, not the recalibration of Gleason grading to reclassify malignant tumours as benign.

Genomic and Evolutionary Characterization of Concurrent Intraductal Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) is a lethal prostate cancer subtype that generally coexists with invasive high-grade prostate acinar adenocarcinoma (PAC) but exhibits distinct biological features compared with concomitant adenocarcinoma. In this study, we performed whole-exome, RNA, and DNA-methylation sequencing of IDC-P, concurrent invasive high-grade PAC lesions, and adjacent normal prostate tissues isolated from 22 radical prostatectomy specimens. Three evolutionary patterns of concurrent IDC-P and PAC were identified: early divergent, late divergent, and clonally distant. In contrast to those with a late divergent evolutionary pattern, tumors with clonally distant and early divergent evolutionary patterns showed higher genomic, epigenomic, transcriptional, and pathologic heterogeneity between IDC-P and PAC. Compared with coexisting PAC, IDC-P displayed increased expression of adverse prognosis-associated genes. Survival analysis based on an independent cohort of 505 patients with metastatic prostate cancer revealed that IDC-P carriers with lower risk International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 1-4 adenocarcinoma displayed a castration-resistant free survival as poor as those with the highest risk ISUP grade 5 tumors that lacked concurrent IDC-P. Furthermore, IDC-P exhibited robust cell-cycle progression and androgen receptor activities, characterized by an enrichment of cellular proliferation-associated master regulators and genes involved in intratumoral androgen biosynthesis. Overall, this study provides a molecular groundwork for the aggressive behavior of IDC-P and could help identify potential strategies to improve treatment of IDC-P.

SIGNIFICANCE

The genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic characterization of concurrent intraductal carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the prostate deepens the biological understanding of this lethal disease and provides a genetic basis for developing targeted therapies.

Recent insights on the clinical, pathological, and molecular features of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate, a unique histopathologic entity that is often observed (especially in advanced prostate cancer), is characterized by the proliferation of malignant cells within normal acini or ducts surrounded by a basement membrane. Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate is almost invariably associated with an adjacent high-grade carcinoma and is occasionally observed as an isolated subtype. Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate has been demonstrated to be an independent poor prognostic factor for all stages of cancer, whether localized, de novo metastatic, or castration-resistant. It also has a characteristic genetic profile, including high genomic instability. Recognizing and differentiating it from other pathologies is therefore important in patient management, and morphological diagnostic criteria for intraductal carcinoma of the prostate have been established. This review summarizes and outlines the clinical and pathological features, differential diagnosis, molecular aspects, and management of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate, as described in previous studies. We also present a discussion and future perspectives regarding intraductal carcinoma of the prostate.

Clinical impact of perineural invasion encircled completely vs. incompletely by prostate cancer on needle core biopsy

The clinical significance of the pattern or degree of perineural invasion (PNI) by prostate cancer remains largely unknown. We herein assessed radical prostatectomy findings and postoperative oncologic outcomes in 125 patients who had undergone systematic sextant prostate biopsy exhibiting only a single focus of PNI encircled completely (n = 57; 46 %) vs. incompletely (n = 68; 54 %) by cancer. Between these two cohorts, there were no significant differences in clinicopathological features on biopsy or prostatectomy, including tumor grade, stage, and length or volume, and surgical margin status, as well as the need for adjuvant therapy immediately after prostatectomy. Similarly, survival analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the risk of disease progression following prostatectomy in patients with encircled vs. non-encircled PNI on biopsy (P = 0.679). When the non-encircled cases were further divided into four groups [i.e. 1-25 % enclosed (n = 12; 18 %), 26-50 % enclosed (n = 18; 26 %), 51-75 % enclosed (n = 10; 15 %), 76-99 % enclosed (n = 28; 41 %)], the rates of progression-free survival were comparable among the five groups (P = 0.954). In prostate biopsy specimens exhibiting PNI at only one focus, the degree of nerve involvement thus appears to have little clinical impact. Accordingly, PNI detected on prostate biopsy may need to be similarly taken into consideration irrespective of the degree of nerve involvement.