Prognostic utility of biopsy-based PTEN and ERG status on biochemical progression and overall survival after SBRT for localized prostate cancer

Introduction/background

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) genomic deletions and transmembrane protease, serine 2/v-ets avian erthyroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (ERG) rearrangements are two of the most common genetic abnormalities associated with prostate cancer. Prior studies have demonstrated these alterations portend worse clinical outcomes. Our objective is to evaluate the impact of biopsy-determined PTEN losses and TMPRSS2-ERG fusion on biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients who receive SBRT for localized prostate cancer.

Methods/materials

Patients received SBRT for localized prostate cancer on a prospective quality-of-life (QoL) and cancer outcomes study. For each patient, the single biopsy core with the highest grade/volume of cancer was evaluated for PTEN and ERG abnormalities. Differences in baseline patient and disease characteristics between groups were analyzed using ANOVA for age and χ2 for categorical groupings. bPFS and OS were calculated using the Kaplan Meier (KM) method with Log-Rank test comparison between groups. Predictors of bPFS and OS were identified using the Cox proportional hazards method. For all analyses, p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Ninety-nine consecutive patients were included in the analysis with a median follow-up of 72 months. A statistically significant improvement in bPFS (p = 0.018) was observed for wild type ERG patients with an estimated 5-year bPFS of 94.1% vs. 72.4%. Regarding PTEN mutational status, significant improvements in were observed in both bPFS (p = 0.006) and OS (p < 0.001), with estimated 5-year bPFS rates of 91.0% vs. 67.9% and 5-year OS rates of 96.4% vs. 79.4%. When including both ERG and PTEN mutational status in the analysis, there were statistically significant differences in both bPFS (p = 0.011) and OS (p < 0.001). The estimated 5-year bPFS rates were 100%, 76.6%, 72.9%, and 63.8% for patients with ERG+/PTEN+, ERG-/PTEN+, ERG+/PTEN-, and ERG-/PTEN- phenotypes respectively. The estimated 5-year OS rates were 93.9%, 100%, 80.0%, and 78.7% for patients with ERG+/PTEN+, ERG-/PTEN+, ERG+/PTEN-, and ERG-/PTEN- phenotypes respectively.

Conclusion

ERG rearrangements and PTEN deletions detected on biopsy samples are associated with poorer oncologic outcomes in prostate cancer patients treated with SBRT and merit further study in a dedicated prospective trial.

Association of baseline self-reported fatigue with overall survival after stereotactic body radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer

Introduction

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) has emerged as a definitive therapy for localized prostate cancer (PCa). However, more data is needed to predict patient prognosis to help guide which patients will benefit most from treatment. The FACIT-Fatigue (FACIT-F) is a well validated, widely used survey for assessing fatigue. However, the role of fatigue in predicting PCa survival has yet to be studied. Herein, we investigate the role of FACIT-F as a baseline predictor for overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing SBRT for localized PCa.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 1358 patients who received SBRT monotherapy between January 2008 to April 2021 at an academic, tertiary referral center. FACIT-F scores (range 0 to 52) were summed for patients who answered all 13-items on the survey. FACIT-F total scores of ≥35 represented severe fatigue. Patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy were excluded. Differences in fatigue groups were evaluated using chi-squared tests. OS rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and predictors of OS were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard method.

Results

Baseline full FACIT-F scores and survival data was available for 891 patients. 5-year OS was 87.6% and 95.2%, respectively, for the severely fatigued and non-fatigued groups. Chi-squared analysis of fatigue groups showed no significant difference in the following categories: D'Amico risk group, age, ethnicity, grade group, T-stage, or PSA density. Severe fatigue was associated with a significant decrease in OS (hazard ratio 2.76; 95%CI 1.55 - 4.89). The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that age and FACIT-F were both statistically significant (p <0.05).

Conclusion

Baseline FACIT-F scores are significantly associated with OS. Higher FACIT-F scores, representing less fatigued patients, are associated with an overall survival benefit. These results indicate that the FACIT-F survey could serve as an additional metric for clinicians in determining prognostic factors for patients undergoing SBRT.

Rationale for Utilization of Hydrogel Rectal Spacers in Dose Escalated SBRT for the Treatment of Unfavorable Risk Prostate Cancer

In this review we outline the current evidence for the use of hydrogel rectal spacers in the treatment paradigm for prostate cancer with external beam radiation therapy. We review their development, summarize clinical evidence, risk of adverse events, best practices for placement, treatment planning considerations and finally we outline a framework and rationale for the utilization of rectal spacers when treating unfavorable risk prostate cancer with dose escalated Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

Patient-Reported Financial Burden Following Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Introduction and Objectives

In patients with localized prostate cancer, 5-fraction, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been found to offer comparable oncologic outcomes and potential for improved treatment compliance compared to conventional, 40-plus fraction radiation therapy (RT). Recent studies of oncologic patient experiences have highlighted both the impact of therapy-associated financial toxicity (FT) on treatment adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

A cross-sectional assessment of FT after SBRT was performed using the 12-item COST questionnaire. The total questionnaire score (range 0–44) was used to evaluate the FT grade (0–3), with a higher COST value representing lower grade. The patient zip code was used to approximate the distance from the index hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the average COST score (0–4) are performed.

Results

The response rate was 57.5% (332 of 575 consented patients) with 90.7%, 8.2%, and 1.1% experiencing grade 0, 1, and 2 FT, respectively, with no grade 3. Unemployment or disability, non-white race, low income, and concurrent hormonal therapy were associated with a statistically significant worse FT (lower COST value) on univariate and multivariate analyses (p < 0.05). Education level and insurance status significant were evaluated on univariate analysis only. There was a non-statistically significant difference in age, marital status, time since treatment, and distance from the index hospital.

Conclusions

SBRT was associated with low FT. However, statistically significant socioeconomic disparities in FT remain despite ultra-hypofractionated treatment.

Rationale for Involved Field Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy-Enhanced Intermittent Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Hormone-Sensitive Nodal Oligo-Recurrent Prostate Cancer Following Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Lymph node recurrent prostate cancer is a common clinical scenario that is likely to increase significantly with the widespread adoption of novel positron emission tomography (PET) agents. Despite increasing evidence that localized therapy is disease modifying, most men with lymph node recurrent prostate cancer receive only systemic therapy with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). For men who receive localized therapy the intent is often to delay receipt of systemic therapy. Little evidence exists on the optimal combination of local and systemic therapy in this patient population. In this hypothesis generating review, we will outline the rationale and propose a framework for combining involved field SBRT with risk adapted intermittent ADT for hormone sensitive nodal recurrent prostate cancer. In patients with a limited number of nodal metastases, involved field stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may have a role in eliminating castrate-resistant clones and possibly prolonging the response to intermittent ADT. We hypothesize that in a small percentage of patients, such a treatment approach may lead to long term remission or cure.

Retzius-sparing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Leads to Durable Improvement in Urinary Function and Quality of Life Versus Standard Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Without Compromise on Oncologic Efficacy: Single-surgeon Series and Step-by-step Guide

BACKGROUND

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) has been shown to improve continence. However, questions remain regarding feasibility and generalizability of technique and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of 140 consecutive standard robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (S-RARP) versus RS-RARP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 70 S-RARPs were performed followed by 70 RS-RARPs. Demographic, pathologic, and functional outcomes were compared preoperatively and through 12 mo. Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP) was used to compare functional outcomes. Logistic and linear regression analyses were utilized to analyze variables associated with EPIC-CP urinary incontinence and overall quality of life (QOL) scores, and oncologic outcomes. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze incontinence at 12 mo.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

RS-RARP versus S-RARP.

MEASUREMENTS

Patient and tumor characteristics (age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Gleason group, clinical stage, and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score), perioperative outcomes (console time, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, and length of stay), oncologic outcomes (positive surgical margin [PSM], and biochemical recurrence), overall and 12-mo continence rates (zero pads and zero to one safety pad), time to continence, potency (erection sufficient for sexual activity), EPIC-CP urinary incontinence, sexual function, and overall QOL scores.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Median follow-up for S-RARP versus RS-RARP was 46.3 versus 12.3 mo. RS-RARP versus S-RARP had improved overall continence rates at total follow-up (95.7% vs 85.7%, p = 0.042) and 12-mo follow-up (97.6% vs 81.4%, p = 0.002), and faster return to continence (zero to one safety pad, 44 vs 131 d, p < 0.001). RS-RARP EPIC-CP urinary incontinence and overall QOL scores remained significantly better at 12 mo. There were no differences in overall PSM rates, although RS-RARP had lower rates of nonfocal PSMs. There were no differences in sexual function. In multivariate analysis, RS-RARP was significantly associated with improved 12-mo EPIC-CP urinary incontinence and improved QOL scores, but was not associated with PSM or biochemical recurrence. Limitations include retrospective study design and unequal follow-up; however, significantly better RS-RARP continence at 12 mo is striking despite fewer patients attaining 12-mo follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

RS-RARP significantly improves early and long-term continence without compromising oncologic outcomes and leads to overall improved QOL.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is an emerging technique for robotic radical prostatectomy that improves urinary function and quality of life without compromising cancer control.

Repeat Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Characteristics, Complications, and Renal Functional Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Multifocal and hereditary kidney cancers often require repeated ipsilateral nephron sparing procedures with higher blood loss and complication rates compared to first time renal surgery. Consequently, many surgeons avoid minimally invasive techniques in the setting. We present the characteristics, complications, and short-term renal functional outcomes of patients who underwent a repeat robotic partial nephrectomy (rRPNx).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomies between January 2007 and December 2013. Selection criteria for the rRPNx cohort included patients who had undergone at least two ipsilateral renal surgeries, with the second procedure being an rRPNx. All other patients comprised the initial robotic partial nephrectomy (iRPNx) group.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-four patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy during the study period were identified. rRPNx constituted 26 (21%) of the total cases. Age of the rRPNx cohort was similar (p = 0.56), but number of tumors resected was two-fold greater in the rRPNx group (p = 0.44). Neither surgery time nor renal clamp time was significantly longer in either group (p = 0.18 and p = 0.65, respectively). Importantly, estimated blood loss (EBL) was significantly larger than in the iRPNx group (p = 0.01). Both groups had similar intravenous pain medication administration durations (p = 0.32), but postsurgical length of stay was greater for the rRPNx patients (p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in clavian complication rates (p = 0.17-0.39), with the exception of urine leak which occurred more frequently in the rRPNx group (p = 0.01). There was no difference in percent change in serum creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.89 and p = 0.67, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

rRPNx is safe and feasible in select patients. EBL, postoperative lengths of stay, and urine leak were the only factors significantly associated with rRPNx compared to iRPNx. Patient 3-month follow-up revealed excellent and comparable outcomes between the two groups.