Androgen deprivation alone versus combined with pelvic radiation for adverse events and quality of life in clinically node-positive prostate cancer

The COHORT trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone versus combined with radiation therapy (ADT + RT) for clinically node-positive prostate cancer. We reported adverse events and quality of life between the two treatment groups. Fifty-nine patients were randomized to receive ADT alone or ADT + RT and analyzed as per-protocol. Patients allocated to the ADT alone arm received ADT for at least 2 years. Patients in the ADT + RT arm received additional pelvic RT. Higher rates of grade ≥ 2 acute genitourinary (0% vs. 7.1%) and late gastrointestinal adverse events (0% vs. 14.3%) were reported in the ADT + RT arm compared with the ADT alone. However, grade ≥ 2 late genitourinary toxicity was more common in the ADT alone than the ADT + RT arm (9.7% vs. 3.6%). No grade ≥ 3 adverse events were reported. There was no statistically significant difference in EPIC scores between two treatment arms. However, the urinary and bowel domains tended to decrease and recover in the ADT + RT arm. In conclusion, ADT + RT demonstrated higher rates of adverse events compared to ADT alone. However, the addition of RT did not significantly impact the quality of life.

Hypofractionated radiation therapy combined with androgen deprivation therapy for high-risk localized prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to analyse the treatment outcomes of moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the prognostic implications of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in high-risk localized prostate cancer.

METHODS

The medical records of 140 patients who underwent definitive RT (70 Gy in 28 fractions) combined with ADT were retrospectively reviewed. ADT consists of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and an anti-androgen. Clinical outcomes included the biochemical failure rate (BFR), clinical failure rate (CFR), overall survival (OS) and prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS). The BFR and CFR were stratified by the PSA nadir and the time to the PSA nadir, respectively. Acute and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal adverse events were also recorded.

RESULTS

The 5-year BFR, CFR, OS and PCSS rates were 9.8%, 4.5%, 90.2% and 98.7%, respectively. Ninety-five (67.9%) patients achieved a PSA nadir of 0.01 ng/mL. Patients with a PSA nadir >0.01 ng/mL had a significantly higher BFR and CFR (BFR, P = 0.001; CFR, P = 0.027), even after adjusting for other prognostic factors [per 0.1 ng/mL; BFR, hazard ratio (HR) 4.440, P < 0.001; CFR, HR 4.338, P = 0.001]. However, the time to the PSA nadir and pre-RT PSA were not significantly associated with the BFR and CFR. Six patients (4.3%) reported grade 3 late adverse events, mostly haematuria and haematochezia.

CONCLUSION

Definitive RT with moderate hypofractionation combined with long-term ADT showed good efficacy for high-risk localized prostate cancer. The lowest PSA nadir was significantly associated with a low recurrence rate, indicating the importance of PSA follow-up.

Oncological Outcomes in Men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Treated with Enzalutamide with versus without Confirmatory Bone Scan

PURPOSE

In men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), new bone lesions are sometimes not properly categorized through a confirmatory bone scan, and clinical significance of the test itself remains unclear. This study aimed to demonstrate the performance rate of confirmatory bone scans in a real-world setting and their prognostic impact in enzalutamide-treated mCRPC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who received oral enzalutamide for mCRPC during 2014-2017 at 14 tertiary centers in Korea were included. Patients lacking imaging assessment data or insufficient drug exposure were excluded. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included performance rate of confirmatory bone scans in a real-world setting. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 520 patients with mCRPC were enrolled (240 [26.2%] chemotherapy-naïve and 280 [53.2%] after chemotherapy). Among 352 responders, 92 patients (26.1%) showed new bone lesions in their early bone scan. Confirmatory bone scan was performed in 41 patients (44.6%), and it was associated with prolonged OS in the entire population (median, 30.9 vs. 19.7 months; p < 0.001), as well as in the chemotherapy-naïve (median, 47.2 vs. 20.5 months; p=0.011) and post-chemotherapy sub-groups (median, 25.5 vs. 18.0 months; p=0.006). Multivariate Cox regression showed that confirmatory bone scan performance was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval, 0.18 to 0.69; p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

Confirmatory bone scan performance was associated with prolonged OS. Thus, the premature discontinuation of enzalutamide without confirmatory bone scans should be discouraged.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes between robot-assisted adrenalectomy and laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a propensity score matching analysis

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RAA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) using propensity score matching. This retrospective study included 395 patients who underwent minimally invasive adrenalectomy: 354 who underwent LA and 41 who underwent RAA between February 2015 and March 2023. To mitigate potential confounding factors, 2:1 propensity score matching was conducted based on age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumor laterality, and tumor size. Perioperative outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups, and prognostic factors for complications were analyzed. Propensity score matching analysis identified 123 patients, with 82 and 41 in the LA and RAA groups, respectively. Operative time (81.4 ± 26.6 min vs. 83.5 ± 25.9 min, P = 0.675), estimated blood loss (77.7 ± 68.3 mL vs. 83.2 ± 73.9 mL, P = 0.683), and post-operative stay (3.8 ± 1.0 days vs. 4.0 ± 0.9 days, P = 0.211) showed no significant differences between two groups. Intraoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (9.8%) in the LA group, while no patients (0%) experienced intraoperative complications in the RAA group (P = 0.051). In both groups, post-operative complications occurred in 2.4% (P = 1). The only factor contributing to complications after adrenalectomy was tumor size (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.001-1.051, P = 0.042). RAA exhibited comparable perioperative outcomes and presented an improved intraoperative complication rate compared with LA. Tumor size was the only factor that contributed to complications after adrenalectomy.

Sextant Systematic Biopsy Versus Extended 12-Core Systematic Biopsy in Combined Biopsy for Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of sextant and extended 12-core systematic biopsy within combined biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer.

METHODS

Patients who underwent combined biopsy targeting lesions with a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score of 3-5 were assessed. Two specialists performed all combined cognitive biopsies. Both specialists performed target biopsies with five or more cores. One performed sextant systematic biopsies, and the other performed extended 12-core systematic biopsies. A total of 550 patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Cases requiring systematic biopsy in combined biopsy exhibited a significant association with age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-4.32; P = 0.008), PI-RADS score (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.25-4.32; P = 0.008), and the number of systematic biopsy cores (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 2.11-6.44; P < 0.001). In patients with an index lesion of PI-RADS 4, an extended 12-core systematic biopsy was required (target-negative/systematic-positive or a greater Gleason score in the systematic biopsy than in the targeted biopsy) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

During combined biopsy for prostate cancer in patients with PI-RADS 3 or 5, sextant systematic biopsy should be recommended over extended 12-core systematic biopsy when an effective targeted biopsy is performed.

Risk factors of recurrence after robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for solitary localized renal cell carcinoma

To evaluate the recurrence rate and risk factors of recurrence after robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for solitary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A total of 1265 cases of initial solitary localized RCC were analyzed. The baseline characteristics, complexity (REANL nephrometry score), intra- and peri-operative outcomes, and recurrence were evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the factors affecting recurrence after RAPN for solitary localized RCC. Recurrence after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) occurred in 29 patients (2.29%). The median follow-up was 36.0 months. The N domain (nearness to collecting system/sinus) (odd ratio (OR) 3.517, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.557-7.945, p = 0.002), operation time (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.010, p = 0.013), and perioperative transfusion (OR 5.450, 95% CI 1.197-24.816, p = 0.028) affected recurrence. Distant metastasis among patients with recurrence was significantly associated with nearness to the collecting system/sinus (OR 2.982, 95% CI 1.162-7.656, p = 0.023) and distance between the mass and collecting system/sinus (OR 0.758, 95% CI 0.594-0.967, p = 0.026). Nearness to the collecting system/sinus, operation time, and perioperative transfusion affect recurrence after RAPN for solitary localized RCC. Moreover, the proximity to the collecting system/sinus and distance between the mass and collecting system/sinus were significantly related to distant metastasis after RAPN.

Analysis of progression after elective distal ureterectomy and effects of salvage radical nephroureterectomy in patients with distal ureteral urothelial carcinoma

We compared the progression patterns after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and elective distal ureterectomy (DU) in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the distal ureter. Between Jan 2011 and Dec 2020, 127 patients who underwent RNU and 46 who underwent elective DU for distal ureteral cancer were enrolled in this study. The patterns of progression and upper tract recurrence were compared between the two groups. Progression was defined as a local recurrence and/or distant metastasis after surgery. Upper tract recurrence and subsequent treatment in patients with DU were analyzed. Progression occurred in 35 (27.6%) and 10 (21.7%) patients in the RNU and DU groups, respectively. The progression pattern was not significantly different (p = 0.441), and the most common progression site was the lymph nodes in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pT2 stage, concomitant lymphovascular invasion, and nodal stage were significant predictors of disease progression. Upper tract recurrence was observed in nine (19.6%) patients with DU, and six (66.7%) patients had a prior history of bladder tumor. All patients with upper tract recurrence after DU were managed with salvage RNU. Elective DU with or without salvage treatment was not a risk factor for disease progression (p = 0.736), overall survival (p = 0.457), cancer-specific survival (p = 0.169), or intravesical recurrence-free survival (p = 0.921). In terms of progression patterns and oncological outcomes, there was no difference between patients who underwent RNU and elective DU with/without salvage treatment. Elective DU should be considered as a therapeutic option for distal ureter tumor.

Impact of urinary diversion type on urethral recurrence following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: propensity score matched and weighted analyses of retrospective cohort

BACKGROUND

The absence of randomized controlled trials and the presence of inherent selection bias in existing studies have led to ongoing uncertainty regarding the impact of urinary diversion (UD) type (orthotopic UD or nonorthotopic UD) on urethral recurrence (UR) following radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. This study aimed to assess the impact of the UD types on UR after RC and to identify predictive factors associated with UR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis encompassed 612 male patients who underwent RC for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Among them, 341 patients received nonorthotopic UD [ileal conduit (IC) or ureterocutaneostomy (UC)], whereas 271 received orthotopic neobladder (NB) between January 2012 and October 2022. To mitigate potential biases, we employed 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) and stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW). Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests were employed to assess UR-free survival between the IC/UC and NB groups, while multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine predictive factors for UR.

RESULTS

Among the 612 patients included, 33 (5.4%) experienced UR. PSM yielded matched cohort comprising 412 patients, evenly distributed with 206 patients in each group (IC/UC and NB). Clinicopathological data demonstrated similarity between the two groups. Patients who underwent NB exhibited significantly superior UR-free survival in both PSM (log-rank P =0.033) and IPTW cohorts (log-rank P =0.009). NB reconstruction (vs. IC/UC) emerged as a substantial protective factor against UR [hazard ratio (HR) 0.283; 95% CI: 0.088-0.916; P =0.035], whereas prostatic urethral involvement was identified as a significant risk factor (HR 5.328; 95% CI: 1.298-21.868; P =0.020) in the PSM cohort. Additionally, in the IPTW cohort, NB reconstruction (vs. IC/UC) maintained its significance as a protective factor against UR (HR 0.336; 95% CI: 0.131-0.858; P =0.023) along with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.335; 95% CI: 0.116-0.969; P =0.044), whereas prostatic urethral involvement remained a significant risk factor (HR 3.752; 95% CI: 1.484-9.488; P =0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Even after mitigating selection bias, NB reconstruction holds a protective effect against UR in male patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer.

Single Early Intravesical Instillation of Epirubicin for Preventing Bladder Recurrence After Nephroureterectomy in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Purpose

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of early single intravesical administration of epirubicin in preventing intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

Patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical nephroureterectomy between November 2018 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Intravesical epirubicin was administered within 48 hours if no evidence of leakage was observed. Epirubicin (50 mg) in 50 mL normal saline solution was introduced into the bladder via a catheter and maintained for 60 min. The severity of adverse events was graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. We compared intravesical recurrence rate between the two groups. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the independent predictors of bladder recurrence following radical nephroureterectomy.

Results

Epirubicin (n=55) and control (n=116) groups were included in the analysis. No grade 1 or higher bladder symptoms have been reported. A statistically significant difference in the intravesical recurrence rate was observed between the two groups (11.8% at 1 year in the epirubicin group vs. 28.4% at 1 year in the control group; log-rank p=0.039). In multivariate analysis, epirubicin instillation (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.93; p=0.033) and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13-0.65; p=0.003) were independently predictive of a reduced incidence of bladder recurrence.

Conclusion

This retrospective review revealed that a single immediate intravesical instillation of epirubicin is safe and can reduce the incidence of intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy. However, further prospective trials are required to confirm these findings.

Bilateral Seminal Vesicle Invasion as a Strong Prognostic Indicator in T3b Prostate Cancer Patients Following Radical Prostatectomy: A Comprehensive, Multi-Center, Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Purpose

Pathologic T3b (pT3b) prostate cancer, characterized by seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), exhibits variable oncological outcomes post-radical prostatectomy (RP). Identifying prognostic factors is crucial for patient-specific management. This study investigates the impact of bilateral SVI on prognosis in pT3b prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated the medical records of a multi-institutional cohort of men who underwent RP for prostate cancer with SVI between 2000 and 2012. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and covariate-adjusted Cox-proportional hazard regression for biochemical recurrence (BCR), clinical progression (CP), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results

Among 770 men who underwent RP without neo-adjuvant treatment, median follow-up was 85.7 months. Patients with bilateral SVI had higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen levels and clinical T stage (all p<0.001). Extracapsular extension, tumor volume, lymph node metastasis (p<0.001), pathologic Gleason grade group (p<0.001), and resection margin positivity (p<0.001) were also higher in patients with bilateral SVI. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year BCR-free survival rates were 23.9%, 11.7%, and 8.5%; CP-free survival rates were 82.8%, 62.5%, and 33.4%; and CSS rates were 96.4%, 88.1%, and 69.5%, respectively. The bilateral SVI group demonstrated significantly lower BCR, CP-free survival rates, and CSS rates all (p<0.001). Bilateral SVI was independently associated with BCR (HR 1.197, 95% CI 1p=0.049), CP (p=0.022), and CSS (p=0.038) in covariate-adjusted Cox regression.

Conclusion

Bilateral SVI is a robust, independent prognostic factor for poor oncological outcomes in pT3b prostate cancer.

Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes and Safety Profiles between Androgen Deprivation Therapy+Abiraterone/Prednisone and Androgen Deprivation Therapy+Docetaxel in Patients with De Novo Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes and safety profiles of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT)+abiraterone/prednisone with those of ADT+docetaxel in patients with de novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A web-based database system was established to collect prospective cohort data for patients with mHSPC in Korea. From May 2019 to November 2022, 928 patients with mHSPC from 15 institutions were enrolled. Among these patients, data from 122 patients who received ADT+abiraterone/prednisone or ADT+docetaxel as the primary systemic treatment for mHSPC were collected. The patients were divided into two groups: ADT+abiraterone/prednisone group (n=102) and ADT+docetaxel group (n=20). We compared the demographic characteristics, medical histories, baseline cancer status, initial laboratory tests, metastatic burden, oncological outcomes for mHSPC, progression after mHSPC treatment, adverse effects, follow-up, and survival data between the two groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the demographic characteristics, medical histories, metastatic burden, and baseline cancer status were observed between the two groups. The ADT+abiraterone/prednisone group had a lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression rate (7.8% vs. 30.0%; p=0.011) and lower systemic treatment discontinuation rate (22.5% vs. 45.0%; p=0.037). No significant differences in adverse effects, oncological outcomes, and total follow-up period were observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ADT+abiraterone/prednisone had lower PSA progression and systemic treatment discontinuation rates than ADT+docetaxel. In conclusion, further studies involving larger, double-blinded randomized trials with extended follow-up periods are necessary.

Nomogram Using Prostate Health Index for Predicting Prostate Cancer in the Gray Zone: Prospective, Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To create a nomogram that can predict the probability of prostate cancer using prostate health index (PHI) and clinical parameters of patients. And the optimal cut-off value of PHI for prostate cancer was also assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, multi-center study was conducted. PHI was evaluated prior to biopsy in patients requiring prostate biopsy due to high prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Among screened 1,010 patients, 626 patients with clinically suspected prostate cancer with aged 40 to 85 years, and with PSA levels ranging from 2.5 to 10 ng/mL were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 626 patients, 38.82% (243/626) and 22.52% (141/626) were diagnosed with prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer, respectively. In the PSA 2.5 to 4 ng/mL group, the areas under the curve (AUCs) of the nomograms for overall prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer were 0.796 (0.727-0.866; p<0.001), and 0.697 (0.598-0.795; p=0.001), respectively. In the PSA 4 to 10 ng/mL group, the AUCs of nomograms for overall prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer were 0.812 (0.783-0.842; p<0.001), and 0.839 (0.810-0.869; p<0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though external validations are necessary, a nomogram using PHI might improve the prediction of prostate cancer, reducing the need for prostate biopsies.

Use of PIRADS 2.1 to predict capsular invasion in patients with radiologic T3a prostate cancer

Objective

Using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to identify patients with clinical T3a (cT3a) who were overestimated on mpMRI with final pathological T2 (pT2). To suggest that the neurovascular bundle (NVB) can be preserved by evaluating the characteristics of patients according to their pathological grade among cT3a prostate cancer (PCa) patients using mpMRI.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) were retrospectively analyzed and those patients with clinical T3aN0M0 were enrolled. These enrolled patients were divided into a localized cancer group with pT2 PCa and a locally advanced group with pT3a or higher. Factors affecting the diagnosis of localized PCa after RALP in patients with cT3a PCa were evaluated.

Results

Among the preoperative parameters of patients with cT3a PCa, the prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) (OR: 3.76, 95% CI: 1.85-7.64, p<0.001), international society of urological pathology (ISUP) grade (p<0.05), and index lesion size (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.85-7.64, p<0.001) were significantly associated with pathological locally advanced PCa. Optimal cut-off values for prediction of pT3a or higher were 0.36 ng/mL2 for PSAD (sensitivity: 55.7%, specificity: 70.8%), 1.77 cm for index lesion size (sensitivity: 54.3%, specificity: 66.0%), and 2.5 for ISUP grading (sensitivity: 67.6%, specificity: 53.2%). For prediction of pT3a or higher among patients with cT3a PCa, a nomogram was developed using ISUP grade, index lesion size, and PSAD on prostate biopsy (area under the curve: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.670-0.754, p<0.001). PSAD less than 0.36 index lesion size less than 1.77 cm, and biopsy ISUP grade 1-2 are highly likely to indicate that there is no actual extracapsular extension in cT3a PCa patients.

Conclusions

PSAD, ISUP, and index lesion size showed significant associations with the classification of pathologic localized and locally advanced PCa in patients with cT3a PCa. A nomogram including these features can predict the diagnosis of locally advanced PCa in patients with cT3a PCa.

Risk factors for prostate-specific antigen persistence in pT3aN0 prostate cancer after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) persistence in pathological stage T3aN0 prostate cancer (PCa) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 326 patients with pT3aN0 PCa who underwent RALP between March 2020 and February 2022. PSA persistence was defined as nadir PSA of >0.1 ng/mL after RALP, and the risk factors for PSA persistence were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 326 patients, 61 (18.71%) had PSA persistence and 265 (81.29%) had PSA of <0.1 ng/mL after RALP (successful radical prostatectomy [RP] group). In the PSA persistence group, 51 patients (83.61%) received adjuvant treatment. Biochemical recurrence occurred in 27 patients (10.19%) in the successful RP group during the mean follow-up period of 15.22 months. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for PSA persistence were large prostate volume (hazard ratio [HR], 1.017; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-1.036; p=0.046), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (HR, 2.605; 95% CI, 1.022-6.643; p=0.045), and surgical margin involvement (HR, 2.220; 95% CI, 1.110-4.438; p=0.024).

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant treatment may be needed for improved prognosis in patients with pT3aN0 PCa after RALP with a large prostate size, LVI, or surgical margin involvement.

Prostate-specific antigen kinetics in hypofractionated radiation therapy alone for intermediate- and high-risk localized prostate cancer

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes and define the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics as potential prognostic factors in patients with intermediate- or high-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy.

Methods

The study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 149 patients with intermediate- or high-risk localized PCa who underwent definitive radiation therapy (70 Gy in 28 fractions) without androgen deprivation therapy. Clinical outcomes were analyzed based on risk stratification (favorable-intermediate, unfavorable-intermediate, and high-risk). The biochemical failure rate (BFR) and clinical failure rate (CFR) were stratified based on the PSA nadir and the time to the PSA nadir to identify the prognostic effect of PSA kinetics. Acute and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal adverse events were analyzed.

Results

Significant differences were observed in the BFR and CFR according to risk stratification. No recurrence was observed in the favorable intermediate-risk group. The 7-year BFR and CFR for the unfavorable intermediate-risk and high-risk groups were 19.2% and 9.8%, and 31.1% and 25.3%, respectively. Patients with a PSA nadir >0.33 ng/mL or a time to the PSA nadir <36 months had a significantly greater BFR and CFR. The crude rate of grade 3 late adverse events was 3.4% (genitourinary: 0.7%; gastrointestinal: 2.7%). No grade 4-5 adverse event was reported.

Conclusion

A significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed according to risk stratification. The PSA nadir and time to the PSA nadir were strongly associated with the BFR and CFR. Therefore, PSA kinetics during follow-up are important for predicting prognosis.

How to avoid prostate biopsy in men with Prostate Image-Reporting and Data System 3 lesion? Development and external validation of new biopsy indication using prostate health index density

Background

To develop a customized prostate biopsy indication using prostate health index density (PHID) combined with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and assess the reliability of the PHID cutoff value in external populations.

Methods

A total of 521 cognitive MRI/ultrasonography fusion prostate biopsies and biomarker tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, and PHI were performed after mpMRI. The predictive value for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa; Gleason score≥7) of PSA derivatives was examined using the ROC curve. We developed a new biopsy indication utilizing a PHID cutoff based on the Prostate Image-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score, which was externally validated.

Results

The combination of PHID and mpMRI (AUC = 0.884) demonstrated the highest predictive ability for csPCa, although PHID (AUC = 0.843) and PI-RADS (AUC = 0.806) individually also showed a high diagnostic value. When a PHID cutoff of 0.75 was used in men with PI-RADS 3 lesions, the negative predictive value of csPCa was 100%, and approximately half of the biopsies could be safely avoided.

Conclusion

Compared to PHID or PI-RADS scores alone, the combination of PHID and PI-RADS scores increased the accuracy of csPCa detection and the number of cases in which biopsy could be avoided. In men with PI-RADS 3 lesions, the optimal PHID cutoff ≥0.75 can prevent half of the unnecessary biopsies without missing csPCa. In men with PI-RADS 4-5 lesions, biopsies are warranted regardless of PHID values because csPCa could be accompanied by low PHID.

A prospective, multicenter study on the clinical effectiveness of abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in Korea: Pre- vs. post-chemotherapy

PURPOSE

The proper treatment sequence for administering abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone (AAP) and chemotherapeutic agents has not yet been elucidated for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Hence, this study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of AAP in pre- and post-chemotherapy settings using real-world data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, open-label, observational study included 506 patients with mCRPC. Patients were classified according to the timing of chemotherapy into pre- and post-chemotherapy groups. The effectiveness and safety of AAP were compared between the groups; the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, PSA progression-free survival, and radiologic progression-free survival were assessed; and adverse drug reactions were recorded.

RESULTS

Among the included patients, 319 and 187 belonged to the pre- and post-chemotherapy groups, respectively. Risk classification was similar between the two groups. The PSA response was 61.8% in the pre-chemotherapy group and 39.0% in the post-chemotherapy group (p<0.001). The median time to PSA progression (5.00 vs. 2.93 mo, p=0.001) and radiologic progression-free survival (11.84 vs. 9.17 mo, p=0.002) were significantly longer in the pre-chemotherapy group. Chemotherapy status was associated with PSA (hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.77) and radiologic progression (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.18-2.33) during AAP treatment. Adverse drug reactions were reported at similar frequencies in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this postmarketing surveillance, AAP benefited patients with mCRPC, especially in settings before chemotherapy was administered, resulting in a high PSA response and longer PSA and radiologic progression-free survival with tolerable adverse drug reactions.

Comparison of Prostate-Specific Antigen and Its Density and Prostate Health Index and Its Density for Detection of Prostate Cancer

As the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) has increased, screening based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has become controversial due to the low specificity of PSA. Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic performance of prostate health index (PHI) density (PHID) for the detection of PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) compared to PSA, PSA density (PSAD), and PHI as a triaging test. We retrospectively reviewed 306 men who underwent prostate biopsy for PSA levels of 2.5 to 10 ng/mL between January 2020 and April 2023. Of all cohorts, 86 (28.1%) and 48 (15.7%) men were diagnosed with PCa and csPCa, respectively. In ROC analysis, the highest AUC was identified for PHID (0.812), followed by PHI (0.791), PSAD (0.650), and PSA (0.571) for PCa. A similar trend was observed for csPCa: PHID (AUC 0.826), PHI (AUC 0.796), PSAD (AUC 0.671), and PSA (0.552). When the biopsy was restricted to men with a PHID ≥ 0.56, 26.5% of unnecessary biopsies could be avoided; however, 9.3% of PCa cases and one csPCa case (2.1%) remained undiagnosed. At approximately 90% sensitivity for csPCa, at the given cut-off values of PHI ≥ 36.4, and PHID ≥ 0.91, 48.7% and 49.3% of unnecessary biopsies could be avoided. In conclusion, PHID had a small advantage over PHI, about 3.6%, for the reduction in unnecessary biopsies for PCa. The PHID and PHI showed almost the same diagnostic performance for csPCa detection. PHID can be used as a triaging test in a clinical setting to pre-select the risk of PCa and csPCa.

Repression of SLC22A3 by the AR-V7/YAP1/TAZ axis in enzalutamide-resistant castration-resistant prostate cancer

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an aggressive and fatal disease, with most patients succumbing within 1-2 years despite undergoing multiple treatments. Androgen-receptor (AR) inhibitors, including enzalutamide (ENZ), are used for the treatment of mCRPC; however, most patients develop resistance to ENZ. Herein, we propose that the repression of SLC22A3 by AR-V7/YAP1/TAZ conferred ENZ resistance in mCRPC. SLC22A3 expression is specifically downregulated in the ENZ-resistant C4-2B MDVR cells, and when YAP1/TAZ is hyperactivated by AR full-length or AR-V7, these proteins interact with DNMT1 to repress SLC22A3 expression. We observed low SLC22A3 expression and high levels of TAZ or YAP1 in mCRPC patient tissues harbouring AR-V7 and the opposite expression patterns in normal patient tissues. Our findings suggest a mechanism underlying ENZ resistance by providing evidence that the AR-V7/YAP1/TAZ axis represses SLC22A3, which could be a potential treatment target in prostate cancer.

Utility of two-dimensional shear wave elastography for the prediction of prostate cancer: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

This study investigated whether two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), using a newly developed device, is useful for predicting prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

In this prospective study, 38 patients with suspected PCa underwent 2D-SWE, followed by a standard systematic 12-core biopsy with and without a targeted biopsy. Tissue stiffness on SWE was measured in the target lesion and in 12 regions of the systematic biopsies, and the maximum (Emax), mean (Emean), and minimum (Emin) values of stiffness were generated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for predicting clinically significant cancer (CSC) was calculated. Interobserver reliability and variability were evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots, respectively.

RESULTS

PCa was found in 78 of 488 regions (16%) in 17 patients. In region-based and patientbased analyses, the Emax, Emean, and Emin values of PCa were significantly higher than those of benign prostate tissue (P<0.001). For the prediction of CSC, the AUROCs of Emax, Emean, and Emin in the patient-based analysis were 0.865, 0.855, and 0.828, while that of prostate-specific antigen density was 0.749. In the region-based analysis, the AUROCs of Emax, Emean, and Emin values were 0.772, 0.776, and 0.727, respectively. The interobserver reliability for the SWE parameters was moderate to good (ICC, 0.542 to 0.769), and the mean percentage differences on Bland-Altman plots were less than 7.0%.

CONCLUSION

The 2D-SWE method appears to be a reproducible and useful tool for the prediction of PCa. A larger study is warranted for further validation.

Fat Loss in Patients with Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic impact of fat loss after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Data from 60 patients treated with ICI therapy for metastatic ccRCC were retrospectively analyzed. Changes in cross-sectional areas of subcutaneous fat (SF) between the pre-treatment and post-treatment abdominal computed tomography (CT) images were expressed as percentages and were divided by the interval between the CT scans to calculate ΔSF (%/month). SF loss was defined as ΔSF < -5%/month. Survival analyses for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were performed. Patients with SF loss had shorter OS (median, 9.5 months vs. not reached; p < 0.001) and PFS (median, 2.6 months vs. 33.5 months; p < 0.001) than patients without SF loss. ΔSF was independently associated with OS (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07-2.07; p = 0.020) and PFS (adjusted HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.17-2.12; p = 0.003), with a 5%/month decrease in SF increasing the risk of death and progression by 49% and 57%, respectively. In conclusion, Loss of SF after treatment initiation is a significant and independent poor prognostic factor for OS and PFS in patients with metastatic ccRCC who receive ICI therapy.

Effects of hormone therapy on the clinical outcomes of endoscopic intervention in patients with endometriosis-related ureteral obstruction

PURPOSE

We investigated whether endoscopic interventions, including laser endoureterotomy and balloon dilatation following hormone therapy, are a good choice to treat ureteral obstruction due to ureteral endometriosis instead of laparoscopic or open surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with ureteral obstruction due to endometriosis who underwent endoscopic intervention between 2004 and 2021 were reviewed. Patients with other causes of ureteral obstruction or previous ureteral surgery were excluded from the study. The primary endpoint was the 3-month success rate of endoscopic intervention with or without hormone therapy. Secondary endpoints were the success rate of endoscopic intervention between the hormone-treated and hormone-untreated groups at 6 months and the success rate according to the hormone therapy response of endometriosis at 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with 19 ureter units were evaluated in this study, including 12 patients receiving hormone therapy and six patients not receiving hormone therapy. Among patients receiving hormone therapy, one patient had bilateral ureteral obstruction. The success rate of endoscopic intervention was higher in patients who received hormone therapy than in those who did not receive hormone therapy three months after endoscopic intervention (76.9% vs. 0.0%, p=0.003). The same result was also found 6 months after endoscopic intervention (75.0% vs. 0.0%, p=0.005). In addition, the success rates were higher in the hormone-responsive group than in the non-responsive group (100.0% vs. 57.1%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.122).

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteral obstruction caused by endometriosis can be effectively treated by endoscopic intervention with hormone therapy in select patients.

Establishment of Prospective Registry of Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer: The Korean Urological Oncology Society Database

PURPOSE

To establish a prospective registry for the active surveillance (AS) of prostate cancer (PC) using the Korean Urological Oncology Society (KUOS) database and to present interim analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The KUOS registry of AS for PC (KUOS-AS-PC) was organized in May 2019 and comprises multiple institutions nationwide. The eligibility criteria were as follows: patients with (1) pathologically proven PC; (2) pre-biopsy prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤20 ng/mL; (3) International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 1 or 2 (no cribriform pattern 4); (4) clinical T stage ≤T2c; (5) positive core ratio ≤50%; and (6) maximal cancer involvement in the core ≤50%. Detailed longitudinal clinical information, including multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging and disease-specific outcomes, was recorded.

RESULTS

From May 2019 to June 2021, 296 patients were enrolled, and 284 were analyzed. The mean±standard deviation (SD) age at enrollment was 68.7±8.2 years. The median follow-up period was 11.2 months (5.9-16.8 mo). Majority of patients had pre-biopsy PSA ≤10 ng/mL (91.2%), PSA density <0.2 ng/mL² (79.7%), ISUP grade group 1 (94.4%), single positive core (65.7%), maximal cancer involvement in the core ≤20% (78.1%), and clinical T stage of T1c or lower (72.9%). Fifty-two (18.3%) discontinued AS for various reasons. Interventions included radical prostatectomy (80.8%), transurethral prostatectomy (5.8%), primary androgen deprivation therapy (5.8%), radiation (5.8%), and focal therapy (1.9%). The mean±SD time to intervention was 8.9±5.2 months. The reasons for discontinuation included pathologic reclassification (59.6%), patient preference (25.0%), and radiologic reclassification (9.6%). Two (4.8%) patients with pathologic Gleason score upgraded to ISUP grade group 4, no biochemical recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The KUOS established a successful prospective database of PC patients undergoing AS in Korea, named the KUOS-AS-PC registry.

Chromosomal Instability in Cell-free DNA as a Prognostic Biomarker of Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer Treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy

BACKGROUND

Although patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the disease can progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). There are no reliable biomarkers for predicting this progression. Chromosomal instability resulting in copy number alterations (CNAs) is characteristically observed in patients with various cancers.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of chromosomal instability in patients with mHSPC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This prospective study analyzed cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in pretreatment plasma samples from 75 patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen. Low-depth whole-genome sequencing of cfDNA was performed to identify CNAs.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The I score (sum of the product of the absolute Z score and the corresponding chromosome length) was used as a measure of chromosomal instability. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the I score and time to progression (TTP) and the prognostic value of chromosomal instability in predicting castration resistance, respectively.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 22 patients with a positive I score, 86.4% (19/22) had metastatic prostate cancer. Of these 19 cases, 94.7% (18/19) were mHSPC, which was high-volume mHSPC in 83.3% (15/18). None of the patients with localized prostate cancer had a positive I score. TTP in patients with mHSPC was significantly shorter in the positive than in the negative I-score group (16.4 vs 36.9 mo; p = 0.001). Only the I score could independently predict mCRPC development (hazard ratio 10.315, 95% confidence interval 1.141-93.208; p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

The I score could be a biomarker for ADT response and progression to mCRPC in patients with mHSPC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We investigated whether genetic changes in cell-free DNA can predict outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer that still responds to hormone therapy. We found that chromosomal instability could be a potential predictor of the development of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Efficacy and Safety of Udenafil Once Daily in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction after Bilateral Nerve-Sparing Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of udenafil 75 mg once daily in patients with erectile dysfunction following bilateral nerve-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (BNS-RALP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multi-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study was conducted. Among patients with localized prostate cancer with international index of erectile function-erectile function domain (IIEF-EF) score of 18 or higher before BNS-RALP, those who developed postoperative erectile dysfunction (IIEF-EF score 14 or less at 4 weeks after BNS-RALP) were enrolled. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to the udenafil 75 mg daily group or the placebo group in a 2:1 ratio. Each subject was followed up at 8 weeks (V2), 20 weeks (V3), and 32 weeks (V4) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of udenafil.

RESULTS

In all, 101 patients were screened, of whom 99 were enrolled. Of the 99 patients, 67 were assigned to the experimental group and 32 to the control group. Ten (14.93%) patients in the experimental group and 10 (31.25%) in the control group dropped out of the study. After 32 weeks of treatment, IIEF-EF score of 22 or higher was seen in 36.51% (23/63) of patients in the experimental group and 13.04% (3/23) patients in the control group (p=0.021). The proportion of patients with IIEF-EF improvement of 25% or more compared to the baseline was 82.54% (52/63) in the experimental group and 62.96% (17/27) in the control group (p=0.058).

CONCLUSIONS

Udenafil 75 mg once daily after BNS-RALP improved the erectile function without any severe adverse effects.

Anti-adhesion agent to prevent of post-operative adhesion and fibrosis after vasectomy: a study using a rat model

Background

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is difficult to treat. Direct damage to the vas deferens, inflammation, compression of nerves through fibrotic adhesions, and congestion of the epididymis are known to cause PVPS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the application of anti-adhesion agents after vasectomy can reduce the degree of adhesion and fibrosis in a rat model.

Methods

In the study, 11 Sprague-Dawley rats (22 vas deferens) from each group were evaluated. In the experimental group, surgery was terminated after applying the anti-adhesion agent; this was not applied in the control group. After 14 days of vasectomy, the scrotum was dissected to evaluate the degree of gross adhesion at the vasectomy site. Histological examination of the surrounding tissues, including the vas deferens and the spermatic cord, was also performed.

Results

Adhesions were not observed in 72.73% (16/22) rats from the experimental group, in which the anti-adhesion agent was applied; in contrast, the incidence of adhesions in the control group was 100%. There was a statistically significant relationship between the distribution of grades for adhesion and anti-adhesion agent (chi-square, P<0.001). On classification of fibrosis and inflammation, application of the anti-adhesion agent was significantly associated with lower grade inflammation and fibrosis compared to that of the control group (chi-square, P=0.001). The rate of intact muscle structure was 90.91% (20/22) in the experimental group, and 36.36% (8/22) in the control group, and the application of the anti-adhesion agent demonstrated significant association with preservation of intact muscle structure (chi-square, P<0.001).

Conclusions

The application of an anti-adhesion agent after vasectomy prevented the development of adhesion, fibrosis, and inflammation reaction and further reduced structural destruction.

A Retrospective Study of First-Line Therapy Involving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Poor Risk Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

Patients with International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) poor risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) rarely respond to first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) including sunitinib, and carries a very poor prognosis. In recent years, combination therapy involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated superior efficacy to sunitinib in poor risk disease.

Materials and Methods

In a retrospective study using a cancer chemotherapy registry, 206 consecutive patients with mRCC in the first-line setting were identified between Oct 2019 and Dec 2020. Sixty-one patients had a poor risk mRCC, and were treated with TKI monotherapy (n=36), nivolumab plus ipilimumab (n=16), or pembrolizumab plus axitinib (n=9). Endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR), and safety.

Results

Patients’ median age was 61 years and the median number of risk factors was 3 (range, 3-5). During a median 23.0 months of follow-up, the median OS was 24.3 months with ICI-based combinations and 14.8 months with TKI monotherapy, and the median PFS periods were 9.3 months and 3.4 months, respectively. An objective response occurred in 60% of the patients receiving ICI-based combinations and in 19% of those receiving TKI monotherapy (P=0.001). In the multivariate regression model, number of IMDC risk factors and the ICI-based combination therapy were independent prognostic factors for PFS. All-causality grade 3 or 4 adverse events were 44% for ICI-based combinations and 50% for TKI monotherapy.

Conclusions

Among patients with poor risk mRCC, first-line ICI-based therapy showed significantly longer OS and PFS, as well as a higher RR, than TKI monotherapy.

TRUS-Guided Target Biopsy for a PI-RADS 3–5 Index Lesion to Reduce Gleason Score Underestimation: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided cognitive or image fusion biopsy is performed to target a prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) 3–5 lesion. Biopsy Gleason score (GS) is frequently underestimated compared to prostatectomy GS. However, it is still unclear about how many cores on target are necessary to reduce undergrading and if additional cores around the target may improve grade prediction on surgical specimen.

Purpose

To determine the number of target cores and targeting strategy to reduce GS underestimation.

Materials and Methods

Between May 2017 and April 2020, a total of 385 patients undergoing target cognitive or image fusion biopsy of PI-RADS 3–5 index lesions and radical prostatectomies (RP) were 2:1 matched with propensity score using multiple variables and divided into the 1–4 core (n = 242) and 5–6 core (n = 143) groups, which were obtained with multiple logistic regression with restricted cubic spline curve. Target cores of 1–3 and 4–6 were sampled from central and peripheral areas, respectively. Pathologic outcomes and target cores were retrospectively assessed to analyze the GS difference or changes between biopsy and RP with Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

The median of target cores was 3 and 6 in the 1–4 core and 5–6 core groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Restricted cubic spline curve showed that GS upgrade was significantly reduced from the 5th core and there was no difference between 5th and 6th cores. Among the matched patients, 35.4% (136/385; 95% confidence interval, 0.305–0.403) had a GS upgrade after RP. The GS upgrades in the 1–4 core and 5–6 core groups were observed in 40.6% (98/242, 0.343–0.470) and 26.6% (38/143, 0.195–0.346), respectively (p = 0.023). Although there was no statistical difference between the matched groups in terms of RP GS (p = 0.092), the 5–6 core group had significantly higher biopsy GS (p = 0.006) and lower GS change from biopsy to RP (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Five or more target cores sampling from both periphery and center of an index tumor contribute to reduce GS upgrade.

A prospective phase-II trial of biweekly docetaxel plus androgen deprivation therapy in patients with previously-untreated metastatic castration-naïve prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this prospective phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biweekly docetaxel plus androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with metastatic castration-naïve prostate cancer (mCNPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with histologically-proven, previously-untreated mCNPC received ADT plus docetaxel, 40 mg/m². Docetaxel was repeated every 2 weeks, up to 12 cycles. Endpoints included castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)-free survival, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients were registered and analyzed for final outcomes. Of the 42 patients, 36 (86%) completed the 12 planned cycles of docetaxel plus ADT. During a median follow up of 25 months, all but two patients (95%) achieved a PSA response with a nadir PSA level of 0.42 ng/ml (range 0.01-1280.87). The median CRPC-free survival was 26.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.9-32.0) with a one-year CRPC-free rate of 79% (33 patients, 95% CI 66-91). Multivariable analysis revealed that the performance status of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0 was independently associated with longer CRPC-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.27, 95% CI 0.07-0.99). The most common adverse events of any grade were anemia (95%), followed by nail changes (33%), fatigue (29%), and oral mucositis (26%). Severe (grade 3 or higher) adverse events were infrequent: pneumonitis (n = 2), diarrhea (n = 1), and neutropenia (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that biweekly docetaxel plus ADT is feasible, and clinical efficacy does not seem to be compromised compared to a standard triweekly docetaxel 75 mg/m² plus ADT regimen.

Usefulness of MRI targeted prostate biopsy for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in men with low prostate-specific antigen levels

We aimed to evaluate the detection rates of prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) using magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy (MRI-TBx) in men with low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (2.5–4.0 ng/mL). Clinicopathologic data of 5502 men with PSA levels of 2.5–10.0 ng/mL who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-Bx) or MRI-TBx were reviewed. Participants were divided into four groups: LP-T [low PSA (2.5–4.0 ng/mL) and TRUS-Bx, n = 2018], LP-M (low PSA and MRI-TBx, n = 186), HP-T [high PSA (4.0–10.0 ng/mL) and TRUS-Bx, n = 2953], and HP-M (high PSA and MRI-TBx, n = 345). The detection rates of PCa and csPCa between groups were compared, and association of biopsy modality with detection of PCa and csPCa in men with low PSA levels were analyzed. The detection rates of PCa (20.0% vs. 38.2%; P < 0.001) and csPCa (11.5% vs. 32.3%; P < 0.001) were higher in the LP-M group than in the LP-T group. Conversely, there were no significant differences in the detection rates of PCa (38.2% vs. 43.2%; P = 0.263) and csPCa (32.3% vs. 39.4%; P = 0.103) between the LP-M and HP-M groups. Multivariate analyses revealed that using MRI-TBx could predict the detection of csPCa (odds ratio 2.872; 95% confidence interval 1.996‒4.132; P < 0.001) in men with low PSA levels. In summary, performing MRI-TBx in men with low PSA levels significantly improved the detection rates of PCa and csPCa as much as that in men with high PSA levels.

ISL1 promotes enzalutamide resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) through epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)

Abnormal expression of insulin gene enhancer-binding protein 1 (ISL1) has been demonstrated to be closely associated with cancer development and progression in several cancers. However, little is known about ISL1 expression in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). ISL1 has also been recognized as a positive modulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we focused on ISL1 which showed maximum upregulation at the mRNA level in the enzalutamide-resistant cell line. Accordingly, we found that ISL1 was overexpressed in enzalutamide-resistant C4-2B cells and its expression was significantly related to EMT. Our findings reveal the important role of ISL1 in androgen receptor (AR)-dependent prostate cancer cell growth; ISL1 knockdown reduced the AR activity and cell growth. ISL1 knockdown using small-interfering RNA inhibited AR, PSA, and EMT-related protein expression in C4-2B ENZR cells. In addition, knock-down ISL1 reduced the levels of AKT and p65 phosphorylation in C4-2B ENZR cells and these suggest that knock-down ISL1 suppresses EMT in part by targeting the AKT/NF-κB pathway. Further, ISL1 downregulation could effectively inhibit tumor growth in a human CRPC xenograft model. Together, the present study shows that downregulation of ISL1 expression is necessary for overcoming enzalutamide resistance and improving the survival of CRPC patients.

Conditional Intravesical Recurrence-Free Survival Rate After Radical Nephroureterectomy With Bladder Cuff Excision for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Background

To evaluate the conditional intravesical recurrence (IVR)–free (IVRF) survival rate in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who had no history of bladder cancer and no concomitant bladder cancer. Hence, we aimed to analyze a relatively large number of patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision (RNUx).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1,095 patients with UTUC who underwent RNUx. Their baseline characteristics, bladder tumor history, and UTUC features were analyzed to evaluate oncological outcomes. To determine the factors affecting IVR, surgical modality, use of preoperative ureteroscopy, TNM stage, and pathological outcomes were evaluated. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the factors affecting IVR. Conditional IVRF survival rate was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

Among the 1,095 patients, 462 patients developed IVR, and the mean time to the development of IVR was 13.08 ± 0.84 months after RNUx. A total of 30.74% of patients with IVR and 15.32% of those without IVR had a history of bladder cancer (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that a history of bladder cancer, multifocal tumors, use of preoperative ureteroscopy, extravesical bladder cuffing method, lymph node involvement, positive surgical margins, and use of adjuvant chemotherapy were determined to be risk factors for IVR. The conditional IVRF rate was 74.0% at 12 months after RNUx, 87.1% at 24 months after RNUx, 93.6% at 36 months after RNUx, and 97.3% at 60 months after RNUx. The median IVRF survival period was 133.00 months for all patients. In patients with IVRF at 24 months after RNUx, only ureteroscopy was an independent risk factor for IVR [hazard ratio (HR) 1.945, p = 0.040]. In patients with IVRF at ≥36 months, there was no significant factor affecting IVR.

Conclusions

Active IVR assessment is required until 36 months after RNUx. In addition, patient education and regular screening tests, such as urine analysis and cytology, are required for patients with IVRF for ≥36 months.

The Role of Prostate Combination Biopsy Consisting of Targeted and Additional Systematic Biopsy

BACKGROUND

To identify the role of combination biopsy, which consists of both targeted and additional systematic cores, in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with PSA levels 2.5-15 ng/mL who have a suspicious prostate lesion (with the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) ≥ 3) on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) between January 2016 and December 2018. We analyzed biopsy results by PI-RADS score and biopsy methods (systematic, targeted, and combination biopsy).

RESULTS

Of the 711 total patients, an average of 4.0 ± 1.8 targeted and 8.6 ± 3.1 additional systematic biopsies were performed. The additional systematic biopsies were sampled outside the targeted biopsy area. The combination biopsies detected more csPCa (201 patients, 28.3%) than did the targeted (175 patients, 24.6%) or systematic (124 patients, 17.4%) biopsies alone (p < 0.001). In the initial biopsy samples, there was a 7% increase in the detection of csPCa than in targeted biopsy (62% to 69%). It increased by 11% in repeat biopsy (46% to 57%). There was no statistical significance in both groups (p = 0.3174).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination biopsy has the benefit of detecting csPCa in both initial and repeat biopsy when there is a suspicious lesion on mpMRI.

Utility of multiple core biopsies during transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy for patients with large prostates and PI-RADS 1–2 on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging

Background

We investigated the necessity of multiple core biopsies when performing transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy (TTMB) for patients with large prostates and no suspicious lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 304 patients on active surveillance (AS), 212 patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-Bx) and 67 biopsy naïve patients who underwent TTMB between May 2017 and December 2020. The number of core biopsies and acute urinary retention (AUR) rates were analyzed in relation to the prostate volume (PV). Cancer detection rate according to the prostate volume and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores were compared using the Pearson Chi-square test.

Results

AUR occurred more frequently in patients with PV over 39 cc (5.5% vs. 24.4%, P < 0.001). In addition, incidence of AUR was more in patients with PV over 39 cc and PI-RADS score of 1–2 on mpMRI (3.7% vs. 22.2%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the detection rates of any prostate cancer or clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA) between the patients on AS with PV < 39 cc and PV ≥ 39 cc and PI-RADS score 1–2 (57.4% vs. 50%, P = 0.507; 17% vs. 8.8%, P = 0.412, respectively). Additionally, no significant difference was found in the detection rates of any prostate cancer or csPCA between the patients with PV < 39 cc and PV ≥ 39 cc and PI-RADS score 1–2 who either had a previously negative TRUS-Bx or were biopsy naïve (27.9% vs. 16.2%, P = 0.101, 8.2% vs. 4.1%, P = 0.31, respectively).

Conclusion

Increasing the number of core biopsies of prostates measuring ≥39 cc with PI-RADS 1–2 on mpMRI does not significantly increase the detection rates of any prostate cancer or csPCA.

A comparison of the survival outcomes of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy in patients over 75 years old with non-metastatic prostate cancer: A Korean multicenter study

PURPOSE

To compare overall survivals (OSs) and cancer-specific survivals (CSSs) after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and radiation therapy (RT), the latter of which has long been recommended primarily for elderly patients (≥75 years) with non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), given the Korean male life span of 79.7 years (2018).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective data for aged ≥75 years who underwent RARP or RT at seven tertiary hospitals were analyzed. To account for indication-related bias, inverse probability of treatment-weighting (IPTW) was applied before and after Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of the 1,110 study subjects, 883 underwent RARP and 227 RT from 2007 to 2016. The differences between groups including the age (≥80 y; 25.4% vs. 32.8%; p=0.034), concomitant diabetes (14.9% vs. 22.9%; p=0.007), coronary heart disease (3.5% vs. 7.5%; p=0.015), and PCa risk stratification (high-risk; 18.2% vs. 59.7%; p<0.001) were balanced after IPTW. During a mean follow-up of 74.5 months, OSs (91.9% vs. 91.0%) and CSSs (97.8% vs. 98.0%) were similar. After IPTW, overall mortality was associated with diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 2.273; p<0.0001) and inversely with low-risk PCa (HR, 0.314; p<0.0001), the last of which was solely associated with cancer-specific mortality (HR, 0.245; p=0.0005). The implementation of local treatment between RARP and RT demonstrated no impact on survival, for whole and high-risk populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Even aged over 75 years, patients who underwent RARP for non-metastatic PCa had similar survival with RT regardless of risk stratification. However, the survival needs to be weighed with the morbidity of local treatment in a future study.

Can Prostate-Specific Antigen Density Be an Index to Distinguish Patients Who Can Omit Repeat Prostate Biopsy in Patients with Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Purpose

We evaluated the negative predictive value (NPV) of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) according to biopsy setting and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) using transperineal template-guided saturation prostate biopsy (TPB) as the reference standard.

Methods

A total of 161 patients with biopsy histories and negative pre-biopsy mpMRI (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 scores of less than 3) participated in the study. TPB was performed on the following indications: “prior negative biopsy” in patients with persistent suspicion of prostate cancer (n = 91) or “confirmatory biopsy” in patients who were candidates for active surveillance (n = 70). The csPCa was defined as a Gleason score of 3 + 4 or greater. We calculated the NPV of mpMRI in detecting csPCa according to biopsy history and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) and conducted a logistic regression analysis to determine the clinical predicator for the absence of csPCa.

Results

The detection rate of csPCa was 5.5% in the prior negative biopsy group and 14.3% in the confirmatory biopsy group (P = 0.057). None of the variables in the logistic regression models including PSAD <0.15 ng/mL/cc and prior negative biopsy could predict the absence of csPCa. The NPV of mpMRI in detecting csPCa in patients with a prior negative biopsy worsen from 94.5% to 93.3% when combined with PSAD <0.15 ng/mL/cc.

Conclusion

Patients with negative mpMRI findings may not omit repeat biopsy even if their prior biopsy histories are negative and PSADs are <0.15 ng/mL/cc.

Comparison of Risk Factors for the Development of Proteinuria After Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

We investigated compensatory structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after radical nephrectomy (RN) according to the presence of proteinuria.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 471 patients who underwent RN for RCC between October 2005 and December 2013. These patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of postoperative proteinuria (trace or greater (≥1+) urine dipstick). We obtained computed tomography images before and 1 year after surgery to calculate the functional renal volume (FRV). The preoperative and postoperative Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation-calculated glomerular filtration rates (CKD-EPI GFRs) per unit FRV (GFR/FRV) were used to calculate the degree of hyperfiltration.

Results

The mean patient age was 54.7±11.1 years, and the mean preoperative CKD-EPI GFR, FRV, and GFR/FRV were 89.3±13.3 mL/min/1.73 m², 357.2±71.8 cm³, and 0.26±0.05 mL/min/1.73 m²/cm³, respectively. The percentage reduction rate of the GFR was not significantly different according to the presence of proteinuria (normal: −28.5±11.6% vs proteinuria: −28.7±15%; p=0.902); however, the postoperative hypertrophic FRV in the remnant kidney was significantly different (normal: 17.5±9.1% vs proteinuria: 13.8±14.1%; p=0.001). Meanwhile, the change in the percentage rate of the GFR/FRV was not significantly different (normal: 21.1±23% vs proteinuria: 23.8±28.3%; p=0.324). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (p=0.010) and the GFR/FRV (p<0.001) were significant predictors of postoperative proteinuria.

Conclusion

Compensatory structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration are positive adaptations that reduce the occurrence of proteinuria.

Correlation between Gleason score distribution and Prostate Health Index in patients with prostate-specific antigen values of 2.5-10 ng/mL

Purpose

To determine the clinical significance and correlation between the Prostate Health Index (PHI) and Gleason score in patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value of 2.5–10 ng/mL.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective analysis included 114 patients who underwent biopsy after completion of the PHI from November 2018 to July 2019. Various parameters such as PSA, PHI, PSA density, free PSA, p2PSA, and %free PSA were collected, and correlations with biopsy Gleason score and cancer detection rates were investigated.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between PHI groups (0–26.9 [n=11], 27.0–35.9 [n=17], 36.0–54.9 [n=50], and ≥55.0 [n=36]). A total of 37 patients (32.5%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 28 (24.6%) were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC, Gleason score ≥7) after prostate biopsy. The cancer detection rate gradually increased with a corresponding increase in the PHI (18%, 24%, 30%, and 44%, respectively). The same pattern was observed with detecting CSPC (0%, 18%, 26%, and 33%, respectively). There was no CSPC in the groups with PHI <27.0, and Gleason score 7 began to appear in groups with PHI ≥27.0. In particular, patients with Gleason score 8 and 9 were distributed only in the groups with PHI ≥36.0.

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of detection of CSPC could be increased when prostate biopsy is performed in patients with a PHI ≥36.0. In this study, there was a clear Gleason score difference when the PHI cutoff value was set to 27.0 or 36.0.

Biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy according to nadir prostate specific antigen value

The hypersensitive prostate specific antigen (PSA) test can measure in 0.01 ng/mL units, and its efficacy for screening after radical prostatectomy (RP) has been reported. In this study, we assessed patients who underwent RP to evaluate whether the nadir value affects biochemical recurrence (BCR). From 1995 to 2014, patients classified as N0 who had negative resection margins and a nadir PSA of less than 0.2 ng/mL were evaluated. The characteristics, pathological outcomes, PSA after RP, and BCR were assessed. A total of 1483 patients were enrolled. Among them, 323 (21.78%) patients showed BCR after RP. The mean age of the BCR group was 63.86±7.31 years, and while that of the no-recurrence group was 64.06±6.82 years (P = 0.645). The mean preoperative PSA of the BCR group was 9.75±6.92 ng/mL and that of the no-recurrence group was 6.71±5.19 ng/mL (P < 0.001). The mean time to nadir (TTN) in the BCR group was 4.64±7.65 months, while that in the no-recurrence group was 7.43±12.46 months (P < 0.001). The mean PSA nadir value was 0.035±0.034 ng/mL in the BCR group and 0.014±0.009 ng/mL in the no-recurrence group (P < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, Gleason score, positive biopsy core percentages, minimal invasive surgery, nadir PSA value, and TTN were independently associated with BCR. The mean BCR occurred at 48.23±2.01 months after RP, and there was a significant difference in BCR occurrence according to the nadir PSA value (P < 0.001). A high PSA nadir value and short TTN may predict the risk of BCR after successful RP, aiding the identification of candidates for adjuvant or salvage therapies after RP.

Risk Factors and Patterns of Locoregional Recurrence After Radical Nephrectomy for Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the risk factors and patterns of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after radical nephrectomy (RN) in patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 245 patients who underwent RN for non-metastatic pathologic T3-4 RCC from January 2006 to January 2016. We analyzed the risk factors associated with poor locoregional control using Cox regression. Anatomical mapping was performed on reference computed tomography scans showing intact kidneys.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 56 months (1-128 months). Tumor extension to renal vessels or the inferior vena cava (IVC) and Fuhrman's nuclear grade IV were identified as independent risk factors of LRR. The 5-year actuarial LRR rates in groups with no risk factor, one risk factor, and two risk factors were 2.3%, 19.8%, and 30.8%, respectively (p<0.0001). The locations of LRR were distributed as follows: aortocaval area (n=2), retrocaval area (n=5), and tumor bed (n=11). No LRR was observed above the celiac axis (CA) or under the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA).

Conclusions

Tumor extension to renal vessels or the IVC and Fuhrman's nuclear grade IV are the independent risk factors associated with LRR after RN for pT3-4 RCC. The locations of LRR after RN for RCC were distributed in the tumor bed and regional lymphatic area from the bifurcation of the CA to that of the IMA.

Comparison of oncologic and functional outcomes between radical nephroureterectomy and segmental ureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

This study aims to compare oncologic and functional outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and segmental ureterectomy (SU) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We retrospectively collected data on patients who underwent either RNU or SU of UTUC. Propensity score matching was performed among 394 cases to yield a final cohort of 40 RNU and 40 SU cases. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to compare overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS) between the groups. We also compared the change in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). There was no significant difference in terms of CSS, PFS, and IVRFS between the RNU and SU groups, but the RNU group had a better OS than the SU group (p = 0.032). Postoperative eGFR was better preserved in the SU group than in the RNU group (p < 0.001). SU provides comparable CSS, PFS, and IVRFS for patients with UTUC compared to RNU, even in patients with advanced-stage and/or high-grade cancer. Further, SU achieves better preservation of renal function.

Assessment of Agreement between Two Difference Prostate-Specific Antigen Assay Modalities

Simple Summary

Prostate-specific antigen is a biomarker for prostate cancer. If the level of prostate-specific antigen is high, a prostate biopsy is needed to diagnose prostate cancer. However, the definite level of prostate-specific antigen that requires prostate biopsy has not been established. Currently, there are many kinds of assay modalities that have been used for prostate-specific antigen testing. This study was conducted under the hypothesis that there will be differences between different assay modalities; therefore, there is no definite prostate-specific antigen level for prostate biopsy. In our study, the level of prostate-specific antigens was measured in one blood sample per patient, with two different assay modalities in 4810 patients. As a result, we confirmed that the overall agreement between the two modalities is excellent, but the agreement is slightly different in some ranges that may give clinical significance. Accordingly, the conformity between each assay modality should be secured in the future, and the threshold for the level of prostate-specific antigens for biopsy by each assay modality should be independently determined.

Abstract

There is controversy over the usefulness of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a prostate cancer (PCa) biomarker. This controversy arises when there are differences in the results of PSA assay modalities. In this study, which aimed to evaluate a proper validation between the two PSA assay modalities, the agreement between the results of the two modalities was analyzed. PSA examinations were conducted using two PSA assay modalities in 4810 patients. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted kappa analysis were used to evaluate the agreement between the two assay modalities. A linear regression was performed to evaluate the association between the two assay modalities. According to ICC values (ICC: 0.999, p < 0.001) and weighted kappa analysis values (kappa: 0.951, alpha’s standard error (ASE): 0.001, p < 0.0001), the agreement between the assay modalities was rated as excellent. However, the strength of agreement was poor in the following PSA sub-groups: 0.05–0.1 ng/mL (ICC: 0.281, p = 0.0860); 0.15–0.2 ng/mL (ICC: 0.288, p = 0.0036); 1.5–2.0 ng/mL (ICC: 0.360, p = 0.0860); and 2.0–2.5 ng/mL (ICC: 0.303, p = 0.0868). In linear regression analysis, when modality B PSA yielded a value of 0.2 ng/mL, the expected value for modality A was 0.258 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.255–0.260), and when modality B PSA yielded a value of 4 ng/mL, the expected value for modality A was 3.192 ng/mL (95% CI: 3.150–3.235). The difference in the PSA values between the two PSA assay modalities is confirmed, and this difference may be clinically meaningful.

Potential of circulating tumor DNA as a predictor of therapeutic responses to immune checkpoint blockades in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

We evaluated the predictive role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection by targeted deep sequencing in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with immune checkpoint blockades (ICB). To determine the feasibility of ctDNA detection in our panel encompassing 40 genes, we collected 10 ml of blood from 20 patients at the time of radical nephrectomy. We analyzed somatic mutations in primary tumors and ctDNA samples from these patients. We finally collected 10 ml of blood before and after 1 month of treatment, respectively, from four patients with mRCC who received first-line ICB treatment. Variants were detected in primary tumors of 15 patients (75%) and ctDNA was detected in the plasma of 9 patients (45%). We examined the predictive role of ctDNA in four patients who received first-line ICB therapy. In two patients showing partial response, ctDNA levels decreased after 1 month of ICB treatment. However, in one patient who showed disease progression, ctDNA levels increased after 1 month of ICB treatment. Taken together, ctDNA detection in plasma by targeted deep sequencing was feasible in patients with RCC. Moreover, the levels of ctDNA could be an early predictor of treatment response in patients with mRCC who receive ICB therapy.

Dr. Answer AI for Prostate Cancer: Predicting Biochemical Recurrence Following Radical Prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES

To develop a model to predict biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP), using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study collected data from 7,128 patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who received RP at 3 tertiary hospitals. After preprocessing, we used the data of 6,755 cases to generate the BCR prediction model. There were 16 input variables with BCR as the outcome variable. We used a random forest to develop the model. Several sampling techniques were used to address class imbalances.

RESULTS

We achieved good performance using a random forest with synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) using Tomek links, edited nearest neighbors (ENN), and random oversampling: accuracy = 96.59%, recall = 95.49%, precision = 97.66%, F1 score = 96.59%, and ROC AUC = 98.83%.

CONCLUSION

We developed a BCR prediction model for RP. The Dr. Answer AI project, which was developed based on our BCR prediction model, helps physicians and patients to make treatment decisions in the clinical follow-up process as a clinical decision support system.

Genomic mutation profiling using liquid biopsy in Korean patients with prostate cancer: Circulating tumor DNA mutation predicts the development of castration resistance

Purpose

To investigate germline and somatic mutation profiles in Korean patients with prostate cancer using liquid biopsy and solid tissue testing and to evaluate the prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in predicting castration resistance in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).

Materials and Methods

Plasma samples from 56 prostate cancer patients were subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify germline mutations and ctDNA analysis using liquid biopsy to detect somatic mutations. Additionally, paired solid cancer tissues from 18 patients were subject to NGS to detect somatic mutations. The clinical parameters and ctDNA profiles of patients with mHSPC were analyzed to evaluate the prognostic value of ctDNA mutations with respect to predicting castration resistance using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Germline mutations occurred in 3.6% of the patients in this cohort, with mutations identified in RAD50 (1.8%) and BRCA1 (1.8%). Somatic mutations detected by liquid biopsy and solid tissue testing were common in TP53 (12.5%), PIK3CA (3.6%), and TMPRSS2-ERG (3.6%). Of the 18 patients with paired tissue testing, two patients had at least one identical somatic mutation in both the liquid biopsy and solid tissue testing. In patients with mHSPC, the presence of ctDNA mutations could independently predict the castration resistance development (hazard ratio, 13.048; 95% confidential interval, 1.109–153.505; p=0.041).

Conclusions

Korean patients with prostate cancer showed a relatively low germline mutation rate compared to other ethnicities. The ctDNA mutations detected by liquid biopsy can predict the development of castration resistance in patients with mHSPC.

Risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease in patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for prostate cancer: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Recent studies reported conflicting results on the association of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with dementia and Parkinson's disease in patients with prostate cancer (Pca). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) increases the risk of both diseases. A nationwide population cohort study was conducted involving newly diagnosed patients with Pca %who started ADT with GnRHa (GnRHa users, n = 3,201) and control (nonusers, n = 4,123) between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, using data from the National Health Insurance Service. To validate the result, a hospital cohort of patients with Pca consisting of GnRHa users (n = 205) and nonusers (n = 479) in a tertiary referral center from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016, were also analyzed. Traditional and propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effects of ADT on the risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease. In univariable analysis, risk of dementia was associated with GnRHa use in both nationwide and hospital validation cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 1.696; 95% CI, 1.425-2.019, and HR, 1.352; 95% CI, 1.089-1.987, respectively). In a nationwide cohort, ADT was not associated with dementia in both traditional and propensity score-matched multivariable analysis, whereas in a hospital validation cohort, ADT was associated with dementia only in unmatched analysis (HR, 1.203; 95% CI, 1.021-1.859) but not in propensity score-matched analysis. ADT was not associated with Parkinson's disease in either nationwide and validation cohorts. This population-based study suggests that the association between GnRHa use as ADT and increased risk of dementia or Parkinson's disease is not clear, which was also verified in a hospital validation cohort.