Prognostic value of cribriform size, percentage, and intraductal carcinoma in Gleason score 7 prostate cancer with cribriform Gleason pattern 4

Abstract

Cribriform Gleason pattern 4 (CGP4) is an indicator of poor prognosis in Gleason Score 7 prostate cancer; however, the significance of the size and percentage of this pattern and the presence of concomitant intraductal carcinoma (IDC) in these patients is unclear. To study the significance of these parameters in radical prostatectomy specimens, 165 cases with CGP4 were identified and reviewed (2017-2019). The size and percentage cribriform pattern and presence of IDC were noted and correlated with adverse pathological features and biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival. On review, 156 cases had CGP4 (Grade Group 2: 87 and Grade Group 3: 69). Large cribriform pattern and cribriform percentage of >20% showed significant association with extraprostatic extension, surgical margin positivity, and presence of IDC, whereas the presence of IDC was associated with all the analyzed adverse pathological features. BCR was seen in 22 of 111 (20%) patients after a median follow-up of 11 months, and of these, 21 had large cribriform pattern. On univariate analysis, all parameters had significant predictive values for BCR-free survival except for tertiary Gleason pattern 5. On multivariate analysis, while >20% cribriform pattern was trending to be an independent predictor, only lymphovascular invasion was statistically significant. Large cribriform pattern, >20% cribriform, and presence of IDC are additional pathologic parameters of potential value in identifying patients with high risk for early BCR.