Serial Molecular Profiling of Low-grade Prostate Cancer to Assess Tumor Upgrading: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe potential for low-grade (grade group 1 [GG1]) prostate cancer (PCa) to progress to high-grade disease remains unclear. ObjectiveTo interrogate the molecular and biological features of low-grade PCa serially over time. Design, setting, and participantsNested longitudinal cohort study in an academic active surveillance (AS) program. Men were on AS for GG1 PCa from 2012 to 2017. InterventionElectronic tracking and resampling of PCa using magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion biopsy. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisERG immunohistochemistry (IHC) and targeted DNA/RNA next-generation sequencing were performed on initial and repeat biopsies. Tumor clonality was assessed. Molecular data were compared between men who upgraded and those who did not upgrade to GG ≥ 2 cancer. Results and limitationsSixty-six men with median age 64 yr (interquartile range [IQR], 59–69) and prostate-specific antigen 4.9 ng/mL (IQR, 3.3–6.4) underwent repeat sampling of a tracked tumor focus (median interval, 11 mo; IQR, 6–13). IHC-based ERG fusion status was concordant at initial and repeat biopsies in 63 men (95% vs expected 50%, p < 0.001), and RNAseq-based fusion and isoform expression were concordant in nine of 13 (69%) ERG+ patients, supporting focal resampling. Among 15 men who upgraded with complete data at both time points, integrated DNA/RNAseq analysis provided evidence of shared clonality in at least five cases. Such cases could reflect initial undersampling, but also support the possibility of clonal temporal progression of low-grade cancer. Our assessment was limited by sample size and use of targeted sequencing. ConclusionsRepeat molecular assessment of low-grade tumors suggests that clonal progression could be one mechanism of upgrading. These data underscore the importance of serial tumor assessment in men pursuing AS of low-grade PCa. Patient summaryWe performed targeted rebiopsy and molecular testing of low-grade tumors on active surveillance. Our findings highlight the importance of periodic biopsy as a component of monitoring for cancer upgrading during surveillance.