Candidates For Active Surveillance Research Articles

Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules with Isolated RAS Alterations May Be Candidates for Active Surveillance

Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules with Isolated RAS Alterations May Be Candidates for Active Surveillance

Personalized Treatment Strategy in “Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance Candidates” Using Irreversible Electroporation: Prospective Evaluation of Feasibility, Morbidity, Functional and Oncological Outcomes

Personalized Treatment Strategy in “Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance Candidates” Using Irreversible Electroporation: Prospective Evaluation of Feasibility, Morbidity, Functional and Oncological Outcomes

Diagnosis and management of adrenal incidentaloma: use of clinical judgment and evidence in dialog with the patient

AbstractThe prevalence of adrenal incidentaloma (AI) in imaging studies, including those of the adrenal glands, is estimated to be 1–5%. Essential factors for the proper management of AI include a correct diagnosis, adequate surgical skills, appropriate perioperative management, and sound dialogue with the patient. Aside from the possibility of overdiagnosis, patients with apparent signs or symptoms attributable to adrenal hormone excess have reasonable indications for surgery. At the same time, milder patients may be candidates for active surveillance without intervention. Even individuals with nonfunctioning AI may benefit from surgery if imaging studies depict the tumor as suggestive of malignancy. However, a differential diagnosis of AI may not be easy for surgeons with little experience in seeing such patients.Furthermore, a patient without a correct diagnosis may miss the window of opportunity for a cure or incur a greater risk of developing complications, such as adrenal insufficiency or cardiovascular events during or after surgery, due to inadequate management. The clinical practice guidelines for AI from around the world may be helpful for shared decision-making; however, Japan lacks established guidelines. In this review article, we propose practical guidelines relevant to management by summarizing the evidence for five key questions that are often asked in dialog with patients with AI.

Molecular Anatomy of Prostate Cancer and Its Implications in Active Surveillance and Early Intervention Strategies

Understanding prostate carcinogenesis is crucial not only for identifying new treatment targets but also for developing effective strategies to manage the asymptomatic form of the disease. There is a lack of consensus about predicting the indolent form of the disease prostate cancer, leading to uncertainties regarding treatment initiation. This review aims to enhance the assessment and management of early prostate cancer by providing a comprehensive picture of the molecular anatomy of the prostate, synthesising current evidence, highlighting knowledge gaps, and identifying future directions. It presents evidence for the efficacy of active surveillance as an alternative treatment strategy and its potential benefits in specific patient groups through androgen receptor disruption. Overall, an improved understanding of prostate carcinogenesis and its molecular underpinnings can pave the way for tailored and precise management approaches for this common cancer. Further development and validation of molecule-based assessment tools are needed. Integrating genomic, proteomic, and phenotypic models, as well as functional approaches, can help predict outcomes. This facilitates selecting candidates for active surveillance and targeting interventions for higher-risk cases, contributing to more precise management strategies.

A urine extracellular vesicle lncRNA classifier for high-grade prostate cancer and increased risk of progression: A multi-center study

To construct a urine extracellular vesicle long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) classifier that can detect high-grade prostate cancer (PCa) of grade group 2 or greater and estimate the risk of progression during active surveillance, we identify high-grade PCa-specific lncRNAs by combined analyses of cohorts from TAHSY, TCGA, and the GEO database. We develop and validate a 3-lncRNA diagnostic model (Clnc, being made of AC015987.1, CTD-2589M5.4, RP11-363E6.3) that can detect high-grade PCa. Clnc shows higher accuracy than prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), and two risk calculators (Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial [PCPT]-RC 2.0 and European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer [ERSPC]-RC) in the training cohort (n= 350), two independent cohorts (n=232; n= 251), and TCGA cohort (n=499). In the prospective active surveillance cohort (n= 182), Clnc at diagnosis remains a powerful independent predictor for overall active surveillance progression. Thus, Clnc is a potential biomarker for high-grade PCa and can also serve as a biomarker for improved selection of candidates for active surveillance.

A novel nomogram for identifying high-risk patients among active surveillance candidates with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Active surveillance (AS) has been recommended as the first-line treatment strategy for low-risk (LR) papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) according to the guidelines. However, preoperative imaging and fine-needle aspiration could not rule out a small group of patients with aggressive PTMC with large-volume lymph node micro-metastasis, extrathryoidal invasion to surrounding soft tissue, or high-grade malignancy from the AS candidates. Among 2,809 PTMC patients, 2,473 patients were enrolled in this study according to the inclusion criteria. Backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to filter clinical characteristics and ultrasound features to identify independent predictors of high-risk (HR) patients. A nomogram was developed and validated according to selected risk factors for the identification of an HR subgroup among "LR" PTMC patients before operation. For identifying independent risk factors, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using the backward stepwise method and revealed that male sex [3.91 (2.58-5.92)], older age [0.94 (0.92-0.96)], largest tumor diameter [26.7 (10.57-69.22)], bilaterality [1.44 (1.01-2.3)], and multifocality [1.14 (1.01-2.26)] were independent predictors of the HR group. Based on these independent risk factors, a nomogram model was developed for predicting the probability of HR. The C index was 0.806 (95% CI, 0.765-0.847), which indicated satisfactory accuracy of the nomogram in predicting the probability of HR. Taken together, we developed and validated a nomogram model to predict HR of PTMC, which could be useful for patient counseling and facilitating treatment-related decision-making.

The Judicious Use of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in the Primary Management of Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Localized renal cell carcinoma is primarily managed surgically, but this disease commonly presents in highly comorbid patients who are poor operative candidates. Less invasive techniques, such as cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation, are effective, but require percutaneous or laparoscopic access, while generally being limited to cT1a tumors without proximity to the renal pelvis or ureter. Active surveillance is another management option for small renal masses, but many patients desire treatment or are poor candidates for active surveillance. For poor surgical candidates, a growing body of evidence supports stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) as a safe and effective non-invasive treatment modality. For example, a recent multi-institution individual patient data meta-analysis of 190 patients managed with SABR estimated a 5.5% five-year cumulative incidence of local failure with one patient experiencing grade 4 toxicity, and no other grade ≥3 toxic events. Here, we discuss the recent developments in SABR for the management of localized renal cell carcinoma, highlighting key concepts of appropriate patient selection, treatment design, treatment delivery, and response assessment.

Recommendations for patients with prostate cancer who wish to undergo a kidney transplant

Over the past half a century, kidney transplants have increased significantly and more patients that are elderly are receiving kidney transplants. As a result, the eligibility of patients with prostate cancer who wish to receive a kidney transplant has become a significant issue facing the transplant community. Many questions have arisen because prostate cancer is an extremely variable disease that many times do not harm the patients but at other times, can cause the death of the patient.If a patient has prostate cancer, should he be allowed to receive a kidney transplant? Should he receive the transplant after treatment for prostate cancer or without such treatment? How should the transplant community determine his eligibility? Most agree that those with high-risk prostate cancer should be treated first and have a waiting period prior to kidney transplant. Almost all low-risk prostate cancer patients are candidates for active surveillance. More and more urologists are doing active surveillance for favorable intermediate risk prostate cancer patients. We believe that all patients who are reasonable candidates for active surveillance based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for prostate cancer are reasonable candidates for kidney transplant without treatment for prostate cancer. We recommend using a combination of shared-decision making that involves prostate cancer risk-stratification as well as adjunctive tests such as imaging with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and genomic testing such as Decipher, Oncotype DX or Polaris, in order to inform whether or not patients with prostate cancer can receive a kidney transplant without treatment for prostate cancer.

The Metastatic Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma by Primary Tumor Size and Subtype

BackgroundCurrent data on the association between tumor size, subtype, and metastases, and thresholds for intervention, for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), are largely based on single-center nephrectomy registries that may under-represent those presenting with metastatic disease. ObjectiveWe sought to assess tumor size and histologic subtype in relation to metastatic status at presentation for patients with RCC. Design, setting, and participantsUsing Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer registry data, we identified patients with a diagnosis of RCC made between 2004 and 2019, and a known size of primary tumor. We used nodal and metastatic TNM staging to assess metastatic disease at presentation. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisWe report the proportion of metastatic disease across varying tumor sizes for clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC), and chromophobe (chRCC) RCC. We also examine sarcomatoid RCC and RCC with sarcomatoid features (sarcRCC). Logistic regression models were used to model the likelihood of metastatic disease for each histologic subtype. Results and limitationsOf 181096 RCC patients included, 23829 had metastatic disease. For any RCC, metastatic rates of 3.6%, 13.1%, 30.3%, and 45.1% were observed for tumors ≤4, 4–≤7, 7–≤10, and >10 cm, respectively. Metastatic rates of chRCC were low at even large sizes, 11.0% at >10 cm. In contrast, sarcRCC had high metastatic rates at all sizes, 27.1% at ≤4 cm. Metastatic rates for ccRCC and pRCC increased steadily above 3 cm. For any RCC and each evaluated subtype, tumor size was found to be associated with metastatic disease on logistic regression (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe likelihood of a renal mass being metastatic varies greatly with both its subtype and size. We report higher likelihoods of metastatic disease across tumor sizes compared with what has been reported previously. These results may help clinicians pick appropriate thresholds for intervention and candidates for active surveillance. Patient summaryWe find that the metastatic probability of renal cell carcinoma varies greatly with subtype and increases with tumor size.

MP64-04 THE METASTATIC POTENTIAL OF RENAL MASSES IS UNDERAPPRECIATED: A SIZE ANALYSIS STRATIFIED BY HISTOLOGY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP64-04 THE METASTATIC POTENTIAL OF RENAL MASSES IS UNDERAPPRECIATED: A SIZE ANALYSIS STRATIFIED BY HISTOLOGY Steven Monda, Hans Lui, Manolis Pratsinis, Christopher Evans, and Marc Dall'Era Steven MondaSteven Monda More articles by this author , Hans LuiHans Lui More articles by this author , Manolis PratsinisManolis Pratsinis More articles by this author , Christopher EvansChristopher Evans More articles by this author , and Marc Dall'EraMarc Dall'Era More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003322.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Current data on the association between tumor size and metastases, and thresholds for intervention, for renal masses are largely based on single center nephrectomy registries. We sought to assess tumor size and metastatic status at presentation for patients with any RCC and for specific histologies using a cancer registry. METHODS: Using SEER data we identified patients with a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma made between 2004-2019. We assessed nodal and metastatic staging to identify non-localized disease. We performed specific assessments on clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC), and chromophobe (chrRCC) as well as RCC with sarcomatoid features (sarcRCC). We also assessed grade for ccRCC and pRCC. We report proportion of non-localized disease at various sizes and use logistic regression to establish statistical significance. RESULTS: Of 181,096 patients with RCC included, 23,829 has non-localized disease. For RCC, any histology, 3 to 4 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 10 to 12 cm tumors had non-localized rates of 4.0%, 16.7%, and 40.3% respectively. For chRCC non-localized rates were low at even large sizes. In contrast, sarcRCC had high non-localized rates at all sizes. ccRCC and pRCC non-localized rates increased steadily across each centimeter evaluated. For any RCC and each evaluated histology, tumor size was found to be associated with non-localized disease on logistic regression while controlling for sex; the odds ratio for each additional centimeter was 1.38, 1.29, 1.24, and 1.12 for ccRCC, pRCC, chRCC, and sarcRCC respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of a small renal mass being metastatic varies greatly with both its histology and size. We report roughly twice the likelihood of non-localized disease across all tumor sizes compared to what has been reported previously in nephrectomy registries. These results may help clinicians pick appropriate thresholds for intervention and candidates for active surveillance, especially in those characterized by biopsy. Source of Funding: none © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e881 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Steven Monda More articles by this author Hans Lui More articles by this author Manolis Pratsinis More articles by this author Christopher Evans More articles by this author Marc Dall'Era More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Evaluation of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Correlation with Radical Prostatectomy Histopathology Specimen in Prostate Cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown a great potential in the evaluation and management of prostate cancer. In this study, we would like to evaluate the benefit of multiparametric MRI in the detection and localization of prostate cancer by comparing it with the gold standard of histopathology from radical prostatectomy. In this single-centre prospective study, 90 consecutive patients underwent radical prostatectomy from November 2016 to May 2018. All patients first underwent multiparametric (mp)-MRI, and all suspicious regions of interest were delineated and recorded on a 5-point scale as defined in prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 (PI-RADS V2) score. All radical prostatectomy specimens, acquired after robotic radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy, were sent for histopathological examination (HPE). The mean age of the 90 patients was 65.3years, and the mean serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 16.9ng/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of mp-MRI in the detection of the corresponding region of interest (ROI) on HPE were 67.4% and 89.3% respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of mp-MRI in the detection of corresponding ROI on HPE were 86.3%, 73.3%, and 78.3% respectively. The mp-MRI detected 96.8% solitary lesions and 61.7% multifocal lesions on the corresponding ROI on HPE. Multiparametric MRI has an excellent specificity and reasonable sensitivity for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. It is a good modality for the detection of solitary tumours, higher-grade tumours, detection of seminal vesicle invasion and extracapsular extension and helps in the decision-making process before radical prostatectomy, focal therapy or selecting an appropriate candidate for active surveillance.

Safety and quality of life analyses of apalutamide plus active surveillance vs active surveillance alone for low, intermediate risk prostate cancer.

352 Background: Active surveillance (AS) is a standard of care for low-risk prostate cancer (PC). However, 20 to 50% of patients (pts) will ultimately require a local treatment following AS. The aim of this study is to assess whether apalutamide could decrease the proportion of pts requiring local treatment within 3 years. We report the 1-year safety and quality of life analyses. Methods: multicentric phase II study conducted in patients with low to intermediate risk PC randomized between apalutamide 6 months (240 mg/d) with AS vs AS alone. Toxicity was evaluated each month during treatment and every 3 months thereafter for both arms. Quality of life (SF12) was assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months post enrollment. Results: Patients were randomized: 51 in apalutamide and 40 in AS arm. Only 50 pts received apalutamide (one refusal). Median age was 64 yrs (47-76), median PSA 5.9 (1.5-21.5), only 2 pts had Gleason ISUP 2, 14% had &gt;T2, the median cancer positive cores was 14.3%. The median testosterone level was 4.7 mg/l. Only 88 were available for safety analyses (48 in apalutamide arm). Maximal grades of reported adverse events during the first year were for the experimental arm: 25%, 56%, 19% and control arm: 20%, 15% 12.5% for G1, G2, G3 respectively. In the experimental arm, grade 1/2 related adverse events (AE) were cutaneous (25%) and HTA (15%), nausea 15%, diarrhea 10%, arthralgia or musculoskeletal event 17% and anemia 6%. Attention disorders were observed in 6% and hypothyroidism in 8%. The most frequent sexual dysfunctions were erectile dysfunction observed in 29% (7.5% in AS arm), gynecomastia in 60%, loss of libido in 21%, and nipple pain in 33%. One-year post enrollment, the testosterone level was 4.86 mg/l (1.5-9.8) vs 4.6 (2-7.7) in apalutamide and AS arm, respectively. Digestive symptoms were Grade 3. Related AEs were an HTA for 2 pts, rash for 1 pt, asthenia for 1 pt, erectile dysfunction for 1 pt, and decreased libido for 1 pt. One serious related AE was reported: grade 2 cerebral ischemic attack. A reduced dose was required for 16.67% of pts and 33.3% had transient discontinuation. The treatment was stopped for toxicity in 3 pts; 94% completed the 6 months of treatment. No differences were observed in physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of SF12 for treatment vs AS at 6 mo (PCS: 55.1 vs 56.4; MCS 43.4 vs 41.4) and 12 mo (PCS: 53.6 vs 54.1; MCS 44.1 vs 42.9). Conclusions: This is a large randomized study evaluating apalutamide with active surveillance vs active surveillance. No new safety issues were observed and the safety profile was consistent relative to those previously described with apalutamide and castration, no falls or fracture were observed. No detrimental effect of apalutamide on QOL was observed during and after treatment. AEs are important for pts candidates for active surveillance. Clinical trial information: NCT03088124 .

Abbreviated Versus Multiparametric Prostate MRI in Active Surveillance for Prostate-Cancer Patients: Comparison of Accuracy and Clinical Utility as a Decisional Tool

(1) Purpose: To compare the diagnostic accuracy between full multiparametric contrast-enhanced prostate MRI (mpMRI) and abbreviated dual-sequence prostate MRI (dsMRI) in men with clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) who were candidates for active surveillance. (2) Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients with a diagnosis of low-risk PCa in the previous 6 months had a mpMRI scan prior to a saturation biopsy and a subsequent MRI cognitive transperineal targeted biopsy (for PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions). The dsMRI images were obtained from the mpMRI protocol. The images were selected by a study coordinator and assigned to two readers blinded to the biopsy results (R1 and R2). Inter-reader agreement for clinically significant cancer was evaluated with Cohen's kappa. The dsMRI and mpMRI accuracy was calculated for each reader (R1 and R2). The clinical utility of the dsMRI and mpMRI was investigated with a decision-analysis model. (3) Results: The dsMRI sensitivity and specificity were 83.3%, 31.0%, 75.0%, and 23.8%, respectively, for R1 and R2. The mpMRI sensitivity and specificity were 91.7%, 31.0%, 83.3%, and 23.8%, respectively, for R1 and R2. The inter-reader agreement for the detection of csPCa was moderate (k = 0.53) and good (k = 0.63) for dsMRI and mpMRI, respectively. The AUC values for the dsMRI were 0.77 and 0.62 for the R1 and R2, respectively. The AUC values for the mpMRI were 0.79 and 0.66 for R1 and R2, respectively. No AUC differences were found between the two MRI protocols. At any risk threshold, the mpMRI showed a higher net benefit than the dsMRI for both R1 and R2. (4) Conclusions: The dsMRI and mpMRI showed similar diagnostic accuracy for csPCa in male candidates for active surveillance.

Effect of Focal vs Extended Irreversible Electroporation for the Ablation of Localized Low- or Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer on Early Oncological Control

Focal ablative irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a therapy that treats only the area of the tumor with the aim of achieving oncological control while reducing treatment-related functional detriment. To evaluate the effect of focal vs extended IRE on early oncological control for patients with localized low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. In this randomized clinical trial conducted at 5 centers in Europe, men with localized low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer were randomized to receive either focal or extended IRE ablation. Data were collected at baseline and at regular intervals after the procedure from June 2015 to January 2020, and data were analyzed from September 2021 to July 2022. Oncological outcome as indicated by presence of clinically significant prostate cancer (International Society of Urological Pathology grade ≥2) on transperineal template-mapping prostate biopsy at 6 months after IRE. Descriptive measures of results from that biopsy included the number and location of positive cores. A total of 51 and 55 patients underwent focal and extended IRE, respectively. Median (IQR) age was 64 years (58-67) in the focal ablation group and 64 years (57-68) in the extended ablation group. Median (IQR) follow-up time was 30 months (24-48). Clinically significant prostate cancer was detected in 9 patients (18.8%) in the focal ablation group and 7 patients (13.2%) in the extended ablation group. There was no significant difference in presence of clinically significant prostate cancer between the 2 groups. In the focal ablation group, 17 patients (35.4%) had positive cores outside of the treated area, 3 patients (6.3%) had positive cores in the treated area, and 5 patients (10.4%) had positive cores both in and outside of the treated area. In the extended group, 10 patients (18.9%) had positive cores outside of the treated area, 9 patients (17.0%) had positive cores in the treated area, and 2 patients (3.8%) had positive cores both in and outside of the treated area. Clinically significant cancer was found in the treated area in 5 of 48 patients (10.4%) in the focal ablation group and 5 of 53 patients (9.4%) in the extended ablation group. This study found that focal and extended IRE ablation achieved similar oncological outcomes in men with localized low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Because some patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer are still candidates for active surveillance, focal therapy may be a promising option for those patients with a high risk of cancer progression. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01835977.

Machine learning algorithm to define optimal candidates for active surveillance in intermediate-risk prostate cancer

Machine learning algorithm to define optimal candidates for active surveillance in intermediate-risk prostate cancer

Evolving Landscape of Practice Patterns in the Management of Localized Low-Risk Prostate Cancer: A NCDB Study

Introduction: Most patients with low-risk prostate cancer (LRPC) are candidates for active surveillance (AS) or definitive local treatment, including radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), or prostate seed implant (PSI). In this study, we analyzed the treatment pattern of patients with LRPC using a large patient population provided by the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods: Patients with LRPC, as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria, between 2004 and 2015 from the NCDB were analyzed. Patients, with no or minimal comorbidity, were categorized according to treatment modalities, including RP, EBRT, PSI, and no local therapy (NLT). Chi-square tests were used to analyze the association among demographic variables and treatments. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the likelihood of choosing NLT. Results: In total, 195,452 patients diagnosed with LRPC between 2004 and 2015 were identified. There was a significant change in practice patterns with increased utilization of NLT over time, from 11.3% in 2004 to 53.5% in 2015, with a turning point in 2009. RP utilization peaked at 41.6% in 2008, EBRT peaked at 24.3% in 2006, and PSI peaked at 35.3% in 2004. However, it dropped to 17.6%, 18.1%, and 10.8%, respectively, in 2015. Academic/research programs (A/RP), older age, lower income, poorer education, lack of insurance, African Americans, and other races were associated with increased NLT use. The difference between White and African American, and older and younger patients in odds ratios were less after 2010. Conclusions: There was a significant shift in treatment patterns between 2004 and 2015. AS, as represented by the NLT in this study, has become the dominant treatment of choice for patients with LRPC. A/RPs were leading this trend, particularly in younger patients. Socioeconomic factors played roles in choosing NLT, but the racial difference became less apparent after 2010.

Low-volume grade group 2 prostate cancer candidates for active surveillance: a radical prostatectomy retrospective analysis

Objective Guidelines support considering selected men with ISUP grade group (GG) 2 prostate cancer for active surveillance (AS). We assessed the association of clinical variables with unfavorable pathology at radical prostatectomy in low-volume GG 2 prostate cancer on biopsy in a retrospective cohort. Materials and methods This was a retrospective analysis of 378 men with low-volume (≤ 2 cores) GG 2 localized prostate cancer who underwent prostatectomy at a single tertiary cancer center. Multivariable logistic regression of unfavorable pathology, upgrading to ≥ T3, or GG ≥ 3 was performed in relation to clinical factors, common variables used in AS in GG 1 and percentage Gleason 4 at biopsy. We compared the performance of potential variables with commonly used combined AS restrictions in GG 1 prostate cancer. Results In total, 128/378 (34%) men had unfavorable pathology at radical prostatectomy. On multivariable analysis, > 5% Gleason pattern 4 was independently associated with an increased risk of GG ≥ 3. A maximum percentage core involvement > 50% was independently associated with an increased risk of pT-stage ≥ 3 and unfavorable pathology. Restriction to patients with ≤ 5% Gleason 4 decreased the upgrading of both unfavorable pathology (OR = 0.62, p = 0.041) and GG ≥ 3 (OR = 0.17, p = 0.0007) compared to the full cohort, while restriction to those with ≤ 50% of max core involvement did not. Conclusion In low-volume GG 2, the percentage of Gleason 4 of ≤ 5% was the strongest predictor in reducing upgrading at final pathology. This easily available pathological descriptor could be used to guide urologists and patients when considering AS in this setting.

A high serum dehydroepiandrosterone concentration is a predictor of candidates for active surveillance in men with serum prostate-specific antigen < 10 ng/mL

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the role of serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations in the detection of prostate cancer. This study examined the effectiveness of serum DHEA in predicting candidate patients for active surveillance (AS) prior to prostate biopsy.MethodsA systematic prostate needle biopsy was performed in 203 men with serum PSA levels of < 10 ng/mL to detect prostate cancer. Serum DHEA concentrations were measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) just before biopsy. Patient’s age, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, prostate volume, and serum DHEA concentrations were compared with pathological findings in multivariate analyses.ResultsThe median patient’s age, PSA, serum DHEA concentration and prostate volume were 68 years, 5.5 ng/mL, 1654.7 pg/mL, and 31.2 mL, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, low PSA values, high serum DHEA concentrations, and large prostate volume were significant predictors of the patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer with a Gleason score of ≤ 3 + 4 who are candidate for AS. The DHEA cut-off point for predicting BPH or prostate cancer with a Gleason score of ≤ 3 + 4 was 2188 pg/mL, with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 33.7%, 96.0%, 98.4%, and 16.9%, respectively.ConclusionThe study indicated that higher serum DHEA concentrations prior to prostate biopsy might predict the patients with BPH or prostate cancer with a Gleason score ≤ 3 + 4 who are candidate for AS, in men with PSA of < 10 ng/mL.

Gleason Grade 1 Prostate Cancer Volume at Biopsy Is Associated With Upgrading, but Not Adverse Pathology or Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy: Results From a Large Institutional Cohort. Reply.

You have accessJournal of UrologyLetters to the Editor1 Jan 2023Gleason Grade 1 Prostate Cancer Volume at Biopsy Is Associated With Upgrading, but Not Adverse Pathology or Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy: Results From a Large Institutional Cohort. Reply.is a reply to letterGleason Grade 1 Prostate Cancer Volume at Biopsy Is Associated With Upgrading, but Not Adverse Pathology or Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy: Results From a Large Institutional Cohort. Letter. Peter Carroll Peter CarrollPeter Carroll Department of Urology, UCSF–Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California, San Francisco, California More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002992AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail To the Editor: We appreciate the thoughtful comments of Professors Baboudjian and Ploussard and are pleased that the results we reported are well aligned with their experience. Although cancer volume has been well demonstrated (and repeatedly validated) to be important in assessing risk in the past, its contemporary impact has been refined by new technology, enhanced imaging with mpMRI, and genomic profiling, to name a few.1 We are concerned that targeted biopsy, especially when it is performed using multiple cores for each target, could overestimate risk (ie, “over sampling”). We have found that such risk can be minimized if standards are applied for the number of cores taken for each target. Although cancer volume for lower grade disease may be less relevant, it likely remains relevant for high-grade disease. We also agree that selected patients with intermediate risk cancer, either at diagnosis or noted on serial biopsy in those on active surveillance, are candidates for active surveillance, especially those with low volume secondary pattern 4 disease and otherwise favorable characteristics such as low prostate-specific antigen density and favorable multiparametric MRI and genomic profiles.2,3

Active surveillance for PTMC warranted for the UK population?

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing globally due to the increase in detection of subclinical, low volume papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMC) (<1cm). Several international groups have recommended an active surveillance approach for this low-risk disease. In contrast to many other countries, the United Kingdom's (UK's) approach to thyroid nodules is to avoid detection of incidental lesions where appropriate. This study aims to establish the proportion of patients with thyroid cancer in the UK that would benefit from active surveillance. Individuals with PTMC in NHS Lothian from 2009-2020 were reviewed from a local thyroid cancer database. The mode of detection of PTMC and proportion of patients who might benefit from active surveillance were established. From 651 individuals with differentiated thyroid cancer managed over 12-year period, 185 individuals with PTMC were identified (28.4%). The majority of PTMC 151/185 (81.6%) were either diagnosed post-operatively following thyroidectomy for benign disease or with nodal disease. Only 24 individuals with PTMC were identified following palpable thyroid nodule, incidental finding on imaging, and surveillance screening. Therefore, when the indication for surgery was considered, only 24/651 (3.7%) patients were identified pre-operatively and would, therefore, be realistic candidates for active surveillance. Less than 4% of patients with thyroid cancer in the UK would be appropriate for active surveillance. Rather than developing programmes to deal with this minority of patients, focus should be maintained on minimising detection of these low-risk cases.