Negative Biopsy Rate Research Articles

Prior Negative Biopsy, PSA Density, and Anatomic Location Impact Cancer Detection Rate of MRI-Targeted PI-RADS Index Lesions.

MRI fusion prostate biopsy has improved the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSC). Continued refinements in predicting the pre-biopsy probability of CSC are essential for optimal patient counseling. We investigated potential factors related to improved cancer detection rates (CDR) of CSC in patients with PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions. The pathology of 980 index lesions in 980 patients sampled by transrectal mpMRI-targeted prostate biopsy across four medical centers between 2017-2020 was reviewed. PI-RADS lesion distribution included 291 PI-RADS-5, 374 PI-RADS-4, and 315 PI-RADS-3. We compared CDR of index PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions based on location (TZ) vs. (PZ), PSA density (PSAD), and history of prior negative conventional transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS). Mean age, PSA, prostate volume, and level of prior negative TRUS biopsy were 66 years (43-90), 7.82 ng/dL (5.6-11.2), 54 cm3 (12-173), and 456/980 (46.5%), respectively. Higher PSAD, no prior history of negative TRUS biopsy, and PZ lesions were associated with higher CDR. Stratified CDR highlighted significant variance across subgroups. CDR for a PI-RADS-5 score, PZ lesion with PSAD ≥ 0.15, and prior negative biopsy was 77%. Conversely, the CDR rate for a PI-RADS-4 score, TZ lesion with PSAD < 0.15, and prior negative biopsy was significantly lower at 14%. For index PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions, CDR varied significantly based on location, prior history of negative TRUS biopsy, and PSAD. Such considerations are critical when counseling on the merits and potential yield of prostate needle biopsy.

Validity of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the breast versus diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in predicting the malignant nature of non-mass enhancement lesions

BackgroundBreast cancer is the commonest cancer affecting women worldwide. So, it is important to accurately detect and classify different breast lesions. Noninvasive methods for tissue characterization have increased interest, particularly for early diagnosis. Non-mass enhancement (NME) breast lesions are described in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the presence of enhancement without space-occupying lesions. Several studies have described that certain characteristics can be used as new indicators of malignancy in breast NME lesions. We aimed to study the role of multiparametric-MRI (Mp-MRI) as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in assessment of NME lesions and to suggest which one offers the greatest diagnostic accuracy.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted from March 2017 to December 2023 on 220 NME breast lesions. All lesions were analyzed to study the features of benign and malignant NME lesions using different MRI techniques including dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), DWI, and MRS. Breast MRI was performed at 1.5 Tesla, findings were correlated with histopathological results of all cases.ResultsPatients’ mean age was 46.56 years with 220 NME breast lesions (54 were benign and 166 were malignant). Invasive ductal carcinoma with ductal carcinoma in situ was the most malignant type representing 93 cases. We found that segmental distribution, heterogeneous enhancement, type III curve, restricted diffusion, lower apparent diffusion coefficient, and positive choline peak were more with malignancy (P = 0.008, 0.02, 0.004, 0.001, and < 0.001). We detected that Mp-MRI has higher diagnostic accuracy than DCE-MRI and combined other functional sequences (DWI, MRS), it was 91.2% with sensitivity 89.9%, specificity 87.8%, positive predictive value 89.2%, and negative predictive value 82.2%.ConclusionsFunctional MRI techniques, such as DWI and MRS, can provide helpful information in assessment of NME lesions. They have high diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in characterizing NME breast lesions as benign or malignant. However, DCE-MRI is mandatory for lesion characterization and delineation of its nature and cannot be replaced by them alone in cases of lesion visualization. So, multiparametric-MRI can improve the diagnostic accuracy of NME breast lesions when combined with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and can help in reducing negative biopsy rates.

Clinical and economic impact of the introduction of pre-biopsy MRI-based assessment on a large prostate cancer centre diagnostic population and activity: 10years on.

Prostate mpMRI was introduced in 2011 as a secondary test and subsequently integrated into a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostics unit representing a population of approximately 550,000 people. The following represents an audit of its step-wise introduction between 2 index years, 2009 and 2018, focusing on the activity, patient outcomes and economic benefits. PATIENTSAND METHODS: The 2 distinct years were selected for relying on a transrectal ultrasound biopsy pathway in 2009 to an mpMRI-based pathway in 2018. All referrals were retrospectively screened and compared for age, PSA levels, DRE findings, biopsy history, biopsy and mpMRI allocation data. Cost analysis was determined using local unit procedure costs. Patients referred included 648 in 2009 and 714 in 2018. mpMRI seldomly informed decision to biopsy in 2009 (9.8%), while in 2018 it was performed in the pre-biopsy setting in 87.9% cases and enabled biopsy avoidance in 137 patients. In 2018, there was a 31.8% decrease in the number of biopsies in patients without previous PCa diagnosis, coupled with an increase in diagnostic rates of csPCa, from 28.6 to 49.0% (p < 0.0001) and a reduction in negative biopsy rates from 52.3 to 33.8%. mpMRI had a positive impact on the system with reduced patient morbidity and post-procedural complications. The estimated overall cost savings amount to approximately £75,000/year for PCa diagnosis and £11,000/year due to reduced complications. Our evaluation shows the mpMRI-based pathway has improved early detection of csPCa and reduction of repeat biopsies, resulting in significant financial benefits for the local healthcare system.

Quality Improvement Methodology to Improve Standardized Reporting of Pediatric Thyroid Ultrasounds Using TI-RADS

Background/purposeThe process of evaluating pediatric thyroid nodules at our institution was inconsistent with a high rate of negative biopsies raising concern of appropriate patient selection for biopsy. Our aim was to institute a standardized risk stratification reporting system for thyroid nodules to increase utilization and agreement of TI-RADS reporting at our institution. MethodsRadiology report data were collected and analyzed as part of a quality improvement project. A standardized TI-RADS dictation template was created, ultrasound technicians were trained, a multi-disciplinary conference initiated, and education provided for radiologists and clinicians. Control charts were used to track utilization and agreement of scoring of TI-RADS reporting based upon review by a radiologist trained in TI-RADS scoring. ResultsFrom January 2019 to January 2021, 218 patients with a thyroid nodule had a thyroid ultrasound performed at our institution. TI-RADS was utilized in 0 % (0 of 57) of children in the four months prior to project initiation. Following creation of the template, utilization increased to 65 % (39 of 60) over 5 months. Utilization further increased after the first training conference and was maintained above 90 % for 13 months. Ultrasound reports were in agreement in 46.7 % (28 of 60) of children initially. Agreement in reporting improved to 71.4 % (10 of 14) in the 3 months following the first training and to 78.4 % (58 of 74) over 12 months. Agreement in reporting was maintained at 80 % in the following 6 months. ConclusionsA quality improvement initiative can improve utilization and agreement of scoring using the TI-RADS system in pediatrics. This may ultimately reduce unnecessary biopsies and sedation in children. Level of evidenceLevel III. Type of studyQuality Improvement.

Effect of Breast Screening Regimen on Breast Cancer Outcomes: A Modeling Study.

Guidelines vary for the age at which to begin breast cancer screening and the interval between examinations. A validated computer model was used to compare estimated outcomes between various screening regimens. The OncoSim-Breast microsimulation model (Canadian Partnership Against Cancer) was used to simulate a cohort of 1.53 million Canadian women born in 1975. The effect of screening regimen on absolute breast cancer mortality rates, stage at diagnosis, number needed to be screened to avert a breast cancer death or save a life year, abnormal recall rates and negative biopsy rates was examined for unscreened women or those entering screening at age 40 or 50 and screened annually or biennially to age 74. Compared to no screening, absolute mortality reduction was 4.6 (biennial 50-74), 5.9 (biennial 40-74) and 7.9 (annual 40-74) fewer deaths per 1000 women. The absolute rate of diagnosis of advanced cancers (Stage 2, 3 and 4) falls in favor of earlier stages as the number of lifetime screens increases. Annual screening beginning at age 40 until age 74 would provide an additional reduction of 2 and 3.3 breast cancer deaths per 1000 women compared to biennial screening beginning at ages 40 and 50, respectively. There is a corresponding drop in the absolute number of Stage 2, 3 and 4 cancers diagnosed.

Prognostic Impact of a Negative Central Pelvic Biopsy after Definitive Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer (LACC)

Central pelvic biopsies are occasionally performed during post-treatment surveillance of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) after a change in symptoms, abnormal pelvic exam, pap smear or imaging. Although it is established that a positive result is considered disease recurrence, it is unclear the prognostic impact of a negative biopsy. Here, we investigated the characteristics and the clinical course of patients with negative biopsy, focusing on central pelvic recurrence. Our institutional database of female patients with diagnosis of cervical cancer treated with definitive CRT was retrospectively reviewed (2013-2022). The central pelvic region was subdivided in: I) cervix, II) endocervix/endometrium, III) vagina, IV) vulva, V) bladder and VI) rectum. Each subsite sampled was considered a distinct biopsy event, but multiple samples from one subsite at the same procedure were considered one biopsy event. We calculated the rate of initial negative and positive biopsies. The central pelvic control (local recurrence rate [LCRR]) for patients with negative biopsy was estimated with Kaplan Meier method. Two hundred and twenty-five consecutive patients were included (initial FIGO 2018 staging: 30% I/II and 70% III-IVA). Of these, 66 (29.3%) underwent 112 central pelvic biopsies (average 1.7 per patient) during a median follow up time of 27.1 months [range: 0.2-94.0], with median time from treatment to first biopsy of 7.0 months [range: 1.0-41.7]. Biopsies were triggered by: symptoms/physical exam in 83 (73.4%), imaging abnormalities in 21 (18.6%), and abnormal pap smear in 9 (8%). The most common structures biopsied were: cervix (53.6%, n = 60), vagina (17.9%, n = 20), endocervix/endometrium (11.6%, n = 13), rectum/sigmoid (11.6%, n = 13), bladder (4.5%, n = 5) and vulva (0.9%, n = 1). Overall, 13.6% cases (9/66) had an initial positive biopsy, while 86.4% (57/66) had an initial negative biopsy. Of these patients with negative biopsies, 84.2% (48/57) remained without evidence of local recurrence and 15.8% (9/57) were subsequently diagnosed with local disease recurrence (1y post-biopsy LCRR 15.0% [95% CI 4.8-24.0]). Although most (>85%) post-treatment central pelvic biopsies are negative, these patients are still at considerable risk of early local recurrence thereafter (post-biopsy 1y-LCRR 15%). Strategies to intensify surveillance may be beneficial in the first year after a negative biopsy.

Patient Safety Comparison of Frameless and Frame-Based Stereotactic Navigation for Brain Biopsy-A Single Center Cohort Study.

Leksell stereotactic system-based aspiration biopsy is a common procedure in the neurosurgical treatment of deep-seated or multiple brain lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of frameless biopsy using VarioGuide compared to frame-based biopsy using the Leksell stereotactic system (LSS). We analyzed all brain biopsies using VarioGuide or LSS at our neurooncological Department of Neurosurgery in the University Hospital of Bonn between January 2018 and August 2020. We analyzed demographic data, duration of surgery, size of lesion, localization, and early complications. Uni-variable analyses were carried out on data from both groups. In total, 109 biopsies were compared (40 VarioGuide vs. 69 LSS). Patients with VarioGuide were significant older (74 (62–80) years vs. 67 (57–76) years; p = 0.03) and had a shorter duration of general anesthesia (163 (138–194) min vs. 193 (167–215) min, p < 0.001). We found no significant differences in surgery duration (VarioGuide median 28 min (IQR 20–38); LSS: median 30 min (IQR 25–39); p = 0.1352) or in early complication rates (5% vs. 7%; p = 0.644). A slightly higher false negative biopsy rate was registered in the LSS group (3 vs. 1; p = 0.1347). The size of the lesions also did not differ significantly between the two groups (18.31 ± 26.35 cm3 vs. 12.63 ± 14.62; p = 0.15). Our data showed that biopsies performed using VarioGuide took significantly less time than LSS biopsies and did not differ in complication rates. Both systems offered a high degree of patient safety.

Diagnostic Performance of ACR-TIRADS in Differentiating Benign From Malignant Thyroid Nodules in Patients Undergoing Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: Comparative Study Based on Five International Guidelines for Management of Thyroid Nodules

Background: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the diagnostic performance of different international guidelines to detect benign from malignant nodules using fine-needle aspiration biopsy as a reference test. Methods: This study is a multi-institution, IRB-approved, retrospective study conducted from 2016 to 2020 that evaluated 200 consecutive biopsied thyroid nodules. The nodules were reclassified according to American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (ACR-TIRADS), Kwak-TIRADS (K-TIRADS), Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR), European Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (EU-TIRADS), and American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. A Chi-squared test and receiver operating curve (ROC) with 95% confidence intervals and P-value &lt; 0.05 were performed to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), false negative and unnecessary biopsy rate. The unnecessary biopsy rate was defined as the percentage of benign nodules among total biopsy-required nodules. Results: A total of 200 patients were included in this study. Patients aged from 23 to 74 years including 36 males and 164 females. The female/male ratio was 4.5:1. Female predominance was seen among most of the age groups. The cohort showed 26 (13%) malignant nodules and 174 (87%) benign nodules. A solid component was observed in the majority of malignant nodules (61.6%, P = 0.0376) and mixed component was observed in the majority of benign nodules (51.7%, P = 0.0376). There was no statistically significant difference in differentiating benign from malignant nodule with the echogenicity or orientation of the nodule. The statistically significant features of a benign nodule were spongiform appearance, no echogenic foci or comet tail and absence of peripheral halo (P &lt; 0.03). The statistically significant features of a malignant nodule were a solid, peripheral halo, peripheral or punctate echogenic foci, microcalcification, and macrocalcification (P &lt; 0.001). The ACR-TIRADS showed the highest specificity (40.23% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32 - 47)), PPV (18.75 (95% CI 0.12 - 0.26)), NPV (97.22 (95% CI 0.90 - 0.99)) and area under the curve (AUC) (0.6627 (95% CI 0.59 - 0.72)). This was closely followed by ATA which demonstrated the PPV of 17.39 (95% CI 0.11 - 0.24), NPV of 96.77 (95% CI 0.89 - 0.99) and AUC of 0.6340 (95% CI 0.57 - 0.69). The K-TIRADS has the highest sensitivity (96.15% (95% CI 80 - 99)). Lowest unnecessary biopsy rates were found with ACR-TIRADS (104 (52%) (P = 0.0013)) and KSThR guidelines (114 (57%) (P = 0.0059)) and highest with K-TIRADS (160 (80%) (P = 0.4482)). Conclusion: We found that diagnostic performance of ACR and ATA guidelines is higher and is a practical method for assessing thyroid nodules in routine practice. Both these guidelines can avoid unnecessary biopsies in a significant proportion of benign thyroid lesions. ACR-TIRADS is also very specific in identifying malignant lesions. The increased sensitivity of K-TIRADS is likely due to their lower size threshold. J Endocrinol Metab. 2021;11(3-4):69-75 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem735

Diagnostic performance of acr-tirads in differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules in patients undergoing fine-needle aspiration biopsy: Comparative study based on five international guidelines for management of thyroid nodules

Background: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the diagnostic performance of different international guidelines to detect benign from malignant nodules using fine-needle aspiration biopsy as a reference test. Methods: This study is a multi-institution, IRB-approved, retrospective study conducted from 2016 to 2020 that evaluated 200 consecutive biopsied thyroid nodules. The nodules were reclassified according to American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (ACR-TIRADS), Kwak-TIRADS (K-TIRADS), Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR), European Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (EU-TIRADS), and American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. A Chi-squared test and receiver operating curve (ROC) with 95% confidence intervals and P-value < 0.05 were performed to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), false negative and unnecessary biopsy rate. The unnecessary biopsy rate was defined as the percentage of benign nodules among total biopsy-required nodules. Results: A total of 200 patients were included in this study. Patients aged from 23 to 74 years including 36 males and 164 females. The female/male ratio was 4.5:1. Female predominance was seen among most of the age groups. The cohort showed 26 (13%) malignant nodules and 174 (87%) benign nodules. A solid component was observed in the majority of malignant nodules (61.6%, P = 0.0376) and mixed component was observed in the majority of benign nodules (51.7%, P = 0.0376). There was no statistically significant difference in differentiating benign from malignant nodule with the echogenicity or orientation of the nodule. The statistically significant features of a benign nodule were spongiform appearance, no echogenic foci or comet tail and absence of peripheral halo (P < 0.03). The statistically significant features of a malignant nodule were a solid, peripheral halo, peripheral or punctate echogenic foci, microcalcification, and macrocalcification (P < 0.001). The ACR-TIRADS showed the highest specificity (40.23% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32 - 47)), PPV (18.75 (95% CI 0.12 - 0.26)), NPV (97.22 (95% CI 0.90 - 0.99)) and area under the curve (AUC) (0.6627 (95% CI 0.59 - 0.72)). This was closely followed by ATA which demonstrated the PPV of 17.39 (95% CI 0.11 - 0.24), NPV of 96.77 (95% CI 0.89 - 0.99) and AUC of 0.6340 (95% CI 0.57 - 0.69). The K-TIRADS has the highest sensitivity (96.15% (95% CI 80 - 99)). Lowest unnecessary biopsy rates were found with ACR-TIRADS (104 (52%) (P = 0.0013)) and KSThR guidelines (114 (57%) (P = 0.0059)) and highest with K-TIRADS (160 (80%) (P = 0.4482)). Conclusion: We found that diagnostic performance of ACR and ATA guidelines is higher and is a practical method for assessing thyroid nodules in routine practice. Both these guidelines can avoid unnecessary biopsies in a significant proportion of benign thyroid lesions. ACR-TIRADS is also very specific in identifying malignant lesions. The increased sensitivity of K-TIRADS is likely due to their lower size threshold. J Endocrinol Metab. 2021;11(3-4):69-75 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem735

A Critical Analysis of Rectal Biopsy to Exclude Hirschsprung's Disease.

Most Hirschsprung's disease (HD) are diagnosed in young children with increased risk ("red flag"). Older children (>6 months) require open rectal biopsy (ORB) with its own impact on risk and resources. We investigated if "red flag", age, and sex used in combination could exclude HD. "Red flags" are risk factors associated with HD, including neonatal bowel obstruction, genetic association, failure of passage of meconium in <48 hours, infantile constipation, distension with vomiting, or family history. All rectal biopsies (2015-2018) were reviewed for indications, methods, and histopathological findings. Logistic regression analysis was adopted to assess predictive value of "red flag," age, and sex (p < 0.05* was significant). A total of 187 children underwent 84 suction rectal biopsies and 113 ORBs (n = 197 in total). Final histopathological diagnoses were non-HD (n = 154) and HD (n = 43). Total 78% of rectal biopsies were non-HD, of which 63% by ORB. Non-HD was associated with absence of "red flag" (49 vs. 16%*), increased age at biopsy (22 months vs. 28 days*), >6 months old (62 vs. 30%*), and female gender (54 vs. 16%*), compared with HD. In the absence of "red flag," 7/82 (9%) had HD (negative predictive value = 91%). Logistic regression analysis found absent "red flag" predicted non-HD biopsy with odds ratio 4.77 (1.38, 16.47), corrected for age and sex. Negative rectal biopsy rate for HD is very high. The majority required ORB. Although "red flag" and gender, but not age, have strong predictive values, it is inadequate for excluding HD. This study supports the need for alternative strategies in excluding HD.

Long-term MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy results of 600 single-center procedures.

The objective of this study is to report on the performance of the MRI-guided VABB in our center and to look at the long-term outcome of biopsies with benign histology over a period of 19 years. In a single-center retrospective review study, data of 600 VABB procedures performed between September 1999 and March 2017 were evaluated. We collected patient demographics, histopathological diagnosis at MRI-VABB, and basic lesion characteristics (size, location). Data from the Belgian Cancer Registry was cross-referenced with our database to find out which patients with benign MRI-VABB results developed a malignant lesion over time. These 600 VABB procedures were performed in 558 women with a mean patient age of 51.8 years (range 18-82 years). Our technical success rate was 99.3%. We found 27.67% B5 lesions, 9.82% B3 lesions, and 0.17% B4 lesions. Of 362 benign MRI-guided VABBs, follow-up data was available for a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years (0.8-18.3). Only one (0.3%) biopsy was a false negative lesion after MRI-guided VABB during follow-up. Short-term FU-MRI provided no increase in detection rate. The accuracy of MRI-guided VABB is high with a very low false negative rate of 0.3% on long-term follow-up. The value of short-term FU-MRI for every case after MRI-guided VABB may be questioned. • MRI-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsies yield a large portion of clinically relevant lesions (9.82% B3, 0.17% B4, and 27.67% B5 lesions). • The false negative biopsy rate of MRI-guided VABB in this study with a mean follow-up time of 7.6 years was only 0.3%. • Performing a short-term follow-up MRI after a benign MRI-guided VABB concordant to the MRI appearance may be questioned.

Creating CT- and MRI-guided urethra planning-risk-volumes for urethra-sparing prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy

Dose-escalation in prostate cancer SBRT improves PSA nadir and negative post-treatment biopsy rates, but increases genitourinary toxicity. The definition of the urethra PRV (uPRV) is not standardized. A Foley-catheter based uPRV incorporates catheter-induced anatomic variability that is not reproduced during daily treatment without catheter, whereas anatomic uncertainty during MRI-CT registration is inherent to the MRI-based uPRV. We thus examined the urethra as delineated on CT and MRI to identify an optimal urethral PRV. The urethra was contoured on CT with catheter (uCT) and T2 MRI without catheter (uMRI) in 25 men with prostate cancer. Men received three intraprostatic gold fiducial markers for localization, and rectal spacer to reduce rectal toxicity. MRI was first registered to the CT (reg1) using automated rigid registration of fiducial markers; u_MRI in this position was labelled uMRI_1. MRI was rigidly registered to the CT again (reg2); this time manually to the posterior prostate/anterior rectal wall interface (a clinically relevant region of interest in delineating a hydrogel spacer for radiation planning without taking into account fiducial markers). The uMRI volume created from this manual MRI-CT registration was labeled uMRI_2. Urethral PRVs were created by uniform, and anterior-posterior (A-P) only, expansions in 1 mm increments around uCT. The proportion of uMRI_1, and uMRI_2 covered by each successive uPRV was measured, as was the decrement in the volume PTV-uPRV. Mean and standard deviation uCT and uMRI volumes were 1.72±0.58 and 1.01±0.51 cc, respectively. Automated MRI-CT registration (reg1) with fiducial markers resulted, on average, in 0.2 mm translational separation of each fiducial marker on MRI to its intended fiducial marker target on CT. The translation and rotation matrix differences between reg1 and reg2 (manual) were: -1.1±2.47, -2.87±6.17 and 0.08±4.68 mm; and -0.16±8.29, 0.75±3.17 and 1.42±4.01 degrees. The smallest average urethra contour that would encompass uCT and uMRI_1 was 2.34±0.75 cc; that for uCT, uMRI_1 and uMRI_2 was 2.87±1.04 cc. The likelihood of urethra coverage and mean percent PTV-uPRV for a given uPRV are shown in the table. Uniform 3 mm uPRV encompassed 88% of uCT and uMRI_1, and 83% of uCT, uMRI_1 and uMRI_2, versus 82% and 75% with A-P only uPRV. Uniform and A-P 3 mm uPRVs are created at the expense of 7% and 4% of PTV, respectively. Three-quarters of potential urethra variability on CT and MRI are included in an A-P 3 mm PRV around a catheter. Additional uniform, or A-P, uPRV expansions for urethral protection must be weighed against clinically relevant declines in PTV-uPRV.Abstract 4128; TablePRV (mm)123456% of:uCT, uMRI_1 included in uniform PRV808588919395uCT, uMRI_1 included in A-P PRV768082848687uCT, uMRI_1 and uMRI_2 included in uniform PRV717883889193uCT, uMRI_1 and uMRI_2 included in A-P PRV677275788183PTV decrease by uniform PRV457101215PTV decrease by A-P PRV344567 Open table in a new tab

S2232 Gastrointestinal Histoplasmosis Masquerading as Crohn’s Disease in the Immunocompetent Adult

INTRODUCTION: A misdiagnosis of gastrointestinal histoplasmosis (GIH) as Crohn’s disease can be catastrophic. Endoscopic data for GIH false negative biopsy rates are not well-established in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 38-year-old female from Ecuador presented to the gastroenterology clinic with abdominal pain, weight loss, and chronic diarrhea. She denied pulmonary symptoms, fever or recent travel for several years. Her past medical and surgical history were significant for treated hepatitis C and C-section. Physical exam revealed a diffuse and mildly tender abdomen. Outpatient colonoscopic exam reported multiple ulcers. Biopsies at ulcer margins revealed non-necrotizing granulomas. Special tests were negative for CMV, TB and fungal organisms. HIV and C. difficile were ruled out. Presumed Crohn’s disease was diagnosed. Mesalamine 1 gm QID and Prednisone 60mg taper were started. At follow up, the patient was admitted to the hospital with worsening diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. CT abdomen/pelvis showed diffuse enterocolitis. Vancomycin and meropenem were initiated and steroids discontinued. She developed hematochezia requiring multiple blood transfusions. A flexible sigmoidoscopy found severe inflammation extending from the rectum to the sigmoid (Figure 1). A total abdominal colectomy with ileostomy for fulminant and refractory disease was performed. GMS staining revealed a vast number of yeast consistent with histoplasmosis (Figure 2). Amphotericin B followed by itraconazole was started with serial antigen monitoring. The patient’s symptoms resolved and she was discharged with an extended itraconazole regimen. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the unique challenges in GIH. The organism may persist within granulomas for years. Reactivation of latent GIH has been described in the literature and would explain our patient’s disease course. Her initial symptoms could be explained by underlying Crohn’s disease or spontaneous progression of histoplasmosis. Perhaps the greatest challenge was the initial interpretation of the negative GMS stain leading to a significant diagnostic dilemma. Histology with GMS staining may help reveal the organism, and is considered a rapid and reliable diagnostic test. However, sensitivity data is not well established. Previous case series have demonstrated a false negative rate of 11% in an AIDS population. The sensitivity data in immunocompetent hosts is not known. Importantly, a misdiagnosis will lead to treatment error and a potential fatal outcome.Figure 1.: Severe colitis and large sigmoid ulcer with proximal stricture.Figure 2.: GMS stain after total colectomy showing ovoid yeast cells consistent with histoplasma organisms.

Association between PSA density and pathologically significant prostate cancer: The impact of prostate volume.

The early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is mainly based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood levels and digital rectal examination. However, this approach may result in a high rate of negative biopsies and increased detection of clinically insignificant PCa (CS-PCa). An important prognostic biomarker, PSA density (PSA-D) demonstrated improved performance in PCa detection compared to PSA. The relationship between prostate volume and the prognostic accuracy of PSA-D remains mostly unclear. The aim of our study is to investigate the PSA-D predictive value of CS-PCa detection at different prostate volumes. Using our local radical prostatectomy registry, patients were divided into three prostate size subgroups based on preoperative sonographic prostate volume assessment: less than 50, 50-75, and more than 75 cc. Patients' and PCa characteristics were recorded, including age, body mass index, PSA at diagnosis, prostate volume, PSA-D, D'Amico risk classification, Gleason grade group, and pathological staging following surgery. The study cohort included 364 patients who underwent Robotic Radical prostatectomy for biopsy-proven clinically localized PCa. 221 (61%) and 143 (39%) patients had PSA-D less than 0.15 and PSA-D more than 0.15, respectively. ISUP GG 1-2 PCa (CS-PCa) was observed in 220 patients (60%), while 144 (40%) had ISUP GG 3-5 PCa at final pathology. PSA-D correlated with CS-PCa only in small and medium-size prostates, but not in large glands (p = .03, p = .01, and p = .36, respectively). The highest sensitivity (72.7%) was observed in small prostates, compared to 3.2% in large prostates. The highest specificity (89.4%) was noted in large prostates. Positive predictive value in small and medium-size prostates was similar (~50%), compared to 20% in large glands. The negative predictive value was slightly better for small and medium-size prostates compared with large glands (68.9%, 73.7%, and 53.1%, respectively). An association between PSA-D and harboring CS-PCa was detected only in small and medium-size glands (72.7% and 43%, respectively). PSA-D is associated with CS-PCa detection in radical prostatectomy specimens in small and medium-size prostates. The level of PSA-D is directly associated with the ISUP PCa grade group. Therefore, PSA-D is a beneficial, available, and cost-effective tool during decision-making in patients with small and medium-size prostate when considering treatment for PCa.

Focal bipolar radiofrequency ablation for localized prostate cancer: Safety and feasibility.

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of focal bipolar radiofrequency ablation in men with localized prostate cancer. A review of 10 patients treated with a novel bipolar radiofrequency ablation probe integrated in a coil design (Encage; Trod Medical, Bradenton, FL, USA) between 2011 and 2017 in two prospective pilot trials. All men had clinical stage T1c prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen <10ng/mL and Gleason score ≤7. Ablation was carried out under general anesthesia, and bipolar probes were inserted transperineally under transrectal ultrasound guidance. Treatment-related adverse events, quality of life and negative biopsy rate were evaluated at 6months after ablation. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare baseline and post-treatment symptom scores. The median age was 58years (range 50-64years) and the median prostate volume was 49.65cc (range 21-68cc). Prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 6 (3+3) and 7 (3+4) was noted in seven and three patients, respectively. The median number of radiofrequency ablation cycles was 2.5 (range 2-5). All patients were catheter-free and able to void the day of surgery. Within 6months after ablation, all adverse events were low grade, with the exception of one grade3 hematuria that required cystoscopy without coagulation. Six months after ablation bowel, urinary and hormonal functions, and overall satisfaction remained stable. Erectile dysfunction occurred in two out of four patients who had normal sexual function before the procedure. Neither urinary incontinence nor urinary infection was noted. This first report on focal bipolar radiofrequency ablation documents a safe and feasible treatment option for selected patients with localized prostate cancer.

Increasing the diagnostic yield of stereotactic brain biopsy using intraoperative histological smear

ObjectiveThe negative biopsy rate approaches 5% in the literature. In our institution, this rate was 2.6% (42/1638) over a ten-year period (2007–2016). We aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of intraoperative smear during stereotactic biopsies to reduce this negative biopsy rate. Patients and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed all consecutive MRI-guided frame-based stereotactic biopsies for which an intraoperative histological smear was carried out, performed over 29 months from January 2017 to May 2019 at the Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital (Paris, France). Results145 stereotactic biopsies for which an intraoperative histological smear was carried out were performed in 145 adult patients. Mean age at biopsy was 52.4 ± 12.2 years. Histological diagnoses encountered in this series were: primary or secondary cerebral neoplasm (90.3%), inflammatory diseases (4.8%) and infectious diseases (4.8%). All biopsies were contributory to diagnosis. The negative biopsy rate was therefore significantly lower in the patient group for which an intraoperative histological smear was carried out than in our historical control group (0% versus 2.6%, p = 0.04). ConclusionConsidering the diagnostic yield benefit contributed by the intraoperative histological smear, we advocate for its routine use during brain stereotactic biopsies.

PD11-07 PREDICTING CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT PROSTATE CANCER: COMBINING 4KSCORE AND MRI

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Prostate specific antigen is a poor biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa), with a nearly 70% negative biopsy rate as well as overdiagnosis of clinically insignificant PCa....

Photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PurposePhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging focal treatment modality for prostate cancer. However, the efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of PDT are not clear. We performed a meta-analysis of available single-arm studies and control trials which used PDT for prostate cancer.Materials and methodsWe searched Pubmed, Embase, Ovid and the Cochrane library (until March,2018) for studies about PDT in patients with prostate cancer. The negative biopsy rate after PDT, PSA decreasing rate, pooled rate of functional outcome (IPSS or IIEF-5), and adverse events were analyzed.Results14 studies containing 654 patients were included. Nine of the 14 included studies had evaluated a negative biopsy rate after PDT. The pooled rate was 55.0% (95.0% CI: 0.44–0.66, I2 = 85.7%). Twelve of the 14 included studies which evaluated PSA decreasing rate with the pooled rate of 35.0% (95.0% CI: 0.24–0.47, I2 = 88.7%). Six of the included studies evaluated IPSS with decreasing rate of 29.1% (95.0 % CI: 2.7%–55.5%, I2 = 96.9%). Five of the included studies evaluated IIEF-5 with decreasing rate of 14.9% (95.0% CI: 6.8%–23.0%, I2 = 44.2%). The most common adverse events were haematuria (28.1%, 95.0% CI: 17.1%–39.2%, I2 = 79.8%), erectile dysfunction (23.1%, 95.0% CI: 9.7%–36.5%, I2 = 87.7%), and dysuria (18.6%, 95.0% CI: 12.1%–25.0 %, I2 = 53.4 %).ConclusionsThe meta-analysis results shows that PDT for patients with prostate cancer can be considered as effective based on single-arm clinical trials. Meanwhile, this study reveals that there are not only low levels of side effect rates but also insignificant effect on both urinary and erectile function. However, more high-quality RCTs are needed to evaluate the comparative efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of PDT for patients with prostate cancer.

Focal therapy of prostate cancer

The aim of this study was to summarize the latest evidence, as well as the rationale behind using focal therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. With patients becoming more educated, knowledge of the available evidence is key when discussing treatment. In older works, the natural history of prostate cancer has been described as being multifocal, driven by one index lesion. This represents the key argument for most experts, why focal therapy is feasible in prostate cancer. Most modalities have similar results. For high-intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU), a pooled data analysis with a median follow-up of 2.2 years showed a negative biopsy rate of 77% with a salvage therapy free rate of 92%. A matched pair analysis comparing irreversible electroporation with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy showed a better side effect profile for focal therapy in evenly matched groups, yet with worse disease-free survival. Interestingly, the better outcomes concerning continence and erectile function did not translate into better patient-reported outcomes. Focal therapy modalities are generally well tolerated and show good results in terms of continence and potency. Long-term follow-up is not available, and inclusion criteria for trials are not yet uniform. Newer technologies, such as photodynamic therapy, are being developed, as well as improvements to older techniques, such as HIFU.

Focal Treatment for Unilateral Prostate Cancer Using High-Intensity Focal Ultrasound: A Comprehensive Study of Pooled Data.

Focal therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) remains experimental. Aim of the current study is to review available evidence and perform a pooled analysis exploring oncologic and functional results of high intensity focus ultrasound (HIFU) focal therapy for the treatment of unilateral PCa. The National Library of Medicine Database was searched for relevant articles. A wide search was performed, including the combination of following words: "HIFU," "prostate," "cancer," and "focal." Overall, 167 articles were reviewed. Of these, seven articles were identified and eligible for the pooled analysis. Data on HIFU hemiablation or focal prostate ablation, oncologic and functional results were pooled from these seven studies that included 366 men with unilateral PCa. In the 366 analyzed cases, mean age was 67 years (95% confidence interval 66-69), and mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen was 6.4 ng/cc (5.5-7.4). Three studies included PCa up to Gleason 7 (3 + 4), three studies did include also Gleason 7 (4 + 3), whereas one study had no limitation in terms of Gleason score. Regarding early complications, low-grade Clavien-Dindo I-II were reported in 26% (16-37), whereas high-grade Clavien-Dindo ≥III were found in 3.8% (0-8.6). Analyzing oncologic outcomes mean follow-up was 26 months (23-31): at one year after HIFU, negative biopsy rate for clinically significant PCa was 87% (79-96), whereas salvage treatment-free survival rate was 92% (85-98). Regarding functional outcomes, reported potency rates were 74% (64-84), and continence 96% (91-100), although definitions of potency and continence were not homogenous across studies. This pooled analysis of the results of focal HIFU treatment of PCa shows promising oncologic and functional outcomes. Well-selected patients may be candidates for such a conservative partial treatment of the gland. Well-designed trials are awaited to compare HIFU focal treatment with current standard of care.