Positive Prostate Biopsy Research Articles

Clinical utility of %p2PSA and prostate health index in the detection of prostate cancer

%p2PSA and prostate health index (phi) has shown valuable results in the detection of prostate cancer (PCa), improving the prediction of the aggressiveness of the tumor. The goal of the present study was to evaluate %p2PSA and phi in the detection of PCa, estimating their relationship with the aggressiveness of PCa. A total of 354 patients with positive or negative prostatic biopsy were included. Prospectively, 150 were enrolled and 204 were enrolled retrospectively proceeding from our serum bank. The best performance was observed for %p2PSA and phi, obtaining an AUC of 0.723 and 0.732, respectively. The highest specificity at sensitivity around 90% was obtained for phi (27.4%). Using the cut-off of 31.94 for phi, a reduction of 19% biopsies could be obtained, while 17 PCa would have been missed, including only four patients with a Gleason score ≥7. Similarly, using a cut-off of 1.21 for %p2PSA, a reduction of 12.7% biopsies could be obtained, while 16 PCa would have been missed, including only four patients with a Gleason score ≥7. Moreover, among patients with PCa, phi (median: 69.75 vs. 48.04) and %p2PSA (median: 2.60 vs. 1.98) values are significantly higher (p<0.0001) in patients with a biopsy Gleason score ≥7. Our results confirm previous evaluations, showing similar AUCs and results in sensitivity and specificity to other studies.%p2PSA and phi raise the accuracy in the detection of prostate cancer, reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies and improving the prediction of the aggressiveness of the tumor.

Development of a nomogram for predicting a positive repeat prostate biopsy

Development of a nomogram for predicting a positive repeat prostate biopsy

Impact of PSA and DRE on Histologic Findings at Prostate Biopsy in Turkish Men Over 75 Years of Age

Prostate specidic antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) are the known predictive factors for positive prostate biopsies differing according to the age, region and race. There have been only very limited studies about the impact of PSA on histological findings at prostate biopsy in Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PSA and clinical stage on histologic findings of prostate biopsy in men older than 75 years of age as a first study in the Turkish population. A total of 1,645 consecutive prostate biopsies were included, with 194 men aged 75 or older. Cancer was identified in 104 patients (53.6%). Of the 104 positive biopsies, Gleason scores were less than 7 in 53 (49%) patients, 7 or greater in 51 (51%) patients. Positive prostate biopsies were significantly correlated with advanced age (p=0.0001), abnormal DRE (p=0.0001) and raised PSA (p=0.0001). The prostate volume was significantly correlated with advanced age especially in prostate cancer patients over 75 years, compared with those under 75 (p=0.0001). These results are useful for counseling men older than 75 years for prostate cancer detection. However, PCa screening decisions are currently based on urologist judgment and detection of latent asymptomatic disease is an important concern regarding costs, overdiagnosis, overtreatment and quality of life (QOL) for men aged 75 years and older. Healthy old patients with a long life expectancy need to be carefully evaluated for eligibility for PCa screening.

Chinese nomogram to predict probability of positive initial prostate biopsy: a study in Taiwan region

Several nomograms for prostate cancer detection have recently been developed. Because the incidence of prostate cancer is lower in Chinese men, nomograms based on other populations cannot be directly applied to Chinese men. We, therefore, developed a model for predicting the probability of a positive initial prostate biopsy using clinical and laboratory data from a Chinese male population. Data were collected from 893 Chinese male referrals, 697 in the derivation set and 196 in the external validation set, who underwent initial prostate biopsies as individual screening. We analyzed age, prostate volume, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), digital rectal examinations (DRE) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) echogenicity. Logistic regression analysis estimated odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals and P values. Independent predictors of a positive biopsy result included advanced age, small prostate volume, elevated total PSA, abnormal digital rectal examination, and hyperechoic or hypoechoic TRUS echogenicity. We developed a predictive nomogram for an initial positive biopsy using these variables. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the model was 88.8%, which was greater than that of the prediction based on total PSA alone (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 74.7%). If externally validated, the predictive probability was 0.827 and the accuracy rate was 78.1%, respectively. Incorporating clinical and laboratory data into a prebiopsy nomogram improved the prediction of prostate cancer compared with predictions based solely on the individual factors.

Inferior Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Positive Post-Radiation Therapy Prostate Biopsy: Results From Prospective Randomized Trial RTOG 94-08

Anatomic recurrence patterns were classified as a local, lymphotropic, or osteotropic pattern if FFS and all subsequent RS were confined to the prostate/SVonly, LNs only, or bones only, respectively, for at least 2 years. The median follow-up (f/u) for all patients and those with BF was 7.0 and 10.1 years (yr), respectively. Median f/u after BF was 4.7 yr. Results: For the entire cohort, the 10 yr LF rate was 6%, 14%, and 17% for the LR, IR, and HR groups (overall p < 0.001). The 10 yr risk of isolated PLN relapse as a FFS was 0%, 1%, and 4%, respectively (p < 0.001). We next focused on outcomes following BF in the 602 patients with BF. At 5 yr, the rates of BM and PCSM were 42% and 19%. The most common FFS was local (42% of FFS), followed by bone (26%), PLN (17%), and retroperitoneal LN (7%). Patients displayed unique anatomic distributions of relapse, with local (31%), lymphotropic (7%), osteotropic (16%), and multiorgan patterns (22%). These anatomic patterns had markedly different prognoses, with 5 yr PCSM of 2%, 15%, 32%, and 48%, respectively (p < 0.001). Anatomic recurrence pattern was an independent predictor for PCSM (overall p < 0.001) and OS (overall p < 0.001) in MVA amongst patients with clinical failure. Gleason score 8-10, stage T34, and time to BF < 5 yr predicted for BM and PCSM following BF in MVA. Conclusions: In the dose escalation era, the most common first site of failure is within the prostate and SV, even for HR patients, suggesting improved local cancer eradication via addition of brachytherapy and/or radiosensitizers may be beneficial. On the other hand, patients treated without PLN EBRT have a relatively low risk of isolated PLN relapse. Failure patterns displayed a tropism for specific anatomic distributions, with divergent prognoses, suggesting underlying biological differences amongst different tumors. Author Disclosure: Z.S. Zumsteg: None. D.E. Spratt: None. P. Romesser: None. X. Pei: None. W. Polkinghorn: None. M. Kollmeier: None. Y. Yamada: D. Employment Other; Speakers Bureau, Institute for Medical Education. G. Consultant; Varian Medical Systems. M.J. Zelefsky: None.

Comparison of dose-escalated, image-guided radiotherapy vs. dose-escalated, high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost in a modern cohort of intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients

We compared outcomes in intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients treated with dose-escalated adaptive image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) or dose-escalated high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost (HDR-B). Patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer by National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria were treated with either CT-based off-line adaptive IGRT (n = 734) or HDR-B (n = 282). IGRT was delivered with 3D-conformal or intensity-modulated radiation therapy with a median dose of 77.4 Gy. For HDR-B, the whole pelvis received a median 46 Gy, and the prostate 2 implants of 9.5 Gy (n = 71), 10.5 Gy (n = 155), or 11.5 Gy (n = 56). Median followup was 3.7 years for IGRT and 8.0 years for HDR-B (p < 0.001). Eight-year biochemical control was 86% for IGRT and 91% for HDR-B (p = 0.22), disease-free survival 67% for IGRT and 79% for HDR-B (p = 0.006), and overall survival 75% for IGRT and 86% for HDR-B (p = 0.009). Cause-specific survival (8-year, 100% vs. 99%), freedom from distant metastases (98% vs. 97%), and freedom from local recurrence (98% vs. 98%) did not differ (p > 0.50 each). A worse prognosis group was defined by percent positive prostate biopsy cores >50%, perineural invasion, or stage T2b-c, encompassing 260 (35%) IGRT and 171 (61%) HDR-B patients. These patients evidenced a 5-year biochemical control of 96% for HDR-B and 87% for IGRT (p = 0.002). Dose-escalated IGRT and HDR-B both yield excellent clinical outcomes for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Improved biochemical control with HDR-B for patients with worse pretreatment characteristics suggests that a subgroup of intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients may benefit from dual-modality treatment.

Use of PSA in prostate cancer screening in male physical examination population over 50 years in Beijing

Objective To study the role of using PSA in prostate cancer screening in the male physical examination population over 50yrs in Beijing.Methods From January 2010 to December 2010,in Physical Examination Center of Beijing Hospital and Beijing MeiZhao Health Screening Center,men over 50years with PSA records in the past three years (from 2007 to 2009) were selected.The exclusion criteria included history of prostate cancer,severe diseases of the heart,brain,lung,liver and kidney,and mental or neurological disorders.People who couldn't cooperate with the investigation due to any reasons were excluded as well.The number of recruited cases was 2862.Among the cases,males with PSA over 4 μμg/L received prostate biopsy after singing the informed consent form.The average age was 67.2 ± 9.3 years.Results In the 2862 males,2621 cases (91.5％) had normal PSA levels and 241 cases (8.5％) had abnormal PSA levels.With the age increasing from 50 to 89 years,the proportion of abnormal PSA levels increased significantly from 2.7％ to 10.9％,P ＜ O.001.86 patients (33.2％) received prostate biopsy in the group of abnormal PSA levels; The positive prostate biopsy rate was 41.4％ (39/86).In PSA ＜4 μg/Lgroup,the positive rate was 25.0％ ; in 4 μg/L≤PSA ＜ 10 μg/L group,the positive rate was 29.8％ ; in PSA ≥ 10 μg/L group,the positive rate was 68.9％,P ＜ 0.001.With the PSA level increasing,the proportion of the localized cancer decreased from 100％ to 70％,and the ratio of locally advanced and distant metastatic tumor increased from 0 to 30％ ; the proportion of Gleason≤6 fell from 100％ to 30％,the proportion of Gleason ≥ 8 increased from 0 to 50％.The differences above did not show statistical significance.Conclusions Use of PSA in prostate cancer screening for men over 50 years could increase the detection rate of prostate cancer. Key words: Physical examination population; PSA; Screening

Serum Total Testosterone Is a Significant Preoperative Variable Independently Contributing to Separating the Prostate Cancer Population into Prostatectomy Gleason Score Groups

Aim: To investigate the potential of preoperative serum total testosterone (TT) in contributing to the definition of separate prostatectomy Gleason score (pGS) groups of the prostate cancer (PCa) population. Materials and Methods: The data of 220 patients operated on for PCa were retrospectively reviewed. No patient had previously received 5α-reductase inhibitor, luteinizing hormone-releasing analogs or testosterone replacement treatment. The patient population was grouped according to the pGS as 6 = 3+3, 7 = 3+4, 7 = 4+3 and 8-10. Eight variables were simultaneously investigated in each group: prostate-specific antigen (PSA), TT, free testosterone, age, percentage of positive prostate biopsy cores (P+), biopsy Gleason score (bGS), overall cancer volume estimated as percentage of prostate volume (V+) and prostate weight (Wi). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA) were the statistical methods used for evaluating the data. Results: There were 89 patients in pGS 6 = 3+3, 84 in pGS 7 = 3+4, 24 in pGS 7 = 4+3 and 23 in pGS 8-10. ANOVA showed that bGS (p < 0.0001), P+ (p < 0.0001), V+ (p < 0.0001), PSA (p = 0.0001), Wi (p = 0.0002) and TT (p = 0.01) were significantly different in the four pGS groups. MANOVA tests showed that only bGS (p < 0.0001), V+ (p = 0.0003), TT (p = 0.001) and, to a lesser extent, PSA (p = 0.06) were the significant variables that individually and independently contributed a significant amount to separation of the four pGS groups of the PCa population. MDA showed that the independent variables ranked as bGS (p < 0.0001), TT (p = 0.001), V+ (p = 0.001) and PSA (p = 0.06). Conclusions: Serum TT is a significant preoperative variable that independently contributes to separating the PCa population into pGS score groups. Pretreatment baseline serum TT levels should be measured and their inclusion in neural networks predicting PCa natural history be considered in the patient population diagnosed with PCa.

Utilization and cancer detection by U.S. prostate biopsies (2005-2011).

e16076 Background: To assess the positive biopsy rate and core sampling pattern in patients undergoing prostate biopsy in the US at a national reference laboratory and pathology laboratories integrated into urology group practices and analyze the relationship between positive biopsy rates and number of specimen vials per biopsy (v/b). Methods: For the years 2005-11, we collected pathology data from a national reference laboratory (NRL) including number of urologists and urology practices referring samples, total specimen vials submitted per prostate biopsy, and final diagnosis for each case. The diagnoses were categorized as benign, malignant, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation. Over the same period, similar data was gathered from urology practices with in-house laboratories performing global pathology services (urology practice labs, UPL) identified by a member survey of the Large Urology Group Practice Association. For each year studied, positive biopsy rate and number of specimen vials/biopsy were calculated in aggregate and separately for each site of service. Results: From 2005-11, 437,937 biopsies were submitted in 4,230,129 vials (9.4 v/b); overall positive biopsy rate was 40.3%, identical at both the NRL and UPL (p=0.97). Nationally, the number of specimen vials/biopsy increased sharply from a mean of 8.8 during 2005-8 to 10.3 from 2009-11 (difference 1.5 v/b, p=0.03). For the most recent 3 year period (2009-11), there was no significant difference between the NRL (10.0 v/b) and UPL (10.6 v/b) (p=0.08). Positive biopsy rate correlated strongly (p&lt;0.01) with number of specimen vials/biopsy. Conclusions: The positive prostate biopsy rate of 40.3% is identical across sites of service. Although there was a national trend towards increased specimen vials/biopsy from 2005-11, from 2009-11 there was no significant difference in specimen vials/biopsy across sites of service. Increased cancer detection rate correlated significantly with increased number of specimens examined. Segregation of prostate biopsy cores into 10-12 unique specimen vials has been adopted by urologists across sites of service and can be considered the de facto national standard of care.

Prostate HistoScanning: A screening tool for prostate cancer?

To evaluate Prostate HistoScanning as a screening tool for prostate cancer in a pilot study. During a 6-month period, 94 men with normal or suspicious digital rectal examination, normal or elevated prostate-specific antigen, or an increased prostate-specific antigen velocity were examined with Prostate HistoScanning. Based on these parameters and HistoScanning analysis, 41 men were referred for prostate biopsy under computer-aided ultrasonographic guidance. The number of random biopsy cores varied depending on the prostate volume. Targeted biopsies were taken in the case of computer-aided ultrasonographic area suspicious for malignancy. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the probability of resulting in a positive prostate biopsy based on the HistoScanning findings. Following a logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age, digital rectal examination, serum prostate-specific antigen level, prostate volume and tumor lesion volume, every cancer volume increase of 1 mL estimated by HistoScanning was associated with a nearly threefold increase in the probability of resulting in a positive biopsy (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.2-7.0; P-value 0.02). Prostate cancer was found in 17 of 41 men (41%). In patients with cancer, computer-aided ultrasonography-guided biopsy was 4.5-fold more likely to detect cancer than random biopsy. The prostate cancer detection rate for random biopsy and directed biopsy was 13% and 58%, respectively. HistoScanning-guided biopsy significantly decreased the number of biopsies necessary (P-value <0.0001). Our findings suggest that Prostate HistoScanning might be helpful for the selection of patients in whom prostate biopsies are necessary. This imaging technique can be used to direct biopsies in specific regions of the prostate with a higher cancer detection rate.

141 UTILIZATION TRENDS AND POSITIVE BIOPSY RATES FOR PROSTATE BIOPSIES IN THE UNITED STATES, 2005-2011

This article assesses the positive biopsy rate and core sampling pattern in patients undergoing needle biopsy of the prostate in the United States at a national reference laboratory (NRL) and anatomic pathology laboratories integrated into urology group practices, and analyzes the relationship between positive biopsy rates and the number of specimen vials per biopsy. For the years 2005 to 2011 we collected pathology data from an NRL, including number of urologists and urology practices referring samples, total specimen vials submitted for prostate biopsies, and final pathologic diagnosis for each case. The diagnoses were categorized as benign, malignant, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or atypical small acinar proliferation. Over the same period, similar data were gathered from urology practices with in-house laboratories performing global pathology services (urology practice laboratories; UPLs) as identified by a survey of members of the Large Urology Group Practice Association. For each year studied, positive biopsy rate and number of specimen vials per biopsy were calculated in aggregate and separately for each site of service. From 2005 to 2011, 437,937 biopsies were submitted in > 4.23 million vials (9.4 specimen vials/biopsy); overall positive biopsy rate was 40.3%-this was identical at both the NRL and UPL (P = .97). Nationally, the number of specimen vials per biopsy increased sharply from a mean of 8.8 during 2005 to 2008 to a mean of 10.3 from 2009 to 2011 (difference, 1.5 specimen vials/biopsy; P = .03). For the most recent 3-year period (2009-2011), the difference of 0.6 specimen vials per biopsy between the NRL (10.0) and UPL (10.6) was not significant (P = 0.08). Positive biopsy rate correlated strongly (P < .01) with number of specimen vials per biopsy. The positive prostate biopsy rate is 40.3% and is identical across sites of service. Although there was a national trend toward increased specimen vials per biopsy from 2005 to 2011, from 2009 to 2011 there was no significant difference in specimen vials per biopsy across sites of service. Increased cancer detection rate correlated significantly with increased number of specimens examined. Segregation of prostate biopsy cores into 10 to 12 unique specimen vials has been widely adopted by urologists across sites of service.

Time to follow-up and treatment in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PC) across clinical stages in an equal access health system.

210 Background: The purpose of this pilot study is to describe the time interval from diagnosis to initial specialist visit and treatment initiation in pts with newly diagnosed PC across different clinical stages (S1- 4) in an equal access system such as a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Methods: Data from the Baltimore VAMC database were used to examine pts diagnosed with PC in 2010 to assess variation across different clinical stages with respect to follow up with specialists, diagnostic tests and treatment initiation during the year following diagnosis. Specialists include urologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Diagnostic tests included CT and/or bone scans. Treatments based on clinical staging included active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, androgen deprivation therapy, chemotherapy or enrollment into clinical trials. Results: One hundred and nine pts were diagnosed with PC at the BVAMC in 2010. All but one patient had follow-up with a specialist after positive prostate biopsy. Majority of pts in each stage saw more than one specialist (S1-50%, S2-74%, S3-60%, S4-82%). The median number of days to first follow up visit with a specialist was similar across all stages (S1-16 d, S2-15 d, S3-17 d, S4-14 d). Four out of the 109 pts were lost to follow up. S4 pts were initiated on treatment at a median of 26 days after diagnosis, whereas S1, S2 and S3 pts were initiated on treatment at a median of 151,100 and135 days respectively, after diagnosis. Pretreatment CT scan and/or bone scans were done in S1-38%, S2 -70%, S3-80% and S4-100% pts. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study showed that while time to initial follow up visit after diagnosis of PC does not differ across the clinical stages, treatment for S4 pts is initiated much earlier than for the other stages. It will be of interest to determine whether these patterns hold for other years and in other VA Medical Centers.

Does Positive Family History of Prostate Cancer Increase the Risk of Prostate Cancer on Initial Prostate Biopsy?

To assess the role of family history (FH) in the risk of a positive prostate biopsy (PBx) in a large North American biopsy population as earlier reports showed increased risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in men with a FH, but the risk has been limited to low grade prostate cancer in smaller studies, and the REDUCE trial found no such risk in North American patients. We evaluated 4360 men undergoing initial extended biopsy (8-14 cores). Indications were elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE). Variables including age, FH of PCa, race, PSA, and DRE results were included in our analysis to assess risk factors associated with PCa, high-grade prostate cancer (HGPCa), and low-grade prostate cancer (LGPCa). Two hundred sixty-eight patients had an FH of PCa whereas 4092 had negative FH. Positive biopsy was found in 1976 patients with HGPCa in 1149 and LGPCa in 827. Among 268 patients with an FH, overall PCa was found in 144 of 268 patients (54%); HGPCa in 79 of 144 patients (55%) and LGPCa in 65 of 144 patients (45%). FH was a significant risk factor for PCa, HGPCa, and LGPCa in univariate and multivariate analysis (P= .0001, .02, and .02, respectively). Also, FH was associated with high-risk benign pathology in the form of atypical small acinar cell proliferation (ASAP) or high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasm (HGPIN) (P= .04). Men in North America with an FH of PCa who undergo prostate biopsy are more likely to be diagnosed with both HGPCa and LGPCa.

Utilization and cancer detection by U.S. prostate biopsies (2005-2011).

107 Background: To assess the positive biopsy rate and core sampling pattern in patients undergoing prostate biopsy in the US at a national reference laboratory and pathology laboratories integrated into urology group practices and analyze the relationship between positive biopsy rates and number of specimen vials per biopsy (sv/b). Methods: For the years 2005-11, we collected pathology data from a national reference laboratory (NRL) including number of urologists and urology practices referring samples, total specimen vials submitted per prostate biopsy, and final diagnosis for each case. The diagnoses were categorized as benign, malignant, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation. Over the same period, similar data was gathered from urology practices with in-house laboratories performing global pathology services (urology practice labs, UPL) identified by a member survey of the Large Urology Group Practice Association. For each year studied, positive biopsy rate and number of specimen vials/biopsy were calculated in aggregate and separately for each site of service. Results: From 2005-11, 437,937 biopsies were submitted in 4,230,129 vials (9.4 sv/b); overall positive biopsy rate was 40.3%, identical at both the NRL and UPL (p=0.97). Nationally, the number of specimen vials/biopsy increased sharply from a mean of 8.8 during 2005-8 to 10.3 from 2009-11 (difference 1.5 sv/b, p=0.03). For the most recent 3 year period (2009-11), there was no significant difference between the NRL (10.0 sv/b) and UPL (10.6 sv/b) (p=0.08). Positive biopsy rate correlated strongly (p&lt;0.01) with number of specimen vials/biopsy. Conclusions: The positive prostate biopsy rate of 40.3% is identical across sites of service. Although there was a national trend towards increased specimen vials/biopsy from 2005-11, from 2009-11 there was no significant difference in specimen vials/biopsy across sites of service. Increased cancer detection rate correlated significantly with increased number of specimens examined. Segregation of prostate biopsy cores into 10-12 unique specimen vials has been adopted by urologists across sites of service and can be considered the de facto national standard of care.

Evaluation of Novel Formula of PSA, Age, Prostate Volume, and Race in Predicting Positive Prostate Biopsy Findings

To develop a formula that incorporates age, prostate volume, race, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level into a single score for prostate cancer detection. We developed a PSA-age volume (AV) score by multiplying the patient age by the prostate volume and dividing it by the PSA level. The PSA-AV was developed using 1000 prostate biopsy specimens and was validated on 318 internal and 4406 external biopsy specimens. We analyzed 1000 biopsy specimens (mean age 63 ± 8 years, 63% white and 35% black, mean PSA 6.8 ± 4 ng/mL, mean prostate volume 41 ± 18 cm(3), mean PSA-AV 485 ± 304). Of the 1000 biopsy specimens, 556 (55.6%) had positive findings. A lower PSA-AV score correlated with a greater cancer risk (R(2)= 0.91). A PSA-AV score of 700 had a sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 35%, respectively. These values matched or exceeded the sensitivity and specificity for age-adjusted PSA level and a PSA cutoff of 4 ng/mL. Compared with using the age-adjusted PSA level, using a score of 700 increased the number of biopsies by 64 and detected 62 more cancers. Using a PSA-AV cutoff of 700, rather than a PSA cutoff of 4 ng/mL, led to 16 fewer biopsies with 7 additional cancers detected. Our data were internally and externally validated. According to our data, a PSA-AV score has shown to be a useful formula for predicting positive biopsy findings. A PSA-AV score of 700 is useful in ruling out cancer in younger patients and patients with small prostates, and in ruling in cancer in older patients and patients with a large prostate.

Does Exist A Correlation Between BMI and Gleason Patterns 4 and 5 At Prostate Biopsy?

Background: Obesity has been related with higher Gleason grade and worse prognosis. Increasing proportion of Gleason pattern 4 or 5 is a critical factor for biochemical recurrence, progression and mortality. The endocrine activity of visceral fat could be responsible of the differentation of the prostatic malignant cell towards a more aggressive fenotype. The aim of our study was to correlate Body Mass Index with the presence of Gleason pattern 4 or higher at biopsy. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with positive prostate biopsy were included. A transrectal prostate biopsy procedure with 12 cores, was performed. All tissue samples were reviewed. Results: Out of 135 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at biopsy, a Gleason. pattern 4 or 5 was evident in 57 (42%) patients, while it was not detected in 78 (58%). The statistical analysis did not demonstrate a correlation between the histological expression of Gleason pattern 4 or 5 in the bioptic specimens and the BMI class. Conclusion: Although high risk prostate cancer has been reported more frequent in patients with higher BMI, in our experience, no significant correlation between BMI and Gleason patterns 4 and 5 at biopsy was detected. Other factors responsible for the worse prognosis and the more aggressive behavior of prostate tumors in obeses should be investigated.

A nomogram based on age, prostate-specific antigen level, prostate volume and digital rectal examination for predicting risk of prostate cancer

Nomograms for predicting the risk of prostate cancer developed using other populations may introduce sizable bias when applied to a Chinese cohort. In the present study, we sought to develop a nomogram for predicting the probability of a positive initial prostate biopsy in a Chinese population. A total of 535 Chinese men who underwent a prostatic biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer in the past decade with complete biopsy data were included. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of a positive initial biopsy. Age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume (PV), digital rectal examination (DRE) status, % free PSA and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) findings were included in the analysis. A nomogram model was developed that was based on these independent predictors to calculate the probability of a positive initial prostate biopsy. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to assess the accuracy of using the nomogram and PSA levels alone for predicting positive prostate biopsy. The rate for positive initial prostate biopsy was 41.7% (223/535). The independent variables used to predict a positive initial prostate biopsy were age, PSA, PV and DRE status. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for a positive initial prostate biopsy for PSA alone and the nomogram were 79.7% and 84.8%, respectively. Our results indicate that the risk of a positive initial prostate biopsy can be predicted to a satisfactory level in a Chinese population using our nomogram. The nomogram can be used to identify and counsel patients who should consider a prostate biopsy, ultimately enhancing accuracy in diagnosing prostate cancer.

Socioeconomic and Clinical Factors Influence the Interval Between Positive Prostate Biopsy and Radical Prostatectomy

To examine socioeconomic and clinical factors that may predict a longer interval between prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP). The Columbia University Urologic Oncology Database was queried for patients who underwent RP from 1990-2010. Time to surgery (TTS) was defined as the period between the most recent positive prostate biopsy and date of surgery. Clinical factors examined included: age, D'Amico risk group, year of surgery, body mass index, and comorbidities. Socioeconomic factors included race/ethnicity, relationship status, income, and distance to treatment center. The relationship between clinical/socioeconomic factors and TTS was evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression models. Two-thousand five-hundred seventy-three patients were included in the analysis. Median TTS was 48 days (IQR 35-70, range 43-1103), and 71% of patients underwent RP within 60 days after the most recent positive biopsy. On multivariate analysis, living further from the medical center was associated with shorter TTS (P = .01), whereas more recent year of surgery (P = .01), comorbid cardiovascular disease (P = .007), African-American (P = .005) or Hispanic race (P = .005), divorced relationship status (P = .01), and lower income (P = .003) were all associated with longer TTS. Patients often experience widely variable intervals between the diagnosis and treatment of localized prostate cancer. Longer intervals before surgery may point to disparities in access to prostate cancer care, and not increased decision-making time by the patient.

Routine Transition Zone Biopsy During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer Rarely Provides Unique Evidence of Disease Progression

Routine sampling of the transition zone during prostate biopsy has become increasingly common. Although approximately 10% of prostate cancers originate in the transition zone, the benefit of transition zone biopsies may be limited. We evaluated the usefulness of transition zone biopsy in patients with prostate cancer enrolled in active surveillance. Patients on active surveillance followed at our institution between 1993 and 2011 were identified in the urological oncology database. All surveillance biopsies were stratified by transition and peripheral zone pathology results. The usefulness of transition zone biopsy was assessed by whether transition zone specific cancer characteristics, eg volume and grade, changed disease management recommendations. A single surgeon performed a total of 244 prostate biopsies in 92 men. Each patient underwent initial positive prostate biopsy and at least 1 active surveillance prostate biopsy. Mean age was 69 years. A mean of 2.7 biopsies were done per patient. Nine patients (10%) had positive transition zone cores on initial positive prostate biopsy, of whom 3 had transition zone unique cancers. One of these patients showed transition zone disease progression on active surveillance prostate biopsy, which led to up staging and exclusion from active surveillance. A total of 16 patients (17%) had positive transition zone cores on active surveillance prostate biopsy, of whom 13 had a negative transition zone on initial positive prostate biopsy. Transition and peripheral zone Gleason scores were identical in 9 of these patients and the transition zone score was lower in 4. Thus, transition zone pathology did not result in up staging or disease management alterations in any patient with new transition zone pathology. Up staging due to transition zone specific pathology is exceedingly rare. Transition zone biopsy in patients on active surveillance should be limited to those with transition zone involvement on initial positive prostate biopsy only.

Repeat transrectal prostate biopsies in diagnosing prostate cancer

Patients with negative prostate biopsy and persistent suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa) can pose a serious diagnostic problem. The AIM of our study was to determine the frequency of PCa found on repeat prostate biopsy and the factors leading to higher possibility of cancer positive histological result. We studied retrospectively 113 patients (82 from University Clinic, Jena, Germany and 31 from Department of Urology, Plovdiv, Bulgaria) with initial negative biopsy for cancer who underwent repeat biopsies. The patients were examined between January 1999 and May 2010. The target group included patients with Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level lower than 12.5 ng/ml and without suspicious finding on digital rectal examination (DRE). Different biopsy schemes were used in the initial and the following biopsies, depending on patient age and total prostate volume. Overall PCa detection rate was 22.1% (25 of 113). The repeat biopsy found PCa in 15.9% (18 of 113). In patients with 3 biopsies the PCa detection rate was considerably lower--only 8.6% (3 of 35). PCa was found in only 1 patient of 18 (5.5%) who underwent four or more biopsies. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was performed in 15 patients with at least two previously negative biopsies. The pathohistological examination of the resected tissue showed PCa in 3 of the patients (20%). The interval between biopsies is not a significant predictive factor for positive prostate biopsy. The chance for detecting PCa after the second negative transrectal biopsy procedure is low. Therefore, TURP can be used as an alternative procedure to harvest adequate tissue material for pathologic examination, especially in patients with obstructive voiding symptoms.