Diagnóstico ecográfico de la neoplasia prostática y su relación histológica / Ultrasound diagnosis of prostatic neoplasia and histological relationship

Introducción: El desarrollo de la tecnología con el ultrasonido transrectal ha permitido obtener imágenes diagnósticas de la glándula prostática; su interés deriva de la inmensa frecuencia de problemas clínicos, tanto benignos como malignos. El medio diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata se basa en una biopsia dirigida por ultrasonido transrectal en la mayoría de los casos. Objetivo: Determinar los hallazgos ultrasonográficos y su relación con estudios histopatológico en el diagnóstico de la neoplasia prostática, de los pacientes con sospecha, atendidos en la consulta de urooncología. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes con sospecha clínica de cáncer prostático, procedentes del servicio de urología en el Hospital Celia Sánchez Manduley en el período comprendido entre julio de 2019 a julio de 2021; que acudieron a consulta con indicación de ultrasonido transrectal. El universo estuvo constituido por 105 pacientes. Se utilizaron criterios de inclusión y exclusión para la selección del universo, previo consentimiento informado de los pacientes. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, color de la piel, síntomas clínicos, hallazgos del ultrasonido transrectal, relación ecosonográfica- anatomopatológico. Resultados: Predominó el grupo de edad de 60 a 79 años, de la raza negra, con síntomas urinarios obstructivos bajos, con presencia del nódulo hipoecoico. Predominó la localización ultrasonográfica periférica, así como el adenocarcinoma prostático como hallazgos anatomopatológico encontrado a través de la biopsia. Conclusiones: Se demostró correlación ecográfica-histológica y anatomopatológica(AU)

Introduction: The development of transrectal ultrasound technology has made it possible to obtain diagnostic images of the prostate gland; its interest derives from the massive frequency of clinical problems, both benign and malignant. The diagnosis of prostate cancer is based on a transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy in most cases. Objective: To determine the ultrasonographic findings and the how they relate with histopathological studies in the diagnosis of prostatic neoplasia in suspected patients treated in the uro-oncology clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in patients with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer, in the urology service at Celia Sánchez Manduley Hospital from July 2019 to July 2021; they attended the consultation with an indication for transrectal ultrasound. The universe consisted of 105 patients. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for the selection of the universe, with the prior informed consent of the patients. The variables studied were age, skin color, clinical symptoms, transrectal ultrasound findings, echosonographic-pathological relationship. Results: Predominance was observed of subjects from the age group of 60 to 79 years, black race, with lower obstructive urinary symptoms, and presence of hypoechoic nodule. Peripheral ultrasonographic location prevailed, as well as prostatic adenocarcinoma as pathological findings found through biopsy. Conclusions: Ultrasound-histological and pathological correlation was demonstrated(AU)

Avaliação de fatores de risco e antígeno prostático específico no rastreamento de câncer de próstata / Evaluation of risk factors and prostate-specific antigen in prostate cancerscreening

Introdução: no Brasil, o câncer de maior incidência nos homens é o câncer de próstata (CaP), com 6,9% de mortalidade. Atualmente, discute-se a aplicabilidade do antígeno prostático específico (PSA) em políticas de rastreamento para CaP e os riscos associados ao sobrediagnóstico. Objetivo: correlacionar a dosagem do PSA com fatores de risco, história clínica e a presença de neoplasia prostática. Metodologia: estudo descritivo transversal que analisou, comparativamente, dados clínico-epidemiológicos e níveis séricos de PSA de 200 pacientes. Valores de PSA foram estratificados em três categorias (<2,5, 2,5­10,0 e >10 ng/ml). Resultados: os fatores de risco analisados foram relacionados significativamente com o aumento do PSA e neoplasia prostática. A prevalência de CaP (11%) e hiperplasia prostática (61%) foi observada nos pacientes com maior dosagem de PSA, enquanto 1% dos pacientes apresentou CaP sem alteração do PSA e 4% tiveram CaP com 2,5­10,0 ng/ml de PSA. Maiores níveis séricos do biomarcador foram relacionados a diabetes (70%), hipertensão (77%), uso crônico de medicações (60%) e ausência de exames periódicos (58%). O grupo com PSA >10 ng/ml teve média de idade maior que o primeiro (p = 0,002) e o segundo grupos (p = 0,027). Conclusão: a prevalência de hiperplasia prostática benigna associada à alteração do PSA, e o elevado risco de exames falso-positivos evidenciam a preocupação com o sobrediagnóstico. No contexto dos dados clinico-epidemiológicos avaliados, a possibilidade de resultados falso-positivos e falso-negativos associados à dosagem do PSA deve ser considerada, ressaltando a importância de adoção de exames complementares para rastreio do CaP.

Introduction: in Brazil, the cancer with the highest incidence in men is prostate cancer (PCa), with 6.9% mortality. Currently, the applicability of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in screening policies for PCa and the risks associated with overdiagnosis are discussed. Objective: to correlate the PSA level with risk factors, clinical history and the presence of prostatic neoplasm. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study that analyzed, comparatively, clinical-epidemiological data and serum PSA levels of 200 patients. PSA values were stratified into three categories (<2.5, 2.5­10.0 and> 10 ng / ml). Results: the risk factors analyzed were significantly related to the increase in PSA and prostatic neoplasm. The prevalence of PCa (11%) and prostatic hyperplasia (61%) was observed in patients with higher levels of PSA, while 1% of patients had PCa without PSA changes and 4% had PCa with 2.5­10.0 ng/ml PSA. Increased serum levels of the biomarker were related to diabetes (70%), hypertension (77%), chronic use of medications (60%) and periodic exams (58%). The group with PSA> 10 ng/ml had a mean age greater than the first (p = 0.002) and the second group (p = 0.027). Conclusion: the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia associated with PSA change and an increased risk of false-positive tests show a concern with overdiagnosis. In the context of clinical-epidemiological data, the possibility of false-positive and false-negative results associated with the PSA measurement have to be considered, highlighting the importance of complementary tests for PCa screening.

Incidencia de adenocarcinoma en zona transicional de próstata en institución pública. Cochabamba, Bolivia / Incidence of Adenocarcinoma in Transitional Zone of Prostate in public

El cáncer en la zona de transición representa el 20-25% de los casos (en piezas de prostatectomías radicales), su diagnóstico con frecuencia es de manera incidental, siendo identificados clínicamente como supuestos adenomas. OBJETIVO: determinar la incidencia de Adenocarcinoma en la Zona transicional de Próstata e identificar etapas precancerosas en pacientes con clínica de HPB. MÉTODS: estudio longitudinal de tipo retrospectivo desde el 2013-2018 en la ciudad de Cochabamba-Bolivia; población de estudio: pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía simple, retropúbica y/o transvesical. Recolección de datos: a partir de historias clínicas, en pacientes con clínica de hiperplasia benigna de próstata y PSA total < 4 ng/ml. RESULTADOS: se identificó 76 pacientes, de los cuales; 5 pacientes resultaron con Adenocarcinoma y 9 pacientes con: Neoplasia Intraepitelial Prostática de Alto Grado 2,6 %, Proliferación acinar pequeña atípica 7,9%, representando así un 10,5%. En cuanto a la invasión representaron un 5,3% con invasión perineal, 2,6% invasión linfovascular y ninguno con invasión extravascular. DISCUSIÓN: pacientes con cáncer de próstata zona transicional, presentan un Antígeno prostático específico alto susceptibles a Adenocarcinoma. Sin embargo, en esta investigación se encontró Adenocarcinoma de próstata de alto riesgo con Antígeno prostático específico total menor a 4 ng/ml. A pesar de los instrumentos clínicos e indicaciones para la decisión de terapia quirúrgica de una supuesta hiperplasia prostática benigna, existe en el estudio una incidencia del 6,5% de Adenocarcinoma en Zona Transicional, con un 10,5 % de incidencia de presentación de formas precancerosas y el 17,1% de los pacientes del estudio se encuentran en riesgo de letalidad de la enfermedad.

Cancer in the transition zone represents 20-25% of cases, its diagnosis is often incidental, being identified clinically as suspected adenomas. OBJECTIVE: to determine the incidence of adenocarcinoma in the transitional Prostate Zone and identify the degree of adenocarcinoma and precancerous stages thereof. METHODS: longitudinal retrospective study from 2013-2018 in the city of Cochabamba-Bolivia; Study population: patients undergoing simple, retropubic and / or transvesical prostatectomy. Data collection: from medical records, in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and who have no atypia and neoplasms. RESULTS: 76 patients were identified, of which; 5 patients resulted with adenocarcinoma and 9 patients among: High Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2.6%, small atypical acinar proliferation 7.9%, thus representing 10.5%. As for the invasion, they represented 5.3% with perineal invasion, 2.6% lymphovascular invasion and none with extravascular invasion. DISCUSSION: Patients with transitional prostate cancer have a high specific prostate antigen susceptible to adenocarcinoma. However, this investigation found high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma with total prostate antigen total less than 4 ng / ml. Despite the clinical instruments and indications for the decision of surgical therapy of an alleged benign prostatic hyperplasia, there is a 6.5% incidence of adenocarcinoma in the Transitional Area, with a 10.5% incidence of presentation of forms of Proliferation of Atypical Small Acini and 17.1% of the patients in the study are at risk of lethality of the disease.

Association between decreased expression of estrogen receptor alpha, androgen receptor and phosphatase and tensin homolog immunoexpression in the canine prostate / Associação entre diminuição da expressão dos receptores de estrógeno alfa e andrógeno, e imunoexpressão de fosfatase e tensina homóloga na próstata canina

Canine prostate gland is a hormonal dependent organ and its imbalance of estrogen and androgen receptor expressions are directly associated with the development of different diseases. Due to the lack of information regarding the behavior of the aforementioned receptors in canine prostate cancer (PC), this study aimed to identify estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), androgen receptor (AR), Ki67 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein expressions in canine PC by immunohistochemistry. We found nuclear expression of ERα and AR in the epithelial cells of normal canine samples and a loss of protein expression in PC samples. Normal samples showed Ki67 expression in a few basal cells and the PC samples showed the highest mean of positive cells (253.1). Canine prostate cancer showed a high proliferative index, which was associated with independence of hormonal actuation. PTEN showed positive nuclear and cytoplasmic expression in normal canine samples and a loss in PC. Loss of ERα, AR and PTEN indicated that canine PC exhibits the same immunohistochemical phenotype as in human patients with PC resistant to hormonal therapy. Therefore, canine PC should be considered as a model to study human PC resistant to hormonal therapy.(AU)

A glândula prostática canina é um órgão dependente de hormônio, e o desequilíbrio na expressão dos receptores de estrógeno e andrógeno estão diretamente associados com o desenvolvimento de diferentes doenças. Devido à falta de informação sobre o comportamento desses receptores no câncer prostático canino (PC), este estudo tem por objetivo identificar a expressão proteica através da técnica de imuno-histoquímica do receptor de estrógeno alfa (REα), receptor de andrógeno (RA), Ki67 e fosfatase e tensina homóloga (PTEN). Foi encontrado nas células epiteliais prostáticas normais caninas a expressão nuclear de REα e RA, e perda de expressão proteica nas amostras de PC. As amostras normais apresentaram expressão de Ki67 em poucas células basais e as amostras de PC apresentaram a maior média de células positivas (253,1). O câncer de próstata canino apresentou uma taxa alta de proliferação, o qual foi associado com a atuação independente de hormônio. As amostras de próstatas caninas normais revelaram marcação nuclear e citoplasmática da proteína PTEN e perda nas amostras de PC. A perda de REα, RA e PTEN indicam que as amostras de PC exibem o mesmo fenótipo imuno-histoquímico de pacientes humanos com câncer prostático resistente a terapia hormonal. Sendo assim, o PC canino deve ser considerado um modelo para estudos de câncer prostático humano resistente a terapia hormonal.(AU)

The impact of metformin use on the risk of prostate cancer after prostate biopsy in patients with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia

ABSTRACT Purpose We report our experience on metformin use in diabetic patients and its impact on prostate cancer (PCa) after a high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) diagnosis. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 551 patients with a diagnosis of HGPIN without PCa in a first prostate biopsy. The cohort of the study consisted of 456 nondiabetic subjects, and 95 diabetic patients. Among the patients with diabetes 44 were treated with metformin, and 51 with other antidiabetic drugs. A transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy scheme with 22 cores was carried out 4-6 months after the first diagnosis of HGPIN. Results Among 195 (35.4%) patients with cancer, there were statistically significant differences in terms of PCa detection (p<0.001), Gleason score distribution (p<0.001), and number of positive biopsy cores (p<0.002) between metformin users and non-users. Metformin use was associated with a decreased risk of PCa compared with neveruse (p<0.001). Moreover, increasing duration of metformin assumption (≥2 years) was associated with decreasing incidence of PCa and higher Gleason score ≥7 compared with assumption <2 years. Conclusions This preliminary experience suggests that metformin use may have some beneficial effects in patients with diabetes and HGPIN; metformin should not be overlooked in these patients because it is neither new nor expensive.

Relación entre ratio digital 2D: 4D y severidad preoperatoria del cáncer de próstata / Relationship between Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Preoperative Severity of Prostate Cancer

El cociente entre la longitud del segundo y cuarto dedo (2D:4D) de la mano es un rasgo de dimorfismo sexual, presentando los hombres una ratio menor que las mujeres.1 Varios estudios de cohortes2,3 y un metaanálisis,4 han mostrado que la diferencia de género en la ratio de los dedos se asocia con la exposición de andrógenos prenatales. El cociente 2D:4D está inversamente relacionado a la exposición intrauterina de testosterona (T) y directamente relacionado a la de estradiol.2 Existe evidencia que afirma que la ratio 2D:4D podría ser un marcador válido para los niveles hormonales del adulto (T y estrógeno),3 aunque ese dato es controvertido.4Por esa razón, el cociente 2D:4D seha utilizado como un biomarcador no invasivo y retrospectivo para la exposición prenatal de andrógenos, y se ha correlacionado con una amplia gama de enfermedades como el autismo,5 así como la cognición visoespacial y la orientación sexual.6

The quotient between the length of the second and fourth finger (2D:4D) hand is a trait of sexual dimorphism, featuring the men a lower ratio than women.1 Several studies of the cohorts2,3 and a meta-analysis,4 have shown that the difference between The gender ratio of the fingers is associated with the exposure of prenatal androgens. The quotient 2D:4D is inversely related to intrauterine testosterone (T) exposure and directly related to that of estradiol.2 There is evidence which states that the 2D:4D ratio could be a valid marker for adult hormone levels (T and estrogen),3 although that data is controversial.4 For that reason, the 2D:4D quotient has been used as a noninvasive and retrospective biomarker for prenatal exposure to androgens, and it has been correlated with a wide range of diseases such as autism,5 as well as such as visuospatial cognition and sexual orientation.6

Serum testosterone as a biomarker for second prostatic biopsy in men with negative first biopsy for prostatic cancer and PSA>4ng/mL, or with PIN biopsy result

Abstract Introduction: Data from animal, clinical and prevention studies support the role of androgens in prostate cancer growth, proliferation and progression. Results of serum based epidemiologic studies in humans, however, have been inconclusive. The present study aims to define whether serum testosterone can be used as a predictor of a positive second biopsy in males considered for re-biopsy. Material and Methods: The study included 320 men who underwent a prostatic biopsy in our department from October 2011 until June 2012. Total testosterone, free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone and prostate pathology were evaluated in all cases. Patients undergoing a second biopsy were identified and biopsy results were statistically analyzed. Results: Forty men (12.5%) were assessed with a second biopsy. The diagnosis of the second biopsy was High Grade Intraepithelial Neoplasia in 14 patients (35%) and Prostate Cancer in 12 patients (30%). The comparison of prostatic volume, total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone and albumin showed that patients with cancer of the prostate had significantly greater levels of free testosterone (p=0.043) and bioavailable T (p=0.049). Conclusion: In our study, higher free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone levels were associated with a cancer diagnosis at re-biopsy. Our results indicate a possible role for free and bioavailable testosterone in predicting the presence of prostate cancer in patients considered for re-biopsy.

Transición epitelial-mesenquimal en la progresión del adenocarcinoma prostático / Epithelial-mesenquimal transition in the progression of prostatic adenocarcinoma / Transição epitélial-mesenquimal na progressão adenocarcinoma da próstata

Mundialmente, el adenocarcinoma prostático es el segundo cáncer diagnosticado en hombres y las metástasis son su principal complicación; se ha descrito la participación en su desarrollo de la transición epitelial-mesenquimal (TEM) proceso fundamental durante el desarrollo embrionario, la remodelación tisular y la cicatrización, que implica pérdida de las propiedades adhesivas y la polaridad epitelial y adquisición del fenotipo mesenquimal que aumenta la movilidad celular individual y permite el desarrollo de características invasivas. Este cambio en el comportamiento celular es mediado por una regulación molecular compleja en la que participa un gran número de vías de señalización, algunas actuando en forma independiente y otras interconectadas; la mayoría converge en el control de la expresión de la E-cadherina, cuya subregulación es el evento molecular clave en este proceso. Diversos estudios señalan una relación estrecha entre la TEM y el desarrollo y progresión de metástasis en carcinomas, pero ha sido menos ampliamente estudiada en el adenocarcinoma prostático. Los objetivos de esta revisión fueron: describir las bases moleculares y morfológicas de este proceso biológico y analizar la influencia de sus reguladores en la adquisición del fenotipo agresivo por las células tumorales, específicamente en lo que tiene que ver con la progresión del adenocarcinoma prostático.

Worldwide, prostate adenocarcinoma is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, and metastases are its most serious complication. The participation in its development of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been described, a fundamental process during embryonic development, tissue remodeling and wound healing, which involves loss of adhesive properties and epithelial polarity, and acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype with increasing cellular motility and invasive capability. This change in cellular behavior is mediated by a complex molecular regulation that includes a high number of signalization pathways acting independently or interconnected, many of them converging in the control of E-cadherin expression, whose regulation is the central molecular event of this process. Different studies support a tight link between EMT and progression and metastases development of carcinomas, but it has been less extensively studied in prostate adenocarcinoma. The aim of this review was to describe the molecular and morphological bases of this biological process, and to analyze the participation of regulators in the acquisition of an aggressive phenotype by tumor cells, specifically in regards to prostate adenocarcinoma progression.

Mundialmente, o adenocarcinoma prostático é o segundo câncer diagnosticado em homens e as metástases são sua principal complicação; descreveu-se a participação em seu desenvolvimento da transição epitélio-mesenquimal (TEM) processo fundamental durante o desenvolvimento embrionário, a remodelação tissular e a cicatrização, que implica perda das propriedades adesivas e a polaridade epitelial e aquisição do fenótipo mesenquimal que aumenta a mobilidade celular individual e permite o desenvolvimento de características invasivas. Esta mudança no comportamento celular é mediado por uma regulação molecular complexa na que participa um grande número de vias de sinalização, algumas atuando em forma independente e outras interconectadas; a maioria converge no controle da expressão da Ecadherin, cuja sub-regulação é o evento molecular clave neste processo. Diversos estudos assinalam uma relação estreita entre a TEM e o desenvolvimento e progressão de metástase em carcinomas, mas foi menos amplamente estudada no adenocarcinoma descrever as bases moleculares e morfológicas deste processo biológico e analisar a influência de seus reguladores na aquisição do fenótipo agressivo pelas células tumorais, especificamente em relação com a progressão do adenocarcinoma prostático.

How many cores should be taken in a repeat biopsy on patients in whom atypical small acinar proliferation has been identified in an initial transrectal prostate biopsy?

Objective To compare cancer detection rates according to the number of biopsy cores in patients on whom a repeat prostate biopsy was performed for atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). Materials and Methods The data of 4950 consecutive patients on whom prostate biopsies were performed were assessed retrospectively. A total of 107 patients were identified as having ASAP following an initial prostate biopsy, and they were included in the study. A six-core prostate biopsy (PBx) was performed on 15 of the 107 patients, 12 PBx on 32 patients, and 20 PBx on 60 patients. Cancer detection rates were compared according to the number of biopsy cores. The localization of the cancer foci was also evaluated. Results The cancer detection rates in patients on whom 6 PBx, 12 PBx, and 20 PBx were performed were 20% (3/15), 31% (10/32), and 58% (35/60), respectively, and a statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.005). When cancer detection rates in patients with total prostate specific antigen (PSA) < 10ng/mL, PSA density ≥ 0.15, normal digital rectal examination, and prostate volume ≥ 55mL were compared according to the number of biopsy cores, a significant difference was identified (p = 0.02, 0.03, 0.006, and 0.04, respectively). Seventy-five percent of the foci where cancer was detected were at the same and/or adjacent sites as the ASAP foci in the initial biopsy, and 54% were identified in contralateral biopsies in which ASAP foci were present. Conclusion As the biopsy core number increases, the cancer detection rate increases significantly in patients on whom a repeat biopsy is performed due to ASAP. The highest cancer rate is found in 20-core repeat biopsies performed equally from all foci. .

Características histopatológicas de la neoplasia intraepitelial prostática / Histopathologic characteristics of the prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

La enfermedad de la próstata es hoy un problema de salud por su elevada morbilidad y mortalidad en adultos mayores de 50 años. Acerca de ello se realizó este estudio descriptivo y transversal sobre los hallazgos histopatológicos de neoplasia intraepitelial prostática en las biopsias de próstata útiles, recibidas para su análisis en el Departamento de Anatomía Patológica del Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Docente Dr Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo de Santiago de Cuba durante el bienio 2008-2009. Entre los principales resultados sobresalió la confirmación, por la mencionada vía, de hiperplasia fibroadenomatosa de la próstata, lesiones prostáticas, carcinomas y otras alteraciones en esa glándula masculina. Los datos obtenidos ratificaron que el diagnóstico a través de muestras de tejido de neoplasia intraepitelial prostática, constituye una de las formas en que los patólogos pueden contribuir a la oportuna detección del carcinoma prostático.

The prostate disease is a health problem nowadays due to its high morbidity and mortality in adults older than 50 years. Based on this, a descriptive and cross sectional study was carried out on the histopathologic findings of the prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in the useful prostate biopsies examined in the Pathology Department of Dr Ambrosio Grillo Portuondo Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital in Santiago de Cuba during the biennium 2008-2009. Among the main results there were: the confirmation of prostate fibroadenomatous hyperplasia, prostatic lesions, carcinomas and other alterations in that male gland, all through biopsy. The obtained data confirmed that the diagnosis through samples from the prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia tissue, constitutes one of the ways by which pathologists can contribute to the opportune detection of the prostatic carcinoma.

The implication of initial 24-core transrectal prostate biopsy protocol on the detection of significant prostate cancer and high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic value of an initial 24-sample transrectal ultrasound guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy protocol compared to the 10-core technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the prostate biopsy database of consecutive men undergoing prostate biopsies under local anesthesia by using the 10 (Group A) and 24 (Group B) protocols. Men were stratified according to biopsy protocol and PSA levels. Exclusion criteria were age = 75 years and PSA > 20 ng/mL. The Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Between April 2007 and August 2009, 869 men underwent TRUS prostate biopsies of which 379 were eligible for the study. Group A (10-cores) consisted of 243 (64.11 percent) men and group B (24-cores) included 139 (35.89 percent) men. The overall prostate cancer detection rate was 39.09 percent and 34.55 percent in Group A and B, respectively (p = 0.43). An overall 9.8 percent increase in Gleason 7 detection rate was found in Group B (p = 0.24). The high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) detection rate in men with negative initial biopsies was 15.54 percent and 35.55 percent in Group A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). In patients with PSA < 10 ng/mL, the 24-core technique increased Gleason 7 detection rate by 13.4 percent (p = 0.16) and HGPIN by 23.4 percent (p = 0.0008), compared to the 10 core technique. The 24-core technique increased the concordance between needle biopsy and prostatectomy specimen compared to 10-core technique (p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The initial 24-core prostate biopsy protocol did not show any benefit in the detection of prostate cancer compared to the 10-core technique. However, it improved the HGPIN detection and the correlation between biopsy results and radical prostatectomy Gleason score in men with lower PSA levels.

Serum levels of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones in men with or without prostate cancer or atypical small acinar proliferation

INTRODUCTION: Substantial controversy exists regarding the association between testosterone serum levels and prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the levels of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones in the sera of men with prostate cancer and atypical small acinar proliferation as well as those with normal biopsies. METHODS: A study cohort of 186 men with suspected prostate cancer who had undergone transrectal prostate biopsies was used in this study. The patients were divided into the following three groups based on the histology of the biopsy samples: no neoplasia, atypical small acinar proliferation or prostate cancer. Demographic data were also collected. Levels of total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estradiol, and serum prostate-specific antigen were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: Initially, 123 men were found to be without neoplasia, 26 with atypical small acinar proliferation and 37 with prostate cancer. After a second biopsy was taken from the men diagnosed with atypical small acinar proliferation, the diagnoses were revised: 18 were diagnosed with atypical small acinar proliferation and 45 with prostate cancer. No significant differences between the groups were identified regarding age, smoking history, chronic diseases, body mass index or PSA levels (P >.0.05). The mean serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and estradiol were similar in all of the groups (P >.0.05). Furthermore, in individuals with prostate cancer, the Gleason scores and prevalence of hypogonadism were not significantly different (P.> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed no difference in the serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin or estradiol in men without neoplasia compared with those with atypical small acinar proliferation or prostate cancer.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prostate pathology

PURPOSE: Previous studies suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) circulating levels might improve identification of patients with prostate cancer but results are conflicting. Our aim was to compare serum VEGF levels across different prostate pathologies (including benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, high grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer) in patients at high risk of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 186 subjects with abnormal digital rectal examination and/or total PSA (tPSA) = 2.5 ng/mL. Blood was collected before diagnostic ultrasound guided trans-rectal prostate biopsy, or any prostate oncology treatment, to measure PSA isoforms and VEGF. Unconditional logistic regression was used to compute age-, tPSA- and free/total PSA-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and respective 95 percent confidence intervals (95 percent CI) for the association between serum VEGF and different prostatic pathologies. RESULTS: Prostate biopsy main diagnoses were normal or benign prostatic hyperplasia (27.3 percent), prostatitis (16.6 percent), and prostatic cancer (55.0 percent). The median VEGF levels (ng/mL) in these groups were 178.2, 261.3 and 266.4 (p = 0.029), respectively, but no significant differences were observed for benign vs. malignant pathologies (215.2 vs. 266.4, p = 0.551). No independent association was observed between VEGF (3rd vs. 1st third) and prostate cancer, when compared to benign conditions (adjusted OR = 1.44; CI 95 percent: 0.64-3.26). CONCLUSIONS: In patients at high risk of prostate cancer, circulating VEGF levels have no clinical role in deciding which patients should be submitted to prostate biopsy. Prostatitis patients, often with higher PSA levels, also present high serum levels of VEGF, and their inclusion in control groups might explain the heterogeneous results in previous studies.

Adenocarcinoma incidental de próstata en resección transuretral por causa benigna: Hospital de San José, julio 2006 a marzo 2008 / Incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma during transurethral resection for a bening cause: San Jose Hospital, july 2006 - march 2008

La resección transuretral de próstata es un procedimiento común para tratar patologías urinarias obstructivas benignas. Al material obtenido se le practica estudio histológico para confirmar la naturaleza benigna, pero en algunos casos se ha encontrado como hallazgo incidental un adenocarcinoma en estadios tempranos. No se sabe con claridad cuánto material debe procesarse o si la cantidad de tejido examinado aumenta la posibilidad de encontrar cáncer. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la frecuencia de adenocarcinoma incidental de próstata en pacientes sometidos a RTU por causa benigna. Reune 196 casos de RTU en los que se procesó en una segunda fase todo el tejido restante obtenido, describiendo las variables edad, peso del espécimen, número de láminas procesadas, niveles de PSA y categoría diagnóstica, la cual fue clasificada como negativa para maglinidad, PIN alto de grado y adenocarcinoma de próstata estadios T1a y T1b. Se encontró que la frecuencia de cáncer próstata en pacientes a quienes se les realizó RTU por hiperplasia prostática benigna en el Hospital de San José fue muy baja, dos pacientes de 71 y 80 años, además de otro que corresponde a una neoplasia intraepitelial de alto grado (PIN de AG) con niveles normales de PSA, lo que evidencia que la frecuencia es menor que la reportada en la literatura internacional.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common procedure performed to treat benign urinary obstruction conditions. The specimen obtained undergoes hystologic work-up to confirm benign nature, but in some cases, an early-stage adenocarcinoma is found incidentally. It is not clearly known how much material must be processed or if the amount of tissue examined increases likelihood of finding cancer. The purpose of this work is to determine the frequency rate of incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma in patients who undergo TURP for a benign cause. It gathers 196 cases of TURP in which all the remaining tissue obtained underwent a second phase work-out, considering variables as age, weight of specimen, number of slides processed, PSA levels and diagnostic category, which was classified as negative for malignancy, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostatic adenocarcinoma in stages T1a and T1b. It was evidenced that the frequency of prostate cancer in patients who underwent TURP for benign prostatic hyperplasia at the San José Hospital was very low, consisting of two patients 71 and 80 years old, as well as one that corresponds to a high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN of AG) with normal PSA levels, which evidences that our frequency rate is smaller than that reported in international literature.

Prostate cancer detection at rebiopsy after an initial benign diagnosis: results using sextant extended prostate biopsy

INTRODUCTION: Sextant prostate biopsy remains the standard technique for the detection of prostate cancer. It is well known that after a diagnosis of small acinar proliferation (ASAP) or high grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), the possibility of finding cancer is approximately 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively. OBJECTIVE: We aim to analyze follow-up biopsies on patients who initially received a benign diagnosis after exclusion of HGPIN and ASAP. METHODS: From July 2000 to December 2003, 1177 patients were submitted to sextant extended prostate biopsy in our hospital. The mean patient age was 65.5 years old, and the median number of fragments collected at biopsy was 13. HGPIN and ASAP were excluded from our study. We only considered patients who had a diagnosis of benign at the first biopsy and were subjected to rebiopsies up until May 2005 because of a maintained suspicion of cancer. RESULTS: Cancer was initially detected in 524 patients (44.5 percent), and the diagnosis was benign in 415 (35.3 percent). Rebiopsy was indicated for 76 of the latter patients (18.3 percent) because of a persistent suspicion of cancer. Eight cases of adenocarcinoma (10.5 percent) were detected, six (75 percent) at the first rebiopsy. Six patients were submitted to radical prostatectomy, and all tumors were considered clinically significant. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that in extended prostate biopsy, the first biopsy detects more cancer, and the first, second, and third rebiopsies after an initial benign diagnosis succeed in finding cancer in 7.9 percent (6/55), 5.9 percent (1/15) and 20 percent (1/4) of patients, respectively.

Inflammatory atrophy on prostate needle biopsies: is there topographic relationship to cancer?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammation of longstanding duration has been linked to the development of carcinoma in several organ systems. It is controversial whether there is any relationship of inflammatory atrophy to prostate cancer. It has been suggested that the proliferative epithelium in inflammatory atrophy may progress to high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and/or adenocarcinoma. The objective of our study is to compare on needle prostate biopsies of patients showing cancer the topographical relation of inflammatory atrophy and atrophy with no inflammation to adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The frequency and extent of the lesions were studied on 172 needle biopsies of patients with prostate cancer. In cores showing both lesions, the foci of atrophy were counted. Clinicopathological features were compared according to presence or absence of inflammation. RESULTS: Considering only cores showing adenocarcinoma, atrophy was seen in 116/172 (67.44 percent) biopsies; 70/116 (60.34 percent) biopsies showed atrophy and no inflammation and 46/116 (39.66 percent) biopsies showed inflammatory atrophy. From a total of 481 cores in 72 biopsies with inflammatory atrophy 184/481 (38.25 percent) cores showed no atrophy; 166/481 (34.51 percent) cores showed atrophy and no inflammation; 111/481 (23.08 percent) cores showed both lesions; and 20/481 (4.16 percent) showed only inflammatory atrophy. There was no statistically significant difference for the clinicopathological features studied. CONCLUSION: The result of our study seems not to favor the model of prostatic carcinogenesis in which there is a topographical relation of inflammatory atrophy to adenocarcinoma.

Avaliação do nível sérico de antígeno prostático específico (PSA) em pacientes da cidade de Campo Mourão - PR / Evaluation of the serum level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients from the city of Campo Mourão - PR

O Antígeno Prostático Específico (PSA) é considerado o mais importante marcador para detectar, estagiar e monitorizar o câncer de próstata. Assim, realizou-se este estudo com objetivo de avaliar os níveis séricos de PSA em pacientes usuários de um laboratório de análises clínicas da cidade de Campo Mourão, correlacionando com os valores de referência e idade. (Métodos) Foram analisados os resultados dos exames de PSA de 437 pacientes usuários de um laboratório de análises clínicas privado, correspondendo à totalidade dos exames realizados no período de julho a dezembro de 2005. (Resultados) Em relação aos valores de PSA, 388 pacientes (88,8) apresentaram valores de PSA entre 0 – 4,0 ng/mL, 34 pacientes (7,8) valores entre 4,1 – 10,0 ng/mL, 10 pacientes (2,3) valores entre 10,1 – 20,0ng/mL e 5 pacientes (1,1) portavam valores de PSA > 20ng/mL. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 27 a 91 anos (média de 56 anos). (Conclusão) Através dos achados do presente estudo, observa-se que o nível médio de PSAaumenta de acordo com a idade. Desta forma, torna-se importante, a utilização do PSA em associação com outros métodos diagnósticos na detecção precoce de patologias malignas da próstata.