Use of prostate systematic and targeted biopsy on the basis of multiparametric MRI in biopsy-naive patients (MRI-FIRST): a prospective, multicentre, paired diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: Whether multiparametric MRI improves the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer and avoids the need for systematic biopsy in biopsy-naive patients remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether using this approach before biopsy would improve detection of clinically significant prostate cancer in biopsy-naive patients. METHODS: In this prospective, multicentre, paired diagnostic study, done at 16 centres in France, we enrolled patients aged 18-75 years with prostate-specific antigen concentrations of 20 ng/mL or less, and with stage T2c or lower prostate cancer. Eligible patients had been referred for prostate multiparametric MRI before a first set of prostate biopsies, with a planned interval of less than 3 months between MRI and biopsies. An operator masked to multiparametric MRI results did a systematic biopsy by obtaining 12 systematic cores and up to two cores targeting hypoechoic lesions. In the same patient, another operator targeted up to two lesions seen on MRI with a Likert score of 3 or higher (three cores per lesion) using targeted biopsy based on multiparametric MRI findings. Patients with negative multiparametric MRI (Likert score ≤2) had systematic biopsy only. The primary outcome was the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer of International Society of Urological Pathology grade group 2 or higher (csPCa-A), analysed in all patients who received both systematic and targeted biopsies and whose results from both were available for pathological central review, including patients who had protocol deviations. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02485379, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS: Between July 15, 2015, and Aug 11, 2016, we enrolled 275 patients. 24 (9%) were excluded from the analysis. 53 (21%) of 251 analysed patients had negative (Likert ≤2) multiparametric MRI. csPCa-A was detected in 94 (37%) of 251 patients. 13 (14%) of these 94 patients were diagnosed by systematic biopsy only, 19 (20%) by targeted biopsy only, and 62 (66%) by both techniques. Detection of csPCa-A by systematic biopsy (29·9%, 95% CI 24·3-36·0) and targeted biopsy (32·3%, 26·5-38·4) did not differ significantly (p=0·38). csPCa-A would have been missed in 5·2% (95% CI 2·8-8·7) of patients had systematic biopsy not been done, and in 7·6% (4·6-11·6) of patients had targeted biopsy not been done. Four grade 3 post-biopsy adverse events were reported (3 cases of prostatitis, and 1 case of urinary retention with haematuria). INTERPRETATION: There was no difference between systematic biopsy and targeted biopsy in the detection of ISUP grade group 2 or higher prostate cancer; however, this detection was improved by combining both techniques and both techniques showed substantial added value. Thus, obtaining a multiparametric MRI before biopsy in biopsy-naive patients can improve the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer but does not seem to avoid the need for systematic biopsy. FUNDING: French National Cancer Institute.

In situ QXAS study of sulfidation/oxidative regeneration reactions of zinc molybdate (ZnMoO4) and ZnO-MoO3 materials.

Recent technologies such as those using coal, natural gas or biomass as fuel are often facing the challenge of removing H2S impurities. Among the various existing routes for sulfur removal, the conversion of transition metal oxides into sulfides is often considered for deep gas purification. The ideal regenerative system, preventing waste generation, should combine a high affinity material towards H2S and an easy way for its regeneration into the initial oxide form. The present paper describes the reactivity of the ZnMoO4 mixed oxide material and ZnO-MoO3 oxides mixture as potential candidates for the regenerative H2S sorption process. The use of the QXAS technique allowed us to get time resolved information about both sulfidation and oxidative regeneration processes at Mo and Zn K-edges. Faced with the complexity of gas-solid reactions involving several phases, QXAS in combination with multivariate data analysis enabled us to follow the sulfidation and oxidative regeneration kinetics of both materials, with a description of the evolution of several intermediate phases. Both Mo and Zn K-edge spectroscopic data were analyzed and comparison of the evolution of ternary oxides containing the two elements proved to be an effective way for validating the results.

Renal Cortical Necrosis in Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related renal cortical necrosis may lead to end-stage renal disease. Although this obstetric complication had virtually disappeared in high-income countries, we have noted new cases in France over the past few years, all following postpartum hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively identified 18 patients from 5 French nephrology departments who developed renal cortical necrosis following postpartum hemorrhage in 2009 to 2013. OUTCOMES: Obstetric and renal features, therapeutic measures, and kidney disease outcome were studied. RESULTS: All patients had a severe postpartum hemorrhage (mean blood loss, 2.6±1.1 [SD] L). Hemodynamic instability and disseminated intravascular coagulation were reported in 5 and 11 patients, respectively. All developed rapid onset of acute kidney injury and required hemodialysis. Diagnosis of renal cortical necrosis was performed 4 to 33 days following delivery. At 6 months postpartum, 8 patients remained dialysis dependent and none recovered normal kidney function. The length of exposure to tranexamic acid treatment was significantly more prolonged in women whose estimated glomerular filtration rate remained <15mL/min/1.73m(2) (7.1±4.8 vs 2.9±2.4 hours; P=0.03). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study; small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of gravid endothelium, the conjunction of disseminated intravascular coagulation with the life-saving use of procoagulant and antifibrinolytic agents (recently implemented in France in a postpartum hemorrhage treatment algorithm) may give rise to a risk for uncontrolled clotting in the renal cortex and hence irreversible partial or diffuse cortical necrosis.

How are we going to train a generation of radiologists (and urologists) to read prostate MRI?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Multiparametric MRI has gained tremendous importance in the daily practice for patients at risk or diagnosed with prostate cancer. Interpretation of multiparametric-MRI is a complex task, supposedly restricted to experienced radiologists. The purpose of this review is to analyze fundamentals of multiparametric-MRI interpretation and to describe how multiparametric-MRI training could be organized. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently, professional guidelines have been published to provide technical and interpretation frameworks and harmonize multiparametric-MRI practice, but the question of physicians training in prostate multiparametric-MRI reading is still pending. What kind of education, practice, and training makes a radiologist able to reliably interpret a prostate multiparametric-MRI? How can findings be reported to be easily understood? How much experience is needed? How can we train urologists and other physicians to review the examinations they request? Is double-reading necessary? SUMMARY: An institutional-based competency certification process for prostate multiparametric-MRI interpretation may encourage nonspecialized radiologists to qualify for prostate imaging in a standardized and reproducible way, exactly as urologists need it.

Chronic urinary obstruction: evaluation of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR urography for measurement of split renal function.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if measurement of split renal function ( SRF split renal function ) with dynamic contrast material-enhanced ( DCE dynamic contrast enhanced ) magnetic resonance (MR) urography is equivalent to that with renal scintigraphy ( RS renal scintigraphy ) in patients suspected of having chronic urinary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the coordinating center on behalf of all participating centers. Informed consent was obtained from all adult patients or both parents of children. This prospective, comparative study included 369 pediatric and adult patients from 14 university hospitals who were suspected of having chronic or intermittent urinary obstruction, and data from 295 patients with complete data were used for analysis. SRF split renal function was measured by using the area under the curve and the Patlak-Rutland methods, including successive review by a senior and an expert reviewer and measurement of intra- and interobserver agreement for each technique. An equivalence test for mean SRF split renal function was conducted with an α of 5%. RESULTS: Reproducibility was substantial to almost perfect for both methods. Equivalence of DCE dynamic contrast enhanced MR urography and RS renal scintigraphy for measurement of SRF split renal function was shown in patients with moderately dilated kidneys (P < .001 with the Patlak-Rutland method). However, in severely dilated kidneys, the mean SRF split renal function measurement was underestimated by 4% when DCE dynamic contrast enhanced MR urography was used compared with that when RS renal scintigraphy was used. Age and type of MR imaging device had no significant effect. CONCLUSION: For moderately dilated kidneys, equivalence of DCE dynamic contrast enhanced MR urography to RS renal scintigraphy was shown, with a standard deviation of approximately 12% between the techniques, making substitution of DCE dynamic contrast enhanced MR urography for RS renal scintigraphy acceptable. For severely dilated kidneys, a mean underestimation of SRF split renal function of 4% should be expected with DCE dynamic contrast enhanced MR urography, making substitution questionable.

The role of MRI-targeted and confirmatory biopsies for cancer upstaging at selection in patients considered for active surveillance for clinically low-risk prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the roles of MRI-targeted biopsies (TB) and confirmatory biopsies for cancer upstaging at selection in patients considered for active surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) based on the first systematic biopsy (SB) series in another centre. METHODS: From 2009 to 2012, 41 patients with PCa diagnosed within the last 4 months and eligible for AS [clinical stage ≤T2a, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <10 ng/ml, ≤2 positive biopsy cores with no Gleason pattern 4 or 5 and ≤5 mm involvement of any biopsy core] underwent pre-biopsy MRI, confirmatory transrectal ultrasound 12-core SB and MRI-TB of suspicious lesions. A contingency table assessed the accuracy of MRI to predict cancer upstaging. RESULTS: Median age and PSA were 63.5 years and 5.3 ng/ml, respectively. Overall, 24 patients (59 %) were upstaged. This upstaging was obtained at a confirmatory SB in 16 patients (39 %) based on the Gleason score (9), on cancer length (8) or both (7) and at MRI-TB in 17 patients (41 %) based on the Gleason score (14), cancer length (9) or both (6). Nine patients were upstaged at both SB and TB (22 %). The added value of MRI-TB was 20 % (8/41). The positive and negative predictive values of MRI for predicting cancer upstaging were 79 and 70.5 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI-TB and confirmatory SB upstaged 59 % of cases, improving the selection of patients considered for AS at the first series of SB. Variation in histologic grade assignation between centres and better cancer sampling may explain this high upstaging rate.

Polytetrafluoroethylene expanded prosthesis as replacement of the inferior vena cava in renal cell carcinoma with caval thrombus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of inferior vena cava replacement with polytetrafluoroethylene expanded prosthesis in patients with renal cell carcinoma and caval thrombosis. METHODS: All patients who underwent radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava replacement by polytetrafluoroethylene expanded prosthesis for renal cancer associated with inferior vena cava thrombosis and a suspicion of inferior vena cava wall invasion from January 2000 to June 2011 were considered for this study. Demographic data, postoperative course, graft patency and survival data were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (median age 59.5 years, range 19.9-85.6 years) were included in the analysis. The median tumor diameter was 10 cm (range 5-14 cm). Histological invasion of the wall of the inferior vena cava was found in 16 (61.5%) cases. The median follow up was 28 months (range 1-136). A graft thrombosis occurred in five (19.2%) patients within the first year. Four of these patients died before the end of the second year. Patency of the inferior vena cava graft at 6 and 12 months was 88% and 79%, respectively. Overall survival probability at 3 years was 64%. CONCLUSION: Prosthetic replacement of the inferior vena cava can be carried out when invasion of the wall of the inferior vena cava is suspected. The postoperative complication rate in this subset of high-risk patients undergoing radical nephrectomy seems acceptable, and the patency of the prostheses is good in most of the cases.

[SFCE harmonization workshops: Neonatal acute myeloid leukemia]. / Orientation et prise en charge de la leucémie aiguë myéloïde néonatale : recommandations du comité leucémies de la SFCE.

Neonatal acute myeloid leukemias (AML) occurred within the first 28 days of life and constitute only a small proportion of all AL. They are distinguished from leukemias of older children by their clinical presentation, which frequently includes cutaneous localizations ("blueberry muffin rash syndrome") and a leukocytosis above 50 ×109/L. This proliferation may be transient, causing a transient leukemoid reaction in a background of constitutional trisomy 21 ("Transient Abnormal Myelopoieseis" or TAM) or Infantile Myeloproliferative Disease in the absence of constitutional trisomy 21 ("Infantile Myeloproliferative Disease" or IMD). In cases of true neonatal AML, the prognosis of patients is poor. Overall survival is around 35 % in the largest historical series. This poor prognosis is mainly due to the period of onset of this pathology making the use of chemotherapy more limited and involving many considerations, both ethical and therapeutic. The objective of this work is to review this rare pathology by addressing the clinical, biological, therapeutic and ethical particularities of patients with true neonatal AML or transient leukemoid reactions occurring in a constitutional trisomy 21 (true TAM) or somatic background (IMD).

Prostate cancer diagnosis: multiparametric MR-targeted biopsy with cognitive and transrectal US-MR fusion guidance versus systematic biopsy--prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To compare biopsy performance of two approaches for multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR)-targeted biopsy (TB) with that of extended systematic biopsy (SB) in prostate cancer (PCa) detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This institutional review board-approved multicenter prospective study (May 2009 to January 2011) included 95 patients with informed consent who were suspected of having PCa, with a suspicious abnormality (target) at prebiopsy MR. Patients underwent 12-core SB and four-core TB with transrectal ultrasonographic (US) guidance, with two cores aimed visually (cognitive TB [TB-COG]) and two cores aimed using transrectal US-MR fusion software (fusion-guided TB [TB-FUS]). SB and TB positivity for cancer and sampling quality (mean longest core cancer length, Gleason score) were compared. Clinically significant PCa was any 3 mm or greater core cancer length or any greater than 3 Gleason pattern for SB or any cancer length for TB. Statistical analysis included t test, paired χ(2) test, and κ statistic. Primary end point (core cancer length) was calculated (paired t test). RESULTS: Among 95 patients (median age, 65 years; mean prostate-specific antigen level, 10.05 ng/mL [10.05 µg/L]), positivity rate for PCa was 59% (n = 56) for SB and 69% (n = 66) for TB (P = .033); rate for clinically significant PCa was 52% (n = 49) for SB and 67% (n = 64) for TB (P = .0011). Cancer was diagnosed through TB in 16 patients (17%) with negative SB results. Mean longest core cancer lengths were 4.6 mm for SB and 7.3 mm for TB (P < .0001). In 12 of 51 (24%) MR imaging targets with positive SB and TB results, TB led to Gleason score upgrading. In 79 MR imaging targets, positivity for cancer was 47% (n = 37) with TB-COG and 53% (n = 42) with TB-FUS (P = .16). Neither technique was superior for Gleason score assessment. CONCLUSION: Prebiopsy MR imaging combined with transrectal US-guided TB increases biopsy performance in detecting PCa, especially clinically significant PCa. No significant difference was observed between TB-FUS and TB-COG for TB guidance.

Comparison of the local safety of two multi-component feline vaccines, adjuvanted (1 mL) versus non-adjuvanted at reduced volume (0.5 mL), using computed tomography imaging.

In 2020, a new 0.5 mL presentation of PUREVAX® RCP FeLV was registered and introduced in Europe. The objectives of this study were to investigate the local safety of this non-adjuvanted vaccine at reduced volume by classical methods (clinical examination, histopathology) and to evaluate the suitability of an alternative non-invasive methodology, the computed tomography (CT). For this purpose, the course of local reactions was assessed for 3 months after subcutaneous injection of PUREVAX® RCP FeLV 0.5 mL and compared to an adjuvanted vaccine, LEUCOFELIGEN® FeLV/RCP 1.0 mL. Injection site reactions consisted mainly of swelling reactions, which were more frequent, more pronounced and long-lasting in the adjuvanted vaccine group. Microscopically, in this group, moderate to severe inflammatory reactions were observed on day 7 (D7) and D21 post-injection and still present on D84, while mild inflammatory lesions were observed in the non-adjuvanted vaccine group only on D7 and D21. With the adjuvanted vaccine, inflamed areas were measurable by CT scan in all cats on D7 and D21, whereas they were detected only on D7 and only in 20 % of cats from the non-adjuvanted vaccine group. Besides the higher frequency, the mean inflamed volume was nearly 300 times larger in adjuvanted vaccine group on D7. Using different methodologies, the favorable safety profile of PUREVAX® RCP FeLV 0.5 mL was confirmed. Furthermore, the vaccine is aligned with current vaccination guidelines by inducing less inflammatory reactions, being adjuvant-free and injectable under a reduced volume, thus improving the convenience of administration in recommended sites (eg, legs). CT scan proved to be a suitable non-invasive method for the experimental follow-up of injection site reactions, yielding results consistent with clinical assessment and histopathology on D7 and D21. CT scan substantiated large differences between the investigated vaccines with a more prominent inflammatory reaction after injection of an adjuvanted vaccine.

Sorafenib for patients with advanced angiosarcoma: a phase II Trial from the French Sarcoma Group (GSF/GETO).

BACKGROUND: Angiosarcomas account for <2% of all soft tissue sarcomas. This subtype is one of the most aggressive forms of soft tissue sarcoma. The prognosis for angiosarcoma patients in the advanced phase remains poor with current cytotoxic agents (progression-free survival [PFS] time of ∼4 months and overall survival [OS] time of ∼8 months). We investigated the antitumor activity of sorafenib in patients with metastatic or advanced angiosarcomas in a phase II trial. METHODS: We conducted a stratified phase II trial. The primary endpoint was the progression-free rate (PFR) at 9 months according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. A two-stage design (optimal Simon design) was used. Patients received sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) for 9 months until unacceptable toxicity or tumor progression. Central pathological and radiological reviews were performed. Data on stratum A (superficial angiosarcoma) and stratum B (visceral angiosarcoma) are currently available. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier, NCT00874874). FINDINGS: Strata A and B recruited 26 and 15 patients, respectively. The median age was 63 years (range, 31-82 years), with 17 male and 24 female patients. Fourteen cases arose in irradiated fields. Thirty patients (73.0%) had been pretreated with conventional chemotherapy. No unexpected toxicity occurred. The PFR at 9 months was 3.8% in stratum A and 0.0% in stratum B. The median PFS times were 1.8 months and 3.8 months, respectively, whereas the median OS times were 12.0 months and 9.0 months, respectively. No responses were observed in chemotherapy-naïve patients, whereas a 40% tumor control rate and 23% response rate were observed in the pretreated population. In this cohort, no activating mutation of the KDR gene (exons 15, 16, 24) was detected. INTERPRETATION: Sorafenib showed limited antitumor activity in pretreated patients only, for both visceral and superficial angiosarcoma, but tumor control was of short duration.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging before initial biopsy: comparison of magnetic resonance imaging-targeted and systematic biopsy for significant prostate cancer detection.

OBJECTIVE: •To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsies with extended systematic biopsies for the detection of significant prostate cancer. METHODS: •In all, 555 consecutive patients with suspicion of prostate cancer had pre-biopsy dynamic contrast-enhanced 1.5-tesla (T) MRI with pelvic coil, 10-12 transrectal ultrasound-guided extended systematic biopsies plus two targeted biopsies at any MRI area suspicious for malignancy. •Significant prostate cancer was defined as >5 mm total cancer length and/or any Gleason pattern >3. •Cancer length and grade at biopsy were reported and located on a 24-sector map. RESULTS: •Median (range) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 6.75 (0.18-100) ng/mL. •MRI was positive in 351 (63%) patients and, overall, 302 (54%) had cancer at extended systematic biopsies and/or targeted biopsies. Of 302 cancers detected, 249 (82%) were significant prostate cancers and 53 (18%) were nonsignificant prostate cancers. •Extended systematic biopsies did not detect 12 significant prostate cancers and targeted biopsies did not detect 13 significant prostate cancers. For significant prostate cancer detection, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of targeted biopsies were 0.95, 1.0 and 0.98. The values for extended systematic biopsies were 0.95, 0.83, and 0.88. •The detection accuracy of significant prostate cancer by targeted biopsies was higher than that by extended systematic biopsies (P < 0.001). Targeted biopsies also detected 16% more grade 4/5 cases and better quantified the cancer than extended systematic biopsies, with cancer length of 5.56 vs. 4.70 mm (P= 0.002). • A targeted biopsies-only strategy without extended systematic biopsies would have necessitated a mean of 3.8 cores performed in only 63% of patients with positive MRI and avoided the potentially unnecessary diagnosis of 13% (53/302) of nonsignificant prostate cancers. CONCLUSIONS: • Strategy of targeted biopsies alone at pre-biopsy MRI-suspicious areas is an attractive potential alternative to extended systematic biopsies for detection of significant prostate cancer. •Further studies are necessary to validate the strategy of targeted biopsies alone.

[Psychic issues and problems in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric]. / Enjeux et problématiques psychiques dans l'allogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques en pédiatrie.

In pediatric oncohematology, a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSC) may be offered depending on the pathology and the therapeutic objective. The transplant generates many repercussions, in particular related to the donation and the debt, on the physical and psychological identity of the donor and the recipient, with family changes. The multidisciplinary support of the families is essential so that everyone may find his right place.

Determination of renal stone composition with dual-energy CT: in vivo analysis and comparison with x-ray diffraction.

PURPOSE: To preoperatively assess the composition of urinary stones by using dual-energy computed tomography (CT), with postoperative in vitro x-ray diffraction analysis as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained, and all participants provided written informed consent. Twenty-seven patients aged 50-64 years with renal stones, who were scheduled for stone extraction with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), preoperatively underwent nonenhanced single-source dual-energy multidetector CT with 2-mm section thickness, 1-mm increments, 140 kVp, and 250 mAs. Regions of interest were drawn on low- and high-energy images, and low- and high-energy attenuation ratios were calculated for each stone scanned in vivo. The attenuation ratios for the patients were compared with those for an in vitro stone library phantom model of 37 stones with known chemical compositions. After surgery, the extracted stones were analyzed by using x-ray diffraction. The results of in vivo multidetector CT and ex vivo chemical analysis were compared. RESULTS: Dual-energy low- and high-energy attenuation ratios measured with the phantom were less than 1.1 for uric acid, 1.1-1.24 for cystine, and greater than 1.24 for calcified stones. Struvite stones had attenuation ratios that overlapped with calcified stone ratios and thus could not be assessed reliably. Four patients had mixed stones (<75% of a single component), and one patient had a struvite stone. Of 27 patients, 22 (82%) (exact confidence interval [CI]: 68%, 92%) received a correct diagnosis with dual-energy CT: all six (100%; exact CI: 54%, 100%) patients with uric acid stones, 15 (79%; exact CI: 62%, 95%) of the 19 patients with calcium stones, and the one (100%) patient with a cystine stone. The patient with a struvite stone did not receive a correct dual-energy CT-based diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Dual-energy multidetector CT may enable accurate in vivo characterization of kidney stone composition.

[Primary intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis associated with lithiasis: a case report]. / Adénocarcinome de type intestinal primitif du bassinet: à propos d'un cas développé au contact d'une lithiase coralliforme.

A case of primary adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis occurring in a 57-year-old woman who had no previous history is reported. The lesions were thought to be a renal destruction by pyelolithiasis upon symptomatology and imaging study data. A nephrectomy was thus performed. Macroscopic examination revealed voluminous and exophytic lesions surrounding lithiasis. Diagnosis of intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis was established on histological examination. No evidence of other tumor localization was revealed by complete exploration. Primary adenocarcinoma of renal pelvis is a rare and often mucinous intestinal-type tumour. Chronic inflammation and renal lithiasis seem to be associated with this tumour. Few cases are reported and prognosis is doubtful. The main differential diagnosis to eliminate is secondary lesions to the kidney of adenocarcinoma from another origin. A careful pathological examination in case of pyelonephritic kidney is necessary to look for an associated tumour.

Peripheral zone prostate cancers: location and intraprostatic patterns of spread at histopathology.

BACKGROUND: To describe the precise location of peripheral zone (PZ) prostate cancers at various stages of development and to demonstrate their pattern of intraprostatic spread from their site of origin. METHODS: PZ cancers defined as cancers located in peripheral zone (PZ) including the anterolateral part of PZ, were identified from radical prostatectomy specimens. PZ cancers morphometric histopathological study included largest surface area, volume and spatial distribution. RESULTS: Out of 188 PZ cancers, 179 were <4 cm(3) and 168 <2 cm(3). PZ cancers were still confined to their zone of origin for volumes <2 cm(3). Between 2 and 4 cm(3), some cancers partially spread into the transition zone or anterior fibromuscular stroma. Sixty-four and 90% of PZ cancers <4 cm(3) were located in the lower and posterior half of the gland respectively. Ten percent were located in the anterior horn of PZ. Overall, non-index (second) cancers were located in the ipsi and contolateral side of the index cancer (largest) in 31% and 69% of cases, respectively. Cancers <2 cm(3) were confined to one lobe in 164 of 168 (98%) cases and not confined in 3 out of 11 (27%) cancers 2-4 cm(3). On vertical axis, only cancers >or=2 cm(3) involved both apex and base. CONCLUSIONS: PZ cancers contours and locations are predictable and conform to histological zone boundaries if <2 cm(3) in volume. Knowledge of PZ cancers origin and pattern of spread in PZ are of importance for imaging diagnosis, guidance for biopsy and focal therapy.

Transition zone and anterior stromal prostate cancers: zone of origin and intraprostatic patterns of spread at histopathology.

BACKGROUND: To describe the precise location of transition zone (TZ) and anterior fibromuscular stroma (AFMS) prostate cancers (TZ/AFMS) within histological zones at various stages of development and to demonstrate their pattern of intraprostatic spread from their site of origin. METHODS: Anterior TZ/AFMS cancers excluding the anterolateral part of peripheral zone, were identified from radical prostatectomy specimens. Morphometric histopathological study included largest surface area, volume and spatial distribution. RESULTS: Out of 91 TZ/AFMS cancers, 79 were <4 cm3 and 69 <2 cm3. Fifty percent and 70% of cancers <4 cm3 were located in the anterior third and inferior half of TZ and/or AFMS, respectively. Cancers <2 cm3 could be classified into three types according to their location related to histologic zone boundaries: TZ type 1 (40%) for cancers confined to one TZ lobe; TZ type 2 (35%) for cancers most represented in one TZ lobe but crossing its anterior boundary; type AFMS (25%) for cancers confined to AFMS. These results form the rationale for the hypothesis that AFMS cancers originate from anterior and medial TZ and due to benign prostatic hypertrophy they become excluded from TZ, anteriorly into AFMS. TZ anterior limit would then act as a barrier to their posterior extension. CONCLUSIONS: TZ/AFMS cancers contours and locations are predictable and conform to histological zones boundaries. Knowledge of these cancer origin and pattern of spread in TZ and AFMS are of importance for imaging diagnosis, guidance for biopsy and focal therapy.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of anterior prostate cancer: morphometric assessment and correlation with radical prostatectomy findings.

The purpose of the study was to relate morphometric features of prostate cancers in the anterior compartment of the prostate by dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI to subsequent histopathologic findings. We prospectively performed DCE-MRI before biopsy in patients with suspected prostate cancer and selected those showing both a suspicious lesion at MRI and positive biopsies in the anterior compartment of the gland. Tumor contours, margins, largest surface areas and volumes were assessed at MRI and histopathology, when available. Anterior compartment tumors were classified according to transition zone (TZ) boundaries with the peripheral zone (PZ) or with the anterior fibromuscular stroma (SFMA). Forty-three patients were included in this study [median PSA 12.7 ng/ml (3.6-72)]. Whole-mount radical prostatectomy specimens were available in 27 cases. Of the anterior cancers, 89% had ill-defined margins at T2-weighted MRI. Cancer location and contour established at MRI agreed well with histopathology in the 27 cases. Median largest surface area and volume were 1.38 cm(2) (0.35-5.82) and 1.01 cc (0.15-7.4) for MRI versus 1.86 cm(2) (0.2-14) and 2.84 cc (0.33-28.92) for histopathology with respective correlation coefficients (r(2)) of 0.73 and 0.69. The site of origin could be accurately determined for the 15 tumors of less than 3 cc. We found a good relationship between DCE-MRI and histopathology for localization, morphologic description and volume assessment of anterior prostate cancers.

Current status of MRI for the diagnosis, staging and prognosis of prostate cancer: implications for focal therapy and active surveillance.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current status of MRI techniques in identification of organ-confined prostate cancer with a focus on their implication for focal therapy and active surveillance. RECENT FINDINGS: MRI is currently focusing on intraprostatic prostate cancer identification and at 1.5T, it provides excellent imaging of the whole gland including the challenging anterior part. Improvements in accuracy for cancer detection and volume estimation result from dynamic contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MRI sequences. 3T MRI might improve cancer identification. Histological correlations showed high sensitivity and specificity for significant volume cancers larger than 0.5 cm3. Important knowledge on modelling of cancer morphology such as zone of origin and intraprostatic patterns of spread at histopathology was made available for imaging interpretation and treatment planning decision. MRI results allow focused use of biopsy which led to better cancer characterization such as extent and grade. Ongoing focal therapy protocols and active surveillance treatments should benefit from these imaging advances. SUMMARY: At present, high-resolution MRI with pelvic coil appears to offer the most readily available and useful imaging. Future studies should work towards helping define standard, reproducible approaches to imaging and image reporting for research and clinical practice.

Imaging of organ-confined prostate cancer: functional ultrasound, MRI and PET/computed tomography.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current status of advanced imaging techniques in identification of organ-confined prostate cancer with a focus on their impact on patient management. RECENT FINDINGS: Transrectal ultrasound suffers from poor accuracy despite significant technical improvements. Generally used to distinguish cancers with extraprostatic spread, MRI is now focusing on intraprostatic prostate cancer identification. At 1.5T, the most recent high-resolution pelvic phased-array coils provide excellent imaging of the whole gland, including this challenging anterior part. Improvements in accuracy for cancer detection and volume estimation result from dynamic contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences. Histological correlations showed high sensitivity/specificity for significant volume cancers. 3T MRI scanners will improve these results. Most of the recent PET/computed tomography imaging studies use choline derivatives ((11)C-choline and (18)F-fluorocholine). Their results are promising but insufficient to be currently recommended in routine practice. SUMMARY: Considerable advances have been made in the identification of organ-confined prostate cancer with multiparametric MRI. Only prebiopsy MRI can provide best quality of cancer assessment and allows for targeting biopsies. It is hoped that advances in 3T MRI as well as in radiotracers for PET/computed tomography will further improve diagnosis, treatment selection, planning and outcomes.