Concordancia inter- e intraobservador del puntaje PI-RADS 2.1 del Colegio Americano de Radiología / Intraobserver and interobserver agreement of the American College of Radiology PI-RADS 2.1 score

Resumen Antecedentes: La resonancia magnética (RM) de próstata es uno de los métodos diagnósticos para la identificación del carcinoma de próstata. La escala PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System) es el sistema usado para la interpretación de estas imágenes. Es importante, para su reproducibilidad, la estandarización y la evaluación de dicha escala. Objetivo: Determinar la concordancia inter- e intraobservador de la versión 2.1 del PI-RADS. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, evaluando 129 RM de pacientes con sospecha de cáncer de próstata por tres radiólogos con diferentes años de experiencia y en dos momentos del tiempo, usando el puntaje PI-RADS 2.1. Se evaluó la concordancia intra- e interobservador. Resultados: La concordancia interobservador fue sustancial (kappa > 0,6) en todos los observadores, siendo la categoría 5 la de mayor acuerdo interobservador. Se observó una alta reproducibilidad intraobservardor, con la mayor kappa siendo de 0,856. Cuando se realizó el análisis según años de experiencia de los radiólogos, la concordancia interobservador fue significativa en todos los casos. Conclusiones: El sistema de clasificación PI-RADS 2.1 es reproducible para las diferentes categorías y aumenta la concordancia cuando se trata de lesiones con mayor probabilidad de cáncer clínicamente significativo.

Abstract Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the prostate is a key diagnostic tool for identifying prostate carcinoma. The Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scale is the standard system for interpreting these images. Standardizing and evaluating this scale is crucial for ensuring consistent and reproducible results. Objective: This study aims to assess both the interobserver and intraobserver agreement of the PI-RADS version 2.1. Material and methods: In this retrospective observational study, 129 prostate MRI scans from patients with suspected prostate cancer were evaluated. Three radiologists, each with different levels of experience, analyzed these scans at two separate times using the PI-RADS 2.1 scoring system. Both intraobserver and interobserver agreements were measured. Results: The study found substantial interobserver agreement (kappa > 0.6) across all categories, with category 5 showing the highest level of agreement. Intraobserver reproducibility was also high, with the highest kappa value reaching 0.856. Further analysis based on the radiologists’ years of experience revealed significant interobserver agreement in all instances. Conclusions: The PI-RADS 2.1 classification system demonstrates high reproducibility across different categories, particularly for lesions more likely to be clinically significant cancers. This underscores its reliability in varied diagnostic scenarios.

Vigilancia activa en cáncer de próstata en un grupo de pacientes asistidos en el Centro Docente Asociado de Oncología Médica Rivera: Cooperativa Médica de Rivera (COMERI) / Active surveillance in prostate cancer in a group of patients assisted at the Rivera Associated Teaching Center for Medical Oncology: Rivera Medical Cooperative (COMERI) / Vigilância ativa do câncer de próstata em um grupo de pacientes atendidos no Rivera Associated Teaching Center for Medical Oncology: Rivera Medical Cooperative (COMERI)

Introducción: En Uruguay el cáncer de próstata ocupa el primer lugar en incidencia y el tercer lugar en mortalidad en el hombre. La mayoría de estos cánceres se diagnostican en estadios precoces. Hoy en día, para pacientes con adenocarcinoma de muy bajo riesgo, bajo riesgo o riesgo intermedio favorable, la vigilancia activa es una opción adecuada. Objetivos: Describir una población de pacientes con cáncer de próstata de muy bajo riesgo, bajo riesgo o riesgo intermedio favorable, en vigilancia activa en COMERI. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con cáncer de próstata de muy bajo riesgo, bajo riesgo o riesgo intermedio favorable, tratados entre 2010 y 2018 en COMERI. Se recopilaron datos en el sistema de registro clínico electrónico. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes, la mediana de edad al diagnóstico fue de 74 años. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a controles clínicos y determinación de PSA cada 3 meses. El tacto rectal se realizó en forma anual. El tiempo mediano de vigilancia activa fue de 33 meses. Durante el seguimiento, se observaron pocas variaciones en los valores de PSA. El 21% de los pacientes fue sometido a una nueva biopsia durante el seguimiento activo, y en todos los casos, el Gleason se mantuvo incambiado. Ningún paciente abandonó la modalidad de vigilancia activa. Conclusión: En nuestro entorno, la vigilancia activa se considera una opción terapéutica válida para pacientes altamente seleccionados con cáncer de próstata de muy bajo riesgo, bajo riesgo o riesgo intermedio favorable, y es bien aceptada por ellos.

Introduction: In Uruguay, prostate cancer ranks first in incidence and third in mortality among men. The majority of these cancers are diagnosed at early stages. Nowadays, active surveillance is an appropriate option for patients with adenocarcinoma of very low risk, low risk, or favorable intermediate risk. Objectives: To describe a population of patients with prostate cancer of very low risk, low risk, or favorable intermediate risk under active surveillance at COMERI. Materials and Methods: Descriptive, observational, retrospective study. Patients with prostate cancer of very low risk, low risk, or favorable intermediate risk treated between 2010 and 2018 at COMERI were included. Data were collected from the electronic clinical registry system. Results: Thirty-three patients were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 74 years. All patients underwent clinical monitoring and PSA determination every 3 months. Digital rectal examination was performed annually. The median time of active surveillance was 33 months. During follow-up, there were few variations in PSA values. 21% of patients underwent a repeat biopsy during active surveillance, and in all cases, the Gleason score remained unchanged. No patient discontinued active surveillance. Conclusion: In our setting, active surveillance is considered a valid therapeutic option for highly selected patients with prostate cancer of very low risk, low risk, or favorable intermediate risk, and it is well accepted by them.

Introdução: No Uruguai, o câncer de próstata ocupa o primeiro lugar em incidência e o terceiro lugar em mortalidade entre os homens. A maioria desses cânceres é diagnosticada em estágios precoces. Atualmente, para pacientes com adenocarcinoma de risco muito baixo, baixo risco ou risco intermediário favorável, a vigilância ativa é uma opção adequada. Objetivos: Descrever uma população de pacientes com câncer de próstata de risco muito baixo, baixo risco ou risco intermediário favorável sob vigilância ativa em COMERI. Material e métodos: Estudo descritivo, observacional, retrospectivo. Foram incluídos pacientes com câncer de próstata de risco muito baixo, baixo risco ou risco intermediário favorável, tratados entre 2010 e 2018 em COMERI. Os dados foram coletados no sistema de registro clínico eletrônico. Resultados: Foram incluídos 33 pacientes, com mediana de idade no diagnóstico de 74 anos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a controles clínicos e determinação de PSA a cada 3 meses. O toque retal foi realizado anualmente. O tempo médio de vigilância ativa foi de 33 meses. Durante o acompanhamento, houve poucas variações nos valores de PSA. 21% dos pacientes foram submetidos a uma nova biópsia durante a vigilância ativa, e em todos os casos, o Gleason permaneceu inalterado. Nenhum paciente abandonou a modalidade de vigilância ativa. Conclusão: Em nosso ambiente, a vigilância ativa é considerada uma opção terapêutica válida para pacientes altamente selecionados com câncer de próstata de risco muito baixo, baixo risco ou risco intermediário favorável, e é bem aceita por eles.

"Single-Surgeon" versus "Dual-Surgeon" Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph-nodes Dissection: Comparative Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with pelvic lymph-nodes dissection (PLND) when the same surgeon performs RARP and PLND versus one surgeon performs RARP and another surgeon performs PLND. Materials and Methods: From January 2022 to March 2023, data of consecutive patients who underwent RARP with PLND were prospectively collected. The surgeries were performed by two "young" surgeons with detailed profile. Specifically for the study purpose, one surgeon performed RARP, and the other surgeon performed PLND. A set of surgeries performed according to the standard setup (i.e., the same surgeon performing both RARP and PLND) was retrieved from the institutional database and used as comparator arm. To test the study hypothesis, patients were divided into two groups: "dual-surgeon" versus "single-surgeon". Results: Fifty patients underwent RARP and PLND performed according to dual-surgeon setup and were compared to the last 50 procedures performed according to the standard single-surgeon setup. Patients in the groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Dual-surgeon interventions had significantly shorter median total operative (194 [IQR 178-215] versus 174 [IQR 146-195] minutes, p<0.001) and console time (173 [IQR 158-194] versus 154 [IQR 129-170] minutes, p<0.001). No significant differences were found in terms of blood loss, intraoperative complications, postoperative outcomes, and final pathology results. Conclusions: The present analysis found that when RARP and PLND are split onto two surgeons, the operative time is shorter by 20 minutes compared to when a single surgeon performs RARP and PLND. This is an interesting finding that could sponsor further studies.

Autoeficacia para el tamizaje de cáncer cervical o de próstata: comparando mujeres y hombres colombianos

Introducción: Los cánceres de cuello uterino y próstata tienen una importante carga de morbilidad en países en desarrollo. La autoeficacia para solicitar el tamizaje es un elemento clave en la prevención. Objetivo: Comparar la percepción de hombres y mujeres sobre autoeficacia para el tamizaje de cáncer cervical y de próstata. Métodos: Estudio mixto con 50 mujeres y 50 hombres. Se indagaron datos sociodemográficos. Se aplicó la escala de autoeficacia de detección del cáncer cervical, con una modificación de esta para medición de cáncer de próstata en hombres. La autoeficacia se clasificó por niveles y las variables asociadas a esta se identificaron con regresión robusta. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 27 individuos (18 hombres y 9 mujeres) con baja y alta autoeficacia, así como a individuos de "otra" religión, para conocer las diferencias en la intención del tamizaje. Se crearon tres categorías de análisis basadas en el modelo de creencias en salud. Resultados: Mujeres y hombres fueron similares, excepto en religión, ocupación y antecedentes de Papanicolaou o examen rectal. La autoeficacia fue mayor entre las mujeres (ß aj.:-15,29 IC del 95 %: -18,36 a -12,21) y los no creyentes (ß aj.: -5,38 IC del 95 %: -10,33 a -0,44). Ellas buscan más el tamizaje que los hombres, quienes necesitan tener síntomas para hacerlo, necesitan tener síntomas. La vergüenza e incomodidad son barreras expresadas por ambos sexos. En los hombres, el machismo es una fuerte barrera para solicitar el tamizaje. La religión asocia el sexo con impureza, siendo una barrera entre las mujeres. Los servicios de atención de la salud solo se centran en el cribado femenino. Conclusiones: Los roles de género y elementos de religión son expresiones culturales que determinan la intención de detección del cáncer en hombres y mujeres. Las intervenciones de los servicios de salud deben considerar estos elementos para mejorar la cobertura de detección temprana y reducir la morbimortalidad de estos dos tipos de cáncer.

Introduction: Cervical and prostate cancers have a significant burden of disease in developing countries. Self-efficacy to request screening is a key element in prevention. Objective: To compare the perception of men and women on self-efficacy for cervical and prostate cancer screening. Methods: Mixed study with 50 women and 50 men. Sociodemographic data was investigated. The cervical cancer detection self-efficacy scale was applied, with a modification for measuring prostate cancer in men. Self-efficacy was classified by levels and the variables associated with it were identified with robust regression. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 individuals (18 men and 9 women) with low and high self-efficacy and of "other religion" to know the differences in the intention of the screening. Three categories of analysis were created based on the health belief model. Results: Women and men were similar except for religion, occupation, and history of Pap smear or rectal exam. Self-efficacy was higher among women (Adj. ß: -15.29, 95% CI: -18.36 to -12.21) and non-believers (Adj. ß: -5.38, 95% CI: -10.33 to -0.44). They seek screening more than men because they need to have symptoms. Shame and discomfort are barriers expressed by both genders. In men, machismo is a strong barrier to request screening. Religion associates sex with impurity, thus, acts as a barrier among women. Health care services only focus on female screening. Conclusions: gender roles and elements of religion are cultural expressions, which determine the intention of cancer detection in men and women. Health services interventions should consider these elements to improve the coverage of early detection and reduce the morbidity and mortality of these two types of cancer.

The effect of perioperative pelvic floor muscle exercise on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) is the most common conservative management for urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP). We performed this meta-analysis to investigate whether PFME during the entire perioperative period, including before and after RP, can significantly improve the recovery of postoperative UI. Methods: We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCT) from PubMed, Medline, web of science, Cochrane library, and clinicalitrials.com prior to October 2022. Efficacy data were pooled and analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. Pooled analyses of urinary incontinence rates 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were conducted, using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: We included a total of 15 RCT studies involving 2178 patients received RP. Postoperative UI could be improved after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, and the OR were 0.26 (95%CI:0.15-0.46) 0.30 (95%CI: 0.11-0.80) 0.20 (95%CI: 0.07- 0.56) in postoperative PFME group compared to no PFME group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in 12 months after surgery, and the OR was 0.85(95%CI: 0.48,1.51). There were similar results in perioperative PFME group compared to no PFME group with the OR of 0.35 (95%CI: 0.12, 0.98) and 0.40 (95%CI: 0.21, 0.75) in 1 and 3 months after surgery. Our results indicated no significant difference between perioperative PFME group and postoperative PFME group. The OR was 0.58 (95%CI: 0.20-1.71) 0.58 (95%CI:0.20-0.71) and 0.66 (95%CI: 0.32-1.38) in 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Application of PFME after RP significantly reduced the incidence of early postoperative UI, and additional preoperative PFME had no significant improvement on the recovery of UI.

Complication rates of transrectal and transperineal prostate fusion biopsies - is there a learning curve even in high volume interventional center?

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the learning curve regarding complication rates of transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB) versus transperineal prostate biopsy (TPPB), using real time software-based magnetic resonance imaging ultrasound (MRI-US) fusion techniques, along with first year experience of transperineal approach. Materials and Methods retrospective unicentric cohort study at a quaternary care hospital. Medical records of all consecutive patients that underwent TPPB between March 2021 and February 2022, after the introduction of MRI-US fusion device, and those who underwent TRPB throughout the entire years of 2019 and 2020 were analyzed. All complications that occurred as consequences of the procedure were considered. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared and Fisher tests were used to describe complications and compare the two groups. Results A total of 283 patients were included in the transperineal group and 513 in the transrectal group. The analysis of a learning curve for the transperineal method showed lower complications rates comparing the first six months of TPPB procedures (group 1); The complication rate for TPPB was lower than that of TRPB (55.1% versus 81.9%, respectively; p<0.01). TPPB showed specifically lower rates of hematuria (48.8% versus 66.3%;p<0.001) and rectal bleeding(3.5% versus 18.1%; p<0.001). There were no cases of prostatitis after transperineal biopsies and three cases (0.6%) after transrectal procedures. Conclusions We evidenced the learning curve for performing the transperineal biopsy, with a lower rate of complications for the experienced team, after 142 cases after 6 months of practice. The lower complication rate of TPPB and the absence of infectious prostatitis imply a safer procedure when compared to TRPB.

Is it necessary for all patients with suspicious lesions undergo systematic biopsy in the era of MRI-TRUS fusion targeted biopsy?

ABSTRACT Purpose Targeted biopsy (TB) combined with systematic biopsy (SB) is an optimized mode of prostate biopsy but can often lead to oversampling and overdiagnosis accompanied by potential biopsy-related complications and patient discomfort. Here, we attempted to reasonably stratify the patient population based on multi-parameter indicators with the aim of avoiding unnecessary SB. Methods In total, 340 biopsy-naïve men with suspected lesions, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) < 20 ng/mL and prostate imaging-reporting and data system (PI-RADS) ≥ 3 enrolled for study underwent both TB and SB. The primary outcome was to determine independent predictors for a valid diagnosis, assuming that only TB was performed and SB omitted (defined as mono-TB), taking TB + SB as the reference standard. The secondary outcomes were exploration of the predictive factors of mono-TB and TB + SB in detection of prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa). Results The mean PSA density (PSAD) of patient group was 0.27 ng/mL/mL. Multiparametric MRI PI-RADS scores were 3-5 in 146 (42.94%), 105 (30.88%), and 89 (26.18%) cases, respectively. PCa and csPCa were detected in 178/340 (52.35%) and 162/340 (47.65%) patients, respectively. Overall, 116/178 (65.17%) patients diagnosed with PCa displayed pathological consistencies between mono-TB and TB + SB modes. PSAD and PI-RADS were independent predictors of valid diagnosis using mono-TB. Conclusions PSAD combined with PI-RADS showed utility in guiding optimization of the prostate biopsy mode. Higher PSAD and PI-RADS values were associated with greater confidence in implementing mono-TB and safely omitting SB, thus effectively balancing the benefits and risks.

Behavior of total alkaline phosphatase after radium-233 therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a single-center, real-world retrospective study / Estudo retrospectivo de vida-real, em centro único, para avaliação do comportamento da fosfatase alcalina total após terapia com rádio-223 no câncer de próstata resistente a castração

Abstract Objective: To describe the behavior of total alkaline phosphatase (tALP) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer receiving radium-223 therapy, in a real-world scenario, and to describe overall survival (OS) among such patients. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 97 patients treated between February 2017 and September 2020. Patients were stratified by the baseline tALP (normal/elevated). A tALP response was defined as a ≥ 30% reduction from baseline at week 12. For patients with elevated baseline tALP, we also evaluated treatment response as a ≥ 10% reduction in tALP after the first cycle of treatment. We defined OS as the time from the first treatment cycle to the date of death. Results: There was a significant reduction in the median tALP after each cycle of treatment (p < 0.05 for all). Data for tALP at week 12 were available for 71 of the 97 patients. Of those 71 patients, 26 (36.6%) responded. Elevated baseline tALP was observed in 47 patients, of whom 19 (40.4%) showed a response. Longer OS was observed in the patients with normal baseline tALP, in those with elevated baseline tALP that showed a response to treatment (≥ 10% reduction), and in those who received 5-6 cycles of therapy. Conclusion: The tALP may be used to predict which patients will benefit from treatment with a greater number of cycles of radium-223 therapy and will have longer OS.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever o comportamento da fosfatase alcalina total (tALP) em pacientes com carcinoma de próstata metastático resistente a castração, submetidos a terapia com rádio-223 em um cenário do mundo real, e a sobrevida global (SG) desses pacientes. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo envolvento 97 pacientes, no período de fevereiro/2017 a setembro/2020. Os pacientes foram estratificados de acordo com a tALP basal (normal/elevada). A resposta à tALP foi definida como uma redução em relação à linha de base de ≥ 30% na semana-12. Para pacientes com tALP basal elevada, também foi avaliada a resposta ao tratamento como uma redução de ≥ 10% de tALP após o primeiro ciclo. A SG foi definida como o tempo entre o primeiro ciclo e a data do óbito. Resultados: A redução da tALP média após cada ciclo foi significativa (p < 0,05). A tALP na semana 12 estava disponível para 71 dos 97 pacientes. Desses 71 pacientes, 26 (36,6%) responderam. Dezenove (40,4%) dos 47 pacientes com tALP elevada apresentaram resposta. Foi observada uma SG mais longa nos pacientes com tALP basal normal, nos pacientes com tALP basal elevada que apresentaram resposta ao tratamento (redução de ≥ 10%) e nos pacientes que receberam 5-6 ciclos. Conclusão: A tALP pode ser usada para prever parte dos pacientes que se beneficiarão do tratamento com um maior número de ciclos e uma SG mais longa.

Background cardiovascular risk factors in patients of metastatic prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy: A retrospective observational study from a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is indispensable part of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) patients. There is documented association between ADT and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, with variability between the different modes. However, there is dearth of evidence on the background CV risk factors of these group of patients at diagnosis. Aims and Objectives: We envisaged this retrospective observational study in the department of oncology to document the background CV risk factors of MPC patients at diagnosis, to help us better select the available ADTs based on their CV risks. Materials and Methods: Over a period of 2 years, all patients registered for treatment with a diagnosis of MPC, indicated for ADT, and available detailed history and background cardiological evaluation at presentation, were included in the study. As indirect indicators of CV risks, history of smoking, presence and treatment of dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), were documented. As direct indicators of CV risks, presence and treatment of hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive cardiac failure (CCF), ECG, and echocardiography changes suggesting cardiac morbidity were documented and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: Indirect indicators: dyslipidemia, habit of smoking, and T2DM were found in 74%, 29.3%, and 13.3% patients, respectively. Direct indicators: Presence of hypertension, IHD, CCF, abnormalities in ECG, and echocardiography were found in 38.7%, 10.6%, 4%, 28%, and 34.6% patients, respectively. ST-T changes on ECG, low EF, and IHD on echocardiography were seen in 28.5%, 23%, and 26.9%, respectively. Conclusions: MPC patients have a substantial pre-existing CV risk at diagnosis. Our findings warrant a meticulous screening of all MPC patients for CV risk factors, to help in judicious selection of their ADT.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on prostate cancer outcomes at an uro-oncology referral center

ABSTRACT Introduction To evaluate the possible effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the oncologic results of patients with prostate cancer regarding clinical staging, presence of adverse pathological outcomes, and perioperative complications. Materials and methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. The time between biopsy and surgery, staging tests, final histopathological evaluation after surgery, lymphadenectomy rate, postoperative complications, and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels (initial and 30 days after surgery) were analyzed and compared in a group of patients before and during the pandemic period. Results We included 226 patients: 88 in the pre-pandemic period and 138 during the pandemic period. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age, body mass index, ASA, pathological locally advanced disease, the proportion of patients who underwent lymphadenectomy, and ISUP grade in the biopsy between the groups. Positive surgical margins, prostatic extracapsular extension, and PSA levels at 30 days were also similar between the groups. The mean time between medical consultation and surgery was longer in the pandemic period than in the pre-pandemic (124 vs. 107 days, p<0.001), and the mean time between biopsy and medical consultation (69.5 days vs. 114 days, p<0.001) and between biopsy and surgery (198.5 days vs. 228 days, p=0.013) was shorter during the pandemic. The incidence of severe early and late perioperative complications was similar between the periods. Conclusions There was no delay between diagnosis and treatment at our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic period. No worsening of the prostate cancer features was observed.

Predictors of urinary function recovery after laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Even in the era of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP), we sometimes encounter patients with severe urinary incontinence after surgery. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of urinary continence recovery among patients with urinary incontinence immediately after surgery (UIIAS). Materials and Methods: We identified 274 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent LRP and RALP between 2011 and 2018. UIIAS was defined as a urine loss ratio > 0.15 on the first day of urethral catheter removal. Urinary continence recovery was defined as using ≤ 1 pad/day one year after surgery. In the present study, we evaluated factors affecting urinary function recovery one year after surgery among patients with urinary incontinence immediately after LRP and RALP. Results: UIIAS was observed in 191 out of 274 patients (69.7%). A multivariate analysis identified age (< 65 years, p = 0.015) as an independent predictor affecting immediate urinary continence. Among 191 incontinent patients, urinary continence one year after surgery improved in 153 (80.1%). A multivariate analysis identified age (< 65 years, p = 0.003) and estimated blood loss (≥ 100 mL, p = 0.044) as independent predictors affecting urinary continence recovery one year after surgery. Conclusion: The present results suggest that younger patients and patients with higher intraoperative blood loss recover urinary continence one year after surgery even if they are incontinent immediately after surgery.

Comparing the outcomes of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy in black and white men: Experience of a high-volume center

ABSTRACT Background: Global cancer incidence ranks Prostate Cancer (CaP) as the second highest overall, with Africa and the Caribbean having the highest mortality. Previous literature suggests disparities in CaP outcomes according to ethnicity, specifically functional and oncological are suboptimal in black men. However, recent data shows black men achieve post radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes equivalent to white men in a universally insured system. Our objective is to compare outcomes of patients who self-identified their ethnicity as black or white undergoing RP at our institution. Materials and methods: From 2008 to 2017, 396 black and 4929 white patients underwent primary robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Exclusion criteria were concomitant surgery and cancer status not available. A propensity score (PS) match was performed with a 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratio without replacement. Primary endpoints were potency, continence recovery, biochemical recurrence (BCR), positive surgical margins (PSM), and post-operative complications. Results: After PS 1:1 matching, 341 black vs. 341 white men with a median follow-up of approximately 8 years were analyzed. The overall potency and continence recovery at 12 months was 52% vs 58% (p=0.3) and 82% vs 89% (p=0.3), respectively. PSM rates was 13.4 % vs 14.4% (p = 0.75). Biochemical recurrence and persistence PSA was 13.8% vs 14.1% and 4.4% vs 3.2% respectively (p=0.75). Clavien-Dindo complications (p=0.4) and 30-day readmission rates (p=0.5) were similar. Conclusion: In our study, comparing two ethnic groups with similar preoperative characteristics and full access to screening and treatment showed compatible RARP results. We could not demonstrate outcomes superiority in one group over the other. However, this data adds to the growing body of evidence that the racial disparity gap in prostate cancer outcomes can be narrowed if patients have appropriate access to prostate cancer management. It also could be used in counseling surgeons and patients on the surgical intervention and prognosis of prostate cancer in patients with full access to gold-standard screening and treatment.

Application of dynamic contrast enhanced status in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for prostatic cancer with PI-RADS 4 lesion / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) 4 lesion in prostate peripheral zone.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of patients with PI-RADS 4 lesion in prostate peripheral zone who underwent prostate biopsy from January 2018 to September 2021 in Peking University First Hospital were retrospectively included. According to DCE status, the patients were divided into the conventional group (4 points for diffusion-weighted imaging) and the comprehensive group (3 points for diffusion-weighted imaging + 1 point for DCE positive). Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for comparison was conducted between prostate cancer and non-cancer patients. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were performed to analyze the correlation of positive biopsy with age, total prostate specific antigen (PSA), free PSA/total PSA (f/tPSA), prostate volume (PV), PSA density (PSAD) and DCE status.@*RESULTS@#Among the 267 prostate biopsy patients, 217 cases were diagnosed as prostatic cancer (81.27%) and 50 cases were non-cancer (18.73%). Statistical analysis between the prostatic cancer group and the non-cancer group showed that there were significant differences in age, tPSA, PV and PSAD (all P < 0.05), but no significant differences in f/tPSA between the two groups. About different PI-RADS 4 lesion groups, the conventional group and the comprehensive group showed significant difference in biopsy results (P=0.001), and the conventional group had a higher positive rate. The PV of comprehensive group was larger than that of the conventional group. Among the prostate cancer patients diagnosed by biopsy, statistical analysis between the conventional group and comprehensive group showed that there were not significant differences in International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade and distinguishing clinically significant prostate cancer (all P > 0.05). Logistic univariate analysis showed that the diagnosis of prostate cancer was related to age, tPSA, f/tPSA, PV and DCE group status (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age, tPSA, PV and DCE group status (all P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of prostatic cancer.@*CONCLUSION@#tPSA, f/tPSA, PV and PSAD are the indicators to improve the diagnosis of prostatic cancer with PI-RADS 4 lesion in peripheral zone lesions. DCE status is worth considering, so that we can select patients for biopsy more accurately, reduce the rate of missed diagnosis of prostate cancer as well as avoid unnecessary prostate puncture.

Diagnostic efficacy of prostate cancer using targeted biopsy with 6-core systematic biopsy for patients with PI-RADS 5 / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of targeted biopsy (TBx), systematic biopsy (SBx), TBx+6-core SBx in prostate cancer (PCa) / clinically significant prostate cancer (cs-PCa) for patients with prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) score of 5, and thereby to explore an optimal sampling scheme.@*METHODS@#The data of 585 patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) with at least one lesion of PI-RADS score 5 at Peking University First Hospital from January 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent mpMRI / transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) cognitive guided biopsy (TBx+SBx). With the pathological results of combined biopsy as the gold standard, we compared the diagnostic efficacy of TBx only, SBx only, and TBx+6-core SBx for PCa/csPCa. The patients were grouped according to mpMRI T-stage (cT2, cT3, cT4) and the detection rates of different biopsy schemes for PCa/csPCa were compared using Cochran's Q and McNemar tests.@*RESULTS@#Among 585 patients with a PI-RADS score of 5, 560 (95.7%) were positive and 25(4.3%) were negative via TBx+SBx. After stratified according to mpMRI T-stage, 233 patients (39.8%) were found in cT2 stage, 214 patients (36.6%) in cT3 stage, and 138 patients (23.6%) in cT4 stage. There was no statistically significant difference in the detection rate of PCa/csPCa between TBx+6-core SBx and TBx+SBx (all P>0.999). Also, there was no statistically significant difference in the detection rate of PCa/csPCa between TBx and TBx+SBx in the cT2, cT3, and cT4 subgroups (PCa: P=0.203, P=0.250, P>0.999; csPCa: P=0.700, P=0.250, P>0.999). The missed diagnosis rate of SBx for PCa and csPCa was 2.1% (12/560) and 1.8% (10/549), and that of TBx for PCa and csPCa was 1.8% (10/560) and 1.4% (8/549), respectively. However, the detection rate of TBx+6-core SBx for PCa and csPCa was 100%. Compared with TBx+SBx, TBx and TBx+6-core SBx had a fewer number of cores and a higher detection rate per core (P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#For patients with a PI-RADS score of 5, TBx and TBx+6-core SBx showed the same PCa/csPCa detection rates and a high detection rates per core as that of TBx+SBx, which can be considered as an optimal scheme for prostate biopsy.

Application of free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio, peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, interleukin-6 and prostate health index density detection in early diagnosis of prostate cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the clinical application of free/total prostate-specific antigen (f/tPSA), peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostate health index density (PHID) detection in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 160 patients with abnormal prostate specific antigen (PSA) who were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the pathological results of prostate biopsy or electrical resection, the patients were divided into prostate cancer group (68 cases) and benign prostatic hyperplasia group (92 cases), and 50 male healthy physical examiners in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University during the same period were selected as healthy control group. All enrolled members were tested for total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA), free prostate-specific antigen (fPSA), and prostate specific antigen isoform 2 (p2PSA), IL-6 and other indicators, and the f/tPSA, prostate health index (PHI), PHID and NLR were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to compare the efficacy of each index in diagnosing and differentially diagnosing prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.Results:The serum levels of tPSA, fPSA, p2PSA, PHI and PHID in the prostate cancer group were higher than those in the benign prostatic hyperplasia group and the healthy control group (all P < 0.05), and the serum f/tPSA was lower than that in the benign prostatic hyperplasia group and the healthy control group ( P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of PHID for the diagnosis of early stage prostate cancer was the largest [0.915 (95% CI 0.864-0.966)], followed by PHI [0.884 (95% CI 0.823-0.944)]. The sensitivity of both f/tPSA and PHI in diagnosing early stage prostate cancer was 86.80%, which was higher than other indicators; the specificity of PHID in diagnosing early stage prostate cancer was 94.00%, which was higher than other indicators. The AUC of f/tPSA for the diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia was the largest [0.828 (95% CI 0.739-0.917)], followed by PHID [0.826 (95% CI 0.760-0.892)]. The sensitivity of f/tPSA in diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia (85.90%) was higher than other indicators, and the specificity of PHI in diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia (94.00%) was higher than other indicators. The AUC of fPSA, PHID, f/tPSA and p2PSA in differentiating early stage prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia were 0.752 (95% CI 0.663-0.841), 0.730 (95% CI 0.647-0.812), 0.713 (95% CI 0.623-0.803), 0.710 (95% CI 0.629-0.791), respectively, and there was no significant difference in each pairwise comparison (all P > 0.05). The sensitivity of NLR in differentiating early stage prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia was 91.20%, which was higher than other indicators, and the specificity of fPSA in differentiating early stage prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia was 94.00%, which was higher than other indicators. Conclusions:The f/tPSA, PHI and PHID detection have certain clinical values in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, and can provide references for early diagnosis, early treatment and prognosis evaluation of high-risk population of prostate cancer.

Application of 3.0T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging prostate imaging-reporting and data system V2.1 score combined with prostate-specific antigen density in the diagnosis of prostate cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the application of 3.0T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (Mp-MRI) prostate imaging-reporting and data system (PI-RADS) V2.1 score combined with prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa).Methods:The clinical data of 82 patients with suspected PCa who were admitted to Nantong Second People's Hospital from May 2017 to Octorber 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The 3.0T Mp-MRI PI-RADS V2.1 score, serum PSAD level and pathological diagnosis were obtained from all patients. The 3.0T Mp-MRI PI-RADS V2.1 score and its distribution as well as serum PSAD level between patients with pathologically diagnosed PCa and patients with prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were compared. The diagnostic efficiency of 3.0T Mp-MRI PI-RADS V2.1 score and serum PSAD level alone and in combination for PCa was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, with pathological results as the gold standard.Results:Pathological diagnosis showed that there were 43 cases (52.44%) of PCa and 39 cases (47.56%) of BPH. There was a statistical difference in the distribution of 3.0T Mp-MRI PI-RADS V2.1 score between PCa and BPH patients ( Z = 32.25, P<0.001). The 3.0T Mp-MRI PI-RADS V2.1 score of PCa patients was higher than that of BPH patients [(4.29±0.25) points vs. (2.24±0.11) points, P < 0.001], the serum PSAD level was higher than that of BPH patients [(0.49±0.15) ng·ml -1·cm -3 vs. (0.27±0.08) ng·ml -1·cm -3, P < 0.001]. The ROC curve analysis showed that area under the curve of 3.0T Mp-MRI PI-RADS V2.1 score, serum PSAD level alone and both together for the diagnosis of PCa were 0.766 (95% CI 0.659-0.852, P < 0.001), 0.793 (95% CI 0.689- 0.874, P < 0.001) and 0.816 (95% CI 0.715-0.893, P < 0.001). Conclusions:3.0T Mp-MRI PI-RADS V2.1 score and serum PSAD level are both elevated in PCa patients. They have certain values in the diagnosis of PCa, and the combination of the two has higher diagnostic efficiency.

Research progress on the efficacy and safety of PARP inhibitors in mCRPC / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are novel agents for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in recent years, and a variety of PARP inhibitors have been reported with clinical evidence for the beneficial. Although these drugs are actually of attributes with pharmacological similarities, due to the discrepancies in the molecular structure and pharmacodynamics, the respective efficacy and safety from clinical circumstances are quite varied. While it comes to the best clinical determination, the optimization for regimen is important on the basis of clinical exhaustiveness for the reports, in addition the laboratory examination for mCRPC, and either the tumorous genetic benchmark are necessarily being calculated.

Study of the systemic biopsy tissue quality in different prostate region / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To explore the quality differences of systemic biopsy specimens from different regions in prostate biopsy.Methods:The data of 806 patients who underwent transperineal prostate biopsy from May 2013 to December 2020 in Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The median age of the patients was 72 (66, 77) years old, median PSA was 18.4 (10.3, 34.2) ng/ml, and prostate volume was 43 (32, 56) ml. Tissue quality were graded from low to high as follows. One score means multiple fragments with fragmented tissue ≤5 mm. Two scores means at least one fragment >5 mm and ≤10 mm. Three scores means at least one fragment >10 mm. The prostate specimens fragmentation scores and the length of the specimens in different regions of the prostate were collected to analyze.Results:A total of 806 patients were included in our study. The number of tissues was 8 866, and the mean length of tissues was 1.2 (1.0, 1.5) cm. The tissues of different region were scored according to the scoring criteria, of which 618 (7.0%) prostate tissues were scored as 1 score, 2 720 (30.7%) tissues were scored as 2 scores, and 5 528 (62.4%) tissues were scored as 3 scores. In the prostate apex, tissue quality of 1 score accounted for 11.7%(94/806), 2 scores accounted for 34.7%(280/806), and 3 scores accounted for 53.6%(432/806). While in the prostate base, tissue quality of 1 score accounted for 6.5%(524/8 060), 2 scores accounted for 30.3%(2 449/8 060), and 3 scores accounted for 63.2%(5 096/8 060)( H=35.850, P<0.05). The mean length of the prostate apical tissue was 1.0 (0.8, 1.3) cm, which was significantly shorter than prostate basal tissue of 1.2(1.0, 1.5) cm ( Z=-11.353, P<0.05). Conclusions:In transperineal prostate biopsy, the apical tissue was more fragmented and shorter, prostate apex should be concerned.

The clinical characteristics and prognostic value of PSA dynamic features in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer received abiraterone acetate / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) dynamic features in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) received abiraterone acetate (AA) therapy.Methods:The data of 89 patients with mCRPC who received AA therapy from January 2017 to June 2021 in Shanghai Tongji Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The age of patients was (75.7 ± 8.3) years old, median PSA before AA was 56.88 (19.31, 143.75) ng/ml. The PSA dynamic features included PSA nadir (PSAN) and PSAN time. PSAN was defined as the lowest value of PSA after treatment, and PSAN time was defined as time to PSAN after AA treatment. PSAN was divided into 3 groups: PSAN1 (<0.1 ng/ml), PSAN2 (0.1- 4.0 ng/ml) and PSAN3 (>4.0 ng/ml) groups. PSA response was defined as a maximum PSA decline rate ≥50%, and no PSA decline after treatment was defined as primary resistance. Cox regressions adjusted to clinical factors were performed to evaluate the influence of PSA dynamic features on patients' radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS). Log-rank test was used to evaluate the survival time of patients in different PSAN groups. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were performed to analyze the predictive value of PSA dynamic features on survival outcomes of patients.Results:The follow-up time was 17 (12, 23) months, and 75 (84.3%) patients showed PSA responses. The median PSAN was 1.82 (0.01, 11.70) ng/ml, median PSAN time was 5.0(3.0, 9.5)months. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that PSAN was an independent risk factor for rPFS ( PSAN2: HR=5.308, P=0.017; PSAN3: HR=13.209, P<0.001), and PSAN time ≥ 5 months( HR=0.309, P<0.001)was an independent protective factor for rPFS. Also, the PSAN3 was an independent risk factor for OS( HR=9.459, P=0.048). Log-rank test indicated that the rPFS of PSAN1 group (median not reached) was significantly longer than PSAN2 [median 13.0(95% CI 8.2-17.8) months, P=0.001] and PSAN3 [8.0 (95% CI 4.1-11.9) months, P<0.001] groups. ROC curve and AUC showed that PSAN had a higher predictive value in rPFS outcomes compared with T stage, metastatic disease volume, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score (0.82 vs. 0.69, 0.68, 0.53, P<0.05). PSAN had a higher predictive value in OS outcomes than metastatic disease volume and ECOG(0.83 vs. 0.63, 0.58, P<0.05). Conclusions:Lower PSAN needs longer PSAN time. PSAN is an independent risk factor for rPFS and OS, and PSAN time is an independent protective factor for rPFS.

Function and regulatory mechanism of androgen receptor variant 7 in castration resistant prostate cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Androgen receptor (AR) plays a key regulatory role in the development of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and the level of constitutive active variants represented by androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-V7) is increasing during the progress of CRPC, which can be used as a molecular marker of disease progress and prognosis of patients with CRPC. It is an important target to overcome castration resistance and improve the quality of life and survival of patients. In this paper, the function of AR-V7 and its molecular regulation mechanism in CRPC are reviewed. The research shows that the generation of AR-V7 is related to the structural rearrangement of AR gene, gene amplification and the selective splicing of AR gene transcripts, and it is affected by the coordinated regulation of multiple signal pathway molecules such as TGF-β; AR-V7 changes the transport and nuclear localization mechanism of AR protein, and further affects the transcriptional expression of downstream target genes. AR-V7 antagonizes AR activity and blocks the differentiation process driven by AR and androgen, and inhibits the expression of tumor suppressor genes to stimulate the proliferation of tumor cells, thus promoting the progress of Pca. Related targeting studies have revealed AR-V7 targets and CRPC treatment strategies. Currently, they mainly focus on AR-V7 protein degradation, mRNA expression inhibition and N-terminal domain targeting intervention. With the development of in-depth research, the molecular mechanism of AR-V7 in the progress of Pca will be gradually clarified, which will certainly play a greater role in the prevention and treatment of CRPC.