Good Outcome for Patients with Few Lymph Node Metastases After Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Diffusion-Weighted Genitourinary Imaging

This review article aims to provide an overview on of diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DW-MR imaging) in the urogenital tract. Compared with conventional cross-sectional imaging methods, the additional value of DW-MR imaging in the detection and further characterization of benign and malignant lesions of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and pelvic lymph nodes is discussed as well as the role of DW-MR imaging in the evaluation of treatment response.

Predicting survival in node‐positive prostate cancer after open, laparoscopic or robotic radical prostatectomy: A competing risk analysis of a multi‐institutional database

Objectives

To investigate cancer‐specific mortality and other‐cause mortality in prostate cancer patients with nodal metastases.

Methods

The study included 411 patients treated with radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate cancer with lymph node metastases at 10 tertiary care centers between 1995 and 2014. Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to assess cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival rates at 8 years' follow up in the overall population, and after stratifying patients according to clinical and pathological parameters. Uni‐ and multivariable competing risk Cox regression analyses were used to assess cancer‐specific mortality and other‐cause mortality. Finally, cumulative‐incidence plots were generated for cancer‐specific mortality and other‐cause mortality after stratifying patients according to the number of positive lymph nodes and the median age at surgery, according to the competing risks method.

Results

Men with prostate‐specific antigen ≤40 ng/mL and those with one to three positive lymph nodes showed higher cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival estimates as compared with their counterparts with prostate‐specific antigen >40 ng/mL and >3 metastatic lymph nodes, respectively (all P < 0.001). At multivariable Cox regression analyses, preoperative prostate‐specific antigen >40 ng/mL, >3 lymph node metastases and pathological Gleason score 8–10 were all independent predictors of cancer‐specific mortality (all P‐values ≤0.001). On competing risk analysis, when patients were stratified according to the number of positive lymph nodes (namely, ≤3 vs >3), the 8‐year cancer‐specific mortality rates were 27.4% versus 44.8% for patients aged <65 years, and 15.2% versus 52.6% for patients aged ≥65 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Three positive lymph nodes represent the best prognostic cut‐off in node‐positive prostate cancer patients. In those individuals with >3 positive lymph nodes, the overall mortality rate is completely related to prostate cancer in young patients.

Number of metastatic lymph nodes as determinant of outcome after salvage radical prostatectomy for radiation-recurrent prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Presence of lymph node metástasis (LNM) at salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) is associated with poor outcome. Predictors of outcome in this context remain undetermined. ThE objective was to assess the role of number of positive lymph node on outcome of patients with LNM after sRP and for radio-recurrent prostate cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed data from a consecutive cohort of 215 men treated with sRP at a single institution. We used univariate Cox proportional hazard regression models for biochemical recurrence (BCR) and metastatic outcomes, with prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion, time between radiation therapy and sRP, and number of positive nodes as predictors.

RESULTS

Of the 47 patients with LNM, 37 developed BCR, 11 developed distant metastasis and 4 died with a median follow-up of 2.3 years for survivors. The risk of metastases increased with higher pre-operative PSA levels (HR 1.19 per 1ng/ml; 95% CI: 1.06-1.34; P=.003). The remaining predictors did not reach conventional levels of significance. However, removal of 3 or more positive lymph nodes demonstrated a positive association, as expected, with metastatic disease (HR 3.44; 95% CI: 0.91-13.05; P=.069) compared to one or 2 positive nodes. Similarly, the presence of extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion and Gleason grade greater than 7 also demonstrated a positive association with higher risk of metástasis, with hazard ratios of 3.97 (95% CI: 0.50, 31.4; P=.2), 3.72 (95% CI: 0.80-17.26; P=.1), and 1.45 (95% CI: 0.44-4.76; P=.5), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with LNM after sRP for radio-recurrent prostate cancer, the risk of distant metástasis is likely to be influenced by the number of positive nodes (3 or more), high preoperative PSA, Gleason grade and advanced pathologic stage. These results are consistent with the findings of number of nodes (1 to 2 vs. 3 or more nodes positive) as a prognostic indicator after primary radical prostatectomy and strengthen the plea for a revision of the nodal staging for prostate cancer.

Lymph node staging in prostate cancer: perspective for the pathologist

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) currently represents the gold standard method for nodal staging in the setting of localised prostate cancer and may also have a therapeutic benefit in certain patients. The histopathological evaluation of PLND specimens plays a critical role in accurate lymph node staging, however there is currently a lack of consensus regarding the optimum approach and no quality parameters are in place. In addition, there are no guidelines as to the handling of less commonly encountered nodal specimens such as those identified within the anterior fat pad. This summary provides an overview of pertinent issues regarding lymph node staging in prostate cancer, with a focus on the histopathological evaluation of resected nodal specimens. We hope that this review will further the discussion on how to achieve a more standardised approach to the processing and reporting of PLND specimens in the setting of prostate cancer.

Staging of pelvic lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer: Usefulness of multiple b value SE-EPI diffusion-weighted imaging on a 3.0 T MR system

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with a multiple b value SE-EPI sequence on a 3.0 T MR scanner for staging of pelvic lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer candidate to radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND).

Materials and methods

Institutional review board approval was obtained and written informed consent was taken from all enrolled subjects. A series of 26 patients with pathologically proven prostate cancer (high or intermediate risk according to D’Amico risk groups) scheduled for radical prostatectomy and PLND underwent 3 T MRI before surgery. DWI was performed using an axial respiratory-triggered spin-echo echo-planar sequence with multiple b values (500, 800, 1000, 1500 s/mm²) in all diffusion directions. ADC values were calculated by means of dedicated software fitting the curve obtained from the corresponding ADC for each b value. Fitted ADC measurements were performed at the level of proximal and distal external iliac, internal iliac, and obturator nodal stations bilaterally. Lymph node appearance was also assessed in terms of short axis, long-to-short axis ratio, node contour and intranodal heterogeneity of signal intensity.

Results

A total of 173 lymph nodes and 104 nodal stations were evaluated on DWI and pathologically analysed. Mean fitted ADC values were 0.79 ± 0.14 × 10⁻³ mm²/s for metastatic lymph nodes and 1.13 ± 0.29 × 10⁻³ mm²/s in non-metastatic ones (P < 0.0001). The cut-off for fitted ADC obtained by ROC curve analysis was 0.91 × 10^–3 mm²/s. A two-point-level score was assigned for each qualitative parameter, and the mean grading score was 6.09 ± 0.61 for metastastic lymph nodes and 5.42 ± 0.79 for non-metastatic ones, respectively (P = 0.001). Using a score threshold of 4 for morphological, structural, and dimensional MRI analysis and a cut-­off value of 0.91 × 10^–3 mm²/s for fitted ADC measurements of pelvic lymph nodes, per-­station sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy were 100%, 7.9%, 15.6%, 100% and 21.3%, and 84.6%, 89.5%, 57.9%, 97.1% and 88.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

3.0T DWI with a multiple b value SE-EPI sequence may help distinguish benign from malignant pelvic lymph nodes in patients with prostate cancer.

Comparison of semi-extended and standard lymph node dissection in radical prostatectomy: A single-institute experience

Standard lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer is limited to the obturator lymph nodes (LNs), although the internal and external iliac LNs represent the primary landing zone for prostatic lymphatic drainage. We performed anatomically semi-extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) to assess the incidence of LN metastasis in cases of clinically localized prostate cancer. A total of 730 consecutive patients underwent radical prostatectomy with either semi-extended PLND, comprising 6 selective fields, namely the external iliac, internal iliac and obturator LNs bilaterally, or standard LND (obturator LNs alone). A total of 131 patients undergoing semi-extended PLND were compared with 599 patients undergoing standard LND. The patients were stratified into high-risk [prostate-specific antigen (PSA)>20 ng/ml, Gleason score (GS)≥8], intermediate-risk (PSA 10-20 ng/ml, GS=4+3) and low-risk (PSA<10 ng/ml, GS≤3+4) subgroups. Following semi-extended LND, positive LNs were detected in 12/61 (20%) of the high-risk, 1/30 (3%) of the intermediate-risk and 0/40 (0%) of the low-risk cases. Following standard LND, positive LNs were detected in 13/182 (7%) of the high-risk, 1/164 (0.6%) of the intermediate-risk and 0/253 (0%) of the low-risk cases. In high-risk patients, the detection rate of LN metastasis was significantly higher following extended LND compared with standard LND (P<0.01). In 9 of 13 patients (69%), metastases were identified in the internal and external iliac regions, despite negative obturator LNs. There were no significant differences regarding intraoperative and postoperative complications or blood loss in the two groups. There was no lymphocele formation in patients undergoing either standard or semi-extended LND. Extended pelvic LND (PLND) is associated with a high rate of LN metastasis detection outside the fields of standard LND in cases with clinically localized prostate cancer. Therefore, LND including the internal and external iliac LNs should be performed in all patients with high-risk prostate cancer; however, in the low-risk group, PLND may be omitted.

Pitfalls and Limitations of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Urinary Bladder Cancer

Adequately selecting a therapeutic approach for bladder cancer depends on accurate grading and staging. Substantial inaccuracy of clinical staging with bimanual examination, cystoscopy, and transurethral resection of bladder tumor has facilitated the increasing utility of magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate bladder cancer. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a noninvasive functional magnetic resonance imaging technique. The high tissue contrast between cancers and surrounding tissues on DWI is derived from the difference of water molecules motion. DWI is potentially a useful tool for the detection, characterization, and staging of bladder cancers; it can also monitor posttreatment response and provide information on predicting tumor biophysical behaviors. Despite advancements in DWI techniques and the use of quantitative analysis to evaluate the apparent diffusion coefficient values, there are some inherent limitations in DWI interpretation related to relatively poor spatial resolution, lack of cancer specificity, and lack of standardized image acquisition protocols and data analysis procedures that restrict the application of DWI and reproducibility of apparent diffusion coefficient values. In addition, inadequate bladder distension, artifacts, thinness of bladder wall, cancerous mimickers of normal bladder wall and benign lesions, and variations in the manifestation of bladder cancer may interfere with diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. Recognition of these pitfalls and limitations can minimize their impact on image interpretation, and carefully applying the analyzed results and combining with pathologic grading and staging to clinical practice can contribute to the selection of an adequate treatment method to improve patient care.

Treatment of the Primary Tumor in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives

CONTEXT

Multimodal treatment for men with locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) using neoadjuvant/adjuvant systemic therapy, surgery, and radiation therapy is being increasingly explored. There is also interest in the oncologic benefit of treating the primary tumor in the setting of metastatic PCa (mPCa).

OBJECTIVE

To perform a review of the literature regarding the treatment of the primary tumor in the setting of mPCa.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline, PubMed, and Scopus electronic databases were queried for English language articles from January 1990 to September 2014. Prospective and retrospective studies were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

There is no published randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing local therapy and systemic therapy to systemic therapy alone in the treatment of mPCa. Prospective studies of men with locally advanced PCa and retrospective studies of occult node-positive PCa have consistently shown the addition of local therapy to a multimodal treatment regimen improves outcomes. Molecular and genomic evidence further suggests the primary tumor may have an active role in mPCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of the primary tumor in mPCa is being increasingly explored. While preclinical, translational, and retrospective evidence supports local therapy in advanced disease, further prospective studies are under way to evaluate this multimodal approach and identify the patients most likely to benefit from the inclusion of local therapy in the setting of metastatic disease.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this review we explored preclinical and clinical evidence for treatment of the primary tumor in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). We found evidence to support clinical trials investigating mPCa therapy that includes local treatment of the primary tumor. Currently, treating the primary tumor in mPCa is controversial and lacks high-level evidence sufficient for routine recommendation.

Outcomes of patients with lymph node metastasis treated with radical prostatectomy and adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy in a Chinese population: results from a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa) with lymph node metastases (LNM) detected in pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) after radical prostatectomy (RP) and adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in a Chinese population.

METHODS

From June 2005 to September 2012, the medical histories of 67 Chinese PCa patients with LNM detected after RP and extended PLND were collected, and all these patients received continuous adjuvant ADT. Postoperative survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The impact of various clinicopathological factors on outcome was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression models. All tests were two-sided with P < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 46.7 months, and two patients were lost to follow-up. Five-year event-free survival for patients with positive lymph nodes was 93.0%, 83.0%, and 96.0% for local recurrence, systemic progression, and cancer death, respectively. One-year, 2-year, and 3-year biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival was 52%, 40%, and 22%, respectively. Postoperative BCR-free survival was 25.7 months. BCR-free survival for patients with a single LNM was longer than those with two or more LNM (median 39.1 months vs. median 17.2 months, P = 0.002). In a multivariate Cox model, only two or more LNM was a significant predictor of BCR (hazard ratio 2.6, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite low BCR-free survival, Chinese patients with LNM can benefit from RP and adjuvant ADT. Patients with low nodal metastatic burden had a favorable prognosis.

The growth of computer-assisted (robotic) surgery in urology 2000-2014: The role of Asian surgeons

Objective

A major role in the establishment of computer-assisted robotic surgery (CARS) can be traced to the work of Mani Menon at Vattikuti Urology Institute (VUI), and of many surgeons of Asian origin. The success of robotic surgery in urology has spurred its acceptance in other surgical disciplines, improving patient comfort and disease outcomes and helping the industrial growth. The present paper gives an overview of the progress and development of robotic surgery, especially in the field of Urology; and to underscore some of the seminal work done by the VUI and Asian surgeons in the development of robotic surgery in urology in the US and around the world.

Methods

PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were searched for publications from 2000 through June 2014, using algorithms based on keywords “robotic surgery”, ”prostate”, “kidney”, “adrenal”, “bladder”, “reconstruction”, and “kidney transplant”. Inclusion criteria used were published full articles, book chapters, clinical trials, prospective and retrospective series, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses written in English language. Studies from Asian institutions or with the first/senior author of Asian origin were included for discussion, and focused on techniques of robotic surgery, relevant patient outcomes and associated demographic trends.

Results

A total of 58 articles selected for final review highlight the important strides made by robots in urology, from robotic radical prostatectomy in 2000 to robotic kidney transplant in 2014. In the hands of an experienced robotic surgeon, it has been demonstrated to improve functional patient outcomes and minimize perioperative complications compared to open surgery, especially in urologic oncology and reconstructive urology. With increasing surgeon proficiency, the benefits of robotic surgery were consistently seen across different surgical disciplines, patient populations, and strata.

Conclusion

The addition of robot to the surgical armamentarium has allowed better patient care and improved disease outcomes. VUI and surgeons of Asian origin have played a pioneering role in dissemination of computer-assisted surgery.

Impact of Adjuvant Radiotherapy on Survival of Patients With Node-Positive Prostate Cancer

Purpose

The role of adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) in treating patients with pN1 prostate cancer is controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the impact of aRT on cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in these individuals is related to tumor characteristics.

Methods

We evaluated 1,107 patients with pN1 prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy and anatomically extended pelvic lymph node dissection between 1988 and 2010 at two tertiary care centers. All patients received adjuvant hormonal therapy with or without aRT. Regression tree analysis stratified patients into risk groups on the basis of their tumor characteristics and the corresponding CSM rate. Cox regression analysis tested the relationship between aRT and CSM rate, as well as overall mortality (OM) rate in each risk group separately.

Results

Overall, 35% of patients received aRT. At multivariable analysis, aRT was associated with more favorable CSM rate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; P < .001). However, when patients were stratified into risk groups, only two groups of men benefited from aRT: (1) patients with positive lymph node (PLN) count ≤ 2, Gleason score 7 to 10, pT3b/pT4 stage, or positive surgical margins (HR, 0.30; P = .002); and (2) patients with PLN count of 3 to 4 (HR, 0.21; P = .02), regardless of other tumor characteristics. These results were confirmed when OM was examined as an end point.

Conclusion

The beneficial impact of aRT on survival in patients with pN1 prostate cancer is highly influenced by tumor characteristics. Men with low-volume nodal disease (≤ two PLNs) in the presence of intermediate- to high-grade, non–specimen-confined disease and those with intermediate-volume nodal disease (three to four PLNs) represent the ideal candidates for aRT after surgery.

A novel method for intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection in prostate cancer patients using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and a handheld magnetometer: the initial clinical experience

BACKGROUND

A sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) as a tracer instead of radioisotopes was first applied successfully in breast cancer. This study determined the feasibility of this new technique using SPIOs and a handheld magnetometer to detect SLNs in prostate cancer (PC).

METHODS

Enrolled 20 patients with intermediate and high-risk PC (PSA >10 and/or Gleason score >7) in a prospective study (12/2013-1/2014; DRKS00005473), following an ethics committee approval. After transrectal intraprostatic SPIOs injection a day earlier, patients (19/20) underwent magnetometer-guided sentinel lymphadenectomy (sPLND) and extended PLND, followed by radical prostatectomy. One patient was not operated because of an unrelated coagulation disorder. The ex vivo magnetic activity of all lymph nodes (LNs) removed was measured. The detection rate, rate of in vivo detected SLNs, and sensitivity of sPLND was established.

RESULTS

No adverse events attributable to SPIOs injection were observed. Identified 126 SLNs (median 7, IQR 4-9) and resected 334 LNs (median 17, IQR 14-19); 37 % (7/19) of the patients had LN metastases (median 1, IQR 1-3.5). The detection rate and rate of in vivo detected SLNs were 90 % (17/19) and 94 % (118/126) respectively. Using sPLND, all LN metastases were detected (15/15, sensitivity 100 %) in all patients identified with SLNs. One LN + patient showed no SLNs following transurethral prostate resection.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study using a magnetic tracer and magnetometer to detect SLNs in PC. Initial data indicate that this simple, radiation-free procedure is safe, feasible, and reliably identifies SLN and LN metastases in most patients.

[Risk factors of recurrence after radical prostatectomy for locally advanced prostate cancer]

PURPOSE

We reviewed our retrospective surgical database and assessed the outcome after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with clinical T3 (cT3) prostate cancer (PC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty four men underwent RP for cT3 PC in our hospital from 1995 to 2011. Clinical stage was diagnosed with MRI and rectal digital examination in all cases. We investigated the postoperative outcome, cancer specific survival and overall survival of all patients. We also investigated the risk factors of biochemical recurrence (BCR) in the patients without any adjuvant therapy. All survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier plots. We performed univariate analysis by Mann-Whitney test, Fisher exact test and Log-Rank test, and multivariate analysis by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Median age at RP was 67 years (range: 48-74), and median initial PSA was 14.1 ng/ml (2.2-76.2). Sixty cases (93.8%) were classified into cT3a, and 4 cases (6.3%) into cT3b. Median follow-up period after RP was 62 months (3-172). Fifty three (83%) patients received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. Median duration of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy was 7 months (3-31). Adjuvant therapy underwent in 20 cases. Of the 64 patients, overall survival and cancer specific survival rates at 10 years were 98% and 100%, respectively. Of the 44 patients who didn't receive any adjuvant therapy, BCR free survival rates at 5 and 10 years was 59% and 51%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that both PSA > or = 15 ng/ml and GS > or = 8 were associated with a significant risk of BCR. Any significant risk factor was not identified by multivariate analysis. In 16 patients who have cT3a, PSA < 15 ng/ml and GS < 8, BCR free survival rate at 5 years was 78%. On the other hand, that of the other patients was 37% (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that RP is effective for some patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, especially who have cT3a diagnosed by MRI, PSA < 15 ng/ml and GS < 8.

Early radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy improves cancer-specific survival only in patients with highly aggressive prostate cancer: validation of recently released criteria

OBJECTIVES

To test the effect of radiotherapy administered within 6 months after radical prostatectomy on cancer-specific mortality in prostate cancer patients after stratification according to a risk score.

METHODS

Overall, 7616 patients with pT3/4 N0/1 prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy between 1995 and 2009 within the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Medicare-linked database were included in the study. Competing-risks regression models were carried out to test the effect of early radiotherapy on cancer-specific mortality in the entire cohort, and after stratifying patients according to the risk score based on the number and nature of adverse pathological characteristics (Gleason score 8-10; pT3b/4, lymph node invasion).

RESULTS

The risk score was associated with increasing 5- and 10-year cancer-specific mortality rates (P < 0.001). When considering only patients with a risk score ≥ 2, 5- and 10-year cancer-specific mortality rates were significantly lower for individuals undergoing early radiotherapy compared with their counterparts not receiving early radiotherapy (2.9 and 6.9 vs 5.7 and 16.2%, respectively; P = 0.002). The corresponding number required to treat to prevent one death from prostate cancer at 10-year follow up was 10. Early radiotherapy was not associated with lower cancer-specific mortality rates overall and in patients with a risk score <2. This was confirmed in multivariable analyses, where early radiotherapy decreased the risk of cancer-specific mortality only in patients with a risk score ≥ 2 (P ≤ 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of two or more of the following pathological features might be used to identify patients who benefit from early radiotherapy: Gleason score 8-10, pT3b/4 and lymph node invasion.

Clinical Outcome of Patients with Lymph Node-Positive Prostate Cancer following Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the clinical outcome after extended sentinel lymph node dissection (eSLND) and radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Subjects and Methods: From August 2002 until February 2011, a total of 819 patients with clinically localized PCa, confirmed by biopsy, were treated with RRP plus eSLND. Biochemical recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves. Various histopathological parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The mean follow-up was 5.3 years. Lymph node (LN) metastases occurred in 140 patients. We removed an average of 10.9 LNs via eSLND from patients with pN1 PCa. Postoperatively, 121 pN1 patients temporarily received adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy. The mean survival periods for RFS, RFS after secondary treatment, CSS, and OS were 4.7, 7.0, 8.8, and 8.1 years, respectively. The cancer-specific death rate of the 140 pN1 patients was 13.6%. RFS, CSS, and OS were significantly correlated with pathological margin status, LN density, the total diameter of evident metastases, and membership in the subgroup ‘micrometastases only'. Conclusion: Despite the presence of LN metastases, patients with a low nodal tumor burden demonstrate a remarkable clinical outcome after undergoing eSLND and RRP, thus suggesting a potential curative therapeutic approach.

[11C]Acetate positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging of prostate cancer lymph-node metastases correlated with histopathological findings after extended lymphadenectomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of combined [(11)C]acetate positron emission tomography and computed tomography ([(11)C]acetate-PET/CT) in regional lymph-node staging in patients with prostate cancer (PCa).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

[(11)C]Acetate-PET/CT was performed in 19 PCa patients who subsequently underwent extended pelvic lymph-node dissection (ePLND). The [(11)C]acetate-PET/CT results were compared with the surgical and histopathological findings from 13 defined lymph-node regions.

RESULTS

[(11)C]Acetate-PET/CT was true-positive for lymph-node metastases in nine patients, false-positive in three, false-negative in one patient and true-negative in six. The patient-by-patient-based sensitivity was 90% and the specificity 67%, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 75% and the negative predictive value (NPV) 86%. From a total of 114 nodal regions (mean 5.9 regions per patient), 484 lymph nodes (mean 25.5 nodes per patient) were removed and evaluated histopathologically. Forty-six lymph nodes from 24 out of 114 (21%) nodal regions were positive for PCa metastasis. The nodal-region-based sensitivity of [(11)C]acetate-PET/CT was 62%, specificity was 89%, PPV 62% and NPV 89%.

CONCLUSION

[(11)C]Acetate-PET/CT detects PCa lymph-node metastases with high patient-by-patient-based sensitivity but low specificity, and low nodal-region-based sensitivity but high specificity. Its limited ability to detect microscopic lymph-node involvement makes ePLND essential in all patients diagnosed with positive nodes on [(11)C]acetate-PET/CT.

Prognosis of patients with pelvic lymph node (LN) metastasis after radical prostatectomy: value of extranodal extension and size of the largest LN metastasis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prognostic role of extranodal extension (ENE) and the size of the largest lymph node (LN) metastasis in predicting early biochemical relapse (eBCR) in patients with LN metastasis after radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated BCR-free survival in men with LN metastases after RP and pelvic LN dissection performed in six high-volume centres. Multivariable Cox regression tested the role of ENE and diameter of largest LN metastasis in predicting eBCR after adjusting for clinicopathological variables. We compared the discrimination of multivariable models including ENE, the size of largest LN metastasis and the number of positive LNs.

RESULTS

Overall, 484 patients were included. The median (interquartile range, IQR) follow-up was 16.1 (6-27.5) months. The median (IQR) number of removed LNs was 10 (4-14), and the median (IQR) number of positive LNs was 1 (1-2). ENE was present in 280 (58%) patients, and 211 (44%) had their largest metastasis >10 mm. Patients with ENE and/or largest metastasis of >10 mm had significantly worse eBCR-free survival (all P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, number of positive LNs (≤2 vs >2) and the diameter of LN metastasis (≤10 vs >10 mm), but not ENE, were significant predictors of eBCR (all P < 0.003). ENE and diameter of LN metastasis increased the area under the curve of a baseline multivariable model (0.663) by 0.016 points.

CONCLUSIONS

The diameter of the largest LN metastasis and the number of positive LNs are independent predictors of eBCR. Considered together, ENE and the diameter of the largest LN metastasis have less discrimination than the number of positive LNs.

[Comparison of ventral and dorsal lymph node metastases of obturator nerve in radical prostatectomy]

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we assessed the significance of complete dissection of the dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve during radical prostatectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-six patients undergoing open radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for treatment of prostate cancer were included in this study. Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and radiation therapy were not performed in any of the patients. First, pelvic lymph node dissection was performed between the external iliac vein and obturator nerve and classified as "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve". Then, the tissue located in the area between the obturator nerve and the surface of the obturator internus muscle was removed and classified as "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve". Both lymph nodes were meticulously examined by identical pathologist. Lymph node yields, lymph node positive rate, and the factors associated with lymph node metastasis were studied.

RESULTS

Eight of the 56 patients had pelvic lymph node metastases (6 were high risk and 2 were intermediate risk according to the D'Amico's criteria). In the 8 node-positive patients, only 1 patient had positive lymph node in "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve" exclusively. Four patients had positive lymph node exclusively in "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve" and 3 patients had in both "ventral and dorsal lymph nodes of the obturator nerve". The total lymph node yields from "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve" and "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve" were 459 (8.2 per patient) and 117 (2.1 per patient), respectively. The total numbers of positive lymph nodes from "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve" and "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve" were 6 and 12, respectively. Lymph node positive rate was significantly higher in "dorsal lymph node of the obturator nerve" (10%) than "ventral lymph node of the obturator nerve" (1.3%) (P < 0.0001). The level of prostate-specific antigen (> or = 20 ng ml), Gleason score sum at prostate biopsy (> or = 9), and lymph node yield (> or = 16) were associated with lymph node status on univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only lymph node yield was associated with lymph node status.

CONCLUSIONS

Dorsal lymph nodes of the obturator nerve should be dissected completely during radical prostatectomy.

Detection of pelvic lymph node micrometastasis by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in prostate cancer patients after hormonal therapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) mRNA and prostatic-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) mRNA measurement in detection of pelvic lymph node (PLN) micrometastasis for prostate cancer (PCa) after hormonal therapy (HT).

METHODS

Fifty-four patients diagnosed as high risk localized PCa were given HT for 3 months before radical prostatectomy. Under bipedal lymphangiography, a needle was punctured into involved lymph nodes (LN) and aspirated lymphatic fluid was obtained preoperatively. The expression of PSA mRNA and PSMA mRNA in aspirated fluid was assessed by a fully quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and also in LN specimens from pelvic lymphadenectomy during prostatectomy.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 36 months (range 18-58 months). Without histological evidence of PLN metastasis, twelve patients showed positive PSA and/or PSMA mRNA expressions and regarded as having micrometastases to PLNs. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate and interval between prostatectomy and BCR in patients with micrometastases (group B) were not significantly different to histologically proven PLN metastatic patients (group A) (58.3 vs. 83.3 %, P = 0.26; 10.9 vs. 9.2 months, P = 0.29, respectively), but significantly different to those with no PLN involvement (group C) (58.3 vs. 11.1 %, P = 0.002; 10.9 vs. 21.3 months, P < 0.001, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed both groups A and B had significantly lower non-BCR rate than group C (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

For PCa patients receiving HT, measurement of PSA mRNA and PSMA mRNA in aspirated PLN fluid by real-time RT-PCR could effectively detect PLN micrometastases without surgical intervention.

Management of prostate cancer in Asia: resource-stratified guidelines from the Asian Oncology Summit 2013

Many local and systemic options for prostate cancer have emerged in recent years, but existing management guidelines do not account for diversity in health resources between different countries. We present recommendations for the management of prostate cancer, stratified according to the extent of resource availability-based on a four-tier system of basic, limited, enhanced, and maximum resources-to enable applicability to Asian countries with differing levels of health-care resources. This statement of recommendations was formulated by a multidisciplinary panel from Asia-Pacific countries, at a consensus session on prostate cancer that was held as part of the 2013 Asian Oncology Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

Salvage therapy of small volume prostate cancer nodal failures: a review of the literature

New imaging modalities may be useful to identify prostate cancer patients with small volume, limited nodal relapse ("oligo-recurrent") potentially amenable to local treatments (radiotherapy, surgery) with the aim of long-term control of the disease, even in a condition traditionally considered prognostically unfavorable. This report reviews the new diagnostic tools and the main published data about the role of surgery and radiation therapy in this particular subgroup of patients.

Pathological and oncologic outcomes for men with positive lymph nodes at radical prostatectomy: The Johns Hopkins Hospital 30-year experience

BACKGROUND

We report the 30-year institutional experience of radical prostatectomy (RP) for men with clinically localized prostate cancer (PC) found to have lymph node (LN) metastases at surgery.

METHODS

The Johns Hopkins RP Database (1982-2011) was queried for 505 (2.5%) men with node-positive (N1) PC. Survival analysis was completed using the Kaplan-Meier method and proportional hazard regression models.

RESULTS

The proportion of men with N1PC was 8.3%, 3.5%, and 1.4% in the pre- (1982-1990), early- (1991-2000), and contemporary-PSA eras (2001-2011), respectively. A trend toward decreasing PSA, less palpable disease but more advanced Gleason sum was noted in the most contemporary era. Median total and positive nodes were 13.2 (1-41) and 1.7 (1-12), respectively. Of 135 patients with a unilateral tumor, 80 (59.3%), 28 (20.7%), and 15 (11.1%) had ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral positive LN. 15-year biochemical-recurrence free, metastases-free and cancer-specific survival was 7.1%, 41.5%, and 57.5%, respectively. Predictors of biochemical-recurrence, metastases and death from PC in multivariate analysis included Gleason sum at RP, the number and percent of positive LN; notably total number of LN dissected did not predict outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In this highly-selected RP cohort, men found to have N1PC disease at RP can experience a durable long-term metastases-free and cancer-specific survival. Predictors of survival include Gleason sum, number, and percentage of positive LN. While total number of LN dissected was not predictive, approximately 30% of men with N1PC will have positive LN contralateral to the primary prostatic lesion highlighting the importance of a thorough, bilateral pelvic LN dissection.

Combined ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide-enhanced and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging facilitates detection of metastases in normal-sized pelvic lymph nodes of patients with bladder and prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Conventional cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has limited accuracy for lymph node (LN) staging in bladder and prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively assess the diagnostic accuracy of combined ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) MRI and diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI in staging of normal-sized pelvic LNs in bladder and/or prostate cancer patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Examinations with 3-Tesla MRI 24-36 h after administration of USPIO using conventional MRI sequences combined with DW-MRI (USPIO-DW-MRI) were performed in 75 patients with clinically localised bladder and/or prostate cancer staged previously as N0 by conventional cross-sectional imaging. Combined USPIO-DW-MRI findings were analysed by three independent readers and correlated with histopathologic LN findings after extended pelvic LN dissection (PLND) and resection of primary tumours.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Sensitivity and specificity for LN status of combined USPIO-DW-MRI versus histopathologic findings were evaluated per patient (primary end point) and per pelvic side (secondary end point). Time required for combined USPIO-DW-MRI reading was assessed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

At histopathologic analysis, 2993 LNs (median: 39 LNs; range: 17-68 LNs per patient) with 54 LN metastases (1.8%) were found in 20 of 75 (27%) patients. Per-patient sensitivity and specificity for detection of LN metastases by the three readers ranged from 65% to 75% and 93% to 96%, respectively; sensitivity and specificity per pelvic side ranged from 58% to 67% and 94% to 97%, respectively. Median reading time for the combined USPIO-DW-MRI images was 9 min (range: 3-26 min). A potential limitation is the absence of a node-to-node correlation of combined USPIO-DW-MRI and histopathologic analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined USPIO-DW-MRI improves detection of metastases in normal-sized pelvic LNs of bladder and/or prostate cancer patients in a short reading time.

Differing risk of cancer death among patients with lymph node metastasis after radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection: identification of risk categories according to number of positive nodes and Gleason score

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes in patients with node-positive prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) according to the number of positive lymph nodes (LNs). To identify different risk groups among patients with node-positive PCa.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 98 consecutive patients with pN1M0 PCa who underwent RP between November 1995 and May 2011. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional univariable and multivariable regression models were used to analyse the survival rates. Patients were divided into two groups according to number of positive LNs using the most informative positive LN theshold for predicting survival, then into three different risk groups according to number of positive LNs and pathological Gleason score (GS).

RESULTS

Mean (range) follow-up was 68.4 (10-192) months. Patients with 1-3 positive LNs (n = 75; 76.5%) had significantly better cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) compared with those with >3 positive nodes (n = 23; 23.4%; P < 0.01). Patients with 1-3 positive LNs and pathological GS ≤7 (Group 1) had significantly better CSS than those with >3 positive LNs or GS 8-10 (Group 2 [P = 0.015]). Group 2 patients, moreover, had significantly better CSS (P = 0.019) and OS (P = 0.021) than those with >3 positive LNs and GS 8-10 (Group 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with 1-3 positive LNs have higher CSS and OS rates than those with >3 metastatic LNs. Taking into account the pathological GS, as well as the number of positive nodes, three risk group categories with considerable differences in terms of survival can be found. Patients with LN-positive PCa should be stratified into different groups according to these two measures, to obtain a better prediction of oncological outcomes.

The role of radical prostatectomy and lymph node dissection in lymph node-positive prostate cancer: a systematic review of the literature

CONTEXT

Because pelvic lymph node (LN)-positive prostate cancer (PCa) is generally considered a regionally metastatic disease, surgery needs to be better defined.

OBJECTIVE

To review the impact of radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), possibly in conjunction with a multimodal approach using local radiotherapy and/or androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), in LN-positive PCa.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic Medline search for studies reporting on treatment regimens and outcomes in patients with LN-positive PCa undergoing RP between 1993 and 2012 was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

RP can improve progression-free and overall survival in LN-positive PCa, although there is a lack of high-level evidence. Therefore, the former practice of aborting surgery in the presence of positive nodes might no longer be supported by current evidence, especially in those patients with a limited LN tumor burden. Current data demonstrate that the lymphatic spread takes an ascending pathway from the pelvis to the retroperitoneum, in which the internal and the common iliac nodes represent critical landmarks in the metastatic distribution. Sophisticated imaging technologies are still under investigation to improve the prediction of LN-positive PCa. Nonetheless, extended PLND including the common iliac arteries should be offered to intermediate- and high-risk patients to improve nodal staging with a possible benefit in prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival by removing significant metastatic load. Adjuvant ADT has the potential to improve overall survival after RP; the therapeutic role of a trimodal approach with adjuvant local radiotherapy awaits further elucidation. Age is a critical parameter for survival because cancer-specific mortality exceeds overall mortality in younger patients (<60 yr) with high-risk PCa and should be an impetus to treat as thoroughly as possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing evidence suggests that RP and extended PLND improve survival in LN-positive PCa. Our understanding of surgery of the primary tumor in LN-positive PCa needs a conceptual change from a palliative option to the first step in a multimodal approach with a significant improvement of long-term survival and cure in selected patients.

The survival benefit of lymph node dissection at the time of removal of kidney, prostate and urothelial carcinomas: what is the evidence?

INTRODUCTION

Lymph node dissection (LND) has been advocated by oncologic surgeons to completely eradicate cancer. However, evidence for that strategy is solely based on poor quality data. Some randomized studies done outside the field of urology failed to show any benefit to LND. Our objective was to evaluate whether LND at the time of removal of prostate, kidney and urothelial carcinomas results in a survival benefit.

METHODS

For that purpose, we performed a systematic literature review.

RESULTS

For kidney cancer, LND might be able to cure some patients with N+ disease. In N0 patients, although a randomized trial has been completed, the value of LND remains uncertain. LND at the time of radical prostatectomy can be useful in some patients with lymph node invasion. However, studies on the impact of LND in pN0 patients are retrospective and conflictive. Extended LND has been recommended when performing a radical cystectomy based on improved outcomes observed in retrospective studies. However, these studies are limited by selection biases and results of ongoing randomized trials will specify the template and the advantages of LND when removing a bladder cancer. Recent data of large series of radical nephro-ureterectomies for upper tract urothelial carcinomas are conflicting. Some found a benefit of LND in N0 patients while others did not.

CONCLUSION

The studies that support LND at the time of surgery for prostate, kidney and urothelial carcinomas have low level of evidence. This should encourage urologists to design and perform well-designed randomized trials to assess the potential survival impact of a commonly done procedure.

Long-term outcomes of patients with lymph node metastasis treated with radical prostatectomy without adjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy

BACKGROUND

The presence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) at radical prostatectomy (RP) is associated with poor outcome, and optimal treatment remains undefined. An understanding of the natural history of node-positive prostate cancer (PCa) and identifying prognostic factors is needed.

OBJECTIVE

To assess outcomes for patients with LNM treated with RP and lymph node dissection (LND) alone.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We analyzed data from a consecutive cohort of 369 men with LNM treated at a single institution from 1988 to 2010.

INTERVENTION

RP and extended LND.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Our primary aim was to model overall survival, PCa-specific survival, metastasis-free progression, and freedom from biochemical recurrence (BCR). We used univariate Cox proportional hazard regression models for survival outcomes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used for freedom from metastasis and freedom from BCR, with prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesical invasion, surgical margin status, and number of positive nodes as predictors.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Sixty-four patients with LNM died, 37 from disease. Seventy patients developed metastasis, and 201 experienced BCR. The predicted 10-yr overall survival and cancer-specific survival were 60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49-69) and 72% (95% CI, 61-80), respectively. The 10-yr probability of freedom from distant metastasis and freedom from BCR were 65% (95% CI, 56-73) and 28% (95% CI, 21-36), respectively. Higher pathologic Gleason score (>7 compared with ≤ 7; hazard ratio [HR]: 2.23; 95% CI, 1.64-3.04; p < 0.0001) and three or more positive lymph nodes (HR: 2.61; 95% CI, 1.81-3.76; p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with increased risk of BCR on multivariable analysis. The retrospective nature and single-center source of data are study limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable subset of men with LNM remained free of disease 10 yr after RP and extended LND alone. Patients with pathologic Gleason score <8 and low nodal metastatic burden represent a favorable group. Our data confirm prior findings and support a plea for risk subclassification for patients with LNM.