The natural history of men treated with deferred androgen deprivation therapy in whom metastatic prostate cancer developed following radical prostatectomy

Impact of presentation timing in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: Characterization of patients and identification of prognostic factors

BACKGROUND

The treatment and surveillance of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) has evolved since the introduction of several treatment intensification options associated with hormonal blockade and classifications based on the timing of metastatic disease presentation and disease volume. Using a hospital-based registry, we aimed to assess whether these new classifications are applicable to our population, as few studies have demonstrated their prognostic value for overall survival (OS) and time to development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and to establish prognostic factors in our population.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of mHSPC patients who were attended at an oncology referral hospital in Bogota between 2017 and 2021 were included in this study. The primary and secondary endpoints were OS and time to CRPC. The distribution of outcome measures was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Proportional hazard models were constructed using the Cox regression approach and stratified according to risk factors.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 373 patients. The median castration resistance-free survival was 48 months (CI: 32-73 months), and OS was 43 months (CI: 37-48 months). In multivariate analysis, nodal staging, ECOG status, and surgical castration were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

In our hospital-based registry, the independent impact of the time of presentation on castration-resistant-free survival or OS could not be demonstrated, nor could the grouping of prognostic categories based on metastatic presentation temporality and volume. Other independent prognostic factors have been proposed.

Comparative study of each surgical step in radical prostatectomy under 3D and 2D laparoscopy

Objective

Comparing the specific advantages and surgical outcomes of each step in radical prostatectomy under 3D vs. 2D laparoscopy.

Methods

From October 2019 to January 2023, our urology department treated 63 cases of prostate cancer, using an odd-even arrangement method to divide into two groups. This is a non-randomized prospective study, with 33 odd-numbered cases in the 3D group and 30 even-numbered cases in the 2D group. The surgery was divided into four steps: (1) establishing an extraperitoneal pneumoperitoneum (2) pelvic lymph node dissection (3)excising the prostate (4)bladder-urethral anastomosis, comparing the two groups in terms of surgical time, blood loss, and relevant postoperative indicators for each step.

Results

All 63 surgeries were successfully completed without any conversions. Comparing 3D and 2D laparoscopy groups, there were statistically significant differences in total surgery time (123.5 ± 15.3 min vs. 145.6 ± 17.2 min, P < 0.05), total blood loss (198.3 ± 18.4 ml vs. 243.1 ± 20.1 ml, P < 0.05), prostate excision time (55.1 ± 8.4 min vs. 67.2 ± 9.3 min, P < 0.05) and blood loss (101.6 ± 12.2 ml vs. 123.8 ± 14.1 ml, P < 0.05), bladder-urethral anastomosis time (30.5 ± 4.3 min vs. 37.6 ± 5.1 min, P < 0.05) and blood loss (62.7 ± 9.7 ml vs. 82.5 ± 8.2 ml, P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the time and blood loss during the establishment of extraperitoneal pneumoperitoneum and the cleaning of pelvic lymph nodes (P > 0.05). In terms of urinary incontinence rates, the 3D laparoscopy group was lower than the 2D group, and in terms of preserving erectile function, the 3D group was higher than the 2D group, with significant statistical differences (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative drainage days, hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, time of catheter removaland positive margin rates (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to traditional 2D laparoscopy, 3D laparoscopy can shorten the operation time and reduce bleeding in the steps of prostate excision and bladder-urethral anastomosis, but there was no significant difference in peri-operative outcomes.

Qualitative evaluation of the life experiences of spouses of prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to qualitatively evaluate the life experiences of women whose spouses had been receiving androgen deprivation therapy.

METHODS

The purposive sample of the research, in which a descriptive phenomenological design was used, consisted of 15 women. The data were evaluated according to Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis steps.

RESULTS

The views of the participants were classified into 7 themes: loss and grief, physical difficulties, socioeconomic difficulties, psychological difficulties, relational changes, strengths, and benefits.

CONCLUSION

It was determined that women whose husbands had been receiving ADT experienced grief responses and physical, socioeconomic, and psychological difficulties. Psychological difficulties were found to include care burden, hospital stress, sexuality, and burnout. It was observed that the patients and their spouses experienced some positive and negative relational changes. Satisfaction with health services and resilience were facilitating factors for female spouses to adapt to the treatment process. It was determined that during the adaptation to the disease and treatment process, the participants had some needs such as family support, economic support, reduction of negative representations in the media, and enhancement of communication skills of health professionals. Moreover, they were found to have some benefits related to post-traumatic growth. Uro-oncology nurses can develop services intended to improve the well-being of the wives of men receiving ADT and use the knowledge and experience of uro-oncology nursing for the benefit of both patients and caregivers.

Efficacy of the transvesical approach for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy via a bladder neck and prostate combined longitudinal incision for the treatment of localized prostate cancer

Objective

This study explores the feasibility and safety of the transvesical approach of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy via a bladder neck and prostate combined longitudinal incision.

Methods

From June 2017 to May 2021, 41 patients aged from 51 to 69 years underwent the transvesical approach of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy via a bladder neck and prostate combined longitudinal incision (L-RALP). The prostate volume was 22.0-57.8 ml (mean: 36.3 ± 11.1 ml), with a preoperative PSA value of 3.7-12.3 ng/ml (mean: 7.3 ± 1.2 ng/mL). All preoperative Gleason scores were less than or equal to 7 points, and the preoperative TNM stage ranged from T2a to T2b. All patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer by preoperative prostate biopsy or postoperative pathological specimens after prostatectomy. The operation, blood loss, hospitalization, erectile function and postoperative urinary continence were recorded. Patients were defined as continent if they answered "zero pad" per day, and they were invited to fill out The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICI-Q-SF) after the catheter removal at 4 and 24 weeks.

Results

All the operations were completed by robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy without transition to open surgery. The surgery time was 105-131 min (mean: 111.3 ± 14.9 min), with an estimated blood loss of 50-220 ml (mean: 95.5 ± 27.3 ml). The postoperative hospital stay was 3-8 days (mean: 5.2 ± 1.7 days), and the postoperative catheter was removed after 5-7 days (mean: 6.3 ± 1.1 days). After 24 weeks of follow-up, 35 cases (85.4%, 35/41) obtained immediate urinary continence after the catheter removal in 24h. All patients had regained continence 24 weeks postoperatively (100%, 41/41).

Conclusion

The transvesical approach of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy via a bladder neck and prostate combined longitudinal incision is a safe and effective surgical technique, beneficial for early continence recovery and erectile function, and it is also suitable for prostate cancer patients after prostate enucleation.

Tissue- and Liquid-Based Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer Precision Medicine

Worldwide, prostate cancer (PC) is the second-most-frequently diagnosed male cancer and the fifth-most-common cause of all cancer-related deaths. Suspicion of PC in a patient is largely based upon clinical signs and the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Although PSA levels have been criticised for a lack of specificity, leading to PC over-diagnosis, it is still the most commonly used biomarker in PC management. Unfortunately, PC is extremely heterogeneous, and it can be difficult to stratify patients whose tumours are unlikely to progress from those that are aggressive and require treatment intensification. Although PC-specific biomarker research has previously focused on disease diagnosis, there is an unmet clinical need for novel prognostic, predictive and treatment response biomarkers that can be used to provide a precision medicine approach to PC management. In particular, the identification of biomarkers at the time of screening/diagnosis that can provide an indication of disease aggressiveness is perhaps the greatest current unmet clinical need in PC management. Largely through advances in genomic and proteomic techniques, exciting pre-clinical and clinical research is continuing to identify potential tissue, blood and urine-based PC-specific biomarkers that may in the future supplement or replace current standard practices. In this review, we describe how PC-specific biomarker research is progressing, including the evolution of PSA-based tests and those novel assays that have gained clinical approval. We also describe alternative diagnostic biomarkers to PSA, in addition to biomarkers that can predict PC aggressiveness and biomarkers that can predict response to certain therapies. We believe that novel biomarker research has the potential to make significant improvements to the clinical management of this disease in the near future.

Anticancer innovative therapy congress: Highlights from the 10th anniversary edition

During the Tenth Edition of the Annual Congress on "Anticancer Innovative Therapy" [Milan, 23/24 January 2020], experts in the fields of immuno-oncology, epigenetics, tumor cell signaling, and cancer metabolism shared their latest knowledge on the roles of i] epigenetics, and in particular, chromatin modifiers, ii] cancer metabolism, iii] cancer stem cells [CSCs], iv] tumor cell signaling, and iv] the immune system. The novel therapeutic approaches presented included epigenetic drugs, cell cycle inhibitors combined with ICB, antibiotics and other off-label drugs, small-molecules active against CSCs, liposome-delivered miRNAs, tumor-specific CAR-T cells, and T-cell-based immunotherapy. Moreover, important evidence on possible mechanisms of resistance to these innovative therapies were also discussed, in particular with respect to resistance to ICB. Overall, this conference provided scientists and clinicians with a broad overview of future challenges and hopes to improve cancer treatment reasonably in the medium-short term.

Galectin-3 in Prostate Cancer Stem-Like Cells Is Immunosuppressive and Drives Early Metastasis

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an extracellular matrix glycan-binding protein with several immunosuppressive and pro-tumor functions. The role of Galectin-3 in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) is poorly investigated. Here, we show that prostate CSCs also colonizing prostate-draining lymph nodes of transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice overexpress Gal-3. Gal-3 contributes to prostate CSC-mediated immune suppression because either Gal-3 silencing in CSCs, or co-culture of CSCs and T cells in the presence of the Gal-3 inhibitor N-Acetyl-D-lactosamine rescued T cell proliferation. N-Acetyl-D-lactosamine also rescued the proliferation of T cells in prostate-draining lymph nodes of TRAMP mice affected by prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. Additionally, Gal-3 impacted prostate CSC tumorigenic and metastatic potential in vivo, as Gal-3 silencing in prostate CSCs reduced both primary tumor growth and secondary invasion. Gal-3 was also found expressed in more differentiated prostate cancer cells, but with different intracellular distribution as compared to CSCs, which suggests different functions of Gal-3 in the two cell populations. In fact, the prevalent nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of Gal-3 in prostate CSCs made them less susceptible to apoptosis, when compared to more differentiated prostate cancer cells, in which Gal-3 was predominantly intra-cytoplasmic. Finally, we found Gal-3 expressed in human and mouse prostate intraepithelial neoplasia lesions and in metastatic lymph nodes. All together, these findings identify Gal-3 as a key molecule and a potential therapeutic target already in the early phases of prostate cancer progression and metastasis.

Eliminating microscopic lymph node metastasis by performing pelvic lymph node dissection during radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

The oncological benefit of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. The therapeutic effect of PLND on the elimination of microscopic metastases during radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa was examined in the current study. A total of 348 Japanese patients with high- or intermediate-risk PCa without lymph node metastasis, who underwent antegrade RP at the Kyushu Cancer Center (Fukuoka, Japan) between August 1998 and May 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the standard (obturator + internal iliac nodes) group and the expanded (standard + additional nodes) group according to the extent of PLND. Preoperative and postoperative characteristics were also analyzed to determine the factors associated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure. Standard and expanded PLND were performed in 70.9% (247/348) and 29.1% (101/348) of cases, respectively. The results revealed that preoperative PSA levels were the only marked difference between the two groups. No differences were observed in the other preoperative and postoperative characteristics. Furthermore, the rate of PSA recurrence in each group did not differ to a statistically significant extent (P=0.3622). Reducing the area of dissection from expanded PLND to standard PLND significantly reduced the number of dissected lymph nodes (P<0.0001). Additionally, the PSA level, clinical tumor stage, Gleason score of the biopsy specimen, pathological tumor stage and extent of PLND were all associated with PSA recurrence, as determined via multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis (P=0.0177, P=0.0023, P=0.0027, P<0.0001 and P=0.0164, respectively). In high- and intermediate-risk patients without lymph node metastasis, a greater number of lymph nodes were dissected when the extent of dissection was greater. Furthermore, the extent of PLND was a significantly associated with PSA failure. The results indicated that PLND exerted a therapeutic effect by eliminating microscopic pelvic lymph node metastases that were not detected by routine pathological examinations.

Cost-utility analysis of focal high-intensity focussed ultrasound vs active surveillance for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer using a Markov multi-state model

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the relative cost-effectiveness of focal high-intensity focussed ultrasound (F-HIFU) compared to active surveillance (AS) in patients with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer, in France.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A Markov multi-state model was elaborated for this purpose. Our analyses were conducted from the French National Health Insurance perspective, with a time horizon of 10 years and a 4% discount rate for cost and effectiveness. A secondary analysis used a 30-year time horizon. Costs are presented in 2016 Euros (€), and effectiveness is expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Model parameters' value (probabilities for transitions between health states, and cost and utility of health states) is supported by systematic literature reviews (PubMed) and random effect meta-analyses. The cost of F-HIFU in our model was the temporary tariff attributed by the French Ministry of Health to the overall treatment of prostate cancer by HIFU (€6047). Our model was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2010 (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA). Uncertainty about the value of the model parameters was handled through probabilistic analyses.

RESULTS

The five health states of our model were as follows: initial state (AS or F-HIFU), radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, metastasis, and death. Transition probabilities from the initial F-HIFU state relied on four articles eligible for our meta-analyses. All were non-comparative studies. Utilities relied on a single cohort in San Diego, CA, USA. For a fictive cohort of 1000 individuals followed for 10 years, F-HIFU would be €207 520 more costly and would yield 382 less QALYs than AS, which means that AS is cost-effective when compared to F-HIFU. For a threshold value varying from €0 to 100 000/QALY, the probability of AS being cost-effective compared to F-HIFU varied from 56.5% to 60%. This level of uncertainty was in the same range with a 30-year time horizon.

CONCLUSION

Given existing published data, our results suggest that AS is cost-effective compared to F-HIFU in patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer, but with high uncertainty. This uncertainty must be scaled down by continuing to supply the model with new published data and ideally through a randomised clinical trial that includes cost-effectiveness analyses.

Body image issues and attitudes towards exercise amongst men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) following diagnosis of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an established treatment for prostate cancer (PCa), but its side-effects can affect body appearance and functioning. However, research into the impact of ADT on body image is limited. Exercise can help patients to counterbalance some side-effects, potentially improving body image too. However, adherence to exercise recommendations is low. Therefore, we explored body image after ADT and attitudes towards exercise.

METHODS

Twenty two semi-structured interviews were conducted with PCa patients receiving ADT (M_age = 67.9 years old, SD = 9.99).

RESULTS

Participants expressed appearance dissatisfaction focusing on body feminization. Participants exercised to counterbalance ADT side-effects and improve mood. Exercise also helped them to re-establish a sense of control over their body and experience a sense of achievement. However, some men described being worried that their appearance and physical performance would be judged by others, so they often exercised alone or gave up exercise. Time management and fatigue were also identified as exercise barriers.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the need to further investigate body image concerns and exercise barriers in PCa patients undergoing ADT. These results could also inform support groups and health care professionals on the topic. However, further research should explore the most effective and acceptable ways to provide support to PCa patients on body image issues.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

In the contemporary scene, less than 5% of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PC) have metastases at first presentation, compared to 20-25%, more than 20 years ago. Nonetheless, the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has increased over the years, suggesting that patients in Europe and United States may receive ADT in cases of lower disease burden, and not always according to evidence based indications. Nonetheless, PC remains the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer in American men. Thus, there is a need for more effective, specific and well tolerated agents which can provide a longer and good quality of life while avoiding the side effects related to disease and treatment morbidity.After mentioning the current knowledge on the endocrinology of androgens and androgen receptor, relevant to PC development, as well as the possible events occurring during PC initiation, we will compare different hormonal compounds available for the treatment of PC, both from a pharmacological standpoint, and in terms of contemporary clinical indications.

Long Noncoding RNA SChLAP1 Accelerates the Proliferation and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer via Targeting miR-198 and Promoting the MAPK1 Pathway

Prostate cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males. The long noncoding RNA second chromosome locus associated with prostate-1 (SChLAP1) has been found to be overexpressed in a subset of prostate cancer. However, the significance and mechanism of SChLAP1 in prostate cancer are not well known. In this study, we explored the role of SChLAP1 in prostate cancer tissues, cell lines, and mouse models. The effect of SChLAP1 on miR-198 and MAPK1 was specifically examined. We found that SChLAP1 expression was significantly increased in prostate cancer cells and tissues. Knockdown of SChLAP1 promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. In addition, a potential bonding site between miR-198 and SChLAP1 was predicted, and a low expression of miR-198 was found in prostate cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of SChLAP1 significantly increased the expression of miR-198, and SChLAP1 overexpression markedly decreased it, indicating that SChLAP1 acted as a negative regulator in the expression of miR-198. Furthermore, our results showed that SChLAP1 interacted with miR-198 and subsequently modulated the MAPK1 signaling pathway in prostate cancer. In conclusion, our study has identified a novel pathway through which SChLAP1 exerts its oncogenic role in prostate cancer at the level of miRNAs and provided a molecular basis for potential applications of SChLAP1 in the prognosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

Approach to Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer

Oligometastatic prostate cancer has increasingly been recognized as a unique clinical state with therapeutic implications. It has been proposed that patients with oligometastases may have a more indolent course and that outcome may be further improved with metastasis-directed local ablative therapy. In addition, there are differing schools of thoughts regarding whether oligometastases represent isolated lesions-where targeted therapy may render a patient disease free-or whether they coexist with micrometastases, where targeted therapy in addition to systemic therapy is required for maximal clinical impact. As such, the approach to the patient with oligometastatic prostate cancer requires multidisciplinary consideration, with surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy potentially of benefit either singularly or in combination. Indeed, mounting evidence suggests durable disease-free intervals and, in some cases, possibly cure, may be achieved with such a multimodal strategy. However, selecting patients that may benefit most from treatment of oligometastases is an ongoing challenge. Moreover, with the advent of new, highly sensitive imaging technologies, the spectrum based on CT of the abdomen and pelvis and technetium bone scan of localized to oligometastatic to widespread disease has become increasingly blurred. As such, new MRI- and PET-based modalities require validation. As some clinical guidelines advise against routine prostate-specific antigen screening, the possibility of more men presenting with locally advanced or de novo oligometastatic prostate cancer exists; thus, knowing how best to treat these patients may become more relevant at a population level. Ultimately, the arrival of prospective clinical data and better understanding of biology will hopefully further inform how best to treat men with this disease.

Platelet to lymphocyte ratio plays an important role in prostate cancer's diagnosis and prognosis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in normal people, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients and prostate cancer (PCA) patients, and to explore the prognostic role of PLR in PCA.

METHODS

155 normal people, 168 BPH patients and 103 PCA patients were enrolled. PCA patients were divided into PLR low value group (PLR<150) and PLR high value group (PLR≥150), and the difference of patients' clinical characteristics between high value group and low value group was comparative studied.

RESULTS

The differences of PLR among normal people, BPH patients and PCA patients were statistically significant. In addition, platelet counts, neutrophil counts, PSA level, LDH level, AKP level, CRP level and alkaline phosphatase level were also significantly increased in PLR high value group, while the hemoglobin level was decreased. Besides, serious events such as coma during hospitalization were also more likely to appear in PLR high value group. PCA patients had an average follow-up of 3 years, and a total of 25 cases of patients died, including 11 (16.4%) cases in the PLR low value group, and 14 (38.9%) cases in PLR high value group with. Three years survival rate of patients in high value group was significantly reduced. Additionally, PLR was a possible risk factor associated with mortality, and an independent predictor of all-cause mortality during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PLR is significantly increased in PCA patients, and it is an independent predictor of 3-year mortality in PCA patients.

A 10-year analysis of metastatic prostate cancer as an initial presentation in an underserved population

OBJECTIVE

To analyze patients from an underserved area who presented initially with metastatic prostate cancer in order to identify patients in our population who would suffer greatly if PSA screening was eliminated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospectively maintained androgen deprivation therapy database from an inner city municipal hospital was queried to identify patients who presented with metastatic prostate cancer. We identified 129 individuals from 1999 to 2009 eligible for study. Those who underwent previous treatment for prostate cancer were excluded. We examined metastatic distribution and analyzed survival using Kaplan Meier probability curves.

RESULTS

The median age of presentation was 68 with a median Gleason sum of 8 per prostate biopsy. Thirty-two patients presented with hydronephrosis with a median creatinine of 1.79, two of whom required emergent dialysis. Of those patients who underwent radiographic imaging at presentation, 35.5% (33/93) had lymphadenopathy suspicious for metastasis, 16.1% (15/93) had masses suspicious for visceral metastases. Of the patients who underwent a bone scan 93% (118/127) had positive findings with 7.9% (10/127) exhibiting signs of cord compression. The 2 and 5- year cancer specific survival was 92.1% and 65.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study we have highlighted a group of men in an underserved community who presented with aggressive and morbid PCa despite widespread acceptance of PSA screening.

Functional and metabolic complications of androgen deprivation therapy

Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in men worldwide. Several different treatment strategies are available including minimally invasive procedures for localized tumors such as radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy, among others. All these strategies can be given as mono-therapy or as combination therapy. For this review, we will focus on the side effects of androgen deprivation therapy, independent of the other treatment modalities. Some of the most common affections are loss of bone mineral density, weight gain and obesity, myocardial infarction and sudden death, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, loss of libido and erectile dysfunction, fatigue, cognitive decline, vasomotor flushing, to mention a few. All these alterations can have an impact on quality of life and even lead to more serious complications such as fractures and cardiovascular complications. We present recommendations for prevention, early recognition and treatment. The different modalities for androgen deprivation therapy have particular side-effects profiles and indications should be made in an individualized manner. Androgen deprivation therapy is a useful tool for some patients with prostate cancer but every effort should be made to avoid related complications. The use of guidelines and educational programs for both, patients and urologists, are extremely useful strategies.

RNA biomarkers associated with metastatic progression in prostate cancer: a multi-institutional high-throughput analysis of SChLAP1

BACKGROUND

Improved clinical predictors for disease progression are needed for localised prostate cancer, since only a subset of patients develop recurrent or refractory disease after first-line treatment. Therefore, we undertook an unbiased analysis to identify RNA biomarkers associated with metastatic progression after prostatectomy.

METHODS

Prostate cancer samples from patients treated with radical prostatectomy at three academic institutions were analysed for gene expression by a high-density Affymetrix GeneChip platform, encompassing more than 1 million genomic loci. In a discovery cohort, all protein-coding genes and known long non-coding RNAs were ranked by fold change in expression between tumours that subsequently metastasised versus those that did not. The top ranked gene was then validated for its prognostic value for metastatic progression in three additional independent cohorts. 95% of the gene expression assays were done in a Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments certified laboratory facility. All genes were assessed for their ability to predict metastatic progression by receiver-operating-curve area-under-the-curve analyses. Multivariate analyses were done for the primary endpoint of metastatic progression, with variables including Gleason score, preoperative prostate-specific antigen concentration, seminal vesicle invasion, surgical margin status, extracapsular extension, lymph node invasion, and expression of the highest ranked gene.

FINDINGS

1008 patients were included in the study: 545 in the discovery cohort and 463 in the validation cohorts. The long non-coding RNA SChLAP1 was identified as the highest-ranked overexpressed gene in cancers with metastatic progression. Validation in three independent cohorts confirmed the prognostic value of SChLAP1 for metastatic progression. On multivariate modelling, SChLAP1 expression (high vs low) independently predicted metastasis within 10 years (odds ratio [OR] 2·45, 95% CI 1·70-3·53; p<0·0001). The only other variable that independently predicted metastasis within 10 years was Gleason score (8-10 vs 5-7; OR 2·14, 95% CI 1·77-2·58; p<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

We identified and validated high SChLAP1 expression as significantly prognostic for metastatic disease progression of prostate cancer. Our findings suggest that further development of SChLAP1 as a potential biomarker, for treatment intensification in aggressive prostate cancer, warrants future study.

FUNDING

Prostate Cancer Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, Early Detection Research Network, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Survival and clinical metastases among prostate cancer patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

To examine the incidence of metastases and clinical course of prostate cancer patients who are without confirmed metastasis when initiating androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study conducted using electronic medical records from Swedish outpatient urology clinics linked to national mandatory registries to capture medical and demographic data. Prostate cancer patients initiating ADT between 2000 and 2010 were followed from initiation of ADT to metastasis, death, and/or end of follow-up.

RESULTS

The 5-year cumulative incidence (CI) of metastasis was 18%. Survival was 60% after 5 years; results were similar for bone metastasis-free survival. The 5-year CI of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) was 50% and the median survival from CRPC development was 2.7 years. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and PSA doubling time were strong predictors of bone metastasis, any metastasis, and death.

CONCLUSION

This study provides understanding of the clinical course of prostate cancer patients without confirmed metastasis treated with ADT in Sweden. Greater PSA values and shorter PSA doubling time (particularly ≤ 6 months) were associated with increased risk of bone metastasis, any metastasis, and death.

Prognostic factors influencing prostate cancer-specific survival in non-castrate patients with metastatic prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

In non-castrate prostate cancer (PCa), the prognostic value of the number of metastases on prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) is not well studied.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 1,206 patients, referred for radiotherapy of the prostate (bed) following diagnosis of PCa. Distant metastases (nodal, skeletal, and/or visceral) developed in 121 patients following curative treatment, of which 80 with complete records were not castrated at time of metastasis. The treatment at time of metastases was androgen deprivation therapy (ADT; n = 22), active surveillance (n = 10) or metastasis-directed therapy (MDT; n = 48). Cox-regression analyses were used to examine the influence of different variables on PCSS.

RESULTS

The median follow-up from primary PCa treatment was 6.9 years with a median interval from diagnosis to first metastatic event of 4.1 year (range: 0.2-15 years). The primary site of metastases was limited to lymph nodes (48%), bone (39%), and viscera (1%) or a combination (12%). Median PCSS from diagnosis of noncastrate metastases was 6.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6-7.7 years). A longer premetastatic PSA doubling time (DT) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57-0.92), a lower number of metastases at first presentation (HR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.12) and pattern of metastatic spread (HR 3.6; 95% CI: 1.13-11.8 for extensive vs. minimal) were associated with improved PCSS.

CONCLUSION

A longer PSA DT, involvement of nodes or axial skeleton and a lower number of metastases are associated with an improved PCSS in non-castrated patients developing metastases.

Metastasis-free survival is associated with overall survival in men with PSA-recurrent prostate cancer treated with deferred androgen deprivation therapy

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials in men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (BRPC) have been hampered by long survival times, making overall survival (OS) a difficult end point to reach. Intermediate end points are needed in order to conduct such trials within a more feasible time frame.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 450 men with BRPC following prostatectomy treated at a single institution between 1981 and 2010, of which 140 developed subsequent metastases. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was deferred until after the development of metastases. Cox regression models were developed to investigate factors influencing OS.

RESULTS

Median metastasis-free survival (MFS) was 10.2 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.6-14.0 years]; median OS after metastasis was 6.6 years (95%CI 5.8-8.4 years). Multivariable Cox regressions identified four independently prognostic variables for OS: MFS (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.63-0.94), number of metastases (≤3 versus ≥4; HR 0.50; 95% CI 0.29-0.85), pain (absent versus present; HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.25-0.72), and bisphosphonate use (yes versus no; HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.37-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

MFS emerged as an independent predictor of OS in men with BRPC treated with deferred ADT after the development of metastases. MFS may be a reasonable intermediate end point in future clinical trials. This observation requires prospective validation.

Low pre-operative levels of serum albumin predict lymph node metastases and ultimately correlate with a biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer in radical prostatectomy patients

Introduction

To date, only few studies focusing on the issue of host general and immune activity have been performed in localized prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study was to elucidate potent non tumor–related biomarkers that express aggressiveness of PCa treated by radical prostatectomy (RP).

Materials and methods

Data from 179 patients who underwent RP were analyzed. The correlations between various kinds of non tumor–related factors in addition to tumor–related factors and biochemical recurrence (BCR) were analyzed. The correlations between pre–, intra– and post–operative factors were also analyzed.

Results

Thirty–two cases (17.9%) had a BCR. The factors found to be significantly predictive of BCR using a Cox–proportional hazard model were the pre–operative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and the existence of pathological lymph node metastasis (LNM). A low pre–operative serum albumin level (<4.0 g/dl) was significantly correlated with BCR univariately. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a low pre–operative serum albumin level, an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score above class 2, and a Gleason score above 8 in the biopsy specimens were significantly predictive of pathological LNM.

Conclusions

Tumor–related characteristics are more important for predicting BCR. However, our results suggest that low pre–operative serum albumin level may indicate extensive disease of clinically localized PCa and may ultimately be correlated with BCR. Although multiple reasons may account for the significance of the serum albumin level, it is noteworthy that delayed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in comorbid patients with low serum albumin levels may lead to PCa progression.

The role of prostate-specific antigen in light of new scientific evidence

OBJECTIVE

Review the scientific evidence acquired in recent years on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).

ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE

Analysis of the available evidence on the current role of PSA, according to a panel of experts who recorded their experience on the subject.

SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE

Currently, PSA cannot be considered solely an indicator of the presence or absence of prostate cancer. Rather, the determination of PSA assists the urologist in indicating the most appropriate treatment for a patient with benign prostatic hypertrophic (BPH), as well as in suspecting a prostatic tumour when the PSA reading increases >0,3 ng/ml, in patients treated with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, over the reading achieved at six months of having initiated this treatment. Moreover, PSA is a key factor in the follow-up of patients with prostate adenocarcinoma who undergo surgery, radiation therapy or minimally invasive techniques. PSA helps to define biochemical recurrence, suggest the existence of a local or distal recurrence and propose or rule out adjuvant therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

New data on the current role of PSA in the management of patients treated for BPH and/or prostate cancer should be taken into account.

Unmet needs in the prediction and detection of metastases in prostate cancer

The therapeutic landscape for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer is rapidly evolving, especially for those patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CPRC). Despite advances in therapy options, the diagnostic landscape has remained relatively static, with few guidelines or reviews addressing the optimal timing or methodology for the radiographic detection of metastatic disease. Given recent reports indicating a substantial proportion of patients with CRPC thought to be nonmetastatic (M0) are in fact metastatic (M1), there is now a clear opportunity and need for improvement in detection practices. Herein, we discuss the current status of predicting the presence of metastatic disease, with a particular emphasis on the detection of the M0 to M1 transition. In addition, we review current data on newer imaging technologies that are changing the way metastases are detected. Whether earlier detection of metastatic disease will ultimately improve patient outcomes is unknown, but given that the therapeutic options for those with metastatic and nonmetastatic CPRC vary, there are considerable implications of how and when metastases are detected.

Skeletal metastasis: treatments, mouse models, and the Wnt signaling

Skeletal metastases result in significant morbidity and mortality. This is particularly true of cancers with a strong predilection for the bone, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancers. There is currently no reliable cure for skeletal metastasis, and palliative therapy options are limited. The Wnt signaling pathway has been found to play an integral role in the process of skeletal metastasis and may be an important clinical target. Several experimental models of skeletal metastasis have been used to find new biomarkers and test new treatments. In this review, we discuss pathologic process of bone metastasis, the roles of the Wnt signaling, and the available experimental models and treatments.

Beyond PSA: the next generation of prostate cancer biomarkers

Since the introduction of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening 25 years ago, prostate cancer diagnosis and management have been guided by this biomarker. Yet, PSA has proven controversial as a screening assay owing to several inherent limitations. The next wave of prostate cancer biomarkers has emerged, introducing new assays in serum and urine that may supplement or, in time, replace PSA because of their higher cancer specificity. This expanding universe of biomarkers has been facilitated, in large part, by new genomic technologies that have enabled an unbiased look at cancer biology. Such efforts have produced several notable success stories that involve rapidly moving biomarkers from the bench to the clinic. However, biomarker research has centered on disease diagnostics, rather than prognosis and prediction, which would address disease management. The development of biomarkers to stratify risk of prostate cancer aggressiveness at the time of screening remains the greatest unmet clinical need in prostate cancer. We review the current state of prostate cancer biomarker research, including the PSA revolution, its impact on early cancer detection, the recent advances in biomarker discovery, and the future efforts that promise to improve clinical management of this disease.

Changes in PSA kinetics predict metastasis- free survival in men with PSA-recurrent prostate cancer treated with nonhormonal agents: combined analysis of 4 phase II trials

BACKGROUND

Several phase II trials in men with noncastrate PSA-recurrent prostate cancer have assessed the impact of novel nonhormonal agents on PSA kinetics. However, it is unknown whether changes in PSA kinetics influence metastasis-free survival (MFS).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective post hoc analysis of 146 men treated in 4 phase II trials examining the investigational agents marimastat (a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor; n = 39), imatinib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor; n = 25), ATN-224 (a copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase inhibitor; n = 22), and lenalidomide (an antiangiogenic/immunomodulatory drug; n = 60). We investigated factors influencing MFS, including within-subject changes in PSA kinetics (PSA slope, doubling time, and velocity) before and after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 16.8 months, 70 patients (47.9%) developed metastases. In multivariable Cox regression models, factors that were independently predictive of MFS after adjusting for age and other clinical prognostic variables were baseline PSA doubling time (PSADT) (P = .05), baseline PSA slope (P = .01), on-study change in PSADT (P = .02), and on-study change in PSA slope (P = .03). In a landmark Kaplan-Meier analysis, median MFS was 63.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.6-not reached) and 28.9 months (95% CI, 13.5-68.0) for men with or without any decrease in PSA slope by 6 months after treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This hypothesis generating analysis suggests that within-subject changes in PSADT and PSA slope after initiation of experimental therapy may correlate with MFS in men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. If validated in prospective trials, changes in PSA kinetics may represent a reasonable intermediate end point for screening new agents in these patients.

Contemporary role of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

CONTEXT

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) represents one of the most effective systemic palliative treatments known for solid tumors. Although clinical trials have assessed the role of ADT in patients with metastatic and advanced locoregional disease, the risk-benefit ratio, especially in earlier stages, remains poorly defined. Given the mounting evidence for potentially life-threatening adverse effects with short- and long-term ADT, it is important to redefine the role of ADT for this disease.

OBJECTIVE

Review the published experience with currently available ADT approaches in various contemporary clinical settings of PCa and reported serious treatment-related adverse events. This review addresses the level of evidence associated with the use of ADT in PCa, focusing upon survival outcome measures. Furthermore, this paper discusses evolving approaches targeting androgen receptor signaling pathways and emerging evidence from clinical trials with newer compounds.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed, focusing on data from the last 10 yr (January 2000 to July 2011) and using the terms androgen deprivation, hormone treatment, prostate cancer and adverse effects. Abstracts from trials reported at international conferences held in 2010 and 2011 were also evaluated.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Data from randomized controlled trials and population-based studies were analyzed in different clinical paradigms. Specifically, the role of ADT was evaluated in patients with nonmetastatic disease as the primary and sole treatment, in combination with radiation therapy (RT) or after surgery, and in patients with metastatic disease. The data suggest that in men with nonmetastatic disease, the use of primary ADT as monotherapy has not shown a benefit and is not recommended, while ADT combined with conventional-dose RT (<72Gy) for patients with high-risk disease may delay progression and prolong survival. The postoperative use of ADT remains poorly evaluated in prospective studies. Likewise, there are no trials evaluating the role of ADT in patients with biochemical relapses after surgery or RT. In patients with metastatic disease, there is a clear benefit in terms of quality of life, reduction of disease-associated morbidity, and possibly survival. Treatment with bilateral orchiectomy, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist therapy, with and without antiandrogens has been associated with various serious adverse events, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and skeletal complications that may also affect mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ADT is an effective treatment of PCa, consistent long-term benefits in terms of quality and quantity of life are predominantly evident in patients with advanced/metastatic disease or when ADT is used in combination with RT (<72Gy) in patients with high-risk tumors. Implementation of ADT should be evidence based, with special consideration to adverse events and the risk-benefit ratio.

The natural history of metastatic progression in men with prostate-specific antigen recurrence after radical prostatectomy: long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To describe metastasis-free survival (MFS) in men with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence following radical prostatectomy, and to define clinical prognostic factors modifying metastatic risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 450 men treated with prostatectomy at a tertiary hospital between July 1981 and July 2010 who developed PSA recurrence (≥0.2 ng/mL) and never received adjuvant or salvage therapy before the development of metastatic disease. We estimated MFS using the Kaplan-Meier method, and investigated factors influencing the risk of metastasis using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Median follow-up after prostatectomy was 8.0 years, and after biochemical recurrence was 4.0 years. At last follow-up, 134 of 450 patients (29.8%) had developed metastases, while median MFS was 10.0 years. Using multivariable regressions, two variables emerged as independently predictive of MFS: PSA doubling time (<3.0 vs 3.0-8.9 vs 9.0-14.9 vs ≥15.0 months) and Gleason score (≤6 vs 7 vs 8-10). Using these stratifications of Gleason score and PSA doubling time, tables were constructed to predict median, 5- and 10-year MFS after PSA recurrence. In different patient subsets, median MFS ranged from 1 to 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In men undergoing prostatectomy, MFS after PSA recurrence is variable and is most strongly influenced by PSA doubling time and Gleason score. These parameters serve to stratify men into different risk groups with respect to metastatic progression. Our findings may provide the background for appropriate selection of patients, treatments and endpoints for clinical trials.

Alternative Tests to Psa for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is still the most useful tool to select the population requiring prostate biopsy. The main downsides of PSA are an inadequate sensitivity to be used in screening and a low specificity for cancer detection.

So far, a limited value for PSA derivates (velocity, density, free, proisoforms and doubling time) has been recognised.

We present a short review of the literature describing a selection of the most promising alternatives to PSA being studied currently: PCA3, serum kallikreins, serum detectable prostate specific membrane antigen, the nuclear matrix protein EPCA, EPCA-2, prostatic acid phosphatase, urine detectable GSTP1, anti-AMACR antibodies, sarcosine, plasminogen activating urokinase, IGFBP, TGF beta 1, PSP94, IL6, plasmatic DNA, serum autoantibodies, neuroendocrine markers, proteomic analysis.

Prostatic chondroitin sulfate is increased in patients with metastatic disease but does not predict survival outcome

BACKGROUND

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated a strong association between an elevated level of chondroitin sulfate (CS) in peritumoral stroma and PSA-relapse in patients with early stage disease. In this study we determined whether CS levels could predict overall survival in men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer subsequently treated by orchiectomy alone.

METHODS

CS was localized in archived prostatic tissues by immunohistochemistry, and the level of CS expression as measured by video image analysis was compared in cohorts of 157 and 60 men with early stage or advanced disease, respectively.

RESULTS

The CS levels in the peritumoral stroma of patients without relapse after treatment for early stage disease was significantly reduced compared to levels in prostate tissue from patients who either relapsed (P = 0.003) or were diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer (P < 0.00001). There was no difference between the median CS level in the peritumoral prostatic stroma of early stage patients that relapsed after treatment and patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Increased CS levels (P < 0.0001) and high Gleason score (P < 0.0001) were associated with an increased rate of PSA-relapse in the cohort of patients with early stage disease. However, neither CS level nor Gleason score alone or in combination could predict survival outcome in patients with advanced prostate cancer following androgen deprivation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although peritumoral CS levels and Gleason score are strong predictors of relapse-free survival in early stage prostate cancer patients, neither peritumoral CS levels nor Gleason score can predict survival outcome in patients with advanced disease.

Diagnostic evaluation of PSA recurrence and review of hormonal management after radical prostatectomy

The aim of this review is to provide a discussion of the diagnostic evaluation of biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy (RP) and an overview of the postoperative hormonal treatment (HT) options. As no randomized trials in the clinical setting of postoperative prostate-specific antigen recurrence have been reported, there is no conclusive evidence that HT after RP will prolong survival or reduce morbidity. Non-traditional approaches, such as intermittent androgen deprivation, non-steroidal anti-androgens and combination of finasteride and non-steroidal anti-androgen, are investigated and may be acceptable options. Combinations of HT with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for treatment of recurrent prostate cancer are under study.

A double-blind randomized crossover study of oral thalidomide versus placebo for androgen dependent prostate cancer treated with intermittent androgen ablation

PURPOSE

We determined whether thalidomide can prolong progression-free survival in men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer treated with limited androgen deprivation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 159 patients were enrolled in a double-blind randomized trial to determine if thalidomide can improve the efficacy of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in hormone responsive patients with an increasing prostate specific antigen after primary definitive therapy for prostate cancer. Patients were randomized to 6 months of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist followed by 200 mg per day oral thalidomide or placebo (oral phase A). At the time of prostate specific antigen progression gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was restarted for 6 additional months. Patients were then crossed over to the opposite drug and were treated until prostate specific antigen progression (oral phase B). Testosterone and dihydroxytestosterone were likewise monitored throughout the study.

RESULTS

During oral phase A the median time to prostate specific antigen progression was 15 months for the thalidomide group compared to 9.6 months on placebo (p = 0.21). The median time to prostate specific antigen progression during oral phase B for the thalidomide group was 17.1 vs 6.6 months on placebo (p = 0.0002). No differences in time to serum testosterone normalization between the thalidomide and placebo arms were documented during oral phase A and oral phase B. Thalidomide was tolerable although dose reductions occurred in 47% (58 of 124) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite thalidomide having no effect on testosterone normalization, there was a clear effect on prostate specific antigen progression during oral phase B. This is the first study to our knowledge to demonstrate the effects of thalidomide using intermittent hormonal therapy.