Preoperative localization of water clear cell giant parathyroid adenoma: A case report

Primary hyperparathyroidism commonly results from a solitary parathyroid adenoma. A water clear cell parathyroid adenoma represents a rare histological variant. This report presents the challenges of preoperative detection of a giant parathyroid adenoma, which was of the water clear cell variant. A case of severe hypercalcemia in a patient without clinical symptoms and equivocal findings on standard imaging modalities, in which the use of [11C]C-Methionine PET/CT facilitated the preoperative detection of a giant parathyroid adenoma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a water clear cell giant parathyroid adenoma following surgical excision. These findings highlight the significance of advanced imaging techniques in the detection and management of a rare form of parathyroid adenoma.

[18F]FDOPA PET/CT is superior to [68Ga]DOTATOC PET/CT in diagnostic imaging of pheochromocytoma

BACKGROUND

Both [18F]FDOPA (FDOPA) and [68Ga]DOTATOC PET/CT (DOTATOC) are widely used for detection of pheochromocytomas/paraganglioma (PPGL). However, direct comparisons of the performance of the two tracers are only available in small series. We conducted a retrospective comparative analysis of FDOPA and DOTATOC to assess their sensitivity and accuracy in detecting PPGL when administered based on suspicion of PPGL. We consecutively included patients referred on suspicion of PPGL or PPGL recurrence who were scanned with both FDOPA and DOTATOC. Both scans were reviewed retrospectively by two experienced observers, who were blinded to the final diagnosis. The assessment was made both visually and quantitatively. The final diagnosis was primarily based on pathology.

RESULTS

In total, 113 patients were included (97 suspected of primary PPGL and 16 suspected of recurrence). Of the 97 patients, 51 had pheochromocytomas (PCC) (in total 55 lesions) and 6 had paragangliomas (PGL) (in total 7 lesions). FDOPA detected and correctly localized all 55 PCC, while DOTATOC only detected 25 (sensitivity 100% vs. 49%, p < 0.0001; specificity 95% vs. 98%, p = 1.00). The negative predictive value (100% vs. 63%, p < 0.001) and diagnostic accuracy (98% vs. 70%, p < 0.01) were higher for FDOPA compared to DOTATOC. FDOPA identified 6 of 6 patients with hormone producing PGL, of which one was negative on DOTATOC. Diagnostic performances of FDOPA and DOTATOC were similar in the 16 patients with previous PPGL suspected of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

FDOPA is superior to DOTATOC for localization of PCC. In contrast to DOTATOC, FDOPA also identified all PGL but with a limited number of patient cases.

NfL and GFAP in serum are associated with microstructural brain damage in progressive multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The potential of neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as biomarkers of disease activity and severity in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between serum concentrations of NfL, GFAP, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in progressive MS.

METHODS

Serum concentrations of NfL and GFAP were measured in 32 healthy controls and 32 patients with progressive MS from whom clinical and MRI data including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were obtained during three years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of NfL and GFAP at follow-up were higher in progressive MS patients than in healthy controls and serum NfL correlated with the EDSS score. Decreasing fractional anisotropy (FA) in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) correlated with worsening EDSS scores and higher serum NfL. Higher serum NfL and increasing T2 lesion volume correlated with worsening paced autitory serial addition test scores. In multivariable regression analyses with serum GFAP and NfL as independent factors and DTI measures of NAWM as dependent factors, we showed that high serum NfL at follow-up was independently associated with decreasing FA and increasing MD in NAWM. Moreover, we found that high serum GFAP was independently associated with decreasing MD in NAWM and with decreasing MD and increasing FA in cortical gray matter.

CONCLUSION

Serum concentrations of NfL and GFAP are increased in progressive MS and are associated with distinct microstructural changes in NAWM and CGM.

PSMA-Positive Low Malignant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in the Stomach on F-18-PSMA-1007 PET/CT

A 76-year-old man with newly diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer was referred for primary staging with F-18-PSMA-1007 PET/CT. The PET/CT scan showed no lymph node or bone metastases, only localized disease within the prostate gland. Additionally, the F-18-PSMA PET/CT scan showed a PSMA-positive lesion correlating to a polyp located in the body of the stomach on the greater curvature. A prior F-18-FDG PET/CT showed low FDG uptake in the polyp, but this was not reported initially in the written report. The patient had no upper gastrointestinal symptoms. A gastroscopy with biopsies was performed, and the histopathology results showed chronic unspecific inflammation with no granulomas, dysplastic or malignant changes in three out of three biopsies. A repeated gastroscopy with biopsy showed an epithelioid variant of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (Ki-67 index 2%). A laparoscopic tumor extirpation was planned after radiation treatment in combination with endocrine therapy of the localized prostate cancer. To our knowledge, this is one of very few reported cases of a PSMA-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and can be added to the list of malignant pitfalls of PSMA PET/CT in prostate cancer patients.

Practical kidney dosimetry in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE with focus on uncertainty estimates

Background

Kidney dosimetry after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy using ¹⁷⁷Lu-labelled somatostatin analogues is a procedure with multiple steps. We present the SPECT/CT-based implementation at Aarhus University Hospital and evaluate the uncertainty of the various steps in order to estimate the total uncertainty and to identify the major sources of uncertainty. Absorbed dose data from 115 treatment fractions are reported.

Results

The total absorbed dose with uncertainty is presented for 59 treatments with [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and 56 treatments with [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE. For [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATOC the mean and median specific absorbed dose (dose per injected activity) is 0.37 Gy/GBq and 0.38 Gy/GBq, respectively, while for [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE the median and mean are 0.47 Gy/GBq and 0.46 Gy/GBq, respectively. The uncertainty of the procedure is estimated to be about 13% for a single treatment fraction, where the absorbed dose calculation is based on three SPECT/CT scans 1, 4 and 7 days post-injection, while it increases to about 19% if only a single SPECT/CT scan is performed 1 day post-injection.

Conclusions

The specific absorbed dose values obtained with the described procedure are comparable to those from other treatment sites for both [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATOC and [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE, but towards the lower end of the range of reported values. The estimated uncertainty is also comparable to that from other reports and judged acceptable for clinical and research use, thus proving the kidney dosimetry procedure a useful tool. The greatest reduction in uncertainty can be obtained by improved activity determination, partial volume correction and additional SPECT/CT scans.

A novel read methodology to evaluate the optimal dose of 68Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan as a PET imaging agent in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: a phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan is a novel somatostatin receptor antagonist exhibiting higher tumour-to-background ratios and sensitivity compared to ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC. This randomised, 2 × 3 factorial, phase II study aimed to confirm the optimal peptide mass and radioactivity ranges for ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan, using binary visual reading. To that end, 24 patients with metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours received 5-20 µg of ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan on day 1 of the study and 30-45 µg on day 16-22, with one of three gallium-68  radioactivity ranges (40-80, 100-140, or 160-200 MBq) per visit. Two ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan PET/CT scans were acquired from each patient post-injection, and were scored by experienced independent blinded readers using a binary system (0 for non-optimal image quality and 1 for optimal image quality). For each patient pair of ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan scans, one or both images could score 1.

RESULTS

Total image quality score for ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan PET scans was lower in the 40-80 MBq radioactivity range (56.3%) compared to 100-140 MBq (90.6%) and 160-200 MBq (81.3%). Both qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis showed that peptide mass (5-20 or 30-45 µg) did not influence ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan imaging. There was only one reading where readers diverged on scoring; one reader preferred one image because of higher lesion conspicuity, and the other reader preferred the alternative image because of the ability to identify more lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Binary visual reading, which was associated with a low inter-reader variability, has further supported that the optimal administered radioactivity of ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan was 100-200 MBq with a peptide mass up to 50 µg. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03220217. Registered 18 July 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03220217.

C-11 methionine positron emission tomography scans improve the preoperative localization of pathologic parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Preoperative localization of pathologic parathyroid glands is essential in the preparation of a parathyroidectomy. We evaluated the use of a C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan in a 7-year period in selected patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The indications to perform a C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography were either persistent primary hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy or inconclusive preoperative localization on ultrasound and sestaMIBI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A group of 36 patients was referred for a C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Biochemical data, pathology, and results of sestaMIBI were collected retrospectively. The primary hyperparathyroidism patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 (N = 17), the C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography was performed before parathyroidectomy. In group 2 (N = 19), the C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography was performed after unsuccessful parathyroidectomy and before a reoperation.

RESULTS

Overall, in 30 of the 36 patients (83%), C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography identified a true-positive pathologic parathyroid gland confirmed by an experienced pathologist, consistent with a positive predictive value of 91%. In group 1, 94% of the patients (N = 16) had pathologic parathyroid tissue identified by C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography. This resulted in a clinical benefit in 13 patients (76%). In group 2, the benefit was slightly lower, as 74% of the patients (N = 14) had a true-positive C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan resulting in a clinical benefit in nine patients (47%).

CONCLUSION

In two selected groups of patients planned for an initial operation or reoperation of primary hyperparathyroidism and inconclusive conventional imaging, we found C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography to give parathyroid surgeons a clinical benefit in the majority of cases, electing the patients for unilateral surgery.

A randomised, factorial phase II study to determine the optimal dosing regimen for 68Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan as an imaging agent in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours

⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan is a novel somatostatin receptor antagonist associated with high sensitivity and reproducibility in neuroendocrine tumour (NET) detection and localisation. However, the optimal peptide mass and radioactivity ranges for ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan have not yet been established. We therefore aimed to determine its optimal dosing regimen in patients with metastatic gastroenteropancreatic NETs in a prospective, randomised, 2×3 factorial, multicentre, phase II study. Methods: Patients received ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan at a peptide mass of 5-20 µg on day 1 of the study and of 30-45 µg on day 16-22, at one of three gallium-68 radioactivity ranges (40-80, 100-140, or 160-200 MBq). Whole-body PET/CT imaging was performed 50-70 minutes after each injection. The primary endpoint was the detection rate of NET lesions imaged by ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan relative to contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) (for each of the six peptide mass/radioactivity range combinations). Results: Twenty-four patients were evaluated in the per-protocol analysis. The median number of lesions detected by ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan PET/CT or PET only was at least twice as high as the number of lesions detected by CECT across the six studied peptide mass dose/radioactivity range combinations. There were no differences between the two peptide mass ranges and between the three radioactivity ranges in the number of identified lesions. However, a trend towards a lower relative lesion count was noted in the liver for the 40-80 MBq range. No relationship was observed between the radioactivity range per patient's body weight (MBq/kg) and the number of lesions detected by ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan. Median diagnostic sensitivity of ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan PET/CT, based on the number of lesions per patient, ranged from 85% to 87% across the different peptide mass and radioactivity ranges. Almost all reported adverse events were mild and self-limiting. Conclusion: A radioactivity of 100-200 MBq with a peptide mass up to 50 μg were confirmed as the optimal dosing regimen for ⁶⁸Ga-satoreotide trizoxetan to be used in future phase III studies.

Clinical efficacy of first and second series of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasm: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is an established treatment for metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). However, only limited data exists for the effect of multiple series of PRRT. The aim of this study was to investigate PFS and OS inNEN patients treated with multiple series of PRRT conforming to the ENETS treatment protocol.

METHODS

We included all patients with gastrointestinal (GI), pancreatic and bronchopulmonary (BP) NEN treated with PRRT from 2008 to 2018. We used Kaplan-Meier estimation to evaluate PFS and OS with subgroup analysis of primary tumor, Ki67-index, type of radioisotope and number of PRRT series.

RESULTS

133 patients (female/male 61/72) were included, median age 70 (interquartile range 64-76) years. GI-NEN comprised 62%, pancreatic 23% and BP 11%. Median Ki67-index was 5%. After first PRRTG1- and G2-tumors had PFS of 25 and 22 months, compared to 11 months in G3-NENs (p < .05) and PFS was longer in G1/G2 GI-NENs than BP-NEN (30vs. 12 months, p < .05). After retreatment with a second series of PRRT, the overall PFS (G1-G3) was 19 months, with G1- and G2-tumors having the highest PFS of 19 and 22 months, respectively. Overall, the GI and BP tumors had an OS of 54 and 51 months.

CONCLUSIONS

PRRT is an effective therapy with long-term PFS and OS, especially in G1 and G2 NENs, and with better prognosis in GI-NEN compared with BP-NENs. OS and PFS was shorter after the second series of PRRT compared with the first, however results were still encouraging.

Trans-ancestry genome-wide association meta-analysis of prostate cancer identifies new susceptibility loci and informs genetic risk prediction

Prostate cancer is a highly heritable disease with large disparities in incidence rates across ancestry populations. We conducted a multiancestry meta-analysis of prostate cancer genome-wide association studies (107,247 cases and 127,006 controls) and identified 86 new genetic risk variants independently associated with prostate cancer risk, bringing the total to 269 known risk variants. The top genetic risk score (GRS) decile was associated with odds ratios that ranged from 5.06 (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.84-5.29) for men of European ancestry to 3.74 (95% CI, 3.36-4.17) for men of African ancestry. Men of African ancestry were estimated to have a mean GRS that was 2.18-times higher (95% CI, 2.14-2.22), and men of East Asian ancestry 0.73-times lower (95% CI, 0.71-0.76), than men of European ancestry. These findings support the role of germline variation contributing to population differences in prostate cancer risk, with the GRS offering an approach for personalized risk prediction.

What is the risk of prostate cancer mortality following negative systematic TRUS-guided biopsies? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) following initial negative systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate biopsies.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Embase were searched using a string combination with keywords/Medical Subject Headings terms and free text in the search builder. Date of search was 13 April 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies addressing PCSM following initial negative TRUS biopsies. Randomised controlled trials and population-based studies including men with initial negative TRUS biopsies reported in English from 1990 until present were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extraction was done using a predefined form by two authors independently and compared with confirm data; risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies when applicable.

RESULTS

Four eligible studies were identified. Outcomes were reported differently in the studies as both cumulative incidence and Kaplan-Meier estimates have been used. Regardless of the study differences, all studies reported low estimated incidence of PCSM of 1.8%-5.2% in men with negative TRUS biopsies during the following 10-20 years. Main limitation in all studies was limited follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Only a few studies have investigated the risk of PCSM following initial negative biopsies and all studies included patients before the era of MRI of the prostate. However, the studies point to the fact that the risk of PCSM is low following initial negative TRUS biopsies, and that the level of prostate-specific antigen before biopsies holds prognostic information. This may be considered when advising patients about the need for further diagnostic evaluation.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019134548.

Benefits of 11C-methionine PET/MRI and intraoperative fluorescence in treating hyperparathyroidism

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1) is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by the manifestation of tumors in endocrine glands most often in the parathyroid gland (PG). Treatment may involve several parathyroidectomies (PTX), especially in young patients, which increases the risk of postoperative complications. We present a 16-year-old patient with a family history of MEN1 syndrome. The patient started to show biochemical signs of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and hypercalcemia at the age of 10. One and a half years later a PTX was successfully performed with removal of the two left PGs. However, a rise in plasma parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium was observed 4 years later. Preoperative noninvasive imaging with ^99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy showed no definitive parathyroid adenoma. A ¹¹C-methionine position emission tomography combined with MRI (MET-PET/MRI) was then performed and detected a focus posterior to the lower part of the right thyroid lobe. Intraoperative angiography with fluorescence and indocyanine green dye was used to assess the vascularization of the remaining PGs. The lower right PG was removed. The patient was discharged with normalized biochemical values and without postoperative complications. Recurrence of primary HPT is frequent in MEN1 patients which often necessitates repeated operations. Our case report showed that the use of advanced noninvasive preoperative imaging techniques and intraoperative fluorescent imaging are valuable tools and should be taken into consideration in selected cases to avoid postoperative complications. To our knowledge, this is the first case where MET-PET/MRI has been used to detect parathyroid pathology.

Extravasation of [177Lu]Lu-DOTATOC: case report and discussion

Background

In the case of extravasation of radioactive drugs used in peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy of neuroendocrine tumors, or in radionuclide therapy in general, rapid action is important to reduce or avoid complications. The literature on extravasation of drugs for radionuclide therapy is sparse. Based on the present case, we discuss handling and consequences of extravasation. Further, we demonstrate that dosimetry can aid in judging if the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors is satisfactory even after extravasation.

Case presentation

A case of extravasation of [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATOC with a treatment strategy involving exercise and elevation of the affected arm and application of a compression bandage and heating is reported. Redistribution of the drug is verified and quantified by whole-body imaging and quantitative SPECT/CT and measurements of the dose rate at contact with the injection site. [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATOC was redistributed to tumors and organs within 1 day. The patient did not report any discomfort during or after hospitalization, and no side effects related to extravasation were observed. Quantitative SPECT/CT scans at the subsequent treatment cycle of the same patient were analyzed for a comparison between the treatments. Dosimetry showed the treatments were similar with respect to the kidney and tumor absorbed doses. The radiation dose to the epidermal basal layer near the injection site was estimated and found to be consistent with the lack of side effects.

Conclusions

The treatment of extravasation was successful, and the redistribution of the drug can be easily verified through measurement of the dose rate at contact with the skin. From the results of dosimetry, it was assessed that no change of the treatment course was necessary to compensate for a possibly incomplete treatment as a result of the extravasation.

Characteristics of finasteride users in comparison with nonusers: A Nordic nationwide study based on individual-level data from Denmark, Finland, and Sweden

PURPOSE

Published epidemiological studies on the association between finasteride use and the risk of male breast cancer have been inconclusive due to methodological limitations including a few male breast cancer cases included. Determinants of male breast cancer have been studied, but it remains unexplored whether these are also related to finasteride use and thereby constitute potential confounders. This study aimed to assess whether there are differences between finasteride users and nonusers with regard to numerous potential confounders.

METHODS

In total, 246 508 finasteride users (≥35 years) were identified in the prescription registries of Denmark (1995-2014), Finland (1997-2013), and Sweden (2005-2014). An equal number of nonusers were sampled. The directed acyclic graph (DAG) methodology was used to identify potential confounders for the association between finasteride and male breast cancer. A logistic regression model compared finasteride users and nonusers with regard to potential confounders that were measurable in registries and population surveys.

RESULTS

Finasteride users had higher odds of testicular abnormalities (odds ratio [OR] 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-1.44), obesity (1.31; 1.23-1.39), exogenous testosterone (1.61; 1.48-1.74), radiation exposure (1.22; 1.18-1.27), and diabetes (1.07; 1.04-1.10) and lower odds of occupational exposure in perfume industry or in high temperature environments (0.93; 0.87-0.99), living alone (0.89; 0.88-0.91), living in urban/suburban areas (0.97; 0.95-0.99), and physical inactivity (0.70; 0.50-0.99) compared to nonusers.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic differences between finasteride users and nonusers were found emphasizing the importance of confounder adjustment of associations between finasteride and male breast cancer.

Quantitative estimation of extravascular lung water volume and preload by dynamic 15O-water positron emission tomography

AIMS

Left ventricular filling pressure (preload) can be assessed by pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) during pulmonary arterial catheterization (PAC). An emerging method [pulse indexed contour cardiac output (PICCO)] can estimate preload by global end-diastolic volume (GEDV) and congestion as extravascular lung water (EVLW) content. However, no reliable quantitative non-invasive methods are available. Hence, in a porcine model of pulmonary congestion, we evaluated EVLW and GEDV by positron emission tomography (PET). The method was applied in 35 heart failure (HF) patients and 9 healthy volunteers.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eight pigs were studied. Pulmonary congestion was induced by a combination of beta-blockers, angiotensin-2 agonist and saline infusion. PAC, PICCO, computerized tomography, and 15O-H2O-PET were performed. EVLW increased from 521 ± 76 to 973 ± 325 mL (P < 0.001) and GEDV from 1068 ± 170 to 1254 ± 85 mL (P < 0.001). 15O-H2O-PET measures of EVLW increased from 566 ± 151 to 797 ± 231 mL (P < 0.001) and GEDV from 364 ± 60 to 524 ± 92 mL (P < 0.001). Both EVLW and GEDV measured with PICCO and 15O-H2O-PET correlated (r2 = 0.40, P < 0.001; r2 = 0.40, P < 0.001, respectively). EVLW correlated with Hounsfield units (HU; PICCO: r2 = 0.36, P < 0.001, PET: r2 = 0.46, P < 0.001) and GEDV with PCWP (PICCO: r2 = 0.20, P = 0.01, PET: r2 = 0.29, P = 0.002). In human subjects, measurements were indexed (I) for body surface area. Neither EVLWI nor HU differed between chronic stable HF patients and healthy volunteers (P = 0.11, P = 0.29) whereas GEDVI was increased in HF patients (336 ± 66 mL/m2 vs. 276 ± 44 mL/m2, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that 15O-H2O-PET can assess pulmonary congestion and preload quantitatively. Hence, prognostic information from 15O-H2O-PET examinations should be evaluated in clinical trials.

Effect of liraglutide on myocardial glucose uptake and blood flow in stable chronic heart failure patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled LIVE sub-study

BACKGROUND

The glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide increases heart rate and may be associated with more cardiac events in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. We studied whether this could be ascribed to effects on myocardial glucose uptake (MGU), myocardial blood flow (MBF) and MBF reserve (MFR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

CHF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% and without type 2 diabetes were randomized to liraglutide (N = 18) 1.8 mg once daily or placebo (N = 18) for 24 weeks in a double-blinded design. Changes in MGU during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and changes in MBF and MFR from baseline to follow-up were measured quantitatively by 18F-FDG and 15O-H2O positron emission tomography. Compared with placebo, liraglutide reduced weight (P = 0.03), HbA1c (P = 0.03) and the 2-hour glucose value during the OGTT (P = 0.004). Despite this, changes in MGU (P = 0.98), MBF (P = 0.76) and MFR (P = 0.89) from baseline to follow-up did not differ between groups. Furthermore, there was no association between the level of insulin resistance at baseline and changes in MGU in patients treated with liraglutide.

CONCLUSION

Liraglutide did not affect MGU, MBF, or MFR in non-diabetic CHF patients. Any potential increase in cardiac events in these patients seems not to involve changes in MGU, MBF, or MFR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registry: http://www.ClinicalTrials.org . Identifier: NCT01472640. Url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01472640?term=NCT01472640&rank=1.

Cortical and striatal serotonin transporter binding in a genetic rat model of depression and in response to electroconvulsive stimuli

Depression is a debilitating mental illness and two thirds of patients respond insufficiently to conventional antidepressants. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective treatment to alleviate drug-refractory depression, however the neurobiological mechanisms are mostly unknown. The serotonergic system plays an important role in depression and alterations in the serotonin transporter (SERT) are seen both in depression and response to antidepressant pharmacotherapies. The first aim of this study was to investigate SERT density in a genetic rat model of depression, Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL), compared to control Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The second aim was to investigate SERT density in response to electroconvulsive stimuli (ECS), an animal model of ECT. Female rats of each strain were treated with ECS or sham (ear-clip placement with no current) for 10 days before brains were removed, frozen and cut into 20 µm thick sections. SERT density was measured in striatal and cortical regions by quantitative in vitro autoradiography using the SERT-radioligand, [³H]-DASB. Higher SERT density was observed in FSL rats compared to SD rats by 36-48% in motor cortex and striatum under sham conditions. In response to ECS, SD rats displayed a significant effect of treatment, whereas no changes were observed in FRL and FSL rats. Increased SERT binding in FSL rats compared to SD supports a dysfunction of the serotonergic system in depression. The increased SERT density after ECS, seen in SD rats but not FSL rats, suggests a different mechanism of action between depressive-like rats and controls.

Finasteride Use and Risk of Male Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study Using Individual-Level Registry Data from Denmark, Finland, and Sweden

BACKGROUND

In case reports, concerns have been raised as to whether finasteride use increases the risk of male breast cancer. Previous epidemiologic evidence on the potential link is conflicting. This study aimed to assess whether an association between finasteride use and male breast cancer exists after accounting for potential confounders.

METHODS

The source population consisted of all men (≥35 years) from Denmark (1995-2014), Finland (1997-2013), and Sweden (2005-2014). Cases with incident male breast cancer were identified in the cancer registries and matched with 50 density-sampled, age, and country-matched male population controls per case. Exposure information on finasteride use was derived from the prescription registries. Potential confounders were identified using the directed acyclic graph methodology and measured by use of information from nation-wide registries.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 1,005 male breast cancer cases and 43,058 controls. Confounder-adjusted odds of finasteride exposure were not statistically significantly increased [OR, 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.77-1.54] in breast cancer cases relative to controls. There was no evidence of a dose-response relationship, as the group with greatest exposure to finasteride was associated with lowest OR of male breast cancer [OR, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.40-1.30)]. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal marked changes in results with different exposure definitions or for specific subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study provided no evidence that finasteride use was associated with male breast cancer.

IMPACT

This large confounder-adjusted study supports the view that exposure to finasteride is not associated materially with male breast cancer risk.

Author Correction: Association analyses of more than 140,000 men identify 63 new prostate cancer susceptibility loci

In the version of this article initially published, the name of author Manuela Gago-Dominguez was misspelled as Manuela Gago Dominguez. The error has been corrected in the HTML and PDF version of the article.

[Prostate cancer surgery]

Radical prostatectomy (RP) remains the preferred treatment option for men with localised prostate cancer (PCa). Following the introduction in 1995, approximately 1,100 procedures are performed annually in Denmark. Several studies have demonstrated the Danish standard of RP to be at an international level in terms of both functional and oncological outcomes. In order to reduce the risk of overtreatment, management of localised PCa should be organised in experienced multidisciplinary teams, where a constantly growing armamentarium of diagnostic and therapeutic options can be offered.

Investigation of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 1 in Plasma from Colorectal Cancer Patients and Blood Donors by Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) improves patient survival. Plasma tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) measurements by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have been suggested as a new method for the early detection of CRC. To further investigate the nature of TIMP-1 in plasma, surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI TOF MS) was used. TIMP-1 measurements of plasma from 16 healthy donors and 14 CRC patients were performed using TIMP-1 monoclonal antibody in SELDI TOF MS and ELISA. SELDI TOF MS applying an antibody to TIMP-1 revealed that human plasma TIMP-1 has a mass of 25.1 kDa and exhibits several isoforms. Both methods showed increased plasma TIMP-1 values for cancer patients as compared to healthy individuals. The p values for the separation of the groups were 0.0019 for ELISA and <0.0001 for SELDI TOF MS. CRC did not fundamentally affect the appearance of TIMP-1 as evaluated by SELDI TOF MS.

Association analyses of more than 140,000 men identify 63 new prostate cancer susceptibility loci

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and fine-mapping efforts to date have identified more than 100 prostate cancer (PrCa)-susceptibility loci. We meta-analyzed genotype data from a custom high-density array of 46,939 PrCa cases and 27,910 controls of European ancestry with previously genotyped data of 32,255 PrCa cases and 33,202 controls of European ancestry. Our analysis identified 62 novel loci associated (P < 5.0 × 10-8) with PrCa and one locus significantly associated with early-onset PrCa (≤55 years). Our findings include missense variants rs1800057 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.16; P = 8.2 × 10-9; G>C, p.Pro1054Arg) in ATM and rs2066827 (OR = 1.06; P = 2.3 × 10-9; T>G, p.Val109Gly) in CDKN1B. The combination of all loci captured 28.4% of the PrCa familial relative risk, and a polygenic risk score conferred an elevated PrCa risk for men in the ninetieth to ninety-ninth percentiles (relative risk = 2.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.55-2.82) and first percentile (relative risk = 5.71; 95% CI: 5.04-6.48) risk stratum compared with the population average. These findings improve risk prediction, enhance fine-mapping, and provide insight into the underlying biology of PrCa1.

Fine-mapping of prostate cancer susceptibility loci in a large meta-analysis identifies candidate causal variants

Prostate cancer is a polygenic disease with a large heritable component. A number of common, low-penetrance prostate cancer risk loci have been identified through GWAS. Here we apply the Bayesian multivariate variable selection algorithm JAM to fine-map 84 prostate cancer susceptibility loci, using summary data from a large European ancestry meta-analysis. We observe evidence for multiple independent signals at 12 regions and 99 risk signals overall. Only 15 original GWAS tag SNPs remain among the catalogue of candidate variants identified; the remainder are replaced by more likely candidates. Biological annotation of our credible set of variants indicates significant enrichment within promoter and enhancer elements, and transcription factor-binding sites, including AR, ERG and FOXA1. In 40 regions at least one variant is colocalised with an eQTL in prostate cancer tissue. The refined set of candidate variants substantially increase the proportion of familial relative risk explained by these known susceptibility regions, which highlights the importance of fine-mapping studies and has implications for clinical risk profiling.

Androgen Receptor Targeted Treatments of Prostate Cancer: 35 Years of Progress with Antiandrogens

PURPOSE

Antiandrogens inhibit the androgen receptor and have an important role in the treatment of prostate cancer. This review provides a historical perspective on the development and clinical benefit of antiandrogens in the treatment of prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed® for clinical trials with the search terms antiandrogens and prostate cancer combined with drug names for antiandrogens. This article represents a collaboration of clinical investigators who have made critical scientific contributions leading to the approval of antiandrogens for treating patients with prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Antiandrogens differ in chemical structure and exert varying efficacy and safety profiles. The unfavorable therapeutic index of steroidal antiandrogens led to replacement by safer nonsteroidal agents. Flutamide, nilutamide and bicalutamide, which were designed to target the androgen receptor, were developed primarily for use in combination with castration to provide combined androgen blockade. Modest clinical benefits were observed with the combination of first generation antiandrogens and castration vs castration alone. With increased knowledge of androgen receptor structure and its biological functions a new generation of antiandrogens without agonist activity was designed to provide more potent inhibition of the androgen receptor. Randomized clinical trials in patients with metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer showed significant survival benefits, which led to the approval of enzalutamide in August 2012. Apalutamide was recently approved while darolutamide is not yet approved in the United States. These next generation antiandrogens are being actively tested in earlier disease states such as nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Evolving knowledge of resistance mechanisms to androgen receptor targeted treatments will stimulate research and drug discovery for additional compounds. Further testing in nonmetastatic castration resistant prostate cancer as well as castration sensitive disease states will hopefully augment our ability to treat a broader spectrum of patients with prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Antiandrogens have already provided important benefits for prostate cancer treatment. Greater knowledge about the structural and functional biology of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer will facilitate further discovery and development of further improved antiandrogens with enhanced clinical activity in patients with advanced metastatic disease. Testing these new agents earlier in the course of prostate cancer may further improve the survival and quality of life of patients with current local and/or systemic treatment modalities.

Hepatic effects assessed by review of safety data in enzalutamide castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) trials

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Background: Androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide (ENZA) improves survival in patients with metastatic CRPC. As the liver is the main route of ENZA elimination, this post hoc analysis evaluated the hepatic effects of ENZA versus comparators in controlled CRPC trials. Methods: Safety data from two large Phase 3, placebo (PBO)- (PREVAIL, NCT0121299; AFFIRM, NCT00974311) and two smaller Phase 2, bicalutamide (BIC)-controlled (STRIVE, NCT01664923; TERRAIN, NCT01288911) ENZA trials in men with CRPC were assessed for hepatic impairment-related adverse events (AEs) using the following standardized narrow MedDRA queries V19.1: hepatic failure, fibrosis and cirrhosis, and other liver damage-related conditions; hepatitis, non-infectious; and liver-related investigation, signs, and symptoms. Liver-related laboratory test results were also evaluated. Data were summarized as follows: patients receiving ENZA in Phase 3 trials (n = 1671); patients receiving ENZA in Phase 2 trials (n = 380); patients receiving PBO (n = 1243); patients receiving BIC (n = 387); and combined ENZA-treated patients (n = 2051). Results: Percentages of hepatic impairment-related AEs ranged between 2.9% and 4.5% with ENZA, and were 2.7% with PBO and 5.4% with BIC (Table). The most common hepatic impairment-related AEs were increased aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT; Table). Within each trial, the incidences of grade ≥3 AEs were similar, and dose reductions or discontinuations due to hepatic impairment-related AEs were low (Table). When adjusted for treatment exposure, AEs per 100 patient-years were lower with ENZA versus either PBO or BIC (Table). Conclusions: This combined analysis of CRPC trials demonstrates no hepatic safety signal with ENZA and thus routine liver tests are not required. Clinical trial information: NCT0121299; NCT00974311; NCT01664923; NCT01288911. [Table: see text]

Heart failure patients with prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes display abnormalities in myocardial metabolism

BACKGROUND

In type 2 diabetes, a decrease in myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) may lower glucose oxidation and contribute to progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). However, it is unsettled whether CHF patients with prediabetes have abnormal MGU and myocardial blood flow (MBF) during normal physiological conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 35 patients with CHF and reduced left ventricular ejections fraction (34 ± 9%) without overt T2D (mean HbA1c: 40 ± 4 mmol/mol) using echocardiography and quantitative measurements of MGU by 18F-FDG-PET and perfusion by 15O-H2O-PET. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed during the FDG-PET, which identified 17 patients with abnormal and 18 patients with normal glucometabolic response. Global MGU was higher in patients with normal OGTT response (0.31 ± 0.09 µmol/g/min) compared with patients with abnormal OGTT response (0.25 ± 0.09 µmol/g/min) (P = 0.05). MBF (P = 0.22) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) (P = 0.83) were similar in the study groups. The reduced MGU in prediabetic patients was attributable to reduced MGU in viable myocardium with normal MFR (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CHF patients with prediabetes have reduced MGU in segments with preserved MFR as compared to CHF patients with normal glucose tolerance. Whether reversal of these myocardial abnormalities can improve outcome needs to be investigated in large-scale studies.

Objective Colonic Dysfunction is Far more Prevalent than Subjective Constipation in Parkinson's Disease: A Colon Transit and Volume Study

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal function has received increased interest in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD). Constipation is among the most frequent non-motor symptoms, but our understanding of the underlying pathology is limited. Subjective constipation correlates poorly with objective markers.

OBJECTIVE

The aims were to evaluate colonic transit time and volume in PD and to correlate these measures with subjective symptoms and gastric emptying.

METHODS

Thirty-two PD patients and 26 controls were included. Colonic transit time, computed tomography-based volume estimation, and gastric emptying were performed as objective markers of gastrointestinal function. Subjective gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated by three different questionnaires.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine percent of PD patients displayed prolonged colonic transit time (p < 0.0001) and 66% of patients had significantly increased colonic volume (p = 0.0002). Particularly the transverse and rectosigmoid segments were affected. There was no difference in gastric emptying time between groups. The prevalence of subjective constipation in PD patients was significantly lower and ranged from 3% to 38% depending on the type of questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly delayed colonic transit time and increased volume were frequent findings in PD patients, and objective dysfunction was considerably more prevalent than subjective constipation symptoms. Also, the prevalence of subjective constipation varied widely depending upon which questionnaire was employed. These findings highlight the need for more research on how to define constipation in PD and also the need for improved understanding of the relationship between subjective symptoms and objective dysfunction.

Polygenic hazard score to guide screening for aggressive prostate cancer: development and validation in large scale cohorts

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a genetic tool to predict age of onset of aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) and to guide decisions of who to screen and at what age.

DESIGN

Analysis of genotype, PCa status, and age to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with diagnosis. These polymorphisms were incorporated into a survival analysis to estimate their effects on age at diagnosis of aggressive PCa (that is, not eligible for surveillance according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines; any of Gleason score ≥7, stage T3-T4, PSA (prostate specific antigen) concentration ≥10 ng/L, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis). The resulting polygenic hazard score is an assessment of individual genetic risk. The final model was applied to an independent dataset containing genotype and PSA screening data. The hazard score was calculated for these men to test prediction of survival free from PCa.

SETTING

Multiple institutions that were members of international PRACTICAL consortium.

PARTICIPANTS

All consortium participants of European ancestry with known age, PCa status, and quality assured custom (iCOGS) array genotype data. The development dataset comprised 31 747 men; the validation dataset comprised 6411 men.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prediction with hazard score of age of onset of aggressive cancer in validation set.

RESULTS

In the independent validation set, the hazard score calculated from 54 single nucleotide polymorphisms was a highly significant predictor of age at diagnosis of aggressive cancer (z=11.2, P<10-16). When men in the validation set with high scores (>98th centile) were compared with those with average scores (30th-70th centile), the hazard ratio for aggressive cancer was 2.9 (95% confidence interval 2.4 to 3.4). Inclusion of family history in a combined model did not improve prediction of onset of aggressive PCa (P=0.59), and polygenic hazard score performance remained high when family history was accounted for. Additionally, the positive predictive value of PSA screening for aggressive PCa was increased with increasing polygenic hazard score.

CONCLUSIONS

Polygenic hazard scores can be used for personalised genetic risk estimates that can predict for age at onset of aggressive PCa.

Follicular thyroid cancer avid on C-11 Methionine PET/CT

A case of follicular thyroid cancer with intense focal Methionine uptake on 11C-Methionine PET/CT is reported here. The use of 11C-Methionine PET in differentiated thyroid cancer is currently being investigated as a surrogate tracer compared to the more widely used 18F-FDG PET. This case illustrates the potential incremental value of this modality, not only in the localizing of parathyroid adenoma, but also indicating that 11C-Methionine PET might have a potential of increasing the pretest likelihood of thyroid malignancy in a cold nodule with highly increased Sestamibi uptake.

Disability in progressive MS is associated with T2 lesion changes

BACKGROUND

Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by diffuse changes on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which complicates the use of MRI as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. The relationship between MRI measures (conventional and non-conventional) and clinical disability in progressive MS therefore warrants further investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between clinical disability and MRI measures in patients with progressive MS.

METHODS

Data from 93 primary and secondary progressive MS patients who had participated in 3 phase 2 clinical trials were included in this cross-sectional study. From 3T MRI baseline scans we calculated total T2 lesion volume and analysed magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) and the diffusion tensor imaging indices fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) in T2 lesions, normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and cortical grey matter. Disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the MS functional composite.

RESULTS

T2 lesion volume was associated with impairment by all clinical measures. MD and MTR in T2 lesions were significantly related to disability, and lower FA values correlated with worse hand function in NAWM. In multivariable analyses, increasing clinical disability was independently correlated with increasing T2 lesion volumes and MTR in T2 lesions.

CONCLUSION

In progressive MS, clinical disability is related to lesion volume and microstructure.

Finasteride treatment and male breast cancer: a register-based cohort study in four Nordic countries

A potential link has been suggested between dispensed finasteride and increased risk of male breast cancer (MBC). Due to the rare occurrence of MBC, it remains to be established if such a relationship exists. The purpose of this study was to combine nationwide registers in four countries to assess the potential association between dispensed finasteride and MBC. A cohort of all males with dispensed finasteride in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden (1,365,088 person years) was followed up for up to 15 years for breast cancer, and compared to a cohort of males unexposed to finasteride. Individual‐level register data included country, dates of dispensed finasteride, MBC diagnosis, and death. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using a generalized linear model with a Poisson distribution. An increased risk of MBC was found among finasteride users (IRR = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.11–1.88) compared to nonusers. The IRR increased to 1.60 (95% CI = 1.20–2.13) when users in Norway and Sweden with short follow‐up time were excluded. The highest IRR was seen among men with medium duration of dispensed finasteride, medium accumulated consumption of finasteride, and among men with first dispensed finasteride prescription 1–3 years prior to diagnosis. The analyses suggested possible ascertainment bias and did not support a clear relationship between dispensed finasteride and MBC. In conclusion, a significant association between dispensed finasteride and MBC was identified. However, due to limited data for adjustment of potential confounding and surveillance bias in the present study, further research is needed to confirm these results.

Temporal Trends in Clinical and Pathological Characteristics for Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy Between 1995 and 2013 at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stanford University Hospital, United States

PURPOSE

To analyze how prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening and practice patterns has affected trends in tumor characteristics in men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) in the United States and Denmark. Unlike in the United States, PSA screening has not been recommended in Denmark.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed an observational register study using pre- and postoperative data on 2168 Danish patients from Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, and 2236 patients from Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA, who underwent RP between 1995 and 2013. Patients were stratified according to Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment-Postsurgical (CAPRA-S) risk groups and D'Amico risk classification and were clustered into 4 time periods (1995-1999, 2000-2004, 2005-2009, and 2010-2013). Temporal trends in the proportions of patients of a given variable at the 2 institutions were evaluated with Cochran-Armitage test for trends and chi-square testing.

RESULTS

A total of 4404 patients were included. Temporal changes in preoperative PSA, age, grade, and stage was found in both cohorts. Median preoperative PSA declined in both cohorts, while median age increased, with the Danish cohort showing the greatest changes in both PSA and age. In both cohorts, there was a trend for higher-risk preoperative features before RP over time. In 2010-2013, 27.7% and 21.8% of the patients were in the D'Amico high-risk group at Copenhagen and Stanford, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite recommendation against PSA screening in Denmark, Danish men undergoing RP at Rigshospitalet to a considerable extent now resemble American men undergoing RP at Stanford. At both sites, there is continued trend to reduce the number of men undergoing RP for low-risk prostate cancer.

Long-Term Antitumor Activity and Safety of Enzalutamide Monotherapy in Hormone Naïve Prostate Cancer: 3-Year Open Label Followup Results

PURPOSE

A phase 2 study of enzalutamide monotherapy in patients with hormone naïve prostate cancer demonstrated high prostate specific antigen response rates at 25 weeks, 1 year and 2 years with minimal effects on total body bone mineral density and favorable safety. In this followup analysis we evaluated enzalutamide antitumor activity and safety at 3 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a single arm analysis 67 patients with hormone naïve prostate cancer and noncastrate testosterone (230 ng/dl or greater) received enzalutamide 160 mg per day orally until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was the prostate specific antigen response (80% or greater decline from baseline).

RESULTS

No patients discontinued treatment during year 3. Of 42 patients with prostate specific antigen assessments at 3 years 38 (90.5%, 95% CI 77.4-97.3) maintained a prostate specific antigen response. Of 26 patients with metastases at baseline 17 (65.4%) had a complete or partial response as the best overall response during 3 years. In patients who completed the 3-year visit minimal mean changes from baseline were observed in total body bone mineral density or bone mineral density of the femoral neck, trochanter, spine L1-L4 or forearm (range -2.7% to -0.1%). At 3 years total body fat had increased a mean of 16.5%, total lean body mass had decreased a mean of -6.5% and global health status had minimally decreased from baseline. Common adverse events were gynecomastia, fatigue, hot flush and nipple pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Enzalutamide antitumor activity was maintained in patients with hormone naïve prostate cancer at 3 years. Overall bone mineral density, global health status and safety results were similar to those at 2 years.

Cytoreductive prostatectomy in metastatic prostate cancer: a systematic review

The impact of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy on oncological outcome in patients with prostate cancer and limited number of bone metastases is unclear. Data from cancer registries, multi-institutional databases and a single institutional case-control study indicate a possible benefit of combined cytoreduction and hormonal therapy compared to hormonal therapy alone. However, the results may be biased by a number of factors. The evidence from studies on cytoreductive prostatectomy is reviewed.

Diagnostic characteristics of lethal prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic characteristics of men who eventually die from prostate cancer (PCa) and the extent to which early diagnostic strategies have affected these characteristics are unclear. We aimed to investigate trends in survival and clinical presentation at diagnosis in men who eventually died from PCa.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Based on the national database, the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry, a nationwide population-based study of all 19,487 men who died from PCa in Denmark between 1995 and 2013 was conducted. Trends in median survival and trends in age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), clinical stage, and Gleason score (GS) at diagnosis were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 46.9%, 16.8%, and 36.3% had metastatic (M+), locally advanced/lymph node positive (LaN+), and localised disease, respectively, at diagnosis. Only 0.15% had localised disease, GS ≤ 6 and PSA<10. Over time, the proportion of men with M+ disease at diagnosis decreased from 54.0-38.3% (p < 0.0001), whereas the proportion LaN + disease increased from 8.6-27.3% (p < 0.0001). The proportion of localised disease remained stable at 33.2-41.9%. Median survival increased 2.11 years from 1.88 (95% CI: 1.68-2.08) in 1995 to 3.99 (95% CI: 3.71-4.28) years in 2013, p < 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population-based study, the results confirmed concurrent literature that the majority of men who eventually died from PCa had LaN+ or M+ disease at diagnosis. The proportion of men with M+ disease at diagnosis decreased significantly over time, parallelled by an increase in median survival. Taken together, this indicates a lead-time effect on survival, which presently, however, is not substantial enough to result in a reduced PCa-specific mortality.

Does Cytoreductive Prostatectomy Really Have an Impact on Prognosis in Prostate Cancer Patients with Low-volume Bone Metastasis? Results from a Prospective Case-Control Study

The impact of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy (CRP) on oncological outcomes in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and distant metastases has been demonstrated by retrospective data with their potential selection bias. Using prospective institutional data, we compared the outcomes between 43 PCa patients with low-volume bone metastases (1-3 lesions) undergoing CRP (median follow-up 32.7 mo) and 40 patients receiving best systemic therapy (BST; median follow-up 82.2 mo). The inclusion criteria for both cohorts were identical. So far, no significant difference in castration resistant-free survival (p=0.92) or overall survival (p=0.25) has been detected. Compared to recent reports, the outcomes for our control group are more favorable, indicating a potential selection bias in the previous retrospective studies. Therefore, the unclear oncological effect has to be weighed against the potential risks of CRP. However, patients benefit from a significant reduction in locoregional complications (7.0% vs 35%; p<0.01) when undergoing CRP.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study we analyzed the impact of surgery in patients with prostate cancer and bone metastases. Using prospective data, we could not show a significant benefit of surgery on survival, but the rate of locoregional complications was lower. Therefore, patients should be treated within prospective trials evaluating the role of cytoreductive prostatectomy in low-volume, bone metastatic prostate cancer.

Radiographic progression with nonrising PSA in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: post hoc analysis of PREVAIL

BACKGROUND

Advanced prostate cancer is a phenotypically diverse disease that evolves through multiple clinical courses. PSA level is the most widely used parameter for disease monitoring, but it has well-recognized limitations. Unlike in clinical trials, in practice, clinicians may rely on PSA monitoring alone to determine disease status on therapy. This approach has not been adequately tested.

METHODS

Chemotherapy-naive asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic men (n=872) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who were treated with the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide in the PREVAIL study were analyzed post hoc for rising versus nonrising PSA (empirically defined as >1.05 vs ⩽1.05 times the PSA level from 3 months earlier) at the time of radiographic progression. Clinical characteristics and disease outcomes were compared between the rising and nonrising PSA groups.

RESULTS

Of 265 PREVAIL patients with radiographic progression and evaluable PSA levels on the enzalutamide arm, nearly one-quarter had a nonrising PSA. Median progression-free survival in this cohort was 8.3 months versus 11.1 months in the rising PSA cohort (hazard ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.26-2.23); overall survival was similar between the two groups, although less than half of patients in either group were still at risk at 24 months. Baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-rising PSA at radiographic progression is a common phenomenon in mCRPC patients treated with enzalutamide. As restaging in advanced prostate cancer patients is often guided by increases in PSA levels, our results demonstrate that disease progression on enzalutamide can occur without rising PSA levels. Therefore, a disease monitoring strategy that includes imaging not entirely reliant on serial serum PSA measurement may more accurately identify disease progression.

Socioeconomic position and mortality among patients with prostate cancer: influence of mediating factors

INTRODUCTION

Men with low socioeconomic position experience higher mortality after a prostate cancer diagnosis compared to men with a higher socioeconomic position, however, the specific mediators of this association are unclear. We therefore evaluated the influence of potential mediators on the association between socioeconomic position, and prostate cancer-specific and all-cause death in prostate cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cohort study of prostate cancer patients in the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study. All patients completed questionnaires and anthropometric measurements at enrollment. Information on educational level, income, comorbidity and vital status was obtained by linkage to Danish nationwide registries. Clinical data and anthropometric measures were collected from medical records at diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compute hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause and prostate cancer-specific death according to socioeconomic position and potential mediators.

RESULTS

We included 953 prostate cancer patients identified among 27 179 male participants in the Diet, Cancer and Health study who were followed for a median of 6.5 years (interquartile range 6.4-11.2 years). Patients with low socioeconomic position were more often overweight or obese at baseline. Low socioeconomic position was associated with increased prostate cancer-specific and all-cause death. The increased mortality could largely be explained by tumor aggressiveness, comorbidity, treatment and metabolic indicators, except for patients in the lowest income group.

DISCUSSION

Our study confirmed the a priori assumption that socioeconomic position is associated with increased mortality after prostate cancer. The increased mortality could largely be explained by lifestyle and clinical parameters.

Survival trends in patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer: A nationwide analysis

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Background: The risk of prostate cancer (PCa)-death in men diagnosed with metastatic (M+) PCa is high. During the past decade, new life-prolonging therapies have been approved for the treatment of advanced PCa. Even though demonstrated in randomized clinical trials, the impact of these advancements on mortality of men with newly diagnosed M+ PCa has not been described in a nation-wide setting. Methods: In the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry (DaPCaR), all men diagnosed with M+ PCa in Denmark from 1995 to 2011 were identified. Patients were grouped according to the year of diagnosis; 1995-2000, 2001-2005 and 2006-2011. In a competing risk setting, the 5-year cumulative incidences of PCa, other-cause, and overall death were calculated. Multivariate cause-specific Cox analysis was performed. Results: A total of 1,892 (1995-2000), 2,329 (2001-2005), and 2,653 (2006-2011) men were included (total: 6,874). Patient characteristics at diagnosis showed essential differences as median age and median PSA decreased by 1.0 year (74.1 to 73.1) and 134 ng/mL (276 to 142), respectively, in the period studied. The 5-year PCa-specific mortality decreased by 17.0% from 72.8% (1995-2000) (95%CI: 70.8% – 74.8%) to 55.8% (2006-2011) (95%CI: 53.9% – 57.7%), p < 0.0001. The 5-year other-cause mortality increased by 5.7% from 11.4% (95%CI: 9.9% – 12.8%) to 17.1% (95%CI: 15.6 – 18.6), p < 0.0001. The risk of PCa-death decreased for patients diagnosed in 2000-2005; HR: 0.69 (95%CI 0.61-0.79) and for patients diagnosed in 2006-2011; HR: 0.53 (95%CI 0.47-0.61) compared to patients diagnosed in 1995-2000, when adjusting for age, PSA, and Gleason score (GS) in the statistical analysis. Conclusions: A significant reduction in 5-year PCa-specific mortality was observed in a nationwide cohort of patients diagnosed with M+ PCa since 1995. Changes in age and PSA at diagnosis suggest that lead-time introduced by increased PSA use may have affected the results. However, in multivariate analysis, a significant reduction in hazard of almost 50% was observed when adjusting for age, PSA, and GS. Only minor changes in other cause mortality were found, which suggests that the improvement to a large extend can be credited to improved management of men with advanced PCa.

Nationwide analysis: Changes in the natural history of low risk localized prostate cancer

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Background: Increased use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has introduced an increase in PCa incidence and a lead time and stage migration at diagnosis, altering the natural history of PCa. Contemporary PCa patients are likely younger and have smaller tumor burden at diagnosis. We investigated if changes in the PCa landscape have altered the course of low-risk localized PCa. Methods: In the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry (DaPCaR), patients diagnosed from 1995 to 2011 with localized (T1-2, N0/X, M0) PCa with Gleason score ≤ 6 were identified. Patients were stratified into three periods of diagnosis; 1995-2000 (period 1), 2001-2005 (period 2) and 2006-2011 (period 3). Competing risk analysis treating PCa and other-cause death as competing events was performed. Results: Of the 5,660 patients identified, 35.9% had undergone radical prostatectomy (RP). From period 1 to period 3, the median age at diagnosis decreased from 72.2 to 66.0 years and the median PSA decreased from 16.2 to 8.6 ng/mL. From period 1 to period 3, the 5-year risk of PCa-death decreased from 14.3% (95% CI: 12.1-16.4%) to 1.3% (95% CI: 0.83-1.7%), p < .0.0001 and the risk of other cause death decreased from 18.1% (95% CI: 15.8-20.5%) to 7.2% (95% CI: 6.2-8.2), p = 0.0001. In patients undergoing RP, the 5-year risk of PCa-death decreased from 0.67% (95% CI: 0.67-2.0%) for patients diagnosed in period 1 to 0.45% (95% CI: 0.0055-0.84), for patients diagnosed in period 3, p = 0.92. For patients not undergoing RP, the 5-year risk of PCa death decreased from 16.6% (95% CI: 14.1-19.1) to 2.0% (95% CI: 1.2-2.7%), p < 0.0001. Conclusions: In a nationwide cohort of patients with low risk localized PCa, the 5-year risk of PCa-death significantly decreased when comparing patients diagnosed during 2006-2011 to those diagnosed during 1995-2000. This was mainly driven by patients not undergoing RP. In the most recently diagnosed group, the difference in 5-year PCa-death between patients undergoing RP and not undergoing RP was small (0.45% vs. 2.0%). Our data demonstrate that the impact of PSA induced lead-time and stage migration has diminished the absolute effect of RP on the risk of 5-year PCa-death because contemporary low-risk localized patients have a significantly better prognosis.

Long-term efficacy and safety of enzalutamide (ENZ) monotherapy in hormone-naïve prostate cancer (HNPC): 3-year, open-label, follow-up results

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Background: A phase 2 study of the androgen receptor inhibitor ENZ as monotherapy in patients with HNPC [NCT01302041] showed a high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate, regardless of baseline metastases, and favorable tolerability. In a 1- and 2-year follow-up, ENZ maintained long-term reductions from baseline in PSA, with minimal impact on total-body bone mineral density (BMD). Herein, results from a pre-specified 3-year follow-up are reported. Methods: A total of67 patients with HNPC and non-castrate testosterone ( ≥ 230 ng/dL) received ENZ 160 mg/day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point of PSA response ( ≥ 80% decline from baseline) was analyzed at week 25 and 1, 2, and 3 years. Other end points were best overall tumor response, BMD, body composition, quality of life, and safety. Results: At the 3-year visit, 42 (62.7%) patients remained on the study medication. Of those, 38 (90.5%; 95% confidence interval 77.4%, 97.3%) maintained a PSA response. Of the 26 patients with metastases at baseline, 17 (65.4%) had a complete or partial response as best overall response at 3 years. In patients who completed the 3-year visit, minimal changes from baseline were observed in total-body BMD or in BMD of the femoral neck, trochanter, spine L1–L4, or forearm (median and mean changes ranged from –3.6% to 1.3% and –2.7% to –0.1%, respectively). The EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status results showed a small decrease at 3 years versus baseline (–3.96 points), consistent with the 2-year results. At 3 years, measurements for total body fat increased (median, 14.7%; mean, 16.5%) and total body lean decreased (median, –6.3%; mean, –6.5%) from baseline. Physical functioning, fatigue, and dyspnea worsened ( > 10 points) at 3 years, similar to results at 2 years. The most frequently reported adverse events ( > 10%) were gynecomastia, fatigue, hot flush, nipple pain, hypertension, diarrhea, nausea, pain in extremity, back pain, and constipation. Conclusions: In patients with HNPC treated with ENZ for 3 years, the efficacy of ENZ as monotherapy was maintained. Overall, BMD, global health status, and safety results were similar to those at 2 years. Clinical trial information: NCT01302041.

Diagnostic characteristics of men harboring lethal prostate cancer: A population-based analysis

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Background: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) based screening increases the number of men diagnosed with early localized prostate cancer (PCa). Further, curatively intended therapies have been demonstrated to reduce PCa mortality in randomized trials. However, controversy exists, and the overall impact on PCa mortality is less clear. Men who eventually die from PCa may constitute a subgroup with either adverse histopathological characteristics and/or clinically advanced disease at diagnosis. However, the clinical characteristics at diagnosis for men who eventually die from PCa are largely unknown. We retrieved clinical characteristics of all men dying from PCa in Denmark in an 18-year period. Methods: All men who died of PCa during the period 1995 to 2013 were identified in the Danish Causes of Death Registry. Age, Gleason score (GS), tumor stage classification, and PSA were retrieved from the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry (DaPCaR). For validation, manual revision of patient charts was performed. Patients were divided into three clinical phenotypes: distant metastatic disease, locally advanced/N+ disease, and localized disease. Patients with localized disease were further grouped according to GS and PSA. Results: A total of 19,487 men died of PCa in the period 1995-2013. In total, 46.7%, 16.8% and 25.1% of men presented with distant metastatic disease, locally advanced/N+ disease or localized disease, respectively. Among men with localized disease, 85.1% had GS ≥ 7 and only 2.1% (0.5% of all men dying from PCa) only, presented with low risk (PSA < 20 and GS ≤ 6) localized disease at the time of diagnosis. Conclusions: The majority of men (63.5%) who died from PCa had either locally advanced/N+ or M+ disease at diagnosis. Among men with localized PCa at diagnosis, the majority of men subsequently dying from PCa had either PSA > 20 ng/ml and/or adverse histopathological characteristics with Gleason score ≥ 7. A total of 94.5% of patients dying from PCa had either metastatic, locally advanced/N+, and/or GS ≥ 7 disease. Patients with localized disease, PSA < 20 ng/ml and GS ≤ 6 amounted for only 0.5% of all patients dying from PCa.