Pathologic Outcome of Unilateral Low Risk Prostate Cancers on Multicore Prostate Biopsy after Radical Prostatectomy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate clinicopathologic characteristics of unilateral, low risk prostate cancers detected via multi(>or=12)-core prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred four patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy(RRP) for unilateral, low risk prostate cancer (clinical stage or=12)-core prostate biopsy were enrolled. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the patients' preoperative and pathologic data to assess potential predictors of pT2c or greater disease at the time of RRP, as well as characteristics of such disease. RESULTS: Of the 104 subjects, only 34(32.7%) were pathologically-proven to have unilateral disease, while the others showed pathologically-bilateral or worse disease from analysis of the RRP specimens. Subjects pathologically found to have uni- and bi-lateral disease showed no significant differences regarding age, prostate-specific antigen(PSA), free-to-total PSA ratio, prostate volume, clinical stage, number of positive cores, biopsy Gleason score, number of total biopsy sites, and highest percentage of tumor at any biopsy site. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed no significant preoperative predictors of pT2c or greater disease at RRP. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with unilateral, low risk prostate cancer detected on multi(>or=12)-core prostate biopsy actually had pathologically- worse disease. For clinically-localized prostate cancer, a more accurate method to identify appropriate candidates for unilateral or focal ablative therapy should be developed.

In vivo Hollow Fiber Assay for Anticancer Drugs' Responsiveness in a Bladder Cancer Model / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The National Cancer Institute(NCI)'s Hollow Fiber Assay(HFA) is currently used as an in vivo screening model to quantitatively define anticancer activity. To investigate the use of HFA in a bladder cancer model, we conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments with several anticancer drugs in nude mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The human bladder cancer cell lines(CRL2742, 253JP, SW1710, HTB9) were cultured both in vitro and in vivo in polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF) hollow fibers. The fibers were implanted intraperitoneally(ip) and subcutaneously(sc) into female athymic nude mice(C57BL/6), and the mice were then treated with gemcitabine 120 mg/kg(bolus), cisplatin(3mg/kg), paclitaxel(15mg/kg) or vehicle only (control) for 4-consecutive days. After 6 days, the fibers were retrieved and the viable cell density was analyzed by MTT assay. RESULTS: The difference between in vitro and in vivo growth was not significant for the CRL2742, 253J-P and SW1710 cell lines; the difference between the ip and sc fibers was also not significant in the CRL2742, SW1710 and HTB9 cell lines. After drug treatment, the percent of growth inhibition revealed constant and effective anticancer activities for the 3 individual drugs. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the possibility of measuring and quantifying the anticancer effect with using in vivo hollow fiber assay in a bladder cancer model.

Prognostic Significance of Multifocal Tumor in Radical Prostatectomy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: We investigate the impact of tumor multifocality on the biochemical recurrence rate after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected from 525 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer from 2003 to 2007. We evaluated the potential associations of multifocality with various clinical and pathologic factors. The ability to predict extra-capsular extension(ECE) was tested by logistic regression models, whereas biochemical recurrence(BCR) was assessed via Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox-hazard regression models. The BCR was defined as a level of serum prostate-specific antigen(PSA) of 0.2ng/ml or greater on consecutive evaluations. RESULTS: Multifocality was observed to be significantly associated with the presence of a high grade Gleason pattern(p=0.014), the pT stage(p< 0.001), ECE(p=0.005) and a positive surgical margin(PSM)(p=0.019). Moreover, it was the independent predictor of ECE on multivariate logistic regression analyses(p=0.039). However, although multifocality had a significant influence on biochemical recurrence on the Kaplan-Meier analyses (log rank test, p=0.019), only the PSA level and the Gleason score were significant predictors of BCR on the multivariated Cox-hazard analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Although multifocality was associated with adverse pathologic features, it had no significant effect on biochemical recurrence on the multivariated cox-hazard analyses.

Prognostic Significance of the Tumor Volume and Tumor Percentage for Localized Prostate Cancer / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Tumor volume has been thought to be an important predictive factor for significant prostate cancer. We assessed the impact of the tumor volume(TV) and the tumor percentage(TP) of radical prostatectomy specimens on the pathological variables and the oncological outcome. MARERIALS AND METHODS: The tumor percentage and tumor volume were calculated for 525 cases by a single pathologist who determined the volume based on the surface area of the slides involved by tumor of the prostate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to characterize the association of TP categories(20%) and TV(7.5cc) with the clinicopathological variables. Biochemical recurrence(BCR) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox's hazard regression model. RESULTS: The mean prostate cancer volume was 6.5+/-8.5cc(median: 3.8, range: 0.04-73.8) and the mean percent tumor composition was 0.17+/-0.19 (median: 0.1, range: 0.01-0.95). A higher tumor volume and a higher tumor percentage were associated with extra-capsular extension(ECE), a positive surgical margin(PSM), a higher pT stage and a higher prostate-specific antigen(PSA) Gleason score(all p<0.05). In addition, TP was the independent predictor of ECE(adjusted odds ratio(OR): 22.66, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.801-285.079, p=0.016), but the tumor volume was not associated with ECE on the multivariate logistic analyses. On the Kaplan-Meier analysis, but not on the Cox-hazard analyses, the TP did demonstrate a significant association with biochemical recurrence(p=0.035), yet the TV did not reach statistical significance(p=0.190). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicates that the tumor percentage had a significant effect on the BCR on the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The tumor percentage rather than the tumor volume might be more useful to predict the prognosis of prostate cancer.

The Relationship of Prostate Volume and the Grade of Prostate Cancer / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: A prostate cancer prevention trial has demonstrated a higher incidence of high-grade prostate cancers(HGPC, Gleason pattern 4 or greater) among men randomized to receive treatment with finasteride. One of the hypotheses was finasteride causes a detection bias with regards to HGPC by reducing the prostate volume. We investigated the relationship between prostate volume and HGPC in prostate biopsy specimens and prostatectomy specimens(RP) from the same patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 173 consecutive patients that underwent a radical prostatectomy. We identified risk factors for HGPC on 12 core needle biopsies and then on RP specimens using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. In transrectal ultrasound(TRUS) volume quartiles, the relationship of HGPC and prostate volume was analyzed between the lowest and the highest quartile. RESULTS: By multivariate analysis, risk factors of HGPC were age and prostate-specific antigen(PSA), but TRUS volume was not associated with HGPC in both biopsy and RP specimens. In TRUS volume quartiles, the relationship of HGPC and prostate volume was not significant. In addition, in a comparison of the lowest and the highest quartile, the relationship of HGPC and prostate volume was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate volume may not be significantly associated with the grade of prostate cancers diagnosed at 12 core(or more) needle biopsies and at a radical prostatectomy.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes of Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (ELRP) versus Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy (RRP): Single Surgeon's Initial Experience / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Since its introduction into clinical practice, a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) has been performed at a growing number of centers. LRP can be performed by either a transperitoneal or extraperitoneal approach. The perioperative morbidities were evaluated in two groups of patients; retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) or extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (ELRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2003 and March 2006, 45 patients were treated with a RRP, and between September 2005 and May 2006, 30 patients underwent an ELRP. The same surgeon performed both types of operation. The perioperative data, including operative time, transfusion rates, hospitalization length and duration of catheterization were analyzed. The pathological parameters, including Gleason score, pathological stage and positive surgical margin rates were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the preoperative characteristics between the two groups, with the exception of the mean age. The average operative time was significantly shorter in the RRP group (p0.05). After gaining experience of 15 cases, the ELRP group showed significantly shorter catheterization time (p<0.005) and hospital stay (p=0.098). The pathological parameters of the two groups were comparable. RRP group were more likely to larger amount of postoperative analgesia (p=0.072). CONCLISIONS: The ELRP procedure showed comparable perioperative results to those of a RRP, with the exception of operative time. After our initial experience, the ELRP showed favorable outcomes with regard to catheterization time and hospital stay. Considering our results, ELRP can be recommended as one of the primary options for managing localized prostate cancer.

Comparative Analysis of the Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with Prostate Cancer with a Pathological Gleason Score 3+4 versus Gleason Score 4+3 / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Gleason score(GS) 7 tumors contain patterns 3 and 4 in various proportions. The clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with GS 3+4 and GS 4+3 found during a radical prostatectomy(RP) were retrospectively evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 124 cases of GS 7 prostate cancer were identified between April 2004 and February 2006. None of these patients had received either preoperative hormonal therapy, including 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, or radiation therapy. After classifying patients with GS 7 tumors into those with GS 4+3 and GS 3+4 tumors, the two groups were compared according to various clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: In total, 84(67.7%) and 40(32.3%) of patients had final GS of 3+4 and 4+3, respectively. A final GS of 4+3 was associated with a higher pre-biopsy level of prostate-specific antigen(p<0.001) and a higher biopsy Gleason sum(p<0.001). Also, a higher pathological T stage(p=0.005), tertiary Gleason pattern 5(p<0.001), seminal vesicle invasion(p=0.008), bladder neck invasion(p=0.002), angiolymphatic invasion(p=0.008), perineural invasion(p=0.045), positive surgical margins(p=0.038) and larger tumor volumes(p<0.001) were associated with GS of 4+3. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that the statistically significant differences exist between GS 3+4 and 4+3 prostate cancers. Thus, GS 7 prostate cancers may be considered heterogeneous in their biological behaviors, and GS 7 prostate cancers with a GS of 4+3 may be considered more aggressive tumors compared to those with a GS of 3+4.

Efficacy of Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy as the Primary Treatment for Patients with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer and a Serum PSA Level >or=20ng/ml / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological characteristics ofpatients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy(RRP), and these patients had clinically localized prostate cancer and a preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen(PSA) level >or=20ng/ml. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the 266 patients who underwent RRP without any prior neoadjuvant therapy between March 2004 and March 2006, 29 patients had clinically localized prostate cancer and a preoperative serum PSA level >or=20ng/ml. We analyzed several clinicopathologic factors that might predict organ-confined disease. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients, 11(37.9%) had organ-confined cancer. The level of serum PSA, the PSA density(PSAD), the Gleason score(3+4 or less), the prostate volume, tumor volume and the tumor percentage were significant factors for predicting organ-confined cancer(por=20ng/ml, radical prostatectomy can be considered as the primary treatment for some cases that have a relatively lower PSA and PSAD, a biopsy Gleason score of 3+4 or less and low predictive volume of the tumor from the biopsy results.

The Characteristics of Prostate Cancer with Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Men / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome, a concurrence of disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism, overweight, abdominal fat distribution, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, has been reported to have some association with prostate cancer. Here, we assessed the relationship between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed a total of 261 men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between January 2004 and May 2005. The patients were stratified into two groups, with metabolic syndrome (n=75) or without (n=186). Metabolic syndrome was defined by the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. We compared the clinical and pathologic features of specimens between the groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean age, serum prostate specific antigen level, prostate size, Gleason score, and pathologic stage. The tumor volume of prostate cancer was significantly higher in the metabolic syndrome group (6.6+/-5.5cc vs 5.0+/-4.5cc, p=0.010). No significant differences were observed in extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, bladder neck invasion, angiolymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, and multicentricity of cancer between the two groups. As the component of metabolic syndrome increased, the tumor volume was also found to increase (p-value=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The data from our study support that metabolic syndrome is closely associated with the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Efficacy of Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy in Patients with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer and a Biopsy Gleason Score of 8 or Higher / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: We retrospectively reviewed clinicopathological characteristics in patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) with clinically localized prostate cancer and a biopsy Gleason score of 8 or higher. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 266 patients who underwent RRP without prior any neoadjuvant therapy between March 2004 and March 2006, 29 patients had clinically localized prostate cancer and a biopsy Gleason score of 8 or higher. We analyzed several clinicopathologic factors that predict organ-confined disease, and also investigated the impact on postoperative changes of the biopsy Gleason score. RESULTS: Of 29 patients, 12 (41.4%) had organ-confined cancer. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), tumor volume, and tumor percentage were significant factors for predicting organ-confined cancer (p<0.05). The number of the positive core, percentage of the positive core, sum of the tumor length of the positive core, tumor percentage of total core length, and tumor percentage of the positive core lngth were also significantly higher in the group with an extraprostatic extension compared to the organ-confined cancer group (p<0.05). Of 29 patients, 14 (48.3%) were downgraded to a Gleason score of 7 or less and had a higher chance (64.3%; p=0.016) of experiencing organ- confined disease than those that remained at Gleason scores of 8-10. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with clinical localized prostate cancer and a biopsy Gleason score of 8 or higher, radical prostatectomy can be considered for primary treatment in some cases with low PSA and PSAD and low predictive volume of the tumor from biopsy results.

The Natural History of Simple Renal Cysts in Adults / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Simple renal cysts are common in older patients and they are usually left untreated, yet only a few studies have been done on the natural history of simple renal cysts. We investigated the sequential changes in their size and number in 103 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1993 to August 2003, we followed 103 patients who were suffering with simple renal cysts. Their mean age was 55.8+/-18.72 years old (M:F=58:51). Using Abdominal USG and CT, the annual changes in renal cysts were analyzed through the follow-up period, and the mean follow-up period was 52.3+/-17.58 months. The values of the parameters were compared with using a 2-tailed Student's t-test, multivariate logistic regression analysis and the chi-square test. RESULTS: At the time of diagnosis, the mean number and size of simple renal cyst were 1.5+/-1.31 cysts per each kidney and 25.3+/-12.42mm, respectively. On the consecutive imaging study, the size of the renal cysts was increased 4.4+/-1.54mm per year. The average size increase was significantly greater in the individuals younger than 50 versus the patients 50 years or older (5.7+/-2.14mm/year vs 3.7+/-1.45mm/year, respectively). The multiple cysts showed a significantly larger size increase than did the single cysts (8.1+/-3.27mm/year vs 3.6+/-1.64mm/year, respectively). The size increase of the bilateral renal cysts was significantly larger than that of the unilateral renal cysts (5.6+/-1.48mm/year vs 4.1+/-1.02mm/year, respectively). No significant difference was observed for the average size increase with regard to gender or the initial cyst size. Only the number of cysts was a significant predictor of aggressiveness on the multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The simple renal cysts progress in size and they appear to grow with aging. They seem to grow more rapidly in patients with a younger age, and for multiple and bilateral renal cysts.