Practice Patterns of Korean Urologists Regarding Positive Surgical Margins after Radical Prostatectomy: a Survey and Narrative Review

Background@#There is no clear consensus on the optimal treatment with curative intent for patients with positive surgical margins (PSMs) following radical prostatectomy (RP). The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions and treatment patterns of Korean urologists regarding the resection margin after RP. @*Methods@#A preliminary questionnaire was prepared by analyzing various studies on resection margins after RP. Eight experienced urologists finalized the 10-item questionnaire.In July 2019, the final questionnaire was delivered via e-mail to 105 urologists in Korea who specialize in urinary cancers. @*Results@#We received replies from 91 of the 105 urologists (86.7%) in our sample population.Among them, 41 respondents (45.1%) had performed more than 300 RPs and 22 (24.2%) had completed 500 or more RPs. In the question about whether they usually performed an additional biopsy beyond the main specimen, to get information about surgical margin invasion during surgery, the main opinion was that if no residual cancer was suspected, it was not performed (74.7%). For PSMs, the Gleason score of the positive site (49.5%) was judged to be a more important prognostic factor than the margin location (18.7%), multifocality (14.3%), or margin length (17.6%). In cases with PSMs after surgery, the prevailing opinion on follow-up was to measure and monitor prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels rather than to begin immediate treatment (68.1%). Many respondents said that they considered postoperative radiologic examinations when PSA was elevated (72.2%), rather than regularly (24.4%). When patients had PSMs without extracapsular extension (pT2R1) or a negative surgical margin with extracapsular extension (pT3aR0), the response ‘does not make a difference in treatment policy’ prevailed at 65.9%. Even in patients at high risk of PSMs on preoperative radiologic screening, 84.6% of the respondents said that they did not perform neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy. Most respondents (75.8%) indicated that they avoided nerve-sparing RP in cases with a high risk of PSMs, but 25.7% said that they had tried nerve-sparing surgery. Additional analyses showed that urologists who had performed 300 or more prostatectomies tended to attempt more nerve-sparing procedures in patients with a high risk of PSMs than less experienced surgeons (36.6% vs. 14.0%; P = 0.012). @*Conclusion@#The most common response was to monitor PSA levels without recommending any additional treatment when PSMs were found after RP. Through this questionnaire, we found that the perceptions and treatment patterns of Korean urologists differed considerably according to RP resection margin status. Refined research and standard practice guidelines are needed.

Estramustine Phosphate Monotherapy in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Who Cannot Receive Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

Purpose@#To investigate whether estramustine phosphate (EMP) monotherapy is applicable to castration-resistantprostate cancer (CRPC) patients who cannot receive cytotoxic chemotherapy. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective single-arm study was conducted in CRPC patients who had notexperienced cytotoxic chemotherapy and received EMP monotherapy (560 mg/day) at 2 institutions from 2008to 2017. We analyzed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) responses, overall survival, and adverse effects of EMPtreatment. @*Results@#A total of 28 patients were analyzed. A reduction in serum PSA was observed in 11 patients (39.3%).Seven cases (25.9%) achieved more than 25% reduction of PSA, and 5 of them (18.5%) experienced more than50% reduction. Median overall survival was 23 months (interquartile range, 10–60 months). Multivariable analysesdemonstrated that low level of PSA at diagnosis of CRPC and long duration of prior androgen deprivation therapywere independent favorable factors predicting long-term overall survival. Adverse effects were edema (n=2; grade2), nausea/vomiting (n=1; grade 2), gynecomastia (n=1; grade 2), and dyspnea (n=1; grade 1). Neither thromboembolicevent nor grade 3–5 toxicity was observed. There was no discontinuation caused by side effects ofEMP. @*Conclusions@#EMP monotherapy could be considered as a safe treatment option with some effectiveness for CRPCpatients who did not undergo cytotoxic chemotherapy. EMP is not generally recommended anticancer drug in thecurrent guidelines for CRPC, but EMP monotherapy is thought to have an alternative role when a standard treatmentcannot be selected due to patient's age, health condition, or comorbidity.

Does the Time Interval from Biopsy to Radical Prostatectomy Affect the Postoperative Oncologic Outcomes in Korean Men?

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common type of cancer in men worldwide and the fifth most common cancer among Korean men. Although most PCs grow slowly, it is unclear whether a longer time interval from diagnosis to treatment causes worse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether the time interval from diagnosis to radical prostatectomy (RP) in men with clinically localized PC affects postoperative oncologic outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 427 men who underwent RP for localized PC between January 2005 and June 2016. The patients were divided into two groups based on the cutoff median time interval (100 days) from biopsy to surgery. The associations between time interval from biopsy to surgery (< 100 vs. ≥ 100 days) and adverse pathologic outcomes such as positive surgical margin, pathologic upgrading, and upstaging were evaluated. Biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival rates were analyzed and compared based on the time interval from biopsy to surgery. RESULTS: Pathologic upgrading of Gleason score in surgical specimens was more frequent in the longer time interval group and showed marginal significance (38.8% vs. 30.0%; P = 0.057). Based on multivariable analysis, an association was observed between time interval from biopsy to surgery and pathologic upgrading (odds ratio, 2.211; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.342–3.645; P = 0.002). BCR-free survival did not differ based on time interval from biopsy to surgery, and significant association was not observed between time interval from biopsy to surgery and BCR on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 1.285; 95% CI, 0.795–2.077; P = 0.305). CONCLUSION: Time interval ≥ 100 days from biopsy to RP in clinically localized PC increased the risk of pathologic upgrading but did not affect long-term BCR-free survival rates in Korean men.

Long-Lasting Antiandrogen Withdrawal Syndrome in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Three Cases With Complete Response

This is a case report of 3 patients who had a dramatic and long-term complete response after antiandrogen withdrawal. All 3 patients were diagnosed with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer with a high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. For all patients, we started combined androgen blockade as androgen deprivation therapy and the PSA concentration decreased to <0.1 ng/mL, but then started to increase. After discontinuation of antiandrogen the PSA concentration decreased again and has remained below the limit of sensitivity for more than 1 year in all 3 patients.

Radical Prostatectomy in Korean Men Aged 75-Years or Older: Safety and Efficacy in Comparison with Patients Aged 65-69 Years

Prostate cancer is the most common type of male cancer worldwide. Although radical prostatectomy (RP) is advised for prostate cancer in patients with a life expectancy of more than 10 years by various guidelines, most elderly men still do not undergo the procedure regardless of increasing life expectancy. This study aimed to determine whether RP is suitable for patients with prostate cancer aged 75 years or older. A retrospective study of patients who underwent RP at 6 institutions between 2005 and 2012 was conducted. Patients were divided into 2 groups at the time of surgery: 65-69 years (younger group) and 75 years or older (older group). We compared clinical characteristics, pathological results, complication rates, and recurrence-free survival between the two groups. Compared with the younger group, the older group had significantly higher preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level, pre- and postoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status grade, hypertension prevalence, and Gleason score at biopsy and RP. However, except urinary incontinence, there were no statistically significant differences in the peri- and post-operative complications. After median follow-up periods of 36 months (younger group) and 40 months (older group), the biochemical recurrence-free survival rates were not significantly different (P = 0.581). Although the urinary incontinence rate was higher in the older group, RP was a suitable option for selected Korean men aged 75 years or older with limited complication rates and excellent outcomes similar to those for patients aged 65-69 years.

Climacturia (Orgasm-associated Incontinence) Following Radical Prostatectomy

PURPOSE: Climacturia is involuntary loss of urine during orgasm. The mechanism of climacturia in men who undergo radical prostatectomy (RP) is not fully understood, while deficiency in bladder neck coaptation during orgasm may be the cause. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of climacturia after RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of prostate cancer patients who underwent RP from 2002 to 2013 and was able to have a vaginal intercourse postoperatively. RP was conducted using open or robot-assisted approach. We analysed the symptoms of climacturia, relationship between climacturia and several clinical factors. Also, we tried to find factors to predict the presence of climacturia. RESULTS: Total of 123 patients were analyzed in this study. The median age of the men was 65 year and postoperative follow-up period for the interview was 37 months. Of the total 123 patients, 29 (23.6%) complained of the climacturia. In climacturia group, robot-assisted RP (p=0.018), nerve-sparing (p=0.046) and penile rehabilitation (p=0.012) were significantly less frequent, and more pad were comsumed (p=0.001) compared to non-climacturia group. On multivariable analysis, post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) (OR 6.49, p=0.004) and penile rehabilitation (OR 0.22, p=0.036) were significant factors to predict the presence of climacturia. CONCLUSIONS: Climacturia occurs in more than 20% patients who were potent enough after RP in our study. PPI and penile rehabilitation were positive and negative factor to predict an occurrence of climacturia, respectively. Therefore, in addition to PPI and erectile dysfunction, patients must be informed of this complication before undergoing RP.

Do Positive Surgical Margins Predict Biochemical Recurrence in All Patients Without Adjuvant Therapy After Radical Prostatectomy?

PURPOSE: The objective was to study whether positive surgical margins (PSMs) predict biochemical recurrence (BCR) in all patients without adjuvant therapy after radical prostatectomy (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent RP for prostate cancer at Veterans Health Service Medical Center from 2005 to 2011. BCR was defined by a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value > or =0.2 ng/mL. The clinicopathological factors of the PSM group were compared with those of the negative surgical margin (NSM) group, and the predictive impact of a PSM for BCR-free survival were evaluated. In addition, we analyzed the prognostic difference for BCR-free survival between solitary and multiple PSMs. RESULTS: A PSM was noted in 167 patients (45.5%). BCR was reported in 101 men in total (27.5%). The BCR-free survival rate of the PSM group was lower than that of the NSM group (p<0.001). In a multivariate analysis for the total patients, PSM was significantly associated with BCR-free survival (p<0.001). After stratification by pathological T stage, Gleason score (GS), and preoperative PSA value, PSM was significantly predictive for BCR-free survival in men with pT2 and/or GS < or =6 or 7 and/or a PSA value <10 or 10-20 ng/mL (all p<0.05). Multiple PSMs were more predictive of BCR-free survival than was a solitary PSM (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A PSM is a significant predictor of postoperative BCR in patients with pT2 and/or GS < or =7 and/or preoperative PSA <20 ng/mL. Multiple PSMs are considered a stronger prognostic factor for prediction of BCR than is a solitary PSM.

Relationship between Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the significance of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) for predicting postoperative outcomes in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 177 patients with a possible follow-up of at least 6 months who were treated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were analyzed. We divided the patients into two groups on the basis of the degree of IPP: the significant IPP group (IPP> or =5 mm, n=74) and the no significant IPP group (IPP<5 mm, n=103). We analyzed postoperative changes in parameters, such as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS quality-of-life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine (PVR). The IPSS was subdivided into voiding (IPSS-v) and storage (IPSS-s) symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify whether IPP could predict surgical outcomes of TURP. RESULTS: Preoperative parameters were not significantly different between the two groups except for total prostate volume and transitional zone volume. Postoperative changes in IPSS, IPSS-v, IPSS-s, and QoL score were higher in the significant IPP group than in the group with no significant IPP. Changes in Qmax and PVR were not significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (after adjustment for age, prostate-specific antigen level, total prostate volume, and transitional zone volume) revealed that the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of decreased IPSS and IPSS-s in the significant IPP group were 3.43 (1.03 to 11.44) and 3.51 (1.43 to 8.63), respectively (p=0.045 and 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Significant IPP is an independent factor for predicting better postoperative outcomes of IPSS and IPSS-s.

Predictive Factors of Prostate Cancer at Repeat Biopsy in Patients with an Initial Diagnosis of Atypical Small Acinar Proliferation of the Prostate

PURPOSE: The factors that predict prostate cancer detection on repeat biopsy were evaluated in patients with atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) on the initial biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2003 to 2008, 3,130 men with suspected prostate cancer underwent a prostate needle biopsy, and 244 (7.8%) were diagnosed as having ASAP. One hundred seventy of 244 patients were rebiopsied at least once more. They were classified into a prostate cancer group and a noncancer group according to the final pathological diagnosis. The database of rebiopsied patients included age, initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), PSA velocity (PSAV), total prostate volume (TPV), and transitional zone volume of the prostate (TZV). We compared differences in the aforementioned parameters between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients (33.5%) with ASAP were ultimately shown to have prostate cancer. Univariate analysis showed that PSAD (p=0.002), PSAV (p=0.001), TPV (p=0.035), and TZV (p=0.005) differed significantly between the cancer and noncancer groups. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that PSAD (p=0.022), PSAV (p<0.001), and TPV (p=0.037) had a statistically significant correlation with cancer detection. CONCLUSIONS: PSAD, PSAV, and TPV are predictive factors of prostate cancer in patients with an initial diagnosis of ASAP of the prostate. Although repeat biopsy is mandatory irrespective of PSA values, the follow-up of PSA may help to estimate the probability of cancer in these men.

Castleman Disease Misdiagnosed as a Neoplasm of the Kidney

Castleman disease, or angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, is a fairly rare benign tumor of lymphoid origin. Most cases tend to present as a mediastinal mass. We report a 58-year-old man with Castleman disease of the right perirenal space. This case was diagnosed preoperatively as nonconventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or renal oncocytoma because the enhancing mass abutted the renal cortex. The patient underwent a radical nephrectomy and a histopathological analysis showed the unicentric plasma cell type of Castleman disease. A preoperative diagnosis of Castleman disease is difficult; therefore, a surgical resection and a histological evaluation can provide an accurate diagnosis of this tumor. Taking this case into consideration, we suggest that Castleman disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of renal tumors.