Financial and Business Literacy Among Urology Residents: Is this a Problem and How Can We Better Prepare Residents for their Careers?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although financial wellness is a predictor of physician burnout, we are yet to optimize financial education or wellness of Urology trainees. We assessed existing studies, compared them to those of other specialties, and discussed resources and methods to address this deficiency. RECENT FINDINGS: Urology residents tend to be less fiscally savvy (carry significant debt, and lack retirement savings or disability insurance), and 90% of trainees and young Urologists do not feel comfortable with the business of practice, including skills like coding and billing, contract negotiation, and self-value assessment. Financial and business literacy are deficiencies of Urology training, as in other specialties. Eventually, the goal should be universal adoption of a formal curriculum that is graded in nature. In the interim, we need to propose and endorse adoption of a formal curriculum, and we should support trainees by promoting a space for easily accessible and transparent information regarding best practices in personal finance and the business of healthcare.

Management of intramuscular melanoma metastases to the psoas.

We detail a case of a woman in her 40s with isolated melanoma skeletal muscle metastasis (MSMM) to the right psoas muscle. This patient underwent R0 surgical resection through a novel pelvic approach. She received subsequent adjuvant immunotherapy with Braftovi/Mektov along with adjuvant radiation. She is currently disease free at 9 months post surgery. Here, we describe our novel surgical approach including description of the tumour pathology. We explain our multidisciplinary management of MSMM consisting of a multidisciplinary surgical approach by surgical oncology, gynecological oncology and urology as well as multidisciplinary medical management by oncology, radiation oncology and pathology. Finally, we discuss best current options for therapeutic management.

Combined holmium laser enucleation of the prostate with high-intensity focused ultrasound in treating patients with localized prostate cancer in a prostate with volume > 60 g: Oncological and functional outcomes from single-institution study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of combined High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) in treating patients with both localized prostate cancer (PCa) and prostate > 60 g. METHODS: All patients who underwent HIFU for treatment of localized PCa were prospectively enrolled in our study. We reviewed records of patients undergoing procedures from January 2016 to January 2023. For patients with prostate sizes > 60 g, HoLEP was offered before HIFU to prevent worsened urinary symptoms post-treatment. Oncological outcomes-prostatic-specific (PSA) kinetics, recurrence rates, treatment failure - and functional results-Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and urinary complications were compared between patients undergoing combined HoLEP and HIFU with those underwent HIFU-monotherapy. RESULTS: Among 100 patients, 74 underwent HIFU-monotherapy and 26 underwent the combined HoLEP and HIFU. The majority had intermediate-risk PCa (67%). Pathologic assessment of HoLEP specimens showed no tumor evidence in 57% of cases. In comparison to the HIFU-only group, the combined group exhibited significantly lower PSA metrics across various intervals, however, no differences were found regarding overall and infield recurrences and treatment failure rates. While the combined treatment initially resulted in higher incontinence rates and shorter catheterization durations (P < 0.001), no significant difference in IPSS was observed during subsequent follow-ups. CONCLUSION: HoLEP and HIFU can be safely combined for the treatment of PCa in patients with >60 g prostate volume without compromising early oncological outcomes thereby expanding the therapeutic scope of HIFU in treating patients with localized PCa and large adenomas.

Clinical variables associated with major adverse cardiac events following radical cystectomy.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and clinical factors of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis using the 2015-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed on patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer. MACE was defined as any report of cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, or thromboembolic events (pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis). A multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was conducted to identify clinical predictors of postoperative MACE. Results: A total of 10 308 (84.2%) patients underwent RC with incontinent urinary diversion (iUD), and 1938 (15.8%) underwent RC with continent urinary diversion (cUD). A total of 629 (5.1%) patients recorded a MACE, and on the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, it was shown that MACE was significantly associated with increased age (OR = 1.035, 95% CI: 1.024-1.046, p < 0.001), obesity (OR = 1.583, 95% CI: 1.266-1.978, p < 0.001), current smokers (OR = 1.386, 95% CI: 1.130-1.700, p = 0.002), congestive heart failure before surgery (OR = 1.991, 95% CI: 1.016-3.900; p = 0.045), hypertension (OR = 1.209, 95% CI: 1.016-1.453, p = 0.043), and increase the surgical time (per 10 min increase, OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.003-1.017, p = 0.009). We also report that increased age, obesity, and patients undergoing cUD (OR = 1.368, 95% CI: 1.040-1.798; p = 0.025) are associated with thromboembolic events. Conclusion: By considering the preoperative characteristics of patients, including age, obesity, smoking, congestive heart failure, and hypertension status, urologists may be able to decrease the incidence of MACE in patients undergoing RC. Urologists should aim for lower operative times as this was associated with a decreased risk of thromboembolic events.

Racial disparity in the utilization of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To identify whether there was a disparity in the utilization of immunotherapy in the treatment of black patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). METHODS: Using the National Cancer Database, we identified patients between 2010- 2015 with likely minimally/asymptomatic mCRPC. We analyzed annual trends for chemotherapy and immunotherapy use and compared utilization by demographic and clinical features. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of receiving immunotherapy vs chemotherapy. RESULTS: We identified 1301 patients with likely mCRPC. The majority were non Hispanic White (NHW - 63 %) and 23 % were non-Hispanic Black (NHB). Overall, there was increased utilization of immunotherapy in mCRPC from 2010 onwards, with the peak occurring in 2014 (4.6 %). Chemotherapy use increased significantly, peaking in 2014 to 26.1 %. However, the increased utilization of immunotherapy in the mCRPC was mainly seen in White patients: from 50 % to 74.2 % of the cohort. Conversely, there was a decrease in utilization of immunotherapy among Black mCPRC patients: from 50 % to 25.8 %. On multivariable analysis, there was no statistically significant difference between treatment types by race. CONCLUSION: FDA approval of Sipuleucel-T for mCRPC led to increased utilization of immunotherapy shortly thereafter, but this was mainly noted in white patients. Black patients comparatively did not exhibit increased utilization of this novel agent after 2010. Further studies are necessary to help understand barriers to access to new treatment in mCRPC and eliminate the burden of disease in minority populations."

The Influence of the Microbiome on Urological Malignancies: A Systematic Review.

The microbiome, once considered peripheral, is emerging as a relevant player in the intricate web of factors contributing to cancer development and progression. These often overlooked microorganisms, in the context of urological malignancies, have been investigated primarily focusing on the gut microbiome, while exploration of urogenital microorganisms remains limited. Considering this, our systematic review delves into the complex role of these understudied actors in various neoplastic conditions, including prostate, bladder, kidney, penile, and testicular cancers. Our analysis found a total of 37 studies (prostate cancer 12, bladder cancer 20, kidney cancer 4, penile/testicular cancer 1), revealing distinct associations specific to each condition and hinting at potential therapeutic avenues and future biomarker discoveries. It becomes evident that further research is imperative to unravel the complexities of this domain and provide a more comprehensive understanding.

A multi-institutional study of 1,111 men with 4K score, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, and prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biomarkers are often used in conjunction to enhance the selection process for prostate biopsy. However, the optimal sequence of ordering these tests has not been established. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on a large multi-institutional cohort of patients who underwent MRI, 4K score, and biopsy of the prostate to examine the impact of utilizing both tests vs. either test alone and to determine if the order in which these tests are administered affects the ability to detect clinically significant prostate cancer (csCaP). METHODS AND MATERIALS: We evaluated men from 8 different institutions who were referred for prostate cancer evaluation and underwent MRI, 4K score test, and prostate biopsy. The primary outcome was the presence of csCaP, defined as grade group 2 or higher cancer on a biopsy of the prostate. We used logistic regression, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis to evaluate using a 4K score or MRI alone vs. both tests together for detecting csCaP. In addition, we evaluated several strategies using one or both tests for selecting men for biopsy and compared them based on the proportion of biopsies avoided and the csCaP's missed. RESULTS: Among the 1,111 men who formed the final cohort, 553 (49.8%) had prostate cancer, and 353 (31.8%) had csCaP. We found that using MRI and 4K score together had better discrimination, calibration, and a higher clinical utility on decision curve analysis compared to using either test individually. Using both tests together resulted in fewer biopsies avoided and missed cancers compared to using either test alone. Strategies that sequence MRI and 4K score tests resulted in the largest biopsy reduction, with no appreciable difference between starting with an MRI vs. a biomarker. CONCLUSIONS: We found that using both an MRI and 4K score together was superior to using either test alone but found no appreciable difference between starting with an MRI vs. starting with a 4K score. Prospective studies are needed to identify the best strategy to sequence MRI and biomarkers in the evaluation of csCaP.

Incidence and predictors of deep incisional and organ/space surgical site infection following radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical risk factors associated with postoperative deep incisional or organ/space surgical site infections (SSI) following radical cystectomy (RC) in a well characterized and large contemporary cohort. METHODS: We used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify adult patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between 2015 and 2020 (n = 13,081). We conducted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression and Cox adjusted proportional hazards regression analysis to identify clinical predictors of deep incisional or organ/space SSI in the 30-day postoperative-period following RC. RESULTS: Deep incisional or organ/space SSI risk increased with continent urinary diversion (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.38-1.88; P < 0.001), obesity (HR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.35-1.90; P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13-1.51; P < 0.001), and being functionally dependent before surgery (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.44-3.03; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative deep incisional or organ/space SSIs following RC occur more frequently in patients who were obese, diabetic, functionally dependent before surgery, and those who underwent continent urinary diversion. These findings may assist urologists in preoperative counseling, medical optimization, and choice of urinary diversion approach, as well as improved patient monitoring and identification of candidates for intervention postoperatively.

Predictors of discharge to home following major surgery for urologic malignancies: Results from the national surgical quality improvement program.

OBJECTIVES: To identify patient risk factors that predict nonhome discharge after surgery for urologic malignancies as well as determine whether discharge status had an impact on readmission rates in patients undergoing surgery for urologic malignancies. METHODS: We identified patients who had undergone surgery for urologic malignancies including prostate, bladder, kidney, or upper tract urothelial cancer from 2011 to 2019 in the American College of Surgeon National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify patient characteristics that were associated with nonhome discharges and 30-day postoperative readmission. RESULTS: Nonhome discharge occurred in 2.8% of our study population. Women were less likely to be discharged to home (OR 0.60 p < 0.0001). Nonhome discharge was more common in patients who underwent cystectomy when compared to nephrectomy (OR 1.41 p < 0.0001) or prostatectomy (OR 4.16 p < 0.0001). Those with elevated BMI were less likely to experience non-home discharge (OR 0.86 p=0.0095) while patients who were identified as underweight and those with unexpected weight loss prior to surgery were more likely to have nonhome discharges (OR 1.76 p = 0.0002, OR 1.67, p < 0.0001). Comorbidities and presence of postoperative complications were also found to be significant independent predictors of nonhome discharges. Thirty-day postoperative readmission occurred in 6.9% of our study population. Of the patients who were readmitted 93.1% were initially discharged home, and 6.9% had nonhome discharges. Higher risk of readmission was seen in elderly patients and those with significant comorbidities. When controlling for predictors of readmission, on multivariate analysis, non-home discharge was associated with a decreased likelihood of readmission (OR 0.79, p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Patient factors including age, gender, weight, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and site of procedure were found to be independent predictors of non-home discharge following surgery for urologic malignancies. Patients with these risk factors should be counseled preoperatively on the likelihood of requiring a non-home discharge to help manage expectations and create a standardized transition of care pathway following surgery.

Prostate cancer upgrading and adverse pathology in Hispanic men undergoing radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes in Hispanic men with prostate cancer are not well-described. Prior studies showed varying results regarding the rate of upgrading and upstaging, and these studies included limited pathologic data and lack of central pathology review. We characterized the rate of upgrading, adverse pathology, and oncologic outcomes in Hispanics after prostatectomy using a large institutional database. METHODS: We included Hispanic white (HW), non-Hispanic white (NHW), and black men who underwent (RP) between 2010 and 2021 at a single institution. We recorded differences in grade group between biopsy and prostatectomy and performed multivariable analyses for odds of upgrading and adverse pathologic findings. The primary outcome was rate of upgrading in HWs. Using a sub-cohort with follow-up data, we assessed race/ethnicity and upgrading as a predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival. RESULTS: Our cohort included 1877 men: 36.7% were NHW, 40.6% were HW, and 22.7% were black. Rates of upgrading were not different between NHW, NHW, and black men at 34.0, 33.8, and 37.3%, respectively (p = 0.4). In the multivariable analysis for upgrading, significant predictors for upgrading were older age (p = 0.002), higher PSA (p < 0.001), and lower prostate weight (p = 0.02), but race/ethnicity did not predict upgrading. In patients with available follow-up (1083, 58%), upgrading predicted worse BCR-free survival (HR 2.17, CI 1.46-3.22, p < 0.0001) but race/ethnicity did not. CONCLUSIONS: HW men undergoing RP had similar rates of upgrading and adverse pathologic outcomes as NHW men. Race/ethnicity does not independently predict upgrading or worse oncologic outcomes after RP.

Trends in outpatient versus inpatient urologic surgery at a university academic medical center.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To analyze trends in outpatient and inpatient urologic surgeries at a large university academic medical center and test the hypothesis that the proportion of outpatient surgeries has been increasing as compared to inpatient surgeries in urology. RECENT FINDINGS: We analyzed a total of 33,054 claims for urologic surgeries at a large university academic medical center from 2010 to 2020, of which 23.2% met inpatient criteria (n = 7695), whereas 76.7% were outpatient (n = 25,359). Although outpatient claims increased yearly by an average of 24%, inpatient claims increased yearly by an average of only 1%. Over the same period, Medicare-specific outpatient claims mirrored these trends, and Medicare-specific inpatient claims decreased. SUMMARY: Outcomes of inpatient surgeries are used as a metric for quality by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as well as US News and World Report (USNWR) rankings. However, with increasing numbers of minimally invasive operations, a large proportion of urologic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. As this trend continues, it will be important for organizations like CMS and USNWR to incorporate methods of measuring quality that better reflect outpatient surgical outcomes for the urologic subspecialty.

Safe transition to opioid-free pathway after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

To determine whether local anesthetic infiltration and non-narcotic pain medications can safely reduce or eliminate opioid use following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy while maintaining adequate pain control. After initiation of this quality-improvement project, patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy had surgeon-administered local anesthesia around all incisions into each successive layer from peritoneum to skin, with the majority infiltrated into the transversus abdominis muscle plane and posterior rectus sheath of the midline extraction incision. Post-operatively patients received scheduled acetaminophen plus ketorolac, renal function permitting. A retrospective review was performed for all cases over 19 months, spanning project implementation. 157 cases (76 in opioid-free pathway, 81 in standard pathway) were included. Five patients (6.6%) in the opioid-free pathway required post-operative opioids while inpatient, versus 61 (75.3%) in the standard pathway, p < .001. Mean patient-reported pain score on each post-operative day was lower in the opioid-free pathway compared to the standard pathway [day 0: 2.4 (SD 2.6) vs. 3.9 (SD 2.7), p < .001; day 1: 1.4 [SD 1.6] vs. 3.3 (SD 2.2), p < .001; day 2 0.9 (SD 1.5) vs. 2.6 (SD 1.9), p < .001]. Fewer post-operative complications were seen in the opioid-free pathway versus standard [0 vs. 5 (6.2%), p = 0.028], and there was no statistically significant difference in number of emergency room visits or readmissions within 3 weeks of surgery. The use of surgeon-administered local anesthetic plus scheduled non-narcotic analgesics can safely and significantly reduce opioid use after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy while improving pain control.

Anterior or Posterior Prostate Cancer Tumor Nodule Location Predicts Likelihood of Certain Adverse Outcomes at Radical Prostatectomy.

CONTEXT.­: Effect of tumor nodule (TN) location in the prostate on adverse radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes is not well studied in contemporary cohorts. OBJECTIVE.­: To investigate the significance of TN location with respect to extraprostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), and positive surgical margin (SM+) in 1388 RPs. DESIGN.­: Each TN at RP was independently graded, staged, and volumetrically assessed. TNs with at least 80% of their volume occupying either the anterior or posterior part of the prostate were categorized accordingly and included in our study, while all other TNs were excluded. RESULTS.­: A total of 3570 separate TNs (median = 3 per RP; range = 1-7 per RP) were scored. There were 1320 of 3570 (37%) anterior TNs and 2250 of 3570 (63%) posterior TNs. Posterior TNs were more likely to be higher grade, and exhibit EPE (18% versus 9.4%) and SVI (4% versus 0.15%), all P < .001. Anterior TNs with EPE were more likely to exhibit SM+ than posterior TNs with EPE (62% versus 30.8%, P < .001). TN location, grade, and volume were significant factors associated with adverse RP outcomes in our univariable analysis. When we controlled for grade and tumor volume in a multivariable analysis using anterior TN location as a reference, posterior TN location was an independent predictor of EPE and SVI and was less likely to be associated with SM+ (odds ratio = 3.1, 81.5, and 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSIONS.­: These associations may be useful in preoperative surgical planning, particularly with respect to improving radiographic analysis of prostate cancer.

Prostatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Controlled for Tumor Grade, Stage, and Margin Status Does Not Independently Influence the Likelihood of Biochemical Recurrence in Localized Prostate Cancer After Radical Prostatectomy.

CONTEXT.­: Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has historically been considered to be an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE.­: To investigate if PDA is independently associated with worse biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival after radical prostatectomy. DESIGN.­: A review of 1584 radical prostatectomies was performed to grade, stage, and assess margin status in each tumor nodule. Radical prostatectomies with localized PDA (ie, those lacking metastasis) in the tumor nodule with the highest grade and stage and worst margin status were matched with prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma according to grade, stage, and margin status. The effect of PDA on BCR was assessed by multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS.­: Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma was present in 171 cases. We excluded 24 cases because of lymph node metastasis (n = 13), PDA not in the highest-grade tumor nodule (n = 9), and positive surgical margin in a lower-grade tumor nodule (n = 2). The remaining 147 cases included 26 Grade Group (GG) 2, 44 GG3, 6 GG4, and 71 GG5 cancers. Seventy-six cases had extraprostatic extension, 33 had seminal vesicle invasion, and 65 had positive margins. Follow-up was available for 113 PDA and 109 prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma cases. Prostate-specific antigen density (odds ratio, 3.7; P = .001), cancer grade (odds ratio, 3.3-4.3; P = .02), positive surgical margin (odds ratio, 1.7; P = .02), and tumor volume (odds ratio, 1.3; P = .02) were associated with BCR in multivariable analysis. Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma, its percentage, intraductal carcinoma, and cribriform Gleason pattern 4 were not significant independent predictors of BCR. CONCLUSIONS.­: Advanced locoregional stage, higher tumor grade, and positive surgical margin status rather than the mere presence of PDA are more predictive of worse BCR-free survival outcomes following radical prostatectomy in men with a component of PDA.

Robotic intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder in the supine Trendelenburg position: a stepwise approach.

Robotic radical cystectomy with urinary diversion has become increasingly utilized for the surgical management of bladder cancer. Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction is still performed worldwide primarily via an extracorporeal approach because of the difficulty associated with robotic intracorporeal reconstruction. The objective of this article is to demonstrate a stepwise approach for robotic intracorporeal neobladder in a standardized manner that adheres to the principles of open surgery.

Impact of Plant-Based Diet on PSA Level: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential association between plant-based dietary content and PSA levels among men enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS: Data on demographics, diet, and PSA levels was acquired from the NHANES database. Plant-based diet index (PDI) and healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) were calculated using food frequency questionnaires. A higher score on PDI and hPDI indicates higher consumption of plant foods or healthy plant foods, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between elevated PSA, clinical variables, demographics, and plant-based diet indices. RESULTS: A total of 1399 men were included in the final cohort. Median age of participants was 54 [46-63] years. Median PSA level was 0.9 [0.6-1.5] ng/dL, and 69 (4.9%) men had a PSA level ≥4 ng/dL. Although there was no association between elevated PSA and PDI, on multivariable analysis patients with higher consumption of healthy plant-based diet (high hPDI scores) had a decreased probability of having an elevated PSA (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.95; P = .034). CONCLUSION: There is a significant association between increased consumption of a healthy plant-based diet and lower PSA levels. This finding may be incorporated into the shared-decision making process with patients to promote healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the likelihood of prostate biopsy and potential treatment-related morbidity.

Surveillance Intensity in Intermediate Risk, Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Revisiting the Optimal Timing and Frequency of Cystoscopy.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine the optimal cystoscopic interval for intermediate risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with intermediate risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (2010-2017) was performed and 3 hypothetical models of surveillance intensity were applied: model 1: high (3 months), model 2: moderate (6 months) and model 3: low intensity (12 months) over a 2-year period. We compared timing of actual detection of recurrence and progression to proposed cystoscopy timing between each model. We calculated number of avoidable cystoscopies and associated costs. RESULTS: Of 107 patients with median followup of 37 months, 66/107 (77.6%) developed recurrence and 12/107(14.1%) had progression. Relative to model 1, there were 33 (50%) delayed detection of recurrences in model 2 and 41 (62%) in model 3. There was a 1.7-month mean delay in detection of recurrence for model 1 vs 3.2, and a 7.6-month delay for models 2 and 3 (p <0.001 model 1 vs 2; p <0.001 model 2 vs 3). Relative to model 1, there were 8 (67%) and 9 (75%) delayed detection of progression events in model 2 and 3. There were no progression-related bladder cancer deaths or radical cystectomies due to delayed detection. Mean number of avoidable cystoscopies was higher in model 1 (2) vs model 2 (1) and 3 (0). Model 1 had the highest aggregate cost of surveillance ($46,262.52). CONCLUSIONS: High intensity (3-month) surveillance intervals provide faster detection of recurrences but with increased cost and more avoidable cystoscopies without clear oncologic benefit. Moderate intensity (6-month) intervals in intermediate risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer allows timely detection without oncologic compromise and is less costly with fewer cystoscopies.

Heterogeneity in Genomic Risk Assessment from Tissue Based Prognostic Signatures Used in the Biopsy Setting and the Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Targeted Biopsy.

PURPOSE: Genomic prognostic signatures are used on prostate biopsy tissue for cancer risk assessment, but tumor heterogeneity and multifocality may be an issue. We evaluated the variability in genomic risk assessment from different biopsy cores within the prostate using 3 prognostic signatures (Decipher, CCP, GPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men in this study came from 2 prospective prostate cancer trials of patients undergoing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy with genomic profiling of positive biopsy cores. We explored the relationship among tumor grade, magnetic resonance imaging risk and genomic risk for each signature. We evaluated the variability in genomic risk assessment between different biopsy cores and assessed how often magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy or the current standard of care (profiling the core with the highest grade) resulted in the highest genomic risk level. RESULTS: In all, 224 positive biopsy cores from 78 men with prostate cancer were profiled. For each signature, higher biopsy grade (p <0.001) and magnetic resonance imaging risk level (p <0.001) were associated with higher genomic scores. Genomic scores from different biopsy cores varied with risk categories changing by 21% to 62% depending on which core or signature was used. Magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy and profiling the core with the highest grade resulted in the highest genomic risk level in 72% to 84% and 75% to 87% of cases, respectively, depending on the signature used. CONCLUSIONS: There is variation in genomic risk assessment from different biopsy cores regardless of the signature used. Magnetic resonance imaging directed biopsy or profiling the highest grade core resulted in the highest genomic risk level in most cases.