Does needle calibre affect pain and complication rates in patients undergoing transperineal prostate biopsy？ A prospective, randomized trial

Transperineal prostate biopsy is a procedure that can be used to obtain histological samples from the prostate. To improve both the quality of the biopsy core samples and prostate cancer detection, we are currently performing a prospective, randomized trial comparing prostate biopsy samples obtained using an 18 G-needle to those obtained using a 16 G-needle. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate pain and complication rates in both groups in order to assess whether performing a prostate biopsy with a larger calibre needle is a feasible procedure. One hundred and eighty-seven patients undergoing transperineal prostate biopsy were prospectively evaluated and divided into two groups. The first group （94 patients, Group A） received a transperineal prostate biopsy using a 16 G-needle and the second group （93 patients, Group B） underwent transperineal prostate biopsy with an 18 G-needle. Anaesthesia was obtained with a single perineal injection at the prostatic apex in all subjects. A visual analogue scale （VAS） and facial expression scale （FES） were used to assess pain during multiple steps of the procedure in each group. A detailed questionnaire was used to obtain information about drug use because it could potentially influence the pain and complications that patients experienced. Two weeks after the procedure, early and late complications were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametric tests. Prostate Specific Antigen （PSA） and drug use were similar at baseline between the two groups. Pain during prostate biopsy, which was measured with both the VAS and FES instruments, did not differ significantly between the 18- and 16 G-needle groups, and no significant differences were found in early or late complication rates between the groups. Transperineal prostate biopsy with a 16 G-needle is a feasible Further studies with larger patient populations are required to prostate cancer detection rates. procedure in terms of pain and complication rates. assess whether or not this procedure can improve

The results of transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy： a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review was performed to compare the efficacy and complications of transperineal （TP） vs. transrectal （TR） prostate biopsy. A systematic research of PUBM ED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify all clinical controlled trials on prostate cancer （PCa） detection rate and complications achieved by TP and TR biopsies. Prostate biopsies included sextant, extensive and saturation biopsy procedures. All patients were assigned to a TR group and a TP group. Subgroup analysis was performed according to prostate-specific antigen （PSA） levels and digital rectal examination （DRE） findings. The Cochrane Collaboration＇s RevMan 5.1 software was used for the meta-analysis. A total of seven trials, including three randomized controlled trials （RCTs） and four casecontrol studies （CCS）, met our inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in the cancer detection rate between the sextant TR and TP groups （risk difference （RD）, -0.02; 95% confidence interval （CI）, -0.08-0.03; P=0.34）. Meta-analysis for RCTs combined with CCS showed that there was no difference in the cancer detection rate between the extensive TR and TP group （RD, -0.01; 95% CI, -0.05-0.04; P=0.81）. There was no significant difference in PCa detection rate between the saturation TR and TP approaches （31.4% vs. 25.7%, respectively;P=0.3）. There were also no significant differences in cancer detection between the TR and TP groups in each subgroup. Although the data on complications were not pooled for the meta-analysis, no significant difference was found when comparing TR and TP studies. TR and TP biopsies were equivalent in terms of efficiency and related complications. TP prostate biopsy should be an available and alternative procedure for use by urologists.

Endoclipping treatment of life-threatening rectal bleeding after prostate biopsy

Rectal bleeding is frequently seen in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound(TRUS)-guided multiple biopsy of the prostate,but is usually mild and stops spontaneously.We report what is believed to be the first case of life-threatening rectal bleeding following this procedure,which was successfully treated by endoscopic intervention through placement of three clips on the sites of bleeding.This case emphasizes endoscopic intervention associated with endoclipping as a safe and effective method to achieve hemostasis in massive rectal bleeding after prostate biopsy.Additionally,current data on the complications of the TRUS-guided multiple biopsy of the prostate and the options for treating fulminant rectal bleeding, a consequence of this procedure,are described.

Targeted prostate biopsy： value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in detection of localized cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with 1.1 million new cases worldwide reported by the World Health Organization in one recent year. Transrectal ultrasound （TRUS）-guided biopsy has been used for the diagnosis of prostate cancer for over 2 decades, but the technique is usually blind to cancer location. Moreover, the false negative rate of TRUS biopsy has been reported to be as high as 47%. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging （mp-MRI） includes T1- and T2-weighted imaging as well as dynamic contrast-enhanced （DCE） and diffusion-weighted imaging （DWI）. mp-MRI is a major advance in the imaging of prostate cancer, enabling targeted biopsy of suspicious lesions. Evolving targeted biopsy techniquesmincluding direct in-bore biopsy, cognitive fusion and software-based MRI-ultrasound （MRI-US） fusion--have led to a several-fold improvement in cancer detection compared to the earlier method. Importantly, the detection of clinically significant cancers has been greatly facilitated by targeting, compared to systematic biopsy alone. Targeted biopsy via MRI-US fusion may dramatically alter the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and managed.

Three-dimensional printing technique assisted cognitive fusion in targeted prostate biopsy

Objective:To explore the effect of 3-dimensional(3D)printing-assisted cognitive fusion on improvement of the positive rate in prostate biopsy.Methods:From August to December 2014,16 patients with suspected prostatic lesions detected by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)were included.Targeted prostate biopsy was performed with the use of prostate 3D reconstruction modeling,computersimulated biopsy,3D printing,and cognitive fusion biopsy.All patients had received 3.0 T multiparametric MRI before biopsy.The DICOM MRI files were imported to medical imaging processing software for 3D reconstruction modeling to generate a printable.stl file for 3D printing with use of transparent resin as raw material.We further performed a targeted 2-to 3-core biopsy at suspected lesions spotted on MRI.Results:For the 16 patients in the present study,3D modeling with cognitive fusion-based targeted biopsy was successfully performed.For a single patient,1e2 lesions(average:1.1 lesions)were discovered,followed by 2-6 cores(average:2.4 cores)added as targeted biopsy.Systematic biopsies accounted for 192 cores in total,with a positive rate of 22.4%;targeted biopsies accounted for 39 cores in total,with a positive rate of 46.2%.Among these cases,10 patients(62.5%)were diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma,in which seven were discovered by both systematic and targeted biopsy,one was diagnosed by systematic biopsy only,and two were diagnosed by targeted biopsy only.For systematic biopsy,Gleason score ranged from 6 to 8(average:7),while that for targeted biopsy ranged from 6 to 9(average:7.67).Among the seven patients that were diagnosed by both systematic and targeted biopsy,three(42.8%)were reported with a higher Gleason score in targeted therapy than in systematic biopsy.Conclusion:3D printing-assisted cognitive fusion technique markedly promoted positive rate in prostate biopsy,and reduced missed detection in high-risk prostate cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided prostate biopsydA review of literature

Objective:Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(MP-MRI)helps to identify lesion of prostate with reasonable accuracy.We aim to describe the various uses of MP-MRI for prostate biopsy comparing different techniques of MP-MRI guided biopsy.Materials and methods:A literature search was performed for“multiparametric MRI”,“MRI fusion biopsy”,“MRI guided biopsy”,“prostate biopsy”,“MRI cognitive biopsy”,“MRI fusion biopsy systems”,“prostate biopsy”and“cost analysis”.The search operation was performed using the operator“OR”and“AND”with the above key words.All relevant systematic reviews,original articles,case series,and case reports were selected for this review.Results:The sensitivity of MRI targeted biopsy(MRI-TB)is between 91%e93%,and the specificity is between 36%e41%in various studies.It also has a high negative predictive value(NPV)of 89%e92%and a positive predictive value(PPV)of 51%e52%.The yield of MRI fusion biopsy(MRI-FB)is similar,if not superior to MR cognitive biopsy.In-bore MRI-TB had better detection rates compared to MR cognitive biopsy,but were similar to MR fusion biopsy.Conclusions:The use of MRI guidance in prostate biopsy is inevitable,subject to availability,cost,and experience.Any one of the three modalities(i.e.MRI cognitive,MRI fusion and MRI in-bore approach)can be used.MRI-FB has a fine balance with regards to accuracy,practicality and affordability.

Cognitive magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion transperineal targeted biopsy combined with randomized biopsy in detection of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer(PCa)is one of the most common cancers among men.Various strategies for targeted biopsy based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(mp-MRI)have emerged,which may improve the accuracy of detecting clinically significant PCa in recent years.AIM To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of a template for cognitive MRIultrasound fusion transperineal targeted plus randomized biopsy in detecting PCa.METHODS Data from patients with an increasing prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level but less than 20 ng/mL and at least one lesion suspicious for PCa on MRI from December 2015 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent cognitive fusion transperineal template-guided targeted biopsy followed by randomized biopsy outside the targeted area.A total of 127 patients with complete data were included in the final analysis.A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted,and a two-sided P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS PCa was detected in 66 of 127 patients,and 56 cases presented clinically significant PCa.Cognitive fusion targeted biopsy alone detected 59/127 cases of PCa,specifically 52/59 cases with clinically significant PCa and 7/59 cases with clinically insignificant PCa.A randomized biopsy detected seven cases of PCa negative on targeted biopsy,and four cases had clinically significant PCa.PSA density(OR:1.008,95%CI:1.003-1.012,P=0.001;OR:1.006,95%CI:1.002-1.010,P=0.004)and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)scores(both P<0.001)were independently associated with the results of cognitive fusion targeted biopsy combined with randomized biopsy and targeted biopsy alone.CONCLUSION This single-centered study proposed a feasible template for cognitive MRIultrasound fusion transperineal targeted plus randomized biopsy.Patients with higher PSAD and PI-RADS scores were more likely to be diagnosed with PCa.

The optimal timing of post-prostate biopsy magnetic resonance imaging to guide nerve-sparing surgery

The goal of our study was to evaluate the impact of the interval between prostate biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） on the accuracy of simple tumor localization, which is essential information that enables nerve-sparing surgery. We also sought to determine the optimal timing of a post-biopsy MRI, A total of 184 patients who had undergone MRI before radical prostatectomy at an institution without a predetermined schedule for MRI after a prostate biopsy were enrolled. The mean interval from the biopsy to the MRI was 30.8 ± 18.6days. The accuracy of the MRI for simplified tumor location （right, left, bilateral and none） was 44.6%. In the group with discordant pathologic and MRI findings, the most common reason recorded was ＇MRI predicted a unilateral lesion, but pathology revealed bilateral lesions＇ （58.3%）, followed by ＇MRI predicted no lesion, but pathology revealed the presence of a lesion＇ （32.0%）. Multivariable analysis showed that the discordant group had a shorter interval （25.0 ± 14.3 vs 38.1 ± 20.6days, P 〈 0.01） preceding the MRI and a higher rate of hemorrhage as observed by MRI （80.4% vs 54.8%, P 〈 0.01） in comparison with the accordant group. In receiver operating characteristics analysis, the area under the curve of the MRI interval in accurate prediction of the tumor location was 0.707 （P 〈 0.001）. At the MRI interval＇s cutoff of 28.5days, the sensitivity was 73.2% and the specificity was 63.7%. When the MRI was performed within 28days, the accumulated accuracy was only 26.1% （23/88）; however, when it was performed after 28days, the reversely accumulated accuracy was 61.5% （59/96）. These data support a waiting period of at least 4weeks after a biopsy before performing an MRI for the purposes of surgical refinement.

Outcomes of combination MRI-targeted and transperineal template biopsy in restaging low-risk prostate cancer for active surveillance

Objective:Active surveillance(AS)offers a strategy to reduce overtreatment and now is a widely accepted treatment option for low-risk prostate cancer.An ideal tool for risk-stratification would detect aggressive cancers and exclude such men from taking up AS in the first place.We evaluate if a combination of transperineal template biopsy with magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-targeted biopsy identifies significant prostate cancer amongst men initially diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer.Methods:This prospective,single-blinded study included men with low-risk prostate cancer(D’Amico’s Criteria)diagnosed on conventional transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy.Patients first underwent multiparametric MRI of the prostate
6 weeks after initial biopsy.Each suspicious lesion is mapped and assigned a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PIRADS)score.Template biopsy is first performed with the surgeon blinded to MRI findings followed by MRI-targeted biopsy using a robotic transperineal biopsy platform.Results:The age of the 19 men included is 65.4±4.9 years(mean±SD).Prostate specific antigen(PSA)at diagnosis and at the time of transperineal biopsy were comparable(7.3±1.7 ng/mL and 7.0±1.8 ng/mL,p Z 0.67),so were prostate volumes(34.2±8.9 mL and 32.1±13.4 mL,p Z 0.28).MRI-targeted biopsy had a higher percentage of cancer detection per core compared to template biopsy(11.7%vs.6.5%,p Z 0.02),this was more than 3 times superior for Gleason 7 disease(5.9%vs.1.6%,p<0.01).Four of 18(22.2%)patients with MRI lesions had significant disease with MRI-targeted biopsy alone.Three of 19 patients(15.8%)had significant disease with template biopsy alone.In combination,both techniques upclassified five patients(26.3%),all of whom underwent radical prostatectomy.Whole mount histology confirmed tumour location and grade.All six patients with PIRADS 5 lesions had cancer detected(66.6%significant disease).Conclusion:A combination of MRI-targeted and template biopsy may optimally risk-classify“low-risk”patients diagnosed on initial conventional transrectal ultrasonography(TRUS)prostate biopsy.

Prostate chronic inflammation type Ⅳ and prostate cancer risk in patients undergoing first biopsy set:Results of a large cohort study

Objective:In prostate specimens,chronic inflammatory infiltrate(CII)type Ⅳ has been detected,but its association with prostate cancer(PCa)is controversial.The aim of the present study is to investigate on associations of CII with PCa detection in patients undergoing prostate first biopsy set.Methods:Ultrasound transrectal-guided biopsies by the transperineal approach were retrospectively evaluated in 441 consecutive patients.The study excluded patients who were in active surveillance,prostate specific antigen(PSA)
30 ng/mL,re-biopsies,incidental PCa after transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP),less than 14 cores or metastatic.Analysis of population and subpopulations(with or without PCa)was performed by statistical methods which included ManneWhitney(U test),KruskaleWallis test,Chi-squared statistic,logistic regression.Multivariate logistic regression models predicting mean probability of PCa detection were established.Results:PCa detection rate was 46.03%.Age,PSA,prostate volume(PV),prostate intraepithelial neoplasia(PIN)and CII were the significant independent predictors of PCa detection.PV(OR Z 0.934)and CII(OR Z 0.192)were both negative independent predictors.CII was a significant negative independent predictor in multivariate logistic regression models predicting the mean probability of PCa detection by age,PSA and PV.The inverse association of CII with PCa does not necessary mean protection because of PSA confounding.Conclusion:In a population of patients undergoing prostate first biopsy set,CII was a strong negative independent predictor of PCa detection.CII type Ⅳ should be considered as an adjunctive parameter in re-biopsy or active surveillance protocols.

Spondylodiscitis, an Exceptional Complication of Prostate Biopsy: Case Report

Background: Transrectal prostate biopsy is a major prostate cancer diagnosis procedure that can cause infectious complications. Osteoarticular localization is uncommon. Aim: To report a case of spondylodiscitis due to a transrectal prostate biopsy and highlight therapeutical principles. Case Presentation: A 60-year-old male underwent transrectal prostate biopsy performed because of high PSA level, and presented 48 hours later with back pain, fever at 40°C associated with an obnubilation. He was treated for malaria without favorable evolution. Persistance of pain and occurrence of neurologic manifestations motivated dorso-lumbar Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which permitted diagnosis of spondylodiscitis. The treatment was made by triple antibiotic therapy combining Imipenem 500 mg/8h (IV);Ofloxacin 200 mg/12h (IV) and Metronidazole 500 mg/8h (IV) over four weeks. Evolution under treatment was favorable. Conclusion: Spondylodiscitis is an exceptional complication of transrectal prostate biopsy. It may be evocated in case of bones pain after prostate biopsy.

Prostate magnetic resonance imaging and the value of experience:An intrareader variability study

Objective To measure the intraobserver concordance of an experienced genitourinary radiologist reporting of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate(mpMRIp)scans over time.Methods An experienced genitourinary radiologist re-reported his original 100 consecutive mpMRIp scans using Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2(PI-RADS v2)after 5 years of further experience comprising>1000 scans.Intraobserver agreement was measured using Cohen's kappa.Sensitivity,specificity,negative predictive value(NPV),positive predictive value(PPV),and accuracy were calculated,and comparison of sensitivity was performed using McNemar's test.Results Ninety-six mpMRIp scans were included in our final analysis.Of the 96 patients,53(55.2%)patients underwent subsequent biopsy(n=43)or prostatectomy(n=15),with 73 lesions targeted.Moderate agreement(Cohen's kappa 0.55)was seen in the number of lesions identified at initial reporting and on re-reading(81 vs.39 total lesions;and 71 vs.37 number of PI-RADS≥3 lesions).For clinically significant prostate cancer,re-reading demonstrated an increase in specificity(from 43%to 89%)and PPV(from 62%to 87%),but a decrease in sensitivity(from 94%to 72%,p=0.01)and NPV(from 89%to 77%).Conclusion The intraobserver agreement for a novice to experienced radiologist reporting mpMRIp using PI-RADS v2 is moderate.Reduced sensitivity is off-set by improved specificity and PPV,which validate mpMRIp as a gold standard for prebiopsy screening.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different anesthesia strategies for transperineal MRI/US fusion prostate biopsy

This study aims to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of three different anesthesia strategies,namely chatting while under local anesthesia(Chat-LA),total intravenous anesthesia(TIVA),and general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway(GA-LMA),employed in transperineal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)/ultrasound(US)fusion prostate biopsy(TP-MUF-PB).A retrospective study was conducted involving 1202 patients who underwent TP-MUF-PB from June 2016 to April 2023 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University(Suzhou,China).Clinical data and outcomes,including total costs,complications,and quality-adjusted life years(QALYs),were compared.Probability sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed.Chat-LA was found to be the most cost-effective option,outperforming both TIVA and GA-LMA.However,subgroup analyses revealed that in younger patients(under 65 years old)and those with smaller prostate volumes(<40 ml),TIVA emerged as a more cost-effective strategy.While Chat-LA may generally be the most cost-effective and safer anesthesia method for TP-MUF-PB,personalization of anesthesia strategies is crucial,considering specific patient demographics such as age and prostate volume.

Value of cognitive fusion targeted and standard systematic transrectal prostate biopsy for prostate cancer diagnosis

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracies of cognitive fusion-guided targeted biopsy(TB),systematic biopsy(SB),and combined TB+SB for the detection of prostate cancer(PCa)and clinically significant PCa(csPCa)in males with lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).We conducted a retrospective analysis of individuals who underwent prostate biopsy at Peking University People's Hospital(Beijing,China),with an emphasis on patients with both transrectal TB and SB.The main objective was to determine the precisions of SB,TB,and TB+SB for diagnosing PCa and csPCa.We also evaluated the detection rates of TB,SB,TB+ipsilateral-SB(ipsi-SB),TB+contralateral-SB(contra-SB),and TB+SB for PCa and csPCa in patients with unilateral MRI lesions.We compared the diagnostic yields of the various biopsy schemes using the McNemar’s test.A total of 180 patients were enrolled.The rates of PCa detection using TB,SB,and TB+SB were 52.8%,62.2%,and 66.7%,respectively,and the corresponding rates for csPCa were 46.1%,56.7%,and 58.3%,respectively.Among patients with unilateral MRI lesions,the PCa detection rates for TB,SB,TB+ipsi-SB,TB+contra-SB,and TB+SB were 53.3%,64.8%,65.6%,61.5%,and 68.0%,respectively.TB+ipsi-SB detected 96.4%of PCa and 95.9%of csPCa cases.These findings suggest that the combination of TB+SB has better diagnostic accuracy compared with SB or TB alone.For patients with unilateral MRI lesions,the combination of TB+ipsi-SB may be suitable in clinical settings.

A nomogram based on age, prostate-specific antigen level, prostate volume and digital rectal examination for predicting risk of prostate cancer

Nomograms for predicting the risk of prostate cancer developed using other populations may introduce sizable bias when applied to a Chinese cohort. In the present study, we sought to develop a nomogram for predicting the probability of a positive initial prostate biopsy in a Chinese population. A total of 535 Chinese men who underwent a prostatic biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer in the past decade with complete biopsy data were included. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of a positive initial biopsy. Age, prostate-specific antigen （PSA）, prostate volume （PV）, digital rectal examination （DRE） status, % free PSA and transrectal ultrasound （TRUS） findings were included in the analysis. A nomogram model was developed that was based on these independent predictors to calculate the probability of a positive initial prostate biopsy. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to assess the accuracy of using the nomogram and PSA levels alone for predicting positive prostate biopsy. The rate for positive initial prostate biopsy was 41.7% （223/535）. The independent variables used to predict a positive initial prostate biopsy were age, PSA, PV and DRE status. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for a positive initial prostate biopsy for PSA alone and the nomogram were 79.7% and 84.8%, respectively. Our results indicate that the risk of a positive initial prostate biopsy can be predicted to a satisfactory level in a Chinese population using our nomogram. The nomogram can be used to identify and counsel patients who should consider a prostate biopsy, ultimately enhancing accuracy in diagnosing prostate cancer.

Prostate volume as an independent predictor of prostate ：ancer in men with PSA of 10-50 ng ml-1

Prostate volume （PV） has been shown to be associated with prostate cancer （PCa） detection rates in men with a prostate-specific antigen （PSA） in the ＇grey zone＇ （2.0-10.0 ng ml-1）. However, the PSA ＇grey zone＇ in Asian men should be higher because the incidence of PCa in Asian men is relatively low. Therefore, we evaluated the association between PV and PCa detection rates in men with PSAs measuring 10-50 ng ml-1, Men who underwent a 13-core prostatic biopsy with PV documentation participated in the study. A multivariate stepwise regression was used to evaluate whether the PV at time of prostate biopsy could predict the risk of PCa. The rates of PCa among men in different PSA ranges, stratified by PV medians （〈60 and ≥60 ml）, were calculated. There were 261 men included in the final analysis. PV was the strongest predictor of PCa risk （odds ratio, 0.02; P〈0.001） compared to other variables. The PCa rates in men with PVs measuring 〈60 and ≥ 60 ml in the 10-19.9 ng ml-1 PSA group were 40.6% and 15.1%, respectively, while the rates for men with PSAs measuring 20-50 ng ml- 1 were 65.1% and 26.8%. PV is an independent predictor of PCa in men with PSA measuring 10-50 ng ml-1. In clinical practice, particularly for those countries with lower incidences of PCa, PV should be considered when counselling patients with PSAs measuring 10-50 ng ml-1 regarding their PCa risks.

The current role of prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging

Prostate multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging(mpMRI)has shown excellent sensitivity for Gleason
7 cancers,especially when their volume is
0.5 mL.As a result,performing an mpMRI before prostate biopsy could improve the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa)by adding targeted biopsies to systematic biopsies.Currently,there is a consensus that targeted biopsies improve the detection of csPCa in the repeat biopsy setting and at confirmatory biopsy in patients considering active surveillance.Several prospective multicentric controlled trials recently showed that targeted biopsy also improved csPCa detection in biopsy-naǐve patients.The role of mpMRI and targeted biopsy during the follow-up of active surveillance remains unclear.Whether systematic biopsy could be omitted in case of negative mpMRI is also a matter of controversy.mpMRI did show excellent negative predictive values(NPV)in the literature,however,since NPV depends on the prevalence of the disease,negative mpMRI findings should be interpreted in the light of a priori risk for csPCa of the patient.Nomograms combining mpMRI findings and classical risk predictors(age,prostatespecific antigen density,digital rectal examination,etc.)will probably be developed in the future to decide whether a prostate biopsy should be obtained.mpMRI has a good specificity for detecting T3 stage cancers,but its sensitivity is low.It should therefore not be used routinely for staging purposes in low-risk patients.Nomograms combining mpMRI findings and other clinical and biochemical data will also probably be used in the future to better assess the risk of T3 stage disease.

Combining clinical parameters and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to stratify biopsy-naïve men for an optimum diagnostic strategy with prostate-specific antigen 4 ng ml^(−1) to 10 ng ml^(−1)

We attempted to perform risk categories based on the free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio (%fPSA), prostate-specific antigen(PSA) density (PSAD, in ng ml^(−2)), and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) step by step, with the goal ofdetermining the best clinical diagnostic strategy to avoid unnecessary tests and prostate biopsy (PBx) in biopsy-naïve men with PSAlevels ranging from 4 ng ml^(−1) to 10 ng ml^(−1). We included 439 patients who had mpMRI and PBx between August 2018 and July2021 (West China Hospital, Chengdu, China). To detect clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) on PBx, receiver-operatingcharacteristic (ROC) curves and their respective area under the curve were calculated. Based on %fPSA, PSAD, and ProstateImaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores, the negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) werecalculated sequentially. The optimal %fPSA threshold was determined to be 0.16, and the optimal PSAD threshold was 0.12 for%fPSA ≥0.16 and 0.23 for %fPSA <0.16, respectively. When PSAD <0.12 was combined with patients with %fPSA ≥0.16, the NPVof csPCa increased from 0.832 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.766–0.887) to 0.931 (95% CI: 0.833–0.981);the detection rateof csPCa was similar when further stratified by PI-RADS scores (P = 0.552). Combining %fPSA <0.16 with PSAD ≥0.23 ng ml^(−2)predicted significantly more csPCa patients than those with PSAD <0.23 ng ml^(−2) (58.4% vs 26.7%, P < 0.001). Using PI-RADSscores 4 and 5, the PPV was 0.739 (95% CI: 0.634–0.827) when further stratified by mpMRI results. In biopsy-naïve patientswith PSA level of 4–10 ng ml^(−1), stratification of %fPSA and PSAD combined with PI-RADS scores may be useful in the decisionmaking process prior to undergoing PBx.

Incidental seminal vesicle amyloidosis observed in diagnostic prostate biopsies--are routine investigations for systemic amyloidosis warranted？

Seminal vesicle （SV） amyloidosis is a well-documented histological entity, but it is observed infrequently. Its incidence is on the rise, which is probably related to the increasing use of prostate biopsies to investigate patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Here, we report seven cases of incidental SV amyloidosis over a 3-year period and consider their relationship to the previously suggested aetiological factors. Based on our series, we conclude that incidental localized SV amyloidosis observed in diagnostic prostate biopsies does not warrant formal investigations for systemic amyloidosis.

Prostate Cancer: Risk Factors and Outcome Indicators

Background: Prostate cancer, which is the second most frequent cancer diagnosis made in men, more commonly occurs in the elderly. This disease is often diagnosed late in resource-limited settings, which results in people having advanced forms of the disease and a poor prognosis. This study aimed to identify factors indicative of prostate cancer aggressivity and a poor prognosis in patients with prostate cancer at a single center in Douala, Cameroon. Methods: We performed a retrospective study from 2015 to 2020 at the Centre medico-chirugical d’urologie in Douala, Cameroon, in which we included 203 patients aged 41 years to 85 years who had prostate cancer diagnosed via histopathology after either prostate biopsyor laparoscopic prostatectomy. Epi-info 7 was used for data analysis and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with prostate cancer aggressivity and patients’ outcomes (survival or mortality). Results: The mean age of our study participants was 64.76 ± 7.48 years. Ten patients had a contributive family history of prostate cancer. The patients presented with lower urinary tract symptoms in 61.58% of cases. All patients had serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of >4 ng/ml, 100 patients were anemic, and 36 patients had aggressive forms of the disease. Eighty-eight patients had remarkable digital rectal examination (DRE) findings. The median prostate volume, as determined via transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), was 59 [43 - 80] ml. Fifty-nine patients had abnormal prostate echostructures, and 33 patients died during follow-up. The presence of paraplegia and the practice of professions requiring unskilled labor were significantly associated with aggressive prostate cancer. The presence of lymphoedema, abnormal DRE findings, anemia, enlarged prostate glands (prostate volume >50 ml), and abnormal prostatic echostructures were significantly associated with both prostate cancer aggressivity and patients’ outcomes. Conclusion: The late diagnosis of prostate cancer is a major public health problem in Cameroon because of the complications and poor prognosis of the disease at an advanced stage. Certain clinical, biological, and imaging factors are associated with prostate cancer aggressivity and a poor prognosis, whose identification could help guide clinicians in making therapeutic choices for their patients.