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J I Epstein

Publications and source records attributed to J I Epstein.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Comparative analysis of sampling methods for grossing radical prostatectomy specimens performed for nonpalpable (stage T1c) prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Scant data are available comparing sampling methods of radical prostatectomy specimens performed for clinical stage T1c (nonpalpable) cancer. Seventy-eight stage T1c radical prostatectomies that had 1 or more of the following adverse pathologic findings-Gleason score > or = 7, positive margins, and extraprostatic extension-were compared using 10 different sampling techniques. Of the 78 entirely submitted cases, 52 had Gleason score > or = 7, 14 had positive margins, and 54 had extraprostatic extension (mean 34 slides). Of the partial sampling methods, we favor the following two methods. The first is submitting every posterior section plus 1 midanterior section from right and left sides; if either of these anterior sections show sizeable tumor, all ipsilateral anterior slides are examined. This method detects 98% of tumors with Gleason score > or = 7, 100% of positive margins, and 96% of cases with extraprostatic extension (mean 27 slides). The second method is to use the above method but restrict it to sections ipsilateral to the previous positive needle biopsy. This method detects 92% of tumors with Gleason score > or = 7, 93% of positive margins, and 85% of cases with extraprostatic extension (mean 17 slides). Partial sampling can detect important prognostic parameters. By balancing the extra expense and time involved to process and examine additional sections with the risk of missing important prognostic parameters, pathologists can decide which sampling method to use.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Correlation of cystoscopic impression with histologic diagnosis of biopsy specimens of the bladder.

There is a paucity of information in the contemporary literature that would permit assessment of the urologist's ability to endoscopically discriminate between benign and malignant lesions of the bladder or to predict the grade and stage of papillary neoplasms. This prospective study evaluates the correlation between cystoscopic impression of urothelial lesions and final histologic diagnoses. Sixty-four patients with 68 urothelial abnormalities requiring formal biopsy or endoscopic resection were evaluated prospectively. At the time of endoscopy, treating urologists completed questionnaires documenting the surgeon's endoscopic impression of disease type and extent and performed standard biopsy or resection of all suspicious lesions. Specimens were submitted for routine histopathologic analysis, and the results were correlated with the questionnaire data. Endoscopic evaluation correctly discriminated between dysplastic/malignant and benign/reactive lesions in this study with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%, and positive and negative predictive values of 100%. Urologists could not readily distinguish between low- and high-grade papillary urothelial lesions and were frequently unable to determine if a tumor was invasive, particularly if the degree of invasion was microscopic. Endoscopic impression at the time of bladder biopsy or resection is accurate and discriminates between the presence and absence of cancer. Endoscopic impression alone is a relatively poor staging tool with respect to extent of invasive disease and must be coupled with careful histopathologic analysis of biopsy material, bimanual examination when appropriate, and axial imaging for complete assessment of a given tumor.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2001

An objective morphologic parameter to aid in the diagnosis of flat urothelial carcinoma in situ.

The diagnosis of carcinoma in situ (CIS) lacks objective criteria and is subject to misdiagnosis. We identified 20 bladder biopsy cases each of CIS, urothelial dysplasia, and normal urothelium according to the 1998 World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology consensus classification of urothelial neoplasms. Lymphocytes from 10 bladder biopsy specimens were chosen as reference cells. Using an image analysis system, we measured the following nuclear features: area, diameter, roundness, ellipticity, and optical density (maximum, minimum, mean, median, standard deviation, and quartiles). We measured a mean of 75 urothelial nuclei/case and a total of 500 lymphocytes. Roundness and ellipticity were not useful in distinguishing among the 3 groups. The best discriminators were mean nuclear area and mean nuclear area of the 25% largest nuclei (upper quartile) of urothelial cells compared with lymphocytes. The mean nuclear area relative to lymphocytes was 1.8 times (1.2 to 2.5 times) in normal urothelium, 2.4 times (1.6 to 3.0 times) in urothelial dysplasia, and 3.6 times (2.8 to 5.7 times) in CIS. The mean upper quartile nuclear area relative to lymphocytes was 2.2 times (1.4 to 2.8 times) in normal urothelium (P <.0001), 2.9 times (1.8 to 3.6 times) in urothelial dysplasia (P <.0001), and 4.9 times (4.0 to 7.6 times) in CIS (P <.0001). The difference in optical density was statistically significant between CIS and the other 2 histologic categories (P <.0001). Nuclear area is an easy and objective morphologic parameter for the evaluation of bladder biopsy specimens. Pathologists can assess the size of urothelial nuclei without using an image analysis system and compare them with the size of nuclei of lymphocytes, which are almost always present in a bladder biopsy specimen. Dysplasia, which is a somewhat ambiguous lesion, overlaps in its measurements with those of benign urothelium. The most useful morphologic parameter is the mean nuclear area of the 25% largest nuclei; CIS nuclei are approximately 5 times the size of lymphocytes, whereas normal urothelial nuclei are only 2 times the size of lymphocytes.

Carcinoma in Situ↗
PubMed2001

Clinical significance of cell proliferation, microvessel density, and CD44 adhesion molecule expression in renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known to have a wide variation in clinical outcome despite the use of conventional prognostic factors, such as staging or grading. A better knowledge of the biologic aggressiveness of RCC could facilitate the selection of patients at high risk of tumor progression. The aim of this study was to determine if use of measurements of vascular density, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion could better predict the biologic behavior of RCC. We immunohistochemically analyzed CD34, Ki-67, and CD44H expression on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 73 RCCs for quantifying microvessel density (MVD), Ki-67 labeling index (LI), and CD44H LI, respectively. Univariate cancer-specific survival analysis showed that tumor stage (P < .01), tumor size (P < .001), nuclear grade (P < .01), metastasis (P < .001), MVD (P < .03), Ki-67 LI (P < .001), and CD44H LI (P < .0001) were predictors of tumor-related death. There was a statistical correlation between CD44H LI and both Ki-67 LI (r' = .3) and MVD (r' = -44). Ki-67 LI (P < .04) and CD44H LI (P < .02), as well as metastasis (P < .008), emerged as independent predictors of cancer-specific survival in multivariate analysis in patients with metastases (P < .04 and P < .02, respectively) and in patients without metastases (P < .006 and P < .00001, respectively). Our study suggests that vascular density, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion represent a complex tumor-host interaction that may favor progression of RCC. Cell proliferation and CD44H expression appear to be powerful markers to identify patients with an adverse prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Atypical cribriform lesions on prostate biopsy.

Atypical cribriform lesions on prostate needle biopsy specimens are rare and difficult to diagnose. Of 574 high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions on needle biopsy seen at our institution over 75 months, we identified 23 consult cases in which the differential diagnosis was cribriform high-grade PIN versus infiltrating cribriform carcinoma. Prebiopsy prostate-specific antigen (PSA) averaged 6.5 ng/mL (range, 0.3 to 37.3). A positive digital rectal examination (DRE) was present in 12 of 22 (55%) patients for whom information was available. Ordinary high-grade PIN was present elsewhere in the biopsy specimens in 32% of cases. The following architectural features of cribriform glands were evaluated: number (mean, 5; range, 1 to 21); largest size (mean, 0.5 mm; range, 0.1 to 1 mm); necrosis (14%); detached cribriform fragments (18%); stromal fibrosis (18%); and bilaterality (22%). Cytologically, there was cellular maturation toward the center of the cribriform glands (45%); identifiable basal cells on hematoxylin and eosin sections (36%); marked nuclear atypia (9%); and mitoses (23%). Nucleoli were not visible in 18% of cases, small in 36%, and prominent in 45%. With a mean follow-up of 13.8 months for those without progression (25.9 months' overall follow-up), a repeat biopsy diagnosis of cancer was seen in 10 of 22 men [by report: Gleason score (Gs) 4 (n = 1); Gs 6 (n = 3); Gs 7 (n = 4); Gs 9 (n = 2); three biopsy specimens showed ductal features]. An additional two men developed bone metastases without biopsy. Overall, 12 of 22 (55%) patients had cancer on follow-up (one patient lost to follow-up). Four clinicopathologic findings predicted carcinoma on follow-up: positive DRE (p = 0.02); positive transrectal ultrasound (p = 0.02); bilateral atypical cribriform glands (p = 0.02); and detached cribriform glands (p = 0.04).

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Pathologists and the judicial process: how to avoid it.

This review article covers the full range of issues concerning malpractice as it relates to pathologists. Following a brief summary as to the incidence and general statistics on the outcome of lawsuits as well as common pathology misdiagnoses resulting in lawsuits, the definition of malpractice is discussed. These include duty, breech of standard of care, proximal cause, and damage. Details are provided as to what a pathologist should do from the initial threat of a lawsuit, to the initial lawsuit, and through the initial physician/lawyer meeting. An in-depth analysis as to how pathologists should handle themselves through the discovery process and, in particular, deposition is provided. Plaintiff attorneys' goals at deposition are covered in depth. These goals include: 1) education about the pathologist's case and strategies; 2) impeachment of the pathologist's credibility; and 3) judgment as to how effective a witness the pathologist will be at trial. Various types of plaintiff's attorney at deposition are summarized. Also discussed is the post-deposition meeting with the legal representative, whether to settle, and specific issues relating to trial. Finally, general tips on how to avoid a lawsuit in pathology are reviewed.

Diagnostic Errors↗
PubMed2001

A clinicopathologic analysis of urothelial carcinomas diagnosed on prostate needle biopsy.

No data exist on urothelial carcinoma diagnosed on prostatic needle biopsy. We reviewed 21 cases (19 consultations) of urothelial carcinoma diagnosed on prostate needle biopsy from 1991 to 1998. In 13 of 21 (62%) cases, urothelial carcinoma showed in situ urothelial carcinoma involving prostatic ducts and acini (DCIS) only; 6 of 21 (29%) cases showed both DCIS and invasive carcinoma and 2 of 21 (9%) cases showed widespread stromal invasion without DCIS. In contrast to prostatic adenocarcinoma, cases exhibited greater nuclear pleomorphism, variably prominent nucleoli, increased mitoses, and necrosis. Immunostains for PSA and PSAP were negative in all 18 cases studied. CK7 was positive in 14 of 16 cases, CK20 was positive in 13 of 16 cases, and 34betaE12 was positive in 11 of 17 cases. A total of 7 of 17 (41%) men had no prior or subsequent history of urothelial carcinoma outside the prostate, 6 of 17 (35%) had concurrent urothelial cell carcinomas of the bladder (1 with extensive carcinoma in situ [CIS] at cystoprostatectomy), 2 of 17 (12%) had a prior urothelial cell carcinoma, and 2 of 17 (12%) developed urothelial cell carcinomas outside the prostate subsequent to the needle biopsy diagnosis. A total of 14 of 18 (78%) men had an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA), abnormal digital rectal examination, or abnormal ultrasound suggestive of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Follow-up information was available in 17 cases. Six of nine (67%) patients with DCIS eventually died of disease (DOD) (2 with prior urothelial cell carcinoma, 1 with no prior or subsequent history, 3 without information), and 3 of 9 (33%) patients with DCIS were alive with residual disease (AWD). Of the patients with invasive carcinomas, 4 of 8 (50%) were DOD, 2 of 8 (25%) were AWD, and 2 of 8 (25%) were alive without evidence of disease. All men who are alive were treated aggressively with surgery and often adjuvant chemotherapy-radiation. Overall, 10 of 17 (59%) men were DOD with a mean survival after diagnosis of 23.2 months (2-72 months). The diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma on prostate needle biopsy is difficult because it is rare and clinically can mimic prostatic adenocarcinoma; often there is no history of urothelial carcinoma elsewhere. Although the prognosis is poor even with only apparent DCIS, histologic recognition is essential because the only opportunity for improved outcome is early and aggressive treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Nephrogenic adenoma of the prostatic urethra: a mimicker of prostate adenocarcinoma.

Nephrogenic adenoma, thought to be a benign metaplastic response of the urothelium to injury, can rarely affect the prostatic urethra. Extension of small tubules of nephrogenic adenoma into the underlying prostatic fibromuscular stroma can lead to the misdiagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma in transurethral resection specimens and prostate biopsies. We reviewed 26 cases of nephrogenic adenoma involving the prostatic urethra, seen at The Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1990 to 1998, to evaluate the histologic features, which may better define this lesion. Immunohistochemical results were evaluated for cases where the lesion was present on deeper sections. Histologic patterns included the following: tubules in 96% (25 of 26), structures resembling vessels in 73% (19 of 26), cords and individual cells in 46% (12 of 26), papillary configurations in 19% (5 of 26), and signet ring cell-like tubules in 12% (3 of 26). Other features of nephrogenic adenoma, such as thyroidization, were identified in 38% (10 of 26), and peritubular sheaths were seen in 65% (17 of 26) of cases. Nucleoli were prominent in 54% (14 of 26), and no case had mitoses. In the region of nephrogenic adenoma, urothelium was noted in 69% (18 of 26); in 61% (11 of 18) it showed cuboidal metaplasia and 28% (5 of 18) showed squamous metaplasia. Extension of nephrogenic adenoma into muscle was observed in 77% (20 of 26) of cases, 75% (15 of 20) of which had identifiable urothelium overlying the lesion. Blue-tinged mucinous secretions were observed in 32% (8 of 25) of cases. Inflammation was found in all but one case. Nephrogenic adenomas were diffusely positive for 34betaE12 in 11% (1 of 9) of cases, focally positive in 44% (4 of 9), and negative in 44% (4 of 9). In 100% (9 of 9), cytokeratin 7 stains were positive. Focal prostate specific antigen and PSAP positivity were seen in 36% (4 of 11) and 50% (5 of 10) of nephrogenic adenoma cases, respectively. In conclusion, nephrogenic adenoma of the prostatic urethra can mimic prostate cancer because of: 1) the presence of tubules, cords, and signet ring-like tubules; 2) prominent nucleoli; 3) muscle involvement; 4) blue-tinged mucinous secretions; 5) focal prostate specific antigen and PSAP positivity; and 6) negative staining in some cases for 34betaE12. Features useful in the diagnosis of nephrogenic adenoma include the following: 1) distinctive nephrogenic patterns, such as papillary and "vascular," 2) adjacent urothelium, 3) thyroidization, 4) peritubular sheaths, 5) associated inflammation, and 6) positivity for cytokeratin 7 and, in some cases, 34betaE12.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

In situ adenocarcinoma of the bladder.

In situ adenocarcinoma of the bladder has not been well studied. Only one other case not associated with infiltrating adenocarcinoma has been reported in the literature. We identified 19 biopsies of in situ adenocarcinoma of the bladder without concurrent infiltrating adenocarcinoma or villous adenoma from the surgical pathology files of the Johns Hopkins Hospital between May 1984 and July 2000. The majority of patients (89%) were seen in consultation. The mean age at diagnosis was 70.4 years (range 48-88 years) and 79% were male. None of the patients developed a pure infiltrating adenocarcinoma; however, two patients had invasive urothelial carcinoma with focal glandular differentiation on prior or subsequent specimens. Two cases were pure in situ adenocarcinoma and 10 were seen with carcinoma in situ and/or papillary transitional cell cancer without invasion. Most patients (74%) had invasive carcinoma on either concurrent or subsequent specimens (five small cell and nine transitional cell [four micropapillary]). The majority (84%) of in situ adenocarcinomas were papillary, often seen in combination with either cribriform or flat architecture. In most cases the in situ adenocarcinoma was the predominant component when it was present with another in situ urothelial carcinoma. Seventy-nine percent of in situ adenocarcinomas showed >5 mitoses/10 HPF and 42% showed >10 mitoses/10 HPF. Moderate to severe nuclear pleomorphism was seen in 84% of cases. All cases showed apoptosis, and only one case showed focal necrosis. Seven patients were treated with cystectomy within 2-12 months. Of the other 12 patients, 10 were followed for a mean of 19.3 months (range 1-62 months). Ten (52%) patients were treated with bacille Calmette-Guérin, of whom four had no residual tumor on subsequent biopsy or cystectomy specimens. Three patients developed metastatic disease. In situ adenocarcinoma is a rare lesion that has a high incidence of association with small cell and micropapillary transitional cell carcinomas. When identified, in situ adenocarcinoma may indicate subsequent development of specific types of prognostically poor invasive carcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Predicting cancer following a diagnosis of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia on needle biopsy: data on men with more than one follow-up biopsy.

Most studies on the risk of cancer after high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) on biopsy have been small (fewer than 100 men), have not analyzed in detail if histologic features can predict cancer, and have not assessed the risk of cancer with multiple repeat biopsies. We analyzed 245 men in whom the only abnormal finding on the initial biopsy was high-grade PIN and who had at least one follow-up biopsy. Repeat biopsy identified cancer in 32.2% of men. If only one follow-up biopsy had been performed on the 245 men, only 24.5% of men would have been found to have cancer. The only independent histologic predictor of a cancer diagnosis was the number of cores with high-grade PIN; risk of cancer: 30.2% with 1 or 2 cores, 40% with 3 cores, and 75% with >3 cores. The following did not predict cancer: number of high-grade PIN glands, maximum percentage of gland involved by high-grade PIN, nucleolar prominence, percentage of cells with prominent nucleoli, pattern of high-grade PIN (flat, tufting, micropapillary, cribriform), marked pleomorphism, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound findings, family history of prostate cancer, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) at time of high-grade PIN diagnosis, and rate of change of serum PSA. Eighty-one (33%) men had more than one follow-up biopsy; in these cases the following findings on the original high-grade PIN biopsy predicted cancer: the presence of mitoses, the number of positive cores, predominant micropapillary and cribriform high-grade PIN, and very large prominent nucleoli. Of 81 men with more than one follow-up biopsy, if the first repeat biopsy were benign, high-grade PIN, or atypical, the eventual cancer rate was 10%, 25.9%, and 57.1%, respectively (p = 0.002). Of 15 men with more than two repeat biopsies, only two (13.3%) had cancer. In summary, approximately one third of men with high-grade PIN on biopsy have cancer on follow-up. If cancer is not found on the first two follow-up biopsies, it will unlikely be found. Although clinical findings at the time of diagnosis of high-grade PIN are not useful to predict who might have cancer, histologic findings may help identify who needs additional biopsies.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Leiomyosarcoma of the paratesticular region: a clinicopathologic study.

The behavior of leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is site related, but there are limited data on such tumors presenting in the paratesticular region. Cases diagnosed as LMS of the paratesticular region from the files of three institutions were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry was performed in cases with available blocks, and follow-up information was obtained. From 31 cases originally diagnosed as LMS, 24 were retained after review. These were from men aged 34-86 years (mean 62 years; median 64 years) and involved the testicular tunica (10), spermatic cord (10), scrotal subcutis and dartos muscles (1 each), and the epididymis (1). Tumors ranged in size from 2-9 cm (mean 5 cm; median 4 cm). On immunohistochemical staining they expressed muscle-specific actin (13 of 14), smooth muscle actin (10 of 10), desmin (16 of 17), and CD34 (3 of 9); all of the latter three were strongly desmin-positive. Focal reactivity for cytokeratin (3 of 8) and S-100 protein (1 of 8) was seen. Follow-up information was available in 14 patients. Four (29%) had recurrences, in one case four times. Metastases to lymph nodes, lungs, or liver were seen in four patients (29%), of whom two had prior recurrences. Ten were alive with no evidence of disease (ANED), and four were dead of disease (DOD). Comparing outcome with tumor grade, all seven patients with grade 1 tumors (of whom two had recurrences) and all three with grade 2 tumors were ANED, whereas all four patients with grade 3 tumors were DOD. In summary, paratesticular LMSs are rare neoplasms. The majority in this site are low-grade, although high-grade lesions behave aggressively.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Inverted (Hobnail) high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN): report of 15 cases of a previously undescribed pattern of high-grade PIN.

We report 15 cases of a distinctive and previously unrecognized variant of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) that is characterized by polarization of enlarged secretory cell nuclei toward the glandular lumen. We designate this lesion inverted or hobnail HGPIN. In all cases inverted HGPIN was identified on needle biopsy where it merged with typical micropapillary-tufted HGPIN. Inverted secretory cell nuclei frequently demonstrated less prominent nucleoli than adjacent noninverted secretory cell nuclei, yielding a sense of maturation that falsely suggested a non-neoplastic process. Inverted HGPIN was associated with concurrent prostatic adenocarcinoma in seven cases and with atypical glands suspicious for carcinoma in two other cases, whereas in six other cases inverted HGPIN was the only lesion identified. In both radical prostatectomies that followed these biopsies that were available for review, inverted HGPIN was localized to the peripheral zone of the prostate where it merged with usual forms of HGPIN and carcinoma. Inverted HGPIN is a morphologically distinctive form of HGPIN that shares the association with carcinoma and peripheral zone localization with other recognized forms of HGPIN.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Correlation of Ki-67 and p53 with the new World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology Classification System for Urothelial Neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examines p53 and Ki-67 staining patterns of the diagnostic entities included within the new World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) classification of urothelial neoplasms. DESIGN: We retrospectively studied 151 bladder biopsies from 81 patients with the following neoplasms: normal urothelium (n = 34 biopsies); low-grade intraurothelial neoplasia (LGIUN; n = 19); high-grade intraurothelial neoplasia (HGIUN; n = 20); papillary hyperplasia (n = 4); papilloma (n = 3); papillary neoplasm of low malignant potential (LMP; n = 12); low-grade papillary carcinoma (n = 28); and high-grade papillary carcinoma (n = 31). Sections were labeled immunohistochemically with antibodies to p53 and Ki-67 (MIB-1). Two hundred cells from each lesion were visually counted, and the percentage of positive cells was tabulated without knowledge of the WHO/ISUP diagnosis. RESULTS: In flat lesions, p53 positivity was of limited diagnostic utility; the marker was present in 6 of 34 benign biopsies, 6 of 19 LGIUNs, and 10 of 20 HGIUNs. In one case in which HGIUN was present elsewhere in the bladder, 29% of the benign urothelial cells were p53 positive. In papillary lesions, p53 positivity was not seen in 4 of 4 cases of papillary hyperplasia, 3 of 3 papillomas, and 8 of 12 LMP tumors. In contrast, p53 was detected in 18 of 28 low-grade and 26 of 31 high-grade papillary urothelial carcinomas. A p53 labeling index (LI) greater than 30% was only seen in HGIUNs and high-grade papillary carcinomas. In flat lesions, an increased Ki-67 LI separated out benign urothelium (mean LI, 0.62%) from dysplasia (mean LI, 3.3%) and HGIUN (mean LI, 11.6%). In papillary lesions, Ki-67 positivity was as follows: papillary hyperplasia (mean LI, 1.1%); papilloma (mean LI, 4.3%); LMP tumors (mean LI, 2.5%), low-grade papillary carcinoma (mean LI, 7.3%); and high-grade carcinoma (mean LI, 15.7%). A Ki-67 LI greater than 10% was seen only in low- and high-grade papillary carcinomas, HGIUN, and single cases of LGIUN and papillary neoplasm of LMP. CONCLUSIONS: An increased proliferative index as demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 (MIB-1) is most often seen in papillary carcinoma and HGIUN. Marked p53 positivity is also characteristic of carcinoma but may be seen in benign-appearing urothelium, suggesting a "field effect" with occult molecular aberration.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Isolated local recurrence is rare after radical prostatectomy in men with Gleason 7 prostate cancer and positive surgical margins: therapeutic implications.

PURPOSE: We determined whether the high biochemical failure rate in men with Gleason score 7 disease and positive surgical margins after radical retropubic prostatectomy is secondary to distant metastasis or to local tumor recurrence that could be eliminated by immediate adjuvant radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1982 and 1997, 112 men with Gleason score 7 disease and positive surgical margins but no seminal vesicle or lymph node involvement underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy without immediate adjuvant radiation or hormonal therapy. Median followup was 8 years (range 1 to 16) and 45 men (40%) were followed 10 years or more. Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival estimates were used to determine the actuarial 5 and 10-year post-prostatectomy, and 5-year post-radiation recurrence rates. RESULTS: The actuarial 5 and 10-year post-prostatectomy biochemical, local and distant recurrence rates were 40% and 52%, 6% and 6%, and 7% and 16%, respectively. For 20 men who received radiation therapy for isolated prostate specific antigen elevation actuarial 5-year post-radiation biochemical recurrence-free rate was 34%. For 5 men who received radiation therapy for local recurrence actuarial 5-year post-radiation biochemical recurrence-free rate was 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated clinical local recurrence is rare during long-term followup of men with Gleason score 7 disease and positive surgical margins at radical prostatectomy. Radiation therapy given at prostate specific antigen elevation poorly controlled the disease. Because patients with biochemical failure rarely had local recurrence at long-term followup, they most likely harbored subclinical distant metastasis. These data suggest that immediate adjuvant radiation therapy will not have a major impact on outcome because most men with Gleason score 7 disease and positive surgical margins in whom treatment fails most likely had distant metastasis at surgery. To improve the outcome in cases of Gleason score 7 disease and positive surgical margins a systemic approach to adjuvant therapy is necessary.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The pathological interpretation and significance of prostate needle biopsy findings: implications and current controversies.

PURPOSE: The widespread use of prostate specific antigen testing and digital rectal examination has lead to the increasing application of prostate needle biopsy. A larger proportion of men undergoing biopsy have small foci of cancer, which coupled with the overall increase in needle biopsy has led to a surge in the number of equivocal biopsy specimens interpreted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the literature with an overview of the topic of prostate needle biopsy pathology results with an emphasis on current controversies. RESULTS: The diagnosis rendered on prostate needle biopsy pay be placed into 4 major categories, including 1) benign, 2) prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, 3) atypical and suspicious for cancer, and 4) prostate cancer. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or a diagnosis of atypical and suspicious for cancer mandates re-biopsy in a search for occult prostate cancer. Biopsy findings, including the location of positive cores, may help to guide re-biopsy strategies. Prostate cancer on needle biopsy may be evaluated by numerous techniques of quantifying tumor extent, Gleason score and perineural invasion. These modalities may help clinicians to assess the risk of extraprostatic disease and progression likelihood, and help men with prostate cancer choose among therapeutic options. CONCLUSIONS: The pathology reports returned on needle biopsy specimens may provide a wealth of information beyond the simple presence or absence of prostate cancer that may aid clinicians in patient treatment and counseling.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed2001

Era specific biochemical recurrence-free survival following radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively reviewed a large series of men with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent surgery to define the extent of stage migration and its influence on biochemical recurrence in 3 different eras of prostate cancer management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,370 men were treated with radical prostatectomy from 1982 to 1998. We analyzed the freedom from biochemical (prostate specific antigen) progression after radical prostatectomy. We compared the distribution of pathological stage by the year of surgery. We then compared the biochemical recurrence-free survival rate according to the different eras that reflect a change in prostate cancer management. RESULTS: There was a significant downward stage migration of prostate cancer and an increasing proportion of men who presented with organ confined disease in recent years. The actuarial biochemical recurrence-free rate was significantly different for patients who underwent surgery between 1982 and 1988, compared with those between 1989 and 1998 (p <0.001). These changes may have reflected the benefits of early detection with prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examination, better preoperative selection of patients for surgery as well as the effect of lead time. CONCLUSIONS: Widespread early detection programs for prostate cancer resulted in downward stage migration in men presenting with prostate cancer at our institution during the last 18 years. Also, we have demonstrated a biochemical recurrence-free survival advantage, probably secondary to an improved therapeutic outcome as well as lead time bias, in men who underwent surgery between 1989 and 1998, compared with those between 1982 and 1988. When trying to compare the efficacy of different treatment modalities for prostate cancer, the era in which patients underwent therapy is an important factor to be considered.

Adult↗