Re: Al-Azab R, Toi A, Lockwood G, et al. Prostate Volume Is Strongest Predictor of Cancer Diagnosis at Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy with Prostate-Specific Antigen Values Between 2.0 and 9.0 ng/mL (Urology 69:103-107, 2007)

Introduction: The discrepancy between prostate biopsy and prostatectomy Gleason scores is common. We investigate the predictive value of prostate biopsy features for predicting Gleason score (GS) upgrading in patients with biopsy Gleason scores ≤6 who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Our aim was to determine predictors of GS upgrading and to offer guidance to clinicians in determining the therapeutic option.Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer at 2 major centres between January 2007 and March 2013. All patients with either abnormal digital examination or elevated prostate-specific antigen at screening underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Variables were evaluated among the patients with and without GS upgrading. Our study limitations include its retrospective design, the fact that all subjects were Turkish and the fact that we had a small sample size.Results: In total, 321 men had GS ≤6 on prostate biopsy. Of these, 190 (59.2%) had GS ≤6 concordance and 131 (40.8%) had GS upgrading from ≤6 on biopsy to 7 or higher at the time of the prostatectomy. Independent predictors of pathological upgrading were prostate volume <40 cc (p < 0.001), maximum percent of cancer in any core (p = 0.011), and >1 core positive for cancer (p < 0.001).Conclusions: When obtaining an extended-core biopsy scheme, patients with small prostates (≤40 cc), greater than 1 core positive for cancer, and an increased burden of cancer are associated with increased risk of GS upgrading. Patients with GS ≤6 on biopsy with these pathological parameters should be carefully counselled on treatment decisions.

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Impact of prostate needle biopsy on erectile function: A prospective study

Urologia Journal ◽

10.1177/0391560319834488 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 86 (3) ◽

pp. 145-147

Author(s):

Koosha Kamali ◽

Mostafa Nabizadeh ◽

Mojtaba Ameli ◽

Maryam Emami ◽

Mohadese Mahvari-Habibabadi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Erectile Dysfunction ◽

Prostate Specific Antigen ◽

Prostate Biopsy ◽

Needle Biopsy ◽

Prostate Volume ◽

Specific Antigen ◽

Prostate Specific Antigen Level ◽

Antigen Level ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

The Mean

Background: Needle biopsy of the prostate is a diagnostic method for prostate cancer which is a relatively safe method with low risk of serious complications. The evidences regarding the occurrence of erectile dysfunction following prostate biopsy are controversial. Herein, we aimed at determining the rate of erectile dysfunction in those undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Method: All candidates for prostate biopsy were enrolled. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 was completed 1 m before and 1, 3, and 6 months after ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy by each patient for erectile dysfunction. Patients with a previous history of erectile dysfunction which due to a positive pathology had received any type of treatment were excluded from the study. Results: Eighty patients with the mean age of 64.8 years, the mean prostate-specific antigen level of 11.64 ng/dL, and the mean prostate volume of 62.43 cc were included. The prostate biopsy result was positive in 38.8% of the cases. No significant relationship was found between erectile dysfunction and prostate-specific antigen level, prostate volume, and the pathology result (P = 0.320, 0.509, and 0.131). The mean questionnaire score 1 month before and after the biopsy was 23 and 18, respectively; it demonstrated a significant difference (P < 0.001). The same score was 17 and 14.5 three and six months after biopsy. The mean score 1 m before and 3 m after biopsy also revealed a significant difference (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the prostate causes progressive erectile dysfunction in these patients. This relationship is not affected by the biopsy result, prostate volume, or the prostate-specific antigen level.

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