228 Background: Many men with low risk prostate cancer on transrectal biopsy appear suitable for active surveillance (AS). Under staging and grading at diagnosis can result in delayed treatment and risk of poorer oncological outcomes. In most AS series about 30% men have active treatment at a median of two years for presumed disease progression/choice but this may represent disease mischaracterised at initial biopsy. So it is essential to accurately stratify patients before surveillance. We have routinely offered transperineal sector prostate biopsies (TPSB), using 24-32 cores, to all patients considering AS. Methods: 350 patients with apparent low to intermediate risk prostate cancer after transrectal prostate biopsy (TRUS Bx) underwent transperineal sector biopsies. Results: Median age 64 yrs (38–84). Median PSA 7.2 ug/l (0.14–58). 190 had Gleason 3+3, 115 had Gleason 3+4 and 45 >3+4 disease. 145 (41%) patients elected for definitive treatment, in 112 because there was an upgrade or higher disease volume compared with the original TRUS Bx. 33 patients chose definitive treatment rather than continued AS. 205 (59%) patients entered our AS programme, in 25 follow up data is incomplete leaving 180 for analysis. 61 have had repeat TPSB within our protocol and at a median follow up at 2 years in 56/61 (92%) the Gleason score and volume of disease was unchanged. Only 5/180, 2.8% have had treatment for disease progression and additionally 4/180 (2.2%) have chosen active intervention over continued surveillance, despite no evidence of progression. Conclusions: TRUS biopsies under-estimate Gleason grade or cancer volume compared with TPSB. In our cohort of AS patients only 2.8%, at a median follow up of two years, have transferred to definitive treatment for disease progression. TPSB provides the best method to exclude higher risk disease from AS programmes.
Association of Mediterranean diet score and disease progression among localized prostate cancer patients on active surveillance
