Volume 20, Number 1Review ArticlesDifferentiating Molecular Risk Assessments for Prostate CancerRisk Assessment ReviewBenjamin PressMarc A BjurlinMichael SchulsterIt is critically important to the evolving goals of prostate biopsy to find clinically significant cancer with lethal potential and avoid detection of indolent disease. Better tests and markers are required for improved detection of clinically significant prostate cancer and avoidance of biopsies in men with indolent disease. Currently, there are myriad alternative prostate cancer risk-assessment tests available derived from serum and urine that are designed to improve the specificity for detection of “significant” prostate cancer. Herein we discuss these tests and their clinical implications. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(1):12–18 doi: 10.3909/riu0787] © 2018 MedReviews, LLC®Prostate cancerScreeningProstate-specific antigenBiomarkersPSA
Volume 20, Number 2Meeting ReviewsHighlights From the 2018 American Urological Association Annual Meeting, May 18-21, 2018, San Francisco, CABest of the 2018 AUA Annual MeetingZeyad R SchwenAlan W Partin[Rev Urol. 2018;20(2):98–100 doi: 10.3909/riu0806] © 2018 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerRisk stratificationActive surveillancempMRI
Volume 20, Number 2Original ResearchProstate Biopsy Characteristics: A Comparison Between the Pre- and Post-2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Prostate Cancer Screening GuidelinesIvelina HristovaThomas HuebnerVladimir IoffeNavin ShahTo compare prostate cancer (PCa) characteristics diagnosed by prostate biopsy (Pbx) in the 3 years before and after the 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for PCa screening, we completed a retrospective comparative analysis of 402 sequential PCa patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2012 (3 years) with 552 PCa patients diagnosed from 2015 to 2017 (3 years). Data was collected on patient age, race, total number of biopsies performed, prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason sum score (GSS), and digital rectal examination (DRE). The data was analyzed to determine whether the 2012 USPSTF screening recommendations affected PCa characteristics. Two study groups were defined, Group A and Group B, prior to and after the 2012 USPSTF screening recommendations, respectively. In Group A (pre- 2012 USPSTF recommendations), 567 patients/year underwent a Pbx versus Group B, 398 patients/year, a 30% reduction post-USPSTF. The annual positive Pbx rate for Group A is 134/year versus Group B 184/year, a 37.3% increase post-USPSTF. Group A had high-grade PCa (GSS 7-10) in 51.5% versus Group B in 60.1%, an 8.6% increase post-USPSTF. In Group B, the total number of positive biopsies was increased by 100%. This study shows that in Group B, the Pbx rate decreased by 30% but the annual PCa detection rate increased by 37%. High-grade GSS (7-10) PCa increased by 8.6%. Despite a reduction in the total number of prostate biopsies by 30%, there was a 100% increase in the total number of positive prostate biopsies. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(2):77–83 doi: 10.3909/riu0793] © 2018 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerUnited States Preventive Services Task ForcePSA screening
Volume 20, Number 2Original ResearchBalancing Confounding and Generalizability Using Observational, Real-world Data: 17-gene Genomic Prostate Score Assay Effect on Active SurveillanceJohn HornbergerSteven CanfieldPhillip G FebboMichael J KemeterRandomized, controlled trials can provide high-quality, unbiased evidence for therapeutic interventions but are not always a practical or viable study design for certain healthcare decisions, such as those involving prognostic or predictive testing. Studies using large, real-world databases may be more appropriate and more generalizable to the intended target population of physicians and patients to answer these questions but carry potential for hidden bias. We illustrate several emerging methods of analyzing observational studies using propensity score matching (PSM) and coarsened exact matching (CEM). These advanced statistical methods are intended to reveal a “hidden experiment” within an observational database, and so refute or confirm a potential causal effect of assignment to an intervention and study outcome. We applied these methods to the Optum™ Research Database (ORD; Eden Prairie, MN) of electronic health records and administrative claims data to assess the effect of the 17-gene Genomic Prostate Score® (GPS™; Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) assay on use of active surveillance (AS). In a traditional multivariable logistic regression, the GPS assay increased the use of AS by 29% (95% CI, 24%-33%). Upon applying the matching methods, the effect of the GPS assay on AS use varied between 27% and 80% and the matched data were significant among all algorithms. All matching algorithms performed well in identifying matched data that improved the imbalance in baseline covariates. By using different matching methods to assess causal inference in an observational database, we provide further confidence that the effect of the GPS assay on AS use is statistically significant and unlikely to be a result of confounding due to differences in baseline characteristics of the patients or the settings in which they were seen. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(2):69–76 doi: 10.3909/riu0799] © 2018 MedReviews, LLC®Prostate cancerActive surveillanceEvidence-based practiceComparative effectiveness researchGenomic biomarkerPropensity scoreMatching
Volume 20, Number 2Original ResearchEffectiveness of Subcutaneously Administered Leuprolide Acetate to Achieve Low Nadir Testosterone in Prostate Cancer PatientsStuart AtkinsonDeborah M Boldt-HoulePrzemyslaw TwardowskimJoseph Renzulli IIJason HafronChristopher M PieczonkaScott EggenerEvidence suggests lower nadir testosterone levels during the first year of androgen deprivation therapy improve advanced prostate cancer clinical outcomes. We evaluated pivotal trials for subcutaneously administered leuprolide acetate (1-, 3-, 4-, and 6-month doses) to determine nadir testosterone levels. Pooled analysis showed 99%, 97%, and 91% of patients reached nadir testosterone ≤20, ≤10, and ≤5 ng/dL respectively (median ≤3 ng/dL). Across all available categories, ≥88% of patients reached nadir testosterone ≤5 ng/dL, and <3% experienced a microsurge. Achievement and maintenance of low nadir testosterone levels may improve progression-free survival and time to onset of castrate-resistant prostate cancer. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(2):63–68 doi: 10.3909/riu0798] © 2018 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerAndrogen deprivation therapyLHRH agonistsLeuprolide acetateNadir testosterone
Volume 20, Number 3Original ResearchHistologic Changes in Prostate Cancer Detected Subsequent to the 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Prostate Cancer Screening RecommendationCarl A OlssonDeepak KapoorHugh J LaveryAnn E AndersonWe report changes in the histopathology of prostate cancer diagnosed in a large urology group practice after the final United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Grade D recommendation against prostate-specific antigen screening. All prostate biopsies performed from 2011 through 2015 in a large urology group practice were retrospectively reviewed; 2012 was excluded as a transition year. The changes in biopsy data in years following the USPSTF decision (2013-2015) were then compared with baseline (2011). A total of 10,944 biopsies were evaluated during the study period. Positive biopsy rates rose from 39.1% at baseline to 45.2% in 2015 (P < 0.01) with a marked shift toward more aggressive cancer throughout the study period. The absolute number of patients presenting with Gleason Grade Group 4 or 5 increased from 155/year at baseline to 231, 297, and 285 in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively (P < 0.05), unrelated to age or racial changes over time. Black men represented 16% of the cohort. Since the USPSTF recommendation against prostate cancer screening, trends toward a substantial upward grade migration and increased volume of cancers were noted in a cohort of nearly 11,000 patients in a real- world clinical practice. Additionally, continuing reductions in cancer detection in the United States may exacerbate these trends. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(3):125–130 doi: 10.3909/riu0815] © 2018 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerProstate cancer screeningHistopathologygrade migration
Volume 21, Number 1Original ResearchProstate Biopsy Features: A Comparison Between the Pre– and Post–2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines With Emphasis on African American and Septuagenarian MenShannon CheroneVladimir IoffeNavin ShahWe compare prostate biopsy (Pbx) characteristics from 3 years prior to the 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) prostate cancer (PCa) screening guidelines with those of 2018, with a focus on African American (AA) men and healthy men aged 70 to 80 years. We completed a retrospective comparative analysis of 1703 sequential patients that had had a Pbx from 2010 to 2012 (3 years) with 383 patients biopsied in 2018. Data was collected on patient age, race, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE), total number of biopsies performed, and Gleason sum score (GSS). The data was analyzed to determine whether the 2012 USPSTF screening recommendations affected PCa characteristics. Two study groups were defined as group A and B, Pbx prior to the 2012 USPSTF screening guidelines and that of 2018, respectively. The study population consisted of 71% high-risk AA patients. In Group A (pre-2012 USPSTF guidelines), 567 patients/year underwent a Pbx versus Group B, 383 patients/year, a 32% reduction post-USPSTF. The annual positive Pbx rate for Group A is 134/year versus Group B with 175/year, a 31% increase post-USPSTF. In Group B, there was a 94% relative increase in total positive biopsies. Group A had high-grade PCa (GSS 7-10) in 51.5% versus 60.5% in Group B, a 9% increase post-USPSTF. The proportion of patients with a PSA 10 ng/mL or higher was 25.4% in group A versus 29.3% in group B. The age group of 70 to 80 years demonstrated an increasing trend for patients with PSA 10 ng/mL and higher, 31% in Group A versus 38% in Group B; high-grade tumors (GSS 7-10) occurred in 61% in Group A versus 65% in Group B. After the 2012 USPSTF guidelines against PCa screening, our study shows decreased prostate cancer screening with decreased Pbx, increased PCa diagnosis, and increased high-grade (GSS 7-10) PCa. These trends were especially notable in the 70- to 80-year age group, which showed a larger proportion of total patients (compared with pre-2012 USPSTF guidelines), increased PCa grades, increased PSA levels, and a higher percentage of patients with greater than 50% positive cores. As our patient population consists of 71% AA patients, our results support aggressive PCa screening for high-risk patients, which includes AA men, men with a family history of PCa, and healthy men aged 70 to 80 years. [Rev Urol. 2019;21(1):1–7] © 2019 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerElderly menUnited States Preventive Services Task ForceScreeningProstate-specific antigen (PSA)African American Men
Volume 21, Number 4Meeting ReviewsProstate Cancer Academy 2019 Selected SummariesJacob Taylor[Rev Urol. 2019;21(4):166–171] © 2020 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerImmunotherapyActive surveillanceFocal therapympMRIPSMA-PET
Volume 22, Number 3Review ArticlesCurrent and Future Management of Locally Advanced and Metastatic Prostate CancerOriginal ResearchNeal D ShoreWith increasing treatment options available, the management of locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) is growing more complex, nuanced, and individualized. Strategies for combining surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) continue to evolve, as do ADT and immunotherapy options. Additionally, multiple adjunctive agents for metastatic PCa have been recently approved or are pending approval. As the number of locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancers being diagnosed rises, so does the need to consider patients’ clinical situations and personal preferences. This review discusses current and potential future approaches to managing locally advanced and metastatic PCa. [Rev Urol. 2020;22(3):110-123] © 2020 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerChemotherapyAndrogen deprivation therapyMetastatic prostate cancerLocally advanced prostate cancer
Volume 22, Number 3Review ArticlesA Trend Toward Aggressive Prostate CancerOriginal ResearchVladimir IoffeNavin ShahTo compare prostate biopsy (Pbx) characteristics before and after the 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) prostate cancer (PCa) screening guidelines, we completed a retrospective comparative analysis of 1703 sequential patients that had a Pbx in 2010 to 2012 (3 years) with 383 patients biopsied in 2018 and 310 patients biopsied in 2019. Data was collected on patient age, race, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, digital rectal examination (DRE) results, total number of biopsies performed, and Gleason sum score (GSS). Data were analyzed to determine whether the 2012 USPSTF screening recommendations against PCa screening may have affected PCa characteristics. Three study groups were defined as Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group A represents Pbx prior to the 2012 USPSTF screening guidelines (2010-2012), Group B represents Pbx in 2018, and Group C represents Pbx in 2019. The patient population consisted of 73% Black men, 16% White men, and 11% men of other races. The number of patients that had a biopsy in Groups A through C, respectively, were 567 patients/year, 383 patients/year, and 310 patients/year. The annual positive Pbx rate for Group A through C was 134/year, 175/year, and 201/year, respectively. High-grade PCa (GSS 7-10) in Groups A through C was 51.5%, 60.5%, and 60.0%. The proportion of patients with a serum PSA level 10 ng/mL or greater in Groups A through C was 25.4%, 29.3%, and 33%. For patients age 70 to 80 years, there was an increasing trend for serum PSA levels 10 ng/mL and higher: 31%, 38%, and 39%, respectively. In this age group, high-grade tumors (GSS 7-10) occurred in 61%, 65%, and 68%, respectively. In 2019, Grade Group 3, 4, and 5 was present in 37.7% of 70- to 80-year-old men and 34.6% of Black men. More than 50% positive biopsy cores were present in 46.3% of 70- to 80-year-old men and 36.6% of Black men. Our data through 2019 continued to show that after the 2012 USPSTF recommendations against PCa screening, PCa screening has decreased. We found decreased Pbx, increased PCa diagnosis, and increased high-grade PCa (GSS 7-10). As our patient population consisted of 73% Black patients and 33% of men age 70 to 80 years, our results support aggressive PCa screening for high-risk patients, which include Black men, men with a family history of PCa, and healthy men age 70 to 80 years. [Rev Urol. 2020;22(3):102-109] © 2020 MedReviews®, LLCProstate cancerElderly menUnited States Preventive Services Task ForceProstate-specific antigen screeningBlack men