超声造影检查在经会阴前列腺穿刺活检中的应用价值

目的 探讨超声造影检查在经直肠超声引导下(CE-TRUS)经会阴前列腺穿刺活检中的临床应用价值.方法 病例选择标准:①直肠指检异常;②PSA>10 ng/ml;③PSA 4～10 ng/ml,f/t PSA异常或PSAD值异常,符合以上之一者即入围此研究.共116例入选者,年龄50～84岁,既往均无前列腺手术病史.行6点系统加异常回声处活检,其中PSA＜10ng/ml者25例,10 ng/ml～者25例,20 ng/ml～者11例,>30 ng/ml者55例.行CF-TRUS经会阴前列腺穿刺活检,彩色多普勒超声检查并记录前列腺局灶性病变部位、回声特征及彩色多普勒血流等情况,其中43例行前列腺超声造影,了解并记录异常血流部位.结果 116例患者穿刺活检证实前列腺癌64例,BPH 52例.43例行超声造影检查后活检者,前列腺癌和BPH分别为25及18例,造影组和非造影组前列腺癌穿刺阳性率比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.622).PSA≤30ng/ml组共61例,其中行超声造影23例,发现前列腺癌8例,未造影组38例中发现前列腺癌5例,造影组穿刺阳性率高于非造影组,2组比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.046);PSA>30 ng/ml患者造影和非造影穿刺阳性率(97.1%与85.0%)比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.095). 结论与B超引导下经直肠前列腺活检相比,CE-TRUS经会阴前列腺穿刺活检并发症少而轻.PSA≤30ng/ml患者结合超声造影检查能提高前列腺癌穿刺阳性率.     

Transperineal template-guided prostate biopsy for patients with persistently elevated PSA and multiple prior negative biopsies

ObjectiveTo evaluate the use of transperineal template-guided prostate biopsy for patients with persistently elevated PSA despite multiple negative prior biopsies.Materials and methodsA retrospective review was performed of patients with at least two prior prostate biopsies who underwent transperineal template-guided biopsy. Electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain relevant clinical, laboratory, and pathologic data.ResultsA total of 34 patients underwent transperineal template-guided biopsy. Patients had a mean of 3.7 ± 1.6 (range 2–8) prior biopsies, including prior negative transurethral resection (TUR) biopsy in 6 (17.6%) patients. Prostate cancer was detected in 17 (50%) of the 34 patients. Of these, 14 (82.4%) patients had cancer in the anterior prostate, 9 (52.9%) patients had cancer in the apical prostate, and 16 (94.1%) patients had cancer in either the anterior or apical prostate. Gleason score was 3+3 in 9 (52.9%) patients and 3+4 or greater in 7 (47.1%) patients. The mean number of positive cores was 4.5 ± 3.0 (range 1–11). Of the 17 patients with a diagnosis of cancer, 7 underwent radical prostatectomy, 7 underwent radiation therapy, 1 elected active surveillance, and 1 was deciding between surgery and radiation therapy; 1 patient received palliative chemotherapy for synchronous metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. Patients in whom cancer was detected had significantly smaller prostate volume, higher PSA, higher PSA density, and greater PSA velocity.ConclusionsTransperineal template-guided prostate biopsy is an effective technique for detecting cancer in patients with persistently elevated PSA despite multiple negative biopsies. It improves sampling of the anterior and apical prostate, and should be included as part of the diagnostic algorithm to reduce extensive repeat biopsy.     

Extensive repeat transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy in patients with previous benign sextant biopsies

PURPOSE: Standard sextant prostate biopsy may underestimate cancer in men in whom clinical findings are suspicious for localized prostate cancer. We describe our experience with extensive transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy in men in whom previous sextant biopsy was negative. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 1997 and March 1999, 57 men 47 to 72 years old (mean age 61.4) underwent extensive transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate using intravenous sedation at our institution. An average of 22.5 cores (range 15 to 31) were obtained depending on prostate size. Biopsies were obtained from each of 6 sagittal regions, including samples from the far lateral and mid transitional zones. Each patient had undergone at least 1 previous benign transrectal ultrasound guided sextant biopsy (mean 2.1, range 1 to 4). Indications for repeat biopsy were persistently elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) in 89% of the cases, increased PSA velocity in 63%, suspicious free-to-total PSA in 39% and a previous suspicious biopsy finding in 32%. Clinical factors (PSA, PSA velocity, free-to-total PSA and previous suspicious biopsy) were analyzed for the ability to predict positive biopsy, and tumor parameters were assessed pathologically in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: Adenocarcinoma was identified in 17 of the 57 men (30%). Biopsy revealed a Gleason score of 6 to 8 (mean 6.4). In 7 of the 17 patients (41%) in whom cancer was identified only 1 biopsy core was positive. Of the 15 patients in whom previous sextant biopsy had demonstrated high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation extensive biopsy revealed cancer in 7 (47%). Although serum PSA was higher and free-to-total PSA was lower in those with cancer, the only statistically significant predictor of positive biopsy was PSA velocity (p <0.001). Prostate cancer was noted in 64% of the men with PSA velocity 1 ng./ml. or greater. Of the 13 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy pathologically significant disease was identified in all but 1 (92%). Complications of extensive biopsy included urinary retention in 6 patients and limited rectal bleeding in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive prostate biopsy identifies significant prostate cancer in many men in whom previous sextant biopsy was benign. This procedure should be considered when findings are suspicious for adenocarcinoma despite previously negative sextant biopsy.     

超声造影结合直肠B超在经会阴前列腺穿刺活检中的应用（附87例报告）

目的：探讨微泡造影剂结合经直肠多普勒超声（contrastenhancedtransrectualultrasound,CE-TRUS）在经会阴前列腺穿刺活检中的临床意义。方法：对87例前列腺疾病患者在CE-TRUS后行经直肠B超引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检,穿刺标准依据2007年新修订的《中国泌尿外科疾病诊断治疗指南》确定．先行彩色多普勒超声检查。了解并记录前列腺局灶性病变部位、大小、数目、回声特征及彩色多普勒血流等情况。结果：87倒确诊为前列腺癌和前列腺增生者分别为52例和35例,两者比较差异无统计学意义（P=0．617）。而以PSA≤20ng／ml和PSA〉20ng／ml为标准行分层分析,发现PSA≤20ng／ml者在CE-TRUS引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺阳性率高（P=0．041）。结论：CE-TRUS后经直肠B超引导下行经会阴前列腺穿刺活检是诊断前列腺癌的重要方法;PSA≤20ng／ml者结合CDTRUS行前列腺穿刺活检能提高前列腺癌穿刺阳性率。     

Brachytherapy of prostate cancer after colectomy for colorectal cancer: pilot experience

PURPOSE: We present a method of brachytherapy for prostate cancer using a 3-dimensional stereotactic system and computerized tomography guidance in patients without a rectum due to previous treatment for colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1994 to November 2003 a cohort of 800 patients were treated with brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Four patients had previously been treated for colorectal cancer with 4,500 cGy external beam radiation therapy, abdominoperineal resection and chemotherapy, while 1 underwent abdominoperineal resection alone for ulcerative colitis. Because of previous radiation therapy, these patients were not candidates for salvage external beam radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy and they had no rectum for transrectal ultrasound guided transperineal brachytherapy or cryotherapy. A previously described, 3-dimensional stereotactic system was used for brachytherapy in these patients. The prescribed radiation dose was 120 to 144 Gy with iodine seeds in rapid strand format. Patient followup included clinical examination and serum prostate specific antigen measurement. RESULTS: Average followup was 18.6 months. Four patients had excellent biochemical control, while 1 had biochemical failure. Patients did not experience any gastrointestinal morbidity. One patient had a stricture of the distal ureter, requiring a stent. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional computerized tomography guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer in patients with a history of colorectal cancer who have no rectum is a feasible method of treatment.     

超声引导下经会阴定位模板的前列腺饱和穿刺活检

目的探讨超声引导下经会阴定位模板前列腺饱和穿刺活检的准确性、安全性。方法303例PSA〉4．0ng／ml和（或）DRE异常和（或）前列腺B超、CT或MRI异常者接受经会阴定位模板饱和穿刺活检。年龄35～90岁，平均69．7岁。PSA0．2～3000．0ng／ml，中位数13．7ng／ml。前列腺体积7～190ml，中位数47ml。结果每区活检1～4针，共11～44针，平均23．7针。前列腺癌活检阳性率37．6％（114／303）。PSA0～4．0、4．1～10．0、10．1～20．0、20．1～30．0、30．1～70．0及〉70．0ng／ml者阳性率分别为22．2％（4／18）、8．2％（6／73）、21．6％（22／102）、48．4％（15／31）、68．4％（26／38）及100．0％（41／41）。前列腺体积〈20、20～40、41～60及〉60ml者阳性率分别为68．0％（17／25）、51．4％（54／105）、27．5％（19／69）及23．1％（24／104）。无一例出现严重并发症。结论TRUS引导下经会阴定位模板饱和穿刺活检精确而安全，对于前列腺癌的准确分期有重要意义。     

模板定位下经会阴前列腺分区穿刺活检1270例临床研究

目的 评价模板定位下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检术诊断前列腺癌的可行性及应用价值.方法 2004年5月至2009年10月1270例患者接受了经直肠超声引导模板定位下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检术.年龄平均70.4(26～90)岁.PSA 0.2～5000.0 ng/ml中位数12.96 ng/ml.前列腺体积平均53.6(7～200)ml,中位数47 ml.每区穿刺1～4针,每例平均18.4(11～44)针.结果 1270例患者穿刺活检阳性486例,阳性率38.3%.PSA 0～4.0、4.1～10.0、10.1～20.0、20.1～40.0、40.1～60.0、60.1～100.0、>100.0 ng/ml者阳性率分别为21.9%(16/73)、16.6%(67/403)、30.7%(122/397)、46.7%(77/165)、68.3%(41/60)、86.2%(46/54)、99.2%(117/118).前列腺体积≤20、21～40、41～60、61～80、>80 ml者阳性率分别为72.1%(49/68)、55.6%(234/421)、32.5%(136/418)、23.3%(48/206)、12.1%(19/157).PSA＜20 ng/ml患者中前列腺尖部及其余部检出率分别为44.8%及35.3%,二者比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).1270例患者前区及后区检出率分别为79.4%及86.8%,二者比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).患者均未出现严重并发症.结论 模板定位下经会阴前列腺分区穿刺活检准确,安全.前列腺尖部肿瘤发生率高于其余部位,PSA＜20ng/ml患者活检时应加强尖部前列腺组织取样.     

The role of a standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsies

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Template assisted transperineal biopsy of the prostate has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Several studies have demonstrated that transperineal prostate biopsy (TPB) is associated with an increased rate of cancer detection, increased histological concordance with final prostatectomy samples and an increase in anterior and apical prostate cancers than standard TRUS biopsy. However, interpretation of the literature is difficult due to considerable variation between studies in terms of technique and equipment. We examined a small cohort (n= 40) of patients using a standardized 36 core template assisted TPB technique. We show that utilising this technique is associated with high cancer (68%) detection rate in patients with two previous negative TRUS biopsies. Of patients were found to have anterior gland tumours which would not have been detected by standard TRUS guided biopsy.

OBJECTIVE

? To determine the efficacy and safety of a standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal biopsy technique for detecting prostate cancer in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsies and elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

? Between April 2008 to September 2010, a total of 40 patients with a mean (range) age of 63 (49–73) years, a mean (range) elevated PSA level of 21.9 (4.7–87) ng/mL and two previous sets of negative TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies underwent standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal prostate biopsies under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure. ? The cancer detection rate and complications for all cases were evaluated.

RESULTS

? In total, 27 of 40 (68%) patients were found to have adenocarcinoma of the prostate, two patients (5.0%) had atypical small acinar proliferation, one had high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (2.5%), four (10%) had chronic active inflammation and six (15%) had benign histology. ? Gleason scores were in the range 6–9, with a median Gleason score of 7. ? There were no cases of urosepsis, urinary tract infections or haematuria. A single patient experienced acute urinary retention, with a subsequent succesful trial without a catheter, and haematospermia was common, although minor.

CONCLUSIONS

? Our standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique is safe and associated with a high detection rate of prostate cancer. ? This technique should be considered in patients with elevated PSA levels and previously negative TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies.     

Predictors of seminal vesicle invasion before radical prostatectomy

AIM: To predict whether or not seminal vesicle invasion is present before radical prostatectomy, the relationships between clinical parameters and seminal vesicle invasion were analyzed. METHODS: A review was conducted of 187 patients who had been clinically diagnosed with stages A(2), B(0), B(1), B(2) or C prostate cancer and who had undergone radical prostatectomy without neoadjuvant therapy. The parameters analyzed for potential predictors of seminal vesicle invasion before radical prostatectomy included age, clinical stage, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level at biopsy, tumor differentiation of biopsy specimens and percentage of cancer positive cores by biopsy. For percentage of cancer positive cores by biopsy, 143 of 187 patients who underwent transrectal sextant biopsy or more than six transrectal ultrasound guided core biopsies were evaluated. These parameters were subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify predictors for seminal vesicle invasion. RESULTS: The median age was 66.8 years (range 51-77 years). Of 187 patients, 27 (14.4%) had seminal vesicle invasion confirmed pathologically. There were significant differences in all parameters except for age between patients with positive and negative seminal vesicle invasion on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum PSA level, tumor differentiation of biopsy specimens and percentage of cancer positive cores were significant independent predictors of seminal vesicle invasion. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed serum PSA level, tumor differentiation of biopsy specimens and percentage of cancer positive cores by biopsy before radical prostatectomy may be useful predictors for seminal vesicle invasion.     

Transperineal extended biopsy improves the clinically significant prostate cancer detection rate: A comparative study of 6 and 12 biopsy cores

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the improvement in the rate of prostate cancer detection when using a 12-core transperineal biopsy protocol including transitional zone biopsy. METHODS: Between April 2003 and November 2004, 247 consecutive men underwent transperineal systemic 12-core biopsy of the prostate. Six cores were obtained at the peripheral zone, four at the transitional zone and two at the apex. We examined the cancer detection rate in each of the 12 cores, and also determined the improvement of cancer detection resulting from the extensive 12-core versus standard 6-core biopsy. RESULTS: Using the extensive 12-core biopsy, prostate cancer was detected in 98 cases (39.7%). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, the positive rate in digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound findings were significantly higher in the prostate cancer group than in the non-prostate cancer group, and prostate volume was larger in non-prostate cancer group. Every site showed almost the same positive rate, between 17.8 and 21.5%. There were 20 cases which were positive in the extended biopsy, but negative in the sextant. The detection improved significantly (20.4%). The improvement of cancer detection in extended biopsy was better in men with PSA levels of 10 ng/mL or less (28.9%), PSA density 0.3 or less (25.8%), negative digital rectal examination (23.3%), and negative transrectal ultrasound (21.6%). Of these twenty patients, no cases with insignificant tumor were detected in the six prostatectomy cases. In particular, three cases of the six were transitional-zone-only cancer. CONCLUSION: Transperineal extended 12-core biopsy including 4 transitional zone cores is a more useful procedure than transperineal 6-core biopsy. Routine transitional zone biopsy, that is different from transrectal biopsy, might be useful for detecting biologically significant cancer.     

Importance of TURP in diagnosing prostate cancer in men with multiple negative biopsies

OBJECTIVE: Patients with persistently elevated PSA and multiple negative TRUS guided 12-core biopsies, present a clinical conundrum. We evaluated the efficacy of transurethral biopsy and/or resection in abetting prostate cancer diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients who had prostate cancer diagnosed only on TURP following TRUS guided (24-48 cores) negative biopsies, including five who underwent radical prostatectomy were assessed. Extent and site of tumour was analysed in relation to the TURP cavity. RESULTS: Mean age was 61.8 years (PSA range: 3.8-20.9 ng/ml.). Patients had TURP for worsening LUTS with chippings diagnosing invasive prostate cancer. Organ confined anterior prostate cancer was diagnosed in five who had radical prostatectomy. CONCLUSION: Anteriorly directed transurethral biopsies and/or TURP help in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in patients with multiple negative biopsies. Patients with anterior prostate cancer tend to have organ-confined disease even with higher PSA.     

The incidence of prostate cancer in men with prostate specific antigen greater than 4.0 ng/ml: a randomized study of 6 versus 12 core transperineal prostate biopsy

PURPOSE: The prostate cancer detection rate in patients with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) increases with extended needle biopsy protocols. Transperineal biopsy under transrectal ultrasound guidance is rarely reported, although notable cancer diagnoses are obtained with this technique. We describe the results of 6 and 12 core transperineal biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 214 patients with PSA greater than 4.0 ng/ml were prospectively randomized to undergo 6 or 12 core transperineal biopsy. Each group of 107 patients was comparable in terms of clinical characteristics. The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Specimens were obtained with a fan technique with 2 puncture sites slightly above the rectum (1 per lobe) under transrectal ultrasound guidance. Cores were taken from all peripheral areas, including the far lateral aspect of the prostate. RESULTS: The overall cancer detection rate was 38% and 51% for 6 and 12 core biopsy, respectively. In patients with PSA between 4.1 and 10 ng/ml the cancer detection rate was 30% and 49% for 6 and 12 core biopsy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 12 core transperineal prostate biopsy is superior to 6 core biopsy. The technique provides optimal prostate cancer diagnosis. About half of the patients with PSA greater than 4.0 ng/ml and a slightly lower percent with PSA between 4.1 and 10 ng/ml have prostate cancer.     

Prostate cancer distribution in patients diagnosed by transperineal template-guided saturation biopsy

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prostate cancer incidence, anatomic distribution, Gleason score profile, and tumor burden in patients diagnosed by transperineal template-guided saturation biopsy (TTSB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and two patients underwent TTSB; all but one patient had undergone at least one prior negative TRUS biopsy. Criteria for inclusion included an elevated PSA and/or the diagnosis of ASAP or high-grade PIN on prior biopsy. The prostate gland was divided into 24 regional biopsy locations. The median number of biopsy cores was 50. Multiple clinical parameters were evaluated as predictors for prostate cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 64.8 yr with a mean PSA of 9.1 ng/ml and a prostate volume of 78.6 cm(3). On average, patients had undergone 2.1 prior negative TRUS biopsies with a mean of 22.4 core biopsies. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 43 patients (42.2%) with a Gleason score distribution of 6-9. No anatomic region of the prostate gland was spared of cancer. In patients with prostate cancer, an average of 9.9 cores were involved. In multivariate analysis, prostate volume was the best predictor for prostate cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: TTBS diagnosed prostate cancer in 42.2% of patients. Considerable anatomic variability in prostate cancer distribution was documented. On the basis of this and other reports, cancer eradication will depend on treatment of the entire prostate gland.     

血清PSA值和前列腺结节指导前列腺穿刺活检的临床意义

目的 探讨血清ＰＳＡ浓度变化与前列腺癌及其骨转移的相关性。方法 对９３例直肠指诊异常及血清ＰＳＡ〉４ｎｇ／ｍｌ的患者,行直脾性Ｂ超引志下前列腺穿刺活检;用９９ｍＴｃ－ＭＤＰ行全身骨扫描判断有无骨。结果 ９３例中前列腺活检阳性者６０例,其中２６例扫描阳性;随血清ＰＳＡ浓度升高,前列腺阳性活检率及其远处骨转移阳性率升高。 血清ＰＳＡ升高与前列腺癌及其骨转移的发生率呈正相关。     

Systematic transperineal ultrasound guided template biopsy of the prostate in patients at high risk

PURPOSE: A negative biopsy result does not necessarily equate with cancer in specific high risk groups. We describe an alternative systematic biopsy technique for evaluating this subgroup of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1997 to May 1999 a total of 88 men underwent systematic ultrasound guided biopsy using the transperineal template technique. All patients had undergone at least 1 and 75 (85%) had undergone 2 or more previous sets of biopsies. In addition, study inclusion required high risk parameters, including prostate specific antigen (PSA) velocity greater than 0.75 ng./ml., PSA greater than 10 ng./ml. or previous prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia on biopsy, and/or atypical small cell acinar proliferation. RESULTS: Cancer was identified in 38 of the 88 men (43%) in this high risk subgroup undergoing repeat biopsy. A mean of 15.1 previous biopsy cores had been obtained. The most common biopsy grade was 6 (range 4 to 9). Adenocarcinoma was identified in the transition zone area in 29 of 38 cases (76%), including 15 (39%) in which disease was detected in the transition zone only. Persistent PSA acceleration greater than 0.75 ng./ml. was the major indicator for transperineal template biopsy in 83 of the 88 patients (94%). The only significant independent variable predictive of positive biopsy was prostate volume. Mean prostate volume in the positive and negative biopsy groups was 48 and 73 gm., respectively (p <0.001). Complications were rare and self-limiting, consisting primarily of hematuria and urinary retention requiring overnight catheterization in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic transperineal template biopsy of the prostate is a safe and precise repeat biopsy technique in patients who remain at high risk for adenocarcinoma.     

The value of a single biopsy with 12 transperineal cores for detecting prostate cancer in patients with elevated prostate specific antigen

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer detection on standard sextant biopsy is considered inadequate. Various biopsy protocols have been introduced to improve cancer diagnosis. We report our experience with transperineal 12-core prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study 650 patients underwent prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurement during a 15-month period, of whom 141 with PSA greater than 4 ng./ml. also underwent transperineal 12-core prostate biopsy using the fan technique. Median PSA was 8 ng./ml. (range 4.1 to 5,000). RESULTS: Prostate cancer was detected in 72 of the 141 patients (51%), including 44 of the 97 (45%) with PSA between 4.1 and 10 ng./ml. This incidence is higher than previously reported in the literature using other biopsy techniques. Disease was low grade Gleason 2 to 4 in 4 cases (5%), intermediate grade Gleason 5 to 6 in 26 (35%) and high grade Gleason 7 to 10 in the remaining 42 (60%). CONCLUSIONS: A high cancer detection rate is achieved by 12-core transperineal prostate biopsy. Most tumors represent clinically significant cancer. Further randomized trials are required to confirm these data.     

Effect of dimensions and volume of the prostate on cancer detection rate of 12 core prostate biopsy

Purpose To evaluate if volume or any of the three dimensions of prostate influences cancer detection rate by 12-core transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. Materials and methods We have searched our database for patients who underwent 12 core TRUS guided prostate biopsy with PSA values between 4.0 and 9.9 ng/ml, benign digital exam and no suspicious lesions at TRUS. The measurements of three dimensions and volume of the prostate of 99 patients were correlated with cancer detection rates of biopsy. Results There were no statistically significant differences between patients with prostate cancer or with benign histopathologic result for mean age, PSA and % PSA. Patients without cancer had a significantly higher mean prostate volume (58.88 cc) than patients with cancer (48.85 cc) (P = 0.038). A volume of 48.5 cc was determined as a cut-off value above which cancer detection rate decreases. Of the three dimensions, only the difference for the craniocaudal dimension between benign and malignant groups was marginally significant (P = 0.052). Conclusions With 12 core biopsy, cancer detection rate is lower in patients with prostates larger than 48.5 cc. Further studies comparing biopsy results with prostatectomy specimens can clarify whether these results necessitates higher number of cores for such patients.     

Prostate Biopsy in the staging of prostate cancer

The use of prostate biopsies was developed in parallel with progress in our knowledge of prostate cancer and the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Prostate biopsies were initially indicated for the diagnosis of cancer, by the perineal approach under general anesthesia. Nowadays prostate biopsies are not only for diagnostic purposes but also to determine the prognosis, particularly before radical prostatectomy. They are performed in patients with elevated PSA levels, by the endorectal approach, sometimes under local anesthesia. The gold standard is the sextant biopsy technique described by Hodge, which is best to diagnose prostate cancer, particularly in case of T1c disease (patients with serum PSA elevation). Patients with a strong suspicion of prostate cancer from a negative series of biopsies can undergo a second series with transition zone biopsy or lateral biopsy. Karakiewicz et al and Uzzo et al proposed that the number of prostate biopsies should depend on prostate volume to improve the positivity rate. After the diagnosis of prostate cancer, initial therapy will depend on several prognostic factors. In the case of radical prostatectomy, the results of sextant biopsy provide a wealth of information. The aim of this report is to present the information given by prostate biopsy in the staging of prostate cancer.     

The ability of systematic transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy to detect prostate cancer in men with the clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Multiple directed and systematic ultrasound guided biopsies of the prostate were performed in 73 men with the clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Seven men (10%) had prostate cancer. Of the 67 patients with benign biopsies 40 underwent subsequent transurethral prostatectomy and 2 (5%) had prostate cancer. Multiple directed and systematic biopsies of the prostate detected 78% of the nonpalpable prostate cancers diagnosed in the study population. Radical prostatectomy was performed in all 9 men with prostate cancer: there were 3 small organ-confined tumors, 5 large organ-confined tumors and 1 stage C tumor with 1 focus of microscopic capsular penetration. Our results suggest that multiple directed and systematic ultrasound guided biopsies are capable of detecting low volume nonpalpable prostate cancer in men with BPH. However, the exact indication for pre-treatment ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate in men with symptomatic BPH remains unclear. It may be that use of this modality is most appropriate for patients undergoing pharmacological therapy or balloon dilation of BPH rather than for those undergoing transurethral prostatectomy.     

Laparoscopic Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection Combined with Real-time Interactive Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Transperineal Radioactive Seed Implantation of the Prostate

Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection with real-time interactive transrectal ultrasound guided transperineal radioactive seed implantation is a new method of treatment for localized carcinoma of the prostate. A total of 58 patients with clinically confined prostate cancer and negative seminal vesicle biopsies underwent staging laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection immediately followed by prostate implantation: 50 had¹²⁵ iodine and 8 had¹⁰³ palladium implants. Mean operating time was 226 minutes (range 120 to 475), mean blood loss was 57 cc (range 5 to 400) and average hospital stay was 2.2 days (range 0.5 to 8). At a mean followup of 12 months (range 6 to 24), complications included proctitis in 1.7 percent of the cases, dysuria in 24 percent, nocturia in 21 percent and outlet obstruction in 17 percent. Erectile function remained unchanged.Prostate volume decreased to 58.9 percent of the pretreatment value by 12 months and to 44.3 percent by 24 months. Mean prostate specific antigen level was 18.4 plus/minus 26.3 ng./ml. before treatment, 3.4 plus/minus 3.9 ng./ml. at 6 months, 2.3 plus/minus 2.3 ng./ml. at 12 months and 4.9 plus/minus 6.0 ng./ml. at 24 months (1.2 plus/minus 1.0 ng./ml. for patients with no evidence of disease). Of the patients 15.8 percent had local failure at 18 to 24 months as determined by positive transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy. Five of 58 patients (8.6 percent) had persistently elevated prostate specific antigen levels, only 1 of whom had a positive biopsy. Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection with transrectal ultrasound guided implantation is a safe and promising mode of therapy for patients with localized prostate cancer.