Deliu Victor Matei

Robotic vs open prostatectomy in a laparoscopically naive centre: a matched-pair analysis

To compare the early oncological, perioperative and functional outcomes of robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) vs open retropubic RP (RRP) in a laparoscopically naive centre, as robotic assistance aids the laparoscopically naive surgeon in minimally invasive prostate surgery, by offering magnification and superior dexterity.

Transabdominal Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography and Electronic Portal Imaging for 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Purpose:To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of daily B-mode acquisition and targeting ultrasound-based prostate localization (BAT™) and to compare it with computed tomography (CT) and electronic portal imaging (EPI) in 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3-D CRT) for prostate cancer.Patients and Methods:Ten patients were treated with 3-D CRT (72 Gy/30 fractions, 2.4 Gy/fraction, equivalent to 80 Gy/40 fractions, for α/β ratio of 1.5 Gy) and daily BAT-based prostate localization. For the first 5 fractions, CT and EPI were also performed in order to compare organ-motion and set-up error, respectively.Results:287 BAT-, 50 CT- and 46 EPI-alignments were performed. The average BAT-determined misalignments in latero-lateral, antero-posterior and cranio-caudal directions were –0.9 mm ± 3.3 mm, 1.0 mm ± 4.0 mm and –0.9 mm ± 3.8 mm, respectively. The differences between BAT- and CT-determined organ-motion in latero-lateral, antero-posterior and cranio-caudal directions were 2.7 mm ± 1.9 mm, 3.9 ± 2.8 mm and 3.4 ± 3.0 mm, respectively. Weak correlation was found between BAT- and CT-determined misalignments in antero-posterior direction, while no correlation was observed in latero-lateral and cranio-caudal directions. The correlation was more significant when only data of good image-quality patients were analyzed (8 patients).Conclusion:BAT ensures the relative positions of target are the same during treatment and in treatment plan, however, the reliability of alignment is patient-dependent. The average BAT-determined misalignments were small, confirming the prevalence of random errors in 3-D CRT. Further study is warranted in order to establish the clinical value of BAT.Ziel:Ziel dieser Studie ist es, die Möglichkeit und Genauigkeit der täglichen B-mode-Akquisition und zielgerichteten ultraschallbasierten Prostatapositionierung (BAT™) einzuschätzen und sie mit der Computertomographie (CT) und dem elektronischen Portal-Imaging (EPI) bei der 3D-konformalen Strahlentherapie (3D-CRT) des Prostatakrebses zu vergleichen.Patienten und Methodik:10 Patienten wurden mit 3D-CRT (72 Gy/30 Fraktionen, 2,4 Gy/Fraktion, äquivalent zu 80 Gy/40 Fraktionen, α/β-Verhältnis von 1,5 Gy ) und täglicher BAT behandelt. Für die ersten 5 Fraktionen wurden auch CT und EPI durchgeführt, um jeweils die Bewegung der Organe und die Set-up-Fehler zu vergleichen.Ergebnisse:287 BAT-, 50 CT- und 46 EPI-Positionierungen wurden durchgeführt. Der durchschnittliche BAT-Positionierungsfehler war jeweils –0,9 mm ± 3,3 mm, 1,0 mm ± 4,0 mm und –0,9 mm ± 3,8 mm in den latero-lateralen, anterior-posterioren und kraniokaudalen Richtungen. Die Unterschiede zwischen der BAT- und CT-Technik bei der Bestimmung der Organbewegung in den latero-lateralen, anterior-posterioren und kraniokaudalen Richtungen waren jeweils 2,7 mm ± 1,9 mm, 3,9 ± 2,8 mm und 3,4 ± 3,0 mm. Eine sehr geringe Korrelation zwischen BAT- und CT-Positionierungsungenauigkeit wurde nur für die anterior-posteriore Richtung gefunden (R = 0,29, p = 0,04). Die Korrelation war leicht besser, wenn nur die Patienten mit guter Bildqualität analysiert wurden (8 Patienten).Schlussfolgerung:BAT garantiert, dass die relative Position des Ziels dieselbe während der Behandlung und in dem Behandlungsplan ist, obwohl die Genauigkeit der Positionierung patientenabhängig ist. Die durchschnittlichen, mit BAT bestimmten, Positionierungsfehler waren klein und bestätigen, dass der statistische Fehler in 3D-CRT vorwiegend ist. Weitere Studien sind erforderlich, um den klinischen Wert von BAT festzustellen.

Perioperative Outcomes of Robotic and Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy: A European-American Multi-institutional Analysis

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic and robotic simple prostatectomy (SP) have been introduced with the aim of reducing the morbidity of the standard open technique. OBJECTIVE To report a large multi-institutional series of minimally invasive SP (MISP). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Consecutive cases of MISP done for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) between 2000 and 2014 at 23 participating institutions in the Americas and Europe were included in this retrospective analysis. INTERVENTION Laparoscopic or robotic SP. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Demographic data and main perioperative outcomes were gathered and analyzed. A multivariable analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with a favorable trifecta outcome, arbitrarily defined as a combination of the following postoperative events: International Prostate Symptom Score <8, maximum flow rate >15ml/s, and no perioperative complications. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Overall, 1330 consecutive cases were analyzed, including 487 robotic (36.6%) and 843 laparoscopic (63.4%) SP cases. Median overall prostate volume was 100ml (range: 89-128). Median estimated blood loss was 200ml (range: 150-300). An intraoperative transfusion was required in 3.5% of cases, an intraoperative complication was recorded in 2.2% of cases, and the conversion rate was 3%. Median length of stay was 4 d (range: 3-5). On pathology, prostate cancer was found in 4% of cases. Overall postoperative complication rate was 10.6%, mostly of low grade. At a median follow-up of 12 mo, a significant improvement was observed for subjective and objective indicators of BOO. Trifecta outcome was not significantly influenced by the type of procedure (robotic vs laparoscopic; p=0.136; odds ratio [OR]: 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-2.9), whereas operative time (p=0.01; OR: 0.9; 95% CI, 0.9-1.0) and estimated blood loss (p=0.03; OR: 0.9; 95% CI, 0.9-1.0) were the only two significant factors. Retrospective study design, lack of a control arm, and limited follow-up represent major limitations of the present analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the largest outcome analysis reported for MISP for BOO/BPE. These findings confirm that SP can be safely and effectively performed in a minimally invasive fashion in a variety of healthcare settings in which specific surgical expertise and technology is available. MISP can be considered a viable surgical treatment in cases of large prostatic adenomas. The use of robotic technology for this indication can be considered in centers that have a robotic program in place for other urologic indications. PATIENT SUMMARY Analysis of a large data set from multiple institutions shows that surgical removal of symptomatic large prostatic adenomas can be carried out with good outcomes by using robot-assisted laparoscopy.

Salvage therapy of intraprostatic failure after radical external-beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer: A review

Radical external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is a standard treatment for prostate cancer (PC) patients. Despite this, the rate of intraprostatic relapses after primary EBRT is still not negligible. There is no consensus on the most appropriate management of these patients after EBRT failure. Treatment strategies after PC relapse are strongly influenced by the effective site of the tumor recurrence, and thus the instrumental evaluation with different imaging techniques becomes crucial. In cases of demonstrated intraprostatic failure, several systemic (androgen deprivation therapy) or local (salvage prostatectomy, cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, brachytherapy, stereotactic EBRT) treatment options could be proposed and are currently delivered by clinicians with a variety of results. In this review we analyze the correct definition of intraprostatic relapse after radiotherapy, focusing on the recent developments in imaging to detect intraprostatic recurrence. Furthermore, all available salvage treatment options after a radiation therapy local failure are presented and thoroughly discussed.

Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Diagnostic Attempt

BACKGROUND Assessing the neuroendocrine (NE) pattern in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) may prove useful in selecting potential responders to target therapies such as somatostatin analogues. The aim of this study was to define a panel of markers or examinations appropriate to characterize NE differentiation (NED). METHODS Forty-seven patients with CRPC underwent a systematic diagnostic attempt to characterize the NE phenotype using a plasma blood test for chromogranin A (CgA) and immunohistochemical staining of needle biopsy-obtained specimens (CgA, somatostatin receptor 2 [SSTR2], Ki-67, and androgen receptors). In a subgroup of 26 patients, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy using (111)In-DTPA-d-Phe octreotide (octreotide scintigraphy; Octreoscan, Covidien, Hazelwood, MO) was also performed. RESULTS NED was found in 85.1% of patients (if serum CgA, tissular CgA, and tissular SSTR2 were considered separately: 54%, 67%, and 58%, respectively). Only 15% of the 26-patient subgroup had an abnormal octreotide scintigraphy result. Although p-CgA and t-CgA were associated with more aggressive disease with a worse prognosis, patients with positive tissular SSTR2 staining had longer overall survival (OS). CONCLUSION This systematic approach to explore the NED in a quite homogeneous group of patients with CRPC seems reproducible and appropriate. Further investigations are required to validate this panel and better characterize potential responders to targeted therapy.

Predicting Pathological Features at Radical Prostatectomy in Patients with Prostate Cancer Eligible for Active Surveillance by Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic performance of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) score in predicting pathologic features in a cohort of patients eligible for active surveillance who underwent radical prostatectomy. Methods A total of 223 patients who fulfilled the criteria for “Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance”, were included. Mp–1.5 Tesla MRI examination staging with endorectal coil was performed at least 6–8 weeks after TRUS-guided biopsy. In all patients, the likelihood of the presence of cancer was assigned using PIRADS score between 1 and 5. Outcomes of interest were: Gleason score upgrading, extra capsular extension (ECE), unfavorable prognosis (occurrence of both upgrading and ECE), large tumor volume (≥0.5ml), and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Decision Curve Analyses (DCA) were performed for models with and without inclusion of PIRADS score. Results Multivariate analysis demonstrated the association of PIRADS score with upgrading (P<0.0001), ECE (P<0.0001), unfavorable prognosis (P<0.0001), and large tumor volume (P = 0.002). ROC curves and DCA showed that models including PIRADS score resulted in greater net benefit for almost all the outcomes of interest, with the only exception of SVI. Conclusions mpMRI and PIRADS scoring are feasible tools in clinical setting and could be used as decision-support systems for a more accurate selection of patients eligible for AS.

Image Guided Hypofractionated Radiotherapy and Quality of Life for Localized Prostate Cancer: Prospective Longitudinal Study in 337 Patients

PURPOSE We prospectively analyzed quality of life in a cohort of patients with prostate cancer undergoing a course of hypofractionated image guided radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between August 2006 and January 2011, 337 patients with a median age of 73 years who had cT1-T2N0M0 prostate cancer were eligible for this prospective, longitudinal study of hypofractionated image guided radiotherapy (70.2 Gy/26 fractions) using 1 of 3 image guided radiotherapy modalities (transabdominal ultrasound, x-ray or cone beam computerized tomography) available in our radiation oncology department. Patients completed 4 questionnaires before treatment, and 6, 12 and 24 months later, including the International Index of Erectile Function-5, International Prostate Symptom Score, and EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) prostate cancer specific QLQ-PR25 and QLQ-C30. RESULTS Patient followup was updated to at least the last questionnaire time point. Median followup was 19 months. Significant deterioration in erectile function on the International Index of Erectile Function-5 was documented with time only in patients without androgen deprivation (p = 0.0002). No change with time was observed in urinary symptom related quality of life on the QLQ-PR25 or International Prostate Symptom Score. Slight deterioration in QLQ-PR25 bowel symptom related quality of life was observed (p = 0.02). Overall QLQ-C30 Global Health Status improved with time (p = 0.03). On univariate analysis it significantly correlated with the maximum RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group)/EORTC urinary and bowel late toxicity scores after radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS The regimen of hypofractionated image guided radiotherapy with multiple imaging modalities adopted in our radiation oncology department for localized prostate cancer might be a successful strategy for dose escalation with a limited impact on different aspects of quality of life with time.

Salvage Radical Prostatectomy after External Beam Radiation Therapy: A Systematic Review of Current Approaches

Background: Radical external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is a standard treatment for prostate cancer patients. Despite this, the rate of intraprostatic relapses after primary EBRT is still not negligible. There is no consensus on the most appropriate management of these patients after EBRT failure. For these patients, local salvage therapy such as radical prostatectomy, cryotherapy, and brachytherapy may be indicated. Objective: The objectives of this review were to analyze the eligibility criteria for careful selection of appropriate patients and to evaluate the oncological results and complications for each method. Methods: A review of the literature was performed to identify studies of local salvage therapy for patients who had failed primary EBRT for localized prostate cancer. Results: Most studies demonstrated that local salvage therapy after EBRT may provide long-term local control in appropriately selected patients, although toxicity is often significant. Conclusions: Our results suggest that for localized prostate cancer recurrence after EBRT, the selection of a local treatment modality should be made on a patient-by-patient basis. An improvement in selection criteria and an integrated definition of biochemical failure for all salvage methods are required to determine which provides the best oncological outcome and least comorbidity.

Body mass index was associated with upstaging and upgrading in patients with low-risk prostate cancer who met the inclusion criteria for active surveillance

BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer (PCa). The effect of body mass index (BMI) as a predictor of progression in men with low-risk PCa has been only poorly assessed. In this study, we evaluated the association of BMI with progression in patients with low-risk PCa who met the inclusion criteria for the active surveillance (AS) protocol. METHODS We assessed 311 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and were eligible for AS according to the following criteria: clinical stage T2a or less, prostate-specific antigen level < 10 ng/ml, 2 or fewer cores involved with cancer, Gleason score ≤ 6 grade, and prostate-specific antigen density < 0.2 ng/ml/cc. Reclassification was defined as upstaged (pathological stage > pT2) and upgraded (Gleason score ≥ 7; primary Gleason pattern 4) disease. Seminal vesicle invasion, positive lymph nodes, and tumor volume ≥ 0.5 ml were also recorded. RESULTS We found that high BMI was significantly associated with upgrading, upstaging, and seminal vesicle invasion, whereas it was not associated with positive lymph nodes or large tumor volume. At multivariate analysis, 1 unit increase of BMI significantly increased the risk of upgrading, upstaging, seminal vesicle invasion, and any outcome by 21%, 23%, 27%, and 20%, respectively. The differences between areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves comparing models with and without BMI were statistically significant for upgrading (P = 0.0002), upstaging (P = 0.0007), and any outcome (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS BMI should be a selection criterion for inclusion of patients with low-risk PCa in AS programs. Our results support the idea that obesity is associated with worse prognosis and suggest that a close AS program is an appropriate treatment option for obese subjects.

Intraoperative radiotherapy during radical prostatectomy for intermediate‐risk to locally advanced prostate cancer: treatment technique and evaluation of perioperative and functional outcome vs standard radical prostatectomy, in a matched‐pair analysis

To evaluate a novel approach with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) administered in the surgical field, after pelvic lymphadenectomy (PL) and before radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), evaluating acute and late toxicity, complications and biochemical progression‐free survival (bPFS), as the adequate treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer is still a controversial issue.