Jeremy Grummet

Sepsis and 'superbugs': should we favour the transperineal over the transrectal approach for prostate biopsy?

To determine the rate of hospital re‐admission for sepsis after transperineal (TP) biopsy using both local data and worldwide literature, as there is growing interest in TP biopsy as an alternative to transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsy for patients undergoing repeat prostate biopsy.

A bioengineered microenvironment to quantitatively measure the tumorigenic properties of cancer-associated fibroblasts in human prostate cancer

Stromal-epithelial cell interactions play an important role in cancer and the tumor stroma is regarded as a therapeutic target. In vivo xenografting is commonly used to study cellular interactions not mimicked or quantified in conventional 2D culture systems. To interrogate the effects of tumor stroma (cancer-associated fibroblasts or CAFs) on epithelia, we created a bioengineered microenvironment using human prostatic tissues. Patient-matched CAFs and non-malignant prostatic fibroblasts (NPFs) from men with moderate (Gleason 7) and aggressive (Gleason 8-9 or castrate-resistant) prostate cancer were cultured with non-tumorigenic BPH-1 epithelial cells. Changes in the morphology, motility and phenotype of BPH-1 cells in response to CAFs and NPFs were analyzed using immunofluorescence and quantitative cell morphometric analyses. The matrix protein gene expression of CAFs, with proven tumorigenicity in vivo, had a significantly different gene expression profile of matrix proteins compared to patient matched NPFs. In co-culture with CAFs (but not NPFs), BPH-1 cells had a more invasive, elongated phenotype with increased motility and a more directed pattern of cell migration. CAFs from more aggressive tumors (Gleason 8-9 or CRPC) were not quantitatively different to moderate grade CAFs. Overall, our bioengineered microenvironment provides a novel 3D in vitro platform to systematically investigate the effects of tumor stroma on prostate cancer progression.

Re: Marco Borghesi, Hashim Ahmed, Robert Nam, et al. Complications after systematic, random, and image-guided prostate biopsy.

CONTEXT Prostate biopsy (PB) represents the gold standard method to confirm the presence of cancer. In addition to traditional random or systematic approaches, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided technique has been introduced recently. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review of complications after transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided, transperineal, and MRI-guided PB. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We performed a systematic literature search of Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases up to October 2015, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Complications and mortality following random, systematic, and image-guided PBs were reviewed. Eighty-five references were included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The most frequent complication after PB was minor and self-limiting bleeding (hematuria and hematospermia), regardless of the biopsy approach. Occurrence of rectal bleeding was comparable for traditional TRUS-guided and image-guided PBs. Almost 25% of patients experienced lower urinary tract symptoms, but only a few had urinary retention, with higher rates after a transperineal approach. Temporary erectile dysfunction was not negligible, with a return to baseline after 1-6 mo. The incidence of infective complications is increasing, with higher rates among men with medical comorbidities and older age. Transperineal and in-bore MRI-targeted biopsy may reduce the risk of severe infectious complications. Mortality after PB is uncommon, regardless of biopsy technique. CONCLUSIONS Complications after PB are frequent but often self-limiting. The incidence of hospitalization due to severe infections is continuously increasing. The patients general health status, risk factors, and likelihood of antimicrobial resistance should be carefully appraised before scheduling a PB. PATIENT SUMMARY We reviewed the variety and incidence of complications after prostate biopsy. Even if frequent, complications seldom represent a problem for the patient. The most troublesome complications are infections. To minimize this risk, the patients medical condition should be carefully evaluated before biopsy.

Paraneoplastic syndromes in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second most common urological malignancy to be associated with paraneoplastic syndromes after renal cell carcinoma. These syndromes tend to occur in the setting of late stage and aggressive tumors with poor overall outcomes. Recognition of these syndromes is clinically important as it might lead to the detection of underlying malignancy and impact on the treatment options available. The literature features around 100 cases of paraneoplastic syndromes associated with prostate cancer and these include endocrine manifestations, neurological entities, dermatological conditions, and other syndromes. Over 70% of cases document the syndrome as the initial clinical manifestation of prostate cancer, while in just under 20% the syndrome was an initial sign of disease progression to the castrate-resistant state. The vast majority of cases involved advanced metastatic malignancy. The syndromes generally resolve upon institution of treatment for the underlying prostate cancer, but some syndromes require specific therapies. Some syndromes are associated with serum markers that are readily detectable and demonstration of these putative markers within prostate cancer tissue at an individual level would firmly link the paraneoplastic syndrome with its underlying prostatic malignancy. The causes of paraneoplastic syndromes in prostate cancer are incompletely understood, and further research into their biology might shed more light on the complex molecular mechanisms that underpin prostate cancer and its lethal potential.

Transperineal biopsy prostate cancer detection in first biopsy and repeat biopsy after negative transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy: the Victorian Transperineal Biopsy Collaboration experience.

To present the Victorian Transperineal Biopsy Collaboration (VTBC) experience in patients with no prior prostate cancer diagnosis, assessing the cancer detection rate, pathological outcomes and anatomical distribution of cancer within the prostate.

Prostate Biopsy-related Infection: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors, Prevention Strategies, and Management Approaches

A systematic review to identify risk factors for prostate biopsy-related infection, preventative strategies, and optimal management of infectious complications was conducted. Significant risk factors for postbiopsy infection include urogenital infection, antibiotic use, international travel, hospital exposure, bacteriuria, previous transrectal biopsy, and resistance of fecal flora to antibiotic prophylaxis (especially fluoroquinolones). Patients at risk may benefit from an adjusted biopsy protocol comprising transrectal biopsy under targeted prophylaxis, and/or the use of rectal disinfection techniques or using a transperineal approach. Management of biopsy-related infection should be based on individual risk and local resistance profiles with input from multiple specialties.

The state of TRUS biopsy sepsis: readmissions to Victorian hospitals with TRUS biopsy‐related infection over 5 years

To describe the incidence, morbidity and mortality of men who developed infectious complications requiring hospital admission following TRUS prostate biopsy in Victoria, Australia. Further it aimed to report the financial cost of these admissions.

Patients with medical risk factors for chronic kidney disease are at increased risk of renal impairment despite the use of nephron-sparing surgery

To determine whether patients with normal preoperative renal function, but who possess medical risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), experience poorer renal function after partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) compared with those without risk factors.

Updated Guidelines for Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer: Abiraterone Acetate Combined with Castration Is Another Standard

Addition of docetaxel to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was recommended for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), who are fit enough to receive docetaxel. Two recently published trials showed that the addition of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone to ADT has a clear survival benefit and acceptable overall tolerance, and should be considered as another standard of care for newly diagnosed mHSPC.

Multicentre evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging supported transperineal prostate biopsy in biopsy‐naïve men with suspicion of prostate cancer

To analyse the detection rates of primary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐fusion transperineal prostate biopsy using combined targeted and systematic core distribution in three tertiary referral centres.