Histological findings of totally embedded robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy prostate lobe and clinical implications

• Published in: Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases 2021-06, Vol.24 (2), p.398
• Main Authors: Yaxley, William John, Nouhaud, François-Xavier, Raveenthiran, Sheliyan, Franklin, Anthony, Donato, Peter, Coughlin, Geoff, Kua, Boon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain research; Laparoscopic surgery; Laparoscopy; Magnetic resonance imaging; Prostate cancer; Robotic surgery; Robots
• ISSN: 1365-7852
• DOI: 10.1038/s41391-020-00289-x

Background Prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has become a popular initial investigation of an elevated PSA and is being incorporated into active surveillance protocols. Decisions on prostate cancer investigation and management based solely on a normal mpMRI remains controversial. Histopathological findings of a totally embedded normal mpMRI lobe are rarely described. Methods A retrospective review of the histological findings of negative preoperative mpMRI lobes in men treated by robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Inclusion criteria included a preoperative low risk mpMRI for both lobes (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) [less than or equal to] 2) or one negative lobe (with a PIRADS 3-5 in the opposite lobe). Results A single normal mpMRI lobe was identified in 1018 men (PIRADS 3-5 group). Both lobes were normal in 179 men (PIRADS [less than or equal to] 2 group). Prostate cancer was identified in 47.6% (485/1018) of the normal mpMRI lobe opposite a PIRADS 3-5 lesion, including 13.2% (134/1018) with >0.5 cc of International Society of Urologic Pathologists (ISUP) grade 2, or a higher grade cancer. ISUP grade 4-5 was only identified in 2% (20/1018). Compared to RALP histology of the PIRADS 3-5 mpMRI tumour, a pathological ISUP upgrade in the normal mpMRI lobe was identified in 58/1018 men (5.7%). In the PIRADS [less than or equal to] 2 group extraprostatic extension occurred in 19% (34/179) and seminal vesicle invasion (pT3b) in 3.9% (7/179). There was no difference in margin status between the PIRADS 3-5 and [less than or equal to]2 groups (p = 0.247). Conclusions mpMRI underestimates tumour grade and volume compared to totally embedded histopathological analysis of RALP specimens, although ISUP grade 4-5 cancer is uncommon. Our analysis provides useful insight into the multifocality of prostate cancers, and highlights the utility of systematic biopsy, in addition to targeted biopsies. These results have ramifications for clinical decisions on prostate cancer management based solely on the mpMRI appearance, including active surveillance.