Pre-operative risk stratification of high-risk prostate cancer patients can predict risk of biochemical recurrence for individual patients post radical surgery: A multi-institutional study

Abstract

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to identify which high-risk prostate cancer (HRPCa) patients would suffer biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP), providing a personalised % risk at initial consultation. BCR is more likely in HRPCa; however, the incidence is not equal in this cohort.

Method:

A total of 850 patients underwent RP for HRPCa in four institutions between 2013 and 2019. Immediate additional treatment post RP was exclusion criteria, leaving 832 patients. Patient demographics, pre-operative, histological features and incidence of BCR (PSA ⩾ 0.2 ng/mL) were recorded. Patients were risk-stratified patients according to having one, two or three high-risk factors. Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Univariate analysis was performed, and BCR-free survival between groups was explored with Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

Median follow-up was 48 months. Overall rate of BCR was 19.8%. Median time to BCR was 19 months. In the risk stratification analysis, 75% of patients had one risk feature. Multiple risk features carried a significantly higher risk of positive surgical margin and incidence of BCR (p < 0.001), but not time to BCR (p = 0.06) compared with single features. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the risk of BCR was greater with a PSA ⩾ 20 ng/mL compared to GS ⩾ 8 (p = 0.05). Limitations of the study include limited follow-up time and BCR numbers for analysis.

Conclusion:

Overall, one in five high-risk patients will develop BCR by 4 years. However, those with multiple risk factors have a significantly increased risk. This aids the consultation regarding potential additional therapies alongside surgery in the treatment of HRPCa.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable