Importance of peripheral biopsies in maximising the detection of early prostate cancer in repeat 12-core biopsy protocols.
OBJECTIVE
To assess cancer-detection rates in repeat 12-core biopsy protocols, as extended multicore prostate biopsy protocols have become standard when investigating men with a raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, but repeat prostate biopsy protocols are still developing.


METHODS
During a 4.5-year period, 241 of 590 patients with persistently high age-specific PSA levels of 2.6-10 ng/mL and an initial benign biopsy were invited for repeat transrectal ultrasonography-guided 12-core prostatic biopsy. The protocol for repeat biopsy was identical to the first biopsy, and included a periprostatic nerve block. The first six biopsies were obtained from the periphery of the gland directed more laterally at the base, mid-zone and apices. The remainder were parasagittal sextant biopsies. Pathological findings were analysed on an individual core basis.


RESULTS
The mean age of the 241 men was 63.4 years; cancer was diagnosed in 40 (16.6%) on repeat biopsy. Men with cancer were older and had a higher median PSA level. The median Gleason score was 6, with a median of two cores positive for cancer. Maximum cancer detection rates were from peripheral apices (37.5%), basal biopsies had the lowest detection rates (23.8% and 16.3%), and parasagittal biopsies missed 35% of detected cancers. Patients with cancer also had significantly lower prostate volumes and higher PSA densities (both P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
A low cancer yield from both peripheral basal and parasagittal basal specimens on repeat biopsy indicates adequate sampling at initial biopsy. The maximum cancer yield in the peripheral mid-zones and apical zones suggests the necessity for concentrated sampling of these zones in repeat biopsy protocols.
Philip
Joe
J
Department of Urology, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK. indianajoe@gmail.com
Hanchanale
Vishwanath
V
Foster
Christopher S
CS
Javlé
Pradip
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011467:Prostate / Q000473:pathology*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D019233:Retreatment; D012189:Retrospective Studies