Correlation between radiological and biological features and clinical outcomes in early prostate cancer: an exploratory subgroup analysis

Neoplasma. 2022 Mar;69(2):404-411. doi: 10.4149/neo_2021_210622N828. Epub 2022 Jan 12.

Abstract

PTEN deletion and Ki-67 expression are two of the most promising biomarkers in prostate cancer (PCa). In the same manner, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) guided core biopsy is a powerful tool for PCa detection and staging. The aim of the study is to assess whether a correlation can be identified between the pathological stage defined by an mp-MRI-guided core biopsy and Ki-67 expression and PTEN deletion. Such correlation might be useful for staging and treatment personalization in PCa. This investigation was conducted in the context of phase II clinical study "Short-term radiotherapy for early prostate cancer with a concomitant boost to the dominant lesion" (AIRC IG-13218), ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01913717. Nineteen patients underwent a further in-bore MRI-targeted core biopsy (MRI-TBx) on the dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL); on this basis, an additional Gleason Score (GS) was determined. PTEN loss and Ki-67 expression on these samples were analyzed and correlated with both risk categories modifications and oncological outcomes (overall survival, biochemical and clinical relapse). GS was upgraded in 5 cases, with 4 patients re-classified as intermediate-risk and 1 patient as high-risk. The latter experienced a clinical local relapse. No correlations between up/down-staging, PTEN deletion, and Ki-67 expression were observed in this cohort. Further investigations are needed towards the identification of a pattern in the tumor aggressiveness-response in PCa treated with ultra-hypofractionated radiotherapy. Moreover, a possible relationship between biomarker analysis and imaging textural features could be explored.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Image-Guided Biopsy / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / therapy

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01913717