Does true Gleason pattern 3 merit its cancer descriptor?

Nat Rev Urol. 2016 Sep;13(9):541-8. doi: 10.1038/nrurol.2016.141. Epub 2016 Aug 17.

Abstract

Nearly five decades following its conception, the Gleason grading system remains a cornerstone in the prognostication and management of patients with prostate cancer. In the past few years, a debate has been growing whether Gleason score 3 + 3 = 6 prostate cancer is a clinically significant disease. Clinical, molecular and genetic research is addressing the question whether well characterized Gleason score 3 + 3 = 6 disease has the ability to affect the morbidity and quality of life of an individual in whom it is diagnosed. The consequences of treatment of Gleason score 3 + 3 = 6 disease are considerable; few men get through their treatments without sustaining some harm. Further modification of the classification of prostate cancer and dropping the label cancer for Gleason score 3 + 3 = 6 disease might be warranted.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / classification*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy