Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions

A special issue of Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729). This special issue belongs to the section "Surgical Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2023) | Viewed by 17847

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
Interests: prostate cancer; urologic oncology; robotic surgery

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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
Interests: uro-oncology; prostate cancer; robotic surgery
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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Interests: prostate cancer; robot-assisted surgery; mini-invasive surgery; progression and metastasis; biomarkers; therapeutic targets; PARP, sequencing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the implementation of robotically assisted surgery, which allows better perioperative visualization, our anatomical understanding of prostate anatomy has changed in the past decade. With this gained knowledge, novel surgical techniques can be developed, improving the outcomes of patients. This Special Issue of Current Oncology aims to focus on research on the recent advances and future directions in prostate cancer surgery. We invite researchers to address either one of the following topics or a related topic:

  • Surgical advances in robotic radical prostatectomy;
  • Advances in salvage robotic radical prostatectomy;
  • Advances in salvage lymphadenectomy or local recurrence surgery;
  • Novel imaging modalities during robotic radical prostatectomy;
  • Future directions of prostate cancer surgery. 

Dr. Felix Preisser
Dr. Mike Wenzel
Dr. Benedikt Hoeh
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • prostate cancer
  • radical prostatectomy
  • oncologic outcomes
  • imaging
  • functional outcomes
  • robotics
  • robotic prostatectomy

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 524 KiB  
Article
Predictors of Prostate Cancer at Fusion Biopsy: The Role of Positive Family History, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Body Mass Index
by Marco Oderda, Alessandro Dematteis, Giorgio Calleris, Adriana Conti, Daniele D’Agate, Marco Falcone, Alessandro Marquis, Gabriele Montefusco, Giancarlo Marra and Paolo Gontero
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4957-4965; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050374 - 12 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1979
Abstract
Background: PSA density and an elevated PI-RADS score are among the strongest predictors of prostate cancer (PCa) in a fusion biopsy. Positive family history, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity have also been associated with the risk of developing PCa. We aim to identify predictors [...] Read more.
Background: PSA density and an elevated PI-RADS score are among the strongest predictors of prostate cancer (PCa) in a fusion biopsy. Positive family history, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity have also been associated with the risk of developing PCa. We aim to identify predictors of the prostate cancer detection rate (CDR) in a series of patients undergoing a fusion biopsy. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 736 consecutive patients who underwent an elastic fusion biopsy from 2020 to 2022. Targeted biopsies (2–4 cores per MRI target) were followed by systematic mapping (10–12 cores). Clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was defined as ISUP score ≥ 2. Uni- and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of CDR among age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, positive family history, PSA, a positive digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA density ≥ 0.15, previous negative biopsy status, PI-RADS score, and size of MRI lesion. Results: The median patients’ age was 71 years, and median PSA was 6.6 ng/mL. A total of 20% of patients had a positive digital rectal examination. Suspicious lesions in mpMRI were scored as 3, 4, and 5 in 14.9%, 55.0%, and 17.5% of cases, respectively. The CDR was 63.2% for all cancers and 58.7% for csPCa. Only age (OR 1.04, p < 0.001), a positive DRE (OR 1.75, p = 0.04), PSA density (OR 2.68, p < 0.001), and elevated PI-RADS score (OR 4.02, p = 0.003) were significant predictors of the CDR in the multivariable analysis for overall PCa. The same associations were found for csPCa. The size of an MRI lesion was associated with the CDR only in uni-variable analysis (OR 1.07, p < 0.001). BMI, hypertension, diabetes, and a positive family history were not predictors of PCa. Conclusions: In a series of patients selected for a fusion biopsy, positive family history, hypertension, diabetes, or BMI are not predictors of PCa detection. PSA-density and PI-RADS score are confirmed to be strong predictors of the CDR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
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14 pages, 729 KiB  
Article
Is It Safe to Switch from a Standard Anterior to Retzius-Sparing Approach in Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy?
by Edward Lambert, Charlotte Allaeys, Camille Berquin, Pieter De Visschere, Sofie Verbeke, Ben Vanneste, Valerie Fonteyne, Charles Van Praet and Nicolaas Lumen
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(3), 3447-3460; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30030261 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1865
Abstract
Background: Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) has been shown to lead to better outcomes regarding early continence compared to standard anterior RARP (SA-RARP). The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of implementing RS-RARP in a tertiary center with [...] Read more.
Background: Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) has been shown to lead to better outcomes regarding early continence compared to standard anterior RARP (SA-RARP). The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of implementing RS-RARP in a tertiary center with experience in SA-RARP. Methods: From February 2020, all newly diagnosed non-metastatic prostate cancer patients for whom RARP was indicated were evaluated for RS-RARP. Data from the first 100 RS-RARP patients were prospectively collected and compared with data from the last 100 SA-RARP patients. Patients were evaluated for Clavien Dindo grade ≥3a complications, urinary continence after 2 and 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months, erectile function, positive surgical margins (PSMs) and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Results: There was no significant difference in postoperative complications at Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3a (SA-RARP: 6, RS-RARP: 4; p = 0.292). At all time points, significantly higher proportions of RS-RARP patients were continent (p < 0.001). No significant differences in postoperative potency were observed (52% vs. 59%, respectively, p = 0.608). PSMs were more frequent in the RS-RARP group (43% vs. 29%, p = 0.034), especially in locally advanced tumors (pT3: 64.6% vs. 43.8%, p = 0.041—pT2: 23.5% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.329). The one-year BCR-free survival was 82.6% vs. 81.6% in the SA-RARP and RS-RARP groups, respectively (p = 0.567). The median follow-up was 22 [18–27] vs. 24.5 [17–35] months in the RS-RARP and SA-RARP groups, respectively (p = 0.008). Conclusions: The transition from SA-RARP to RS-RARP can be safely performed by surgeons proficient in SA-RARP. Continence results after RS-RARP were significantly better at any time point. A higher proportion of PSMs was observed, although it did not result in a worse BCR-free survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
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7 pages, 759 KiB  
Article
Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for Potential Cancer Control in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer
by Kimiaki Takagi, Makoto Kawase, Daiki Kato, Kota Kawase, Manabu Takai, Koji Iinuma, Keita Nakane, Noriyasu Hagiwara, Toru Yamada, Masayuki Tomioka and Takuya Koie
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(4), 2864-2870; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29040233 - 18 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
Recently, cytoreductive prostatectomy for metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has been associated with improved oncological outcomes. This study was aimed at evaluating whether robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as a form of cytoreductive prostatectomy can improve oncological outcomes in patients with mPCa. We conducted a [...] Read more.
Recently, cytoreductive prostatectomy for metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has been associated with improved oncological outcomes. This study was aimed at evaluating whether robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as a form of cytoreductive prostatectomy can improve oncological outcomes in patients with mPCa. We conducted a retrospective study of twelve patients with mPCa who had undergone neoadjuvant therapy followed by RARP. The endpoints were biochemical recurrence-free survival, treatment-free survival, and de novo metastasis-free survival. At the end of the follow-up period, none of the enrolled patients had died from PCa. The 1- and 2-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates were 83.3% and 66.7%, respectively, and treatment-free survival rates were 75.0% and 56.3%, respectively. One patient developed de novo bone metastases 6.4 months postoperatively, and castration-resistant prostate cancer 8.9 months postoperatively. After RARP, the median duration of recovery of urinary continence was 5.2 months. One patient had severe incontinence (>2 pads/day) 24 months postoperatively. RARP may be a treatment option in patients with mPCa who have achieved a serum prostate-specific antigen level < 0.2 ng/mL, and present without new lesions on imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
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10 pages, 836 KiB  
Article
Concordance between Preoperative mpMRI and Pathological Stage and Its Influence on Nerve-Sparing Surgery in Patients with High-Risk Prostate Cancer
by Clara Humke, Benedikt Hoeh, Felix Preisser, Mike Wenzel, Maria N. Welte, Lena Theissen, Boris Bodelle, Jens Koellermann, Thomas Steuber, Alexander Haese, Frederik Roos, Luis Alex Kluth, Andreas Becker, Felix K. H. Chun and Philipp Mandel
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(4), 2385-2394; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29040193 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1714
Abstract
Background: We aimed to determine the concordance between the radiologic stage (rT), using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), and pathologic stage (pT) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer and its influence on nerve-sparing surgery compared to the use of the intraoperative frozen section [...] Read more.
Background: We aimed to determine the concordance between the radiologic stage (rT), using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), and pathologic stage (pT) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer and its influence on nerve-sparing surgery compared to the use of the intraoperative frozen section technique (IFST). Methods: The concordance between rT and pT and the rates of nerve-sparing surgery and positive surgical margin were assessed for patients with high-risk prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy. Results: The concordance between the rT and pT stages was shown in 66.4% (n = 77) of patients with clinical high-risk prostate cancer. The detection of patients with extraprostatic disease (≥pT3) by preoperative mpMRI showed a sensitivity, negative predictive value and accuracy of 65.1%, 51.7% and 67.5%. In addition to the suspicion of extraprostatic disease in mpMRI (≥rT3), 84.5% (n = 56) of patients with ≥rT3 underwent primary nerve-sparing surgery with IFST, resulting in 94.7% (n = 54) of men with at least unilateral nerve-sparing surgery after secondary resection with a positive surgical margin rate related to an IFST of 1.8% (n = 1). Conclusion: Patients with rT3 should not be immediately excluded from nerve-sparing surgery, as by using IFST some of these patients can safely undergo nerve-sparing surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
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Review

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15 pages, 1524 KiB  
Review
Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-Prostatectomy Lymphedema: What’s New?
by Lorenzo Maria Giuseppe Bianchi, Giovanni Irmici, Maurizio Cè, Elisa D’Ascoli, Gianmarco Della Pepa, Filippo Di Vita, Omar Casati, Massimo Soresina, Andrea Menozzi, Natallia Khenkina and Michaela Cellina
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4512-4526; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050341 - 25 Apr 2023
Viewed by 3537
Abstract
Lymphedema is a chronic progressive disorder that significantly compromises patients’ quality of life. In Western countries, it often results from cancer treatment, as in the case of post-radical prostatectomy lymphedema, where it can affect up to 20% of patients, with a significant disease [...] Read more.
Lymphedema is a chronic progressive disorder that significantly compromises patients’ quality of life. In Western countries, it often results from cancer treatment, as in the case of post-radical prostatectomy lymphedema, where it can affect up to 20% of patients, with a significant disease burden. Traditionally, diagnosis, assessment of severity, and management of disease have relied on clinical assessment. In this landscape, physical and conservative treatments, including bandages and lymphatic drainage have shown limited results. Recent advances in imaging technology are revolutionizing the approach to this disorder: magnetic resonance imaging has shown satisfactory results in differential diagnosis, quantitative classification of severity, and most appropriate treatment planning. Further innovations in microsurgical techniques, based on the use of indocyanine green to map lymphatic vessels during surgery, have improved the efficacy of secondary LE treatment and led to the development of new surgical approaches. Physiologic surgical interventions, including lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transplant (VLNT), are going to face widespread diffusion. A combined approach to microsurgical treatment provides the best results: LVA is effective in promoting lymphatic drainage, bridging VLNT delayed lymphangiogenic and immunological effects in the lymphatic impairment site. Simultaneous VLNT and LVA are safe and effective for patients with both early and advanced stages of post-prostatectomy LE. A new perspective is now represented by the combination of microsurgical treatments with the positioning of nano fibrillar collagen scaffolds (BioBridgeTM) to favor restoring the lymphatic function, allowing for improved and sustained volume reduction. In this narrative review, we proposed an overview of new strategies for diagnosing and treating post-prostatectomy lymphedema to get the most appropriate and successful patient treatment with an overview of the main artificial intelligence applications in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of lymphedema. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
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10 pages, 271 KiB  
Review
Single-Port Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Where Do We Stand?
by Antonio Franco, Antony A. Pellegrino, Cosimo De Nunzio, Morgan Salkowski, Jamal C. Jackson, Lucas B. Zukowski, Enrico Checcucci, Srinivas Vourganti, Alexander K. Chow, Francesco Porpiglia, Jihad Kaouk, Simone Crivellaro and Riccardo Autorino
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(4), 4301-4310; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30040328 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2066
Abstract
In 2018, the da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic system was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for urologic procedures. Available studies for the application of SP to prostate cancer surgery are limited. The aim of our study is to summarize [...] Read more.
In 2018, the da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic system was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for urologic procedures. Available studies for the application of SP to prostate cancer surgery are limited. The aim of our study is to summarize the current evidence on the techniques and outcomes of SP robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARLP) procedures. A narrative review of the literature was performed in January 2023. Preliminary results suggest that SP-RALP is safe and feasible, and it can offer comparable outcomes to the standard multiport RALP. Extraperitoneal and transvesical SP-RALP appear to be the two most promising approaches, as they offer decreased invasiveness, potentially shorter length of stay, and better pain control. Long-term, high-quality data are missing and further validation with prospective studies across different sites is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
13 pages, 1788 KiB  
Review
Update on Adjustable Trans-Obturator Male System (ATOMS) for Male Incontinence after Prostate Cancer Surgery
by Carlos Téllez, Juliusz Szczesniewski, Miguel Virseda-Chamorro, Ignacio Arance and Javier C. Angulo
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(4), 4153-4165; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30040316 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2012
Abstract
(1) Background: The adjustable trans-obturator male system (ATOMS) is a surgical device developed to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) after prostate cancer treatment. We review the current literature on this anti-incontinence device with the intention of assessing the effectiveness, safety and duration of the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The adjustable trans-obturator male system (ATOMS) is a surgical device developed to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) after prostate cancer treatment. We review the current literature on this anti-incontinence device with the intention of assessing the effectiveness, safety and duration of the silicone-covered scrotal port (SSP) ATOMS, the only generation of the device that is currently available. (2) Material and Methods: Non-systematic literature review is performed. Forty-eight full-text articles are assessed for eligibility. Case reports, expert opinions or commentaries without specific data reported (n = 6), studies with patients who underwent intervention before 2014 (IP or SP ATOMS; n = 10), and studies with incontinence after transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P; n = 2) are excluded for analysis. Thirty studies with SSP ATOMS are included in a qualitative synthesis that incorporates systematic reviews (n = 3), articles partially overlapping with other previously published studies (e.g., follow-up or series updates; n = 9), and studies focusing on specific populations (n = 8). Only articles revealing outcomes of SSP ATOMS were included in the quantitative synthesis of results (n = 10). (3) Results: the pooled data of 1515 patients from the 10 studies with SSP ATOMS confirmed very satisfactory results with this device after adjustment: dry rate: 63–82%, improved rate: 85–100%, complication rate: 7–33%, device infection rate: 2.7–6.2% and explant rate: 0–19%. The durability of the device is reassuring, with 89% of devices in place 5 years after implantation. (4) Conclusion: Despite the absence of randomized controlled studies, the literature findings confirm results of SSP ATOMS appear equivalent to those of artificial urinary sphincters (AUSs) in terms of continence, satisfaction and complications, but with a lower rate of revision in the long-term. A prospective study identified that patients with daily pad test results <900 mL and a Male Stress Incontinence Grading Scale (MSIGS) of not 4 (i.e., early and persistent stream or urine loss) are the best candidates. Future studies centered on the elder population at higher risk of impaired cognitive ability and in patients including radiation as prostate cancer treatment are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
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11 pages, 267 KiB  
Review
Salvage Retzius-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy: A Review of Complications, Functional Outcomes, and Oncologic Outcomes
by J. Bradley Mason, Liam Hatch, Christopher Dall and Keith J. Kowalczyk
Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(12), 9733-9743; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29120764 - 08 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1527
Abstract
(Background) Radiation failure for localized prostate cancer is seen in 20–60% of patients who do not undergo extirpative surgery. Though potentially curative, salvage prostatectomy (SS) has not been frequently performed historically due to high rates of complications and postoperative incontinence. With the advent [...] Read more.
(Background) Radiation failure for localized prostate cancer is seen in 20–60% of patients who do not undergo extirpative surgery. Though potentially curative, salvage prostatectomy (SS) has not been frequently performed historically due to high rates of complications and postoperative incontinence. With the advent of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, these rates appear to be improved. Retzius-sparing approaches have additionally been shown to improve continence outcomes in the index setting, and may further improve continence outcomes in salvage cases while maintaining oncologic integrity. (Methods) We performed a literature review and qualitative analysis of published papers on salvage Retzius-sparing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (SRS). Three studies met criteria and were included in analysis. (Results) There were more patients with Gleason Grade Group 1 disease after initial treatment in the SRS group vs. SS (22% vs. 8%). Patients most frequently underwent external beam radiation therapy in both groups (52% vs. 49%). 30-day complication rates were 10% and 26% for SRS and SS, respectively. Continence outcomes were significantly improved in SRS with 59% of continence (based on study criteria) compared to 38% in SS. Time to continence was similarly improved for SRS. Positive surgical margins and biochemical recurrence were not significantly different between SRS and SS in any study. (Conclusions) SRS is a safe and feasible option for salvage treatment of localized prostate cancer and may improve postoperative continence outcomes. Positive surgical margin and biochemical recurrence rates are similar to those reported in SS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions)
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