Prostate volume has prognostic value only in pathologic T2 radical prostatectomy specimens.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Prognostic factors for prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy are crucial for patient management.
• The roles of prostate volume, tumor volume, and tumor percentage in predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR) require further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic significance of prostate volume, tumor volume, and tumor percentage in predicting BCR following radical prostatectomy.
• To analyze these factors in relation to pathologic T stage.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 259 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2005 and 2010.
• Evaluation of prostate volume, tumor volume, and tumor percentage as predictors of BCR.
• Multivariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to assess prognostic roles.

Main Results:

• Prostate volume, Gleason score, and seminal vesicle invasion were independent predictors of BCR in all specimens.
• In the T2 stage (organ-confined disease), BCR was associated with prostate-specific antigen (PSA), lower prostate volume, and Gleason score.
• Smaller prostate volume (< 30 mL) significantly increased BCR risk. Seminal vesicle invasion predicted shorter BCR-free survival in the T3 stage (locally advanced disease). Tumor volume and percentage did not predict BCR.

Conclusions:

• Lower prostate volume is an independent predictor of BCR in organ-confined prostatectomy specimens.
• Prostate volume is not a reliable predictor for BCR in most locally advanced tumors.
• Seminal vesicle invasion is a significant prognostic factor for BCR in locally advanced disease.