Processing radical prostatectomies: an alternate-slice method is comparable with total embedding

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Radical prostatectomy specimen processing lacks a standardized method in histopathology.
• Total prostate sampling has potential disadvantages, and alternatives lack proven advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of a partial sampling method (alternate slice) against total prostate embedding for radical prostatectomy specimens.

Main Methods:

• Consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens were processed using both total embedding and the alternate slice method.
• The alternate slice method involved reviewing sections from anterior, middle, and posterior thirds of the prostate.
• Seminal vesicles, bladder neck, and margins were evaluated in both methods.

Main Results:

• Total embedding averaged 30 blocks; alternate slice averaged 18 blocks.
• High correlation was observed for Gleason score (87.5%), extraprostatic extension (97.9%), and pathologic staging (97.9%).
• Complete correlation was achieved for margin status and perineural invasion.

Conclusions:

• The alternate slice partial sampling method demonstrates favorable comparison to total embedding.
• This method offers a potentially more efficient approach to prostate cancer specimen processing.