Handling of radical prostatectomy specimens

Accurate reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens is becoming more important as we gain insights into how cancer therapy should be tailored according to risk categories. Adjuvant therapy after radical prostatectomy is now given more commonly to patients with pathological findings indicating a high risk of disease recurrence. The handling of these specimens must therefore be standardized, enabling the correct identification of histopathological risk factors for poor outcome. Several efforts have been made in recent years to reach consensus on the handling of radical prostatectomy specimens. Some of the recommendations are summarized in this review, including guidelines for gross description, biobanking of fresh tissue, fixation and cutting.