Transperineal template prostate biopsies in men with raised PSA despite two previous sets of negative TRUS-guided...

The possibility of prostate cancer as a cause for steadily rising PSA despite previously negative transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies is a major concern. An initial negative TRUS-guided prostate biopsy does not necessarily exclude the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer. We determined the role of transperineal template prostate biopsy (TPTPB) in prostate cancer detection in men with raised PSA despite two previous sets of negative TRUS biopsies.

Between January 2008 and August 2012, a total of 122 men's records were reviewed after having 36-core TPTPB following two previous sets of negative TRUS biopsies despite raised PSA. A retrospective record of PSA levels, clinicopathological parameters and histological outcomes was made.

Mean age was 63 years (range 49-77), and mean PSA was 18.0 (range 2.0-119.0). A total of 71/122 (58 %) men were diagnosed with prostate cancer on TPTPB. Of these, 28 (39 %), 34 (48 %), 5 (7 %), and 4 (6 %) had Gleason score 6, 7 (3 + 4), 7 (4 + 3), and 9 (4 + 5), respectively. The mean number of positive cores was 7 (range 1-22). Of these, only 15 (21 %) had ≤2 cores positive and Gleason score of 6. Of the 51 (42 %) men with a negative histology on TPTPB, 11 (22 %), 10 (19 %), and 30 (59 %) had atypical small acinar proliferation, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or benign pathology.

TPTPB is associated with a high rate of clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis (58 %) in men with raised PSA despite two previous sets of negative TRUS biopsies.