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Periprostatic Fat: A Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer?

Wei Phin Tan1, Carol Lin2, Meri Chen2

  • 1Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.

Urology
|September 6, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A higher periprostatic fat ratio, measured by MRI, strongly correlates with high-grade prostate cancer. This ratio is a better indicator than fat volume for predicting higher Gleason scores in patients.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Oncology
  • Prostate Cancer Diagnostics

Background:

  • Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is crucial for prostate cancer assessment.
  • Periprostatic fat characteristics may offer insights into cancer aggressiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if periprostatic fat volume and ratio, assessed via mpMRI, correlate with high-grade prostate cancer.
  • To evaluate the predictive value of periprostatic fat measurements for cancer severity.

Main Methods:

  • 295 patients underwent 3 Tesla mpMRI between 2013 and 2015.
  • Prostate and periprostatic fat volumes were calculated using DynaCAD software.
  • Periprostatic fat ratio was computed as periprostatic fat volume divided by prostate volume.

Main Results:

  • Both higher periprostatic fat volume and ratio significantly correlated with higher Gleason scores (P < .001).
  • The periprostatic fat ratio was a superior predictor of higher Gleason scores compared to fat volume (P < .001).
  • No correlation was found between periprostatic fat ratio and prostate-specific antigen, age, or body mass index.

Conclusions:

  • An elevated periprostatic fat ratio is significantly linked to higher Gleason scores in prostate cancer.
  • Periprostatic fat ratio serves as a valuable predictor for higher-grade prostate cancer, potentially aiding in diagnosis.
  • This ratio may represent an important risk factor for identifying aggressive prostate cancer.

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