Life expectancy in rare histological prostate cancer subtypes

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Survival differences for rare prostate cancer (PCa) histological subtypes compared to the general population are not well understood.
• Prostate cancer comprises various histological subtypes, with acinar carcinoma being the most common.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the survival outcomes of rare prostate cancer histological subtypes against age-matched population-based controls.
• To identify specific rare PCa subtypes and stages that significantly impact patient life expectancy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2020) to identify PCa patients diagnosed between 2004-2015.
• Simulated age-matched population-based controls using Monte Carlo simulation and Social Security Administration Life Tables (2004-2020).
• Employed Kaplan-Meier analyses to assess survival rates over a 5-year follow-up period for different PCa subtypes and stages.

Main Results:

• Neuroendocrine prostate cancer showed the least favorable life expectancy across all stages compared to controls.
• In localized and locally advanced stages, ductal, mucinous, and signet ring cell carcinomas had minimal impact on survival, with exceptions for locally advanced signet ring cell.
• Metastatic neuroendocrine, mucinous, and acinar carcinomas demonstrated notable survival differences compared to population controls.

Conclusions:

• Neuroendocrine prostate cancer is associated with significantly reduced life expectancy regardless of disease stage.
• Most rare prostate cancer histological subtypes do not substantially alter life expectancy in localized or locally advanced disease.
• Locally advanced signet ring cell adenocarcinoma represents an exception, showing a survival impact in this stage.