The effect of transperineal template prostate biopsy (TTPB) on selective serum biomarkers: a clinical-pilot...

Prostate biopsy is needed for diagnosing prostate cancer, the commonest cancer affecting men. Due to its lower rates of post-procedural infection compared to transrectal approaches, the use of transperineal approaches may increase. There is limited current evidence of serum biomarker changes following transperineal template prostate biopsy (TTPB) and their correlation with clinical outcomes.

A within-group, repeated-measures observational study was employed. Venous blood samples were taken pre-TTPB (baseline) and at 30 and 240 min post-TTPB in 6 patients (median age 67 years, age range 63-76). The serum concentrations of 13 selective human growth factors were measured using the Luminex® Performance Assay. Patient medical notes were reviewed to assess clinical outcomes.

Following TTPB, significant increases were demonstrated in the serum concentration of PDGF-AA and TGF-alpha (p ≤ 0.05). Significant decreases were observed in the serum concentration of EGF and Flt3 ligand (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations following TTPB in: CD40 Ligand, G-CSF, GRO-beta, IL-8, IL-33, MIP-3 beta, PDGF-AB/BB, TRAIL, and VEGF (p ≥ 0.05). There were no significant post-operative complications.

The significant increases in serum PDGF-AA and TGF-α, and significant decreases in serum EGF and Flt3 ligand could be explained by post-procedural inflammatory or paraneoplastic mechanisms. Further research into these biomarkers with larger cohorts may enable further understanding of their role pre- and post-operatively in TTPB and their correlation with clinical outcomes. This may be used to develop a clinical tool to predict or identify patients at risk of early post-TTPB complications.