MRI-Derived Apparent Diffusion Coefficient of Peri-Prostatic Adipose Tissue Is a Potential Determinant of Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness in Preoperative Setting: A Preliminary Report

Background: The aim of this study was to test the association between periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT)-apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value recorded at multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and determinants of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness in the preoperative setting. Methods: Data from 219 consecutive patients undergoing prostate biopsy (PBx) for suspicion of PCa, between January 2020 and June 2022, at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Only patients who had mpMRI performed before PBx were included. The distribution of demographics and clinical features among PPAT-ADC values up to vs. above the median was studied using both parametric and non-parametric tests, according to variables. Linear and logistic regression models tested the association between PPAT-ADC values and determinants of PCa aggressiveness and the presence of intermediate-high risk PCa, respectively. Results: Of 132 included patients, 76 (58%) had PCa. Median PPAT-ADC was 876 (interquartile range: 654 - 1112) × 10-6 mm2/s. Patients with PPAT-ADC up to the median had a higher rate of PIRADS (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System) 5 lesions (41% vs. 23%, p = 0.032), a higher percentage of PBx positive cores (25% vs. 6%, p = 0.049) and more frequently harbored ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) > 1 PCa (50% vs. 28%, p = 0.048). At univariable linear regression analyses, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, PIRADS 5, and percentage of PBx positive cores were associated with lower PPAT-ADC values. PPAT-ADC up to the median was an independent predictor for intermediate-high risk PCa (odds ratio: 3.24, 95%CI: 1.17-9.46, p = 0.026) after adjustment for age and body mass index. Conclusions: Lower PPAT-ADC values may be associated with higher biopsy ISUP grade group PCa and a higher percentage of PBx-positive cores. Higher-level studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results

Can Elderly Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma be Enrolled in Radiochemotherapy Trials?

OBJECTIVES:: Age is an unfavorable prognostic factor in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). To assess the possibility and the advantage of radiotherapy (RT) plus concomitant/sequential temozolomide (TMZ) in patients over 65 years with GBM, we analyzed 4 prospective trials in terms of compliance and outcomes. METHODS:: Elderly patients with histologically proven GBM, included in 4 prospective phase II studies with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) >70 and a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) <3, were selected for these analyses. Patients were treated by 3D-conformal RT (60 Gy), fractionated stereotactic conformal-RT (69.4 Gy), or intensity-modulated RT with simultaneous integrated boost (63 Gy). Concomitant (standard modality, first and last week, or from the Monday to Friday) and adjuvant chemotherapy with TMZ was administered. To stratify patients, recursive partitioning analysis was used. Safety and tolerability were measured by the National Cancer Institute Common Criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS:: From 2001 to 2011, 201 patients were enrolled in 4 trials and 111 elderly patients were recruited for this analysis. Compliance was 96.4%: 4/111 patients discontinued treatment, prevalently for disease progression. During radiochemotherapy, acute toxicity was mild. At a median follow-up of 64 months (range, 9 to 122 mo), median PFS and OS were 10 and 13 months, respectively. Extent of surgery (P=0.009) and radiation dose (P=0.01) significantly improved survival. CONCLUSIONS:: Radiochemotherapy is effective and well tolerated by elderly patients when KPS >70 and CCI <3; therefore these criterions should be considered to enroll elderly patients in combined prospective study