Prostatic Neoplasms: Joniau S

Heidenreich A, Aus G, Bolla M, Joniau S, Matveev VB, Schmid HP, Zattoni F, Anonymous00089. · Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario de Colonia, Colonia, Alemania. · Actas Urol Esp. · Pubmed #19418833 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To present a summary of the 2007 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A literature review of the new data emerging from 2004 to 2007 was performed by the working panel. The guidelines have been updated, and the level of evidence/grade of recommendation was added to the text based on a systematic review of the literature, which included a search of online databases and bibliographic reviews. RESULTS: A full version is available at the EAU Office or at www.uroweb.org. Systemic prostate biopsy under ultrasound guidance is the preferred diagnostic method. Active treatment is mostly recommended for patients with localized disease and a long life expectancy, with radical prostatectomy being shown to be superior to watchful waiting in a prospective randomized trial. Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy represents the approach of choice in organ-confined disease; neoadjuvant androgen deprivation demonstrates no improvement of outcome variables. Radiation therapy should be performed with at least 72 and 78 Gy in low-risk and intermediate- to high-risk PCa, respectively. Monotherapeutic androgen deprivation is the standard of care in metastatic PCa; intermittent androgen deprivation might be an alternative treatment option for selected patients. Follow-up is largely based on prostate-specific antigen and a disease-specific history with imaging only indicated when symptoms occur. Cytotoxic therapy with docetaxel has emerged as the reference treatment for metastatic hormone-refractory PCa. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge in the field of PCa is rapidly changing. These EAU guidelines on PCa summarize the most recent findings and put them into clinical practice.

Joniau S. · No affiliation provided · Eur Urol. · Pubmed #17611018 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Van Poppel H, Joniau S, Van Cleynenbreugel B, Mottaghy FM, Oyen R. · Department of Urology, University Hospital, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. · Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. · Pubmed #19238169 No free full text.

Abstract: The aim of this review is to provide a discussion of the diagnostic evaluation of biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy (RP) and an overview of the postoperative hormonal treatment (HT) options. As no randomized trials in the clinical setting of postoperative prostate-specific antigen recurrence have been reported, there is no conclusive evidence that HT after RP will prolong survival or reduce morbidity. Non-traditional approaches, such as intermittent androgen deprivation, non-steroidal anti-androgens and combination of finasteride and non-steroidal anti-androgen, are investigated and may be acceptable options. Combinations of HT with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for treatment of recurrent prostate cancer are under study.

Joniau S, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. · BJU Int. · Pubmed #18307686 No free full text.

Abstract: Prostate cancer encompasses a biological continuum from a slow-growing indolent tumour to a highly aggressive and potentially fatal form. A major challenge faced daily by physicians is to identify men with localized prostate cancer who are at high risk of dying from the disease, in order to maximize disease control and survival, without overtreating men who are likely to die from comorbidities. Treatment selection in patients with localized prostate cancer should be guided not only by patient-related factors (e.g. age and comorbidities), but also by cancer-related parameters (clinical stage, biopsy grade and preoperative prostate-specific antigen [PSA]) that enable patients to be classified as low, intermediate, or high risk for unfavourable outcomes. Surgery alone will only cure a fraction of high-risk patients. Instead these patients typically need a pro-active multimodal approach comprising a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and/or hormonal deprivation. The place of chemotherapy in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting in this patient group needs to be evaluated in clinical trials.

Van Poppel H, Joniau S. · Department of Urology, University Hospital, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. · Eur Urol. · Pubmed #17949893 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To clarify the role of radical prostatectomy (RP) in the treatment of locally advanced and high-grade prostate cancer. METHODS: Literature search of Medline publications on surgery for locally advanced and high-grade prostate cancer. RESULTS: In patients with locally advanced disease, the cancer-specific survival rate after RP at 5- and 10-yr follow-up was 85-100% and 57-91.6%, respectively. The overall survival rate at 5 and 10 yr was>75% and 60%, respectively. In patients with high-grade prostate cancer (Gleason score> or =8), the biochemical recurrence-free survival after RP at 5 and 10 yr of follow-up was 51% and 39%, respectively. Nomograms and modern imaging techniques are useful in predicting pathologic stage, presence of positive lymph nodes, or seminal vesicle involvement. These allow physicians to recognise those patients with locally advanced disease who are most likely to benefit from surgical treatment. Downgraded and organ- or specimen-confined high-grade tumours can have a good prognosis after surgery. The prostate-specific antigen value and the percent positive biopsy cores can be helpful in identifying men with high-grade prostate cancer most likely to benefit from RP. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that surgery has a role in the treatment of locally advanced and high-grade tumours. However, it is necessary and urgent to have randomised trials assessing survival and quality of life when RP is and is not included in the multimodality treatment.

Heidenreich A, Aus G, Bolla M, Joniau S, Matveev VB, Schmid HP, Zattoni F, Anonymous00006. · Department of Urology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany. · Eur Urol. · Pubmed #17920184 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To present a summary of the 2007 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A literature review of the new data emerging from 2004 to 2007 was performed by the working panel. The guidelines have been updated, and the level of evidence/grade of recommendation was added to the text based on a systematic review of the literature, which included a search of online databases and bibliographic reviews. RESULTS: A full version is available at the EAU Office or at www.uroweb.org. Systemic prostate biopsy under ultrasound guidance is the preferred diagnostic method. Active treatment is mostly recommended for patients with localized disease and a long life expectancy, with radical prostatectomy being shown to be superior to watchful waiting in a prospective randomized trial. Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy represents the approach of choice in organ-confined disease; neoadjuvant androgen deprivation demonstrates no improvement of outcome variables. Radiation therapy should be performed with at least 72 and 78 Gy in low-risk and intermediate- to high-risk PCa, respectively. Monotherapeutic androgen deprivation is the standard of care in metastatic PCa; intermittent androgen deprivation might be an alternative treatment option for selected patients. Follow-up is largely based on prostate-specific antigen and a disease-specific history with imaging only indicated when symptoms occur. Cytotoxic therapy with docetaxel has emerged as the reference treatment for metastatic hormone-refractory PCa. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge in the field of PCa is rapidly changing. These EAU guidelines on PCa summarize the most recent findings and put them into clinical practice.

Van Poppel H, Boulanger SF, Joniau S. · Department of Urology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. · Eur J Surg Oncol. · Pubmed #16023946 No free full text.

Abstract: AIMS: Quality of surgery is a controversial issue and no studies are reporting on the standard of surgical quality in the treatment of urological cancer. The question is whether quality can be evaluated and whether there is a standard for a qualitatively well performed radical retropubic prostatectomy. METHODS: We reviewed the literature on this topic. Data of four large studies based on Medicare claims and an EORTC report were analysed. RESULTS: Two studies reflect hospital-volume rather than surgeon-volume. Two compared hospital-volume and surgeon-volume and in both studies there was no clear relationship between surgeon-volume and the parameters reviewed. Similarly, the EORTC study concluded that there is a variation in outcome that is not related to the caseload and proposed minimal quality standards for radical prostatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: There is no clear relationship between surgeon-volume and surgical quality. Since radical prostatectomy is the standard treatment for the most frequent male malignancy and is offered to many patients that might never even suffer from the disease, the procedure must be performed with the highest guarantee of quality. Although, quality control of radical prostatectomy is feasible, its implementation will still require an enormous effort from the urological community.

Joniau S, Goeman L, Pennings J, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospital of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. · Eur Urol. · Pubmed #15961218 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Joniau S, Goeman L, Roskams T, Lerut E, Oyen R, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospitals Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. · Urology. · Pubmed #17572195 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To investigate, through a prospective follow-up study, the effects of a dietary supplementation challenge in men with isolated high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). METHODS: The effects of a 6-month supplementation challenge with selenium, vitamin E, and soy isoflavonoids in men diagnosed with isolated HGPIN on biopsy were evaluated. A total of 100 patients entered the study. Of the 100 men, 29 were excluded because they refused additional biopsies or were noncompliant with the protocol, 71 underwent repeat biopsies at 3 months, and 58 underwent a third set at 6 months. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was recorded at inclusion and before each set of biopsies. The study endpoint was defined as the diagnosis of PCa at 3 months or the histopathologic status at 6 months. RESULTS: At the study endpoint, PCa had been found in 24 men (33.8%), HGPIN in 34 (47.9%), and no HGPIN or carcinoma in 13 (18.3%). The PCa risk throughout the study period was 25.0% in the group with a stable or decreasing PSA level (n = 48, 67.6%) and 52.2% in the group with an increasing PSA level (n = 23, 32.4%). This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0458). Isolated HGPIN remaining at the first repeat biopsy and the percentage of initial cores with HGPIN were significant predictors of PCa at additional biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that a decrease in the PSA level while taking a selenium, vitamin E, and soy isoflavonoids supplement predicts for a significantly lower risk of PCa in future biopsies. The percentage of initial biopsy cores with HGPIN and isolated HGPIN remaining at the first repeat biopsy are significant predictors of PCa in future biopsies.

Goeman L, Joniau S, Ponette D, Van der Aa F, Roskams T, Oyen R, Van Poppel H. · UZ Gasthuisberg, Department of Urology, Leuven, Belgium. · Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. · Pubmed #14663472 No free full text.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) is generally accepted to be a precursor lesion of prostate cancer. The likely outcome of isolated low-grade PIN (LGPIN) lesions in prostate biopsies remains unclear. A follow-up study of 106 patients with LGPIN- and HGPIN lesions was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 2-y period, 207 men were diagnosed with isolated PIN on standard systematic sextant biopsy of the prostate. In total, 104 patients had LGPIN and 103 had HGPIN. No patients had ever received androgen deprivation therapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In all, 106 patients who underwent repeat second or third sextant biopsies were analysed in the study; 30% of these patients received a selenium-vitamin E supplement for at least 6 months. RESULTS: In total, 43 had LGPIN and 63 HGPIN on the first biopsy. The mean age was 63.5 y (range 46-77) in the LGPIN group and 64.9 y in the HGPIN group. The mean total PSA was 6.96 ng/ml (range 0.59-34.13) in the LGPIN group and 8.44 ng/ml (range 0.59-35.3) in the HGPIN group. In the LGPIN group, 30% of the patients had cancer in at least one of the repeat biopsy cores. In the HGPIN group, 27% had cancer in at least one of the repeat biopsy cores. The mean total PSA of patients who had cancer in repeat biopsies with LGPIN was 7.84 ng/ml (range 2.92-34.13). The mean total PSA of the patients who had cancer in repeat biopsy in the HGPIN was 6.73 ng/ml (range 0.56-25). There was no significant difference in PSA and pathological stage between those patients who did and those who did not receive selenium-vitamin E supplements. CONCLUSIONS: These data are intriguing since the risk of finding prostate carcinoma on repeat sextant biopsy in the LGPIN group is 30%. This is higher than commonly reported. The importance of recognising and re-biopsying HGPIN was confirmed. If chemoprevention could be shown to be effective, it might be beneficial not only in HGPIN but also in LGPIN. The possible activity of chemopreventive agents and their combination with iso-flavonoids needs further investigation.

Isebaert S, Van Audenhove C, Haustermans K, Junius S, Joniau S, De Ridder K, Van Poppel H. · Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, Belgium. · Urol Int. · Pubmed #19077396 No free full text.

Abstract: AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of a decision aid regarding treatment options for patients with early-stage localized prostate cancer. METHODS: 50 patients with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer received the decision aid and were interviewed twice: before the decision-making consultation with the physicians and before treatment or, in case of watchful waiting, before the follow-up consultation. The physicians (radiation oncologists and urologists) were interviewed after the consultation. RESULTS: The patients became more active partners in the decision-making process: They were better prepared for the consultation, asked more direct information, and were able to make a more deliberative choice. Generally, the use of the decision aid improved the quality of the consultation and resulted in a treatment decision agreed upon by both parties. Sometimes the consultation turned out to be more time-consuming. The decision aid did not only improve the patient-physician interaction but also helped patients to discuss the disease with their partner and family members. CONCLUSION: The use of the decision aid has a positive impact on the consultation and the decision-making process. The policy of involving patients more actively in the decision process should be further implemented in daily practice.

Van Poppel H, Joniau S, Haustermans K. · Service d'urologie et de radiothérapie, hôpital universitaire Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgique. · Cancer Radiother. · Pubmed #18198496 No free full text.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer has often been discouraged and in many cases a combined treatment with radiotherapy and hormone-therapy is proposed. Nevertheless, radical prostatectomy is efficient in mono-therapy in the majority of patients with a PSA lower than 20 microg/l, a unilateral stage T3a and a Gleason score lower than 8. Patients with a more advanced local stage or with a less well differentiated tumour should not be excluded from a surgical treatment as an initial option. The majority of them will benefit from a multimodal treatment. This can consist of adjuvant radiotherapy in case of obvious margin positive disease, a salvage radiotherapy in case of PSA relapse during follow-up, or a hormonal treatment in case of PSA persistence after surgery or in cases of advanced lymph node invasion. The urologist must utilise the results of the definitive pathology and of the post-operative PSA levels in order to find the indications where and when additional treatment can be applied. The results obtained after 10-15 years with a radical prostatectomy, eventually combined with radiation or hormonal treatment are excellent concerning the cancer specific survival at long term. Therefore radiotherapy and hormones is not the treatment of choice for all clinical T3 prostate cancers.

Kellen E, Zeegers MP, Joniau S, Buntinx F. · Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Leuven-LUCK, Kapucijnenvoer 33, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. · Future Oncol. · Pubmed #17927517 No free full text.

Abstract: We investigate the possible reasons for the co-occurrence of bladder and prostate cancer and discuss its clinical relevance. The co-occurrence of bladder and prostate cancer can (partly) be explained by a survival effect and diagnostic bias. Radiotherapy for prostate cancer might be responsible for a significant increase in secondary bladder cancers, with an absolute effect that is small. Existing international consortia should expand to include secondary primary cancers as well as the index tumor. This will facilitate the investigation of common etiology and will help to identify subgroups that are susceptible to treatment-induced carcinogenesis. The prognosis after a diagnosis of both bladder and prostate cancer seems to depend mainly on the prognosis of the bladder tumor.

Kellen E, Zeegers MP, Dirx M, Houterman S, Droste J, Lawrence G, Truyers C, Bruckers L, Molenberghs G, Joniau S, Buntinx F. · Department of General Practice, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - Comprehensive Cancer Institute Limburg, Belgium. · Eur J Cancer. · Pubmed #17531466 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence of both bladder and prostate tumours in five well defined cancer registries. METHODS: Anonymous data were provided from each cancer registry on all male bladder and prostate cancers (invasive and non-invasive). Poisson regression was used to model the rate of developing the second primary tumour and generated incidence rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: For bladder cancer and prostate cancer as first diagnosis, there was an excess risk to develop the second neoplasm. The RR decreased with increasing age of the patients. No effect of the initial treatment of the first neoplasm was found. CONCLUSION: This analysis found an excess risk to develop prostate cancer in bladder cancer patients younger than 70 years and the first year of follow-up after the diagnosis of bladder cancer. This may be due to detection bias, although a common aetiology may also be present.

Hsu CY, Joniau S, Roskams T, Oyen R, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. · BJU Int. · Pubmed #17094781 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the results in patients with unilateral cT3 prostate cancer treated with or with no neoadjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy (nADT), as nADT might have benefit in cT2 prostate cancer, but for cT3 tumours its use remains controversial, and it is unclear whether it can prevent or delay progression after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1987 and 2004, 235 patients were assessed as having unilateral cT3 disease by a digital rectal examination; before surgery, 200 patients were not treated with nADT and 35 were. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates. RESULTS: With no nADT the biochemical progression-free survival (PFS) was 59.5%, the clinical PFS was 95.9%, the cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 98.7%, and overall survival was 95.9% at 5 years. With nADT, the biochemical PFS was 43.4%, clinical PFS was 77.6%, CSS was 88.7%, and overall survival was 79.8% at 5 years. The positive surgical margin rate with no nADT and with nADT was 33.5% and 57.1%, respectively, and the respective mean cancer volume was 6.6 mL and 4.0 mL. CONCLUSION: nADT can decrease tumour size but does not reduce the positive surgical margin rate, nor improve the survival rate in unilateral cT3a disease. Because of side-effects and treatment costs, we do not advise nADT in patients with unilateral cT3a prostate cancer.

Hsu CY, Joniau S, Oyen R, Roskams T, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospitals KULeuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. · Eur J Surg Oncol. · Pubmed #17067773 No free full text.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The clinical staging of T3a prostate cancer is usually based on digital rectal examination (DRE). Overstaging of clinical T3a prostate cancer is present in 13-27% of the cases presented and understaging is in the range of 30%. The value of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) as a staging tool is not generally accepted. The purpose of this study is to determine whether TRUS can refine the local staging in unilateral clinical T3a (cT3a) prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1987 and 2004, 200 patients were staged as unilateral cT3a prostate cancer by DRE. All patients underwent radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Preoperative TRUS staging was performed for all patients. Final histopathological staging was compared with DRE and TRUS staging. The operable group (OG) was defined as T2 to unilateral T3a, and the advanced group (AG) was defined as bilateral T3a to T4. RESULTS: All DRE patients were assumed operable. However, in this group histopathology showed 27.0% of the patients had advanced disease. TRUS confirmed 184 patients to be operable (140 having unilateral cT3a, 44 patients having cT1c to cT2). Sixteen patients were considered to have advanced disease by TRUS. Importantly, in this group, 68.7% of the cases were indeed confirmed to have advanced disease by histopathology. CONCLUSION: TRUS can be used to refine clinical staging in unilateral cT3a prostate cancer. In cases where TRUS indicates advanced disease, it might be wise to trust the TRUS staging, rather than the DRE.

Hsu CY, Joniau S, Oyen R, Roskams T, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Belgium. · BJU Int. · Pubmed #16945120 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess, in a retrospective study, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and the combination of both in unilateral clinical T3a (cT3a) prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The long-term outcome of surgical treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer is very good and surpasses that for radiotherapy outcomes, so it is anticipated that surgical management for cT3a disease will become more important, but staging methods for cT3a disease are not well studied. Between 1990 and 2004, 2240 patients had a radical prostatectomy at our institution; 267 were diagnosed as having clinical cT3a prostate cancer either by DRE or TRUS. The final histopathology was compared with the findings of DRE and TRUS. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for DRE, TRUS and the combination of both were calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV by DRE only was 90.9%, 15.8%, 47.2% and 67.7%, by TRUS only was 80.2%, 25.3%, 47.1% and 60.7%, and by both DRE and TRUS was 71.1%, 41.1%, 50.0% and 63.2%. Although the sensitivity was lower in the combined group, it had the highest specificity (41.1%) and PPV (50.0%). The combination of DRE and TRUS can detect T3a prostate cancer more accurately than either method alone. CONCLUSION: Until data on staging methods like magnetic resonance imaging become available, the combination of DRE and TRUS is advisable in selecting cT3a patients for primary radical prostatectomy.

Joniau S, Hsu CY, Lerut E, Van Baelen A, Haustermans K, Roskams T, Oyen R, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. · Eur Urol. · Pubmed #16901622 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Partin tables are the most widely used tool to predict histopathologic stage after radical prostatectomy (RP) in organ-confined tumors. Such a predictive table in clinical T3 disease is still lacking. Our objective was to create a reference table for clinical unilateral T3a prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1987 and 2004, 200 patients with clinical unilateral T3a disease underwent a RP and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy at our institution. No patient had received neoadjuvant treatment. Patients were divided into three prostate-specific antigen (PSA) subgroups (<or=10 ng/ml, >10-20 ng/ml, and >20 ng/ml) and two biopsy Gleason sum (GS) subgroups (<or=7 [3+4] and >or=7 [4+3]). These parameters were used in the table as predictors for final histopathology. Margin and nodal status were also recorded. The multinomial log-linear regression analysis was used to construct the table. RESULTS: The table stratifies patients into six demarcated risk groups. In the first group, consisting of patients with PSA <or=10 and GS <or=7 (3+4), understaging was only 6% (5% pT3b and 1% pT4). The risk for understaging cT3a prostate cancer increases further with increasing PSA and GS. In the sixth group, consisting of patients with PSA >20 and GS >or=7 (4+3), understaging was as high as 68% (44% pT3b and 22% pT4). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed good accurate predictive ability of the table for seminal vesicle involvement and adjacent structure involvement, with moderate predictive ability for extraprostatic extension only. CONCLUSIONS: We present a table combining preoperative serum PSA and biopsy GS to predict histopathologic results in clinical unilateral T3a prostate cancer. The table may provide a basis for decision-making and patient counseling before treating this cancer.

Darras J, Joniau S, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospital Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. · Eur J Surg Oncol. · Pubmed #16815663 No free full text.

Abstract: AIMS: A rise in the incidence of radiorecurrent prostate cancer is to be expected, since approximately one third of early prostate cancer cases are nowadays treated with a radiotherapy modality. One possibility in treating radiorecurrent prostate cancer is salvage prostatectomy. Our objective was to look into our own experience with salvage radical prostatectomy and to analyse outcome and morbidity. METHODS: A computer search through our hospital database identified 11 patients who underwent a salvage radical prostatectomy for radiorecurrent cancer over the last 15 years. All data were retrospectively analysed and confronted with the literature. RESULTS: Although the surgery was mostly difficult, there were no intraoperative complications. Bladder neck stricture is the most common postoperative complication (18%). Continence rates are worse than in classical radical prostatectomy. All patients lost potency, since no attempt was made to spare the neurovascular bundles. With a mean follow-up of 6.9 years, biochemical disease-free survival rates was 55%, while overall and cancer-specific survival was 91%. CONCLUSION: While most patients with radiorecurrent prostate cancer will be treated by many experts with hormonal therapy, a salvage radical prostatectomy can give a second chance for cure in carefully selected patients.

Hsu CY, Joniau S, Oyen R, Roskams T, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospitals KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium. · Eur Urol. · Pubmed #16797831 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The optimal management of locally advanced prostate cancer (cT3) is still a matter of debate. The objective of this study is to present 10-year outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) in unilateral cT3a disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1987 and 2004, 2273 patients underwent RP at our institution. Two hundred and thirty-five (10.3%) patients were assessed as unilateral cT3a disease by digital rectal examination. Thirty-five patients who received neoadjuvant treatment before surgery were excluded from further analysis. Mean follow-up was 70.6 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate the biochemical progression-free survival (BPFS), clinical progression-free survival (CPFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) rates. Cox uni- and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify predictive factors in BPFS and CPFS. RESULTS: Clinical overstaging (pT2) occurred in 23.5%. One hundred and twelve (56%) patients received adjuvant or salvage therapy. OS at 5 and 10 years was 95.9% and 77.0%, respectively, and CSS was 98.7% and 91.6%. BPFS at 5 and 10 years was 59.5% and 51.1%, respectively, and CPFS was 95.9% and 85.4%. Margin status was a significant independent predictor in BPFS; cancer volume was a significant independent predictor in CPFS. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically advanced prostate cancer is still frequently overstaged. In a well-selected patient group with locally advanced prostate cancer, RP--with adjuvant or salvage treatment when needed--can yield very high long-term cancer control and survival rates. Margin status and cancer volume are significant predictors of outcome after RP.

Van de Sande T, Roskams T, Lerut E, Joniau S, Van Poppel H, Verhoeven G, Swinnen JV. · Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, University of Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. · J Pathol. · Pubmed #15880754 No free full text.

Abstract: Many human epithelial cancers, particularly those with a poor prognosis, express high levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS), a key metabolic enzyme linked to the synthesis of membrane phospholipids in cancer cells. In view of the recent finding that in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, overexpression of FAS can be largely attributed to constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI3) kinase/Akt kinase pathway, the activation status of the Akt pathway, and whether this activation coincides with increased FAS expression, was examined in clinical prostate cancer tissues. Using well-preserved frozen prostatic needle biopsies and a sensitive Envision detection technique, S473-phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) was found in 11/23 low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, in all (36/36) high-grade PINs, and in all (86/86) invasive carcinomas. Non-neoplastic tissues were negative. Interestingly, in low-grade PINs and low-grade carcinomas, pAkt was mainly cytoplasmic or membrane-bound and was associated with moderate elevation of FAS expression. In 24/36 high-grade PINs and 82/88 invasive carcinomas, pAkt was found at least partly in the nucleus. Greater nuclear pAkt staining, and higher FAS expression, correlated with a higher Gleason score. In the light of previous findings that pAkt plays a causative role in the overexpression of FAS in cancer cells in culture, these data strongly suggest that high-level expression of FAS in prostate cancer tissues is linked to phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of Akt.

Van der Aa F, Joniau S, De Ridder D, Van Poppel H. · Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. · Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. · Pubmed #12664068 No free full text.

Abstract: The objective of the study was to evaluate unilateral nerve sparing prostate surgery. Patient files of men who underwent unilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy were analyzed retrospectively after a minimum follow-up period of 18 months. Of 46 patients who received unilateral nerve sparing surgery, 14 (30.4%) regained full potency after surgery. In 92.9% of these patients, recovery occurred within a period of 18 months. Age is the single most important factor in the recuperation of potency after unilateral nerve sparing surgery. Most of the patients (84.8%) reported the ability to achieve orgasm. Of eight patients with positive section margins, two had positive section margins at the spared side only. Unilateral nerve sparing surgery remains a feasible treatment option for prostate cancer.

Swinnen JV, Roskams T, Joniau S, Van Poppel H, Oyen R, Baert L, Heyns W, Verhoeven G. · Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Developmental Biology, Gasthuisberg, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. · Int J Cancer. · Pubmed #11857379 No free full text.

Abstract: The expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), a key lipogenic enzyme and potential target for antineoplastic therapy, was analyzed in 87 frozen needle biopsies of prostate cancer using a highly sensitive immunohistochemical detection technique (Envision). In comparison to normal or benign, hyperplastic glandular structures, which were all negative for FAS staining, immunohistochemical signal was evident in 24/25 low grade prostatic epithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, in 26/26 high grade PIN lesions and in 82/87 invasive carcinomas. Staining intensity tended to increase from low grade to high grade PIN to invasive carcinoma. Cancers with a high FAS expression had an overall high proliferative index. No correlation was found between FAS expression and lipid accumulation. These findings indicate that increased FAS expression is one of the earliest and most common events in the development of prostate cancer, suggesting that FAS may be used as a general prostate cancer marker and that antineoplastic therapy based on FAS inhibition may be an option for chemoprevention or curative treatment for nearly all prostate cancers.

Swinnen JV, Vanderhoydonc F, Elgamal AA, Eelen M, Vercaeren I, Joniau S, Van Poppel H, Baert L, Goossens K, Heyns W, Verhoeven G. · Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Gasthuisberg, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. · Int J Cancer. · Pubmed #11004665 No free full text.

Abstract: A substantial subset of breast, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial and prostatic cancers displays markedly elevated expression of immunohistochemically detectable fatty acid synthase, a feature that has been associated with poor prognosis and that may be exploited in anti-neoplastic therapy. Here, using an RNA array hybridisation technique complemented by in situ hybridisation, we report that in prostate cancer fatty acid synthase expression is up-regulated at the mRNA level together with other enzymes of the same metabolic pathway. Contrary to the observations that in many cell systems (including androgen-stimulated LNCaP prostate cancer cells) fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism are co-ordinately regulated so as to supply balanced amounts of lipids for membrane biosynthesis, storage or secretion, no changes in the expression of genes involved in cholesterol synthesis were found. These findings point to selective activation of the fatty acid synthesis pathway and suggest a shift in the balance of lipogenic gene expression in a subgroup of prostate cancers.

Gontero P, Joniau S, Van Poppel H. · No affiliation provided · Eur Urol. · Pubmed #18433984 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.