RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers. The prevalence of prostate cancer is different due to genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis of prostate cancer is by biopsy due to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). Controversy about decision making for prostate biopsy in PSA between 4 and 10 and normal DRE, is one of the problems in this time. In this study we evaluated the prevalence of prostate cancer in males with PSA between 4 and 10 and normal DRE. We also evaluated the PSA density and percent of free PSA in patients with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 males with PSA between 4 and 10 and normal DRE, were evaluated. Then, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) andprostate biopsy from 12 points of peripheral zone, was done. These data were analyzed by Chi-square, t-test and ANOVA and Roc curve. RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of prostate cancer in PSA between 4 and 10 and normal DRE, was evaluated, 29.8%. With use of Roc curve, PSA density cutoff point was calculated 0.12 and percent of free PSA cutoff point, was calculated, 18%. CONCLUSION: In males with PSA between 4 and 10 and normal DRE, PSA density smaller than 0.12-0.15, and percent of free PSA greater than 18%, the prevalence of prostate cancer is very few and we can safely ignore the TRUS and prostate biopsy in these males and eliminate its costs and side effects.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Tumor growth requires expansion and development of vascular network. An increase in Gleason score is representative of an increase in tumor invasion and extent. In this study, the relationship between Gleason score and vascular characteristics of needle biopsy samples in prostate cancer patients has been evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated vascular characteristics including density and size of vessels; and percentage of vessels with irregular shape in 62 cancer-positive samples obtained by prostate needle biopsy under ultrasound guide, and compared them to Gleason score. RESULT: Gleason scores of 23 patients were ≤6; Gleason scores of 18 patients were 7 and 21 patients had their Gleason score from 8 to 10. An increase in Gleason score was associated with increased vascular density (P < 0.0001), increased percentage of vessels with irregular shape (P < 0.02) and decreased average vascular diameter (P < 0.015), from which the relationship with vascular density was clearer and more evident. CONCLUSION: Vascular morphological characteristics can be representative of angiogenic potential of prostate cancer which is required for tumor progression. As Gleason score can prognosticate the behavioral characteristics of prostate cancer in future, vascular characteristics may also be able to express tumor behavior. With attention to vascular characteristics in biopsy samples and apart from Gleason score, we may also be able to divide patients into other subtypes in a way being helpful for the establishment of treatment plan.