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There are limited data regarding the effect of treatment delays on important long-term outcomes among men with intermediate/high-risk prostate cancer (PC).We identified 3,962 men with intermediate/high-risk disease from the SEARCH cohort treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) from 1988 to 2018. Cox proportional hazard models assessed the association between time from biopsy to RP (up to 1 year) and time to castration-resistant PC (CRPC), metastasis and all-cause mortality. Interaction terms were used to test for effect modification by risk group.Of the 3,962 men, 167 developed CRPC, 248 developed metastases and 884 died after a median followup of 85 months. Longer delays between biopsy and RP were associated with a decreased risk of CRPC (adjusted HR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98, p=0.02), independent of D'Amico risk group (interaction p0.05). In men with intermediate and high-risk disease, we found no statistically significant association between length of time to RP and risk of developing metastases (p=0.5 and 0.9, respectively) or all-cause mortality (p=0.1 and 0.1, respectively).Among men with intermediate and high-risk PC, we found no statistically significant increased risk of adverse long-term outcomes, including CRPC, metastasis and death, for men who had treatment delays up to 1 year following PC diagnosis.

Background Real-world utilization and outcomes of combination therapy for men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are largely unknown. We evaluated the overall survival (OS) and skeletal-related events (SREs) among men who received radium-223 with or without concomitant abiraterone or enzalutamide in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health System. Methods We reviewed charts of all mCRPC patients who received radium-223 in the VA from January 2013 to September 2017. We used Cox models to test the association between concomitant therapy versus radium-223 alone on OS and SRE. Sensitivity analyses were performed for concomitant use of denosumab/bisphosphonates. Results Three hundred and eighteen patients treated with radium-223 were identified; 116/318 (37%) received concomitant abiraterone/enzalutamide. Two hundred and seventy-seven (87%) patients died during follow-up. Patients who received concomitant therapy were younger at radium-223 initiation (median age 68 vs. 70, p = .027) and had a longer follow-up (median 29.5 vs. 17.9 months, p = .030). There was no OS benefit for those on concomitant therapy (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67-1.12, p = .28). There was a trend for an increased SRE risk for patients on concomitant therapy (HR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.96-3.61, p = .066), but this was not significant. When analyses were limited to men using bone heath agents, similar results were seen for OS (HR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.64-1.15, p = .30) and SRE (HR: 2.36, 95% CI: 0.94-5.94, p = .068). Conclusions Despite the common use of concomitant therapy in this real-world study, there was no difference in OS among mCRPC patients. A nonsignificant increased SRE risk was observed. Further work needs to evaluate the optimal sequence, timing, and safety of combination therapies.

Introduction:Older men with major comorbidities have higher risks of morbidity and mortality from androgen deprivation therapy, and the benefits of immediate androgen deprivation therapy af...

Purpose Our purpose was to study the effect of 2-(3-{1-carboxy-5-[(6-[18F]fluoro-pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl}-ureido)-pentanedioic acid (18F-DCFPyL) positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) on staging/treatment recommendations of previously untreated prostate cancer. We report here results of a prospective single center single arm imaging trial within Veterans Affairs (Greater Los Angeles): the frequency of patients upstaged to M1 disease (primary endpoint) and the frequency of patients with change in treatment recommendations (secondary endpoint). This is the first report of prostate-specific membrane antigen PET-CT exclusive to U.S. veterans. Methods and Materials Veterans with Gleason ≥4 + 3, clinical stage ≥T2c, or prostate-specific antigen >10 ng/mL were eligible. Patients underwent conventional imaging (99mTc-methyl diphosphonate bone scan or 18F-NaF PET-CT; and pelvic CT or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging) in addition to 18F-DCFPyL PET-CT. The effect of 18F-DCFPyL PET-CT on treatment change was determined by applying prespecified treatment recommendations based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and modern clinical practice. Results One hundred patients underwent 18F-DCFPyL PET-CT. Nineteen out of 84 (23%) patients initially thought to be nonmetastatic were upstaged to M1; 8/16 (50%) patients initially thought to have M1 disease were downstaged to M0. In total, 39/100 (39%) had a change in prespecified treatment recommendations, including change of radiation therapy volume/dose in 39/100 (39%) and starting abiraterone in 22/100 (22%). Conclusions Incorporation of 18F-DCFPyL PET-CT into the initial conventional imaging workup for prostate cancer can substantially affect staging/treatment recommendations.

Men with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy need information on competing risks of mortality to inform prognosis and guide treatment. We quantified the risk of prostate cancer metastasis and mortality, and other cause mortality across key clinical predictors.We analyzed 1,225 men with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy from 2001 to 2017 in the VA SEARCH database. Multivariable competing risks regression was used to identify predictors and quantify cumulative incidence of metastasis, prostate cancer specific mortality and other cause mortality. Recursive partitioning analysis was used to identify optimum variable cut points for prediction of prostate cancer specific mortality and other cause mortality.During a median followup of 5.6 years after biochemical recurrence (IQR 2.7-9.1), 243 (20%) men died of other causes and 68 (6%) died of prostate cancer. Multivariable competing risks regression showed that high D'Amico tumor risk and prostate specific antigen doubling time at biochemical recurrence less than 9 months were associated with metastasis and prostate cancer specific mortality (p ≤0.001). Ten-year prostate cancer specific mortality was 14% and 9% for those with high risk tumors and prostate specific antigen doubling time less than 9 months, respectively. Advanced age and worse comorbidity were associated with other cause mortality (p ≤0.001). Ten-year other cause mortality was higher among men 70 years old or older with any Charlson comorbidity (1-3+) (40% to 49%) compared to those with none (20%). Recursive partitioning analysis identified optimal variable cut points for prediction of prostate cancer specific mortality and other cause mortality, with 10-year prostate cancer specific mortality ranging from 3% to 59% and 10-year other cause mortality ranging from 17% to 50% across risk subgroups.Among men with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy, there is significant heterogeneity in prognosis that can be explained by available clinical variables. Men in their 70s with any major comorbidity are 2 to 10 times more likely to die of other causes than of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND The authors previously found that obesity was linked with prostate cancer (PC)-specific mortality (PCSM) among men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). Herein, in a larger RP cohort, the authors investigated whether the association between obesity and long-term PC outcomes, including PCSM, differed by race. METHODS Data from 5929 patients who underwent RP and were in the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database were analyzed. Prior to RP, body mass index (BMI) was measured and recorded in the medical records. BMI was categorized as normal weight (

Very long-term mortality in men with early prostate cancer treated with surgery versus observation is uncertain.To determine long-term effects of surgery versus observation on all-cause mortality for men with early prostate cancer.This study evaluated long-term follow-up of a randomized trial conducted at the US Department of Veterans Affairs and National Cancer Institute sites. The participants were men (n=731) ≤75yr of age with localized prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen (PSA)50ng/ml, life expectancy ≥10yr, and medically fit for surgery.Radical prostatectomy versus observation.All-cause mortality was assessed in the entire cohort and patient and tumor subgroups. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier methods with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models; cumulative mortality incidence, between-group differences, and relative risks were also assessed at predefined time periods.During 22.1yr (median follow-up for survivors=18.6yr; interquartile range: 16.6-20.0), 515 men died; 246 of 346 men (68%) were assigned to surgery versus 269 of 367 (73%) assigned to observation (hazard ratio 0.84 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.70-1.00]; p= 0.044 [absolute risk reduction = 5.7 percentage points, 95% CI: -0.89 to 12%]; relative risk: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.84-1.01]). The restricted mean survival in the surgical group was 13.6 yr (95% CI: 12.9-14.3) versus 12.6 yr (95% CI: 11.8-13.3) in the observation group; a mean of 1 life-year was gained with surgery. Results did not significantly vary by patient or tumor characteristics, although differences were larger favoring surgery among men aged65 yr, of white race, and having better health status, fewer comorbidities, ≥34% positive prostate biopsy cores, and intermediate-risk disease. Results were not adjusted for multiple comparisons, and we could not assess outcomes other than all-cause mortality.Surgery was associated with small very long-term reductions in all-cause mortality and increases in years of life gained. Absolute effects did not vary markedly by patient characteristics. Absolute effects and mean survival were much smaller in men with low-risk disease, but were greater in men with intermediate-risk disease although not in men with high-risk disease.In this randomized study, we evaluated death from any cause in men with early prostate cancer treated with either surgery or observation. Overall, surgery may provide small very long-term reductions in death from any cause and increases in years of life gained. Absolute effects were much smaller in men with low-risk disease, but were greater in men with intermediate-risk disease although not in men with high-risk disease. Strategies are needed to identify men needing and benefitting from surgery while reducing ineffective treatment and overtreatment.

BACKGROUND The impact of race on prostate cancer skeletal-related events (SREs) remains understudied. In the current study, the authors tested the impact of race on time to SREs and overall survival in men with newly diagnosed, bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). METHODS The authors performed a retrospective study of patients from 8 Veterans Affairs hospitals who were newly diagnosed with bone mCRPC in the year 2000 or later. SREs comprised pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, radiotherapy to the bone, or surgery to the bone. Time from diagnosis of bone mCRPC to SREs and overall mortality was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox models tested the association between race and SREs and overall mortality. RESULTS Of 837 patients with bone mCRPC, 232 patients (28%) were black and 605 (72%) were nonblack. At the time of diagnosis of bone mCRPC, black men were found to be more likely to have more bone metastases compared with nonblack men (29% vs 19% with ≥10 bone metastases; P = .021) and to have higher prostate-specific antigen (41.7 ng/mL vs 29.2 ng/mL; P = .005) and a longer time from the diagnosis of CRPC to metastasis (17.9 months vs 14.3 months; P

Background The Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program study #553 was designed to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy added to the standard of care (SOC) for patients who are at high risk for relapse after prostatectomy. Objective To test whether addition of chemotherapy to surgery for high-risk prostate cancer improves progression-free survival (PFS). Design, setting, and participants Eligible patients after prostatectomy were randomized to the SOC group with observation or to the chemotherapy group with docetaxel and prednisone administered every 3 wk for six cycles. Randomization was stratified for prostate-specific antigen, Gleason, tumor stage, and surgical margin status. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The primary endpoint was PFS. Secondary endpoints included overall, prostate cancer–specific, and metastasis-free survival, and time to androgen deprivation therapy. Results and limitations A total of 298 of the planned 636 patients were randomized. The median follow-up was 59.1 mo (0.2–103.7 mo). For the primary endpoint, the two groups did not statistically differ in PFS (median 55.5 mo in the chemotherapy group and 42.2 mo in the SOC group; test adjusted for site via gamma frailty p = 0.21; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58–1.11; p = 0.18). Prespecified subgroup analyses showed benefit in PFS for patients with tumor stage ≥T3b (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.92; p = 0.022) and patients with Gleason score ≤7 (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–0.99; p = 0.046). Secondary endpoint analyses are hampered by low event rates. The most common adverse events (≥grade 3 related or possibly related to chemotherapy) included neutropenia (43%), hyperglycemia (20%), and fatigue (5%), with febrile neutropenia in 2%. Conclusions Adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk prostate cancer using docetaxel and prednisone did not lead to statistically significant improvement in PFS for the intention-to-treat population as a whole. The analysis was challenged by lower power due to accrual limitation. Subgroup analyses suggest potential benefit for patients with Gleason grade ≤7 and stage ≥ pT3b (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00132301). Patient summary In this randomized trial, we tested whether addition of chemotherapy to surgery for high-risk prostate cancer decreased the risk of prostate-specific antigen rise after surgery. We found no benefit from docetaxel given after radical prostatectomy, although some subgroups of patients may benefit.

Purpose:Several recent studies on metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer demonstrated improved overall survival in black vs white men. 223Radium is Food and Drug Administration approved fo...

We evaluated if chronic consumption of quercetin (Q) with green tea extract (GTE) enhances the bioavailability of GT polyphenols (GTPs) and reduces methylation activity as previously observed in mouse xenograft tumors. In this prospective, randomized, parallel design, placebo controlled study, thirty-one men with prostate cancer consumed daily 1 gram of GTE (830 mg of GTP) with 800 mg of Q (GT + Q) or placebo (GT + PL) for four weeks before prostatectomy. First morning voided urine was collected at baseline, 3 weeks and the day of surgery, and prostate tissue on the day of surgery. In week 3, plasma concentration of GTPs and Q was measured in blood collected before and 2 hours after the morning dose. Prostate tissue epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) were detected in 67 and 93% of participants in the GT + Q group and 75 and 94% of participants in the GT + PL group. Q was increased 14-fold, 12-fold and 4.5-fold in plasma, urine, and prostate tissue, respectively, in the GT + Q compared to the GT + PL-group. There was a trend for decreased EGC levels in urine collected prior to prostatectomy in the GT + Q compared to GT + PL-group (p = 0.053). Plasma epigallocatechin (EGC) showed a trend to increase (p = 0.066) two hours after capsule intake in the GT + Q vs. the GT + PL-group. There was no significant difference between the groups in GTP content or methylation activity in prostate tissue or RBCs. No liver toxicity was observed. Although our findings are suggestive, further studies are warranted evaluating if Q alters GTP metabolism.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been shown to increase prostate cancer (PC) risk, but association between MetS and PC outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) is poorly es...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Accurate prediction of competing risks of mortality is a key component of prostate cancer treatment decision-making. We sought to compare the Prostate Cancer Comorbidity ...

Key Points Question How has the use of radical prostatectomy (RP) changed over time with respect to tumor risk and life expectancy (LE)? Findings In this cohort study of 5736 men treated with RP at 8 Veterans Affairs hospitals from 2000 to 2017, the proportion of low-risk tumors decreased 44%, the proportion of intermediate-risk tumors increased 29% (with favorable intermediate-risk tumors decreasing 20% and unfavorable intermediate-risk tumors increasing 11%), and the proportion of high-risk tumors increased 15%. During this period, the proportion of men treated with RP with LE less than 10 years increased 9%. Meaning These findings suggest that although use of RP has shifted away from low-risk and favorable intermediate-risk to higher-risk prostate cancer, its use among men with limited LE appears unchanged across tumor risk subgroups and increased overall., Importance Guidelines endorse using tumor risk and life expectancy (LE) to select appropriate candidates for radical prostatectomy (RP), recommending against treatment of most low-risk tumors and men with limited LE. Objective To investigate time trends in the use of RP by tumor risk and Prostate Cancer Comorbidity Index (PCCI) score in a contemporary, nationally representative Veterans Affairs (VA) cohort. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study of 5736 men treated with RP at 8 VA hospitals from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2017, used a nationally representative, multicenter sample from the VA SEARCH (Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital) database. Statistical analysis was performed from June 30, 2018, to August 20, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Stratified linear and log-linear Poisson regressions were used to estimate time trends in the proportion of men treated with RP across American Urological Association tumor risk and PCCI (a validated predictor of LE based on age and comorbidities) subgroups. Results Among 5736 men (mean [SD] age at surgery, 62 [6] years) treated with RP from 2000 to 2017, the proportion of low-risk tumors treated with RP decreased from 51% to 7% (difference, −44%; 95% CI, −50% to −38%). The proportion of intermediate-risk tumors treated with RP increased from 30% to 59% (difference, 29%; 95% CI, 23%-35%), with unfavorable intermediate-risk tumors increasing from 30% to 41% (difference, 11%; 95% CI, 4%-18%) and favorable intermediate-risk tumors decreasing from 61% to 41% (difference, −20%; 95% CI, −24% to −15%). The proportion of high-risk tumors treated with RP increased from 18% to 33% (difference, 15%; 95% CI, 9%-21%). Among men treated with RP, the proportion with the highest PCCI scores of 10 or more (ie, LE, This cohort study investigates time trends in use of radical prostatectomy by tumor risk and Prostate Cancer Comorbidity Index score in a contemporary, nationally representative Veteran Affairs cohort.

Background The link between diabetes and prostate cancer progression is poorly understood and complicated by obesity. We investigated associations between diabetes and prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM), castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and metastases in obese and nonobese men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods We included 4688 men from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital cohort of men undergoing RP from 1988 to 2017. Diabetes prior to RP, anthropometric, and clinical data were abstracted from 6 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers electronic medical records. Primary and secondary outcomes were PCSM and metastases and CRPC, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (adj-HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for diabetes and PCSM, CRPC, and metastases. Adjusted hazard ratios were also estimated in analyses stratified by obesity (body mass index: nonobese Results Diabetes was not associated with PCSM (adj-HR = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.86 to 2.24), CRPC (adj-HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.64), or metastases (adj-HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.70 to 1.46), among all men. Interaction terms for diabetes and obesity were statistically significant in multivariable models for PCSM, CRPC, and metastases (P ≤ .04). In stratified analyses, in obese men, diabetes was associated with PCSM (adj-HR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.40 to 6.69), CRPC (adj-HR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.11 to 4.15), and metastases (adj-HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 0.88 to 2.78), though not statistically significant for metastases. In nonobese men, inverse associations were suggested for diabetes and prostate cancer outcomes without reaching statistical significance. Conclusions Diabetes was associated with increased risks of prostate cancer progression and mortality among obese men but not among nonobese men, highlighting the importance of aggressively curtailing the increasing prevalence of obesity in prostate cancer survivors.

The current study was performed to evaluate the influence of race on the association between biopsy grade group (GrGp) and the risk of detectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and adverse histopathological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP).Data regarding 4073 men (1344 African American men; 33%) who were treated with RP were categorized based on the 5-tiered GrGp system. Logistic regression was used to test the association between biopsy GrGp and PSA nadir (0.1 ng/mL) after RP as well as adverse pathological features among all patients and stratified by race.Those patients with a higher biopsy GrGp were found to have lower odds of achieving a PSA nadir0.1 ng/mL after RP on unadjusted and multivariable analysis (both P .001). On unadjusted and multivariable analysis, higher GrGp was associated with increased odds of each of the adverse pathological features, namely, GrGp ≥3, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion, positive surgical resection margin, and positive lymph nodes (all P .001). Race had no significant interaction with biopsy GrGp in the prediction of PSA nadir after RP (P = .91) or any adverse pathological features (all P .06) except positive lymph nodes. When the models were stratified by race, the associations between preoperative biopsy GrGp and having a PSA nadir0.1 ng/mL, high-grade final pathology, or other adverse histopathologic features were similar in both races except as noted for positive lymph nodes.Higher preoperative biopsy GrGp is associated with increased odds of adverse histopathological findings as well as lower odds of a PSA nadir0.1 ng/mL after RP. These associations are largely independent of race, suggesting that GrGp is an accurate tool for risk stratification in both black and white men.

The objective of this study was to test a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) plus walking to reduce androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-induced metabolic disturbances. This randomized multi-center trial of prostate cancer (PCa) patients initiating ADT was designed to compare an LCD (≤20g carbohydrate/day) plus walking (≥30 min for ≥5 days/week) intervention vs. control advised to maintain usual diet and exercise patterns. Primary outcome was change in insulin resistance by homeostatic model assessment at 6 months. To detect 20% reduction in insulin resistance, 100 men were required. The study was stopped early after randomizing 42 men due to slow accrual. Secondary outcomes included weight, body composition, lipids, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Changes from baseline were compared between arms using rank-sum tests. At 6 months, LCD/walking reduced insulin resistance by 4% vs. 36% increase in control (p = 0.13). At 3 months, vs. control, LCD/walking arm significantly lost weight (7.8kg; p

To examine the associations between ethnicity and outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) among Hispanics. While non-Hispanic Black men have worse prostate cancer (PC) outcomes, there are limited data on outcomes of Hispanic men, especially after RP.We identified 3789 White men who underwent RP between 1988 and 2017 in the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital database. Men were categorized as Hispanic or non-Hispanic. Logistic regression was used to test the association between ethnicity and PC adverse features. Cox models were used to test the association between ethnicity and biochemical recurrence (BCR), metastases, and castration-resistant PC (CRPC). All models were adjusted for age, prostate-specific antigen, clinical stage, biopsy grade group, surgery year, and surgical center.Of 3789 White men, 236 (6%) were Hispanic. Hispanic men had higher prostate-specific antigen, but all other characteristics were similar between ethnicities. On multivariable analysis, there was no difference between ethnicities in odds of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, positive margins, positive lymph nodes, or high-grade disease (odds ratio 0.62-0.89, all P.07). A total of 1168 men had BCR, 182 developed metastasis, and 132 developed CRPC. There was no significant association between Hispanic ethnicity and risk of BCR, metastases, or CRPC (hazards ratio 0.39-0.85, all P.06).In an equal access setting, we found no evidence Hispanic White men undergoing RP had worse outcomes than non-Hispanic White men. In fact, all hazard ratios were1 and although they did not achieve statistical significance, suggest perhaps slightly better outcomes for Hispanic men. Larger studies are needed to confirm findings.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:We previously reported that in obese men, diabetes increased the risk of metastasis after radical prostatectomy (RP) whereas no such link was seen in non-obese men. Moreo...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Men with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) have little information on long-term competing risks of mortality to inform prognosis and guide tre...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Limited data exist to help surgeons decide between active surveillance (AS) vs. treatment for men with favorable intermediate risk (FIR) prostate cancer (PC). Ten-year re...

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between obesity and positive surgical margins in patients undergoing retropubic radical prostatectomy versus robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the data of 3141 men undergoing retropubic radical prostatectomy and 1625 undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy between 1988 and 2017 at eight Veterans Health Administration hospitals. The positive surgical margin location (peripheral, apical, bladder neck, overall) was determined from pathology reports. We adjusted for age, race, prostate-specific antigen, surgery year, prostate weight, pathological grade group, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, hospital surgical volume and surgical method (in analyses not stratified by surgical method). Interactions between body mass index and surgical approach were tested. RESULTS Among all patients, higher body mass index was associated with increased odds of overall, peripheral and apical positive surgical margins (OR 1.02-1.03, P ≤ 0.02). Although not statistically significant, there was a trend between higher body mass index and increased odds of bladder neck positive surgical margins (OR 1.03, P = 0.09). Interactions between body mass index and surgical method were significant for peripheral positive surgical margins only (P = 0.024). Specifically, there was an association between body mass index and peripheral positive surgical margins among men undergoing retropubic radical prostatectomy (OR 1.04, P

Importance In 2016, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) established criteria to evaluate prediction models for staging. No localized prostate cancer models were endorsed by the Precision Medicine Core committee, and 8th edition staging was based on expert consensus. Objective To develop and validate a pretreatment clinical prognostic stage group system for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This multinational cohort study included 7 centers from the United States, Canada, and Europe, the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) Veterans Affairs Medical Centers collaborative (5 centers), and the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) registry (43 centers) (the STAR-CAP cohort). Patients with cT1-4N0-1M0 prostate adenocarcinoma treated from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 2013 (follow-up completed December 31, 2017). The STAR-CAP cohort was randomly divided into training and validation data sets; statisticians were blinded to the validation data until the model was locked. A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cohort was used as a second validation set. Analysis was performed from January 1, 2018, to November 30, 2019. Exposures Curative intent radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy with or without androgen deprivation therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM). Based on a competing-risk regression model, a points-based Score staging system was developed. Model discrimination (C index), calibration, and overall performance were assessed in the validation cohorts. Results Of 19 684 patients included in the analysis (median age, 64.0 [interquartile range (IQR), 59.0-70.0] years), 12 421 were treated with RP and 7263 with radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 71.8 (IQR, 34.3-124.3) months; 4078 (20.7%) were followed up for at least 10 years. Age, T category, N category, Gleason grade, pretreatment serum prostate-specific antigen level, and the percentage of positive core biopsy results among biopsies performed were included as variables. In the validation set, predicted 10-year PCSM for the 9 Score groups ranged from 0.3% to 40.0%. The 10-year C index (0.796; 95% CI, 0.760-0.828) exceeded that of the AJCC 8th edition (0.757; 95% CI, 0.719-0.792), which was improved across age, race, and treatment modality and within the SEER validation cohort. The Score system performed similarly to individualized random survival forest and interaction models and outperformed National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) risk grouping 3- and 4-tier classification systems (10-year C index for NCCN 3-tier, 0.729; for NCCN 4-tier, 0.746; for Score, 0.794) as well as CAPRA (10-year C index for CAPRA, 0.760; for Score, 0.782). Conclusions and Relevance Using a large, diverse international cohort treated with standard curative treatment options, a proposed AJCC-compliant clinical prognostic stage group system for prostate cancer has been developed. This system may allow consistency of reporting and interpretation of results and clinical trial design.

Background In this study among men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP), African American men (AAM) were 28% more likely to develop recurrent disease compared with Caucasian men (CM). However, among those who had nonmetastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), race did not predict metastases or overall survival. Whether race predicts metastases among men who receive androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) after a biochemical recurrence (BCR) (ie, before CRPC but after BCR) is untested. Methods The authors identified 595 AAM and CM who received ADT for a BCR that developed after RP between 1988 and 2015 in the Shared Equal-Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database. Univariable and multivariable Cox models were used to test the association between race and the time from ADT to metastases. Secondary outcomes included the time to CRPC, all-cause mortality, and prostate cancer-specific mortality. Results During a median follow-up of 66 months after ADT, 62 of 354 CM (18%) and 38 of 241 AAM (16%) developed metastases. AAM were younger at the time they received ADT (63 vs 67 years; P .5). Conclusions Among veterans who received ADT post-BCR after RP, race was not a predictor of metastases or other adverse outcomes. The current findings suggest that research efforts to understand racial differences in prostate cancer biology should focus on early stages of the disease (ie, closer to the time of diagnosis).

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of previous local treatment on survival in men with newly diagnosed metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. METHODS We carried out a retrospective study of patients newly diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in the year 2000 or later from eight Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Patients were categorized based on prior local therapy (none, prostatectomy ± radiation or radiation alone). Overall and cancer-specific survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to test the association between prior local treatment and survival. RESULTS Of 729 patients, 284 (39%) underwent no local treatment, 176 (24%) underwent radical prostatectomy ± radiation and 269 (37%) underwent radiation alone. On multivariable analysis, men with prior prostatectomy had improved overall (hazard ratio 0.71, P = 0.005) and cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio 0.55, P

Background GPR120, a G protein-coupled receptor for long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs), mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 (ω-3) FAs. We investigated whether host or tumor GPR120 plays a role in the anti-prostate cancer effects of ω-3 FAs. Methods MycCap prostate cancer allografts were grown in immunocompetent wild-type (WT) and GPR120 knockout (KO) mice fed ω-3 (fish oil) or ω-6 (corn oil) diets. Immune cell infiltration was quantified by flow cytometry, and gene expression of immune cell markers in isolated tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Archived tissue from a fish oil intervention trial was used to correlate gene expression of GPR120 with cell cycle progression (CCP) genes and Ki67 index (n = 11-15 per group). All statistical tests were two-sided. Results In WT mice (n = 7 per group), dietary ω-3 FAs decreased MycCap allograft tumor growth (mean [SD] final tumor volume ω-6 = 491 [437] mm3 vs ω-3 = 127 [77] mm3, P = .04), whereas in global GPR120KO mice (n = 7 per group) ω-3 FAs had no anticancer effects. Dietary ω-3 FAs inhibited GPR120KO-MycCaP allografts grown in WT mice (n = 8 per group; mean [SD] final tumor volume ω-6 = 776 [767] mm3 vs ω-3 = 36 [34] mm3, P = .02). Omega-3 FA treatment decreased the number of M2-like TAMs in tumor tissue and gene expression of M2 markers in isolated TAMs compared with ω-6 controls in WT (n = 7 per group) but not in GPR120KO mice (n = 7 per group). In human tissue, higher expression of stromal GPR120 correlated with greater reduction in expression of CCP genes in men with prostate cancer on a high-ω-3 diet (r = -.57, P = .04). Conclusions Host GPR120 plays a central role in the anti-prostate cancer effects of dietary ω-3 FAs. Future studies are required to determine if the anticancer effects of ω-3 FAs are mediated through inhibition of M2-like macrophages and if host GPR120 status predicts anticancer effects of dietary ω-3 FAs in men with prostate cancer.

Purpose Gleason score (GS) 10 disease is the most aggressive form of clinically localized prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa). The long-term clinical outcomes and overall prognosis of patients presenting with GS 10 PCa are largely unknown because of its rarity. Methods and Materials The study included 112 patients with biopsy-determined GS 10 PCa who received treatment with radical prostatectomy (RP, n = 26), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT, n = 48), or EBRT with a brachytherapy boost (EBRT-BT, n = 38) between 2000 and 2013. Propensity scores were included as covariates for comparative analysis. Overall survival, prostate cancer–specific survival, and distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method with inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for confounding. Results The median follow-up period was 4.9 years overall (3.9 years for RP, 4.8 years for EBRT, and 5.7 years for EBRT-BT). Significantly more EBRT patients than EBRT-BT patients received upfront androgen deprivation therapy (98% vs 79%, P Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the largest series ever reported on the clinical outcomes of patients with biopsy-determined GS 10 PCa. These data provide useful prognostic benchmark information for physicians and patients. Aggressive therapy with curative intent is warranted, as >50% of patients remain free of systemic disease 5 years after treatment.

Obesity is associated with poorly differentiated and advanced prostate cancer and increased mortality. In preclinical models, caloric restriction delays prostate cancer progression and prolongs survival. We sought to determine if weight loss (WL) in men with prostate cancer prior to radical prostatectomy affects tumor apoptosis and proliferation, and if WL effects other metabolic biomarkers. In this Phase II prospective trial, overweight and obese men scheduled for radical prostatectomy were randomized to a 5–8 week WL program consisting of standard structured energy-restricted meal plans (1200–1500 Kcal/day) and physical activity or to a control group. The primary endpoint was apoptotic index in the radical prostatectomy malignant epithelium. Secondary endpoints were proliferation (Ki67) in the radical prostatectomy tissue, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio, body composition, and serum PSA, insulin, triglyceride, cholesterol, testosterone, estradiol, leptin, adiponectin, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, insulin-like growth factor 1, and IGF binding protein 1. In total 23 patients were randomized to the WL intervention and 21 patients to the control group. Subjects in the intervention group had significantly more weight loss (WL:−3.7 ± 0.5 kg; Control:−1.6 ± 0.5 kg; p = 0.007) than the control group and total fat mass was significantly reduced (WL:−2.1 ± 0.4; Control: 0.1 ± 0.3; p = 0.015). There was no significant difference in apoptotic or proliferation index between the groups. Among the other biomarkers, triglyceride, and insulin levels were significantly decreased in the WL compared with the control group. In summary, this short-term WL program prior to radical prostatectomy resulted in significantly more WL in the intervention vs. the control group and was accompanied by significant reductions in body fat mass, circulating triglycerides, and insulin. However, no significant changes were observed in malignant epithelium apoptosis or proliferation. Future studies should consider a longer term or more intensive weight loss intervention.

Adiposity and skeletal muscle mass have been shown to be prognostic for mortality in several cancers. In a recent study, CT imaging at diagnosis was used to determine whether components of body composition were associated with survival in men with advanced prostate cancer.

Introduction Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and risk stratification systems have been proposed to guide treatment decisions. However, significant heterogeneity remains for those with unfavorable-risk disease. Methods This study included 3335 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy in the SEARCH database. High-risk patients were dichotomized into standard and very high-risk (VHR) groups based on primary Gleason pattern, percentage of positive biopsy cores (PPBC), number of NCCN high-risk factors, and stage T3b-T4 disease. Similarly, intermediate-risk prostate cancer was separated into favorable and unfavorable groups based on primary Gleason pattern, PPBC, and number of NCCN intermediate-risk factors. Results Median follow-up was 78 months. Patients with VHR prostate cancer had significantly worse PSA relapse-free survival (PSA-RFS, P

Objectives To better predict operative time using patient/surgical characteristics among men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy or robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy in order to achieve more efficient operative scheduling and potentially decrease costs in the Veterans Health System. Methods We analyzed 2619 men treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (n = 2005) or robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (n = 614) from 1993 to 2013 from six Veterans Affairs Hospitals in the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital database. Age, body mass index, race, biopsy Gleason, prostate weight, undergoing a nerve-sparing procedure or lymph node dissection, and hospital surgical volume were analyzed in multivariable linear regression to identify predictors of operative time and to quantify the increase/decrease observed. Results In men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy, body mass index, black race, prostate weight and a lymph node dissection all predicted longer operative times (all P ≤ 0.004). In men undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, biopsy Gleason score and a lymph node dissection were associated with increased operative time (P ≤ 0.048). In both surgical methods, a lymph node dissection added 25–40 min to the operation. Also, in both, each additional operation per year per center predicted a 0.80–0.89-min decrease in operative time (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions Overall, several factors seem to be associated with quantifiable changes in operative time. If confirmed in future studies, these findings can allow for a more precise estimate of operative time, which could decrease the overall cost to the patient and hospital by aiding in operating room time management.

BACKGROUND A 5-tier prognostic grade group (GG) system was enacted to simplify the risk stratification of patients with prostate cancer in which Gleason scores of ≤6, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, 8, and 9 or 10 are considered GG 1 through 5, respectively. The authors investigated the utility of biopsy GG for predicting long-term oncologic outcomes after radical prostatectomy in an equal-access health system. METHODS Men who underwent prostatectomy at 1 of 6 Veterans Affairs hospitals in the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital database between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. The prognostic ability of biopsy GG was examined using Cox models. Interactions between GG and race also were tested. RESULTS In total, 2509 men were identified who had data available on biopsy Gleason scores, covariates, and follow-up. The cohort included men with GG 1 (909 patients; 36.2%), GG 2 (813 patients; 32.4%), GG 3 (398 patients; 15.9%), GG 4 (279 patients; 11.1%), and GG 5 (110 patients; 4.4%) prostate cancer. The cohort included 1002 African American men (41%). The median follow-up was 60 months (interquartile range, 33-90 months). Higher GG was associated with higher clinical stage, older age, more recent surgery, and surgical center (P < .001) as well as increased biochemical recurrence, secondary therapy, castration-resistant prostate cancer, metastases, and prostate cancer-specific mortality (all P < .001). There were no significant interactions with race in predicting measured outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The 5-tier GG system predicted multiple long-term endpoints after radical prostatectomy in an equal-access health system. The predictive value was consistent across races. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

BACKGROUND Black race is associated with prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis and poor outcome. Previously, the authors reported that black men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) in equal-access hospitals had an increased risk of biochemical disease recurrence (BCR), but recurrences were equally aggressive as those occurring in white men. The authors examined the association between race and long-term outcomes after RP. METHODS Data regarding 1665 black men (37%) and 2791 white men (63%) undergoing RP were analyzed. Using Cox models, the authors tested the association between race and BCR, BCR with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time

BackgroundThe long natural history of prostate cancer (CaP) limits comparisons of efficacy between radical prostatectomy (RP) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), since patients treated years ago received treatments considered suboptimal by modern standards (particularly with regards to androgen deprivation therapy [ADT] and radiotherapy dose-escalation]. Gleason score (GS) 9-10 CaP is particularly aggressive, and clinically-relevant endpoints occur early, facilitating meaningful comparisons.ObjectiveTo compare outcomes of patients with GS 9-10 CaP following EBRT, extremely-dose escalated radiotherapy (as exemplified by EBRT+brachytherapy [EBRT+BT]), and RP.Design, setting, participantsRetrospective analysis of 487 patients with biopsy GS 9-10 CaP treated between 2000 and 2013 (230 with EBRT, 87 with EBRT+BT, and 170 with RP). Most radiotherapy patients received ADT and dose-escalated radiotherapy.Outcome measurements and statistical analysisKaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression estimated and compared 5-yr and 10-yr rates of distant metastasis-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS).Results and limitationsThe median follow-up was 4.6 yr. Local salvage and systemic salvage were performed more frequently in RP patients (49.0% and 30.1%) when compared with either EBRT patients (0.9% and 19.7%) or EBRT+BT patients (1.2% and 16.1%, p

BACKGROUND Skeletal-related events (SREs) are common complications of bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To the authors' knowledge, there are limited data regarding which factors predict SREs. The authors identified risk factors for SREs in men with bone mCRPC using characteristics commonly available in the medical record. METHODS Data from 454 patients with nonmetastatic CRPC were identified from 2 Veteran Affairs Medical Centers from 2000 through 2013. Among these men, 233 (51%) developed bone metastases during follow-up and represented the study cohort. First occurrence of an SRE was abstracted from the medical records. A stepwise multivariable Cox model was used to select the strongest predictors of time to SRE. RESULTS The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis of bone mCRPC was 75 years (interquartile range, 68-81 years), and there were 153 nonblack patients (66%). During follow-up (median, 7.8 months [interquartile range, 2.9-18.3 months]), 88 patients (38%) had an SRE. On univariable analysis, more recent year of metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 0.91), prostate-specific antigen doubling time of ≥9 months versus

We tested the association of serum lipid levels prior to androgen deprivation therapy with the risk of castration resistant prostate cancer and metastasis.We identified 302 men in the SEARCH (Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital) database who received androgen deprivation therapy after radical prostatectomy for nonmetastatic disease, had never received statins before androgen deprivation therapy and had available serum lipid data within 2 years prior to androgen deprivation therapy. Cox proportional hazards models were used to test associations between total cholesterol (less than 200 vs 200 mg/dl or greater), low density lipoprotein (less than 130 vs 130 mg/dl or greater), high density lipoprotein (40 or greater vs less than 40 mg/dl) and triglycerides (less than 150 vs 150 mg/dl or greater) and the risk of castration resistant prostate cancer and metastasis after androgen deprivation therapy while adjusting for potential confounders. Subanalyses were restricted to men who remained statin nonusers after androgen deprivation therapy.Median followup after androgen deprivation therapy was 67 months. Castration resistant prostate cancer and metastasis developed in 42 and 44 men, respectively. Men with elevated cholesterol received androgen deprivation therapy in an earlier year and had longer followup and a higher rate of statin use after androgen deprivation therapy. On multivariable analysis total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein were unrelated to castration resistant prostate cancer. Low high density lipoprotein (less than 40 vs 40 mg/dl or greater) was suggestively linked to an increased risk of castration resistant prostate cancer (HR 1.86, 95% CI 0.99-3.48). The association was stronger in men who remained statin nonusers after androgen deprivation therapy (HR 3.64, 95% CI 1.45-9.17). Results for metastasis were similar to those for castration resistant prostate cancer.Among men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer who started androgen deprivation therapy serum cholesterol was unrelated to castration resistant prostate cancer or metastasis. Low high density lipoprotein was suggestively associated with risks of increased castration resistant prostate cancer and metastasis, particularly in statin never users. Further studies are needed to explore a potential role for lipids in prostate cancer progression after androgen deprivation therapy.

IMPORTANCE: Black men are more likely to die of prostate cancer than white men. In men with similar stages of disease, the contribution of biological vs nonbiological differences to this observed disparity is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the association of black race with long-term survival outcomes after controlling for known prognostic variables and access to care among men with prostate cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This multiple-cohort study included updated individual patient-level data of men with clinical T1-4N0-1M0 prostate cancer from the following 3 cohorts: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER [n = 296 273]); 5 equal-access regional medical centers within the Veterans Affairs health system (VA [n = 3972]); and 4 pooled National Cancer Institute–sponsored Radiation Therapy Oncology Group phase 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs [n = 5854]). Data were collected in the 3 cohorts from January 1, 1992, through December 31, 2013, and analyzed from April 27, 2017, through April 13, 2019. EXPOSURES: In the VA and RCT cohorts, all patients received surgery and radiotherapy, respectively, with curative intent. In SEER, radical treatment, hormone therapy, or conservative management were received. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM). Secondary measures included other-cause mortality (OCM). To adjust for demographic-, cancer-, and treatment-related baseline differences, inverse probability weighting (IPW) was performed. RESULTS: Among the 306 100 participants included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 64.9 [8.9] years), black men constituted 52 840 patients (17.8%) in the SEER cohort, 1513 (38.1%) in the VA cohort, and 1129 (19.3%) in the RCT cohort. Black race was associated with an increased age-adjusted PCSM hazard (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.23-1.37; P

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Combination therapies for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are currently being investigated. Recently, the phase III ERA-223 trial was unblinded d...

PURPOSE:We aimed to study the associations between androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT)-induced weight changes and prostate cancer (PC) progression and mortality in men who had undergone radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS:Data from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) cohort were used to study the associations between weight change approximately 1-year post-ADT initiation and metastases, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), all-cause mortality (ACM), and PC-specific mortality (PCSM) in 357 patients who had undergone RP between 1988 and 2014. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using covariate-adjusted Cox regression models for associations between weight loss, and weight gains of 2.3kg or more, and PC progression and mortality post-ADT. RESULTS:During a median (IQR) follow-up of 81 (46-119)months, 55 men were diagnosed with metastases, 61 with CRPC, 36 died of PC, and 122 died of any cause. In multivariable analysis, weight loss was associated with increases in risks of metastases (HR 3.13; 95% CI 1.40-6.97), PCSM (HR 4.73; 95% CI 1.59-14.0), and ACM (HR 2.16; 95% CI 1.25-3.74) compared with mild weight gains of ≤ 2.2. Results were slightly attenuated but remained statistically significant in analyses that accounted for competing risks of non-PC death. Estimates for the associations between weight gains of ≥ 2.3kg and metastases (HR 1.58; 95% CI 0.73-3.42), CRPC (HR 1.33; 95% CI 0.66-2.66), and PCSM (HR 2.44; 95% CI 0.84-7.11) were elevated, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest that weight loss following ADT initiation in men who have undergone RP is a poor prognostic sign. If confirmed in future studies, testing ways to mitigate weight loss post-ADT may be warranted.

The treatment paradigm for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) patients is evolving. PET/CT now offers improved sensitivity and accuracy in staging. Recent randomized trial data supports escalated hormone therapy, local primary tumor therapy, and metastasis-directed therapy. The impact of combining such therapies into a multimodal approach is unknown. This Phase II single-arm clinical trial sponsored and funded by Veterans Affairs combines local, metastasis-directed, and systemic therapies to durably render patients free of detectable disease off active therapy. Patients with newly-diagnosed M1a/b prostate cancer (PSMA PET/CT staging is permitted) and 1–5 radiographically visible metastases (excluding pelvic lymph nodes) are undergoing local treatment with radical prostatectomy, limited duration systemic therapy for a total of six months (leuprolide, abiraterone acetate with prednisone, and apalutamide), metastasis-directed stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and post-operative fractionated radiotherapy if pT ≥ 3a, N1, or positive margins are present. The primary endpoint is the percent of patients achieving a serum PSA of

ObjectiveTo investigate predictors of time to metastasis among men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer who developed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) within the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital cohort.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 458 nonmetastatic CRPC men. Metastases were detected in routine bone scans or other imaging tests. Predictors of time to metastasis were analyzed using proportional hazards model with CRPC as time zero.ResultsA total of 256 (56%) men were diagnosed with metastatic disease over a median follow-up of 36 months. Metastasis-free survival was 79%, 65%, 52%, 47%, and 41% at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after CRPC, respectively. In multivariable analysis, Gleason score 8-10 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.61; P = .026), receiving primary localized treatment (HR = 1.38; P = .028), higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels at CRPC diagnosis (logPSA HR = 1.64; P

BACKGROUND To validate and further improve the stratification of intermediate risk prostate cancer into favorable and unfavorable subgroups for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The SEARCH database was queried for IR patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy. UIR disease was defined any patient with at least one unfavorable risk factor (URF), including primary Gleason pattern 4, 50% of more biopsy cores containing cancer, or multiple National Comprehensive Cancer Network IR factors. RESULTS One thousand five hundred eighty-six patients with IR prostate cancer comprised the study cohort. Median follow-up was 62 months. Patients classified as UIR were significantly more likely to have pathologic high-risk features, such as Gleason score 8 − 10, pT3–4 disease, or lymph node metastases, than FIR patients (P

BACKGROUND Although race is associated with prostate cancer progression in early stage disease, once men have advanced disease, it is unclear whether race continues to predict a poor outcome. The authors hypothesized that, in an equal-access setting among patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and no known metastases (M0/Mx), black men would receive imaging tests at similar rates as nonblack men (ie, there would be an equal opportunity to detect metastases) but would have a higher risk of metastatic disease. METHODS In total, 837 men who were diagnosed with M0/Mx CRPC during 2000 through 2014 from 5 Veterans Affairs hospitals in the SEARCH (Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital) database were analyzed. Data on all imaging tests after CRPC diagnosis were collected, including date, type, and outcome. Multivariable Cox models were used to test associations between race and the time to first metastasis, first bone metastasis, first bone scan, second bone scan among men who had a negative first bone scan, and overall survival. RESULTS Black men (n = 306) were equally as likely as nonblack men (n = 531) to receive a first and second bone scan after a diagnosis of CRPC. There were no significant differences in the risk of developing any metastases, bone metastases, time to bone scans, or overall survival between black men and nonblack men (all P > .2). CONCLUSIONS The lack of racial differences in the development of metastases and scanning practices observed in this study suggests that, once men have a diagnosis of M0/Mx CRPC, race may not be a prognostic factor. Efforts to understand prostate cancer racial disparities may derive greater benefit by focusing on the risk of developing prostate cancer and on the outcomes of men who have early stage disease. Cancer 2016;122:3848–3855. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Background The National Death Index (NDI) is a centralized database containing information from death certificates that is frequently referenced by health and medical investigators to ascertain vital statistics. Yet, it commonly includes misclassified causes of death. Since the NDI is frequently relied upon in studies that evaluate outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PC), we evaluated its validity by referencing mortality data from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database which is a prospectively managed database of 5,009 Veterans who underwent a RP at eight Veterans Affairs medical centers between 1982 and 2016. Methods We compared vital status, cause of death and date of death from the SEARCH database with the NDI. Results A total of 1,312 men in SEARCH were deceased, yet the NDI reported 17% (219) of those men as still alive. Among the 1,093 men who had concordant vital status in both SEARCH and NDI, the date of death was an exact match within one day, a week, or 31 days in 94%, 97%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. Of those men coded as dying from prostate cancer in the SEARCH database (n=105), 12% were coded as having died from non-PC causes in the NDI. Meanwhile, among patients coded by the NDI as having died of PC (n=139), 34% were coded in SEARCH as having died of non-PC causes. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that the NDI provides accurate dates of death, but frequently misclassifies whether a death was due to prostate cancer. Studies that rely upon death certificates, as capture in the NDI, may be unreliable to report prostate cancer specific mortality rates after prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND Although diabetes is inversely related to prostate cancer (PC) risk, to the authors' knowledge the impact of glycemic control on PC progression is unknown. In the current study, the authors tested the association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and long-term PC outcomes among diabetic men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed data regarding men undergoing RP from 2000 to 2017 at 8 Veterans Affairs hospitals. Diabetic patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes (250.x) or by an HbA1c value >6.5% at any time before RP. Cox models tested the association between HbA1c and biochemical disease recurrence (BCR), castration-resistant PC (CRPC), metastases, PC-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. The model for BCR was adjusted for multiple variables. Due to limited events, models for long-term outcomes were adjusted for biopsy grade and prostate-specific antigen only. RESULTS A total of 1409 men comprised the study population. Of these, 699 patients (50%) had an HbA1c value