MRI characteristics predict risk of pathological upgrade in patients with ISUP grade group 1 prostate cancer

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyse multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) characteristics of patients diagnosed with ISUP grade group (GG) 1 prostate cancer (PC) on initial target plus systematic MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy and investigate histopathological progression during follow-up.

Methods: A retrospective single-centre cohort analysis was conducted on consecutive patients with mpMRI visible lesions (PI-RADS ≥ 3) and detection of ISUP-1-PC at the time of initial biopsy. The study assessed clinical, mpMRI, and histopathological parameters. Subcohorts were analysed with (1) patients who had confirmed ISUP-1-PC and (2) patients who experienced histopathological upgrading to ISUP ≥ 2 PC during follow-up either at re-biopsy or radical prostatectomy (RP).

Results: A total of 156 patients (median age 65 years) between March 2014 and August 2021 were included. Histopathological upgrading to ISUP ≥ 2 was detected in 55% of patients during a median follow-up of 9.5 months (IQR 2.2-16.4). When comparing subgroups with an ISUP upgrade and sustained ISUP 1 PC, they differed significantly in contact length of the index lesion to the pseudocapsule, ADC value, PI-RADS category, and the MRI grading group (mGG) (p < 0.05). In the ISUP GG ≥ 2 subgroup, 91% of men had PI-RADS category 4 or 5 and 82% exhibited the highest mGG (mGG3). In multivariate analysis, mGG was the only independent parameter for predicting ISUP ≥ 2-PC in these patients.

Conclusions: MRI reveals important information about PC aggressiveness and should be incorporated into clinical decision-making when ISUP-1-PC is diagnosed. In cases of specific MRI characteristics adverse to the histopathology, early re-biopsy might be considered.

Clinical relevance statement: In cases with clear MRI characteristics for clinically significant prostate cancer (e.g., mGG 3 and/or PI-RADS 5, cT3, or clear focal PI-RADS 4 lesions on MRI) and ISUP GG 1 PC diagnosed on initial prostate biopsy, MRI findings should be incorporated into clinical decision-making and early re-biopsy (e.g., within 6 months) might be considered.

Key points: MRI reveals important information about prostate cancer (PC) aggressiveness. MRI should be incorporated into clinical decision-making when ISUP GG 1 PC is diagnosed on initial prostate biopsy. In cases of specific MRI characteristics adverse to the histopathology, early re-biopsy might be considered.

Keywords: Low-risk prostate cancer; Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging; Prostatic neoplasms; Risk stratification.