Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the predictors of upgrading and degree of upgrading among patients who have initial Gleason score (GS) 6 treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the data of 359 men with an initial biopsy GS 6, localized prostate cancer who underwent RARP between July 2005 to June 2010 was performed. They were grouped into group 1 (nonupgrade) and group 2 (upgraded) based on their prostatectomy specimen GS. Logistic regression analysis of studied cases identified significant predictors of upgrading and the degree of upgrading after RARP. RESULTS: The mean age and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 63±7.5 years, 8.9±8.77 ng/mL, respectively. Median follow-up was 59 months (interquartile range, 47-70 months). On multivariable analysis, age, PSA, PSA density and ≥2 cores positive were predictors of upgrading with (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06; p=0.003; OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11; p=0.018; OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43-0.98, p=0.04), respectively. On subanalysis, only PSA level of 10-20 ng/mL is associated with upgrading into GS ≥8. They also had lower biochemical recurrence free survival, cancer specific survival, and overall survival (p≤0.001, p=0.003, and p=0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Gleason score 6 patients with PSA (10-20 ng/mL) have an increased risk of upgrading to pathologic GS (≥8), subsequently poorer oncological outcome thus require a stricter follow-up. These patients should be carefully counseled in making an optimal treatment decision.