Top 10 prostate cancer articles of 2016

These are Urology Times' most-read prostate cancer articles of 2016.

The debate over PSA screening remained a key topic in prostate cancer this year. Other topics that resonated with you included biomarkers and genomic tests, active surveillance, and the first randomized trial comparing robotic and open radical prostatectomy. Here are Urology Times' most-read prostate cancer articles of 2016:

Markers redefining prostate cancer care

In this interview, Daniel W. Lin, MD, of the Washington, Seattle discusses the practical use of currently available molecular and genomic tests, cost and reimbursement considerations, the role of MRI, and what the future holds for biomarkers. Read more

Can BPH and prostate cancer be prevented?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are two of the most common and costly diseases of older men (J Urol 2005; 173:1309-13; J Urol 2005; 173:1256-61; J Urol 2011; 186:971-6; CA Cancer J Clin 2016; 66:7-30; Curr Opin Urol 2013; 23:331-6). While timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important strategies for mitigating morbidity and mortality, BPH and prostate cancer are also potentially preventable, writes J. Kellogg Parons, MD, MHS, of Moores UC San Diego Comprehensive Cancer Center and Section of Urology, San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, La Jolla, CA. Read more

Study: PCa genomic test reduces decisional conflict

For men with high-risk pathology at radical prostatectomy, exposure to results of a genomic test that classifies 5-year risk of metastasis reduces decisional conflict, according to findings of a prospective study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago. The research also demonstrated that information from the genomic test, Decipher, lowers provider uncertainty about treatment recommendations and alters treatment intensity recommendations. Read more

Prostate Ca: PSA drop, active surveillance are key themes

Fusion biopsy, salvage versus adjuvant radiation therapy, and superextended versus extended pelvic lymph node dissection are also covered in the take home messages on prostate cancer from the 2016 AUA annual meeting. The prostate cancer take homes were presented by Robert Abouassaly, MD, MSc, of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland. Read more

Robotic vs. open RP: Experts react to first randomized trial

The first published randomized controlled trial comparing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with open radical retropubic prostatectomy was published in The Lancet (2016; 388:1057-66). Urology Times reached out to several key opinion leaders for their interpretation of the results. Their analyses centered on postoperative complications between the surgical approaches, the need to account for findings from other studies, oncologic outcomes, and cost differences. Read more

Next: Placement of a hydrogel rectal spacer before RT for prostate Ca

Placement of a hydrogel rectal spacer before RT for prostate Ca

In this article, Yair Lotan, MD, Ryan Hutchinson, MD, and Michael Folkert, MD, PhD, discuss a newer therapy that involves the injection of a temporary hydrogel in the plane between the prostate and rectum to reduce rectal toxicity of radiotherapy (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2015; 92:971-7).Read more

Midlife PSA levels strongly portend future deadly PCa

"It appears that baseline PSA is a lot more predictive than either family history or race alone and should be used to risk stratify screening," the co–lead author of a recent study tells Urology Times. Read more

Data offer new insight on HIFU’s use in low-risk PCa

In a 24-month study, transrectal HIFU showed a statistically significant increase in per-core negative biopsy rates. Read more

PCa castration study fuels surgery vs. GnRHA debate

Results of a recently published study examining the safety of the two approaches support stronger consideration for orchiectomy, according to its authors. Read more

Landmark prostate cancer screening trial criticized

The authors of a recent NEJM letter question the validity of the controversial Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. Read more