The Value of Gleason Score Upgrade in Predicting Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the Gleason score (GS) increase in the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen compared to prostate biopsy material on predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR).Methods: A total of 201 patients who underwent RP between 2012 and 2018 were included in the study. Patients were assigned to three groups: Upgrade, downgrade, and no change in GSs. These groups were compared in terms of positive surgical margins (PSMs) and BCR.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to age and pre-biopsy prostate-specific antigen. BCR rate was significantly higher in the upgrade group, while there was no significant difference in PSMs. The main limitation of our study was its short follow-up period. Conclusion:Numerous studies have been conducted to predict biochemical relapse after RP. This study demonstrates that pathological upgrade may be useful as an independent predictor of recurrence.