Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Virchows Archiv 6/2006

01-12-2006 | Letter to the Editor

The significance of modified Gleason grading of prostatic carcinoma in biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens

Authors: Burkhard Helpap, Lars Egevad

Published in: Virchows Archiv | Issue 6/2006

Login to get access

Abstract

At an International Society of Urological Pathology consensus conference in 2005, the Gleason grading system for prostatic carcinoma underwent its first major revision. Gleason pattern 4 now includes most cribriform patterns and also fused and poorly formed glands. Our aims were to compare the grade distributions and assess the agreement between biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens for the modified and conventional Gleason grading. More than 3,000 radical prostatectomy (RP), needle biopsies (NB) and transurethral resection specimens were assigned modified Gleason score (GS). In NB, modified GS 3 + 3 = 6 and 3 + 4 = 7a were almost equally common, while in RP, 3 + 4 = 7a was most common followed by 4 + 3 = 7b. After application of the modified GS on NB, a substantial shift in GS distribution occurred: The proportion of GS 6 and 7 were 48 and 26%, respectively, with conventional Gleason grading as compared to 22 and 68%, respectively, with modified grading. In 368 men, the agreement between NB and RP with a modified GS 6, 7a, 7b and 8–10 in NB was 28, 88, 68 and 64–100%, respectively. The overall agreement improved from 58 to 72% (p < 0.001) compared to conventional GS. The higher agreement with modified Gleason grading may facilitate therapeutic decisions.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Amin M, Boccon-Gibod L, Egevad L, Epstein JI, Humphrey PA, Mikuz G, Newling D, Nilsson S, Sakr W, Srigley JR, Wheeler TM, Montironi R (2005) Prognostic and predictive factors and reporting of prostate carcinoma in prostate needle biopsy specimens. Scand J Urol Nephrol 39:20–33 Amin M, Boccon-Gibod L, Egevad L, Epstein JI, Humphrey PA, Mikuz G, Newling D, Nilsson S, Sakr W, Srigley JR, Wheeler TM, Montironi R (2005) Prognostic and predictive factors and reporting of prostate carcinoma in prostate needle biopsy specimens. Scand J Urol Nephrol 39:20–33
2.
go back to reference Bonkhoff H (2005) Gleason grading: diagnostic criteria and clinical implications. Pathologe 26:422–432PubMedCrossRef Bonkhoff H (2005) Gleason grading: diagnostic criteria and clinical implications. Pathologe 26:422–432PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Bostwick DG (1994) Gleason grading of prostatic needle biopsies. Correlation with grade in 316 matched prostatectomies. Am J Surg Pathol 18:796–803PubMed Bostwick DG (1994) Gleason grading of prostatic needle biopsies. Correlation with grade in 316 matched prostatectomies. Am J Surg Pathol 18:796–803PubMed
4.
go back to reference Bostwick DG (1994) Grading prostate cancer. Am J Clin Pathol 102:38–59 Bostwick DG (1994) Grading prostate cancer. Am J Clin Pathol 102:38–59
5.
go back to reference Carlson GD, Calvanese CB, Kahane H, Epstein JI (1998) Accuracy of biopsy Gleason scores from a large uropathology laboratory: use of a diagnostic protocol to minimize observer variability. Urology 51:525–529PubMedCrossRef Carlson GD, Calvanese CB, Kahane H, Epstein JI (1998) Accuracy of biopsy Gleason scores from a large uropathology laboratory: use of a diagnostic protocol to minimize observer variability. Urology 51:525–529PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Cookson MS, Fleshner NE, Soloway SM, Fair WR (1997) Correlation between Gleason score of needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimen: accuracy and clinical implications. J Urol 157:559–562PubMedCrossRef Cookson MS, Fleshner NE, Soloway SM, Fair WR (1997) Correlation between Gleason score of needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimen: accuracy and clinical implications. J Urol 157:559–562PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Dunn RL, Shah R, Zhou M (2002) Global Gleason score, highest Gleason score, or weighted Gleason score: what Gleason score should be reported in prostate needle biopsies. Mod Pathol 15:161A–669A Dunn RL, Shah R, Zhou M (2002) Global Gleason score, highest Gleason score, or weighted Gleason score: what Gleason score should be reported in prostate needle biopsies. Mod Pathol 15:161A–669A
8.
go back to reference Egevad L, Allsbrook WC, Epstein JI (2005) Current practice of Gleason grading among genitourinary pathologists. Hum Pathol 36:5–9PubMedCrossRef Egevad L, Allsbrook WC, Epstein JI (2005) Current practice of Gleason grading among genitourinary pathologists. Hum Pathol 36:5–9PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Egevad L, Granfors T, Karlberg L, Bergh A, Stattin P (2002) Percent gleason grade 4/5 as prognostic factor in prostate cancer diagnosed at transurethral resection. J Urol 168:509–513PubMedCrossRef Egevad L, Granfors T, Karlberg L, Bergh A, Stattin P (2002) Percent gleason grade 4/5 as prognostic factor in prostate cancer diagnosed at transurethral resection. J Urol 168:509–513PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Egevad L, Granfors T, Karlberg L, Bergh A, Stattin P (2002) Prognostic value of the Gleason score in prostate cancer. BJU Int 89:538–542PubMedCrossRef Egevad L, Granfors T, Karlberg L, Bergh A, Stattin P (2002) Prognostic value of the Gleason score in prostate cancer. BJU Int 89:538–542PubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Egevad L, Norlen BJ, Norberg M (2001) The value of multiple core biopsies for predicting the Gleason score of prostate cancer. BJU Int 88:716–721PubMedCrossRef Egevad L, Norlen BJ, Norberg M (2001) The value of multiple core biopsies for predicting the Gleason score of prostate cancer. BJU Int 88:716–721PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Epstein JI (2000) Gleason score 2–4 adenocarcinoma of the prostate on needle biopsy: a diagnosis that should not be made. Am J Surg Pathol 24:477–478PubMedCrossRef Epstein JI (2000) Gleason score 2–4 adenocarcinoma of the prostate on needle biopsy: a diagnosis that should not be made. Am J Surg Pathol 24:477–478PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Epstein H, Algaba F, Allbrook WC et al (2004) Acinar adenocarcinoma. In: Eble JN, Sauter G, Epstein JI, Sesterhenn IA (eds) World Health Organization classification of tumors. Pathology and genetics: tumours of the urinary system and male genital organs. IARC, Lyon, France, pp 179–184 Epstein H, Algaba F, Allbrook WC et al (2004) Acinar adenocarcinoma. In: Eble JN, Sauter G, Epstein JI, Sesterhenn IA (eds) World Health Organization classification of tumors. Pathology and genetics: tumours of the urinary system and male genital organs. IARC, Lyon, France, pp 179–184
14.
go back to reference Epstein JI, Allsbrook WC, Amin MB, Egevad L, and the ISUP Grading Committee (2005) The 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) consensus conference on Gleason grading of prostatic carcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol 29(9):1228–1242PubMedCrossRef Epstein JI, Allsbrook WC, Amin MB, Egevad L, and the ISUP Grading Committee (2005) The 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) consensus conference on Gleason grading of prostatic carcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol 29(9):1228–1242PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Gallee MP, Ten Kate FJ, Mulder PG, Blom JH, van der Heul RO (1990) Histological grading of prostatic carcinoma in prostatectomy specimens. Comparison of prognostic accuracy of five grading systems. Br J Urol 65:368–375PubMedCrossRef Gallee MP, Ten Kate FJ, Mulder PG, Blom JH, van der Heul RO (1990) Histological grading of prostatic carcinoma in prostatectomy specimens. Comparison of prognostic accuracy of five grading systems. Br J Urol 65:368–375PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Garnett JE, Oyasu R, Grayhack JT (1984) The accuracy of diagnostic biopsy specimens in predicting tumor grades by Gleason’s classification of radical prostatectomy specimens. J Urol 131:690–693PubMed Garnett JE, Oyasu R, Grayhack JT (1984) The accuracy of diagnostic biopsy specimens in predicting tumor grades by Gleason’s classification of radical prostatectomy specimens. J Urol 131:690–693PubMed
17.
go back to reference Gaudin PB, Epstein JI (1995) Adenosis of the prostate. Histologic features in needle biopsy specimens. Am J Surg Pathol 19:737–747PubMedCrossRef Gaudin PB, Epstein JI (1995) Adenosis of the prostate. Histologic features in needle biopsy specimens. Am J Surg Pathol 19:737–747PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Glaessgen A, Hamberg H, Pihl CG, Sundelin B, Nilsson B, Egevad L (2002) Interobserver reproducibility of percent Gleason grade 4/5 in total prostatectomy specimens. J Urol 168:2006–2010PubMedCrossRef Glaessgen A, Hamberg H, Pihl CG, Sundelin B, Nilsson B, Egevad L (2002) Interobserver reproducibility of percent Gleason grade 4/5 in total prostatectomy specimens. J Urol 168:2006–2010PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Gleason DF (1966) Classification of prostatic carcinomas. Cancer Chemother (Rep Part) 50:125–128 Gleason DF (1966) Classification of prostatic carcinomas. Cancer Chemother (Rep Part) 50:125–128
20.
go back to reference Gleason DF (1977) Histologic grading and clinical staging of prostatic carcinoma. In: Tannenbaum M (ed) Urologic Pathology: the prostate. Lea and Felbiger, Philadelphia, pp 171–198 Gleason DF (1977) Histologic grading and clinical staging of prostatic carcinoma. In: Tannenbaum M (ed) Urologic Pathology: the prostate. Lea and Felbiger, Philadelphia, pp 171–198
21.
22.
go back to reference Gleason DF, Mellinger GT (1974) Prediction of prognosis for prostatic adenocarcinoma by combined histological grading and clinical staging. J Urol 111:58–64PubMed Gleason DF, Mellinger GT (1974) Prediction of prognosis for prostatic adenocarcinoma by combined histological grading and clinical staging. J Urol 111:58–64PubMed
23.
go back to reference Helpap B (1993) Review of the morphology of prostatic carcinoma with special emphasis on subgrading and prognosis. J Urol Pathol 1:3–20 Helpap B (1993) Review of the morphology of prostatic carcinoma with special emphasis on subgrading and prognosis. J Urol Pathol 1:3–20
24.
go back to reference Helpap B (2005) Small suggestive lesions of the prostate. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses—report of the uropathology consultation service. Pathologe 26:398–404PubMedCrossRef Helpap B (2005) Small suggestive lesions of the prostate. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses—report of the uropathology consultation service. Pathologe 26:398–404PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Helpap B, Böcking A, Dhom G, Kastendiek R, Leistenschneider W, Müller HA (1985) Klassifikation, histologisches und zytologisches Grading sowie Regressionsgrading des Prostatakarzinoms. Eine Empfehlung des pathologisch-urologischen Arbeitskreises “Prostatakarzinoms”. Pathologe 6:3–7PubMed Helpap B, Böcking A, Dhom G, Kastendiek R, Leistenschneider W, Müller HA (1985) Klassifikation, histologisches und zytologisches Grading sowie Regressionsgrading des Prostatakarzinoms. Eine Empfehlung des pathologisch-urologischen Arbeitskreises “Prostatakarzinoms”. Pathologe 6:3–7PubMed
26.
go back to reference Herman CM, Kattan MW, Scardino PT, Wheeler TW (1999) Predominant Gleason pattern is a significant predictor of disease progression in Gleason score 7 prostate cancer. Mod Pathol 12:97A Herman CM, Kattan MW, Scardino PT, Wheeler TW (1999) Predominant Gleason pattern is a significant predictor of disease progression in Gleason score 7 prostate cancer. Mod Pathol 12:97A
27.
go back to reference Kramer SA, Spahr J, Brendler CB, Glenn JF, Paulson DF (1980) Experience with Gleason’s histopathologic grading in prostatic cancer. J Urol 124:223–225PubMed Kramer SA, Spahr J, Brendler CB, Glenn JF, Paulson DF (1980) Experience with Gleason’s histopathologic grading in prostatic cancer. J Urol 124:223–225PubMed
28.
go back to reference Lang PH, Narayan P (1983) Understaging and undergrading of prostate cancer. Argument for postoperative radiation of adjuvant therapy. Urology 21:113–118CrossRef Lang PH, Narayan P (1983) Understaging and undergrading of prostate cancer. Argument for postoperative radiation of adjuvant therapy. Urology 21:113–118CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Mellinger GT (1977) Prognosis of prostatic carcinoma. Recent Results Cancer Res 61–72 Mellinger GT (1977) Prognosis of prostatic carcinoma. Recent Results Cancer Res 61–72
30.
go back to reference Mellinger GT, Gleason DF, Bailar J 3rd (1967) The histology and prognosis of prostatic cancer. J Urol 97:331–337PubMed Mellinger GT, Gleason DF, Bailar J 3rd (1967) The histology and prognosis of prostatic cancer. J Urol 97:331–337PubMed
31.
go back to reference Mills SE, Fowler JE (1986) Gleason histologic grading of prostatic carcinoma. Correlations between biopsy and prostatectomy specimens. Cancer 57:346–349PubMedCrossRef Mills SE, Fowler JE (1986) Gleason histologic grading of prostatic carcinoma. Correlations between biopsy and prostatectomy specimens. Cancer 57:346–349PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Mosse CA, Magi-Galluzzi C, Tsuzuki T, Epstein JI (2004) The prognostic significance of tertiary Gleason pattern 5 in radical prostatectomy specimens. Am J Surg Pathol 28:394–398PubMedCrossRef Mosse CA, Magi-Galluzzi C, Tsuzuki T, Epstein JI (2004) The prognostic significance of tertiary Gleason pattern 5 in radical prostatectomy specimens. Am J Surg Pathol 28:394–398PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Mostofi FK, Sesterhenn IA, Davis CJ (2002) Histological typing of prostate tumours. In: World Health Organization international histological classification of tumours. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York Mostofi FK, Sesterhenn IA, Davis CJ (2002) Histological typing of prostate tumours. In: World Health Organization international histological classification of tumours. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York
34.
go back to reference Partin AW, Kattan MW, Subong EN, Walsh PC, Wojno KJ, Oesterling JE, Scardino PT, Pearson JD (1997) Combination of prostate-specific antigen, clinical stage, and Gleason score to predict pathological stage of localized prostate cancer: a multi-institutional update. JAMA 277:1445–1451PubMedCrossRef Partin AW, Kattan MW, Subong EN, Walsh PC, Wojno KJ, Oesterling JE, Scardino PT, Pearson JD (1997) Combination of prostate-specific antigen, clinical stage, and Gleason score to predict pathological stage of localized prostate cancer: a multi-institutional update. JAMA 277:1445–1451PubMedCrossRef
35.
go back to reference Spires SE, Cibull ML, Wood DP Jr, Miller S, Spires SM, Banks ER (1994) Gleason histologic grading in prostatic carcinoma. Correlation of 18-gauge core biopsy with prostatectomy. Arch Pathol Lab Med 118:705–708PubMed Spires SE, Cibull ML, Wood DP Jr, Miller S, Spires SM, Banks ER (1994) Gleason histologic grading in prostatic carcinoma. Correlation of 18-gauge core biopsy with prostatectomy. Arch Pathol Lab Med 118:705–708PubMed
36.
go back to reference Stamey TA, McNeal JE, Freiha FS, Redwine E (1988) Morphometric and clinical studies on 68 consecutive radical prostatectomies. J Urol 139:1235–1241PubMed Stamey TA, McNeal JE, Freiha FS, Redwine E (1988) Morphometric and clinical studies on 68 consecutive radical prostatectomies. J Urol 139:1235–1241PubMed
37.
go back to reference Steinberg DM, Sauvageot J, Piantadosi S, Epstein JI (1997) Correlation of prostate needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy Gleason grade in academic and community settings. Am J Surg Pathol 21:566–576PubMedCrossRef Steinberg DM, Sauvageot J, Piantadosi S, Epstein JI (1997) Correlation of prostate needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy Gleason grade in academic and community settings. Am J Surg Pathol 21:566–576PubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Young RH, Srigley JR, Amin MB, Ulbright TM, Cubilla AL (2000) Tumors of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, male urethra, and penis. In: Rosai J, Sobin LH (eds) Atlas of tumor pathology. AFIP, Washington, pp 111–216 Young RH, Srigley JR, Amin MB, Ulbright TM, Cubilla AL (2000) Tumors of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, male urethra, and penis. In: Rosai J, Sobin LH (eds) Atlas of tumor pathology. AFIP, Washington, pp 111–216
Metadata
Title
The significance of modified Gleason grading of prostatic carcinoma in biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors
Burkhard Helpap
Lars Egevad
Publication date
01-12-2006
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Virchows Archiv / Issue 6/2006
Print ISSN: 0945-6317
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2307
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00428-006-0310-6

Other articles of this Issue 6/2006

Virchows Archiv 6/2006 Go to the issue