The Percentage of Affected Fragments in Biopsy as a Predictor of Prostate Cancer Extension: a Systematic Review

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review on studies that evaluated the association between the percentage of fragments affected by cancer in a prostate biopsy and tumor extension in the specimen. Based on a systematic review strategy from the graduation program of the Federal University of Pernambuco, 979 published papers were identified in the following databases: PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO and Medline. Out of these papers, 20 articles published between 2000 and 2009 were selected through a set of inclusion / exclusion criteria. In 13 articles, the percentage of affected fragments was considered as an excellent predictor of surgical stages. In two studies in the literature, the authors suggested two different cutoff points, 33% and 37.5%, in the percentage of affected fragments for stratification of the extraprostatic disease at low and high risks. It was found that the percentage of affected fragments involved in prostate biopsy is an important tool to assess patient prognosis, and it should be used in conjunction with other established tools to offer the best therapeutic option.