(1) Background: Somatic and germline alterations can be commonly found in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The aim of our present study was to perform a comprehensive review of the current literature in order to examine the impact of BRCA mutations in the context of PCa as well as their significance as genetic biomarkers. (2) Methods: A narrative review of all the available literature was performed. Only “landmark” publications were included. (3) Results: Overall, the number of PCa patients who harbor a BRCA2 mutation range between 1.2% and 3.2%. However, BRCA2 and BRCA1 mutations are responsible for most cases of hereditary PCa, increasing the risk by 3–8.6 times and up to 4 times, respectively. These mutations are correlated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Gene testing should be offered to patients with metastatic PCa, those with 2–3 first-degree relatives with PCa, or those aged < 55 and with one close relative with breast (age ≤ 50 years) or invasive ovarian cancer. (4) Conclusions: The individualized assessment of BRCA mutations is an important tool for the risk stratification of PCa patients. It is also a population screening tool which can guide our risk assessment strategies and achieve better results for our patients and their families.
Background/Objectives: Multiparametric-Magnetic Resonance Imaging(mp-MRI) presents the ability to detect clinically significant cancer, aiming to avoid biopsy if the results are negative or target an abnormal lesion if a suspected lesion of the prostate is found. Recent guidelines recommend the performance of 12 standard biopsies along with 3 to 5 targeted biopsies in suspected prostate lesions, depending on the size of the prostate lesion. In addition, prostate biopsy can be performed by either the transperineal or the transrectal approach. The aim of this comprehensive review is to highlight the role of both standard and targeted MRI/Ultrasound (US) fusion transperineal biopsy (TPB) in the diagnostic approach of prostate cancer cases, to report its diagnostic efficacy and complication rates and to suggest the promising usage of MRI/US fusion TPB in the future. Methods: A comprehensive review of the existing literature, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines, was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of transperineal and transrectal approaches in prostate cancer detection. Special emphasis was placed on mp-MRI-guided targeted biopsy and its combination with systematic sampling. Results: Prostate biopsy via the transperineal approach is related to increased detection rates, especially for anterior lesions, and decreased infection risk compared to the transrectal approach, while complication rates (hematuria, hemospermia, etc.) remain similar. Due to lower infection rates via the transperineal route, the performance of prostate biopsy using the transperineal approach is strongly recommended. Finally, transperineal fusion MRI/US biopsy can be valuable for repeat biopsies in patients who had an initial negative biopsy or for the follow-up of patients that undergo active surveillance. Conclusions: MRI/US fusion-guided TPB represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer diagnostics, combining improved precision with reduced infection risks. Although TPB presents higher detection rates for anterior prostatic lesions and lower post-biopsy infection rates, there is no significant difference in cancer detection rates compared to TRB. Targeted training and investment may reduce long-term expenses of TPB by lowering hospitalizations, antibiotic usage, and related costs. Future research should further refine this approach and explore its integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence for enhanced lesion targeting and diagnostic accuracy.
Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), offering cancer control with renal preservation. Three-dimensional laparoscopy addresses the limitations of traditional two-dimensional systems by enhancing depth perception and accuracy. This study evaluates the impact of 3D laparoscopy on PN for larger and complex tumors. We retrospectively analyzed 200 laparoscopic nephrectomies by a single surgeon between 2020 and 2024, comparing pre-3D and post-3D groups (100 cases each). Key outcomes included the rate of PN, warm ischemia time (WIT), and operative time. The post-3D group demonstrated a significant increase in PN for tumors >4 cm (48% vs. 35%, p = 0.028) and high RENAL scores ≥8 (41% vs. 29%, p = 0.035). Median WIT was significantly shorter (24 min vs. 29 min, p = 0.018 for larger tumors; 26 min vs. 32 min, p = 0.022 for high complexity). Total operative time was also reduced (175 min vs. 195 min, p = 0.031). Positive surgical margins were lower in the post-3D group (0% vs. 2%), and complication rates were comparable (5% vs. 4%, p = 0.712). Three-dimensional laparoscopy significantly improves the feasibility and precision of PN for larger and complex tumors, enhancing outcomes without increasing complications.
Background: Prostate biopsy is a crucial diagnostic tool for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Traditional transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy methods are often associated with an increased infection risk of infection and limited accuracy, particularly when diagnosing anterior lesions of the prostate gland. Objective: This article presented a structured protocol for performing transperineal fusion magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound (MRI/US) prostate biopsy, highlighting its advantages over the TRUS approach. Our study included biopsy-naïve patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels or abnormal digital rectal examination findings, all of whom underwent pre-biopsy multiparametric MRI to guide targeted biopsies. The key objectives of this protocol were to improve the detection rates of csPCa, minimize infection risk, and standardize a transperineal technique that combines both systematic and targeted biopsies. In addition, we provided details on patient preparation, equipment requirements, procedural steps, and follow-up protocols to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. This protocol aims to serve as a guideline for institutions to adopt MRI/US fusion-guided transperineal biopsy, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. Conclusion: The transperineal fusion MRI/US biopsy protocol enhances diagnostic accuracy, particularly for anterior lesions, while reducing infections risks. Combining targeted and systematic biopsies improves detection rates of csPCa and offers a standardized, safe approach for clinical implementation.