Increased cellularity of tumor-encased native vessels in prostate carcinoma is a marker for tumor progression

Changes in the native vasculature of the prostate gland associated with pro state adenocarcinoma have not been well characterized. Eighty-nine whole mo unts of entirely submitted radical prostatectomies were reviewed. Thirty pr ostates with a minimum of five native arteries surrounded by carcinoma with corresponding control arteries were found and included in this study. The number of nuclei in the media of native arteries was recorded per 0.138 mm( 2) using a 40x objective. The number of nuclei in vessels embedded in carcinoma (n = 204) was increas ed when compared with controls (26.37 versus 20.58 mean nuclei per 0.138 mm 2; P < .001). Pathologic Stage T3 carcinomas contained vessels that were mo re cellular than stage T2 (P < .001). Vessels embedded in Gleason Grade 4 s howed more cellularity than arteries embedded in Gleason Grade 3 (P < .002) . Increased media cellularity of native prostate vessels encased in carcinoma is a histologic feature of higher grade/stage prostate carcinoma and provi des positive indicator of advanced prostate cancer.