CLINICAL-VALUE OF PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN-DETECTED PROSTATE CARCINOMA (STAGE T1C)

In 1992, the UICC introduced the additional tumor stage Tie for prosta te carcinoma (PCa) because of the increasing proof of nonpalpable pros tate carcinomas in patients, which were detected through prostate-spec ific antigen (PSA) raise only. Initial uncertainties about the clinica l value of these nonpalpable tumors could be clarified by extensive in vestigations. It could be demonstrated that Tie prostate cancers are d istinct from latent PCa as found after cystoprostatectomy. Examination s of specimens of Tie PCa after-radical prostatectomy showed that thes e tumors have a clinically relevant tumor volume in 84-94% of the case s. The mean tumor volumes of Tie carcinomas were between 1.67 and 7.4 cm(3). Capsular perforations were present in 23-30%, and positive marg ins. were found in 7-34% of cases. These results are comparable with t hose of clinical stage T2 tumors. Both Tie and T2 prostate carcinomas are, in most cases, restricted to the surgical specimen and, thus, cur able. These data show that patients with Tie PCa need curative treatme nt.