Prostate cancer growth patterns beyond the Gleason score: entering a new era of comprehensive tumour grading

Histopathology. 2020 Dec;77(6):850-861. doi: 10.1111/his.14214. Epub 2020 Sep 13.

Abstract

The Gleason grading system is one of the most important factors in clinical decision-making for prostate cancer patients, and is entirely based on the classification of tumour growth patterns. In recent years it has become clear that some individual growth patterns themselves have independent prognostic value, and could be used for better personalised risk stratification. In this review we summarise recent literature on the clinicopathological value and molecular characteristics of individual prostate cancer growth patterns, and show how these, most particularly cribriform architecture, could alter treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients.

Keywords: cribriform; growth pattern; prostate cancer; three-dimensional.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Grading*
  • Prognosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology