Does the Distance of the Tumor from the Surgical Margin Affect Biochemical Recurrence in Patients with Pathological Organ-Confined Prostate Cancer?

Objective: To investigate the effect of the distance between tumor and surgical margin on biochemical recurrence in patients with organ-confined prostate cancer. Material and Method: The data of 208 patients, who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2012-2018, were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical margin status of 147 pathologically organ-confined patients was categorized as positive, close (<1mm) and negative. Surgical margin status and parameters affecting biochemical recurrence were examined. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was done to determine the parameters associated with biochemical recurrence. Results: Biochemical recurrence was detected in 21 (14.2%) of 147 patients. 38 (27.9%) men had negative surgical margins, 68 (46.2%) had close surgical margins and 41 (25.9%) had positive surgical margins. Tumor volume and ISUP grade were found to be statistically significant for positive surgical margin and close surgical margin patients compared to negative surgical margin patients. Close surgical margin was not statistically associated with biochemical recurrence. Preoperative high PSA (p<0.001) and positive surgical margin (p=0.021) were independent risk factors for biochemical recurrence. Conclusion: According to our results, it is not necessary to include the presence of a close surgical margin in the pathology reports in patients with pathological organ-confined tumors and negative surgical margins.