(128) CORRELATION BETWEEN BIOPSY FREQUENCY AND REDUCED SEXUAL FUNCTION IN PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS UNDER ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Abstract Introduction Prostate cancer patients under active surveillance (AS) frequently undergo repeated biopsies to monitor disease progression. While this approach aims to delay or avoid radical treatments, the cumulative effects of multiple biopsies on erectile function and overall patient-reported outcomes (PROs) remains unexplored. Objective This study aims to determine a correlation between biopsy frequency and reduced sexual function, as well as deteriorated PROs in patients on AS for low-grade prostate cancer. Methods We conducted an analysis on results obtained from two separate prospective, single-institution, single-arm, non-treatment trials: MAST (NCT02242773) and MDSelect (NCT04240327). Both studies involved patients newly or previously diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer (Gleason grade 2 or less) who were monitored via active surveillance. Participants completed the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) survey before their initial diagnostic or baseline biopsy. Patients were followed for a maximum of 2 years, with repeated surveys conducted at 1-year intervals prior to each repeat biopsy. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation between the number of biopsies and changes in mean EPIC sexual and hormonal domain scores using the ANOVA test, with significance set at a p-value of <0.05. Results To date, 226 participants enrolled in the studies have followed or are currently following an active surveillance regimen. These participants were categorized based on the number of biopsies they underwent into three groups: Group A with 1 biopsy (n = 20), Group B with 2 biopsies (n = 98), and Group C with 3 biopsies (n = 108). Participants in Group C exhibited a significant reduction in EPIC sexual and hormonal domain scores compared to those in Groups A and B. Regression analysis confirmed that a higher number of biopsies is an independent predictor of worsening sexual function and PROs. Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest that an increased number of biopsies in prostate cancer patients on AS are associated with a reduction in sexual function and a decline in PROs. Future research should explore strategies to minimize biopsy-related effects to quality of life while maintaining effective disease surveillance. Further analysis will be conducted as additional patients reach their follow-up milestones. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: NIH. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Bio-Reference Laboratories.