An investigation into the spatial relationship between prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer

The distribution of high grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and cancer was analysed in 18 separate areas from 89 radical prostatectomy specimens that had been sectioned and digitally imaged. When the occurrence of each type of pathology was summated a predilection was demonstrated for both pathologies in the apex of the prostate and a linear relationship was found between the frequency of cancer and high grade PIN (r(2) = 0.744, P < 0.05). This relationship was strongest at the apex (r(2) = 0.621, P < 0.005), lower in the midgland (r(2) = 0.828, P < 0.05) and bordered on significance at the base (r(2) = 0.621, P < 0.063). These results support the theory that cancer could obliterate high grade PIN as it over grows the areas once occupied by PIN.