Updates in the Eighth Edition of the Tumor-Node-Metastasis Staging Classification for Urologic Cancers

In this report, we explain the seminal changes in the 8th edition of the Tumor-Node-Metastasis staging system for urologic cancers. Major stage category definitional changes are in Tumor-Node-Metastasis classifications of testicular, penile, and prostate cancer which improve patient stratification for prognosis and management. Refining the standards that provide the best possible staging system is a never-ending process. The 8th edition continues in that tradition with a more focused attempt to incorporate nonanatomic factors into staging. This approach is most evident in staging of prostate cancers where nonanatomic factors including grade of tumor and serum prostate specific antigen levels significantly impact American Joint Committee on Cancer prognostic stage group assignment whereby which even some organ-confined cancers may be classified as stage III cancer.
Source: European Urology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research