# Association Between Cribriform Architecture and Lymphovascular Invasion in Prostate Cancer

## TL;DR

This study finds that cribriform architecture in prostate cancer is strongly linked to lymphovascular invasion, suggesting a higher risk of early metastasis.

## Contribution

The study establishes a strong, independent association between cribriform architecture and lymphovascular invasion in prostate cancer.

## Key findings

- LVI was more common in cribriform-positive tumors (17.9%) than in cribriform-negative tumors (2.8%).
- Cribriform architecture remained independently associated with LVI after adjusting for Gleason score, tumor stage, and nodal status.
- The adjusted odds ratio for LVI in cribriform-positive tumors was 5.20 (95% CI, 2.12–1.40).

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cribriform architecture is an adverse histopathologic feature in prostate cancer and has been associated with poor oncologic outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that cribriform-positive tumors may behave as a biologically non-localized disease, raising the possibility of early occult dissemination. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a key pathological marker of metastatic potential, but its relationship with cribriform architecture has not been evaluated. We examined the association between cribriform morphology and LVI to provide biological context for the aggressive clinical course of cribriform-positive prostate cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent radical prostatectomy and had available clinicopathologic data. Cribriform architecture was determined by a centralized pathology review, and LVI status was obtained from original pathology reports. Unadjusted associations were evaluated using contingency tables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess whether cribriform architecture was independently associated with LVI after adjustments for Gleason score, tumor stage, and nodal status. Results: Among 338 patients, 28 (8.3%) had LVI and 123 (36.4%) had cribriform architecture. LVI was more common in cribriform-positive than cribriform-negative tumors (17.9% vs. 2.8%; p < 0.001), corresponding to a crude odds ratio (OR) of 7.6 (95% CI, 3.0–19.3). Cribriform architecture remained independently associated with LVI after adjustment (adjusted OR, 5.20; 95% CI, 2.12–1.40; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Cribriform architecture is strongly and independently associated with LVI, supporting a biological link between cribriform morphology and early metastatic dissemination. These findings support the design of prospective, biomarker-driven studies to evaluate treatment intensification strategies in this high-risk subgroup.