What edition of the AJCC staging system does this use?

This tool uses the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th Edition (2017), which added PSA and Gleason grade group as required staging variables for prostate cancer.

What is the difference between clinical and pathologic staging?

Clinical staging (cT) is based on digital rectal exam, imaging, and biopsy findings before surgery. Pathologic staging (pT) is assigned after radical prostatectomy and reflects the histologic specimen. This tool uses clinical T by default; note that cT1 sub-categories rely on TURP chip involvement or biopsy needle core count.

What does the Gleason grade group mean?

Grade Group 1 = Gleason 6 (≤3+3); Grade Group 2 = Gleason 7 (3+4); Grade Group 3 = Gleason 7 (4+3); Grade Group 4 = Gleason 8; Grade Group 5 = Gleason 9–10. Higher groups indicate more aggressive tumors.

How is the NCCN risk group different from the AJCC stage?

AJCC stage is an anatomic classification used for prognosis and registry reporting. NCCN risk groups (Very Low to Very High / Metastatic) guide clinical treatment decisions and incorporate PSA density and number of positive cores in addition to T, N, M, PSA, and grade group.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This is a reference aid only. Staging should always be confirmed by a qualified clinician using the full staging workup, pathology report, and current AJCC/NCCN guidelines.

Prostate Cancer TNM Staging

Name: Prostate Cancer TNM Staging
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Select T, N, M values, PSA level, and Gleason grade group to determine prostate cancer AJCC 8th edition stage and NCCN risk group.

AJCC 8th Edition Parameters

T — Primary Tumor

N — Regional Lymph Nodes

M — Distant Metastasis

PSA Level (ng/mL, pre-treatment)

Gleason Grade Group

Grade Group Quick Reference

Grade Group	Gleason Score	Pattern
1	≤6	3+3
2	7	3+4
3	7	4+3
4	8	4+4, 3+5, 5+3
5	9–10	4+5, 5+4, 5+5

Fill in all parameters on the left and click Calculate Stage to see the AJCC stage group and NCCN risk group.

Summary

Select T, N, M values, PSA level, and Gleason grade group to determine prostate cancer AJCC 8th edition stage and NCCN risk group.

How it works

Select the clinical or pathologic T category (tumor extent).
Select the N category (regional lymph node involvement).
Select the M category (distant metastasis).
Enter the pre-treatment PSA level in ng/mL.
Select the Gleason grade group from the biopsy report.
The tool instantly displays the AJCC 8th edition stage group and NCCN risk group with a brief explanation.

Use cases

Oncologists and urologists quickly mapping biopsy and imaging results to a stage group.
Medical students and residents learning the AJCC 8th edition prostate staging system.
Patients reviewing their staging workup with their care team.
Tumor board preparation to confirm staging before treatment planning.
Nurses and advanced practice providers cross-checking staging documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-24 · Reviewed by Nham Vu