Risk Factors for Relapse in Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer After Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection With Viable Residual Cancer.

PURPOSE: No consensus exists on the management of men with nonseminoma and viable nonteratomatous germ cell tumor in the postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND) specimen after first-line chemotherapy. We analyzed surveillance versus different adjuvant chemotherapy regimens and the influence of time to pcRPLND on oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Data on 117 men treated with cisplatin-based first-line chemotherapy between 1990 and 2018 were collected from 13 institutions. All patients had viable nonteratomatous germ cell tumor in the pcRPLND specimen. Surgery was performed after a median of 57 days, followed by either surveillance (n = 64) or adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 53). Primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: After controlling for International Germ Cell Cancer Cooperative Group risk group and percent of viable malignant cells found at RPLND, no difference was observed between men managed with surveillance or adjuvant chemotherapy regarding PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72 [95% CI, 0.32 to 1.6]; P = .4), CSS (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.20 to 2.39; P = .6), and OS (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.25 to 2.44]; P = .7). No statistically significant differences for PFS, CSS, or OS were observed on the basis of chemotherapy regimen or in men treated with pcRPLND ≤57 versus >57 days after first-line chemotherapy. Residual disease with <10% versus ≥10% viable cancer cells were associated with a longer PFS (HR, 3.22 [95% CI, 1.29 to 8]; P = .012). Relapse in the retroperitoneum was observed in 34 (29%) men. CONCLUSION: Men with a complete resection at pcRPLND and <10% viable cells have favorable outcomes without further treatment. Complete retroperitoneal resection seems more important than early pcRPLND.

Physician Perception of Grade Group 1 Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite its low-risk nature, grade group 1 (GG 1) prostate cancer (PCa) remains overtreated. This suggests a disconnect between daily physician practice and the standard of care. We hypothesized that GG 1 disease is overtreated because of common misconceptions regarding its true natural history. OBJECTIVE: To survey physicians worldwide to better understand their approach to management of GG 1 PCa. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A 17-question survey was sent to urology, radiation oncology, and pathology societies on six continents, and was posted on Twitter. Responses were collected and analyzed. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Pearson's χ2 test was used to assess correlation between physician-related variables and the perception of active surveillance (AS) for GG 1 PCa. Logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Among 1303 participants, 55% were urologists, 47% had completed fellowship, and 49% practice in an academic setting. Among the clinicians, 724 (83%) routinely recommend AS for GG 1 PCa and have never/rarely regretted it, while 18 (2%) "often" regretted it. Routine AS was more common among physicians aged <40 yr, those in practice for <10 yr, and those living in North America, Europe, or Australia/New Zealand. More than one-third of the respondents practicing in nonacademic settings reported 15-yr PCa mortality in low-risk PCa of >3%. Regarding reclassification of GG 1 to a precancerous lesion, 428 (39%) felt that this is a good idea, 340 (31%) disagreed, and 323 (30%) were uncertain. Those in support were more likely to be aged <40 yr (p = 0.001), in practice for <5 yr (p = 0.005), urologists (p < 0.001), and fellows trained in urologic oncology (p < 0.001). Opposition was common among pathologists (61%). Among terminologies proposed to replace "cancer" for GG 1 are neoplasm of low malignant potential (51% approval), indolent neoplasm rarely requiring treatment (23%), and indolent lesion of epithelial origin (8%). CONCLUSIONS: AS is more commonly recommended by physicians who are younger, are fellowship-trained in urologic oncology, practice in academic settings, and are based in North America, Europe, or Australia/New Zealand. Misconceptions regarding AS outcomes may hinder its adoption. Frequent use of AS is associated with support for changing the "cancer" nomenclature. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we found that active surveillance remains underused in the management of low-risk prostate cancer because of incorrect perceptions regarding cancer outcomes. Omitting the word "cancer" for low-risk lesions is a challenging but promising effort that is favored by many clinicians, particularly by those who advocate for active surveillance.

Risk of residual cancer after complete response following first-line chemotherapy in men with metastatic non-seminomatous germ cell tumour and International Germ Cell Cancer Cooperative Group intermediate/poor prognosis: A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines recommend surveillance in metastatic non-seminomatous germ cell tumour patients treated with first-line-chemotherapy and a complete clinical response (normalisation of serum tumour markers and residual masses <1 cm). However, this recommendation is based on a series including patients with good prognosis according to International Germ Cell Cancer Cooperative Group prognostic group (IGCCCG-PG). The aim of this study was to analyse the proportion of residual teratoma and survival among patients with intermediate/poor IGCCCG-PG and a complete clinical response after first-line-chemotherapy. MATERIAL & METHODS: This is a retrospective study of men with intermediate/poor IGCCCG-PG, who had a complete clinical response after first-line chemotherapy. Patients were either followed by surveillance or treated with post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND). RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2018, 143 men with intermediate (n = 83) or poor (n = 60) IGCCCG-PG were treated at 11 international centres. Among 33 patients treated with pcRPLND, the specimen showed teratoma and viable cancer in 16 (48%) and 4 (12%). During a median a 7-year follow-up, 20/110 (18%) patients managed with surveillance relapsed, of whom seven (6%) had a retroperitoneal-only relapse versus 2/33 patients managed with pcRPLND relapsed. No difference was observed regarding overall survival (OS) among men treated with pcRPLND or surveillance (5-year OS, 93% and 89%, p-value = 0.35). The median time-to-recurrence among men on surveillance was 1.3 years (range: 0.3-9.1), and the most common sites of relapses included retroperitoneum (11%), chest (5%), and bones (4%). CONCLUSIONS: While most men with intermediate/poor IGCCCG-PG harbour teratoma/cancer in the retroperitoneum despite a complete response to first-line-chemotherapy, only 6% managed with surveillance relapsed in the retroperitoneum. There was no significant difference in OS between the two groups.

Robotic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer: A multicenter collaborative study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the perioperative and oncological/functional outcomes of robotic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this retrospective study, we included patients who underwent robotic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection at 7 academic centers between 2011 and 2021. Patients' characteristics, perioperative findings, as well as oncological and functional outcomes are reviewed. Relationships with the main outcome (90-day complications) were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients with a median (IQR) age of 30 (25-37) years were included. The main primary histologic type was non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (89%). Seven patients (8%) were electively converted to open. Median estimated blood loss, operative time, and length of hospital stay were 150 ml, 5.6 hours, and 2 days, respectively. Final pathology revealed teratoma in 49 (55%), necrosis/fibrosis in 29 (32%), and viable germ cell tumor in 12 (13%) patients. The 90-day complication rate was 16.7%, most of which were low-grade (Clavien-Dindo < III) and managed conservatively. On multivariable analysis, pure seminoma (odds ratio 17.4) and bilateral dissection template (odds ratio 4.2) were independently associated with 90-day complications. No 90-day hospital readmission was recorded. With a median (IQR) follow-up of 16 (4-32) months, 6 (6.7%) patients had disease recurrence and there was 1 cancer-related death. CONCLUSION: With appropriate patient selection at centers with expertise in testicular cancer and minimally invasive surgery, robotic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection appears safe and effective, although longer follow-up is warranted.

Assessing the accuracy of multiparametric MRI to predict clinically significant prostate cancer in biopsy naïve men across racial/ethnic groups.

INTRODUCTION: The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) has shown promise in improving the detection of Gleason grade group (GG) 2-5 prostate cancer (PCa) and reducing the detection of indolent GG1 PCa. However, data on the performance of PIRADS in Black and Hispanic men is sparse. We evaluated the accuracy of PIRADS scores in detecting GG2-5 PCa in White, Black, and Hispanic men. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective review of biopsy-naïve Black (n = 108), White (n = 108), and Hispanic (n = 64) men who underwent prostate biopsy (PB) following multiparametric MRI. Sensitivity and specificity of PIRADS for GG2-5 PCa were calculated. Race-stratified binary logistic regression models for GG2-5 PCa using standard clinical variables and PIRADS were used to calculate area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC). RESULTS: Rates of GG2-5 PCa were statistically similar between Blacks, Whites, and Hispanics (52.8% vs 42.6% vs 37.5% respectively, p = 0.12). Sensitivity was lower in Hispanic men compared to White men (87.5% vs 97.8% respectively, p = 0.01). Specificity was similar in Black versus White men (21.6% vs 27.4%, p = 0.32) and White versus Hispanic men (27.4% vs 17.5%, p = 0.14). The AUCs of the PIRADS added to standard clinical data (age, PSA and suspicious prostate exam) were similar when comparing Black versus White men (0.75 vs 0.73, p = 0.79) and White versus Hispanic men (0.73 vs 0.59, p = 0.11). The AUCs for the Base model and PIRADS model alone were statistically similar when comparing Black versus White men and White versus Hispanic men. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of the PIRADS and clinical data for detecting GG2-5 PCa seems statistically similar across race. However, there is concern that PIRADS 2.0 has lower sensitivity in Hispanic men compared to White men. Prospective validation studies are needed.

Minimally invasive retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for men with testis cancer: a retrospective cohort study of safety and feasibility.

PURPOSE: To describe the perioperative safety, functional and immediate post-operative oncological outcomes of minimally invasive RPLND (miRPLND) for testis cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multi-centre cohort study on testis cancer patients treated with miRPLND from 16 institutions in eight countries. We measured clinician-reported outcomes stratified by indication. We performed logistic regression to identify predictors for maintained postoperative ejaculatory function. RESULTS: Data for 457 men undergoing miRPLND were studied. miRPLND comprised laparoscopic (n = 56) or robotic (n = 401) miRPLND. Indications included pre-chemotherapy in 305 and post-chemotherapy in 152 men. The median retroperitoneal mass size was 32 mm and operative time 270 min. Intraoperative complications occurred in 20 (4%) and postoperative complications in 26 (6%). In multivariable regression, nerve sparing, and template resection improved ejaculatory function significantly (template vs bilateral resection [odds ratio (OR) 19.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.5-75.6], nerve sparing vs non-nerve sparing [OR 5.9, 95% CI 2.3-16.1]). In 91 men treated with primary RPLND, nerve sparing and template resection, normal postoperative ejaculation was reported in 96%. During a median follow-up of 33 months, relapse was detected in 39 (9%) of which one with port site (< 1%), one with peritoneal recurrence and 10 (2%) with retroperitoneum recurrences. CONCLUSION: The low proportion of complications or peritoneal recurrences and high proportion of men with normal postoperative ejaculatory function supports further miRPLND studies.

Antegrade Colonic Enema Channels in Pediatric Patients Using Appendix or Cecal Flap: A Comparative Robotic vs Open Series.

Introduction: We present perioperative outcomes of a single-center experience with robot-assisted antegrade colonic enema (ACE) channel creation for the treatment of chronic constipation refractory to medical therapy and compare it to the traditional open surgical approach. We also demonstrate a step-by-step video presentation of the robotic approach for cecal flap ACE performed as part of a dual continence procedure in patients with short length of appendix. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent ACE channel creation between 2008 and 2020 was performed. We compared demographics and intraoperative and postoperative variables of the open vs robotic approach. Results: Among 28 patients, 15 were open and 13 robotic. To construct the ACE channel, a cecal flap was utilized in 36%, split appendix in 50%, full-length appendix in 11%, and sigmoid colon in 3% of patients. Both approaches showed equivalent estimated blood loss (50 mL [interquartile range; IQR = 20-100]), median length of hospital stay (7 days vs 8 days, p = 0.7), and median time to return to regular diet (4 days vs 5 days, p = 0.5) (Table 1). Patients in the open group were more likely to have a history of prior abdominal surgeries than those in the robotic group (80% vs 38.5%, p = 0.02). The risk of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or more complications (40% vs 23.1%, p = 0.04) and the rate of ACE channel stenosis (46.7% vs 7.7%, p = 0.02) were significantly higher in the open approach. Channel stenosis was significantly higher in patients with an appendix ACE channel (87.5% vs 12.5%, p < 0.05) compared to those with cecal flap ACE. [Table: see text] Conclusion: Robot-assisted ACE channel creation is a safe and acceptable alternative with a significantly lower rate of channel stenosis and other clavien dindo grade 3 complications compared to the traditional open approach. Cecal flaps are also at a lower risk of stomal stenosis than appendix.

Clinical and pathological features of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (PEComa): A single institution series.

Renal angiomyolipomas are benign tumors of the kidney that belong to the 'PEComa: perivascular epithelioid cell' family. Epithelioid AMLs (eAML) are a rare monotypic subtype with malignant potential, that can occur sporadically or be associated with tuberous sclerosis (TSC). Due to their epithelioid nature, eAMLs can closely resemble high-grade renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which may result in misdiagnosis. Multiple clinicopathologic parameters are predictive of worse outcomes for patients with eAML. Those can be used to stratify patients into groups with low, intermediate and high risk for disease progression. A high index of suspicion and a thorough immunohistochemical study are required to correctly diagnose eAML. Radiographically, eAMLs are also a diagnostic challenge as they share features with RCC on CT and MR imaging. Due to this close mimicry, the true incidence of eAML is thought to be much higher than 200 cases as reported in the literature. We report a series of four patients diagnosed with eAML and compare their clinical courses. We also report on the successful treatment of a patient with pulmonary metastasis from eAML using the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus. By identifying eAML and recognizing its high-risk features, it is possible mTOR inhibitors may have a meaningful role in the adjuvant treatment of these patients.

Long term renal function following selective angioembolization for iatrogenic vascular lesions after partial nephrectomy: A matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy is associated with a 1%-2% risk of renal iatrogenic vascular lesion (IVL) that are commonly treated with selective angioembolization (SAE). The theoretical advantage of SAE is preservation of renal parenchyma by targeting only the bleeding portion of the kidney. Our study aims to assess the long-term effect of SAE on renal function, especially that this intervention requires potentially nephrotoxic contrast load injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between 2002 and 2018 was performed, and patients who developed IVL were identified. A 1:4 matched case-control analysis was performed. Paired t-test and χ² test were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify risk factors and confounders for SAE and postoperative renal function. RESULTS: Eighteen patients found to have an IVL after partial nephrectomy were matched with 72 control patients. IVL's were more common in patients after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (89% vs. 70%, p=0.008) and in those with higher RENAL nephrometry scores (8.8±2.0 vs. 6.5±1.8, p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, lower RENAL scores proved to decrease the odds of requiring postoperative SAE. No significant difference in renal function outcomes was seen at 24 months of follow-up after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: SAE for the management of IVL following partial nephrectomy is a safe and efficient procedure with no significant impact on short or long-term renal function. Less complex renal tumors with lower RENAL scores are less likely to require postoperative SAE.

Rapidly Progressing Urothelial Carcinoma Due to a Rare TP53 (p.Arg110Pro) Mutation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We present a case of a 69-year-old male patient diagnosed with high grade (T1 HG) urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who progressed rapidly towards muscle invasive disease and eventually death despite neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy. We postulate that this may be due to a deleterious underlying somatic gene mutation. Molecular pathologic data obtained on the initial, non-muscle invasive tumor and the final cystectomy specimen, revealed the same TP53 mutation (p.Arg110Pro) in both specimens with a variant allele frequency of 44%. The tumor was tested for 50 common gene mutations in urothelial carcinoma and no other identifiable DNA repair mutations were found, suggesting that this specific TP53 aberration, one that has never been reported in the bladder cancer literature, could be particularly deleterious. Knowing that bladder cancer cell lines that lack TP53 are more resistant to cisplatin and because the tumor lacked any other DNA mutation, this patient may have been a candidate for upfront surgery without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition to histological analysis of the tumor, early molecular and cytogenetic characterization of resected tissue is essential in predicting progression and eventual prognosis of the disease based on identifiable gene mutations. Further comparative prospective studies are required to clarify the importance of molecular heterogeneity and subtyping in bladder cancer.

Impact of Non-guideline-directed Care on Quality of Life in Testicular Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Non-guideline-directed care (NGDC) is seen in ∼30% of testicular cancer patients and has been identified as a significant predictor of relapse. However, the potential impact of mismanagement on patient quality of life (QoL) is yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of NGDC on long-term QoL in testicular cancer survivors (TCSs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective review of TCSs, who completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) in person or via mail ≥6 mo after completion of treatment, was conducted. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The validated questionnaire evaluates global health status (GHS); cognitive, social, physical, emotional, and role functioning; financial burden; and treatment-specific side effects. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 120 men with a median age of 31.5 (interquartile range: 24-42) yr completed the questionnaire. Thirty-four (28%) men received NGDC: overtreatment (44%), improper imaging (32%), and undertreatment (29%). Men with NGDC presented with a more advanced clinical stage (≥IIA: 64% vs 32%, p = 0.007) and were less likely to undergo surveillance (19% vs 37%, p = 0.016). Patients receiving guideline-directed care reported higher GHS (84.1 vs 77.5, p = 0.015), higher physical function scores (98.5 vs 91.2, p = 0.013), and fewer financial difficulties (5.8 vs 18.6, p = 0.006) than those receiving NGDC. Multivariable linear regression showed a significant association between NGDC and poorer GHS (p = 0.002). Limitations of the study include its retrospective nature, modest sample size due to a 21% response rate, and quality-of-life assessment at a single time point rather than serially over time. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to treatment delay, avoidable morbidity, and higher rates of relapse, NGDC leads to inferior global QoL, worse physical functioning, and more financial stress. PATIENT SUMMARY: We have previously shown how mismanagement of testicular cancer results in a higher rate of disease relapse. In this study, we emphasize how the lack of adherence to standard treatment guidelines can lead to worse quality of life outcomes and financial stress in testicular cancer survivors.

Defining best practices for tissue procurement in immuno-oncology clinical trials: consensus statement from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Surgery Committee.

Immunotherapy is now a cornerstone for cancer treatment, and much attention has been placed on the identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers. The success of biomarker development is dependent on accurate and timely collection of biospecimens and high-quality processing, storage and shipping. Tumors are also increasingly used as source material for the generation of therapeutic T cells. There have been few guidelines or consensus statements on how to optimally collect and manage biospecimens and source material being used for immunotherapy and related research. The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Surgery Committee has brought together surgical experts from multiple subspecialty disciplines to identify best practices and to provide consensus on how best to access and manage specific tissues for immuno-oncology treatments and clinical investigation. In addition, the committee recommends early integration of surgeons and other interventional physicians with expertise in biospecimen collection, especially in clinical trials, to optimize the quality of tissue and the validity of correlative clinical studies in cancer immunotherapy.

Incorporating Prognostic Biomarkers into Risk Assessment Models and TNM Staging for Prostate Cancer.

In current practice, prostate cancer staging alone is not sufficient to adequately assess the patient's prognosis and plan the management strategies. Multiple clinicopathological parameters and risk tools for prostate cancer have been developed over the past decades to better characterize the disease and provide an enhanced assessment of prognosis. Herein, we review novel prognostic biomarkers and their integration into risk assessment models for prostate cancer focusing on their capability to help avoid unnecessary imaging studies, biopsies and diagnosis of low risk prostate cancers, to help in the decision-making process between active surveillance and treatment intervention, and to predict recurrence after radical prostatectomy. There is an imperative need of reliable biomarkers to stratify prostate cancer patients that may benefit from different management approaches. The integration of biomarkers panel with risk assessment models appears to improve prostate cancer diagnosis and management. However, integration of novel genomic biomarkers in future prognostic models requires further validation in their clinical efficacy, standardization, and cost-effectiveness in routine application.

Laparoscopic treatment of giant renal cystic echinococcosis.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. Isolated renal involvement is quite rare. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and is classically performed through an open approach with kidney-sparing when feasible. The case of a 33-year-old male patient who underwent laparoscopic unroofing of a giant renal hydatid cyst is described herein.

Primary osteosarcoma in a bladder diverticulum.

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant soft tissue tumor. Bladder extra-skeletal osteosarcomas are very rare, and only few cases are reported in the English medical literature. This case is the third one of its kind to be reported consisting of a bladder diverticulum osteosarcoma. Compared to urothelial bladder carcinoma, urinary bladder osteosarcomas have a poorer prognosis. Biopsy and immunochemical staining are critical for the diagnosis. Treatment regimens vary based on the stage of the disease. However, choosing the best option for treatment is still unclear, due to the scarcity of cases available.