Assessment of the accuracy of biparametric MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy for index tumor evaluation using postoperative pathology specimens.

BACKGROUND: Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is widely used for the diagnosis, surveillance, and staging of prostate cancer. However, it has several limitations, including higher costs, longer examination times, and the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of preoperatively assessed index tumors (ITs) using biparametric MRI (bpMRI)/transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion biopsy compared with radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. METHODS: We included 113 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer through bpMRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsies of lesions with a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category ≥ 3. These patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) at our institution between July 2017 and March 2023. We examined the localization of preoperative and postoperative ITs, the highest Gleason score (GS), and tumor diameter in these patients. RESULTS: The preoperative cT stage matched the postoperative pT stage in 53 cases (47%), while 31 cases (27%) were upstaged, and 29 cases (26%) were downstaged (Weighted Kappa = 0.21). The preoperative and postoperative IT localizations were consistent in 97 cases (86%). The concordance rate between Gleason groups in targeted biopsies and RP specimens was 51%, with an upgrade in 25 cases (23%) and a downgrade in 27 cases (25%) (Weighted Kappa = 0.42). The maximum diameter of the IT and the maximum cancer core length on biopsy were correlated with the RP tumor's maximum diameter (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of bpMRI/TRUS fusion biopsy is comparable to mpMRI, suggesting that it can be a cost-effective and time-saving alternative.

Prognostic impact of histological discordance between transurethral resection and radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the impact of histological discordance of subtypes (subtypes or divergent differentiation [DD]) in specimens from transurethral resection (TUR) and radical cystectomy (RC) on the outcome of the patients with bladder cancer receiving RC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed data for 2570 patients from a Japanese nationwide cohort with bladder cancer treated with RC between January 2013 and December 2019 at 36 institutions. The non-urinary tract recurrence-free survival (NUTR-FS) and overall survival (OS) stratified by TUR or RC specimen histology were determined. We also elucidated the predictive factors for OS in patients with subtype/DD bladder cancer. RESULTS: At median follow-up of 36.9 months, 835 (32.4%) patients had NUTR, and 691 (26.9%) died. No statistically significant disparities in OS or NUTR-FS were observed when TUR specimens were classified as pure-urothelial carcinoma (UC), subtypes, DD, or non-UC. Among 2449 patients diagnosed with pure-UC or subtype/DD in their TUR specimens, there was discordance between the pathological diagnosis in TUR and RC specimens. Histological subtypes in RC specimens had a significant prognostic impact. When we focused on 345 patients with subtype/DD in TUR specimens, a multivariate Cox regression analysis identified pre-RC neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and pathological stage as independent prognostic factors for OS (P = 0.016 and P = 0.001, respectively). The presence of sarcomatoid subtype in TUR specimens and lymphovascular invasion in RC specimens had a marginal effect (P = 0.069 and P = 0.056, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the presence of subtype/DD in RC specimens but not in TUR specimens indicated a poor prognosis. In patients with subtype/DD in TUR specimens, pre-RC neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and pathological stage were independent prognostic factors for OS.

Chronic kidney disease and Charlson comorbidity index predict complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: A single-center study in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate preoperative patient factors that may predict the occurrence of perioperative complications following robot-assisted radical cystectomy at a single center in Japan. METHODS: From 2013 to 2022, 103 patients underwent RARC at our institution. Complications within 90 days after surgery were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Preoperative characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between cohorts with and without complications ≥grade 3. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with perioperative complications. RESULTS: Overall, 27% of patients (27/103) experienced grade 3 or higher complications. The cohort that developed complications ≥grade 3 exhibited significantly higher Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.046) and significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.048). Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 (p = 0.037) and estimated glomerular filtration rate <53 (p = 0.008) were independent predictors for the occurrence of complications ≥grade 3. The incidence of complications ≥grade 3 was 61.5% in the group possessing both factors, which was significantly higher than those in the groups possessing neither factor nor only one of the two factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the Charlson comorbidity index and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate may be predictors of perioperative complications. It is important to evaluate the patient's preoperative characteristics and choose the surgical procedure accordingly.

Effect of Adjuvant Systemic Chemotherapy on Intravesical Recurrence After Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There are few reports confirming the relationship between the therapeutic effects of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy and intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the benefits of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy on intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 133 patients with pathological T stage ≥3 upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma or lymph node metastasis who underwent radical nephroureterectomy between January 2010 and September 2020 at our hospital and other satellite hospitals. In total, 60 patients received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy, and 73 did not. The Student's t-test and chi-square (χ2) test were used to compare between-group differences. The log-rank test was utilized to compare differences in intravesical recurrence between patients with or without adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify the predictive factors of intravesical recurrence. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 25 months. Forty (30.1%) patients presented with intravesical recurrence. The 1-year intravesical recurrence-free survival rates of patients with and without adjuvant systemic chemotherapy were 86.0% and 70.2%, respectively (p=0.046). Multivariate analysis showed that adjuvant systemic chemotherapy was significantly associated with a lower risk of intravesical recurrence (p=0.032). CONCLUSION: Patients with pathological T stage ≥3 upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma or lymph node metastasis can have a satisfactory intravesical recurrence-free survival rate with adjuvant systemic chemotherapy.

Advanced Reconstruction of Vesicourethral Support May Improve Urinary Continence and Quality of Life After Non-nerve-sparing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QOL). Several surgical techniques have been reported to improve postoperative UI. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of advanced reconstruction of vesicourethral support (ARVUS) on urinary symptoms and QOL after non-nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent non-nerve-sparing RARP from October 2010 to October 2020 at the Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine were reviewed. Patients were divided into the ARVUS and non-ARVUS groups, and propensity score matching was performed. Patients were evaluated by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Incontinence Modular Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), QOL index, and number of pads used before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RARP. RESULTS: The number of patients in the ARVUS and non-ARVUS group were 41 and 41, respectively. On cystography, the distance of the symphysis pubis to the bladder neck was significantly shorter (p<0.001) and the posterior urethrovesical angle was significantly smaller in the AUVUS group (p<0.001). In the ICIQ-SF, the ARVUS group was significantly better at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. In the IPSS, the ARVUS group was significantly better than the non-ARVUS group at 3 months postoperatively. In a multivariable analysis, membranous urethral length [odds ratio (OR)=3.44, p=0.015] and ARVUS (OR=2.72, p=0.046) were significant factors in achieving 0 pads and total ICIQ-SF Question 1 and 2 scores of ≤2 at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: ARVUS improved urinary symptoms and QOL. ARVUS seems to be a useful surgical procedure for non- nerve-sparing RARP.

Utility of the HYBRID Method Incorporating the Advantages of Both Extracorporeal and Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion in Robotic-Assisted Radical Cystectomy.

Background: Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is a well-known standard procedure for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, it remains controversial whether extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) or intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) is superior in this technique. We have developed a HYBRID method that combines ECUD and ICUD to retain the advantages of each. The purpose of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes between HYBRID and ECUD in RARC and to evaluate the usefulness of the HYBRID method. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the perioperative outcomes of 36 consecutive bladder cancer patients who underwent RARC with ileal conduit at our institution between March 2013 and December 2021. Propensity-score matching was used to align patient backgrounds between the HYBRID and ECUD groups. Results: After matching, 12 cases were selected for each group. There was no significant difference in patient demographics between the groups except for the rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Mean console time was significantly longer in the HYBRID group due to intracorporeal manipulation; however, a relatively favorable trend of mean blood loss was observed in this group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of positive surgical margin, mean number of lymph node removed, or positive lymph node. The incidences of complications associated and non-associated with the urinary tract and grade ≥III complications at postoperative day (POD) 0-30 and 31-90 were similar between the groups. In the HYBRID group, no complications non-associated with the urinary tract or grade ≥III complications were observed at POD 31-90. Conclusion: The HYBRID method takes advantage of the benefits of both ICUD and ECUD and is a highly applicable technique that can be used in a variety of patient backgrounds.

Incidence and predictive factors of orgasmic dysfunction after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the incidence and extent of orgasmic dysfunction in patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and to identify factors that could predict patients at risk. METHODS: A single-center, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (n = 523) between October 2010 and November 2019. In addition to six questions about sexual activity, orgasmic function, altered perception of orgasms, dysorgasmia, and climacturia, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form was administered. In February 2020, a letter was mailed inviting patients to participate in the survey. The primary outcome measure was the rate of orgasmic dysfunction. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of orgasmic dysfunction. RESULTS: Overall, 259 questionnaires were used for analysis. Among sexually active patients (n = 145), 33 (22.8%) reported anorgasmia, and 83 (57.2%) reported decreased orgasm intensity. Twenty-two (15.1%) patients reported dysorgasmia; among these patients, the pain was experienced almost always or always in 13.6%, sometimes in 13.6%, and a few times in 72.8% of cases. Climacturia was reported by 44 patients (30.3%). Nerve-sparing procedures decreased the risk of anorgasmia (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.88) and urinary incontinence increased the risk of climacturia (odds ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.20-8.15). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that orgasmic dysfunction after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is relatively common.

Initial Experience of Robot-Assisted Adrenalectomy in Japan: What is the Optimal Selection of Robotic Forceps for Adrenalectomy?

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy is the preferred technique for managing adrenal tumors. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is widely performed and covered by insurance in Japan, but robot-assisted adrenalectomy is not. To investigate the best forceps combinations for performing robot-assisted adrenalectomy safely, we performed robot-assisted adrenalectomy for two left and two right adrenal adenomas using different robotic forceps combinations (bipolar forceps, monopolar curved scissors, Vessel Sealer Extend, and SynchroSeal) for each case. Although we evaluated a small number of RAs, lower blood loss was observed in patients where the vessel sealing devices were used. The extent of dissection is small for adrenalectomy, and robotic bipolar vessel sealing tools may not be necessary, especially for the small adrenal tumors. However, considering the risk benefits, the combination of forceps with Vessel Sealer Extend (by the left arm) and monopolar curved scissors (by the right arm) will become one of the best forceps combinations for performing robot-assisted adrenalectomy safely.

Activation of PPARγ in bladder cancer via introduction of the long arm of human chromosome 9.

Bladder cancer is divided into two molecular subtypes, luminal and basal, which form papillary and nodular tumors, respectively, and are identifiable by gene expression profiling. Although loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the long arm of human chromosome 9 (9q) has been observed in the early development of both types of bladder cancer, the functional significance of LOH remains to be clarified. The present study introduced human chromosome 9q into basal bladder cancer cell line, SCaBER, using microcell-mediated chromosome transfer to investigate the effect of LOH of 9q on molecular bladder cancer subtypes. These cells demonstrated decreased proliferation and migration capacity compared with parental and control cells. Conversely, transfer of human chromosome 4 did not change the cell phenotype. Expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, a marker of luminal type, increased 3.0-4.4 fold in SCaBER cells altered with 9q compared with parental SCaBER cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of tumor suppressor PTEN, which regulates PPARγ, also increased in 9q-altered cells. These results suggested that human chromosome 9q may carry regulatory genes for PPARγ that are involved in the progression of neoplastic transformation of bladder cancer.

Extent of pelvic lymph node dissection improves early oncological outcomes for patients with high-risk prostate cancer without lymph node involvement after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effect of the extent of pelvic lymph node dissection (LND) on biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) without lymph node involvement (LNI) treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 378 patients who underwent RARP with LND at our hospital between October 2010 and June 2019. The BCR-free survival rate was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression analysis was used to investigate BCR prognostic factors. The total score calculated from the D'Amico risk classification and the percentage of positive biopsy cores were used for analysis. Patients were classified into 3 BCR risk groups (low risk: 0-3 points, intermediate risk: 4-5 points, and high risk: 6-8 points). RESULTS: Limited LND was performed in 161 patients (42.6%), extended LND in 217 patients (57.4%), and BCR was confirmed in 66 patients (17.5%) after RARP. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed no significant difference in the association between the extent of LND and BCR. The Kaplan-Meier curve for BCR generated using our risk classification for patients with PCa without LNI showed no significant association between the extent of LND and BCR in the low-risk group (p = 0.790). A significantly improved BCR-free survival was observed in the extended LND group among patients with PCa at intermediate risk or higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to our risk classification, BCR may be less likely to occur when extended LND is performed during RARP for patients with localized PCa at intermediate risk or higher.

Sarcopenia is associated with survival in patients with urothelial carcinoma treated with systemic chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia impacts perioperative outcomes and prognosis in various carcinomas. We aimed to investigate whether sarcopenia at the time of chemotherapy induction in patients with urothelial carcinoma is associated with prognosis. METHODS: We evaluated patients treated with chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma between April 2013 and February 2018 at our institution and affiliated centers. Skeletal muscle mass (total psoas muscle, paraspinal muscle, and total skeletal muscle areas) were used to calculate the total psoas muscle index, paraspinal muscle index, and skeletal muscle index. All participants were grouped as per cutoff points set at the median value for each sex. Overall survival was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients, 171 were men and 69 were women; mean age during chemotherapy was 71 years (range: 43-88); and 36, 56, and 148 patients were at stages II, III, and IV, respectively. Paraspinal muscle index was most associated with the prognosis; groups with lower paraspinal muscle index were defined as sarcopenic (men: ≤ 20.9 cm2/m2, women: ≤ 16.8 cm2/m2). The overall survival was significantly longer in the non-sarcopenia group including all stages (p = 0.001), and in stage III (p = 0.048) and IV (p = 0.005) patients. There was no significant difference among stage II patients (p = 0.648). After propensity score matching, survival was still significantly longer in the non-sarcopenia group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Paraspinal muscle index measurements obtained during chemotherapy induction for urothelial carcinoma were independent prognostic factors. The absence of sarcopenia may lead to long-term survival in patients undergoing chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma.

Response to Platinum-based Chemotherapy Rechallenge for Patients With Pembrolizumab-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the response to platinum-based chemotherapy rechallenge in patients with pembrolizumab-refractory urothelial carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients with pembrolizumab-refractory urothelial carcinoma. Each patient received a regimen that they had not previously received (paclitaxel plus carboplatin in 10, gemcitabine plus docetaxel and carboplatin in four). Tumor response and adverse events were assessed. We evaluated overall survival from the chemotherapy rechallenge start date until death. RESULTS: The median overall survival was 11.2 months. The disease-control rate was 85.7%. Partial responses occurred in the metastases in lymph nodes in three (37.5%) patients, lung in one (25%), peritoneal in three (75%), and liver in three (100%). Neutropenia of grade ≥3 occurred in 13 (92.9%) patients. CONCLUSION: The activity of platinum-based chemotherapy rechallenge after pembrolizumab was maintained. Neutropenia was observed in most patients.

[Hemichorea in a patient with acute cerebral infarction of the somatosensory cortex].

A 86-year-old woman with left hemiparesis was admitted to our hospital. When visiting to our hospital, hemichorea appeared on her left extremities in an ambulance. She also had mild disturbance of consciousness, spatial disorientation, and sensory disturbance. Blood biochemical studies revealed mild renal failure. DWI MRI showed hyperintensities in the postcentral gyrus and a posterior part of the insula in the right hemisphere, but no signal changes in FLAIR. No lesions were detected in the basal ganglia. The DWI-FLAIR mismatch suggested acute cerebral infarction, and we performed intravenous thrombolysis therapy. Her neurological symptoms including hemichorea gradually improved, and she was finally discharged on foot. Two conspicuous points of the present patient are the sensory cortical infarction and an association with renal failure. In this patient, the sensory cortical infarction must produce chorea even though sensory cortical lesions rarely caused chorea. The associated renal dysfunction may play some role in the production of chorea. The double-crash of cerebral infarction and metabolic abnormality (renal dysfunction) may cause hemichorea which is rarely seen in patients with cerebral infarction of the sensory cortex and insula with no metabolic abnormalities.

Splice variants of lysosome­associated membrane proteins 2A and 2B are involved in sunitinib resistance in human renal cell carcinoma cells.

Sunitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is among the first­line treatments for metastatic or advanced stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, patients with RCC develop resistance to sunitinib. We have previously demonstrated that lysosome­associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP­2), which has three splice variants with different functions (LAMP­2A, LAMP­2B, and LAMP­2C), is involved in RCC. In the present study, we examined which splice variants of LAMP­2 contributed to sunitinib resistance in RCC cells. In vitro analysis using ACHN, human RCC cell line, revealed that the IC50 of sunitinib was significantly increased by overexpression of LAMP­2A and LAMP­2B, but not LAMP­2C (P<0.01). Kaplan­Meier survival analysis using clinical samples revealed an association between shorter survival and high expression of LAMP­2A and LAMP­2B, but not LAMP­2C, in patients with RCC treated with sunitinib (P=0.01). Furthermore, high expression of LAMP­2A and LAMP­2B in RCC revealed a weak to moderate inverse correlation with the tumor shrinkage rate and progression­free survival, respectively. Thus, high expression of LAMP­2A and LAMP­2B contributed to the acquisition of sunitinib resistance, indicating that the expression of these two variants can predict the efficacy of sunitinib treatment in patients with RCC.

Cross-Sectional Investigations of Pre- and Post-Operative Renal Global Function and Renal Parenchymal Volumetry in Both Partial and Radical Nephrectomy Utilizing Film-Based Technology.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate pre- and post-operative renal global function and renal parenchymal volume (RPV) in both partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) utilizing film-based technology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patient cohort consisted of 81 and 82 cases with T1 tumors (≤ 7 cm) treated by PN and RN, respectively. Renal global function was assessed using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and RPV was measured using a Synapse Vincent volumetric analyzer which creates a reconstructed image from a computed tomography scan. Renal global function and RPV were evaluated pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. RESULTS: The percent eGFR decline of PN cases was significantly reduced compared with RN cases (p < 0.0001). Post-operative RPV of the contralateral side was significantly increased compared with pre-operative RPV (p < 0.0001) in RN cases. The percent change of the contralat-eral side RPV was slightly increased in RN compared with PN cases (p = 0.1881). A strong positive correlation was noted between post-operative eGFR and post-operative total RPV (r = 0.69, p < 0.0001), and a strong negative correlation was noted between percent eGFR decline and post-operative total RPV (r = -0.63, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prominent compensatory renal hypertrophy occurred within 6 months after RN. Post-operative renal functional outcome was closely correlated with the post-operative total RPV. In addition to RPV, further studies to unravel post-operative renal function from multifactorial aspects including surgical factors and intrinsic medical disease should be performed in the future.

Flutamide as an Alternative Anti-androgen Agent and Predictor of the Efficacy of Novel Androgen Receptor-targeted Agents.

BACKGROUND/AIM: There are few reports that verify the relationship between the therapeutic effects of flutamide and novel androgen receptor-targeted agents. We aimed to evaluate the benefits of flutamide as an alternative anti-androgen agent and its effects on the efficacy of novel androgen receptor-targeted agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer on novel androgen receptor-targeted agents without prior docetaxel therapy were included. Changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level were recorded. RESULTS: Patients who responded well to flutamide (Flutamide effective) following initial maximum androgen blockade (MAB) showed significantly higher changes in serum PSA levels (p=0.039) and PSA-progression-free survival (PFS) rate (p=0.016) following enzalutamide therapy compared to those who did not respond well to flutamide. Multivariate analysis showed that the factor of Flutamide effective was significantly associated with a good PSA-PFS rate following enzalutamide therapy (HR=7.36, 95%CI=1.4-38.71, p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Patients showing good response to flutamide following initial MAB may achieve a satisfactory PSA-PFS rate with subsequent enzalutamide therapy.

The significance of predictable traumatic area by renorrhaphy in the prediction of postoperative ipsilateral renal function.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the relationship between the actual renal function loss and volume loss in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) using a novel three-dimensional volume analyzer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We respectively evaluated the medical records of 23 consecutive patients who underwent RAPN between January 2012 and March 2016 and the data on their kidney function and parenchymal mass specific to the operated kidney. Parenchymal volume was measured by computerized tomography and reconstructed with a Synapse Vincent volumetric analyzer. Using this system, we predicted the renal vascular territory and other trauma areas involved in renorrhaphy. All measurements were taken within 3 and 6 months pre- and postoperatively, respectively. RESULTS: The actual postoperative renal parenchymal volume was significantly correlated with the virtual predicted residual renal volume excluding the tumor and resected margin (r = 0.435, p <0.05). The ratio of split estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) postoperative/preoperative) was significantly correlated with the virtual predicted residual renal volume excluding the resected margin and the traumatic area by renorrhaphy (r = 0.401, p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When predicting the reduction of renal function of the diseased side following partial nephrectomy, adding the extent of the area traumatized by renorrhaphy might be useful for predicting the postoperative split renal function of the affected kidney.

Lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP-2) expression induced by miR-194-5p downregulation contributes to sunitinib resistance in human renal cell carcinoma cells.

Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used as the primary treatment in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The main difficulty associated with its use is the development of drug resistance. In the present study, ACHN cells, a human renal cell carcinoma cell line, were used to establish sunitinib-resistant (SR) cells. Microarray analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that miR-194-5p expression was significantly decreased in SR-ACHN cells when compared with that observed in ACHN cells (P<0.05). Transfection of miR-194-5p, though not with negative control miR, in SR-ACHN cells could significantly inhibit cell proliferation following sunitinib treatment (2.5-40 µM; P<0.05). Western blotting demonstrated that the expression of lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP-2), which attenuates the anti-proliferative effect of sunitinib, was significantly higher in SR-ACHN than in ACHN cells (P<0.01). In addition, LAMP-2 expression was suppressed by miR-194-5p transfection in SR-ACHN cells. These data suggested that miR-194-5p downregulation may be associated with sunitinib resistance via the induction of LAMP-2 expression in human RCC.

Influence of multinerve-sparing, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy on the recovery of erection in Japanese patients.

Purpose: To evaluate in Japanese patients their sexual function after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to investigate the influence of the multinerve-sparing (NS) grade on their sexual function. Methods: In total, 225 patients were reviewed with localized prostate cancer who underwent RARP at the authors' institution. They underwent RARP >3 months ago, without pre- and posthormone therapy and salvage radiation. Self-administered International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires were used for assessment preoperatively and 1-48 months postoperatively. In all, 129 patients were evaluated with the preoperative IIEF-Question 1 and who achieved a score of ≥2 by being divided into five NS groups. The recovery rates of erection (postoperative IIEF-Question 1 score of ≥2) were calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Seventy-four percent of all the patients had not attempted sexual intercourse, but 60% had felt sexual desire at 24 months postoperatively. In those patients with a preoperative erection, the recovery rate of erection was 58% at 24 months after the RARP. Across the five NS groups, as the procedure was more nerve-sparing, the recovery rate of erection became significantly higher. The postoperative effects on erection in the bilateral and unilateral NS groups were significantly superior to those in the other NS groups. Conclusion: In Japanese patients, erection after a RARP is improved with multiNS grade procedures.

Comprehensive Analysis of Factors Affecting Post-partial Nephrectomy Renal Global Function.

BACKGROUND: To explore new factors that are predictive of post-partial nephrectomy (PN) renal global function, we analyzed various clinico-pathological factors with a special focus on renal volume measured via three-dimensional imaging technology and histopathological parameters in non-neoplastic parenchyma. METHODS: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and computed tomography (CT) scan were examined pre- and 6 months. post-operatively in 52 patients treated by PN. The post-operative percent eGFR decline was employed as the measure of global renal functional deterioration. The novel factors analyzed included the percent renal parenchymal volume decline of the diseased side, contralateral and bilateral sides and the global glomerulosclerosis (GS) extent in non-neoplastic parenchyma. Renal parenchymal volumetry by CT scan was performed using SYNAPSE VINCENT (Fujifilm). Additional factors analyzed included patient demographics and comorbidities, surgical factors and tumor pathology. All factors demonstrating significant tendencies (P < 0.1) in univariate analyses were subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Two groups were categorized according to the degree of eGFR decline. Groups A and B were categorized as less than 15% and greater than 15% decline, respectively. Pre-operative eGFR was significantly lower in group B than in group A. Greater than 10% global GS extent in non-neoplastic parenchyma, male gender and proteinuria were significantly more frequent in in group B than in group A. The renal volume change was not statistically significant. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, greater than 10% global GS extent in non-neoplastic parenchyma was the sole independent affecting factor for Group B. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that host factors rather than surgical factors may be useful for the prediction of post-PN renal global function. The evaluation of the global GS extent in non-neoplastic parenchyma is a promising biomarker of post-PN renal global function.