Transperineal biopsy as a new technique versus well-established transrectal biopsy for diagnosis of prostate cancer - A comparative study.

Introduction: Transrectal (TR) prostate biopsy has been the gold standard for prostate cancer diagnosis for years. With the emergence of transperineal (TP) prostatic biopsy, there is a shift in practice across medical services to adopt TP biopsy as the primary method of prostatic biopsy. Objective: The objective of the study is to compare cancer detection rates and complications between TP and TR biopsies in our region providing single-center experience with introduction of TP biopsy. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study utilizing a prospectively designed database comparing consecutive 80 cases of TP biopsy to 80 cases of TR biopsy in a single center. Results: Prebiopsy PSA was 14.2 ± 24.9 ng/dl in the TP group versus 23.7 ± 71.3 ng/dl in the TR group with P = 0.108. Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PIRAD) 4 and 5 lesions were found in 47 (58.9%) cases of TP biopsy versus 44 (60.3%) of TR group cases and P = 0.131. Cancer was detected in 49 (61.25%) patients in the TP group versus 45 (56.25%) in the TR group with no statistically significant difference and P = 0.665. No cases of hematochezia was reported in TP group, vs 14 (17.5%) reported in TR group with P value <.001. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the incidence of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), hematuria, and hematospermia in the TP group 0 (0%), 7 (8.75%), and 3 (3.75%) versus 2 (2.50%), 14 (17.50%), and 5 (6.25%) in the TR group with P = 0.497, 0.159, and 0.719 consecutively. Conclusion: TP and TR biopsy have comparable cancer detection rates. TP biopsy has a significantly lower rectal bleeding rate than TR biopsy. There is a trend toward lower febrile UTI in the TP group; however, it did not reach statistical significance.

A mathematical method to estimate angle and distance for percutaneous renal puncture based on computed tomography data: Description and validation.

Introduction: Gaining access to the kidney is crucial step in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL); it has a steep learning curve. Objective: Describe the mathematical method to predict renal puncture angle and distance based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) measurements. Then evaluating how it correlates with measured values. Patients and Methods: The study was prospectively designed. After ethical committee approval, the study uses data from preoperative CT to construct a triangle so we can estimate puncture depth and angle. A triangle of three points, the first is point of entry to the pelvicalyceal system (PCS), the second is point on the skin perpendicular to it, and the third where the needle punctures the skin. The needle travel is estimated using the Pythagorean theorem and puncture angle using the inverse sine function. We evaluated 40 punctures in 36 PCNL procedures. After PCS puncture using fluoroscopy-guided triangulation, we measured the needle travel distance and angle to the horizontal plane. Then compared the results with mathematically estimated values. Results: We targeted posterior lower calyx in 21 (70%) case. The correlation between measured and estimated needle travel distance with Rho coefficient of 0.76 with P < 0.001. The mean difference between the estimated and the measured needle travel was - 0.37 ± 1.2 cm (-2.6-1.6). Measured and estimated angle correlate with Rho coefficient of 0.77 and P < 0.001. The mean difference between the estimated and the measured angle was 2° ± 8° (-21°-16°). Conclusion: Mathematical estimation of needle depth and angle for gaining access to the kidney correlates well with measured values.

Creation and validation of the harmonized Arabic version of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP).

Objectives: Tocreate and validate a translated Arabic version of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP), a validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) widely used for assessing the quality of life in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Patients and Methods: Using the established protocol as defined by the Professional Society for the Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) for translating patient care questionnaires, a harmonised translated Arabic version of EPIC-CP was created. The questionnaire was tested in native Arabic speakers from four different Arabic countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Kuwait). Cronbach's alpha and interclass coefficient correlation (ICC) analyses were used to test the internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. In addition, PCa characteristics were collected for participants. Results: In total, 168 patients with PCa participated in the study (39 from Saudi Arabia, 23 from United Arab Emirates, 65 from Jordan, and 41 from Kuwait). In all, 52 (31%) participants repeated the questionnaire for test-retest reliability analysis. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of patients included in the study was 66 (61-71) years. The median (IQR) PSA level was 9.8 (6-19) ng/mL. Most patients had Grade Group 2 PCa at diagnosis (31%), clinical stage cT1 (42%), managed primarily by urology (79%), and the primary treatment was radical prostatectomy (71%). The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.84 demonstrating an acceptable internal consistency. The total ICC was also acceptable at 0.64. Conclusion: The Arabic version of the EPIC-CP is a reliable and valid tool for assessing health-related quality of life for Arabic patients with PCa.

Predictors of Survival in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Renal Cell Carcinoma and Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus is a complex procedure with significant morbidity. Patient selection is critical to determining whether the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks. In this study, we identified and stratified the risk factors that were associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients undergoing surgical resection of RCC with IVC thrombus. METHODS: We identified all patients with RCC with IVC tumor thrombus (stages cT3b and cT3c) who had undergone radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy between December 1, 1993 and June 30, 2009. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate OS and RFS. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between risk factors and OS. Patients were stratified into 3 groups based on the number of risk factors present at diagnosis. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-four patients were included in the study. A total of 45.3% of patients had metastasis at presentation, 84.5% had cT3b, and 90.2% had clear cell RCC. cT3c, cN1, and cM1 were significantly associated with the risk of death. Group 1 patients (0 risk factors) had a median OS duration of 77.6 months (95% CI 50.5-90.4), group 2 (1 risk factor) 26.0 months (95% CI 19.5-35.2), and group 3 (≥2 risk factors) 8.9 months (95% CI 5.2-12.9; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Stratification of patients with RCC and IVC thrombus by risk factors allowed us to predict survival duration. In patients with ≥2 risk factors, new treatment strategies with preoperative systemic therapy may improve survival.

Usefulness of smartphone use among surgeons in clinical practice during the pandemic of COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: With the magnitude and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual face-to-face consultation within a clinical setting is no longer feasible. Thus, this led to the need for alternate means to provide adequate patient care for surgical patients. This is where the role of smartphones comes into play, in which it is thus of paramount importance. This research study aimed to assess the usefulness of smartphones in surgical practice during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on a questionnaire distributed among surgeons in different levels of practice working at Kuwait governmental hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was developed via Google Docs to collect data for the current study. RESULTS: Out of 600 surgeons, 180 have responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 30%. Of these, 42.8%, 85.5%, and 58.9% were aged between 35 and 44 years, were male, and Kuwaiti nationals, respectively. Almost all of the respondents (99.5%) were using smartphones for hospital-related work. The most common uses of the smartphones involved texting (70%), and viewing or taking images and videos using built-in cameras (60%) either in the emergency department, outpatient clinics, wards, or operating rooms. The majority of the respondents (88%) rated the use of smartphones in practice as important. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that using smartphones in surgical practice was prevalent among the respondent surgeons in Kuwait during the pandemic. The majority of them considered using smartphones in practice to be important, due to its benefits in facilitating doctor-doctor and patient-doctor communication, reviewing the literature, and making clinical decisions. Guidelines are required for proper and legal use of smartphone devices in medical practice. Accordingly, recommendations are suggested.

Consensus on Screening, Diagnosis, and Staging Tools for Prostate Cancer in Developing Countries: A Report From the First Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference for Developing Countries (PCCCDC).

PURPOSE: To generate and present the survey results on critical issues relevant to screening, diagnosis, and staging tools for prostate cancer (PCa) focused on developing countries. METHODS: A total of 36 of 300 questions concern the main areas of interest of this paper: (1) screening, (2) diagnosis, and (3) staging for various risk levels of PCa in developing countries. A panel of 99 international multidisciplinary cancer experts voted on these questions to create recommendations for screening, diagnosing, and staging tools for PCa in areas of limited resources discussed in this manuscript. RESULTS: The panel voted publicly but anonymously on the predefined questions. Each question was deemed consensus if 75% or more of the full panel had selected a particular answer. These answers are based on panelist opinion not a literature review or meta-analysis. For questions that refer to an area of limited resources, the recommendations consider cost-effectiveness and the possible therapies with easier and greater access. Each question had five to seven relevant answers including two nonanswers. The results were tabulated in real time. CONCLUSION: The voting results and recommendations presented in this document can be used by physicians to support the screening, diagnosis, and staging of PCa in areas of limited resources. Individual clinical decision making should be supported by available data; however, as guidelines for screening, diagnosis, and staging of PCa in developing countries have not been developed, this document will serve as a point of reference when confronted with this disease.

Consensus on Prostate Cancer Treatment of Localized Disease With Very Low, Low, and Intermediate Risk: A Report From the First Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference for Developing Countries (PCCCDC).

PURPOSE: A group of international urology and medical oncology experts developed and completed a survey on prostate cancer (PCa) in developing countries. The results are reviewed and summarized, and recommendations on consensus statements for very low-, low-, and intermediate-risk PCa focused on developing countries were developed. METHODS: A panel of experts developed more than 300 survey questions of which 66 questions concern the principal areas of interest of this paper: very low, low, and intermediate risk of PCa in developing countries. A larger panel of 99 international multidisciplinary cancer experts voted on these questions to create the recommendations for treatment and follow-up for very low-, low-, and intermediate-risk PCa in areas of limited resources discussed in this manuscript. RESULTS: The panel voted publicly but anonymously on the predefined questions. Each question was deemed consensus if 75% or more of the full panel had selected a particular answer. These answers are based on panelist opinion not a literature review or meta-analysis. For questions that refer to an area of limited resources, the recommendations consider cost-effectiveness and the possible therapies with easier and greater access. Each question had five to seven relevant answers including two nonanswers. The results were tabulated in real time. CONCLUSION: The voting results and recommendations presented in this document can be used by physicians to support management for very low, low, and intermediate risk of PCa in areas of limited resources. Individual clinical decision making should be supported by available data; however, as guidelines for treatment for very low, low, and intermediate risk of PCa in developing countries have not been developed, this document will serve as a point of reference when confronted with this disease.

Total robotic surgical volume influences outcomes of low-volume robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy over an extended duration.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to examine the surgeon's experience of low-volume robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) over an extended duration, and whether a high-volume fellowship training influenced the outcomes. METHODS: Data on all RAPN at a tertiary center performed by a uro-oncologist were retrospectively collected. The surgeon experience was assessed by examining perioperative outcomes among three groups of consecutive patients (first=14, second=14, third=15 patients, respectively). RESULTS: Between February 2014 and February 2020, 45 RAPNs were performed out of a total of 200 robotic procedures. The median tumor size was 3 cm, and 28 (65%) patients had a R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score (RNS) ≥7. The median operative time and warm ischemia time (WIT) were 190 and 16 minutes, respectively. The median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 100 mL. Two (4%) patients had a positive surgical margin (PSM). Overall, five (12%) complications were recorded. All except one were minor (Clavien I-II). The median followup was 26.2 months. Trifecta and pentafecta were achieved in 40 (93%) and 27 (81.8%) patients, respectively. Increased surgeon experience was significantly associated with a shorter operative time and less EBL. Furthermore, there was an independent association between surgeon experience and operative time and EBL, and between RNS and operative time and WIT. CONCLUSIONS: With fellowship training and subsequent adequate total number of robotic procedures during practice, it is possible to perform RAPN with favorable perioperative outcomes in the setting of low-volume of cases over an extended duration.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Low-Volume Regions: Should It Be Abandoned or Adopted? A Multi-Institutional Outcome Study.

Purpose: To present multinational experience in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) by fellowship-trained expertise in low-volume regions in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and to compare the current results with global outcomes reported in recent meta-analyses. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for patients undergoing RARP for localized prostate cancer (PCa). Three fellowship-trained surgeons at four academic and referral centers in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait performed all procedures between February 2014 and December 2019. Data on demographics, perioperative characteristics, pathology, and adverse events were collected. Results: A total of 207 patients were included with a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 28 (15-38) months. The median prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen were 42 (32-53) g and 9.1 (5.8-14.1) ng/mL, respectively. While 65.2% of patients had a Gleason score ≥7, 20% had grade group 4 disease, and 7.8% had ≥cT3 disease. The mean ± SD operative time was 203 ± 52 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 158 ± 107 mL. Only 4 (1.9%) patients received perioperative blood transfusions. Positive surgical margins were observed in 21.7% of patients, all of whom had ≥pT3 disease. There were 23 complications in 18 (8.7%) patients, including Clavien-Dindo grade III complications in 2.4%. At the 12-month follow-up, 35.8% of patients were potent, 94.6% were continent, and 9.2% had biochemical recurrence. Conclusions: The safety and efficacy of RARP by fellowship-trained expertise in GCC countries were well established. The outcomes seem promising and comparable to international centers and should improve with increasing case volume and fellowship-trained expertise.

Pathological features of prostate cancer in men treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in the Middle East.

Little is known about the pathological features of radical prostatectomy among men living in the Middle East. Although prostate cancer became the most common malignancy among males in some countries in the Middle East, the incidence is much lower compared to western populations. The aim of this study is to analyze pathological features and biochemical recurrence in men who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in Kuwait. The data on all RARP cases performed by a uro-oncologist (SA) were recorded. A comprehensive database was collected, including demographic, clinical, and pathological data. Between February 2014 and November 2019, 65 RARP cases were performed out of a total of 200 robotic urological procedures. The median follow-up was 41.5 months [inter quartile range (IQR) 27.6-52.7]. Eleven (17%) complications occurred in 7 patients, 64% were early (< 30 days post-operatively) and minor (Clavien I-II). Thirty-five (54%) patients had ≥ pT3 disease. Overall, 12 (18%) patients had a positive surgical margin (PSM), and all had ≥ pT3 disease. Potency and continence rates at 12 months were 82% and 97%, respectively. The mean and SD of the hospital stay were 2.7 ± 1.1 days. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate was 10%. Men with prostatic adenocarcinoma treated with RARP in Kuwait show a high incidence of pT3 disease. PSM and BCR rates were similar to multiple reports in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report of RARP pathological outcomes in the gulf cooperation council (GCC) region of the Middle East.

Multiple perceptions of robotic-assisted surgery among surgeons and patients: a cross-sectional study.

Limited data exist regarding knowledge and perceptions of surgeons and patients about robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in the Middle East. This study aimed to explore perceptions of surgeons and patients about RAS. A questionnaire-based survey was distributed among surgeons of different specialties and patients. Between March and September 2019, 278 and 256 surveys were completed by surgeons and patients, respectively (95.2% and 94.8% response rate, respectively). The surgeons' self-reported experience with technology was related to the level of comfort with computers and computer literacy. Most surgeons have heard of RAS availability, and the majority agreed to its introduction into the healthcare system. However, only 75 (27%) of the surgeons thought that the surgeon has complete control over the robot, and 69 (25%) surgeons were not sure of the level of control the surgeon has over the robot reflecting poor knowledge about this technology. Less than a third of patient respondents have heard of RAS. However, half of them would consider it should they need to undergo surgery. When compared to open surgery, 23 (9%), 26 (10%), and 94 (37%) patient respondents thought that RAS caused less pain, had fewer complications, and was faster than conventional surgery, respectively. Knowledge and perceptions about RAS are limited among surgeons and patients in Kuwait. Efforts should focus on increasing awareness.

An exploratory study of public' awareness about robotics-assisted surgery in Kuwait.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) requires a clear willingness, not only from healthcare organization to operate the robotic system but also from the public that is going to perceive it. This study aims to explore public's awareness, understanding and their perceptions towards RAS in Kuwait. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a survey questionnaire that was disseminated on a tablet device to people at their convenience in governmental institutions. RESULTS: A total of 1087 people agreed to participate in this study. The study results showed that only 36.8% of respondents had heard of RAS and 27.1% knew what RAS is. Moreover, 47.6% of the respondents were uncertain about its safety, while 29.7% thought RAS was safe. The results also showed that 40.9 and 34.4% of respondents thought that RAS is more precise and faster than conventional surgical procedures, respectively, whereas 30.6% feared malfunctioning issues during surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: This public survey among a Middle Eastern population reveals lack of awareness and limited understanding of RAS. However, there was a tendency towards believing that RAS may have potential advantages in terms of better outcomes compared to conventional surgical procedures.

Robot-assisted urological surgery in the Middle East: Where are we and how far can we go?

Objectives: To evaluate robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in Urology in the Middle East, and its status and future perspectives. Methods: A Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) search was performed using the following keywords: 'robotics', 'robot-assisted surgery', 'laparoscopy', at first with each specific procedure name, such as radical cystectomy, followed by 'Middle East' and country names. All abstracts and articles in English that adhered to the scope of the current issue were selected, giving special consideration to relevant landmark articles and those describing trends and the future of RAS in Urology. Results: Only a few index case reports characterised RAS in the Middle East. The Middle East possess only 1% of the da Vinci® Surgical Systems (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) installed worldwide, including 19 in Saudi Arabia; six in Qatar; two in each of Kuwait and Lebanon; three in the United Arab Emirates; and only one in Egypt. The total number of RAS performed in the Middle East is low compared to Europe and the USA. Many countries in the Middle East still lack surgical robots despite having the expertise and appropriate caseload, whilst others seem not to utilise the surgical robot at a suitable rate, as reflected by the sparse number of operated cases and outgoing publications. There are major differences in RAS availability, usage, and perception according to the geographical place of practice and acceptance of robots by surgeons and patients. Conclusion: RAS in Urology continues to grow in the Middle East, with increasing caseloads and diversity of operated cases. Acceptance of robots by Middle East surgeons is significantly increasing. Abbreviations: 3D: three-dimensional; KSA: Kingdom Saudi Arabia;MIS: minimally invasive surgery; RAA: robot-assisted adrenalectomy; RAP: robot-assisted pyeloplasty; (O)(RA)PN: (open) (robot-assisted) partial nephrectomy; RAS: robot-assisted surgery; (O)(RA)RC: (open) (robot-assisted) radical cystectomy; (RA)RP: (robot-assisted) radical prostatectomy; SAUC: Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center.

Robotic pyelolithotomy in a congenital pelvic kidney: side docking and robotic prostatectomy port - site approach.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ectopic pelvic kidneys with renal stones are challenging to treat. We report our experience in managing a case of ectopic pelvic kidney with a pelvic stone by robotic pyelolithotomy after failure of flexible ureteroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 46-year old male with 2 months history of vague lower abdominal pain was found to have on Computed Tomography scan a left ectopic pelvic kidney with a 12mm stone in an anomalous renal pelvis. Flexible ureteroscopy failed to reach the stone twice and a 4.7 French ureteric stent was placed. RESULTS: Side docking was utilized with the patient in supine Trendelenburg position. Port placements were similar to robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Docking time was 35 minutes and console time was 150 minutes. Multiple attempts failed to follow the course of the ureter to the renal pelvis. Subsequently the renal pelvis was directly opened through the mesocolon and a flexible cystoscope was used to basket the stone out. Estimated Blood Loss was < 100ml. The patient was discharged 2 days postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Robotic pyelolithotomy is safe and feasible for management of ectopic pelvic kidneys with pelvic stones. The use of flexible cystoscopy helped in localizing and extracting the stone in our case. Detailed understanding of patient's anatomy helps in the success of this procedure.

Cell and nanoparticle transport in tumour microvasculature: the role of size, shape and surface functionality of nanoparticles.

Through nanomedicine, game-changing methods are emerging to deliver drug molecules directly to diseased areas. One of the most promising of these is the targeted delivery of drugs and imaging agents via drug carrier-based platforms. Such drug delivery systems can now be synthesized from a wide range of different materials, made in a number of different shapes, and coated with an array of different organic molecules, including ligands. If optimized, these systems can enhance the efficacy and specificity of delivery compared with those of non-targeted systems. Emerging integrated multiscale experiments, models and simulations have opened the door for endless medical applications. Current bottlenecks in design of the drug-carrying particles are the lack of knowledge about the dispersion of these particles in the microvasculature and of their subsequent internalization by diseased cells (Bao et al. 2014 J. R. Soc. Interface 11, 20140301 (doi:10.1098/rsif.2014.0301)). We describe multiscale modelling techniques that study how drug carriers disperse within the microvasculature. The immersed molecular finite-element method is adopted to simulate whole blood including blood plasma, red blood cells and nanoparticles. With a novel dissipative particle dynamics method, the beginning stages of receptor-driven endocytosis of nanoparticles can be understood in detail. Using this multiscale modelling method, we elucidate how the size, shape and surface functionality of nanoparticles will affect their dispersion in the microvasculature and subsequent internalization by targeted cells.

Giant nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Patients usually present early with manifestation of abnormal hormone secretion. However, adrenocortical carcinoma can also be nonfunctioning, and such patients present late with a mass effect or distant metastases. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein report a case of a 30-year-old Sri-Lankan woman who presented with a 3-month history of left flank pain associated with nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a large left upper quadrant mass with a 1.8-cm left lung nodule. The differential diagnoses included a left adrenal mass, left upper pole renal mass, and retroperitoneal sarcoma. A functional adrenal work-up revealed no abnormal findings. Surgical excision of the mass was uneventful with no postoperative complications. Pathological analysis revealed a nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinoma measuring 16 × 14 × 10 cm. To our knowledge, a mass of this size is among the largest nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinomas reported in the published literature. The investigations and approach to treatment were consistent with those in the published literature. CONCLUSION: Large nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinomas pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and most are diagnosed at a late stage. Appropriate imaging and functional work-up of the mass are vital before treatment. Surgical excision is safe, even for large adrenocortical carcinomas; excision in patients with advanced disease has been shown to have the best outcomes.

Clavien classification in urology: Is there concordance among post-graduate trainees and attending urologists?

PURPOSE: We assess the variations between post-graduate trainees (PGTs) and attending urologists in applying the Revised Clavien-Dindo Classification System (RCCS) to urological complications. METHODS: Twenty postoperative complications were selected from urology service Quality Assurance meeting minutes spanning 1 year at a tertiary care centre. The cases were from adult and pediatric sites and included minor and major complications. After a briefing session to review the RCCS, the survey was administered to 16 attending urologists and 16 PGTs. Concordance rates between the two groups were calculated for each case and for the whole survey. Inter-rater agreement was calculated by kappa statistics. RESULTS: There was good overall agreement rate of 81 % (range: 30-100) when both groups were compared. Thirteen of the 20 cases (65%) held an agreement rate above 80% (k = 0.753, p < 0.001) including 3 (15%) cases with 100% agreement. There were only 2 cases where the scores given by PGTs were significantly different from that given by attending urologists (p ≤ 0.03). There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of overall RCCS grades (p = 0.12). When all participants were compared as one group, there was good overall inter-rater agreement rate of 75% (k = 0.71). Although the percent of overall agreement rate among PGTs was higher than the attending urologists (82% [k = 0.79] vs. 69% [k = 0.64]), this was not significantly different (p = 0.68). CONCLUSION: There was good overall agreement among PGTs and attending urologists in application of the RCCS in urology. Therefore, it is appropriate for PGTs to complete the Quality Assurance meeting reports.

Extensive renal infarction following percutaneous biopsy of a small renal mass: A case report.

Percutaneous renal biopsy has become increasingly used particularly in patients undergoing active surveillance for small renal masses. We present a patient, who was recently diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, with significant complication following biopsy of a solid renal mass. The patient was planned for nephron-sparing surgery that was converted to radical nephrectomy due to extensive renal infarction secondary to significant subcapsular hemorrhage inflicted by the biopsy.

A novel mechanism of PPAR gamma induction via EGFR signalling constitutes rational for combination therapy in bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Two signalling molecules that are attractive for targeted therapy are the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). We investigated possible crosstalk between these 2 pathways, particularly in light of the recent evidence implicating PPARγ for anticancer therapy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: As evaluated by MTT assays, gefitinib (EGFR inhibitor) and DIM-C (PPARγ agonist) inhibited growth of 9 bladder cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner but with variable sensitivity. In addition, combination of gefitinib and DIM-C demonstrated maximal inhibition of cell proliferation compared to each drug alone. These findings were confirmed in vivo, where combination therapy maximally inhibited tumor growth in contrast to each treatment alone when compared to control (p<0.04). Induction of PPARγ expression along with nuclear accumulation was observed in response to increasing concentrations of gefitinib via activation of the transcription factor CCAT/enhancer-binding protein-ß (CEBP-ß). In these cell lines, DIM-C significantly sensitized bladder cancer cell lines that were resistant to EGFR inhibition in a schedule-specific manner. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PPARγ agonist DIM-C can be an excellent alternative to bladder tumors resistant to EGFR inhibition and combination efficacy might be achieved in a schedule-specific manner.

Genetic variations in the transforming growth factor beta pathway as predictors of bladder cancer risk.

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, and identifying genetic markers that may predict susceptibility in high-risk population is always needed. The purpose of our study is to determine whether genetic variations in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) pathway are associated with bladder cancer risk. We identified 356 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 37 key genes from this pathway and evaluated their association with cancer risk in 801 cases and 801 controls. Forty-one SNPs were significantly associated with cancer risk, and after adjusting for multiple comparisons, 9 remained significant (Q-value ≤0.1). Haplotype analysis further revealed three haplotypes within VEGFC and two haplotypes in EGFR were significantly associated with increased bladder cancer risk compared to the most common haplotype. Classification and regression tree analysis further revealed potential high-order gene-gene interactions, with VEGFC: rs3775194 being the initial split, which suggests that this variant is responsible for the most variation in risk. Individuals carrying the common genotype for VEGFC: rs3775194 and EGFR: rs7799627 and the variant genotype for VEGFR: rs4557213 had a 4.22-fold increase in risk, a much larger effect magnitude than that conferred by common genotype for VEGFR: rs4557213. Our study provides the first epidemiological evidence supporting a connection between TGF-ß pathway variants and bladder cancer risk.