Trends and outcomes of hospitalized patients with priapism in Germany: results from the GRAND study.

We aimed to provide evidence on the trends and in-hospital outcomes of patients with low- and high-flow priapism through the largest study in the field. We used the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND), provided by the Research Data Center of the Federal Bureau of Statistics (2008-2021), and performed multiple patient-level analyses. We included 6,588 men with low-flow and 729 with high-flow priapism. Among patients with low-flow priapism, 156 (2.4%) suffered from sickle cell disease, and 1,477 (22.4%) patients required shunt surgery. Of them, only 37 (2.5%) received a concomitant penile prosthesis implantation (30 inflatable and 7 semi-rigid prosthesis). In Germany, the total number of patients with low-flow priapism requiring hospital stay has steadily increased, while the number of patients with high-flow priapism requiring hospital stay has decreased in the last years. Among patients with high-flow priapism, 136 (18.7%) required selective artery embolization. In men with low-flow priapism, sickle cell disease was associated with high rates of exchange transfusion (OR: 21, 95% CI: 14-31, p < 0.001). The length of hospital stay (p = 0.06) and the intensive care unit admissions (p = 0.9) did not differ between patients with low-flow priapism due to sickle cell disease versus other causes of low-flow priapism. Accordingly, in men with high-flow priapism, embolization was not associated with worse outcomes in terms of length of hospital stay (p > 0.9), transfusion (p = 0.8), and intensive care unit admission (p = 0.5). Low-flow priapism is an absolute emergency that requires shunt surgery in more than one-fifth of all patients requiring hospital stay. On the contrary, high-flow priapism is still managed, in most cases, conservatively.

The impact of health care on outcomes of suspected testicular torsion: results from the GRAND study.

BACKGROUND: Suspicion of testicular torsion represents a urological emergency, necessitating immediate surgery. Comprehensive data on the current trends and perioperative outcomes regarding surgical exploration are sparse. Therefore, we utilized nationwide data on the prevalence and results of this surgery, aiming to provide evidence on this matter. METHODS: We assessed the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND) from 2005 to 2021, provided by the Research Data Center of the Federal Bureau of Statistics. We performed multiple regression analyses to evaluate the perioperative outcomes (length of hospital stay, transfusion, and surgical wound infection) after surgical exploration due to suspected testicular torsion based on both the outcome of surgery (orchiectomy, detorsion with preservation of the testicle, and no testicular torsion) and on the department of operation (urological versus non-urological). RESULTS: A total of 81,899 males underwent surgical exploration due to suspected testicular torsion in Germany from 2005 to 2021. Of them, 11,725 (14%) underwent orchiectomy, 30,765 (38%) detorsion with preservation of the testicle and subsequent orchidopexy, and 39,409 (48%) presented no testicular torsion. Orchiectomy was significantly associated with longer length of hospital stay (day difference of 1.4 days, 95%CI: 1.3-1.4, p < 0.001), higher odds of transfusion (1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.6, p = 0.002) and surgical wound infections (1.8, 95%CI: 1.4-2.3, p < 0.001) compared to no testicular torsion. The proportion of patients undergoing orchiectomy was significantly lower in urological departments (14%) versus non-urological departments (16%) and the proportion of patients undergoing preservation of testicle after detorsion was significantly higher in urological departments (38%) versus non-urological departments (37%), p < 0.001. Patients undergoing treatment in a urological department were discharged earlier and presented lower odds of transfusion and surgical wound infection (p < 0.001) compared to patients undergoing treatment in a non-urological department. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of patients who underwent surgery for suspected testicular torsion did not have intraoperatively the condition confirmed. Patients treated in urological departments had significantly better perioperative outcomes compared to those treated in non-urological departments. Therefore, we advise to refer patients to urological treatment as early as possible.

mpMRI-targeted biopsy of the prostate in men ≥ 75 years. 7-year report from a high-volume referral center.

OBJECTIVE: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) -Ultrasound- fusion guided biopsy of the prostate (FBx) is the new gold standard for the detection of prostate cancer. Hallmark studies showing superior detection rates of FBx over randomized biopsies routinely excluded patients≥75 years and information on outcome of FBx on this patient cohort is sparse. As a large referral center, we have performed FBx on a substantial number of patients this age. By evaluating outcome of FBx of patients over the age of 75 years we wanted to close the gap of knowledge on this patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2015 -2022, 1577 patients underwent FBx at our department and were considered for analysis. Clinical and histopathological parameters were recorded. Clinical data comprised age at FBx, serum level of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, PSA-density, history of previous biopsies of the prostate, result of the digital rectal examination (DRE) and assessment of the indexlesion of mpMRI according to the Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System (PI-RADS). Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify age barrier of 75 years as a potential risk factor of detection of clinically significant prostate cancer by FBx. RESULTS: 379/1577 patients (24%) were≥75 years and 1198/1577 (76%) patients were < 75 years, respectively. Preoperative PSA was significantly higher in patients≥75 years compared to patients < 75 years (9.54 vs. 7.8, p < 0.001). Patients≥75 years presented significantly more often with mpMRI target lesions classified as PI-RADS 5 compared to patients < 75 years (45% vs. 29%, p < 0.001). Detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer was significantly higher in patients≥75 years compared to patients < 75 years (63% vs. 43%, p < 0.001). Aggressive prostate cancer grade ISUP 5 was significantly more often detected in patients≥75 years compared to patients < 75 years (13% vs. 8%, p = 0.03). On multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for PSA and PI-RADS score, age barrier of 75 years was identified as a significant risk factor for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer by FBx (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.36 -2.31, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: After evaluation of a large patient cohort, we show that age≥75 years represents a significant risk factor for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. Further studies on mid- and long term outcome are necessary to draw conclusions for clinical decision making in this patient cohort.

Perioperative Outcomes of Same-Session Bilateral vs Unilateral Ureteroscopy for Stone Removal: Results from the GRAND Study.

Background: Same-session bilateral ureteroscopy may reduce the number of surgeries for stone removal but can lead to higher overall complication rates. We aimed to compare same-session bilateral ureteroscopy with unilateral ureteroscopy in terms of perioperative outcomes. Methods: We used the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND), provided by the Research Data Center of the Federal Bureau of Statistics (2005-2021). We assessed, through multiple patient-level analyses, severe perioperative complications, mortality, length of hospital stay, hospital revenues, intensive care unit admission, and the evolution of ureteroscopy during the last years in Germany. Results: We included 833,609 patients undergoing either same-session bilateral (n = 6914, 0.8%) or unilateral (n = 826,695, 99.2%) ureteroscopy for stone management. Patients undergoing bilateral ureteroscopy presented worse baseline characteristics. After adjusting for these characteristics, same-session bilateral ureteroscopy, compared to unilateral ureteroscopy, was significantly associated with higher odds of postoperative sepsis (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2-2.8, p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (OR: 2, 95% CI: 1.03-3.5, p = 0.024), acute kidney disease (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 2.5-3.2, p < 0.001), transfusion (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 3.6-4.8, p < 0.001), urinary tract infection (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.5-1.7, p < 0.001), intensive care unit admission (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6-2.3, p < 0.001), and mortality (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2.1-4.5, p < 0.001). Similarly, the length of hospital stay was longer, and the in-hospital costs were higher (p < 0.001) after same-session bilateral ureteroscopy. Interestingly, the annual cases of ureteroscopy have undergone about a threefold increase in the last 17 years. Conclusions: The present real-world data demonstrate that same-session bilateral ureteroscopy leads to higher rates of perioperative myocardial infarction, acute kidney disease, transfusion, urinary tract infections, sepsis, and intensive care unit admission, as well as to increased length of hospital stay, costs, and inpatient mortality compared to unilateral ureteroscopy.

Added value of randomised biopsy to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy of the prostate in a contemporary cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the added value of concurrent systematic randomised ultrasonography-guided biopsy (SBx) to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-targeted biopsy and the additional rate of overdiagnosis of clinically insignificant prostate cancer (ciPCa) by SBx in a large contemporary, real-world cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1552 patients with positive mpMRI and consecutive mpMRI-targeted biopsy and SBx were enrolled. Added value and the rate of overdiagnosis by SBx was evaluated. PRIMARY OUTCOME: added value of SBx, defined as detection rate of clinically significant PCa (csPCa; International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] Grade ≥2) by SBx, while mpMRI-targeted biopsy was negative or showed ciPCa (ISUP Grade 1). SECONDARY OUTCOME: rate of overdiagnosis by SBx, defined as detection of ciPCa in patients with negative mpMRI-targeted biopsy and PSA level of <10 ng/mL. RESULTS: Detection rate of csPCa by mpMRI-targeted biopsy and/or SBx was 753/1552 (49%). Added value of SBx was 145/944 (15%). Rate of overdiagnosis by SBx was 146/656 (22%). Added value of SBx did not change when comparing patients with previous prostate biopsy and biopsy naïve patients. In multivariable analysis, a Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 4 index lesion (odds ratio [OR] 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66-6.78; P = 0.001), a PI-RADS 5 index lesion (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.39-6.46; P = 0.006) and age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.08; P < 0.001) were independently associated with added value of SBx. CONCLUSIONS: In our real-world analysis, we saw a significant impact on added value and added rate of overdiagnosis by SBx. Subgroup analysis showed no significant decrease of added value in any evaluated risk group. Therefore, we do not endorse omitting concurrent SBx to mpMRI-guided biopsy of the prostate.

Perioperative outcomes of penile prosthesis implantation in Germany: results from the GRAND study.

We aimed to assess the recommended annual hospital volume for inflatable penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) and to provide evidence on perioperative outcomes of semi-rigid and inflatable PPI in Germany. We used the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND) from 2005 to 2021 and report the largest study to date with 7,222 patients. 6,818 (94.4%) patients underwent inflatable and 404 (5.6%) semi-rigid PPI. Inflatable PPI was significantly associated with shorter length of hospital stay (difference of 2.2 days, 95%CI: 1.6-2.7, p < 0.001), lower odds of perioperative urinary tract infections (5.5% versus 9.2%; OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.41-0.84, p = 0.003) and surgical wound infections (1% versus 2.5%; OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.22-0.88, p = 0.012) compared to semi-rigid PPI. Overall, 4255 (62.4%) inflatable PPIs were undertaken in low- ( < 20 PPI/year) and 2563 (37.6%) in high-volume ( ≥ 20 PPI/year) centers. High-volume centers were significantly associated with shorter length of hospital stay (difference of 1.4 days, 95%CI: 1.2-1.7, p < 0.001) compared to low-volume centers. Our findings suggest that inflatable PPI leads to a shorter length of hospital stay and lower rates of perioperative urinary tract and surgical wound infections compared to semi-rigid PPI. Patients undergoing surgery in high-volume centers for inflatable PPI are discharged earlier from the hospital.

Outcomes of Cytoreductive Radical Prostatectomy for Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer on Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography: Results of a Multicenter European Study.

BACKGROUND: De novo oligometastatic prostate cancer (omPCa) on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) is a new disease entity and its optimal management remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of patients treated with cytoreductive radical prostatectomy (cRP) for omPCa on PSMA-PET. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 116 patients treated with cRP at 13 European centers were identified. Oligometastatic PCa was defined as miM1a and/or miM1b with five or fewer osseous metastases and/or miM1c with three or fewer lung lesions on PSMA-PET. INTERVENTION: Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Thirty-day complications according to Clavien-Dindo, continence rates, time to castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 95 (82%) patients had miM1b, 18 (16%) miM1a, and three (2.6%) miM1c omPCa. The median prebiopsy prostate-specific antigen was 14 ng/ml, and 102 (88%) men had biopsy grade group ≥3 PCa. The median number of metastases on PSMA-PET was 2; 38 (33%), 29 (25%), and 49 (42%) patients had one, two, and three or more distant positive lesions. A total of 70 (60%) men received neoadjuvant systemic therapy, and 37 (32%) underwent metastasis-directed therapy. Any and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications occurred in 36 (31%) and six (5%) patients, respectively. At a median follow-up of 27 mo, 19 (16%) patients developed CRPC and eight (7%) patients died. The 1-yr urinary continence rate was 82%. The 2-yr CRPC-free survival and OS were 85.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 78.5-93.7%) and 98.9% (95% CI 96.8-100%), respectively. The limitations include retrospective design and short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy is a safe and feasible treatment option in patients with de novo omPCa on PSMA-PET. Despite overall favorable oncologic outcomes, some of these patients have a non-negligible risk of early progression and thus should be considered for multimodal therapy. PATIENT SUMMARY: We found that patients treated at expert centers with surgery for prostate cancer, with a limited number of metastases detected using novel molecular imaging, have favorable short-term survival, functional results, and acceptable rates of complications.

Penile fractures: the price of a merry Christmas.

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether Christmas might be a risk factor for penile fractures due to the Christmas spirit related to the intimacy and euphoria of these holly jolly days. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the incidence of penile fractures during Christmas and New Year's Eve through the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND) from the Research Data Center of the Federal Bureau of Statistics (Wiesbaden, Germany). Furthermore, we assessed the impact of COVID-19 on penile fractures and their seasonality. RESULTS: A total of 3,421 patients with a median, interquartile range (IQR) age of 42 (32-51) years had a penile fracture requiring a hospital stay from 2005 to 2021. In all, 40 (1.2%) penile fractures occurred in 51 days of Christmas (from 24/12 to 26/12 in each year). The daily incidence of penile fractures during Christmas was 0.78 with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.95, P = 0.02). If every day was like Christmas, 43% more penile fractures would have occurred in Germany from 2005 on. Interestingly, only 28 (0.82%) penile fractures occurred during the New Year's Eve period (31/12 to 02/01 from 2005 to 2021). This resulted in an IRR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.69-1.5, P = 0.98) in the New Year's Eve period. Most patients with penile fractures were admitted to hospital at the weekend (n = 1,322; IRR 1.58, 95% CI 1.48-1.69; P < 0.001). Summer was also associated with more penile fractures (n = 929; IRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.19; P = 0.008). Both the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 385; IRR 1.06, 95% CI 0.95-1.18, P = 0.29) and its lockdown period (n = 93; IRR 1, 95% CI 0.82-1.23; P = 0.96) did not affect the incidence of penile fractures. CONCLUSION: The incidence of penile fractures displays a seasonality. Last Christmas penile fractures occurred more often. This year to save us from tears, we will NOT do something special (the new Christmas hit of the year).

The Impact of Prostate Volume on the Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System (PI-RADS) in a Real-World Setting.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has emerged as a new cornerstone in the diagnostic pathway of prostate cancer. However, mpMRI is not devoid of factors influencing its detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Amongst others, prostate volume has been demonstrated to influence the detection rates of csPCa. Particularly, increasing volume has been linked to a reduced cancer detection rate. However, information about the linkage between PI-RADS, prostate volume and detection rate is relatively sparse. Therefore, the current study aims to assess the association between prostate volume, PI-RADS score and detection rate of csP-Ca, representing daily practice and contemporary mpMRI expertise. Thus, 1039 consecutive patients with 1151 PI-RADS targets, who underwent mpMRI-guided prostate biopsy at our tertiary referral center, were included. Prior mpMRI had been assessed by a plethora of 111 radiology offices, including academic centers and private practices. mpMRI was not secondarily reviewed in house before biopsy. mpMRI-targeted biopsy was performed by a small group of a total of ten urologists, who had performed at least 100 previous biopsies. Using ROC analysis, we defined cut-off values of prostate volume for each PI-RADS score, where the detection rate drops significantly. For PI-RADS 4 lesions, we found a volume > 61.5 ccm significantly reduced the cancer detection rate (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.16-0.38; p < 0.001). For PI-RADS 5 lesions, we found a volume > 51.5 ccm to significantly reduce the cancer detection rate (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.25-0.62; p < 0.001). For PI-RADS 3 lesions, none of the evaluated clinical parameters had a significant impact on the detection rate of csPCa. In conclusion, we show that enlarged prostate volume represents a major limitation in the daily practice of mpMRI-targeted biopsy. This study is the first to define exact cut-off values of prostate volume to significantly impair the validity of PI-RADS assessed in a real-world setting. Therefore, the results of mpMRI-targeted biopsy should be interpreted carefully, especially in patients with prostate volumes above our defined thresholds.

Methylation status of various gene loci in localized prostate cancer: Novel biomarkers for diagnostics and biochemical recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Oncologic outcomes for patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) can vary widely. Hypermethylation of tumor-associated genes has potential as a novel diagnostic tool and predictive biomarker in PCa. We investigated the methylation status of tumor-associated genes in patients who underwent RP. METHODS: Patients who underwent RP during 2004 to 2008 were matched retrospectively based on post-operative D'Amico risk stratification. Quantitative pyrosequencing was used to analyze methylation status of 10 gene loci in cancerous and adjacent benign tissue from histological specimen. Follow-up was performed according to EAU guideline recommendations. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate methylation levels in cancerous and benign tissue with risk profiles and biochemical recurrence (BCR). RESULTS: The cohort included 71 patients: 22 low-risk, 22 intermediate-risk, and 27 high-risk. Mean follow-up time was 74 months. Methylation status differed significantly between cancerous and adjacent benign tissue for the 5 gene loci GSTP1, APC, RASSF1, TNFRFS10c, and RUNX3 (each P < 0.001). Also, the methylation level was significantly higher in high-risk than in low-risk patients for Endoglin2 and APC (P = 0.026; P = 0.032). Using ROC analysis, hypermethylation of APC in PCa tissue was associated with higher risk of BCR (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Methylation status of various gene loci holds diagnostic and predictive potential in PCa. Hypermethylation of APC, RASSF1, TNFRFS10c and RUNX3 were identified as novel PCa-specific biomarkers. Furthermore, increased methylation levels of APC and Endoglin2 were associated with high-risk PCa. Additionally, hypermethylation of APC was associated with increased risk of BCR after RP.

[Common errors, pitfalls, and management of complications of prostate biopsy : The most common diagnostic and procedural challenges of transrectal fusion prostate biopsy in the initial diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer]. / Häufige Fehler, "Pitfalls" und Komplikationsmanagement der Prostatabiopsie : Die häufigsten diagnostischen und prozeduralen Herausforderungen der transrektalen Fusionsbiopsie der Prostata bei Erstdiagnose eines klinisch signifikanten Prostatakarzinoms.

BACKGROUND: Transrectal (TR) prostate biopsy is the gold standard in diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC). It requires a precise and safe technique for sample acquisition. OBJECTIVE: Several approaches will be discussed to avoid overdiagnosis, false-negative results, and complications of the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed national and European guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, as well as prospective and retrospective studies to describe current trends in indication and performance of biopsies. RESULTS: Incorporation of risk calculators and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into daily routine reduces biopsy rates and results in a more precise diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC). Combination of random- and MRI-fusion guided biopsy-but also extending the radius of sampling by 10 mm beyond the MRI lesion and a transperineal (TP) sampling approach - lead to a higher tumor-detection rate. Bleeding is the most common complication after prostate biopsy and is usually self-limiting. Postbiopsy infection rates can be reduced through TP biopsy. CONCLUSION: TR MRI-fusion guided biopsy is a widely acknowledged tool in primary diagnostics of csPC. Higher detection rates and safety can be achieved through a TP sampling approach.

[Transrectal vs. transperineal fusion biopsy of the prostate : Time to switch to the perineal technique-comparison of methods and description of the transperineal procedure under local anesthesia]. / Transrektale vs. transperineale Fusionsbiopsie der Prostata : Zeit für einen Wechsel zur perinealen Technik ­ Vergleich der Methoden und Beschreibung des transperinealen operativen Vorgehens in Lokalanästhesie.

The clinical and histological diagnosis of prostate cancer is a crucial aspect of the routine work of a urologist. The high prevalence of multiresistant microorganisms leads to an increased incidence of sepsis after transrectal prostate biopsy. It requires a switch from the still gold-standard method to the transperineal fusion biopsy procedure after multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article provides an overview of the most important differences between the two methods and gives a detailed methodological description of transperineal fusion biopsy under local anesthesia.

Radical Prostatectomy without Prior Biopsy in Patients with High Suspicion of Prostate Cancer Based on Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Modern risk stratification of prostate cancer (PCa) allows for prediction of advanced disease with a high level of certainty. We aimed to evaluate a prospective series of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without prior biopsy based solely on clinical criteria and imaging results. The patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 included 27 patients with: (i) suspicious digital rectal examination, (ii) PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL, (iii) PI-RADS 4/5 on mpMRI, and (iv) high suspicion of PCa on PSMA-PET. Group 2 included six patients who fulfilled criteria i, ii, and iii but did not undergo PSMA-PET imaging. Group 3 included 17 patients with at least one clinical (i or ii) and one imaging (iii or iv) criterion. All of the patients were diagnosed with PCa. Comparison of Group 1 and 2 versus Group 3 showed a significantly higher ratio of locally advanced PCa for Groups 1 and 2 compared to Group 3 (60.6% versus 11.8%, p = 0.005, respectively). Similarly, these patients displayed a significantly higher ratio of aggressive PCa (ISUP grade > 2: 66.7% versus 23.5%, p = 0.027, respectively) and tumor infiltration (median tumor infiltration: 32.5% vs. 15%, p = 0.001, respectively) in the final specimen compared to Group 3. In conclusion, we have shown that radical prostatectomy without prior biopsy is safe in terms of the diagnosis of clinically significant PCa when proper preoperative risk stratification involving mpMRI and PSMA-PET imaging is applied.

Adverse Pathology after Radical Prostatectomy of Patients Eligible for Active Surveillance-A Summary 7 Years after Introducing mpMRI-Guided Biopsy in a Real-World Setting.

OBJECTIVE: Over the last decade, active surveillance (AS) of low-risk prostate cancer has been increasing. The mpMRI fusion-guided biopsy of the prostate (FBx) is considered to be the gold standard in preoperative risk stratification. However, the role of FBx remains unclear in terms of risk stratification of low-risk prostate cancer outside high-volume centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate adverse pathology after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a real-world setting, focusing on patients diagnosed with Gleason score (GS) 6 prostate cancer (PCa) and eligible for AS by FBx. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between March 2015 and March 2022, 1297 patients underwent FBx at the Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany. MpMRI for FBx was performed by 111 different radiology centers. FBx was performed by 14 urologists from our department with different levels of experience. In total, 997/1297 (77%) patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer; 492/997 (49%) of these patients decided to undergo RP in our clinic and were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate clinical and histopathological parameters associated with adverse pathology comparing FBx and RP specimens. To compare FBx and systematic randomized biopsies performed in our clinic before introducing FBx (SBx, n = 2309), we performed a propensity score matching on a 1:1 ratio, adjusting for age, number of positive biopsy cores, and initial PSA (iPSA). RESULTS: A total of 492 patients undergoing FBx or SBx was matched. In total, 55% of patients diagnosed with GS 6 by FBx were upgraded to clinically significant PCa (defined as GS ≥ 7a) after RP, compared to 52% of patients diagnosed by SBx (p = 0.76). A time delay between FBx and RP was identified as the only correlate associated with upgrading. A total of 5.9% of all FBx patients and 6.1% of all SBx patients would have been eligible for AS (p > 0.99) but decided to undergo RP. The positive predictive value of AS eligibility (diagnosis of low-risk PCa after biopsy and after RP) was 17% for FBx and 6.7% for SBx (p = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we show, in a real-world setting, that introducing FBx did not lead to significant change in ratio of adverse pathology for low-risk PCa patients after RP compared to SBx.

Assessment of single-probe dual-energy lithotripters in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-probe dual-energy (SPDE) lithotripters in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Embase databases until July 2022 for any preclinical or clinical studies, exploring the safety and efficacy of different SPDE lithotripters in patients undergoing PCNL. We performed a meta-analysis to compare stone-free rate, bleeding, or other complications and mean operative time between SPDE lithotripters and other lithotripters (PROSPERO: CRD42021285631). RESULTS: We included 16 studies (six preclinical, seven observational and three randomized with 625 participants) in the systematic review and four in the meta-analysis. Preclinical studies suggest that SPDE lithotripters are safe and effective for the management of renal stones. Among clinical studies, four studies assessed Trilogy with no comparative arm, two compared Trilogy or ShockPulse with a dual-probe dual-energy lithotripter, two compared Trilogy with a laser, one compared ShockPulse with a pneumatic lithotripter, and one directly compared Trilogy with ShockPulse. Comparing SPDE lithotripters to other lithotripters, no significant differences were demonstrated in stone free rate (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.53-2.38, I2 = 0%), postoperative blood transfusion (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.34-5.19, I2 = 0%), embolization (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.02-12.06), operative time (WMD: 2.82 min, 95% CI -7.31-12.95, I2 = 78%) and postoperative complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSIONS: SPDE lithotripters represent a promising treatment modality for patients requiring PCNL. Despite the initial encouraging findings of preclinical and isolated clinical studies, it seems that Trilogy or ShockPulse provide similar efficiency compared to older generation devices.

SFRP2 Overexpression Induces an Osteoblast-like Phenotype in Prostate Cancer Cells.

Prostate cancer bone metastasis is still one of the most fatal cancer diagnoses for men. Survival of the circulating prostate tumor cells and their adaptation strategy to survive in the bone niche is the key point to determining metastasis in early cancer stages. The promoter of SFRP2 gene, encoding a WNT signaling modulator, is hypermethylated in many cancer types including prostate cancer. Moreover, SFRP2 can positively regulate osteogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Here, we showed SFRP2 overexpression in the prostate cancer cell line PC3 induces an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), increases the attachment, and modifies the transcriptome towards an osteoblast-like phenotype (osteomimicry) in a collagen 1-dependent manner. Our data reflect a novel molecular mechanism concerning how metastasizing prostate cancer cells might increase their chance to survive within bone tissue.

[Sonography of the prostate : Relevance for urologists in daily clinical routine]. / Sonographie der Prostata : Stellenwert für den Urologen in Klinik und Praxis.

Despite the continuous technical progress regarding the transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate (TRUS) and its successful use in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in MRI-targeted biopsy, there is no radiologic modality being able to rule out clinically significant prostate cancer without the need of systematic biopsy. In the past few years, TRUS regained more attention due to the development of high frequency ultrasound as well as the combination of different ultrasonic modalities like shear wave elastography and contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS). Currently, multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)-targeted biopsy shows the best results concerning detection rates, sensitivity and specificity of clinically significant prostate cancer compared to systematic biopsy. In the future, transperineal biopsy is probably going to increasingly replace the transrectal biopsy approach. For both approaches, transrectal ultrasonography is necessary to display the prostate and to detect suspicious lesions. Therefore future improvements in transrectal ultrasonography can be expected.