A contemporary comparison of laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To analyze surgical and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy (OPN) versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated our institutional RCC database for patients who underwent PN for RCC from 1997 to 2018. Decision for technique was at the discretion of the operating urologist, following practice patterns and training history. Outcomes analyzed included pre/peri/post-operative parameters, pathologic outcomes, and disease recurrence rates. RESULTS: 1088 patients underwent PN from 1997 to 2018. After exclusionary criteria, 631 patients who underwent 647 unique PNs for a total of 162 OPN and 485 LPN remained. Baseline, pre-op, and pathologic characteristics were not statistically different. Surgical time was lower in laparoscopic cases [185 vs. 205 min] (p = 0.013). Margin involvement was not statistically different; LPN had lower estimated blood loss (EBL) [150 vs. 250 mL] (p < 0.001) and longer ischemia time [21 vs. 19 min] (p = 0.005). LPN had shorter length of stay [2 vs. 4 days] (p < 0.001), fewer overall complications (p < 0.001), and no significant difference in high-grade complications [2.89 vs. 4.32%] (p = 0.379). Fewer LPN patients developed metastases [1.65 vs. 4.94%] (p = 0.0499). Local recurrence rates were not statistically different [1.24 vs. 3.09%] (p = 0.193). Renal function was equivalent between cohorts post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Long-term oncologic outcomes were not significantly different between LPN versus OPN, with no statistical difference in patient and tumor characteristics. LPN was associated with lower EBL, shorter length of stay, and lower overall complication risk. Renal function was not significantly different between cohorts.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urethra after brachytherapy for prostatic adenocarcinoma: a case series.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the urethra is extremely rare, even more so in a setting of postradiation therapy, with only 3 cases reported up to date including the first case published by our group in 2011. In the present study, we included the long-term follow-up on our previously reported case and report 3 additional cases. This is the first case series to date of this rare disease entity. The aim of this study is to review the clinicopathologic features of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urethra in patients after receiving brachytherapy for prostatic adenocarcinoma. We identified 4 patients with a mean age of 72 years, and a mean interval of 14.8 years from brachytherapy for prostate carcinoma (grade group 1). Patients presented with hematuria or urinary retention. A colonoscopy was performed in three-fourth of patients and was within normal limits. Three patients underwent cystoprostatectomy and 1 had a transurethral resection of the prostate. On gross examination, only tumor formed a 3.5 cm tan-gray, ulcerated, friable, and necrotic mass and 2 displayed either irregular red granular or thickened areas within the prostatic urethra. Abundant extracellular mucin pools dissecting the prostatic stroma were present in all tumors, with clusters of tumor cells floating in the mucin. The mucin pools were lined by pleomorphic pseudostratified columnar mucinous epithelium. Tumors were diffusely positive for CK20, CDX2 (4/4), and AMACR (2/2); they focally expressed CK7 (2/4), and lacked nuclear ß-catenin expression (3/3). PSA, PSAP, NKX3.1, p63, and GATA3 were negative in the tumors tested. Among the 3 patients who underwent radical surgery, 2 had stage 2 tumors (confined to the prostatic urethra and prostate), and 1 had a stage 3 tumor, with seminal vesicle involvement. All 4 patients were alive without disease with a mean follow-up of 4.9 years. In conclusion, brachytherapy-associated mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urethra displays intestinal-type features as its non-radiation-related counterpart. It appears to lack a villous adenoma component, displays a different immunohistochemical profile with diffuse CK20 and CDX2 positivity, and is associated with lower stage and less aggressive behavior.

Complications and Outcomes of Salvage Cystectomy after Trimodality Therapy.

PURPOSE: Salvage cystectomy is required for some patients with intravesical recurrence after trimodality therapy. We compared postoperative outcomes between salvage cystectomy post-trimodality therapy, primary cystectomy and primary cystectomy with prior history of nontrimodality therapy abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 265 patients who underwent radical cystectomy at Massachusetts General Hospital for cT1-T4 bladder cancer between 2003 and 2013. Patients were grouped as salvage cystectomy post-trimodality therapy, primary cystectomy or primary cystectomy with prior history of nontrimodality therapy abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy. Early (≤90 days) and late (>90 days) complications were compared. Disease-specific survival and overall survival were calculated using a Cox regression model, and adjusted survival curves were generated. RESULTS: The median followup from the time of cystectomy was 65.5 months. There was no difference in intraoperative and early complications between the groups. The detection of late complications was higher in salvage cystectomy post-trimodality therapy compared to primary cystectomy and primary cystectomy with prior history of nontrimodality therapy abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy (p=0.03). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, salvage cystectomy post-trimodality therapy was associated with a higher incidence of any late (HR 2.3, p=0.02) and major late complications (HR 2.1, p <0.05). There was no difference in disease-specific survival (p=0.8) or overall survival (p=0.9) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage cystectomy post-trimodality therapy for intravesical recurrence post-trimodality therapy has an intraoperative and early complication rate comparable to primary cystectomy and primary cystectomy with prior history of nontrimodality therapy abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy. Salvage cystectomy post-trimodality therapy is associated with a higher risk of overall and major late complications than primary cystectomy. The disease-specific survival and overall survival of patients who require salvage cystectomy post-trimodality therapy are comparable to both groups.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy Improves but Does Not Replace Standard Template Biopsy for the Detection of Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: There exists a growing debate as to whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with fusion transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy alone without a standard template biopsy is sufficient to evaluate patients with suspected prostate cancer. Our objective was to describe our experience with fusion targeted prostate biopsy and assess whether it could obviate the need for concomitant standard 12-core template prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively collected database of patients who underwent fusion transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. All images and lesions were graded according to the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, version 2. All patients underwent targeted biopsy followed by standard 12-core double sextant biopsy within the same session. Clinically significant prostate cancer was defined as Grade Group 2 or greater prostate cancer. RESULTS: A total of 506 patients were included in analysis. Indications were elevated prostate specific antigen with a previous negative prostate biopsy in 46% of cases, prostate cancer on active surveillance in 35%, elevated prostate specific antigen without a prior prostate biopsy in 15% and an isolated abnormal digital rectal examination in 3%. For standard vs fusion prostate biopsy the overall cancer detection rate was 57.7% vs 54.0% (p=0.12) and the clinically significant prostate cancer detection rate was 24.7% vs 30.8% (p=0.001). Of the 185 patients diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer 29 (16%) would have been missed if only targeted fusion prostate biopsy had been performed. CONCLUSIONS: Fusion targeted prostate biopsy is associated with a higher detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer compared to standard double sextant biopsy. However, standard double sextant biopsy should still be performed as part of the routine fusion targeted prostate biopsy procedure to avoid missing a significant proportion of clinically significant prostate cancer.

PARP-1 inhibition with or without ionizing radiation confers reactive oxygen species-mediated cytotoxicity preferentially to cancer cells with mutant TP53.

Biomarkers and mechanisms of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor-mediated cytotoxicity in tumor cells lacking a BRCA-mutant or BRCA-like phenotype are poorly defined. We sought to explore the utility of PARP-1 inhibitor (PARPi) treatment with/without ionizing radiation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), which has poor therapeutic outcomes. We assessed the DNA damaging and cytotoxic effects of the PARPi olaparib in nine bladder cancer cell lines. Olaparib radiosensitized all cell lines with dose enhancement factors from 1.22 to 2.27. Radiosensitization was correlated with the induction of potentially lethal DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) but not with RAD51 foci formation. The ability of olaparib to radiosensitize MIBC cells was linked to the extent of cell kill achieved with the drug alone. Unexpectedly, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from PARPi treatment were the cause of DSB throughout the cell cycle in vitro and in vivo. ROS originated from mitochondria and were required for the radiosensitizing effects of olaparib. Consistent with the role of TP53 in ROS regulation, loss of p53 function enhanced radiosensitization by olaparib in non-isogenic and isogenic cell line models and was associated with increased PARP-1 expression in bladder cancer cell lines and tumors. Impairment of ATM in addition to p53 loss resulted in an even more pronounced radiosensitization. In conclusion, ROS suppression by PARP-1 in MIBC is a potential therapeutic target either for PARPi combined with radiation or drug alone treatment. The TP53 and ATM genes, commonly mutated in MIBC and other cancers, are candidate biomarkers of PARPi-mediated radiosensitization.

Incidence, Clinicopathological Risk Factors, Management and Outcomes of Nonmuscle Invasive Recurrence after Complete Response to Trimodality Therapy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

PURPOSE: We describe the incidence, clinicopathological risk factors, management and outcomes of recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer after a complete response to trimodality therapy of muscle invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 342 patients with cT2-4aN0M0 muscle invasive bladder cancer and a complete response after trimodality therapy from 1986 to 2013. Using competing risks analyses we examined the association between baseline clinicopathological variables and nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer outcomes. Kaplan-Meier and the generalized Fleming-Harrington test were used to compare disease specific and overall survival. RESULTS: At a median followup of 9 years nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer recurred in 85 patients (25%) who had had a complete response. On Kaplan-Meier analysis baseline carcinoma in situ was associated with recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (p = 0.02). However, on multivariate analysis carcinoma in situ and other baseline clinicopathological characteristics did not predict such recurrence. Patients with recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer had worse 10-year disease specific survival than those without recurrence (72.1% vs 78.4%, p = 0.002), although overall survival was similar (p = 0.66). Of the 39 patients (46%) who received adjuvant intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin 29 (74%) completed induction therapy and 19 (49%) reported bacillus Calmette-Guérin toxicity. Three-year recurrence-free and progression-free survival after induction bacillus Calmette-Guérin was 59% and 63%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After a complete response to trimodality therapy nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer recurred in 25% of patients, developing in some of them more than a decade after trimodality therapy. No baseline clinicopathological characteristics were associated with such recurrence after a complete response. Patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer recurrence had worse disease specific survival than those without such recurrence but similar overall survival. Adjuvant intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin had a reasonable toxicity profile and efficacy in this population. Properly selected patients with recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer after a complete response may avoid immediate salvage cystectomy.

Long-term Outcomes After Bladder-preserving Tri-modality Therapy for Patients with Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: An Updated Analysis of the Massachusetts General Hospital Experience.

BACKGROUND: Tri-modality therapy (TMT) is a recognized treatment strategy for selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). OBJECTIVE: Report long-term outcomes of patients with MIBC treated by TMT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and seventy-five patients with cT2-T4a MIBC were enrolled on protocols or treated as per protocol at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 1986 and 2013. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor followed by concurrent radiation and chemotherapy. Patients with less than a complete response (CR) to chemoradiation or with an invasive recurrence were recommended to undergo salvage radical cystectomy. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Median follow-up for surviving patients was 7.21 yr. Five- and 10-yr DSS rates were 66% and 59%, respectively. Five- and 10-yr OS rates were 57% and 39%, respectively. The risk of salvage cystectomy at 5 yr was 29%. In multivariate analyses, T2 disease (OS hazard ratio [HR]: 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-0.75, DSS HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.36-0.73), CR to chemoradiation (OS HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46-0.81, DSS HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34-0.71), and presence of tumor-associated carcinoma in situ (OS HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.17-2.08, DSS HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03-2.17) were significant predictors for OS and DSS. When evaluating our cohort over treatment eras, rates of CR improved from 66% to 88% and 5-yr DSS improved from 60% to 84% during the eras of 1986-1995 to 2005-2013, while the 5-yr risk of salvage radical cystectomy rate decreased from 42% to 16%. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate high rates of CR and bladder preservation in patients receiving TMT, and confirm DSS rates similar to modern cystectomy series. Contemporary results are particularly encouraging, and therefore TMT should be discussed and offered as a treatment option for selected patients. PATIENT SUMMARY: Tri-modality therapy is an alternative to radical cystectomy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and is associated with comparable long-term survival and high rates of bladder preservation.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Histologic Variants of Urothelial Cancer Treated with Trimodality Bladder-sparing Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Trimodality bladder-sparing therapy (TMT) is an acceptable treatment for selected patients with muscle-invasive urothelial cancer. Outcomes of TMT in histologic variants remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of pure urothelial carcinoma (PUC) to variant urothelial carcinoma (VUC) after TMT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective study of patients treated with TMT at a single cancer center from 1993 until 2013. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities, and univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 303 patients treated with TMT, 66 (22%) had VUC. Fifty (76%) had VUC with squamous and/or glandular differentiation and 16 (24%) had other forms. Complete response rate after induction TMT was 83% in PUC and 82% in VUC (p=0.9). The 5-yr and 10-yr disease-specific survival (DSS) was 75% and 67% in PUC versus 64% and 64% in VUC. The 5-yr and 10-yr overall survival (OS) was 61% and 42% in PUC versus 52% and 42% in VUC. On multivariable analysis VUC was not associated with DSS (hazard ratio: 1.3, 95% confidence interval: 0.8-2.2, p=0.3) or OS (hazard ratio: 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.8-1.7, p=0.4). Salvage cystectomy rates were similar (log-rank p=0.3). Limitations include retrospective design and restriction to variants of urothelial cancer. CONCLUSIONS: VUC responded to TMT, and there was no significant difference in complete response, OS, DSS, or salvage cystectomy rates compared with PUC. The presence of VUC should not exclude patients from TMT. PATIENT SUMMARY: The response of histologic variants of bladder cancer to bladder-sparing chemoradiation is largely unknown. We compared the outcomes of histologic variants of urothelial cancer to pure urothelial cancer in a large series of patients from a single institution. We found that variant histology does not significantly influence outcomes.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic versus open salvage radical prostatectomy following radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: To describe immediate perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic salvage radical prostatectomy for recurrent cancer following radiation therapy, and compare outcomes to a contemporary open surgical cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 39 patients underwent salvage radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy (20 robotic, 19 open) for local recurrence following radiation therapy at a single institution between 2007 and 2011. Intraoperative parameters, postoperative complications, and oncological outcomes, were recorded. Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher's exact test were used for comparison of continuous and categorical variables respectively. Mean values of numeric variables are reported with standard deviation. RESULTS: The cohorts were similar with respect to age, ethnicity, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Score classification. Estimated blood loss was lower in the robotic group versus the open group (381.3 mL versus 865.0 mL, p = 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of intraoperative complications, postoperative Clavien = 3 complications (30% versus 15.7%), anastomotic leak (40% versus 42.1%), or wound infection (0% versus 15.7%) in the robotic and open groups. Mean node yield (10.4 versus 11.8), positive surgical margins (15.0% versus 15.7%), and undetectable prostate-specific antigen rate (78% versus 60%) were also similar between the robotic and open groups. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic salvage prostatectomy appears to have no significant difference to the open approach with respect to safety and surgical quality as measured by complications, node yield and surgical margins in this retrospective single-institution series.

Refining patient selection for neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the survival of patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy to confirm the utility of existing clinical tools to identify low risk patients who could be treated with radical cystectomy alone and a high risk group most likely to benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy at our institution between 2000 and 2010. Patients were considered high risk based on the clinical presence of hydroureteronephrosis, cT3b-T4a disease, and/or histological evidence of lymphovascular invasion, micropapillary or neuroendocrine features on transurethral resection. We evaluated survival (disease specific, progression-free and overall) and rate of pathological up staging. An independent cohort of patients from another institution was used to confirm our findings. RESULTS: We identified 98 high risk and 199 low risk patients eligible for analysis. High risk patients exhibited decreased 5-year overall survival (47.0% vs 64.8%) and decreased disease specific (64.3% vs 83.5%) and progression-free (62.0% vs 84.1%) survival probabilities compared to low risk patients (p <0.001). Survival outcomes were confirmed in the validation subset. On final pathology 49.2% of low risk patients had disease up staged. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year disease specific survival of low risk patients was greater than 80%, supporting the distinction of high risk and low risk muscle invasive bladder cancer. The presence of high risk features identifies patients with a poor prognosis who are most likely to benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy, while many of those with low risk disease can undergo surgery up front with good expectations and avoid chemotherapy associated toxicity.

Laparoscopy for the detection and treatment of early complications from minimally invasive urologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of laparoscopy for the detection and management of early postoperative complications after minimally invasive urologic surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2003 to September 2008, data were prospectively collected for all patients needing surgical intervention within 21 days after urologic minimally invasive procedures. No patients operated on for a postoperative complication during this period were excluded. Minimally invasive surgical intervention was performed on all hemodynamically stable patients in whom pneumoperitoneum could be established safely. RESULTS: A total of 1962 laparoscopic or robot-assisted urologic procedures were performed. In 14 (0.7%) cases, surgical intervention was necessary for postoperative complications. Two patients underwent exploratory laparotomy because of abdominal distention and hemodynamic instability. Laparoscopic surgical intervention successfully diagnosed and treated the remaining 12 patients. There were no conversions to open surgery. No additional trocars were necessary apart from preexisting sites. Two (14%) patients had minor postexploration complications. Mean estimated blood loss was 70 mL (range 50-100 mL). The mean length of hospital stay after exploration was 2 days (range 5 hours-5 days). CONCLUSIONS: With surgical expertise, laparoscopic treatment of intra-abdominal complications after minimally invasive urologic procedures can be successfully and safely performed. The advantages of the minimally invasive approach may be preserved.

Phase I trial of intravesical recombinant adenovirus mediated interferon-α2b formulated in Syn3 for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin failures in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: A phase I trial of intravesical recombinant adenovirus mediated interferon-α2b gene therapy (rAd-IFNα) formulated with the excipient SCH Syn3 was conducted in patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer who had disease recurrence after treatment with bacillus Calmette-Guérin. The primary objective was to determine the safety of rAd-IFNα/Syn3. Secondary end points were demonstrated effective rAd-IFNα gene expression and preliminary evidence of clinical activity at 3 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 patients with recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer after bacillus Calmette-Guérin treatment were enrolled in the study. A single treatment of rAd-IFNα (3 × 10(9) to 3 × 10(11) particles per ml) formulated with the excipient Syn3 was administered. Patient safety was evaluated for 12 or more weeks. Efficacy of gene transfer was determined by urine IFNα protein concentrations. Preliminary drug efficacy was determined at 3 months. RESULTS: Intravesical rAd-IFNα/Syn3 was well tolerated as no dose limiting toxicity was encountered. Urgency was the most common adverse event and all cases were grade 1 or 2. rAd-IFNα DNA was not detected in the blood. However, transient low serum IFNα and Syn3 levels were measured. High and prolonged dose related urine IFNα levels were achieved with the initial treatment. Of the 14 patients treated at doses of 10(10) or more particles per ml with detectable urine IFNα, 6 (43%) experienced a complete response at 3 months and 2 remained disease-free at 29.0 and 39.2 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical rAd-IFNα/Syn3 was well tolerated with no dose limiting toxicity encountered. Dose dependent urinary IFNα concentrations confirmed efficient gene transfer and expression. Intravesical rAd-IFNα/Syn3 demonstrated clinical activity in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer recurring after bacillus Calmette-Guérin.

Plasma microRNA profiles for bladder cancer detection.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (BC) is a burdensome disease with significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. The development of novel plasma-based biomarkers for BC diagnosis and surveillance could significantly improve clinical outcomes and decrease health expenditures. Plasma miRNAs are promising biomarkers that have yet to be rigorously investigated in BC. OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and efficacy of detecting BC with plasma miRNA signatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma miRNA was isolated from 20 patients with bladder cancer and 18 noncancerous controls. Samples were analyzed with a miRNA array containing duplicate probes for each miRNA in the Sanger database. Logistic regression modeling was used to optimize diagnostic miRNA signatures to distinguish between muscle invasive BC (MIBC), non-muscle-invasive BC (NMIBC) and noncancerous controls. RESULTS: Seventy-nine differentially expressed plasma miRNAs (local false discovery rate [FDR] <0.5) in patients with or without BC were identified. Some diagnostically relevant miRNAs, such as miR-200b, were up-regulated in MIBC patients, whereas others, such as miR-92 and miR-33, were inversely correlated with advanced clinical stage, supporting the notion that miRNAs released in the circulation have a variety of cellular origins. Logistic regression modeling was able to predict diagnosis with 89% accuracy for detecting the presence or absence of BC, 92% accuracy for distinguishing invasive BC from other cases, 100% accuracy for distinguishing MIBC from controls, and 79% accuracy for three-way classification between MIBC, NIMBC, and controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary data supporting the use of plasma miRNAs as a noninvasive means of BC detection. Future studies will be required to further specify the optimal plasma miRNA signature, and to apply these signatures to clinical scenarios, such as initial BC detection and BC surveillance.

The p63 protein isoform ΔNp63α inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human bladder cancer cells: role of MIR-205.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process that plays important roles in tumor metastasis, "stemness," and drug resistance. EMT is typically characterized by the loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and increased expression of EMT-associated transcriptional repressors, including ZEB1 and ZEB2. The miR-200 family and miR-205 prevent EMT through suppression of ZEB1/2. p53 has been implicated in the regulation of miR-200c, but the mechanisms controlling miR-205 expression remain elusive. Here we report that the p53 family member and p63 isoform, ΔNp63α, promotes miR-205 transcription and controls EMT in human bladder cancer cells. ΔNp63α, E-cadherin and miR-205 were coexpressed in a panel of bladder cancer cell lines (n = 28) and a cohort of primary bladder tumors (n = 98). Stable knockdown of ΔNp63α in the "epithelial" bladder cancer cell line UM-UC6 decreased the expression of miR-205 and induced the expression of ZEB1/2, effects that were reversed by expression of exogenous miR-205. Conversely, overexpression of ΔNp63α in the "mesenchymal" bladder cancer cell line UM-UC3 induced miR-205 and suppressed ZEB1/2. ΔNp63α knockdown reduced the expression of the primary and mature forms of miR-205 and the miR-205 "host" gene (miR-205HG) and decreased binding of RNA Pol II to the miR-205HG promoter, inhibiting miR-205HG transcription. Finally, high miR-205 expression was associated with adverse clinical outcomes in bladder cancer patients. Together, our data demonstrate that ΔNp63α-mediated expression of miR-205 contributes to the regulation of EMT in bladder cancer cells and identify miR-205 as a molecular marker of the lethal subset of human bladder cancers.

Nonclamping partial nephrectomy: towards improved nephron sparing.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by vascular clamping contributes to the decline in glomerular filtration rate following partial nephrectomy. Ischemia is the main modifiable factor that determines postoperative kidney function, and it is likely that a harmless duration of ischemia does not exist. Each additional minute of warm ischemia increases the odds of acute renal failure, severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease. Our experience comparing partial nephrectomy with and without clamping in solitary kidneys suggests that renovascular clamping is the only statistically significant determinant of postoperative renal dysfunction. Studies comparing partial nephrectomy with and without clamping demonstrate that ischemia is associated with a risk of acute renal failure, advanced CKD, and renal replacement therapy. Oncologic outcomes and complications in partial nephrectomy without clamping are similar to those with clamping. Even in complex lesions, partial nephrectomy without vascular clamping is preferable when feasible.

Novel ZEB1 expression in bladder tumorigenesis.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in tumor progression where the underlying cellular changes associated with EMT have been identified in in vitro models and confirmed in a limited number of in vivo studies. ZEB1, which targets E-cadherin repression, is a transcriptional regulator that has been implicated in EMT, and is associated with uterine and colorectal cancers. Regulation of ZEB1 expression has been shown to involve different microRNAs (miRNAs), identifying a potential role for miRNA in EMT. In the present study we have identified novel expression of ZEB1 in bladder tumours and shown a role for ZEB1 in enhanced migration and invasion potential in in vitro assays. Confirmation of ZEB1 expression in bladder tumours was shown in tissue microarrays (TMAs). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ZEB1 expression in bladder tumorigenesis and define a possible role for this transcription factor in urothelial carcinomas of the bladder (UCBs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and fifty-eight samples were assembled in 10 tissue microarrays (TMAs; 263 non-muscle-invasive Ta/T1/Tis, 295 muscle-invasive T2-T4). All tumours were transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) and processed for immunohistochemistry to assess nuclear ZEB1 expression. Expression levels of ZEB1 were modulated in bladder carcinoma cell lines CUBIII or UM-UC-3 after forced expression or shRNA knockdown, respectively. Protein expression levels were determined using western blot analysis and transfectants were assessed for migration and invasion potential in standard in vitro assays. RESULTS: Nuclear ZEB1 expression was recorded in 22.8% of non-muscle-invasive UCBs and 21.7% of muscle-invasive UCBs, including 24.1% grade I/II and 21.1% grade III tumours, and absent in normal bladder mucosa. No significant correlation was observed for tumour stage and grade, nodal involvement, vascular invasion, metastasis and overall or cancer-specific survival. The introduction or knockdown of ZEB1 expression in bladder carcinoma cell lines showed enhanced or reduced migration and invasive potential, respectively. Changes in ZEB1 expression were accompanied by altered microRNA (miRNA) expression underlying events linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CONCLUSION: The results in the present study showed novel expression of ZEB1 in bladder cancer in the absence of a link to clinical variables of change, including metastasis and survival. However, in vitro assays showed enhanced or reduced migration and invasion after the introduction or reduction of ZEB1, respectively, in transfected bladder cell lines. Modulation in expression of ZEB1 was closely linked to changes in the miR-200 family along with alternative known prognostic indicators of bladder tumour progression.

A MicroRNA expression profile defining the invasive bladder tumor phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify microRNA (miRNA) involved in the transition between the noninvasive and invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) phenotype. METHODS: Differential expression of miRNA was identified in a microarray format between noninvasive and invasive UCB cell lines and confirmed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) within this cell panel. Normalization of qRT-PCR with miR-222 was established from the microarray data and validated within a panel of 57 UCB tumors (26 noninvasive lesions (Ta/G1) and 31 invasive lesions (T2-T4). Pre-miR constructs were transfected into appropriate UCB cell lines to establish a change in invasive potential. RESULTS: Differential expression of miRNAs was identified from microarray analysis and included reduced expression associated with miR-30b, miR-31, miR-141, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-205, miR-21 in invasive lesions and elevated miR-99a in noninvasive UCB lesions. Reduced invasion potential was recorded in UM-UC-3, following pre-miR transfection, in all UCB cell lines with the exception of UM-UC-3/miR-30b transfectants. Our results identify a panel of miRNA modulated and expressed in invasive UCB tumors and demonstrates a role for them in the invasive phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic test, based on the three most discriminatory miRNAs in our panel (miR-200c, miR-141, and miR-30b), showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96.2%. Such a panel of miRNAs has the potential to identify invasive bladder tumors misclassified in pathologic assessment of bladder biopsy specimens.

Comparison of hilar clamping and non-hilar clamping partial nephrectomy for tumours involving a solitary kidney.

OBJECTIVE: • To compare outcomes of hilar clamping and non-hilar clamping partial nephrectomy for tumours involving a solitary functional kidney. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • Between 1990 and 2009, 104 partial nephrectomies, excluding bench and autotransplant procedures, were performed on solitary functional kidneys. • An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was performed analyzing patient demographics, operative data, complications, oncological outcomes and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). • GFR was calculated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. • Preoperative GFR was compared to Early GFR (lowest measured GFR 7-100 days postoperatively) and to Late GFR (GFR 101-365 days postoperatively). • Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess covariates affecting Late GFR. • Kaplan-Meier estimator was utilized to compare renal cell carcinoma (RCC) specific survival and non-RCC-related survival. RESULTS: • In total, 29 partial nephrectomies with hilar clamping and 75 partial nephrectomies without hilar clamping were performed in solitary kidneys. Median follow-up was 57 months. • There was no difference in tumour size, location and the number of tumours resected between the two groups. Mean ischaemia time for the clamping group was 25 min. • Some 97% of the clamping procedures were performed with cold ischaemia. • There was no difference in intra-operative estimated blood loss, transfusion requirement or length of hospital stay. • The complication rate and spectrum of complications were similar between the two groups. • The two groups had similar preoperative GFR and Early GFR. The non-clamping group had a significantly smaller percent decrease in Late GFR (11.8% vs 27.7%, P= 0.01) than the clamping group. • The non-clamping group was significantly more likely to have a less than 10% decrease in Late GFR compared to the clamping group (60.9% vs 17.7%, P= 0.002). • On multivariate analysis, only hilar clamping was significantly associated with decreased Late GFR (estimate 15.0, P= 0.02). • Surgical margin positivity rate was higher in the clamping group (21% vs 4%, P= 0.01); however, the local recurrence rate between the two groups was similar. • The clamping and non-clamping groups had similar 5-year RCC-specific survival and 5-year non-RCC-related survival. CONCLUSIONS: • Partial nephrectomy without hilar clamping in solitary kidneys provides similar cancer control compared to partial nephrectomy with hilar clamping. • Partial nephrectomy without clamping was associated with superior preservation of Late GFR. • No difference was detected in GFR early after surgery, possibly indicating that there may be ongoing renal loss after hilar clamping.

Identification of tumor and invasion suppressor gene modulators in bladder cancer by different classes of histone deacetylase inhibitors using reverse phase protein arrays.

PURPOSE: We assessed the ability of different classes of histone deacetylase inhibitors to target tumor and invasive suppressor genes in a panel of bladder carcinoma cell lines using reverse phase protein arrays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three poorly, moderately and highly invasive cell lines were exposed to histone deacetylase inhibitors, trichostatin A, apicidin, valproic acid (Sigma) and MS-275 (AXXORA) for 0 to 36 hours. Lysates were harvested and arrayed in a 10-fold dilution series in duplicate. Data points were collected and analyzed using a concentration interpolation methodology after normalization. RESULTS: Protein expression profiles revealed up-regulation of gamma-catenin in highly invasive lines, and alpha-catenin in moderately and highly invasive lines after exposure to all histone deacetylase inhibitors, apicidin and MS-275, respectively. Gelsolin was up-regulated in poorly and moderately invasive lines after exposure to all histone deacetylase inhibitors. Desmoglein was down-regulated in poorly and moderately invasive cell lines by all 4 histone deacetylase inhibitors, in addition to decreased FAK (Transduction Laboratories) expression in moderately and highly invasive lines exposed to valproic acid and MS-275. CONCLUSIONS: Different histone deacetylase inhibitor classes have the potential to modulate tumor and invasive suppressor gene expression, identifying histone deacetylase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for bladder cancer. Reverse phase protein arrays enable high throughput screening of multiple compounds to assess the expression profile of specific protein groups targeted for therapy.