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Background and Objectives: To investigate the role of preoperative albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in predicting pathologic node-positive (pN+) disease in penile cancer (PC) patients undergoing inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND). Materials and Methods: Clinical data of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) PC + ILND at a single high-volume institution between 2016 and 2021 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. An AAPR was obtained from preoperative blood analyses performed within 30 days from their scheduled surgery. A ROC curve analysis was used to assess AAPR cutoff, in addition to the Youden Index. Logistic regression analysis was utilized for an odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) calculations, and an estimate of pN+ disease. A p value < 0.05 was considered to be as statistically significant. Results: Overall, 42 PC patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 63.6 ± 12.9 years. The AAPR cut-off point value was determined to be 0.53. The ROC curve analysis reported an AUC of 0.698. On multivariable logistic regression analysis lymphovascular invasion (OR = 5.38; 95% CI: 1.47-9.93, p = 0.022), clinical node-positive disease (OR = 13.68; 95% CI: 4.37-43.90, p < 0.009), and albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio ≤ 0.53 (OR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.23-12.71, p = 0.032) were predictors of pN+ involvement. Conclusions: Preoperative AAPR may be a potentially valuable prognostic marker of pN+ disease in patients who underwent surgery for PC.
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Carcinoma de Células Escamosas , Neoplasias Penianas , Masculino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Fosfatase Alcalina , Neoplasias Penianas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Penianas/patologia , Prognóstico , Estudos Retrospectivos , Linfonodos/patologia , Excisão de Linfonodo , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/cirurgia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologia , AlbuminasRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) in patients with symptomatic BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2020 to January 2022, 63 prospectively enrolled patients underwent TPLA with a 1064-nm continuous-wave diode laser (EchoLaser, Elesta SpA). Primary endpoints were the change in IPSS, QoL, Qmax, PVR and prostate volume at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: At 3 months, IPSS improved from 20.8 ± 7.4 to 11.0 ± 6.6 (p < 0.001), QoL from 4.7 ± 1.4 to 1.5 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) and Qmax from 8.6 ± 3.5 mL/s to 13.2 ± 5.7 mL/s (p = 0.083). PVR decreased from 124.8 ± 115.4 mL to 43.6 ± 53.6 mL (p < 0.001), and prostate volume decreased from 63.6 ± 29.7 mL to 45.6 ± 21.8 mL (p = 0.003). At 12 months, IPSS improved from 20.8 ± 7.4 to 8.4 ± 5.9 (p < 0.001), QoL from 4.7 ± 1.4 to 1.2 ± 0.8 (p < 0.001), and Qmax from 8.6 ± 3.5 mL/s to 16.2 ± 4.3 mL/s (p = 0.014). PVR decreased from 124.8 ± 115.4 mL to 40.6 ± 53.6 mL (p = 0.003), and prostate volume decreased from 63.6 ± 29.7 mL to 42.8 ± 14.2 mL (p = 0.071). Transient complications consisted of two patients with prostatic abscess (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa) and one patient with orchitis (Clavien-Dindo grade II). CONCLUSIONS: TPLA for symptomatic BPH provides clinical benefits at 3 and 12 months, and the treatment is well tolerated.
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Terapia a Laser , Hiperplasia Prostática , Masculino , Humanos , Hiperplasia Prostática/cirurgia , Próstata/diagnóstico por imagem , Próstata/cirurgia , Estudos Prospectivos , Qualidade de Vida , Ultrassonografia de Intervenção , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer represents a high demolitive surgical procedure with a significative impact on quality of life. Sexuality preserving techniques have been proposed in order to improve functional outcomes. Although sex-sparing techniques would provide women with the chance of having pregnancy, experience is still limited when malignant conditions are considered. We report the outcomes of pregnancy and delivery in a 43-year-old woman with a Padua ileal orthotopic neobladder after robot-assisted sexuality preserving cystectomy for muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer performed four years earlier, at age 39. CASE PRESENTATION: Since pregnancy was confirmed, the patient had been under close urological and gynecological observation. Hydronephrosis and voiding-relating complications were reported and treated by inserting a nephrostomy tubes and indwelling bladder catheter. At the time of delivery, elective caesarian section was performed without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Sexuality preserving cystectomy could be an option in selected and highly motivated young patients with diagnosis of bladder cancer. A multidisciplinary team of experts included gynecologists, urologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists and neonatologists is required for the optimal management of pregnancy and peripartum care in women with urinary diversion.
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Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária , Derivação Urinária , Adulto , Cistectomia/métodos , Feminino , Humanos , Gravidez , Qualidade de Vida , Sexualidade , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/patologia , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/cirurgia , Derivação Urinária/métodosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The worldwide spread of SARS-COV2 had led to a delay in treatment of numerous urological pathologies, even in emergency conditions. We therefore sought to determine whether the timing of diagnosis and treatment and the postoperative outcome of patients with testicular torsion had been changed during the COVID pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We considered all patients evaluated in the emergency department (ED) for testicular torsion from February 2018 to August 2019 (pre-COVID period) and from February 2020 to August 2021 (during COVID pandemic). All patients underwent clinical and ultrasound evaluation and subsequently scrotal exploration. Primary outcomes were the time differences from pain onset to ED presentation and from ED presentation to surgical treatment. We also investigated whether the number or orchiectomies required changed during the pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were divided in two groups: 40 patients in pre-COVID-19 group and 14 in the COVID-19 cohort. Mean time from symptoms onset to ED access was longer during the pandemic (4.2 ± 5.7 versus 39.6 ± 37.3 hours, p = 0.009). Mean time from ED access to surgery was similar (2.9 ± 1.1 versus 4.2 ± 2.3, p = 0.355). In addition, the number of orchiectomies was higher in COVID-19 group (2.5% versus 28.6%, p < 0.01), compared to a lower number of detorsions (97.5% versus 71.4%, p < 0.01). Elapsed time from pain onset to surgery was directly correlated with the increased white blood cell (WBC) count after surgery (r = 0.399, p = 0.002). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The current study identifies a significant delay in presentation of testicular torsion which resulted in a significant increase in orchiectomies with the expected decreased in detorsion/orchiopexy. In addition, there was an increase in the WBC at presentation associated with delayed presentation.
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COVID-19 , Torção do Cordão Espermático , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Orquiectomia/métodos , Dor/cirurgia , Pandemias , RNA Viral , Estudos Retrospectivos , SARS-CoV-2 , Torção do Cordão Espermático/diagnóstico , Torção do Cordão Espermático/epidemiologia , Torção do Cordão Espermático/cirurgia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
PURPOSE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put a substantial burden on the Italian healthcare system, resulting in the restructuring of hospitals to care for COVID-19 patients. However, this has likely impacted access to care for patients experiencing other conditions. We aimed to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on access to care for patients with urgent/emergent urological conditions throughout Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 33 urological units in the AGILE consortium, asking clinicians to report on the number of urgent/emergent urological patients seen and/or undergoing surgery over a 3-week period during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak and a reference week prior to the outbreak. ANOVA and linear regression models were used to quantify these changes. RESULTS: Data from 27 urological centres in Italy showed a decrease from 956 patients/week seen just prior to the outbreak to 291 patients/week seen by the end of the study period. There was a difference in the number of patients with urgent/emergent urological disease seen within/during the different weeks (all p values < 0.05). A significant decrease in the number of patients presenting with haematuria, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, scrotal pain, renal colic, or trauma and urgent/emergent cases that required surgery was reported (all p values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In Italy, during the COVID-19 outbreak there has been a decrease in patients seeking help for urgent/emergent urological conditions. Restructuring of hospitals and clinics is mandatory to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the healthcare system should continue to provide adequate levels of care also to patients with other conditions.
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Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/tendências , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Urologia/tendências , Assistência Ambulatorial , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Surtos de Doenças , Hospitais/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Itália/epidemiologia , Pandemias , Análise de Regressão , SARS-CoV-2 , Inquéritos e Questionários , Doenças Urológicas/epidemiologia , Doenças Urológicas/terapia , Urologia/métodosAssuntos
Neoplasias , Envio de Mensagens de Texto , Humanos , Neoplasias/terapia , Neoplasias/psicologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of tridimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS) and magnetic resonance (MR) in the preoperative assessment of both simple and complex anorectal fistulas. METHODS: All the patients referred for the treatment of anal fistulas were enrolled in this study and underwent, as preoperative assessment, anamnestic evaluation, clinical examination, and unenhanced and H2O2-enhanced 3D-EAUS and MR. The results of imaging evaluation were compared with surgical findings, considered as reference standard. RESULTS: During the study period, 124 patients operated on for anal fistulas underwent complete preoperative imaging assessment. Perfect agreement between 3D-EAUS and surgery in the anal fistulas' severity grading was found (K = 1). The fistulas were classified as simple in 68/126 (53.9%) and complex in 58/126 (46.03%) cases, according to fistulas' Parks' classification and the most recent American Guidelines. In both simple and complex anal fistulas, 3D-EAUS did not show a significantly higher accuracy in the evaluation of internal openings, if compared with MR (P = 0.47; McNemar's Chi-square test). In the complex anal fistulas, MR showed a significantly higher accuracy in the evaluation of secondary extensions if compared with 3D-EAUS (P = 0.041; McNemar's Chi-square test), whereas in the simple anal fistulas, no significant difference was found. CONCLUSION: In the preoperative work-up of patients with anorectal fistulas, 3D-EAUS may represent the first-line diagnostic tool. In cases of fistulas classified as complex by 3D-EAUS, MR may be indicated as adjunctive diagnostic imaging examination, to more carefully describe the fistulas' complete anatomy.
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Endossonografia , Imageamento Tridimensional , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Fístula Retal/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Peróxido de Hidrogênio , Aumento da Imagem/métodos , Masculino , Estudos Prospectivos , Fístula Retal/cirurgia , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
Incidental findings of renal masses are increasing. However, a substantial portion of surgically treated renal masses turn out to be benign on histopathological examination. Thus, there is a clear need for improved pre-surgical assessment to minimize unnecessary invasive procedures. The challenge intensifies when distinguishing between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and angiomyolipoma (AML) in renal lesions smaller than 4 cm with minimal adipose tissue. In such cases, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool, by utilizing both qualitative and quantitative parameters. Quantitative measures offer objectivity, reliability, and reproducibility compared to qualitative parameters, enabling the characterization of RCC subtypes and differentiation from AML. Qualitative features as enhancement pattern, degree, and peak were less helpful in distinguishing triphasic minimal fat AML (TAML) from epithelioid AML (EAML), with the pseudocapsule sign potentially being the only distinguishing qualitative feature. The pseudocapsule sign was more frequently observed in ccRCCs (38.0%) than in AMLs (15.6%). Moreover, it was detected in 40.0% of EAMLs and 34.5% of ccRCCs but not in TAMLs due to similar growth patterns between EAMLs and low-grade ccRCCs. Quantitative measures such as the time-to-peak (TTP) ratio can further enhance diagnostic accuracy and also TOC ratio should be considered, as it was higher in clear cell RCCs (ccRCCs) and in EAMLs compared to TAMLs, indicating behavior similar to ccRCCs. However, CEUS remains an operator-dependent exam.
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Angiomiolipoma , Carcinoma de Células Renais , Neoplasias Renais , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Humanos , Carcinoma de Células Renais/diagnóstico por imagem , Carcinoma de Células Renais/cirurgia , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Angiomiolipoma/diagnóstico por imagem , Angiomiolipoma/cirurgia , Neoplasias Renais/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Renais/cirurgiaRESUMO
(1) Background: Less than 30% of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and reasons for underuse remain unclear. One potential explanation is the concern for the increased risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of NAC on the risk of detrimental perioperative outcomes in patients with MIBC treated with radical cystectomy (RC). (2) Methods: We identified patients receiving RC for MIBC (T2-4a N0 M0) from 2016 to 2022. Moreover, 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was applied between RC alone versus RC plus NAC, and our analysis tested the association between NAC status and peri-operative outcomes. (3) Results: Among the 317 patients treated with RC for identified MIBC, 98 (31%) received NAC. Patients treated with NAC were younger (median yr. 64 vs. 71; p < 0.001), with a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (3 vs. 4; p > 0.001), and received more frequently continent urinary diversion (61 vs. 32%, p < 0.001). About 43% of patients in each group were treated with robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with totally intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD). After PSM, no differences were detected for the outcomes considered. (4) Conclusions: NAC is not associated with a higher rate of perioperative complications, including patients who received RARC with ICUD.
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BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a diagnostic tool that is gaining popularity for its ability to improve overall diagnostic accuracy in bladder cancer (BC) staging. Our aim is to determine the cumulative diagnostic performance of CEUS in predicting preoperative muscle invasiveness using a comprehensive systematic review and pooled meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review until October 2023 was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Patients with BC suspicion were offered CEUS before the transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). The diagnostic performance of CEUS was evaluated based on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) vs. muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) confirmed at the final histopathological examination after TURBT. The outcomes were determined through pooled sensitivity, specificity, pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR+), negative likelihood ratio (PLR-), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Overall, five studies were included. In these studies, a total of 362 patients underwent CEUS prior to TURBT. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81-0.93) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82-0.92), respectively. SROC curve depicted a diagnostic accuracy of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.81-0.98). The pooled PLR+ and PLR- were 7.3 (95% CI: 4.8-11.2) and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08-0.23), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicates that CEUS is highly accurate in the diagnosis and staging for BC. Beyond its accuracy, CEUS offers the advantage of being a cost-effective, safe, and versatile imaging tool.
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Meios de Contraste , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária , Humanos , Músculos , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Ultrassonografia/métodos , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/patologiaRESUMO
We aimed to report sexual and reproductive outcomes following post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal unilateral lymph node dissection (PC-rRPLND) for non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) at a high-volume cancer center. We collected records regarding sexual and reproductive outcomes of patients undergoing unilateral PC-rRPLND for stage II NSGCTs from January 2018 to November 2021. Preoperative and postoperative (at 12 months) ejaculatory function as well as erectile function, based on the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Erection Hardness Score (EHS), were assessed. Only patients with a pre-operative IIEF-5 of ≥22 and EHS of ≥3 were included in this analysis. Overall, 22 patients undergoing unilateral PC-rRPLND met the inclusion criteria. Of these, seven (31.8%) patients presented an andrological disorder of any type after PC-rRPLND. Specifically, retrograde ejaculation was present in three (13.6%) patients and hypospermia was present in one (4.5%) patient. Moreover, three (13.6%) patients yielded erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 < 22 and/or EHS < 3). Lastly, two (9.1%) succeeded in naturally conceiving a child after PC-rRPLND. Retrograde ejaculation is confirmed to be one of the most common complications of PC-rRPLND. Moreover, a non-negligible number of patients experience erectile dysfunction.
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INTRODUCTION: To analyze whether the use of an intermittent (IAD) versus continuous (CAD) androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of biochemical progression after primary treatments in prostate cancer can influence the development of nonmetastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC-M0). PATIENTS: 170 male patients with an histologically confirmed diagnosis of PC, presenting a biochemical progression after primary treatments (82 after radical prostatectomy and 88 after external radiation therapy), nonmetastatic at imaging were considered for continuous (85 cases) or intermittent (85 cases) administration of androgen deprivation therapy. METHODS: we retrospectively collect all data regarding histological diagnosis, primary treatment, imaging for M0-M1 staging, PSA at progression, time to biochemical progression from primary therapy, ADT used, IAD cycles, so to compare in 2 groups (IAD vs. CAD) time for progression from the beginning of ADT treatment and type of progression in terms of CRPC-M0 versus CRPC-M1 cases. RESULTS: no significant (P= .4955) difference in the whole CRPC progression was found between IAD (25.8%) and CAD (30.5%) treatment at a mean of 32.7 ± 7.02 months and 35.6 ± 13.1 months respectively (P= .0738). Mean PSA at CRPC development was significantly higher in the IAD group (5.16 ± 0.68 ng/mL) than in the CAD group (3.1 ± 0.7 ng/mL) (P < .001). In all cases, imaging to detect M status at CRPC development was PET TC scan. At univariate analysis CAD administration significantly increases the RR for CRPC-M0 progression (RR 3.48; 95%CI 1.66-7.29; P = .01) when compared to the IAD administration, and this effect at multivariate analysis remained significant and independent to the other variables (RR 2.34, 95%CI 1.52-5.33; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: in our population with biochemical progression after primary treatment for PC, the intermittent administration of ADT significantly reduces the risk to develop CRPC-M0 disease when compared to a continuous administration of ADT, whereas no difference between the 2 strategies in terms of CRPC-M1 progression exists.
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Neoplasias de Próstata Resistentes à Castração , Neoplasias da Próstata , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias da Próstata/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Antagonistas de Androgênios/uso terapêutico , Antígeno Prostático Específico , Androgênios , Neoplasias de Próstata Resistentes à Castração/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias de Próstata Resistentes à Castração/patologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Progressão da DoençaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In intermediate/high risk prostate cancer, preoperative staging exams are mandatory. The aim of these imaging studies is to evaluate eventual lymph nodes involvement and/or metastatic spread of the tumor. Nevertheless, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scan modalities have controversial sensitivity. Introduction of PET-PSMA and its use also as preoperative exam, seems to improve diagnostic accuracy due to favorable negative predictive value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of PET-PSMA as a preoperative staging exam and its accuracy in predicting lymph nodes involvement in intermediate/high risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 50 patients diagnosed with intermediate/high risk PCa between 2018 and 2022 has been performed. All patients underwent preoperative 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT prior to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) + extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). The cohort was categorized into two groups: pathologically negative lymph nodes (pN0) vs. positive nodes (pN1). A descriptive and comparative analysis was conducted. Correlation analysis between continuous variables was performed using the Spearman's Rank Test. Using lymph nodes histopathological results as reference standard, the diagnostic performance of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 50 patients were included. The mean age was 63.3 years with a median prostatic specific antigen (PSA) of 7.7 ng/dL. Forty-four percent of the patients exhibited an International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) score of 4 or higher, and 28% had a pT3 stage. Overall, 43 (86%) patients submitted to ePLND did not present lymph node metastases (pN0), while 8 (14%) patients were pN1. PET-PSMA showed low sensitivity in detecting lymph node metastases (25%) while a high specificity in excluding lymph-node disease (88.1%) has been observed. Finally, we noted a significant positive correlation between the total SUV
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Isótopos de Gálio , Radioisótopos de Gálio , Metástase Linfática , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons combinada à Tomografia Computadorizada , Prostatectomia , Neoplasias da Próstata , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Robóticos , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias da Próstata/cirurgia , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/diagnóstico por imagem , Prostatectomia/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Idoso , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estadiamento de Neoplasias/métodos , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Robóticos/métodos , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons combinada à Tomografia Computadorizada/métodos , Metástase Linfática/diagnóstico por imagem , Metástase Linfática/patologia , Linfonodos/patologia , Linfonodos/diagnóstico por imagem , Linfonodos/cirurgia , Medição de Risco/métodos , Ácido Edético/análogos & derivados , Excisão de Linfonodo/métodosRESUMO
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an advanced imaging technique that integrates conventional US with the intravenous injection of specific US contrast agents (UCAs), combining the non-invasiveness of US with the higher accuracy of contrast-enhanced imaging. In contrast with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and cystoscopy, CEUS has few contraindications, and UCAs are non-nephrotoxic agents that can be safely used in patients with kidney failure. CEUS is a well-established method for the detection of liver lesions and for echocardiography, and its indications are expanding. The updated 2018 WFUMB-EFSUMB guidelines have added the urinary bladder under non-hepatic applications of CEUS. The technique is able to distinguish between benign tissue, such as clots or hematoma, and malignant lesions by perfusing the mass with contrast agent. Thanks to the different perfusion rates of the various layers of the bladder wall, CEUS is also able to predict tumor invasion depth and stage. Despite that, current urological guidelines do not include CEUS as a plausible imaging technique for bladder urothelial carcinoma. The main reason for this omission might be the presence of scarce randomized evidence and the absence of large validated series. In this review, we describe the rationale behind the use of CEUS in bladder cancer and the added value of this imaging technique in the detection and staging of bladder lesions. In addition, we researched the available literature on the topic and then described the results of randomized clinical trials and a meta-analysis investigating the accuracy of CEUS in bladder cancer diagnosis and staging. The reported studies show that CEUS is a highly accurate diagnostic and staging tool for BC, reaching levels of specificity and sensitivity in differentiating between Ta-T1, or low-grade BC, and T2, or high-grade BC, that are comparable to those shown by the reference standard methods. Nonetheless, several limitations were found and are highlighted in this review. The aim of this study is to further validate and promote the use of CEUS as a quick, economic and effective diagnostic tool for this high-impact disease.
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Background: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is increasingly being employed in the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and it is expanding in the field of complex renal tumors. The aim of this systematic review was to consolidate and assess the results of RAPN when dealing with entirely central hilar masses and to examine the various methods used to address the surgical difficulties associated with them. Methods: A thorough literature search in September 2023 across various databases focused on RAPN for renal hilar masses, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The primary goal was to evaluate RAPN's surgical and functional outcomes, with a secondary aim of examining different surgical techniques. Out of 1250 records, 13 full-text manuscripts were reviewed. Results: Evidence is growing in favor of RAPN for renal hilar masses. Despite a predominance of retrospective studies and a lack of long-term data, RAPN shows positive surgical outcomes and preserves renal function without compromising cancer treatment effectiveness. Innovative suturing and clamping methods are emerging in surgical management. Conclusions: RAPN is a promising technique for managing renal hilar masses in RCC, offering effective surgical outcomes and renal function preservation. The study highlights the need for more long-term data and prospective studies to further validate these findings.
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This review focuses on ablative techniques for small renal masses (SRMs), including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation (CA), microwave ablation (MWA), and irreversible electroporation (IRE), and discusses recurrence management. Through an extensive literature review, we outline the procedures, outcomes, and follow-up strategies associated with each ablative method. The review provides a detailed examination of these techniques-RFA, CA, MWA, and IRE-elucidating their respective outcomes. Recurrence rates vary among them, with RFA and CA showing comparable rates, MWA demonstrating favorable short-term results, and IRE exhibiting promise in experimental stages. For managing recurrences, various strategies are considered, including active surveillance, re-ablation, or salvage surgery. Surveillance is preferred post-RFA and post-CA, due to slow SRM growth, while re-ablation, particularly with RFA and CA, is deemed feasible without additional complications. Salvage surgery emerges as a viable option for larger or resistant tumors. While ablative techniques offer short-term results comparable to surgery, further research is essential to understand their long-term effects fully. Decisions concerning recurrence management should consider individual and tumor-specific factors. Imaging, notably contrast-enhanced ultrasounds, plays a pivotal role in assessing treatment success, emphasizing the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcomes. The lack of randomized trials highlights the need for further research.
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Background: Recently, an innovative tool called "proficiency score" was introduced to assess the learning curve for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). However, the initial study only focused on patients with low-risk prostate cancer for whom pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) was not required. To address this issue, we aimed to validate proficiency scores of a contemporary multicenter cohort of patients with high-risk prostate cancer treated with RARP plus extended PLND by trainee surgeons. Material and methods: Between 2010 and 2020, 4 Italian institutional prostate-cancer datasets were merged and queried for "RARP" and "high-risk prostate cancer." High-risk prostate cancer was defined according to the most recent European Association of Urology guidelines as follows: prostate-specific antigen >20 ng/mL, International Society of Urological Pathology ≥4, and/or clinical stage (cT) ≥ 2c on preoperative imaging. The selected cohort (n = 144) included clinical cases performed by trainee surgeons (n = 4) after completing their RARP learning curve (50 procedures for low-risk prostate cancer). The outcome of interest, the proficiency score, was defined as the coexistence of all the following criteria: a comparable operation time to the interquartile range of the mentor surgeon at each center, absence of any significant perioperative complications Clavien-Dindo Grade 3-5, no perioperative blood transfusions, and negative surgical margins. A logistic binary regression model was built to identify the predictors of 1-year trifecta achievement in the trainee cohort. For all statistical analyses, a 2-sided p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A proficiency score was achieved in 42.3% patients. At univariable level, proficiency score was associated with 1-year trifecta achievement (odds ratio, 8.77; 95% confidence interval, 2.42-31.7; p = 0.001). After multivariable adjustments for age, nerve-sparing, and surgical technique, the proficiency score independently predicted 1-year trifecta achievement (odds ratio, 9.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.83-50.1; p = 0.007). Conclusions: Our findings support the use of proficiency scores in patients and require extended PLND in addition to RARP.
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BACKGROUND: Diagnostic ureteroscopy (URS) with or without biopsy remains a subject of contention in the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), with varying recommendations across different guidelines. The study aims to analyse the decision-making and prognostic role of diagnostic ureteroscopy (URS) in high-risk UTUC patients undergoing curative surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective multi-institutional analysis of high-risk UTUC patients from the ROBUUST dataset, a comparison between patients who received or not preoperative URS and biopsy before curative surgery was carried out. Logistic regression analysis evaluated differences between patients receiving URS and its impact on treatment strategy. Survival analysis included 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). After adjusting for high-risk prognostic group features, Cox proportional hazard model estimated significant predictors of time-to-event outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 1,912 patients were included, 1,035 with preoperative URS and biopsy and 877 without. Median follow-up: 24 months. Robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy was the most common procedure (55.1%), in both subgroups. The 5-year OS (Pâ¯=â¯0.04) and CSS (P < 0.001) were significantly higher for patients undergoing URS. The 5-year RFS (Pâ¯=â¯0.6), and MFS (Pâ¯=â¯0.3) were comparable between the 2 groups. Preoperative URS and biopsy were neither a significant predictor of worse oncological outcomes nor of a specific treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS: The advantage in terms of OS and CSS in patients undergoing preoperative URS could derive from a better selection of candidates for curative treatment. The treatment strategy is likely more influenced by tumor features than by URS findings.
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Carcinoma de Células de Transição , Neoplasias Ureterais , Ureteroscopia , Humanos , Ureteroscopia/métodos , Masculino , Feminino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Prognóstico , Idoso , Carcinoma de Células de Transição/cirurgia , Carcinoma de Células de Transição/patologia , Carcinoma de Células de Transição/mortalidade , Carcinoma de Células de Transição/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Ureterais/cirurgia , Neoplasias Ureterais/patologia , Neoplasias Ureterais/mortalidade , Neoplasias Ureterais/diagnóstico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tomada de Decisão Clínica , Neoplasias Renais/cirurgia , Neoplasias Renais/patologia , Neoplasias Renais/mortalidade , Neoplasias Renais/diagnósticoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The role of kidney-sparing surgery in patients with high-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is controversial. The present study aimed to assess oncological and functional outcomes of robot-assisted distal ureterectomy in patients with high-risk distal ureteral tumors. METHODS: The ROBUUST 2.0 multicenter international (2015-2022) dataset was used for this retrospective cohort analysis. High-risk patients with distal ureteral tumors were divided based on type of surgery: robot-assisted distal ureterectomy or robot-assisted nephroureterectomy. A survival analysis was performed for local recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival. After adjusting for clinical features of the high-risk prognostic group, Cox proportional hazard model was plotted to evaluate significant predictors of time-to-event outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 477 patients were retrieved, of which 58 received robot-assisted distal ureterectomy and 419 robot-assisted nephroureterectomy, respectively, with a mean (±SD) follow-up of 29.6 months (±2.6). The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline features. At survival analysis, no significant difference was observed in terms of recurrence-free survival (P=0.6), metastasis-free survival (P=0.5) and overall survival (P=0.7) between robot-assisted distal ureterectomy and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy. At Cox regression analysis, type of surgery was never a significant predictor of worse oncological outcomes. At last follow-up patients undergoing robot-assisted distal ureterectomy had significantly better postoperative renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Comparable outcomes in terms of recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival between robot-assisted distal ureterectomy and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy patients, and better postoperative renal function preservation in the former group were observed. Kidney-sparing surgery should be considered as a potential option for selected patients with high-risk distal ureteral UTUC.
Assuntos
Carcinoma de Células de Transição , Nefroureterectomia , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Robóticos , Ureter , Neoplasias Ureterais , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Masculino , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Robóticos/métodos , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Robóticos/efeitos adversos , Feminino , Idoso , Neoplasias Ureterais/cirurgia , Neoplasias Ureterais/mortalidade , Neoplasias Ureterais/patologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Carcinoma de Células de Transição/cirurgia , Carcinoma de Células de Transição/mortalidade , Carcinoma de Células de Transição/patologia , Ureter/cirurgia , Nefroureterectomia/métodos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Since the early 1940s, androgen ablation has been the cornerstone of treatment for prostate cancer (PC). Importantly, androgen receptor (AR) signaling is vital not only for the initiation of PC, which is initially androgen-dependent, but also for castration-resistant disease. Recent studies demonstrated clear promise of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibitors for targeting prostate cancer cells harboring mutations in DNA damage-repair genes. In addition, it has been established that PARP-1 inhibition suppresses growth of AR-positive prostate cancer cells in cell and animal models. Thus, prostate cancer represents a particularly promising disease site for targeting PARP-1, given that both DNA repair and AR-mediated transcription depend on PARP-1 function. Here, we describe the development and use of cell-based assay to evaluate the impact of PARP-1 inhibitors on the AR signaling in prostate cancer cells.