Metabolic reprogramming ensures cancer cell survival despite oncogenic signaling blockade.

There is limited knowledge about the metabolic reprogramming induced by cancer therapies and how this contributes to therapeutic resistance. Here we show that although inhibition of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling markedly decreased glycolysis and restrained tumor growth, these signaling and metabolic restrictions triggered autophagy, which supplied the metabolites required for the maintenance of mitochondrial respiration and redox homeostasis. Specifically, we found that survival of cancer cells was critically dependent on phospholipase A2 (PLA2) to mobilize lysophospholipids and free fatty acids to sustain fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation. Consistent with this, we observed significantly increased lipid droplets, with subsequent mobilization to mitochondria. These changes were abrogated in cells deficient for the essential autophagy gene ATG5 Accordingly, inhibition of PLA2 significantly decreased lipid droplets, decreased oxidative phosphorylation, and increased apoptosis. Together, these results describe how treatment-induced autophagy provides nutrients for cancer cell survival and identifies novel cotreatment strategies to override this survival advantage.

In-Bore Versus Fusion MRI-Targeted Biopsy of PI-RADS Category 4 and 5 Lesions: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis Using Propensity Score Weighting.

BACKGROUND. Few published studies have compared in-bore and fusion MRI-targeted prostate biopsy, and the available studies have had conflicting results. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare the target-specific cancer detection rate of in-bore prostate biopsy with that of fusion MRI-targeted biopsy. METHODS. The records of men who underwent in-bore or fusion MRI-targeted biopsy of PI-RADS category 4 or 5 lesions between August 2013 and September 2019 were retrospectively identified. PI-RADS version 2.1 assessment category, size, and location of each target were established by retrospective review by a single experienced radiologist. Patient history and target biopsy results were obtained by electronic medical record review. Only the first MRI-targeted biopsy of the dominant lesion was included for patients with repeated biopsies or multiple targets. In-bore and fusion biopsy were compared by propensity score weights and multivariable regression to adjust for imbalances in patient and target characteristics between biopsy techniques. The primary endpoint was target-specific prostate cancer detection rate. Secondary endpoints were detection rate after application of propensity score weighting for cancers in International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group 2 (GG2) or higher and detection rate with the use of off-target systematic sampling results. RESULTS. The study sample included 286 men (in-bore biopsy, 191; fusion biopsy, 95). Compared with fusion biopsy, in-bore biopsy was associated with significantly greater likelihood of detection of any cancer (odds ratio, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.04-4.98]; p = .04) and nonsignificantly greater likelihood of detection of ISUP GG2 or higher cancer (odds ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 0.88-2.79]; p = .12) in a target. When off-target sampling was included, in-bore biopsy and combined fusion and systematic biopsy were not different for detection of any cancer (odds ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 0.54-2.45]; p = .71) or ISUP GG2 and higher cancer (odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.66-2.01]; p = .62). CONCLUSION. In this retrospective study in which propensity score weighting was used, in-bore MRI-targeted prostate biopsy had a higher target-specific cancer detection rate than did fusion biopsy. CLINICAL IMPACT. Pending a larger prospective randomized multicenter comparison between in-bore and fusion biopsy, in-bore may be the preferred approach should performing only biopsy of a suspicious target, without concurrent systematic biopsy, be considered clinically appropriate.

Optimizing the Sequence of Chemotherapy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma with Clinically Positive Regional Lymph Nodes.

PURPOSE: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma with clinically positive regional lymph nodes is an aggressive disease state with a high propensity for metastasis and death. The current literature is limited regarding national practice patterns and outcomes in this patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 1,658 patients in the NCDB (National Cancer Database) who had cN+M0 upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Patients were stratified into treatment groups. We compared baseline patient and tumor characteristics between the groups, and completed survival analysis using a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS: There were 1,658 patients in the final study population. Preoperative chemotherapy was the least performed treatment. That group comprised 6.8% of the overall population and was associated with the highest median overall survival of 36 months compared to 21 months for adjuvant chemotherapy, 14 for chemotherapy only, 10 for surgery without perioperative chemotherapy and 5 for no treatment. On multivariate analysis preoperative chemotherapy was associated with improved median overall survival compared to that in the adjuvant chemotherapy group (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.87). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between the chemotherapy only and the surgery only groups. Of patients in the preoperative chemotherapy group 34.6% achieved pN0 status compared to 10.3% of those who underwent surgery as initial therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative chemotherapy was the least performed treatment strategy in the management of cN+M0 upper tract urothelial carcinoma but it was associated with the highest median overall survival. There was no difference in survival between the chemotherapy only and the surgery only groups. Overall these results suggest that initial chemotherapy is appropriate in this population when feasible.

Impact of Direct MRI-Guided Biopsy of the Prostate on Clinical Management.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of direct MRI-guided biopsy of the prostate on clinical management in practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively identified 127 patients with unknown (n = 98) or untreated prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 6 (n = 29) who underwent direct MRI-guided biopsy of the prostate at our institution between August 2013 and January 2018, after initial multiparametric endorectal MRI examination revealed one or more Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS or PI-RADSv2) category 4 or 5 target lesion. All available medical and imaging records were reviewed to determine pertinent clinical details, biopsy findings, and postbiopsy management. RESULTS. The mean patient age was 68 years (interquartile range, 63-73 years). Findings from MRI-guided biopsy were positive for 93 of 127 patients (73%), with prostate cancer of Gleason score of 7 or higher diagnosed in 84 of these 93 patients (90%). When stratified by clinical scenario, the rate of positive biopsy findings was 66% (57/86) for patients who had negative findings from one or more prior transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies, 83% (10/12) for biopsy-naive patients, and 90% (26/29) for patients undergoing active surveillance. Overall, 90 of 127 patients (71%) received a new (n = 67) or upgraded (n = 23) diagnosis of prostate cancer, and 57 of these 90 patients (63%) proceeded to receive treatment with prostatectomy, radiation, or androgen deprivation therapy. CONCLUSION. The results of this study suggest that direct MRI-guided biopsy is associated with high rates of significant prostate cancer detection and subsequent definitive treatment across common clinical scenarios and should be considered an important supplementary diagnostic tool in the appropriate setting.

Unconventional Bladder Preservation: Factors Predicting Failure to Receive Definitive Surgery following Chemotherapy for Nonmetastatic Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in the National Cancer Database.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an important adjunct to cystectomy for managing muscle invasive bladder cancer. Using the National Cancer Database we investigated factors that predict failure to undergo surgery following multi-agent chemotherapy for nonmetastatic muscle invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cohort study in patients diagnosed with cT2-4aN0M0 urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder between 2004 and 2013 who underwent multi-agent chemotherapy. We excluded those with surgery prior to chemotherapy, clinical T4b disease and those who received radiotherapy. Socioeconomic and clinical predictors, including time from diagnosis to treatment, were analyzed using logistic regression for the receipt of surgery after chemotherapy. Cox proportional hazards modeling was applied to perform time dependent analysis. RESULTS: Of the 4,640 patients who met our study inclusion and exclusion criteria 4,244 (91%) proceeded to surgery. Negative predictors of surgery included African American or Hispanic race (OR 0.58, p = 0.007 and 0.48, p = 0.002, respectively), increasing age (OR 0.44, p <0.001) and greater time between diagnosis and chemotherapy initiation (fourth quartile greater than 59 days, OR 0.51, p <0.001). African American race (HR 0.79, p <0.001), Medicare (HR 0.86, p <0.001) and other government insurance (HR 0.73, p <0.001) were associated with delayed chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing age, African American or Hispanic race and longer time to chemotherapy predicted failure to undergo surgery. Furthermore, African American race was associated with delayed chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was also delayed in patients on Medicare or other government insurance. Longer time to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a modifiable risk factor that should be closely observed in multimodal cancer treatment.

Retroperitoneal Leydig cell tumor recurrence presenting 14 years after orchiectomy.

Malignant Leydig cell tumor is a rare entity that has been previously described as rapidly progressive and uniformly fatal. We present the case of a malignant Leydig cell tumor that presented 14 years after orchiectomy with an isolated retroperitoneal metastasis. Our patient underwent a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and has been free of recurrence or progression at 12 months of follow up. Additionally, we describe the symptomatic hormone dysfunction experienced by our patient as a result of his tumor.

Intraoperative Optical Biopsy during Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Using Confocal Endomicroscopy.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative optical biopsy technologies may aid in the identification of important anatomical landmarks and improve surgical outcomes of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. We evaluate the feasibility of confocal laser endomicroscopy during robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients with biopsy proven prostate cancer scheduled for robotic assisted radical prostatectomy were recruited. After intravenous administration of fluorescein 15 patients underwent in vivo intraoperative confocal laser endomicroscopy of prostatic and periprostatic structures using a 2.6 or 0.85 mm imaging probe. Standard robotic instruments were used to grasp and maneuver the confocal laser endomicroscopy probes for image acquisition. Confocal laser endomicroscopy imaging was performed ex vivo on fresh prostate specimens from 20 patients. Confocal video sequences acquired in vivo and ex vivo were reviewed and analyzed, with additional image processing using a mosaicing algorithm. Processed confocal images were compared with standard hematoxylin and eosin analysis of imaged regions. RESULTS: Confocal laser endomicroscopy was successfully integrated with robotic surgery, including co-registration of confocal video sequences with white light and probe handling with standard robotic instrumentation. Intraoperative confocal laser endomicroscopy imaging of the neurovascular bundle before and after nerve sparing dissection revealed characteristic features including dynamic vascular flow and intact axon fibers. Ex vivo confocal imaging of the prostatic parenchyma demonstrated normal prostate glands, stroma and prostatic carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: We report the initial feasibility of optical biopsy of prostatic and periprostatic tissue during robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. Image guidance and tissue interrogation using confocal laser endomicroscopy offer a new intraoperative imaging method that has the potential to improve the functional and oncologic outcomes of prostate cancer surgery.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Effect on Survival of Time from Diagnosis to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Cystectomy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

PURPOSE: We determine the impact of the timing of radical cystectomy from the diagnosis of muscle invasive bladder cancer on survival in patients also treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by cystectomy between 1996 and 2014 at a single institution. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the effect of treatment time intervals on overall survival. Three treatment intervals were analyzed for survival impact, from diagnosis of muscle invasive bladder cancer to initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, from initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to cystectomy and from diagnosis to cystectomy. Other pretreatment and posttreatment clinicopathological parameters were also analyzed. RESULTS: Median time from the diagnosis of muscle invasive bladder cancer to radical cystectomy was 28 weeks. Cystectomy performed less than 28 weeks from the diagnosis did not result in significant improvement in overall survival outcomes (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.28-1.63, p=0.388). Neither the timing of neoadjuvant chemotherapy initiation from diagnosis (median 6 weeks) nor the timing of cystectomy from neoadjuvant chemotherapy initiation (median 22 weeks) was associated with survival. Patient age, variant histology, extravesical and/or lymph node involvement (T3-4 and/or N1 or greater) were significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: The timing of radical cystectomy in relation to muscle invasive bladder cancer diagnosis date does not significantly impact overall survival in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Blood Transfusion is Associated with Increased Perioperative Morbidity and Adverse Oncologic Outcomes in Bladder Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radical Cystectomy.

PURPOSE: Perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) has been inconsistently associated with adverse outcomes. Bladder cancer patients are unique as they frequently undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with resulting immunosuppression, which may be exacerbated by transfusion-related immunomodulation. We examined the effect of leukoreduced PBT on oncologic outcomes and perioperative morbidity in radical cystectomy (RC) patients who received NAC, quantifying exposure with a novel dose-index variable. METHODS: The Johns Hopkins Radical Cystectomy database was queried for patients who had undergone NAC followed by RC from 2010 to 2013. Overall, 119 patients had available PBT and survival data. A multivariable Cox model evaluated risk factors, including pathologic stage, Charlson Comorbidity Index, age, race, year of surgery, surgical margin status, PBT, and preoperative hemoglobin for bladder cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Logistic regression models determined factors that were independently associated with perioperative morbidity. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 7.8 months (range 0.2-41.8), and during follow-up there were 25 deaths and 21 cancer deaths. PBT significantly predicted OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.49; p = 0.005), CSS (HR 1.32, 95 % CI 1.11-1.57; p = 0.002), and morbidity (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95 % CI 1.26-2.21; p = 0.004) in univariate analyses. In multivariable models, PBT was significantly associated with morbidity (OR 1.77, 95 % CI 1.30-2.39; p = 0.0002), but not OS or CSS. Intraoperative transfusion was associated with decreased OS and CSS, and increased morbidity, whereas postoperative transfusion was only associated with increased morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative blood transfusion was associated with increased perioperative morbidity and worsened OS and CSS in patients undergoing RC who had NAC. Although PBT may be life-saving in certain patients, a restrictive transfusion strategy may improve outcomes.

3-D Imaging and Simulation for Nephron Sparing Surgical Training.

Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) is now considered the procedure of choice for small renal masses largely based on functional advantages over traditional open surgery. Lack of haptic feedback, the need for spatial understanding of tumor borders, and advanced operative techniques to minimize ischemia time or achieve zero-ischemia PN are among factors that make MIPN a technically demanding operation with a steep learning curve for inexperienced surgeons. Surgical simulation has emerged as a useful training adjunct in residency programs to facilitate the acquisition of these complex operative skills in the setting of restricted work hours and limited operating room time and autonomy. However, the majority of available surgical simulators focus on basic surgical skills, and procedure-specific simulation is needed for optimal surgical training. Advances in 3-dimensional (3-D) imaging have also enhanced the surgeon's ability to localize tumors intraoperatively. This article focuses on recent procedure-specific simulation models for laparoscopic and robotic-assisted PN and advanced 3-D imaging techniques as part of pre- and some cases, intraoperative surgical planning.

Infectious complications in transfused patients after radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Infectious complications are common after radical cystectomy (RC), and allogeneic blood transfusions may increase infection risk by an immunosuppressive effect. While it has been suggested that perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) may be associated with adverse oncologic outcomes after RC, no large analyses have assessed whether PBT increases the risk of perioperative infection after RC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998 to 2011) to study the rate of PBT during RC for bladder cancer and identify infectious complications. We compared rates of infectious complications in patients who did and did not receive PBT and developed a multivariable model to assess the independent risk of infectious complication associated with PBT controlling for age, year of surgery, obesity, chronic kidney disease, comorbidity score, and type of urinary diversion. RESULTS: We identified 126,454 RCs performed during the study period. A total of 34,203 (27%) received a PBT. The use of PBT increased over the study period, from 18.4% in 1998 to 31.6% in 2011 (p < 0.0001). Patients who received a PBT had an increased risk of perioperative infectious complications [36.7% versus 27.7%, unadjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.51 (1.43-1.60), p < 0.0001]. After adjusting for potential confounders, PBT remained an independent predictor of infectious complications [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.46 (1.38-1.55), p < 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides strong observational evidence that PBT is associated with an increased risk of perioperative infectious complications, which may be secondary to transfusion-related immunomodulation. Urologists should aggressively pursue blood conservation strategies and adhere to evidence-based restrictive transfusion thresholds, particularly given the rising rate of PBT.

Testicular Germ Cell Tumors with Venous Tumor Thrombus: Prevalence, Presentation, and Management.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on the prevalence and management of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) cases presenting with venous tumor thrombus (VTT). Our objectives were to describe the prevalence of TGCT with VTT, to identify a multicenter retrospective cohort, and to ascertain expert opinion regarding optimal management of this entity. METHODS: Using the IBM Marketscan database, we identified men with testicular cancer who underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) with concurrent VTT or inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombectomy to estimate the prevalence of VTT in TGCT. To identify a multicenter retrospective cohort of patients, we surveyed surgeons and described the presentation, management, and outcomes for the cohort. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: The prevalence of TGCT with VTT in the IBM Marketscan database was 0.3% (n = 7/2517) when using stringent criteria and 3.1% (n = 79/2517) when using broad criteria. In response to our survey, 16 surgeons from ten centers contributed data for 34 patients. Most patients (n = 29, 85%) presented with nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. Surgical management was used for 93.9% (n = 31), including postchemotherapy tumor thrombectomy with primary cavorrhaphy in 63%. The Marketscan analysis was limited to insured individuals and did not include clinicopathological details, and use of billing codes may have included patients with stromal tumors. In addition, lack of responses to the anonymous survey limited data capture, and the RedCap survey did not address symptoms specific to IVC obstruction or allow central review of the imaging leading to VTT diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: VTT among males with TGCT is rare and requires complex multidisciplinary management, including venous tumor thrombectomy at the time of postchemotherapy RPLND. PATIENT SUMMARY: Using a medical database, we estimated that the frequency of testicular cancer cases in which the tumor extends into a blood vessel (called venous tumor thrombus, VTT) is just 0.3-3.1%. We carried out a survey of surgeons with experience of this condition. Our results indicate that although testicular cancers respond well to chemotherapy, VTT is less responsive and complex surgery is necessary for this rare condition.

Patterns of urinary catheter consults in a tertiary care hospital.

INTRODUCTION: We reviewed the consultation patterns for difficult urethral catheter placement in tertiary care hospitals and developed a treatment algorithm for this common request. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all urethral catheter consults obtained by urology residents at three tertiary care hospitals from October 2009 through October 2010. Only consults for inability to place urethral catheter by the referring team were included; hematuria or clot retention were excluded. Patient age, date of consultation, consulting service, prior urologic history, initial number of attempts, and final outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-one consults were recorded. Seventy-seven (96%) were male; the median age was 65 years. The most common consulting services were internal medicine (35%), intraoperative consults (17%), and the intensive care unit (17%). In 90% of cases, an initial attempt at catheter placement was attempted; 62% of these were made by nurses. Over half of patients had known urologic pathology. In 70% of cases, successful placement without other adjuncts was achieved by the urology resident. Twenty percent of patients required cystoscopic manipulation; nine percent required suprapubic tube placement. CONCLUSIONS: Catheterization was achieved without adjunct procedures in the majority of consults. These results support an algorithm in which all patients without a prior history of lower urinary tract pathology should undergo an initial placement attempt by the primary service physician. They also underscore the need for educational efforts to improve non-urologists' comfort level with placement of a standard Foley or Coudé catheter.

New optical imaging technologies for bladder cancer: considerations and perspectives.

PURPOSE: Bladder cancer presents as a spectrum of different diatheses. Accurate assessment for individualized treatment depends on initial diagnostic accuracy. Detection relies on white light cystoscopy accuracy and comprehensiveness. Aside from invasiveness and potential risks, white light cystoscopy shortcomings include difficult flat lesion detection, precise tumor delineation to enable complete resection, inflammation and malignancy differentiation, and grade and stage determination. Each shortcoming depends on surgeon ability and experience with the technology available for visualization and resection. Fluorescence cystoscopy/photodynamic diagnosis, narrow band imaging, confocal laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography address the limitations and have in vivo feasibility. They detect suspicious lesions (photodynamic diagnosis and narrow band imaging) and further characterize lesions (optical coherence tomography and confocal laser endomicroscopy). We analyzed the added value of each technology beyond white light cystoscopy and evaluated their maturity to alter the cancer course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Detailed PubMed® searches were done using the terms "fluorescence cystoscopy," "photodynamic diagnosis," "narrow band imaging," "optical coherence tomography" and "confocal laser endomicroscopy" with "optical imaging," "bladder cancer" and "urothelial carcinoma." Diagnostic accuracy reports and all prospective studies were selected for analysis. We explored technological principles, preclinical and clinical evidence supporting nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer detection and characterization, and whether improved sensitivity vs specificity translates into improved correlation of diagnostic accuracy with recurrence and progression. Emerging preclinical technologies with potential application were reviewed. RESULTS: Photodynamic diagnosis and narrow band imaging improve nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer detection, including carcinoma in situ. Photodynamic diagnosis identifies more papillary lesions than white light cystoscopy, enabling more complete resection and fewer residual tumors. Despite improved treatment current data on photodynamic diagnosis do not support improved high risk diathetic detection and characterization or correlation with disease progression. Prospective recurrence data are lacking on narrow band imaging. Confocal laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography potentially grade and stage lesions but data are lacking on diagnostic accuracy. Several emerging preclinical technologies may enhance the diagnostic capability of endoscopic imaging. CONCLUSIONS: New optical imaging technologies may improve bladder cancer detection and characterization, and transurethral resection quality. While data on photodynamic diagnosis are strongest, the clinical effectiveness of these technologies is not proven. Prospective studies are needed, particularly of narrow band imaging, confocal laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography. As each technology matures and new ones emerge, cost-effectiveness analysis must be addressed in the context of the various bladder cancer types.

Selecting patients for magnetic resonance imaging cognitive versus ultrasound fusion biopsy of the prostate: A within-patient comparison.

Objectives: To compare overall agreement between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-ultrasound (US) fusion biopsy (FB) and MRI cognitive fusion biopsy (CB) of the prostate and determine which factors affect agreement for prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent both modalities in a prospective within-patient protocol. Patients and Methods: From August 2017 to January 2021, patients with at least one Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PI-RADS) 3 or higher lesion on multiparametric MRI underwent transrectal FB and CB in a prospective within-patient protocol. CB was performed for each region of interest (ROI), followed by FB, followed by standard 12 core biopsy. Patients who were not on active surveillance were analysed. The primary endpoint was agreement for any PCa detection. McNemar's test and kappa statistic were used to analyse agreement. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to analyse disagreement across clinical and MRI spatial variables. A multivariable generalized mixed-effect model was used to compare the interaction between select variables and fusion modality. Statistics were performed using SAS and R. Results: Ninety patients and 98 lesions were included in the analysis. There was moderate agreement between FB and CB (k = 0.715). McNemar's test was insignificant (p = 0.285). Anterior location was the only variable associated with a significant variation in agreement, which was 70% for anterior lesions versus 89.7% for non-anterior lesions (p = 0.035). Discordance did not vary significantly across other variables. In a mixed-effect model, the interaction between anterior location and use of FB was insignificant (p = 0.411). Conclusion: In a within-patient protocol of patients not on active surveillance, FB and CB performed similarly for PCa detection and with moderate agreement. Anterior location was associated with significantly higher disagreement, whereas other patient and lesion characteristics were not. Additional studies are needed to determine optimal biopsy technique for sampling anterior ROI.

Small prostate size and high grade disease--biology or artifact?

PURPOSE: Prior radical prostatectomy series have shown an inverse association between prostate size and high grade cancer. It has been suggested that smaller size prostates arise in a low androgen environment, enabling development of more aggressive cancer. We propose that this observation is the result of ascertainment bias driven by prostate specific antigen performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 1,404 patients from the Stanford Radical Prostatectomy Database with clinical stage T1c (723) and T2 (681) disease who underwent surgery between 1988 and 2002, and underwent detailed morphometric mapping by a single pathologist. Multivariate linear regression was performed to assess for the effects of age, prostate weight and prostate specific antigen on total and high grade (Gleason grade 4/5) cancer volume and percentage of high grade disease. RESULTS: In patients who underwent biopsy due to abnormal prostate specific antigen (stage T1c), prostate weight was negatively associated (p = 0.0002) with total cancer volume, volume of high grade disease and percentage of high grade disease. For patients who underwent biopsy based on abnormal digital rectal examination (stage T2) these associations were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Improved prostate specific antigen performance for high grade disease results in ascertainment bias in patients with T1c disease. Thus, the association between prostate size and high grade disease may be a consequence of grade dependent performance of prostate specific antigen rather than true tumor biology.

Minimally invasive training in urologic oncology.

Use of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques continues to expand in the field of urologic oncology; however, proficiency in these techniques is subject to a learning curve. Current training paradigms have incorporated MIS, but in a non-standardized fashion. Residency work-hour restrictions and ethical concerns may influence efforts to deliver adequate training during a defined residency period. Post-residency fellowships or mini-courses may help urologists gain proficiency in these skills, but are time-consuming and may not provide adequate exposure. Surgical simulation with dry labs and augmentation with virtual reality are important adjuncts to operative training for MIS. The urologic oncologist must be familiar with open and MIS techniques to effectively treat cancer in the least morbid way possible and adapt to the ever-changing field of MIS with dynamic training paradigms.

National patterns of injury and outcomes of gunshot wounds to the penis: A Trauma Quality Programs retrospective cohort analysis.

AIM: Gunshot wounds (GSW) to the penis represent a rare type of traumatic injury in the civilian United States population. Although small, single-center studies have reported results of care for these types of injured patients, no national analyses have examined this group. METHODS: A cohort of patients with GSW to the penis was identified using the 2017 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs database, a comprehensive national database of 753 accredited trauma centers. RESULTS: Gunshot wounds to the penis occurred in 722 patients, which represents 1.7% of all GSW patients (n = 41,017). Gunshot wounds from altercations with law enforcement or accidental discharge of a firearm were rare; the vast majority (n = 655, 90.7%) occurred as a result of assault, intentional self-harm, attempted suicide, or attempted homicide. Patients with a major concomitant non-genitourinary injury comprised 119 (16.5%) patients of the cohort. Most patients (n = 499, 69.1%) underwent a genitourinary procedure during their trauma admission. Penile salvage was successful in most cases, with only 13 (1.8%) patients requiring completion penectomy. Most patients (87.8%) required admission with a median length of stay of 49.8 h. Most patients were treated at the initial trauma center without requiring transfer to another center, and complications during admission were rare. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis, the first national examination of care of patients with GSW to the penis, reveals overall favorable outcomes. Admission and surgical intervention were required in most patients, but penectomy was rare and length of stay was generally short. These results will guide resource utilization and quality improvement efforts in this patient cohort.