Long-term oncological and functional follow-up in low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer: results from the prospective nationwide Swiss registry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term oncological, functional and toxicity outcomes of low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) in relation to risk factors and radiation dose in a prospective multicentre cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of patients from 12 Swiss centres undergoing LDR-BT from September 2004 to March 2018 were prospectively collected. Patients with a follow-up of ≥3 months were analysed. Functional and oncological outcomes were assessed at ~6 weeks, 6 and 12 months after implantation and annually thereafter. LDR-BT was performed with 125 I seeds. Dosimetry was done 6 weeks after implantation based on the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology recommendations. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS). A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) rise above the PSA nadir + 2 was defined as biochemical failure. Functional outcomes were assessed by urodynamic measurement parameters and questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 1580 patients in the database, 1291 (81.7%) were evaluable for therapy outcome. The median (range) follow-up was 37.1 (3.0-141.6) months. Better BRFS was found for Gleason score ≤3+4 (P = 0.03, log-rank test) and initial PSA level of <10 ng/mL (P < 0.001). D'Amico Risk groups were significantly associated with BRFS (P < 0.001), with a hazard ratio of 2.38 for intermediate- and high-risk patients vs low-risk patients. The radiation dose covering 90% of the prostate volume (D90) after 6 weeks was significantly lower in patients with recurrence. Functional outcomes returned close to baseline levels after 2-3 years. A major limitation of these findings is a substantial loss to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our results are in line with other studies showing that LDR-BT is associated with good oncological outcomes together with good functional results.

Mid-term outcome after bulbourethral composite suspension for postprostatectomy incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To report mid-term outcomes of bulbourethral composite suspension for postprostatectomy incontinence, which we have used for more than 6 years. METHODS: A total of 57 men with a median (range) age of 67 (42 to 83) years underwent bulbourethral composite suspension with suprapubic and perineal incision, placement of a porcine dermis for urethral protection, and insertion of a polypropylene retropubic sling, which was tied suprapubically under urodynamic Valsalva leak point pressure measurement. Urinary stress incontinence was assessed preoperatively by clinical examination, urodynamic evaluation, urethrocystoscopy, and quality-of-life evaluation. Follow-up included a clinical examination, urodynamic evaluation, and quality-of-life evaluation. RESULTS: At a median (range) follow-up of 36 (3 to 74) months, 74% of patients reported having benefit from the operation, with significantly improved quality of life. Sixty percent of the patients (34 of 57) were totally continent, 14% (8 of 57) showed a significant improvement, and 26% (15 of 57) had no benefit. Intraoperative complications occurred in 21% (12 of 57) and consisted of bladder perforations, which healed spontaneously. No obstructive voiding symptoms due to de novo bladder outlet obstruction were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Bulbourethral composite suspension for postprostatectomy incontinence is an effective and safe method with high patient satisfaction. Mid-term follow-up at 3 years showed stable urinary continence and absence of detrusor decompensation. Bulbourethral composite suspension may become an alternative to the artificial sphincter for treatment of moderate and severe postprostatectomy incontinence.

Urinary urgency and frequency, and chronic urethral and/or pelvic pain in females. Can doxycycline help?

PURPOSE: Persistent urinary urgency and frequency, and chronic urethral and/or pelvic pain in women are often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This can be frustrating for patients and physicians. The search for an infectious agent often proves futile and after multiple ineffective treatment regimens patients may be classified as having interstitial cystitis or referred to a psychiatrist as the last option. We evaluated whether treatment with doxycycline of the patient and her sexual partner would be beneficial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women presenting with a history of urinary urgency and frequency, and chronic urethral and/or pelvic pain often associated with dyspareunia and/or a history of recurrent urinary tract infection were evaluated. Initial examinations included urethral and cervical/vaginal swabs, serum analysis, urine examination and culture, and bladder barbitage. A total of 103 women with a median age of 46 years (range 21 to 84) and with a median symptoms history of 60 months (range 3 to 480) were included. All patients had trigonal leukoplakia at cystoscopy, in 15% an infectious organism was identified and 30% had leukocyturia. All were treated with doxycyclines, and a vaginal antimicrobic and/or antimycotic agent following the same regimen, including treatment of the sexual partner. RESULTS: After treatment with doxycycline 71% of the women were symptom-free or had a subjective decrease in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with doxycycline is effective in more than two-thirds of patients complaining of persistent frequency and urgency, chronic urethral and/or pelvic pain, and dyspareunia as well as a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. In women with negative urinary cultures but a history of urgency/frequency probative treatment with doxycycline is justified and endoscopic findings may support the hypothesis of chronic infection. This should be done especially before contemplating psychiatric treatment or diagnosing the patient with interstitial cystitis. We attribute this high success rate to simultaneous treatment of the sexual partner, who may be an asymptomatic carrier, although this remains to be proved.