A novel grading approach predicts worse outcomes in stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a prognostically relevant scoring system for stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) incorporating tumour budding, growth pattern and invasion pattern because the World Health Organisation grading system shows limited prognostic value in such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The tissue specimens and clinical data of 113 patients with stage pT1 NMIBC who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumour were retrospectively investigated. Tumour budding, and growth and invasion patterns were evaluated and categorised into two grade groups (GGs). GGs and other clinical and histopathological variables were investigated regarding recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: The integration of two tumour budding groups, two growth patterns, and two invasion patterns yielded an unfavourable GG (n = 28; 24.7%) that had a high impact on oncological outcomes. The unfavourable GG was identified as an independent RFS and OS predictor (P = 0.004 and P = 0.046, respectively) and linked to worse PFS (P = 0.001) and CSS (P = 0.001), irrespective of the European Association of Urology risk group. The unfavourable GG was associated with higher rates of BCG-unresponsive tumours (P = 0.006). Study limitations include the retrospective, single-centre design, diverse therapies and small cohort. CONCLUSIONS: We present a morphology-based grading system for stage pT1 NMIBC that correlates with disease aggressiveness and oncological patient outcomes. It therefore identifies a highest risk group of stage pT1 NMIBC patients, who should be followed up more intensively or receive immediate radical cystectomy. The grading incorporates objective variables assessable on haematoxylin and eosin slides and immunohistochemistry, enabling an easy-to-use low-cost approach that is applicable in daily routine. Further studies are needed to validate and confirm these results.

Improving detection of carcinoma in situ in bladder cancer: urinary cytology vs the Xpert® BC Monitor.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the performance of urinary cytology and the Xpert BC Monitor test in the detection of bladder cancer in various clinically significant patient cohorts, including patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS), in a prospective multicentre setting, aiming to identify potential applications in clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 756 patients scheduled for transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) were prospectively screened between July 2018 and December 2020 at six German University Centres. Central urinary cytology and Xpert BC Monitor tests were performed prior to TURBT. The diagnostic performance of urinary cytology and the Xpert BC Monitor was evaluated according to sensitivity (SN), specificity (SC), negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV). Statistical comparison of urinary cytology and the Xpert BC Monitor was conducted using the McNemar test. RESULTS: Of 756 screened patients, 733 (568 male [78%]; median [interquartile range] age 72 [62-79] years) were included. Bladder cancer was present in 482 patients (65.8%) with 258 (53.5%) high-grade tumours. Overall SN, SC, NPV and PPV were 39%, 93%, 44% and 92% for urinary cytology, and 75%, 69%, 59% and 82% for the Xpert BC Monitor. In patients with CIS (concomitant or solitary), SN, SC, NPV and PPV were 59%, 93%, 87% and 50% for urinary cytology, and 90%, 69%, 95% and 50% for the Xpert BC Monitor. The Xpert BC Monitor missed four tumours (NPV = 98%) in patients with solitary CIS, while potentially avoiding 63.3% of TURBTs in inconclusive or negative cystoscopy and a negative Xpert result. CONCLUSION: Positive urinary cytology may indicate bladder cancer and should be taken seriously. The Xpert BC Monitor may represent a useful diagnostic tool for correctly identifying patients with solitary CIS and unsuspicious or inconclusive cystoscopy.

Ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft without omental wrap: an effective method to treat ureteral strictures.

PURPOSE: Successful treatment options for ureteral strictures are limited. Surgical options such as ileal interposition and kidney autotransplantation are difficult and associated with morbidity and complications. Techniques such as Boari flap and psoas hitch are limited to distal strictures. Only limited case studies on the success of open buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty exist to this date. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of open BMG ureteroplasty without omental wrap. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study between July 2020 and January 2023, we included 14 consecutive patients with ureteric strictures who were treated with open BMG ureteroplasty without omental wrap. The primary outcome was the success of open BMG ureteroplasty. Further endpoints were complications and hospital readmission. Outcome variables were assessed by clinical examination, kidney sonography, and patient anamnesis. RESULTS: Out of 14 patients, 13 were stricture and ectasia-free without a double-J stent at a median follow-up of 15 months (success rate 93%). No complications were observed at the donor site, and the complication rate overall was low with 3 out of 14 patients (21%) having mild-to-medium complications. CONCLUSIONS: Open BMG ureteroplasty without omental wrap is a successful and feasible technique for ureteric stricture repair.

An Empirical Survey on the Adaption of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Bladder Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the adaption of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and especially underlying reasons for potential low adherence to guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a non-validated survey among 336 urologic departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. RedCap questionnaires were electronically distributed and included 23 items concerning the general NAC administration standards and guideline compliance in patient counseling regarding the actual treatment. RESULTS: The return rate of the questionnaire was 19.1% (63/336). Although 45 departments (71.4%) claim to perform NAC as the standard of care, only 49% of eligible patients actually receive NAC. An advanced disease stage (≥cT3) and a high tumor volume were mentioned to support the application of NAC, whereas 35% of responders worry about deterioration of patients' preoperative status due to NAC. Furthermore, 26.7% of respondents are concerned about the low extent of survival benefit. CONCLUSION: Application of NAC in eligible MIBC patients in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland remains low. Although the majority of urologic departments discuss NAC and acknowledge the need for intensified treatment in advanced disease stages, not all eligible patients will actually receive NAC before radical cystectomy.

Risk factors for bladder neck contracture after transurethral resection of the prostate.

INTRODUCTION: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most frequently used treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia with a prostate volume of <80 mL. A long-term complication is bladder neck contracture (BNC). The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors for BNC formation after TURP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all TURP primary procedures which were performed at one academic institution between 2013 and 2018. All patients were analyzed and compared with regard to postoperative formation of a BNC requiring further therapy. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses (MVAs) were performed to identify possible risk factors for BNC development. RESULTS: We included 1368 patients in this analysis. Out of these, 88 patients (6.4%) developed BNC requiring further surgical therapy. The following factors showed a statistically significant association with BNC development: smaller preoperative prostate volume (p = 0.001), lower resected prostate weight (p = 0.004), lower preoperative levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA, p < 0.001), shorter duration of the surgery (p = 0.027), secondary transurethral intervention (due to urinary retention or gross hematuria) during inpatient stay (p = 0.018), positive (≥100 CFU/mL) preoperative urine culture (p = 0.010), and urethral stricture (US) formation requiring direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) postoperatively after TURP (p < 0.001), in particular membranous (p = 0.046) and bulbar (p < 0.001) strictures. Preoperative antibiotic treatment showed a protective effect (p = 0.042). Histopathological findings of prostate cancer (PCA) in the resected prostate tissue were more frequent among patients who did not develop BNC (p = 0.049). On MVA, smaller preoperative prostate volume (p = 0.046), positive preoperative urine culture (p = 0.021), and US requiring DVIU after TURP (p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors for BNC development. CONCLUSION: BNC is a relevant long-term complication after TURP. In particular, patients with a smaller prostate should be thoroughly informed about this complication.

Short-Term and Long-Term Morbidity after Radical Cystectomy in Patients with NMIBC and Comparison with MIBC: Identifying Risk Factors for Severe Short-Term Complications.

INTRODUCTION: RC represents a viable treatment option for certain NMIBC patients. However, studies investigating morbidity in the context of RC for NMIBC are scarce. The goal of the current study was to assess and compare morbidity after RC performed in patients with NMIBC and patients with MIBC and to identify risk factors for severe short-term complications. METHODS: Medical records of 521 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into patients with NMIBC and patients with MIBC. The groups were compared and risk factors for severe complications were identified. RESULTS: RC for NMIBC was performed in 123 patients (23.6%). Histological upstaging was seen in 47 NMIBC patients (38.2%) and in 231 MIBC patients (58%, p < 0.001). OS was 29.8% and CSS was 15.5%. Both endpoints were higher for RC for MIBC (p < 0.001). More complications affecting the urinary diversion were seen with RC for NMIBC (p = 0.033) and more continent urinary diversions (p = 0.040) were performed in those patients. Obesity (p = 0.008), a higher ASA score (p = 0.004), and preoperative medical drug anticoagulation (p = 0.025) were risk factors for severe short-term morbidity after both, RC for NMIBC and for MIBC. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent RC for NMIBC are exposed to a comparably high perioperative risk than patients with MIBC. RC seems to be a viable treatment option for certain NMIBC patients with a significant histological upstaging in both groups. In patients with obesity, a high ASA score, and with medical drug anticoagulation, the indication for surgery should be confirmed especially strict and possible treatment alternatives should be considered particularly thorough.

Impact of Male Patient Information on Quality of Urine Examination (PIQUE Study).

BACKGROUND: Urine examination has relevance for treatment, and reliability of positive urine culture (UC) is of importance. The technique of urine sampling (US), storage, and transportation is important. The objective of this study was to investigate if detailed patient information for the technique of US and hygiene reduces rates of contaminated UC in screened male patients, as this group was not investigated yet. METHODS: All patients independently of complaints were enrolled prospectively and consecutively in an outpatient setting in 2 groups - the first group did not receive detailed information and the second group did. We examined 372 consecutive patients in 2017, 190 not receiving (median age 69 years) and 182 receiving information (median age 70 years), with comparable numbers of patients and age. The result of UC and age was imposed. RESULTS: In all,74.2% of preclarification UC showed a contamination (n = 95) and 75.5% after clarification (n = 83), without significant differences (p = 0.827). This study is limited by the fact that adherence could not be checked. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to studies with females, no difference occurred in rates of contaminated UC, so detailed information regarding the US technique does not decrease rates of contaminated UC and vice versa does not increase the quality of midstream-sampled UC in male patients.

Validation of a German translation of the CARE questionnaire and its implementation as electronic PROM to assess patient-reported postoperative convalescence and recovery after major urological surgery.

PURPOSE: To validate a German translation of the convalescence and recovery evaluation (CARE) as an electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM) and use it to assess recovery after major urological surgery. METHODS: The CARE questionnaire was provided to patients scheduled for major urological surgery preoperatively, at discharge and 6 weeks postoperatively, using an ePROM system. Cronbach's alpha, inter-scale correlations and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to validate the translation. Mixed linear regression models were used to identify factors influencing CARE results, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the predictive value of CARE results on quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: A total of 283 patients undergoing prostatectomy (n = 146, 51%), partial/radical nephrectomy (n = 70, 25%) or cystectomy (n = 67, 24%) responded to the survey. Internal consistency was high (α = 0.649-0.920) and the CFA showed a factor loading > 0.5 in 17/27 items. Significant main effects were found for the time of survey and type of surgery, while a time by type interaction was only found for the gastrointestinal subscale ([Formula: see text] = 30.37, p < 0.0001) and the total CARE score (TCS) ([Formula: see text] = 13.47, p = 0.009) for cystectomy patients, meaning a greater score decrease at discharge and lower level of recovery at follow-up. Complications demonstrated a significant negative effect on the TCS ([Formula: see text] = 8.61, p = 0.014). A high TCS at discharge was an independent predictor of a high QLQ-C30 QoL score at follow-up (OR = 5.26, 95%-CI 1.42-19.37, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: This German translation of the CARE can serve as a valid ePROM to measure recovery and predict QoL after major urological surgery.

High BMI, Aggressive Tumours and Long Console Time Are Independent Predictive Factors for Symptomatic Lymphocele Formation after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphocele (LC) formation is a common complication which may cause severe symptoms after robot-assisted radical prostatovesiculectomy (RARP) with concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). Compared to open radical prostatectomy, the amount of data on potential risk factors for LC formation is still limited. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for symptomatic LC formation (sLC) after RARP with PLND. METHODS: We used the data of a prospective multicentre series of 232 RARP patients which were treated between March 2017 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was the presence of sLC within 90 days. Asymptomatic LC (aLC) formation was also recorded. We evaluated clinical, perioperative, and histopathological criteria and compared their distribution in patients with and without post-operative sLC. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses (MVAs) were performed to identify potential predictors for LC formation. Regarding the influence of patients' BMI, 2 models were calculated: BMI continuously (model 1) and BMI dichotomized with cut-off 30 kg/m2 (WHO definition, model 2). RESULTS: Post-operative sLC was present in 21 patients (9.1%), while aLC was detected in 49 patients (21.1%) 90 days after RARP with PLND. Patients with sLC showed higher median baseline PSA levels (9.8 vs. 8.1 ng/mL), higher prevalence of obesity (BMI >30; 42.9 vs. 19.9%), and longer median console time (180 vs. 165 min) compared to patients without sLC. On MVA higher BMI {model 1: OR 1.145 (confidence interval [CI] 1.025-1.278); model 2: OR 2.761 (1.045-7.296)}, longer console time (model 1: OR 1.013 [1.005-1.021]; model 2: OR 1.013 [1.005-1.020]) and an ISUP grade ≥3 (model 1: OR 3.247 [1.182-8.917]; model 2: OR 2.791 [1.050-7.423]) were identified as independent predictors for sLC development. CONCLUSION: Patients with aggressive tumours and higher BMI should be informed about a potentially increased risk for sLC formation. In case of a long console time, a close and regular follow-up should be considered to check for LC development.

High Stroma T-Cell Infiltration is Associated with Better Survival in Stage pT1 Bladder Cancer.

Stage pT1 bladder cancer (BC) shows highly diverse outcomes. Predictive markers are required to stratify patients for personalized treatment. The present study aimed to validate immune response quantification as a prognostic marker. Patients with pT1 BC (n = 167) treated by transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) were enrolled. Formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded material was stained for CD3 and CD8. Corresponding T cells were counted in three regions with the highest immune response. Numbers of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) and lymphocyte aggregates (LA) were quantified. High CD3+ stroma T-cell infiltration was associated with improved survival (p = 0.045), especially in the G3 subgroup (p = 0.01). Cluster with higher immune response showed less recurrence (p = 0.034) and favorable overall survival (OS) (p = 0.019). In contrast, higher CD3+ and CD8+ tumor T-cell infiltration seemed to have a negative impact on prognosis. TLS and LA were more frequently observed in G3 tumors, indicating an increased anti-tumoral immune response. We proved the role of immune cell infiltration and showed that higher infiltration numbers of CD3+ (not CD8+) lymphocytes in the stroma are associated with favorable outcome. Immune cell quantification could be used as a marker to help stratify patients' risk and therefore, to optimize patients' management and follow-up examination as well as possible therapies.

FOXM1 overexpression is associated with adverse outcome and predicts response to intravesical instillation therapy in stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) mRNA expression and its prognostic value in stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from transurethral resection of the bladder from patients with stage pT1 NMIBC, treated with an organ-preserving approach, were analysed retrospectively. Total RNA was isolated using commercial RNA extraction kits, and mRNA expression of FOXM1, MKI67, KRT20 and KRT5 was measured by single-step quantitative RT-PCR using RNA-specific TaqMan Assays. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's Rho, Wilcoxon or Kruskal-Wallis tests, Kaplan-Meier estimates of recurrence-free (RFS), progression-free (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Data from 296 patients (79.4% men, median age 72 years) were available for the final evaluation. Spearman correlation analysis showed that mRNA expression of FOXM1 was significantly correlated with MKI67 (ρ: 0.6530, P < 0.001) and with the luminal subtype, reflected by the positive correlation with KRT20 (ρ: 0.2113, P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was also a strong correlation of FOXM1 expression with adverse clinical and pathological variables, such as concomitant carcinoma in situ (P = 0.05), multifocal tumours (P = 0.005) and World Health Organization 1973 grade 3 disease (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed overexpression of FOMX1 to be associated with worse PFS (P = 0.028) and worse CSS (P = 0.015). FOXM1 overexpression was also shown to be a predictive risk factor for CSS (hazard ratio 1.61 [1.13-2.34], L-R chi-squared: 7.19, P = 0.007). FOXM1 overexpression identified a subgroup of patients within the luminal subtype with worse RFS (P = 0.017), PFS (P < 0.001) and CSS (P = 0.015). Patients with low FOXM1 expression had better outcomes, irrespective of instillation therapy, whereas patients with high FOXM1 expression benefitted from intravesical chemotherapy with mitomycin C. CONCLUSION: High FOXM1 expression was associated with adverse clinical and pathological features and worse outcomes, and predicted response to intravesical instillation therapy in patients with stage pT1 NMIBC.

Strong Expression of Cancertestis Antigens CTAG1B and MAGEA3 Is Correlated with Unfavourable Histopathological Features and MAGEA3 Is Associated with Worse Progression-Free Survival in Urothelial Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer/testis antigens (CTA) are expressed in urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). Their therapeutical and prognostic relevance remains unclear. We studied the correlation of MAGEA3 and CTAG1B with histopathological factors in UBC and their prognostic value. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 93 patients who underwent treatment for UBC was conducted. Besides clinical and histopathological parameters, the expression of MAGEA3 and CTAG1B was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 75 months. Fifteen per cent of patients showed strong positive reaction to MAGEA3 staining. These tumours were statistically and significantly more often correlated with unfavourable World Health Organization (WHO) grading (G1: 0%, G2: 10.3%, G3: 23.4%, p = 0.048; low grade 0%, high grade 18.4%, p = 0.046 respectively). Correlation of CTAG1B with WHO grading was impressive with strong expression in no G1, 31.1% of G2 and 51.1% of G3 tumours (low grade 0%, high grade 43.4%, p = 0.001, respectively). Concomitant carcinoma in situ (Cis) was associated with strong CTAG1B expression (54.2% in concomitant Cis vs. 29% without concomitant Cis, p = 0.026). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed statistically and significantly worse 5 years progression-free survival (PFS) associated with a strong expression of MAGEA3 (59 vs. 84%, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Strong CTA expression was correlated with unfavourable histopathological features. A strong expression of MAGEA3 was statistically and significantly associated with worse PFS across all stages of UBC.

Impact of E-Cadherin and ß-Catenin as Prognostic Factor in Renal Cell Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus of the Vena Cava.

PURPOSE: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) forming tumor thrombus (TT) of vena cava (VC) is characterized by poor prognosis. Nevertheless, the outcome of patients after radical surgery varies. To date only limited data concerning prognostic biomarkers in this RCC subgroup are available. METHODS: Out of 159 patients with pT3b/c RCC, 95 patients without synchronous distant metastases at time of diagnosis were included in the study cohort. After immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation of E-cadherin and ß-Catenin expression, association with clinical, histopathological and survival was assessed by univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and Kaplan-Meier-analysis. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared using Log rank test. RESULTS: We found a significant correlation between E-cadherin overexpression and initial lymph node metastasis (ρ = 0.300, p = 0.003), positive surgical margins (ρ = 0.210, p = 0.043), and the development of distant metastases (ρ = 0.258, p = 0.012). Furthermore, we observed a significant correlation of ß-Catenin overexpression with higher tumor stage pT3c (ρ = 0.230, p = 0.028) and initial lymph node metastases (ρ = 0.236, p = 0.025). Survival analysis revealed a statistically significant association of both E-cadherin and ß-Catenin overexpression with worse CSS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively) and OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.041, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed initial lymph node metastasis as the only predictive factor for worse OS (HR 4.54, 95% CI 2.30-8.93; p < 0.001). E-Cadherin and ß-Catenin expression failed to be significant in multivariable analysis for OS and CSS. CONCLUSIONS: In a large series of RCC with TT of VC high IHC expression of E-cadherin and ß-Catenin was associated with initial lymph node metastasis and with both worse OS and worse CSS. This might help to identify patients at risk for recurrence who might benefit from adjuvant therapy or stricter follow-up.

High PDL1 mRNA expression predicts better survival of stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Checkpoint inhibition has emerged as new therapeutic option in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of PD1 and PDL1 expression in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and establish an objective measuring method using RNA quantification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE) of patients with stage pT1 NMIBC who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder. mRNA expression of PD1, PDL1 and CD3 was measured by single step RT-qPCR and correlated to clinicopathological parameters, recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and carcinoma-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: We have analyzed 334 patients with NMIBC at stage pT1 for mRNA analysis. Data from 296 patients (79% male, median age: 72 years) could be used. Spearman correlation revealed significant associations between mRNA expressions of PD1/PDL1 (ρ: 0.6024, p < 0.0001), CD3/PDL1 (ρ: 0.5728, p < 0.0001) and CD3/PD1 (ρ: 0.7005, p < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high PDL1 mRNA expression (≥ 33.83) is a favorable prognostic factor with regard to better RFS (p = 0.0018), PFS (p = 0.021) and CSS (p = 0.012). Multivariate Cox-regression analysis proved PDL1 expression to be an independent prognosticator for RFS [HR 0.48 (0.31-0.72), p = 0.0005], PFS [HR 0.45 (0.24-0.80), p = 0.0059] and CSS [HR 0.31 (0.13-0.67), p = 0.0021]. CONCLUSION: High mRNA expression of PDL1 predicts improved RFS, PFS and CSS of pT1 NMIBC. Following prospective validation, this objective measurement of PD-L1 might help stratify patients with NMIBC for immunotherapy and identify patients who might benefit from early cystectomy.

Expression, localisation and potential significance of aquaporins in benign and malignant human prostate tissue.

BACKGROUND: To study the expression pattern, localisation and potential clinical significance of aquaporin water channels (AQP) both in prostate cancer (PC) cell lines and in benign and malignant human prostate tissue. METHODS: The AQP transcript and protein expression of HPrEC, LNCaP, DU-145 and PC3 cell lines was investigated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy labelling. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to assess AQP protein expression in surgical specimens of benign prostatic hyperplasia as well as in PC. Tissue mRNA expression of AQPs was quantified by single-step reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Relative gene expression was determined using the 40-ΔCT method and correlated to clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: Transcripts of AQP 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11 were expressed in all four cell lines, while AQP 9 transcripts were not detected in malignant cell lines. IF microscopy confirmed AQP 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9 protein expression. IHC revealed highly heterogeneous AQP 3 protein expression in PC specimens, with a marked decrease in expression in tumours of increasing malignancy. Loss of AQP 9 was shown in PC specimens. mRNA expression of AQP3 was found to be negatively correlated to PSA levels (ρ = - 0.354; p = 0.013), D'Amico risk stratification (ρ = - 0.336; p = 0.012), ISUP grade (ρ = - 0.321; p = 0.017) and Gleason score (ρ = - 0.342; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to systematically characterize human prostate cell lines, benign prostatic hyperplasia and PC in relation to all 13 members of the AQP family. Our results indicate the differential expression of several AQPs in benign and malignant prostate tissue. A significant correlation was observed between AQP 3 expression and tumour grade, with progressive loss in more malignant tumours. Taken together, AQPs may play a role in the progression of PC and AQP expression patterns may serve as a prognostic marker.

Accordance of Online Health Information on Prostate Cancer with the European Association of Urology Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: The internet is an emerging source of information for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Since little is known about the quality of information on PCa provided online, we investigated its accordance to the latest European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. METHODS: A total of 89 German web pages were included for analysis. A quality model classifying the provider of information and its expertise was introduced. Correctness of provided information was systematically compared to the EAU guidelines. RESULTS: Information was provided by medical experts (41%), media (11%), and pharmaceutical companies (6%). Certificates were found in 23% with a significantly higher rate if provided by medical experts (p = 0.003). The minority of web pages showed information in accordance with the EAU guidelines regarding screening (63%), diagnosis (32%), classification (39%), therapy (36%), complications (8%), and follow-up (27%). Web pages by medical experts as well as websites with any kind of certification showed a significantly higher guideline conformity regarding diagnosis (p = 0.027, p = 0.002), therapy (p = 0.010, p = 0.011), follow-up (p = 0.005, p < 0.001), and availability of references (p = 0.017, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals that online health information on PCa lacks concordance to current guidelines. Certified websites or websites provided by medical experts showed a significantly higher quality and accordance with guidelines.

Infiltrative lamina propria invasion pattern as an independent predictor for cancer-specific and overall survival of instillation treatment-naïve stage T1 high-grade urothelial bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate established prognostic factors and relatively new histopathological tumor characteristics including metric substage and lamina propria invasion patterns in a large series of T1 high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: Between 1989 and 2012, 322 patients with initial stage T1 high-grade bladder cancer underwent transurethral resection, followed by re-transurethral resection and a conservative approach with follow-up regime alone or instillation treatment. Transurethral resection specimens were reassessed by two experienced urological pathologists for tumor grade according to the World Health Organization 1973 classification, metric T1 substage, lamina propria invasion pattern and associated carcinoma in situ. The median follow-up period was 42 months (interquartile range 25-72 months). In addition to Kaplan-Meier analyses, uni- and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to compare progression-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival for the studied parameters comparing two subcohorts. RESULTS: While in patients after instillation treatment no examined feature was shown as an independent predictor for prognosis, there were predictive histopathological features in multivariable Cox regression analyses in instillation treatment-naïve patients: associated carcinoma in situ (hazard ratio 2.278, 95% confidence interval 1.119-4.634, P = 0.023) and World Health Organization 1973 grade 3 (hazard ratio 2.950, 95% confidence interval 1.021-8.536, P = 0.046) for worse progression-free survival, infiltrative lamina propria tumor pattern for worse cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio 2.369, 95% confidence interval 1.034-5.429, P = 0.042) and overall survival (hazard ratio 1.049, 95% confidence interval 1.024-1.075, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present T1 high-grade bladder cancer series suggest that lamina propria invasion pattern is a promising parameter to predict the prognosis of T1 high-grade bladder cancer in an instillation treatment-naïve subcohort. Prospective multicenter evaluations are warranted. The need for instillation treatment in T1 high-grade bladder cancer is clearly demanded.

mRNA-Expression of KRT5 and KRT20 Defines Distinct Prognostic Subgroups of Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Bladder Cancer Correlating with Histological Variants.

Recently, muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has been subclassified by gene expression profiling, with a substantial impact on therapy response and patient outcome. We tested whether these complex molecular subtypes of MIBC can be determined by mRNA detection of keratin 5 (KRT5) and keratin 20 (KRT20). Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to quantify gene expression of KRT5 and KRT20 using TaqMan®-based assays in 122 curatively treated MIBC patients (median age 68.0 years). Furthermore, in silico analysis of the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) cohort (GSE48277 + GSE47993) was performed. High expression of KRT5 and low expression of KRT20 were associated with significantly improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival disease specific survival (DSS: 5-year DSS for KRT5 high: 58%; 5-year DSS for KRT20 high: 29%). KRT5 and KRT20 were associated with rates of lymphovascular invasion and lymphonodal metastasis. The combination of KRT5 and KRT20 allowed identification of patients with a very poor prognosis (KRT20⁺/KRT5-, 5-year DSS 0%, p < 0.0001). In silico analysis of the independent MDACC cohorts revealed congruent results (5-year DSS for KRT20 low vs. high: 84% vs. 40%, p = 0.042). High KRT20-expressing tumors as well as KRT20⁺/KRT- tumors were significantly enriched with aggressive urothelial carcinoma variants (micropapillary, plasmacytoid, nested).

ERBB2 Expression as Potential Risk-Stratification for Early Cystectomy in Patients with pT1 Bladder Cancer and Concomitant Carcinoma in situ.

Background/Aims/Objectives: It is difficult to identify patients with a non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) at stage pT1 with concomitant carcinoma in situ (Cis) who will benefit from an early cystectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of patients with NMIBC. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of progesterone receptor (PGR), estrogen receptor (ESR1), ERBB2, and marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI67) was measured by single-step reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using RNA-specific TaqMan assays. Relative gene expression was determined by the normalization of 2 reference genes (CALM2, B2M) using the 40 ΔΔCT method and relative gene expression was correlated to the histopathological stage and oncological outcome. RESULTS: Of 302 patients with pT1 NMIBC in the initial transurethral resection of the bladder, 65 had a concomitant Cis. Elevated ERBB2 expression (>40.1) significantly correlated with progress in patients with and without concomitant Cis (p = 0.020 and p = 0.049, respectively). For the subgroup of pT1 with concomitant Cis, elevated ERBB2 expression significantly discriminated between a high-risk group of 55% progression-free survival (PFS) and a low-risk group of 90% PFS after a 5-year follow-up (p = 0.020). Cox-regression analysis revealed ERBB2 expression as the only independent prognostic factor for PFS (p = 0.0037). CONCLUSIONS: High mRNA expression of ERBB2 can identify patients with pT1 NMIBC with concomitant Cis, who have a high risk of progression and might benefit from an early cystectomy.

Prostate Cancer on the Web-Expedient Tool for Patients' Decision-Making?

Many patients diagnosed with cancer search for health information on the Web. We aimed to assess the quality and reliability of online health information on prostate cancer. Google, Yahoo, and Bing were searched for the term "prostate cancer." After selecting the most frequented websites, quality was measured by DISCERN score, JAMA benchmark criteria, and presence of HONcode certification. Popularity was assessed by Alexa tool, while accessibility, usability, and reliability were investigated by LIDA tool. Readability was analyzed by Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level and Automated Readability Index. All 13 selected websites were rated as being of high quality according to the DISCERN instrument (76.5 ± 2.6 out of 80 points). JAMA benchmark criteria were fulfilled by 87 % of websites, whereas only 37 % were certified by the HONcode. Median Alexa Traffic Rank was 2718 ranging from 7 to 679,038. Websites received 2.3 ± 0.5 daily pageviews per visitor and users spent an average of 2 min 58 s ± 39 sec on the website. Accessibility (92 ± 5 %) and usability (92 ± 3 %) scores were high and reliability (88 ± 8 %) moderate according to the LIDA tool. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was 7.9 ± 2.2, and Automated Readability Index was 7.5 ± 2.4, rating the websites as fairly difficult to read. In conclusion, quality, accessibility, and usability of websites on prostate cancer provided a high rating in the current analysis. These findings are encouraging in view of the growing frequency of patients' access of health information online.