Application of Cu-64 NODAGA-PSMA PET in Prostate Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The high diagnostic potential of 64Cu-PSMA PET-CT imaging was clinically investigated in prostate cancer patients with recurrent disease and in the primary staging of selected patients with advanced local disease. The aim of our study is to assess the uptake behavior in the clinical setting of 64Copper Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (64Cu PSMA) Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in prostate cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 23 patients with intermediate, high risk and progressive disease at primary staging of prostate cancer. All patients underwent 64Cu-PSMA PET. Overall, 250 MBq (4 MBq per kg bodyweight, range 230-290 MBq) of 64Cu-NODAGA PSMA was intravenously applied. PET images were performed 30 min (pelvis and abdomen) and 1-2 h post-injection (skull base to mid-thigh). Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were measured in the organs with high physiological uptake such as liver and kidney, and, additionally, background activity was measured in the gluteal area and in suspected tumor lesions using a HERMES workstation. RESULTS: PSMA uptake was detected in prostate bed in nine patients, in six patients in distant metastases (bone, lung and liver) and in nine patients in lymph nodes. Of 23 patients, 5 (20.8%) did not show any focal pathological uptake in the whole body. The number of sites (prostate bed, lymph nodes, distant metastases) with positive PSMA uptake was significantly associated with PSA values before imaging (P = 0.0032). The 64Cu PSMA uptake increased significantly from 30 min to 1-3 h post-injection (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: 64Cu NODAGA-PSMA PET is a promising imaging tool in the detection of residual disease in patients with recurrent or primary progressive prostate cancer. Furthermore, the increased tracer uptake over time indicates in vivo stability of the diagnostic radiopharmaceutical.

In-bore 3.0-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Transrectal Targeted Prostate Biopsy in a Repeat Biopsy Population: Diagnostic Performance, Complications, and Learning Curve.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance and complication rate of the in-bore magnetic resonance imaging-guided transrectal targeted prostate biopsy (MRGB) in a repeat biopsy population on the basis of a nearly 4-year learning curve (2014-2017). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 142 consecutive males with previous biopsies and persistent suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa) due to high prostate-specific antigen level initially underwent MRGB in the case of prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) 3-5 lesions. Cancer detection rate (CDR), number and length of cores, biopsy time, operator experience, complications, and prediction of clinically significant (cs) PCa (Gleason score ≥7) were investigated. RESULTS: PCa was found in 57% of patients. CDR in PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 lesions were 46%, 52%, and 74%, respectively. csPCa was found in 9%, 25%, and 48% of patients. In univariate analysis the PI-RADS score (P = .0067) was a significant predictor of csPCa. In the multivariate logistic regression, age (P = .0007), number of previous biopsies (P = .0236), and prostate-specific antigen density (P = .0250) were significant predictors of csPCa. Location and size of the index lesion, number and length of cores obtained, and operator experience did not affect CDR. Concerning learning curve, biopsy time and number of cores obtained improved significantly after 10 procedures. Complications requiring medical intervention were seen in 6% (infections 2%). CONCLUSION: In a re-biopsy setting the MRGB showed sufficient diagnostic performance in detecting csPCa in PI-RADS 3-5 lesions, with low complication rate. The skill of performing biopsy is quickly acquired, and location of index lesion did not have an impact on CDR.

Prostate-specific Antigen Parameters and Prostate Health Index Enhance Prostate Cancer Prediction With the In-bore 3-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Transrectal Targeted Prostate Biopsy After Negative 12-Core Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prostate cancer (PCa) detection and prediction by combining the in-bore magnetic resonance imaging-guided transrectal targeted prostate biopsy (MRGB) with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) parameters and the Prostate Health Index (PHI) in case of negative 12-core standard biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 112 men (2014-2016) underwent 3-T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent MRGB of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) lesions 3-5. Ancillary PSA parameters (PSA ratio [%fPSA] and PSA density [PSAD]) and the PHI and PHI density (PHID) were recorded. With these parameters in combination with MRGB, PCa prediction was calculated. RESULTS: The most common lesions biopsied were PI-RADS 4 (66%), located in the peripheral zone (64%), in the middle (58%) and anterior (65%) sections of the prostate, and 13 mm (IQR 10-15) in size. PCa was found in 62 (55%) patients (28% Gleason score ≥7). PSAD (0.15 vs 0.21; P = .0051), %fPSA (16 vs 13; P = .0191), PHI (45 vs 69; P < .0001), PHID (0.7 vs 1.5; P < .0001), and prostate volume (56 mL vs 45 mL; P = .0073) were significantly different in patients with PCa and those without PCa. PHI and PHID were the strongest predictors of PCa with areas under the curve of 0.79 and 0.77, respectively. Using optimal thresholds of 59 and 0.79, PHI and PHID were 69% and 84% sensitive and 82% and62% specific for PCa, respectively. CONCLUSION: Following negative standard biopsy of the prostate, the MRGB achieved an overall PCa detection rate of 55% in patients with PI-RADS 3-5 lesions. By considering PHI and PHID, 82% and 62% of unnecessary biopsies could have been avoided, failing to detect 31% and 16% of cancers.

The Adjustable Transobturator Male System in Stress Urinary Incontinence After Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the Adjustable Transobturator Male System (ATOMS) in men with stress urinary incontinence after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a large international prospectively administrated ATOMS register, we identified 49 patients with an ATOMS device as a result of persistent stress urinary incontinence after TURP. For evaluation, the men were divided into standard transurethral resection of the prostate (sTURP) and palliative transurethral resection of the prostate (pTURP) in radiated patients. Baseline and follow-up measurements included continence parameters, urodynamics, quality-of-life surveys (Patient Global Impression-Improvement and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form), and pain ratings. The dry rate (0-1 security pad/<10 mL urine loss), the success rate (overall improvement), removals, complications, and treatment failures were recorded. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After a median of 34 and 22 months' follow-up and 2-3 adjustments, the sTURP and pTURP cohorts had 58% and 50% dry rates and 90% and 87% success rates. Hence, no improvement was seen in 10% and 13%. The removal rate was higher in pTURP (50% vs 10%, P = .0171) and infection was the most common side effect (50%) observed. Neither intraoperative nor Clavien-Dindo 4 and 5 adverse events were recorded. In sTURP and pTURP, the median daily pad count and the pad test improved significantly (all P <.001), and quality-of-life parameters shifted to a high satisfaction level (P <.001 and P = .001). Urodynamics remained unchanged and postoperative pain was not an issue. CONCLUSION: The ATOMS device shows promising treatment outcomes in patients after TURP and a similar efficacy as in postprostatectomy incontinence. There is no difference in continence outcome between sTURP and pTURP; however, a higher removal rate was found after pTURP, which may be important for patient counseling.

The human urinary microbiome and how it relates to urogynecology.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Recent studies applying molecular techniques have demonstrated the presence of a urinary microbiota not detected by standard microbiological techniques. These have been found in the urine of healthy individuals and in those suffering from clinical symptoms. The present article reviews the findings of these studies to date, describing the molecular techniques, and specifically outlining any differences in microbiomes in relation to urogynecological disease. Further, the role of commensal bacteria in the lower urinary tract is considered. METHODS: An extensive literature search was conducted to identify articles on the microbiome of the female urinary tract in health and disease. We searched the electronic meta-databases Ovid MEDLINE® 1946-2015 and Embase 1974-2015. The keywords "microbiome, microbiota, bacterial colonization, microbiology, commensal bacteria, and bacteriuria" were searched in combination with "lower urinary tract symptoms, urogenital symptoms, urinary tract infection, overactive bladder and urinary incontinence." A total of 426 papers were retrieved; 33 were included in this paper. RESULTS: The microbiome of the female lower urinary tract shows variance between individuals and between age groups. There are significant differences between the microbiota in the lower urinary tract of individuals with urological symptoms and those without, relating to type and proportion of commensal Lactobacillus spp. There is only weak evidence to suggest that Lactobacillus might be applied as a therapeutic measure. CONCLUSIONS: It is still unclear what role microbiota plays in female urinary tract health. The discovery of bacteria in the urine of healthy individuals may have implications for future therapies for lower urinary tract symptoms.

Proteomic Pattern in Overactive Bladder Including Gender Aspects: A Case-control Study.

This is a clinical trial update without results. The aim of the trial is to identify a urinary proteomic pattern, including gender aspects, for patients with overactive bladder syndrome in comparison to healthy controls.