French AFU Cancer Committee Guidelines - Update 2022-2024: management of kidney cancer.

AIM: To update the recommendations for the management of kidney cancers. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted from 2015 to 2022. The most relevant articles on the diagnosis, classification, surgical treatment, medical treatment and follow-up of kidney cancer were selected and incorporated into the recommendations. Therefore, the recommendations were updated while specifying the level of evidence (high or low). RESULTS: The gold standard for the diagnosis and evaluation of kidney cancer is contrast-enhanced chest and abdominal CT. MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound are indicated in special cases. Percutaneous biopsy is recommended in situations where the results will influence the therapeutic decision. Renal tumours should be classified according to the pTNM 2017 classification, the WHO 2022 classification and the ISUP nucleolar grade. Metastatic kidney cancer should be classified according to the IMDC criteria. Partial nephrectomy is the gold standard treatment for T1a tumours and can be performed by an open approach, by laparoscopy or by robot-guidance. Active surveillance of tumours less than 2cm in size can be considered regardless of the patient's age. Ablative therapies and active surveillance are options in elderly patients with comorbidity. T1b tumours should be treated by partial or radical nephrectomy depending on the complexity of the tumour. Radical nephrectomy is the first-line treatment for locally advanced cancers. Adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab should be considered in patients at intermediate and high risk for recurrence after nephrectomy. In metastatic patients: Immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy may be offered to oligometastatic patients in combination with local treatment of metastases if this can be complete and delayed cytoreductive nephrectomy can be proposed for patients with a complete response or a significant partial response. Medical treatment should be proposed as first-line therapy for patients with a poor or intermediate prognosis. Surgical or local treatment of metastases can be proposed in case of single or oligo-metastases. The recommended first-line drugs for metastatic patients with clear cell renal carcinoma are the combinations axitinib/pembrolizumab, nivolumab/ipililumab, nivolumab/cabozantinib and lenvatinib/pembrolizumab. Cabozantinib is the recommended first-line treatment for patients with metastatic papillary carcinoma. Cystic tumours should be classified according to the Bosniak classification. Surgical removal should be proposed as a priority for Bosniak III and IV lesions. It is recommended that patient monitoring be adapted to the aggressiveness of the tumour. CONCLUSION: These updated recommendations are a reference that will allow French and French-speaking practitioners to improve kidney cancer management.

[Living-donor robotic-assisted kidney transplantation: French academic center experience]. / Transplantation rénale robot-assistée avec donneur vivant : expérience d'un centre universitaire français.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective was to report the intra-, post-operative and functional outcomes of living-donor robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT), performed by a surgeon skilled in robotic surgery. The secondary objective was to compare the results of RAKT, based on the surgeon's experience. METHODS: For this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from consecutive patients who underwent living-donor RAKT from July 2015 to March 2020 and compared the results of RAKT according to the surgeon's experience (group 1: 1-14th RAKT versus group 2: 15-29th RAKT). RESULTS: Twenty-nine living-donor RAKT were performed. The median age and BMI of the recipients were: 57.0 (44.0-66.0) years and 32.7 (23.5-39.6)kg/m2. The median overall operative time and median console time were: 140.0 (122.5-165.0) and 120.0 (107.5-137.5) minutes. The median rewarming time, arterial, venous and urinary anastomoses durations were: 35.0 (27.5-45.0), 15.0 (11.0-20.0), 12.0 (10.0-16.0), 20.0 (16.0-23.0) minutes. Two (6.9%) minor and 5 (17.2%) major (Clavien-Dindo≥III) postoperative complications occurred. At 2 years of follow-up, patient and transplant survival was 100% (n=29) and 93.1% (n=27). After the 14th RAKT, the rewarming time (P=0.01) and venous anastomosis duration (P=0.004) were statistically shorter. CONCLUSION: Living-donor robotic-assisted kidney transplantation, performed by a surgeon skilled robotic surgery, ensures good functional results in the medium term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Assessment of oncological and functional outcomes of retropubic radical prostatectomy: An academic center experience.

PURPOSE: To report perioperative, pathological, oncological and functional outcomes of a contemporary series of retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), performed by one experienced surgeon. METHODS: We analyzed data from a prospectively gathered database of consecutive patients who were treated by an RRP as first-line treatment for localized prostate cancer, from January 2014 to December 2019, in a single French academic center. RESULTS: Overall, 364 patients were included. Median age and PSA were 65.7 years and 8.0ng/mL. According to D'Amico risk classification, 13.7% patients had a low-risk prostate cancer, 41.5% a favorable intermediate-risk, 23.4% an unfavorable intermediate-risk and 21.4% a high-risk prostate cancer. The rates of pT2 and pT3 were 48.6% (n=177) and 51.4% (n=187), respectively. The rates of non-nerve sparing surgery (NSS), unilateral NSS and bilateral NSS were 19.5% (n=71), 32.7% (n=119) and 47.8% (n=174). Total positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 12.6% (n=46). Total pT2 PSM and pT3 PSM rates were 0.6% (n=1) and 24.1% (n=45) and achieved a statistical difference (P<0.001). At a median follow-up of 1.9-year, biochemical recurrence (BCR) occurred in 47 (12,9%) patients. Extracapsular extension was associated with a poor BCR-free survival as compared to organ confined disease (P<0.0001). At 2.7 years of follow-up, urinary continence rate was 88% (322/364). After exclusion of non-NSS RRP and non-interpretable questionnaires (score 1-4), median IIEF-5 score was 16 (8-20). CONCLUSION: Retropubic radical prostatectomy ensures optimal pathological and functional results, in a current predominantly population of intermediate-risk prostate cancer and high-risk prostate cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Knowledge, practices and expectations in the management of overactive bladder in general practice and gynecology in France]. / Connaissances, pratiques et attentes pour la prise en charge de l'hyperactivité vésicale en France.

INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a clinical syndrome characterized by urgency to urinate, with or without urinary incontinence, often associated with nycturia and pollakiuria. The aim of this practice survey is to identify diagnostic modalities and treatment circuits according to the patient's clinical profile and to practitioner's specialty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 262 physicians practicing in France: 181 general practitioners (GPs) and 81 gynecologists. RESULTS: Urinary disorders were more easily addressed with patients by gynecologists than GPs. Behavioral therapy was the most widely used therapeutic measure, however half of the patients abandoned it. In oldest women and men of all ages, drugs were commonly prescribed, nevertheless only 4 out of 10 patients continued the treatment beyond 6months, according to the physicians. Incontinence was the symptom for which patients were in most need of relief. GPs and gynecologists expressed a need for training, practical tools and recommendations related to OAB. CONCLUSION: Patients and doctors are reluctant to talk about urinary disorders. Non-urologist physicians such as GPs and gynecologists, as health professionals best placed to detect and diagnose OAB, are in demand for training, practical tools and recommendations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Migration in last decade to high-risk prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: There is controversy around prostate cancer (PCa) screening through the use of PSA, due to the risk of overtreatment. The current trend observed in various European and American studies is a decrease in the number of radical prostatectomy (RP) in low-risk PCa and an increase for intermediate or locally advanced diseases. The objective of this study was to observe the migration of the pathological stages from radical prostatectomy (RP) over 10 years in France through 2 French centers. METHODS: It was a multicentric retrospective study, where all the RP realized in 2 French tertiary centers, in a laparoscopic or retropubic approach for each of the years 2005, 2010 and 2015 were included. Preoperative data (age, PSA, clinical stage, number of positive biopsies, Gleason biopsy score) and postoperative data (pTNM, pathological Gleason score (pGS)) were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: In all, 1282 RP were realized (503 in 2005, 403 in 2010, 376 in 2015). Respectively between 2005, 2010, 2015 the average number of positive biopsy increased significantly from 2.30 vs. 2.88 vs. 5.3 (P=0.0001). The distribution of D'Amico's risk evolves with time: low-risk: 49.9 vs. 44.4 vs. 15.7% (P=0.0001); intermediate risk: 40.95 vs. 43.92 vs. 64.1% (P=0.0001) and high-risk: 9.15 vs. 11.66 vs. 20.2% (P=0.0001) between 2005, 2010 and 2015 respectively. pGS evolved to higher score with SG<7: 22.8 vs. 29.9 vs. 7.1% et SG≥7: 77.2 vs. 70.1 vs. 92.9% (P=0.001). Also, pTNM increased to non-organ-confined disease: pT2: 66.9 vs. 51.9 vs. 48.7%; pT3: 33.1 vs. 48.1 vs. 51.3% (P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study showed a change in the management of PCa since new recommendations from medical authorities about PSA screening and evolving of conservative treatment. Number of RP increase for higher risk PCa. This change corresponds to better patient selection for RP: decrease for low-risk and increase for high-risk organ-confined disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Partial nephrectomy vs. radical nephrectomy for tumor>7cm]. / Résultats de la néphrectomie partielle pour les tumeurs de plus de 7cm : comparaison avec la néphrectomie élargie.

INTRODUCTION: The usefulness of partial nephrectomy (PN) has been demonstrated for the treatment of renal tumor<7cm and it is now the standard treatment for such lesions. However, few studies are available regarding tumors≥T2. The objective of this study was to assess PN results for the treatment of renal tumors>7cm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective two-center study was performed, including 170 patients treated. Thirty-two patients underwent PN and 138 radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal cT2 tumors between 2004 and 2014. The biological and clinical characteristics including perioperative morbidity as well as the survival rate were compared between these 2 groups. RESULTS: The median age was 59.5 years and the median follow-up was 47 months. More cT2b tumors were treated through RN (34.1% vs. 12.5%, P=0.01). The postoperative decrease in creatinine clearance was higher for the RN group (-24.3mL/min vs. -16.8; P=0.04). This difference was no longer significant at last follow-up. Perioperative complications were more frequent in the PN group (50.0% vs. 18.1%; P=0.008), and more severe (Clavien≥3 18.7% vs. 5.1%, P=0.01). No difference was found regarding the overall survival. Surgical margins were more frequent in the PN group (9.1% vs. 0.85%; P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested the feasibility of PN for renal tumors>7cm, involving however a higher perioperative complication risk. Cautious patient selection appeared to be required for the indication of PN for large tumors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Treatment of pseudoaneurysm following partial nephrectomy]. / Prise en charge des faux anévrismes rénaux après néphrectomie partielle.

BACKGROUND: Partial nephrectomy (PN) has become the gold standard for the treatment of small tumors confined to the kidney. As result, the number of PN procedures increased during the last years. Subsequently, we have more often to deal with the complications of this surgery. Among these, pseudoaneurysms are rare but potentially life-threatening due to a risk of bleeding. Therefore, pseudoaneurysms have to be treated according to a relevant strategy. METHODS: We performed a literature review of the cases of pseudoaneurysm after PN was reported as well as a focus on the different treatment strategies and their outcomes. RESULTS: The incidence of pseudoaneurysm is low, ranging from 0.5% to 4%. Radio-embolization represents the gold standard treatment, used in 98% of the cases reported in the literature, allowing high success rate and rare morbidity. However, in some selected cases, surveillance could be an alternative.

[A prospective trial comparing consecutive series of open retropubic and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a centre: Oncologic and functional outcomes]. / Étude prospective monocentrique comparant la prostatectomie totale rétropubienne à la laparoscopie robot-assistée : résultats carcinologiques et fonctionnels d'une série consécutive.

OBJECTIVE: Radical prostatectomy (RP) is an oncologic and functional challenge. Few series compare prospectively the two approaches, open retropubic (ORP) and laparoscopic robot-assisted RP (LRARP). The objective was to compare the oncological and functional results of ORP and LRARP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2009 to March 2012, two practiced surgeons conducted 304 consecutive RP: respectively 129 ORP and 175 LRARP. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data (location and size of positive surgical margins [PSM]) were recorded prospectively and compared with oncological results (PSM, biochemical recurrence-free survival [BCR]) and functional outcomes (urinary and erectile) by self-validated questionnaires (USP, IIEF-15). The comparison was made by the Chi(2) test and Student t-test for qualitative and quantitative variables. RESULTS: The preoperative data 2 groups were comparable. MCP rate was 13.2% for the ORP and 20% for the LRARP (ns) and was 1.4% and 29.6% (ORP) versus 9.4% and 36.7% (LRARP) for pT2 and pT3 for respectively (P=0.078). BCR was the same in both groups (95.2% at 13.1 months). At 12 months, the results of continence showed no difference (P=0.49) and about erectile function, the EF-score was significantly higher in LRARP: 22 versus 17 for the ORP (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Oncological results were comparable after ORP and LRARP. The recovery of continence was excellent regardless of the surgical technique, the recovery of erectile function a bit faster by LRARP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Does a tumor size higher than 7cm impact partial nephrectomy outcomes for the treatment of renal cancer?]. / Une taille tumorale supérieure à 7cm influence-t-elle les résultats de la néphrectomie partielle pour tumeur du rein ?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a tumor size higher than 7cm on partial nephrectomy (PN) outcomes compared to a tumor size ranging between 4 and 7cm and to compare this impact to one of the RENAL score. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from patients who underwent PN between 2006 and 2013 were retrospectively analysed. Patients with cT1b tumors and cT2 were included. Functional and oncological outcomes were compared. Analysis of the achievement of Trifecta (defined as a combination of warm ischemia time<25min, negative surgical margins and no perioperative complications) was performed according to the tumor size and the RENAL score. RESULTS: Among 334 PN, 57 patients were included, (41 cT1b and 16 cT2), with a median follow-up of 23.5 months (6-88). There was no difference between the groups regarding intraoperative parameters except for the conversion rate, which was higher in the cT2 group (30% vs. 4.3%; P=0.02). The cT2 group also presented higher renal function impairment at postoperative day 4 (P=0.04) which did not persist at 6 months. There was no significant difference in oncologic outcomes between the 2 groups. The rate of achievement of the Trifecta did not differ between cT1b and cT2 groups. Conversely, Trifecta rate was higher in case of low complexity renal masses (RENAL score 4-6) compared to complex renal tumors (RENAL score 7-9 and 10-12). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that a tumor size higher than 7cm had no impact on PN outcomes in selected tumors according to complexity scores such as the RENAL score. Furthermore, a lower RENAL score appeared to be significantly associated with the Trifecta achievement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

[Laparoscopic robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with total ureterectomy in a symptomatic complete duplicated system: advantages of transperitoneal approach]. / Néphrectomie polaire supérieure gauche robot assistée avec urétérectomie associée, dans le cadre d'un système urinaire double complet symptomatique.

We report the case of a laparoscopic robot assisted left upper polar partial nephrectomy with total ureterectomy performed in a teenager. A 14 year-old girl was referred to our institution for stress urinary incontinence. The morphological assessment (ultrasound scan and uro-MRI) showed a double collecting system with a complete ureteral duplication complicated by a dysplasia of the upper moiety of the duplex left kidney and a mega ureter. The surgery started on a lateral decubitus position by the upper polar partial nephrectomy and the ureter section behind superior polar renal vessels. The patient was placed in a supine position and the mega ureter was released and sectioned at the level of the distal adynamic segment in the left uterine parameter. The transperitoneal route was chosen as it provides a large workspace and allows the dissection of the ureters into their pelvic portion by a simple repositioning of the robot ports without additional incision and without any modification of the operative field. No intraoperative and postoperative complication was noticed. Laparoscopic robotic assisted surgery in pediatric urology is increasing, and to our knowledge, we reported this technique and surgery for the first time in France and in children. In the reported case, we showed that the robotic minimally invasive surgery in children is an innovative and safe technique for the treatment of symptomatic upper urinary tract malformations.

Significant prostate cancer risk after MRI-guided biopsy showing benign findings: Results from a cohort of 381 men.

BACKGROUND: MRI-guided biopsy (MGB) contributes to the diagnosis of clinically significant Prostate Cancer (csPCa). However, there are no clear recommendations for the management of men after a negative MGB. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of csPCa after a first negative MGB. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2020, we selected men with a PI-RADS score ≥ 3 on MRI and a negative MGB (showing benign findings) performed for suspected prostate cancer. MGB (targeted and systematic biopsies) was performed using fully integrated mobile fusion imaging (KOELIS). The primary endpoint was the rate of csPCa (defined as an ISUP grade ≥ 2) diagnosed after a first negative MGB. RESULTS: A total of 381 men with a negative MGB and a median age of 65 (IQR: 59-69, range: 46-85) years were included. During the median follow-up of 31 months, 124 men (32.5%) had a new MRI, and 76 (19.9%) were referred for a new MGB, which revealed csPCa in 16 (4.2%) of them. We found no statistical difference in the characteristics of men diagnosed with csPCa compared with men with no csPCa after the second MGB. CONCLUSION: We observed a risk of significant prostate cancer in 4% of men two years after a negative MRI-guided biopsy. Performing a repeat MRI could improve the selection of men who will benefit from a repeat MRI-guided biopsy, but a clear protocol is needed to follow these patients.

[Renal adaptation after experimental nephrectomy in animals: a review]. / Adaptation du rein après néphrectomie expérimentale chez l'animal : revue de la littérature.

OBJECTIVE AND DATA-GATHERING: We reviewed experimental litterature about kidney adaptation after nephrectomy in mammals. KNOWLEDGE SYNTHESIS: Renal mass increases after nephrectomy thanks to two components, one is immediately due to the rise of glomulary capillary vascular flow, other is linked to cellular modifications with hyperplasia stage which precedes hypertrophy stage. After nephrectomy, young animals show higher renal adaptability than adults. Similarly, the sex influences the remnant kidney parenchyma volume, the increase of glomerular filtration, the hyperplasia's intensity or length, the hypertrophy's metabolic pathways and the glomerular and tubular cells' injury. There is no question that renal compensatory is regulated by hormones such as IGF-1, TGFß-1 and Ang-II.

Open versus robotic-assisted kidney transplantation: A systematic review by the European Association of Urology (EAU) - Young Academic Urologists (YAU) Kidney Transplant Working Group.

INTRODUCTION: In the last 20 years, robotic assisted procedures were evaluated in the field of kidney transplantation to provide a mini-invasive approach for this particularly fragile population. As a relatively new issue, few studies compared open kidney transplantation (OKT) and robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT), mostly in small cohorts. To improve current knowledge, we wanted here to gather comparative data of OKT vs RAKT in a systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify all studies reporting post-operative outcomes of RAKT versus OKT. RESULTS: A total of 2136 patients in 13 studies were included. Median recipient age was 42.6 years (OKT: 43.5 years and RAKT: 40.3 years). Median preemptive kidney transplantation rate was 27.1 % (OKT: 23.3 % and RAKT: 33.2 %). Median total operative time and rewarming were respectively: 235 and 49 min in OKT population; 250 and 60 min in RAKT population. Post-operative complications rates were: 26.2 % in OKT population and 17.8 % in RAKT population. Delayed graft function rates were: 4.9 % in OKT population and 2.3 in RAKT population. Mid-term functional outcomes, patient and graft survival were similar in OKT and RAKT population. CONCLUSION: This systematic review showed that RAKT may be associated with a lower incidence of delayed graft function and post-operative surgical complications and similar mid-term functional outcomes, patient and graft survival, compared to OKT for end-stage renal disease patients.

[Migration of pathological stage after radical prostatectomy to higher risk tumors of relapse: comparative two-center study between 2005 and 2010]. / Migration des stades pathologiques après prostatectomie totale vers des tumeurs à plus haut risque de récidive : étude bicentrique comparative entre 2005 et 2010.

OBJECTIVE: With PSA screening, the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) has increased. Moreover, age and clinical stage have decreased as a result of earlier diagnosis. In this context, the risk of over-treatment including surgery may be important. The objective was to assess the evolution of pathological stages of radical prostatectomy (PR) to 5years apart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine hundred and six PR were conducted in two French centers (503 in 2005 and 403 in 2010). Preoperative data (age, PSA, clinical stage, number of biopsies, Gleason score) and postoperative (pTNM, Gleason score, prostate weight) were analyzed and compared (Student test and Chi(2)). RESULTS: In 2005 and 2010, the median age was respectively 62.85 and 62.52years (NS). The median PSA was 8.55 and 8.99ng/ml (NS). The number of positive biopsies increased significantly (2.30 to 2.88, P<0.0001), but not the biopsy Gleason score (6.34 to 6.43, NS). Clinical stage was significantly changed with T1c: 77.8 to 73%, T2a: 16.6 to 14.2%, T2b: 4 to 7.8%, T2c: 0 to 1%, T3: 1 to 3.9% T4: 0.4 to 0% in 2005 and 2010, respectively (P<0.0006). The average weight of prostate decreased significantly (55.6g versus 48.8g, P<0.0001), pathological Gleason score was unchanged (6.86 versus 6.80, NS). However, the pathological stage has changed significantly to tumours with higher stages pT2: 66.5 to 51.8% and pT3 33.5 to 48.1% (15%) (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: These results have shown that the number of PT performed for pT3 tumours has increased. This increase in patients with high-risk disease has been probably due to change in the selection of patients (surgery for more advanced clinical stages) and allows to consider the radical prostatectomy as a treatment of high risk PCa.

[Should we consider a complementary treatment after a renal colic drained by an ureteral stent?]. / Faut-il envisager un traitement complémentaire après une colique néphrétique drainée par une sonde JJ ?

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate if only ureteral stent removing after complicated renal colic (RC) could prevent from complementary treatment (shock-wawe lithortripsy or ureteroscopy). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 95 patients, 39 women and 56 men, who had an ureteral stent for complicated RC from 2005 to 2010 were retrospectively collected. Mean age was 46.4 ± 17.2 years. After the initial management, another hospitalization was organized where patients had ureteral stent removing under local anesthesia, then an abdominal CT-scan without injection and complementary treatment of ureteral stones (none or ESWL or ureteroscopy). Parameters studied were age, sex, stone size, location of calcul. Quantitative values were compared with Student's t test. Qualitative values were compared with the Chi(2). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean duration between the two hospitalizations were 1.58 ± 1.84 months. Sixty-one patients (64.2%) had no more urolithiasis. In these patients, mean size of urolithiasis was 5.85 ± 2.33 mm. Location of urolithiasis in distal, mild and proximal ureter was 77%, 3% and 20% respectively. Thirty-four patients (35.8%) had persistant lithiasis after CT-scan. Location of stone in distal, mild and proximal ureter was 17.5%, 5.8% and 76.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: After management of complicated renal colic by ureteral stent, 64% of patients had spontaneous elimination of stones after removing of ureteral stent, especially in women and pelvic ureter.