Diagnosis of prostate cancer by analyzing oxidative stress in human seminal plasma: developing unsophisticated tools for noninvasive prostate cancer diagnosis.

Prostate-specific antigen blood testing has improved early detection of prostate cancer (PCa); however, PCa mortality has not decreased accordingly and a prostate biopsy is still required for a definitive diagnosis. Proteomic biomarker screening in easily available body fluids such as seminal plasma is now increasingly being proposed as a solution to improve PCa detection and prognosis. PCa cells typically produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we therefore investigated ROS levels in semen samples from patients with a negative or a positive prostate biopsy to predict PCa diagnosis. Multiple clinicopathological parameters (digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen scoring, prostate biopsy, and ROS levels) of patients examined for PCa were measured. No significant differences in ROS levels were detected in relation to PCa diagnosis. Although seminal plasma is a well-suited medium for prostate-related biomarkers, no significant differences in ROS levels were observed between the patient groups. Comparison with ROS levels encountered in semen of larger patient groups is the next logical step.

[Extra peritoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Preliminary results]. / Prostatectomía radical laparoscopica extraperitoneal. Experiencia preliminar.

OBJECTIVES: Presentation of our initial experience with the practice of the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy through the extraperitoneal access (ELRP). We describe the proceeding and its technical difficulties, time consumption and complications. METHODS: From January to May 2005 we have indicated 17 ELRP in our institution. Two of them were performed with the help of a mentor. We followed the Brussels technique but without preservation of the neuro vascular bundles. RESULTS: Laparoscopic approach was indicated in 17 patients, 8 of them were completed and 9 converted to open surgery. Of the cases performed without external aid (which are the analysed in this communication), 6 were pure laparoscopic and 9 were permuted to open. Of the last 6, only one was not completed by laparoscopy. Mean operative time was 304 minutes (355 for the pure laparoscopy cases). Transfusion rate was 13%. Positive surgical margins were observed in 26% of the cases (16% of the complete laparoscopic procedures). There were not major complications. Not ileus was observed. In one case, bladder catheter had to be replaced after 7 days because it was not properly placed during surgery. Conversion to open surgery during extraperitoneal laparoscopic proceeding is not very difficult but previous surgical experience is required. CONCLUSIONS: ELPR is feasible in an institution like ours but is necessary a team with previous experience in laparoscopic surgery and the aim of invest a big effort, specially regarding operative time. Initial learning curve has not caused any important complication.