Prognostic value of pretreatment inflammatory markers in localised prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: There is growing evidence of an association between inflammatory processes and cancer development and progression. In different solid tumor entities, a pronounced inflammatory response is associated with worse oncological outcome. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prognostic role of clinically established pretreatment inflammatory markers in patients with localised prostate cancer (PCa) before radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: A total of 641 men met our inclusion criteria and were followed prospectively for a median of 2.85 years. Univariable logistic and Cox regression analysis were performed to analyse associations between preoperative inflammatory markers and tumor characteristics, and biochemical recurrence free survival (BRFS). RESULTS: Median age at RP was 64 years. Gleason Score (GS) 7a (263, 41%) was the most prevalent histology, whereas high-risk PCa (≥ GS 8) was present in 156 (24%) patients. Lympho-nodal metastasis and positive surgical margin (PSM) were detected in 69 (11%) and 180 (28%) patients, respectively. No statistically relevant association could be shown between pretreatment inflammatory markers with worse pathological features like higher tumor stage or grade, nodal positive disease or PSM (for all p > 0.05). Additionally, pretreatment inflammatory markers were not associated with a shorter BRFS (p > 0.05). Known risk factors (tumor grade, tumor stage, nodal positivity and positive surgical margins) were all associated with a shorter BRFS (for all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In this large prospective cohort, preoperative inflammatory markers were not associated with worse outcome.

Modified Immunoscore Improves Prediction of Survival Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer-A Retrospective Digital Pathology Study.

To evaluate the prognostic value of a modified Immunoscore (mIS) in a cohort of bladder cancer (BC) patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC), two tissue microarrays of 159 BC patients were immunohistochemically stained for CD3/CD8/FOXP3 and CD45RO to detect Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL). To predict progression free survival (PFS) and cancer specific survival (CSS), a predictive model cumulatively incorporating all four components was constructed and labeled as mIS. Patients were stratified into two risk groups; "high mIS/favorable risk" and "low mIS/unfavorable risk". Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to test mIS within each American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage group for BC. In a univariable cox regression analysis all single components used for mIS, showed a significant association with CSS. Patients with high mIS (all components) in the AJCC stage IIIa group additionally showed a significantly longer PFS (Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.7; p = 0.008) and CSS (HR: 3.5; p = 0.006) as compared to patients with low mIS. mIS is of prognostic value in BC patients undergoing RC and was able to stratify patients within AJCC stage IIIa and might thus serve as a prognostic marker to guide risk-adapted treatment or follow-up strategies after RC.

Tumor Stent for Chronic Ureteral Obstruction: Which Are Predictors of Stent Failure?

Purpose: To identify predictors of UROSOFT® tumor stent failure. According to the manufacturer, this reinforced ureteral stent has a maximal dwell time of 6 months. Nonetheless, stent failure may reduce this maximal dwell time. Methods: All patients undergoing first-time UROSOFT tumor stent insertion in our institution between 2010 and 2018 were considered for this retrospective analysis. Primary endpoint was stent failure and defined as premature stent exchange or percutaneous nephrostomy insertion. The local ethics committee approved the study protocol (study ID: BASEC 2020-00175). Results: In total, 182 patients were available for analysis. Median age was 68 years. Causes for tumor stent placement were extrinsic ureteral obstruction in 144 patients (79%) and intrinsic obstruction in 38 patients (21%). Tumor stent failure-free survival estimates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months were 89%, 83%, 76%, 65%, and 52%, respectively. Patients with stent failure had significantly higher grade of hydronephrosis, higher urinary culture bacterial growth, higher serum white blood cell count, higher C-reactive protein, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at the time of reintervention, compared with patients who underwent regular stent exchange. Of all baseline and perioperative parameters, we found bilateral insertion, intrinsic ureteral obstruction, and urinary tract infection (UTI) at time of tumor stent insertion to be significant and independent predictors of stent failure (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Despite a theoretical maximal dwell time of 6 months, ∼50% of all cases are subject to premature stent failure. Predictors of stent failure are bilateral insertion, intrinsic ureteral obstruction, and UTI at the time of tumor stent insertion. Preoperative antibiotic therapy may impact on stent failure rate.

En Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumor-Is It the Way Forward?

Transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) represents the cornerstone in diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer but recurrence is observed in up to 80% and over- or understaging with TURBT is common. A more recent development to overcome these limitations represents en-bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) which offers several advantages over TURBT. In this report, we briefly review studies assessing outcomes of bladder cancer patients undergoing ERBT. Most randomized and non-randomized trial demonstrate improvement in clinical outcomes for ERBT over TURBT, however more pathological and translational studies are warranted.

Assessment of Diagnostic Yield of Cystoscopy and Computed Tomographic Urography for Urinary Tract Cancers in Patients Evaluated for Microhematuria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Microhematuria (MH) is a common finding that often leads to further evaluation for urinary tract cancers. There is ongoing debate about the extent to which patients with MH should be evaluated for cancer. Objective: To assess the diagnostic yield for detection of urinary tract cancers, specifically bladder cancer, upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), and kidney cell carcinoma, among patients evaluated for MH using cystoscopy and computed tomographic (CT) urography. Data Sources: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase were systematically searched for eligible studies published between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019. Study Selection: Original prospective and retrospective studies reporting the prevalence of cancer among patients evaluated for MH were eligible. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts to select studies that met the eligibility criteria and reached consensus about which studies to include. Among 5802 records identified, 5802 articles were screened using titles and abstracts. After exclusions, 55 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, with 39 studies selected for systematic review. Data Extraction and Synthesis: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Studies were quantitatively synthesized using a random-intercept logistic regression model. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was diagnostic yield, defined as the proportion of patients with a diagnosis of urinary tract cancer (bladder cancer, UTUC, or kidney cell carcinoma) after presentation with MH. Studies were stratified by the percentage of cystoscopy and CT urography use and by high-risk cohorts. The diagnostic yields of CT urography and cystoscopy were calculated for each cancer type. Results: A total of 30 studies comprising 24 366 patients evaluated for MH were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled diagnostic yield among all patients was 2.00% (95% CI, 1.30%-3.09%) for bladder cancer, 0.02% (95% CI, 0.0%-0.15%) for UTUC, and 0.18% (95% CI, 0.09%-0.36%) for kidney cell carcinoma. Stratification of studies that used cystoscopy and/or CT urography for 95% or more of the cohort produced diagnostic yields of 2.74% (95% CI, 1.81%-4.12%) for bladder cancer, 0.09% (95% CI, 0.01%-0.75%) for UTUC, and 0.10% (95% CI, 0.04%-0.23%) for kidney cell carcinoma. In high-risk cohorts, the diagnostic yields increased to 4.61% (95% CI, 2.34%-8.90%) for bladder cancer and 0.45% (95% CI, 0.22%-0.95%) for UTUC. Conclusions and Relevance: This study's findings suggest that, given the low diagnostic yield of CT urography and the associated risks and costs, limiting its use to high-risk patients older than 50 years is warranted. Risk stratification, as recommended by the recent American Urology Association guidelines on MH, may be a better approach to tailor further evaluation.

Indications and Complications of Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To review the indications for and side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men affected by prostate cancer. DATA SOURCES: National guidelines, evidence-based summaries, peer-reviewed studies, and websites. CONCLUSION: Indications for ADT include men with (1) intermediate- to high-risk localised prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy, (2) biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy treated with salvage radiation therapy, or (3) metastatic prostate cancer. Several forms of ADT are available. To support self-management, body weight, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking should be discussed during clinical consultations. Important side effects of ADT may include flare-up phenomena of GnRH analogues, local reactions at injection sites, cardiovascular events, bone loss/fractures, drug-drug interactions, urinary tract dysfunction, hot flashes, cognitive impairment, seizure falls, and liver impairment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses have a role in personalized cancer care and should be familiar with indications, side effects, and interventions to optimize quality of life for men affected by prostate cancer receiving ADT.

A systematic review of treatment outcomes in localised and metastatic spermatocytic tumors of the testis.

INTRODUCTION: Because spermatocytic tumors of the testis are rare, only limited evidence exists regarding the malignant potential and the optimal management of localized and metastatic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science to identify reports including patients with testicular spermatocytic tumors. RESULTS: From originally 7863 studies, we extracted data of 146 patients of which 99% were treated with radical orchiectomy. Metastases in patients with initially localised disease were diagnosed in 7% of patients and detected after a median follow-up of 5.5 months (range 2-21 months). Patients with aggressive histology (sarcoma or anaplastic subtype) were more likely to have metastatic disease (6/124 (5%) vs 9/22 (41%), p < 0.001). Patients with metastatic disease had larger primary tumors (92.5 vs 67.5 mm, p = 0.05). Life expectancy in patients with metastatic disease ranged from 1 to 25 months. CONCLUSION: The published literature does neither support the use of testis sparing surgery nor adjuvant therapy. Patients with aggressive variants or larger tumors were more likely to have metastases and develop recurrences within the first few years. Patients with metastatic disease have a limited life expectancy and metastatic spermatocytic tumors are not as responsive to chemotherapy as germ cell cancers.

Pure bipolar plasma vaporization of the prostate: the Zürich experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bipolar plasma vaporization (BPV) has been introduced as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Promising short-term results, but inferior mid-term results compared to TURP have been reported following first-generation bipolar electrovaporization. Outcome data following second-generation BPV are still scarce. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the intra- and postoperative outcomes of contemporary BPV in a center with long-standing expertise on laser vaporization of the prostate. METHODS: A consecutive series of 83 patients undergoing BPV in a tertiary referral center was prospectively evaluated. The investigated outcome parameters included the maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)/quality of life (Qol), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Follow-up investigations took place after 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-treatment parameters. RESULTS: The median (range) preoperative prostate volume was 41 mL (17-111 mL). The preoperative IPSS, Qol, Qmax, and residual volume were 16 (2-35), 4 (0-6), 10.1 mL/s (3-29.3 mL/s), and 87 mL (0-1000 mL), respectively. One third of the patients were undergoing platelet aggregation inhibition (PAI). No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, 13 patients (15.7%) had to be recatheterized. Three patients (3.6%) had clot retention and 28 patients (34%) reported any grade of dysuria. After 6 weeks, all outcome parameters improved significantly and remained improved over the 12-month observation period [IPSS: 3 (0-2); Qol: 1 (0-4); Qmax: 17.2 mL/s (3.2-56 mL/s); residual volume 11 mL (0-190 mL)]. The PSA reduction was 60% at study conclusion. Three patients (3.6%) developed a urethral stricture and four patients (4.8%) bladder neck sclerosis. Re-resections were not necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary BPV is a safe and efficacious treatment option even for patients undergoing PAI. Early urinary retention and temporary dysuria seem to be specific side effects of the treatment. Bleeding complications are rare. Long-term follow-up is needed to confirm these promising short-term results.