Oxidative tryptamine dimers from Corynebacterium durum directly target survivin to induce AIF-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells.

Accumulating evidence indicates that microbial communities in the human body crucially affect health through the production of chemical messengers. However, the relationship between human microbiota and cancer has been underexplored. As a result of a biochemical investigation of the commensal oral microbe, Corynebacterium durum, we identified the non-enzymatic transformation of tryptamine into an anticancer compound, durumamide A (1). The structure of 1 was determined using LC-MS and NMR data analysis as bis(indolyl)glyoxylamide, which was confirmed using one-pot synthesis and X-ray crystallographic analysis, suggesting that 1 is an oxidative dimer of tryptamine. Compound 1 displayed cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 25 to 35 µM. A drug affinity responsive target stability assay revealed that survivin is the direct target protein responsible for the anticancer effect of 1, which subsequently induces apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)-mediated apoptosis. Inspired by the chemical structure and bioactivity of 1, a new derivative, durumamide B (2), was synthesized using another indole-based neurotransmitter, serotonin. The anticancer properties of 2 were similar to those of 1; however, it was less active. These findings reinforce the notion of human microbiota-host interplay by showing that 1 is naturally produced from the human microbial metabolite, tryptamine, which protects the host against cancer.

Semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation in cancer patients undergoing sperm cryopreservation.

PURPOSE: We compared semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation in cancer patients who underwent sperm banking and controls who underwent sperm cryopreservation for assisted reproductive technology (ART). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 132 men, 65 cancer patients and 67 controls, were prospectively enrolled and performed sperm cryopreservation for fertility preservation from May 2019 to February 2021. Sperm quality was determined by measuring semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Sperm quality and sperm DFI were compared in cancer patients and controls. RESULTS: The major cancers of the 65 cancer patients were leukemia (26.2%), testicular cancer (23.1%), and lymphoma (20.0%). Sperm concentration, sperm total motility, and sperm progressive motility were significantly lower in cancer patients than in controls. Sperm DFI was significantly higher in cancer patients than in controls (24.32%±15.69% vs. 19.11%±11.63%; p=0.033). After excluding 8 cancer patients who received chemotherapy before sperm banking, sperm concentration, sperm total motility, and sperm progressive motility were significantly lower in cancer patients than in controls, but there was no significant difference in sperm DFI for cancer patients and controls (23.14%±12.79% vs. 19.11%±11.63%; p=0.069). CONCLUSIONS: Sperm quality was lower in cancer patients than in controls. There was no difference in the sperm DFI of cancer patients prior to chemotherapy and men presenting for sperm cryopreservation for ART. We recommend that all men who are planning cancer therapy should be offered sperm banking prior to gonadotoxic chemotherapy as a standard of fertility preservation.

Retroperitoneal single-site robot-assisted partial nephrectomy using Lapsingle Vision advanced access platform: initial three case reports.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is currently the standard for treatment of small renal mass. Recently, robot-assisted single site surgery has been introduced. However, there have been few reports of retroperitoneal approaches. Herein, we report initial case series of retroperitoneal single-site robot-assisted partial nephrectomy using the da Vinci Xi surgical system using the Lapsingle Vision advanced access platform. Three patients have undergone retroperitoneal single-site robot-assisted partial nephrectomy due to incidental finding of renal mass. Operation duration, estimated blood loss, warm ischemia time, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change, and complication were evaluated. Renal cell carcinoma of the two clear cell type and one chromophobe was diagnosed based on the pathological examination. Initial two cases were successfully completed with minimal bleeding and warm ischemic time within 25 minutes. The last 3rd case has been converted to multiport operation due to limited retroperitoneal space and difficulty in managing upper pole renal mass. Retroperitoneal single-site robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is a feasible treatment modality for treatment of posterior or lateral renal masses. Additional cases are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of this technique.

Credé maneuver to adjust tape tension during trans-obturator tape mid-urethral sling in mixed urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative extrinsic manual bladder compression (Credé maneuver) for trans-obturator tape adjustment during mid-urethral sling surgery in women with stress urinary incontinence and those with mixed urinary incontinence. METHODS: The study included 148 randomly selected women who underwent mid-urethral sling surgery with trans-obturator tape for stress urinary incontinence between January 2016 and May 2017. Subgroup analysis of 66 women with mixed urinary incontinence included 43 patients from the Credé maneuver group and 23 from the non-Credé maneuver group. In the Credé maneuver group, the pattern of urine leakage was determined during the Credé maneuver, and tape tension was adjusted according to the pattern. RESULTS: The cure rate was 86.6% and improved rate was 11.9% in the Credé maneuver patients. The cure rate was 50.6% and improved rate was 38.3% in the non-Credé maneuver patients. The success rate was significantly higher in the Credé than in the non-Credé maneuver group (p = 0.023). In subgroup analysis of patients with mixed urinary incontinence, the cure rate was 81.4% and improved rate was 16.3% in the Credé maneuver group. The cure rate was 43.5% and improved rate was 47.8% in the non-Credé maneuver group. The cure rate was significantly higher in the Credé maneuver group (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative trans-obturator tape adjustment using the Credé maneuver to identify the leaking pattern significantly improved the success rate in women with mixed urinary incontinence, and Credé maneuver-directed adjustment significantly improved the cure rate.

Predictive factors for the development of renal insufficiency following partial nephrectomy and subsequent renal function recovery: A multicenter retrospective study.

Patients who undergo partial nephrectomy (PN) may exhibit renal function insufficiency, and a subset of these patients achieves renal function recovery. We evaluated the predictors of renal insufficiency and subsequent renal function recovery following PN. Data on 393 patients who underwent PN for solid renal tumors between March 2001 and November 2013, obtained from 6 institutions, were retrospectively reviewed. Renal insufficiency was defined as new onset of chronic kidney disease stage ≥3 postoperatively on the second of 2 consecutive tests. Renal function recovery was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 ml/minute/1.73 m following renal insufficiency. Tumor complexity was stratified according to the RENAL classification system. The median (interquartile range) age, tumor size, and follow-up period were 53 (45-63) years, 2.6 (1.9-3.8) cm, and 36 (12-48) months, respectively. Tumors were of low complexity in 258/393 (65.6%) of cases. Renal insufficiency developed in 54/393 (13.5%) patients, in which age ≥60 years and preoperative creatinine ≥1.1 mg/ml were independent predictors. Tumor complexity, clamp type, and operative method were not significant prognostic factors. Among patients with newly developed renal insufficiency, 18/54 (33.3%) patients exhibited renal function recovery within a median period of 18 months, of which preoperative creatinine <1.1 mg/ml was an independent predictor. Age ≥60 years and preoperative creatinine ≥1.1 mg/ml were risk factors for renal insufficiency following PN. Patients with renal insufficiency whose preoperative creatinine was <1.1 mg/ml were likely to have renal function recovery.

Long-Term Experience of Sperm Cryopreservation in Cancer Patients in a Single Fertility Center.

PURPOSE: Sperm cryopreservation before cancer treatment is the most effective method to preserve the fertility of male patients. We present our 21 years experience with sperm cryopreservation for cancer patients, including an examination of semen quality, the current status of cryopreserved sperm, and the rate of sperm use for assisted reproductive technology (ART). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 721 cancer patients at Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center successfully performed sperm cryopreservation for fertility preservation from January 1996 to December 2016. Medical chart review was used to analyze patient age, marital status, cancer type, semen volume, sperm counts and motility, length of storage, and current banking status. RESULTS: The major cancers of the 721 patients were leukemia (28.4%), lymphoma (18.3%), testis cancer (10.0%). The mean age at cryopreservation was 27.0 years, and 111 patients (15.4%) performed sperm cryopreservation during or after cancer treatment. The mean sperm concentration was 66.7±66.3 ×106/mL and the mean sperm motility was 33.8%±16.3%. During median follow-up duration of 75 months (range, 1-226 months), 44 patients (6.1%) used their banked sperm at our fertility center for ART and 9 patients (1.2%) transferred their banked sperm to another center. The median duration from cryopreservation to use was 51 months (range, 1-158 months). CONCLUSIONS: Sperm cryopreservation before gonadotoxic treatment is the most reliable method to preserve the fertility of male cancer patients. Sperm cryopreservation should be offered as a standard of care for all men planning cancer therapy.

Focal therapy versus robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in the management of clinical T1 renal masses: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) and focal therapy (FT) have both been successfully employed in the management of small renal masses. However, despite this being the era of minimally invasive surgery, few comparative studies exist on RPN and FT. The aim of our study is to review perioperative, renal functional and oncologic outcomes of FT and RPN in cT1 renal masses. METHODS: Literature published in Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases up to April 22, 2018, was systematically searched. We included literature comparing outcomes of FT (radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, microwave ablation, and irreversible electroporation) and RPN. Studies that reported only on laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy, and review articles, editorials, letters, or cost analyses were excluded. In total, data from 1166 patients were included. RESULTS: From 858 total articles, 7 nonrandomized, observational studies were included. Compared with RPN, FT was associated with a significantly lower decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate (weighted mean difference [WMD] -8.06 mL/min/1.73 m; confidence interval [CI] -15.85 to -0.26; P = .04), and lower estimated blood loss (WMD -49.61 mL; CI -60.78 to -38.45; P < .001). However, patients who underwent FT had a significantly increased risk of local recurrence (risk ratio [RR] 9.89; CI 4.24-23.04; P < .001) and distant metastasis (RR 6.42; CI 1.70-24.33; P = .006). However, operative times, lengths of stay, and complication rates were revealed to be similar between FT and RPN. CONCLUSION: RPN has a substantial advantage in preventing cancer recurrence. However, in the era of minimally invasive surgery, FT has advantages in renal function preservation and less bleeding. Long-term follow-up for survival rates and comparative analysis of microwave ablation and irreversible electroporation are needed to extend FT for patients with significant morbidities and for those who need sufficient renal function preservation with minimal bleeding.

Risk of complications and urinary incontinence following cytoreductive prostatectomy: a multi-institutional study.

Emerging evidence has suggested that cytoreductive prostatectomy (CRP) allows superior oncologic control when compared to current standard of care androgen deprivation therapy alone. However, the safety and benefit of cytoreduction in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has not been proven. Therefore, we evaluated the incidence of complications following CRP in men newly diagnosed with mPCa. A total of 68 patients who underwent CRP from 2006 to 2014 at four tertiary surgical centers were compared to 598 men who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Urinary incontinence was defined as the use of any pad. CRP had longer operative times (200 min vs 140 min, P < 0.0001) and higher estimated blood loss (250 ml vs 125 ml, P < 0.0001) compared to the control group. However, both overall (8.82% vs 5.85%) and major complication rates (4.41% vs 2.17%) were comparable between the two groups. Importantly, urinary incontinence rate at 1-year after surgery was significantly higher in the CRP group (57.4% vs 90.8%, P < 0.0001). Univariate logistic analysis showed that the estimated blood loss was the only independent predictor of perioperative complications both in the unadjusted model (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.02-1.37; P = 0.025) and surgery type-adjusted model (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01-1.36; P = 0.034). In conclusion, CRP is more challenging than radical prostatectomy and associated with a notably higher incidence of urinary incontinence. Nevertheless, CRP is a technically feasible and safe surgery for selecting PCa patients who present with node-positive or bony metastasis when performed by experienced surgeons. A prospective, multi-institutional clinical trial is currently underway to verify this concept.

Predictors for De Novo Overactive Bladder after Readjustable Mid-Urethral Sling Procedure in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence due to Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency.

PURPOSE: This study identified noninvasive factors that predict overactive bladder (OAB) after readjustable mid-urethral sling surgery (Remeex system) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 130 women with SUI due to ISD [Valsalva leak-point pressure (VLPP) <60 cm H2O] who underwent the Remeex procedure between February 2011 and March 2017. Patients were classified according to OAB symptoms before and 6 months after the Remeex procedure: Group 1, without preoperative and postoperative OAB (n=46); Group 2, without preoperative OAB and with postoperative OAB (de novo OAB, n=15); Group 3, with preoperative OAB and without postoperative OAB (n=25); Group 4, with preoperative and postoperative OAB (n=44). Noninvasive clinical and urodynamic factors were evaluated as predictors of de novo OAB. RESULTS: The four groups significantly differed with respect to age (p=0.036), peak urinary flow rate (PUFR) one month after surgery (post-PUFR, p=0.001), and postvoid residual (PVR) one month after surgery (post-PVR, p=0.005). No significant differences were detected for body mass index, diabetes, multiparity, menopause, previous hysterectomy, previous incontinence surgery, previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery, pyuria, preoperative PUFR, preoperative PVR, maximal cystometric capacity, VLPP, maximum urethral closure pressure, detrusor pressure at PUFR, and detrusor overactivity (p>0.05). Post-PUFR decreased significantly compared with preoperative PUFR in Groups 1, 2, and 4 (p=0.002, p=0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). Pairwise comparisons of post-PUFR and post-PVR revealed statistically significant differences between Group 2 and other groups (p<0.0125). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that post-PUFR was the only significant predictor of de novo OAB (odds ratio = 0.823, 95% confidence interval 0.727-0.931, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced PUFR after the Remeex procedure is a promising predictor of risk for de novo OAB. This metric is noninvasive and easy to measure.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy has lower biochemical recurrence than laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) versus laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in the treatment of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Existing systematic reviews were updated to investigate the effectiveness and safety of RARP. Electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, the Cochrane Library, KoreaMed, Kmbase, and others, were searched through July 2014. The quality of the selected systematic reviews was assessed by using the revised assessment of multiple systematic reviews (R-Amstar) and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed by using Revman 5.2 (Cochrane Community) and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2.0 (CMA; Biostat). Cochrane Q and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: Two systematic reviews and 16 additional studies were selected from a search performed of existing systematic reviews. These included 2 randomized controlled clinical trials and 28 nonrandomized comparative studies. The risk of complications, such as injury to organs by the Clavien-Dindo classification, was lower with RARP than with LRP (relative risk [RR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-0.85; p=0.01). The risk of urinary incontinence was lower (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.31-0.60; p<0.000001) and the potency rate was significantly higher with RARP than with LRP (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.11-1.70; I2=78%; p=0.003). Regarding positive surgical margins, no significant difference in risk between the 2 groups was observed; however, the biochemical recurrence rate was lower after RARP than after LRP (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.48-0.73; I2=21%; p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: RARP appears to be a safe and effective technique compared with LRP with a lower complication rate, better potency, a higher continence rate, and a decreased rate of biochemical recurrence.

Da Vinci Xi and Si platforms have equivalent perioperative outcomes during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: preliminary experience.

The aims of this study were to compare the perioperative outcomes of da Vinci Xi to Si during robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and to discuss the feasibility of our novel port placement scheme for the da Vinci Xi platform, to overcome the existing kinetic and technical difficulties we faced with the linear port placement in patients with a small body habitus. A retrospective data analysis of patients who underwent RPN using da Vinci Xi (n = 18) was carried out. The outcomes of the Xi group were compared with the Si group (n = 18) selected using a case-matched methodology. For da Vinci Xi, we applied the universal linear port placement in 12 patients and our modified port placement in the remaining 6 patients. The Xi group had a shorter mean docking time of 17.8 ± 2.6 min compared to the Si group of 20.5 ± 2.1 min (p = 0.002); otherwise, no significant difference was present with regard to the remaining perioperative variables (p > 0.05). The modified Xi port placement had a shorter mean console time of 70.8 ± 9.7 min compared to the universal linear port placement of 89.3 ± 17.2 min (p = 0.03). Moreover, it provided a broader field of vision with excellent robotic arms movement, minimizing collisions and allowing an easier and comfortable surgical assist. Da Vinci Xi appears to be feasible and safe during RPN with similar outcomes to Si. The novel Xi port placement makes surgery easier in patients with low BMI.

Sorbus alnifolia protects dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans.

CONTEXT: The twigs of Sorbus alnifolia (Sieb. et Zucc.) K. Koch (Rosaceae) have been used to treat neurological disorders as a traditional medicine in Korea. However, there are limited data describing the efficacy of S. alnifolia in Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify the protective effects of the methanol extracts of S. alnifolia (MESA) on the dopaminergic (DA) neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To test the neuroprotective action of MESA, viability assay was performed after 48 h exposure to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MMP+) in PC12 cells and C. elegans (400 µM and 2 mM of MMP+, respectively). Fluorescence intensity was quantified using transgenic mutants such as BZ555 (Pdat-1::GFP) and and UA57 (Pdat-1::GFP and Pdat-1::CAT-2) to determine MESA's effects on DA neurodegeneration in C. elegans. Aggregation of α-synuclein was observed using NL5901 strain (unc-54p::α-synuclein::YFP). MESA's protective effects on the DA neuronal functions were examined by food-sensing assay. Lifespan assay was conducted to test the effects of MESA on the longevity. RESULTS: MESA restored MPP+-induced loss of viability in both PC12 cells and C. elegans (85.8% and 54.9%, respectively). In C. elegans, MESA provided protection against chemically and genetically-induced DA neurodegeneration, respectively. Moreover, food-sensing functions were increased 58.4% by MESA in the DA neuron degraded worms. MESA also prolonged the average lifespan by 25.6%. However, MESA failed to alter α-synuclein aggregation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed that MESA protects DA neurodegeneration and recovers diminished DA neuronal functions, thereby can be a valuable candidate for the treatment of PD.

Feasibility of Robot - assisted Segmental Ureterectomy and Ureteroureterostomy in Patient with High Medical Comorbidity.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard treatment option for upper tract tumors. However, segmental ureterectomy may be another option in patients with single kidney, borderline renal function or high medical comorbidities. The aim of this video is to assess the feasibility of robotic surgery as a minimally invasive technique in treatment of a high comorbid patient with ureteric tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-year old male patient, with a medical history of chronic hypertensive and uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, was referred to our department for treatment of ureteric tumor. Patient underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy 5 years ago. Patient's Charlson comorbidity index score was 9. Computed tomography showed a 2.5cm right ureteral luminal filling enhancing lesion at lower part of upper 1/3 ureter. We performed diagnostic flexible cystoscopy under local anesthesia to exclude associated lower urinary tract carcinoma, and bladder wash was negative for malignancy. Under general anesthesia patient underwent diagnostic flexible ureteroscopy to confirm mass location, and a retrograde pyelography to rule out additional tumors on the right collecting system. Then, the patient was placed in the full lateral flank position without Table flexion. Ports placement were inserted as follow: a "12mm" optical trocar at pararectal line superior and lateral to umbilicus, two "8mm" robotic trocars cranial and caudal to optical trocar (8cm distance), a "8mm" robotic trocar towards anterior superior ischial spine, and a "12mm" assistant trocar was inserted between umbilicus and pubic bone. The surgical steps are shown in the video. RESULTS: The procedure was performed easily. The total operative time and consol time were 100 and 60 minutes, respectively. Blood loss was 50ml. No reported intraoperative or postoperative complications. Notably, we took full precautions in case of intraoperative failure to complete the procedure successfully, nephroureterectomy was our second option. Postoperative serum creatinine was 1.2mg/dL and length of hospital stay was 2 days. The frozen biopsy showed that the tumor was resected with safe proximal and distal surgical margins. Final histopathology revealed high grade (G3) urothelial carcinoma (pT3), measures (1.3x1.2x0.2cm), associated with carcinoma in situ. CONCLUSION: We affirm that robotic segmental ureterectomy and ureteroureterostomy could be offered safely as a minimally invasive treatment for patients with ureteric tumors and high-risk medical comorbidities. It provides excellent perioperative outcomes and early oncological safety with regard to surgical margins.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy confers excellent long-term outcomes for the treatment of complex cystic renal tumors: Median follow up of 58 months.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze long-term outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for treatment of complex cystic renal tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for cystic (n = 32) and solid (n = 263) renal masses at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The primary outcome was assessment of perioperative safety for cystic tumor. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of long-term oncological and functional results. RESULTS: Patients' clinical and demographic characteristics were similar among both groups. The median follow up of cystic and solid masses were 58 and 46 months, respectively. Cystic masses were more likely to have low Fuhrman grade 1 and 2 (P = 0.03), and shorter operative time (P = 0.04) compared with solid masses. There was no statistically significant difference regarding warm ischemia time, estimated blood loss, trifecta achievement, length of hospital stay, complication rates and renal function preservation (P > 0.05) between groups. In the solid group, 12 patients (4.1%) recurred, and six patients (2%) died from metastatic renal cell carcinoma, whereas the patients in the cystic group did not have any local or distance recurrence, and the survival rates were 100%. The 5-year cancer-free survival (P = 0.77), cancer-specific survival (P = 0.65) and overall survival (P = 0.83) rates were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy appears to be safe and feasible treatment for complex cystic renal masses. It confers excellent long-term oncological outcomes. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy should be the treatment of choice for complex cysts whenever feasible.

Comparison of Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Open Radical Prostatectomy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically update evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) versus retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) in patients with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases, including ovidMEDLINE, ovidEMBASE, the Cochrane Library, KoreaMed, KMbase, and others, were searched, collecting data from January 1980 to August 2013. The quality of selected systematic reviews was assessed using the revised assessment of multiple systematic reviews and the modified Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for non-randomized studies. RESULTS: A total of 61 studies were included, including 38 from two previous systematic reviews rated as best available evidence and 23 additional studies that were more recent. There were no randomized controlled trials. Regarding safety, the risk of complications was lower for RARP than for RRP. Among functional outcomes, the risk of urinary incontinence was lower and potency rate was significantly higher for RARP than for RRP. Regarding oncologic outcomes, positive margin rates were comparable between groups, and although biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates were lower for RARP than for RRP, recurrence-free survival was similar after long-term follow up. CONCLUSION: RARP might be favorable to RRP in regards to post-operative complications, peri-operative outcomes, and functional outcomes. Positive margin and BCR rates were comparable between the two procedures. As most of studies were of low quality, the results presented should be interpreted with caution, and further high quality studies controlling for selection, confounding, and selective reporting biases with longer-term follow-up are needed to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of RARP.

Stratified analysis of 800 Asian patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with a median 64 months of follow up.

OBJECTIVE: To report the 5-year oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy from the largest series ever reported from Asia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 800 Asian patients who were treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy from July 2005 to May 2010 in the Department of Urology and Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea was carried out. The primary end-point was to evaluate the biochemical recurrence. The secondary end-point was to show the biochemical recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival and cancer-specific survival. RESULTS: A total of 197 (24.65%), 218 (27.3%), and 385 (48.1%) patients were classified as low-, intermediate- and high-risk patients according to the D'Amico risk stratification risk criteria, respectively. The median follow-up period was 64 months (interquartile range 28-71 months). The overall incidence of positive surgical margin was 36.6%. There was biochemical recurrence in 183 patients (22.9%), 38 patients (4.8%) developed distant metastasis and 24 patients (3%) died from prostate cancer. Actuarial biochemical recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and cancer-specific survival rates at 5 years were 76.4%, 94.6% and 96.7%, respectively. Positive lymph node was associated with lower 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (9.1%), cancer-specific survival (75.7%) and metastasis-free survival (61.9%) rates (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, among all the predictors, positive lymph node was the strongest predictor of biochemical recurrence, cancer-specific survival and metastasis-free survival (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Herein we report the largest robot-assisted radical prostatectomy series from Asia. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is confirmed to be an oncologically safe procedure that is able to provide effective 5-year cancer control, even in patients with high-risk disease.

Single Positive Lymph Node Prostate Cancer Can Be Treated Surgically without Recurrence.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate pN1 prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated surgically without immediate adjuvant treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the database of 2316 patients at our institution who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)/radical prostatectomy (RP) between July 2005 and November 2012. 87 patients with pN1 PCa and received no neoadjuvant and immediate adjuvant therapy were included in the study. Included pN1 PCa patients were followed up for median of 60 months. Biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival, metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) rates were determined by using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate the impact of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, positive surgical margin, tumor volume, early post-operative PSA(6 weeks), PSA nadir, lymph node yield, and number of pathologically positive lymph nodes on survival. RESULTS: The 5-year OS rate of patients was 86.1%, while the CSS rate was 89.6%. The metastasis-free and BCR-free survival rates were 71% and 19.1%, respectively, and each was significantly correlated with the number of positive lymph nodes on log rank tests (p = 0.004 and p = 0.039, respectively). The presence of 2 or more pathologically positive LNs (HR:2.20; 95% CI 1.30-3.72; p = 0.003) and a Gleason score ≥8 (HR: 2.40;95% CI: 1.32-4.38; p = 0.04) were significant negative predictors of BCR free survival on multivariable regression analysis. Furthermore, the presence of 2 or more positive lymph nodes (HR: 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.11; p = 0.029) were significant negative predictors of metastasis-free survival on multivariable regression analysis. Additionally, in the patients who had no BCR without adjuvant treatment 9 patients out of 10 (90%) had single positive LN and 5 patients out of 10 (50%) had Gleason score 7. Therefore, single positive LN, and Gleason scores ≤7 have significantly low risk of disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: pN1 PCa patients have heterogenous clinical courses. Patients with single positive LN, and Gleason scores ≤7 have low risk of recurrence. Close observation with delayed adjuvant hormone therapy can be considered in these patients.

Robot-assisted Fallopian tube transection and anastomosis using the new REVO-I robotic surgical system: feasibility in a chronic porcine model.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the new REVO-I robotic platform by performing Fallopian tube transection and anastomosis in live porcine models. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective chronic animal study was carried out in four crossbred female pigs. The primary outcome was assessment of the pigs' 2-week survival. The secondary outcomes were measurements of intra-operative variables and the complications or difficulties arising when using the REVO-I. RESULTS: Fallopian tube anastomosis was successfully performed in four porcine models. The mean (range) operating time was 66 (46-104 min), docking time 22.25 (14-53) min and console time 18 (13-20) min. The REVO-I robotic system functioned appropriately, with no technical problems or difficulties noted during the procedures. Both the surgeon and the bedside assistants reported ease of use and better performance with subsequent procedures. All pigs were alive 2 weeks after surgery, with no peri-operative complications related to the use of the robot. CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical chronic porcine study showed that the REVO-I robotic surgical system is a feasible and safe robotic instrument that can be used by surgeons to perform skillful robotic procedures in porcine models. Our next objective will be to demonstrate its safety in humans.

Comparison of Trifecta and Pentafecta Outcomes between T1a and T1b Renal Masses following Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN) with Minimum One Year Follow Up: Can RAPN for T1b Renal Masses Be Feasible?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of RAPN on T1b renal mass by assessment of Trifecta and Pentafecta rate between T1a and T1b renal mass. MATERIALS/METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 277 cases of RPN performed from 2006 to 2015. Sixty patients with clinically T1b renal masses (> 4 cm and ≤ 7 cm) were identified, and from 180 patients with clinically T1a renal mass, 60 patients were matched with T1b renal mass by propensity score. Tumor complexity was investigated according to R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score. "Pentafecta" was defined as achievement of Trifecta (negative surgical margin, no postoperative complications and warm ischemia time of ≤ 25 minutes) with addition of over 90% estimated GFR preservation and no chronic kidney disease stage upgrading at 1 year postoperative period. Propensity score matching was performed by OneToManyMTCH. Logistic regression models were used to identify the variables which predict the Trifecta, and Pentafecta ac. RESULTS: Preoperative variables (age, sex, body mass index, ASA score) were similar between T1a and T1b after propensity score matching. The median R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was 8 vs 9 for T1a and T1b respectively (p<0.001). The median warm ischemia time was 20.1 min vs 26.2 min (p<0.001). Positive surgical margin rate was 5% vs 6.6% (p = 0.729) and overall complication rate of 13.3%. vs 15% (p = 0.793). The rate of achievement of Trifecta rate were 65.3% vs 43.3% (p = 0.017) and Pentafecta rate were 38.3% vs 26.7% (p = 0.172). For achievement of Pentafecta, R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score (HR 0.80; 95% CI (0.67-0.97); p = 0.031) was significant predictor of achieving Pentafecta. Subanalyis to assess the component of R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score, L component (location relative to the polar lines, HR 0.63; 95% CI (0.38-1.03); P = 0.064) was relatively important component for Pentafecta achievement. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of Pentafecta after RAPN was comparable between T1a and T1b renal masses. RAPN is a feasible modality with excellent long term outcome for patients with larger renal mass (cT1b).

Simultaneous Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy.

We present a 61-year-old man who was diagnosed with synchronous prostate cancer and suspicious renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney, treated with combined Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). The combined approach using RS-RARP and RAPN is technically feasible and safe surgical option for treatment of concomitant prostate cancer and suspicious renal cell carcinoma.