Three-dimensional virtual model for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a propensity-score matching analysis with a contemporary control group.

PURPOSE: To compare two cohorts of patients submitted to robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) with vs without the use of three-dimensional virtual models (3DVMs). METHODS: We screened a prospective consecutive cohort of 152 patients submitted to RAPN with 3DVM and 1264 patients submitted to RAPN without 3DVM between 2019 and 2022. Propensity score matching analysis (PSMA) was applied. Primary endpoint was to evaluate whereas RAPNs with 3DVM were superior in terms of functional outcomes at 12-month. Secondary endopoints were to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analyses (MVA) tested the associations of clinically significant eGFR drop and 3DVMs. Subgroups analysis was performed for PAUDA-risk categories. RESULTS: 100 patients for each group were analyzed after PSMA. RAPN with 3DVM presented a higher rate of selective/no clamping procedure (32% vs 16%, p = 0.03) and a higher enucleation rate (40% vs 29%, p = 0.04). As concern to primary endopoint, 12-month functional preservation performed better within 3DVM group in terms of creatinine serum level (median 1.2 [IQR 1.1-1.4] vs 1.6 [IQR 1.1-1.8], p = 0.03) and eGFR (median 64.6 [IQR 56.2-74.1] vs 52.3 [IQR 49.2-74.1], p = 0.03). However, this result was confirmed only in the PADUA ≥ 10 renal masses. Regarding secondary endpoints, no significative difference emerged between the two cohorts. MVA confirmed 3DVM as a protective factor for clinically significant eGFR drop only in high-risk (PADUA ≥ 10) masses. CONCLUSIONS: RAPN performed with the use of 3DVM assistance resulted in lower incidence of global ischemia and higher rate of enucleations. The positive impact of such technology was found at 12-month only in high-risk renal masses.

A matched-analysis on short-term and long-term (up to 5 years of follow-up) urinary incontinence outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with and without anterior and posterior reconstruction: data on 1358 patients.

PURPOSE: We report a comparative monocentric study with a short and long-term follow-up with the aim to assess differences about urinary continence outcomes in patients treated with Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) with two different techniques: with anterior and posterior reconstruction and without any kind of reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2016 to September 2021, at the Department of Urology of the "F. Miulli" Hospital of Acquaviva delle Fonti, in Italy, 850 eligible patients underwent extraperitoneal RARP with anterior and posterior reconstruction and 508 without reconstructions. RESULTS: In patients undergoing RARP with reconstructions 1 month after surgery the urinary continence was preserved in 287/850 patients (33.8%), 3 months after surgery in 688/850 (81%), 6 months in 721/850 (84.8%), 12 months in 734/850 (86.3%), 18 months in 671/754 (89%), 24 months in 696/754 (92.3%), 36 months in 596/662 (90%), 48 months in 394/421 (93.6%), 60 months in 207/212 (97.6%). In patients undergoing RARP without reconstruction 1 month after surgery urinary continence was preserved in 99/508 (19.4%), after 3 months in 276/508 (54.3%), 6 months in 305/508 (60%), 12 months in 329/508 (64.7%), 18 months in 300/456 (65.7%), 24 months in 295/456 (64.7%), 36 months in 268/371 (72.3%), 48 months in 181/224 (81%), 60 months in 93/103 (90.3%). CONCLUSION: In our case study, the RARP with anterior and posterior reconstruction technique is associated with a statistically significant higher rate (up to 48 months of follow-up) and a faster recovery of urinary continence compared to the technique without reconstructions.

Extreme hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for elderly prostate cancer patients: side effects preliminary analysis of a phase II trial.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of SBRT in elderly patients affected by localized prostate cancer (PC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Men aged 70 years or older were enrolled and analyzed. The SBRT schedule was 35 Gy in 5 fractions administered in 1-2 weeks. According to risk group, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was prescribed. Urinary symptoms were evaluated at baseline using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were assessed at the end of treatment, 2 weeks after SBRT and during follow-up using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). PSA values were recorded before treatment and during follow-up as biochemical response criteria. RESULTS: Between 07/2019 and 09/2021, 111 patients were enrolled. Median age was 77 years. At the end of treatment, no acute GU/GI toxicities ≥ G2 were observed. At 2-3 weeks after treatment, 3 patients reported G2 GU toxicity, while 14 patients referred G2 GI toxicity. During the last follow up, 26 and 2 patients reported, respectively, G1 and G2 GU toxicity, while 22 and 1 cases described, respectively, G1 and G2 GI toxicity. No late toxicities ≥ G3 were recorded. GU toxicity is related to absence of urethra sparing, increasing PTV volume, Dmax PTV and IPSS; GI toxicity is related to RT schedule (each other day is better than consecutive day), Dmax rectum and IPSS, At a median follow-up of 24 months, excellent biochemical disease control was achieved in all cases with median PSA of 0.5 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: SBRT in elderly patients affected by PC is feasible and well tolerated with excellent biochemical disease control. Longer follow-up is needed to assess late toxicity profile and long-term clinical outcome.

Features of patients referring to the outpatient office due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: analysis of a national prospective cohort of 5815 cases.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on clinical presentation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is scarce, and studies involving outpatients are lacking. We aimed to provide an insight into the contemporary Italian scenario of BPH-affected outpatients using symptom scores (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], BPH Impact Index [BII]), and to compare characteristics of patients with known BPH and those first-diagnosed at the visit. METHODS: "IMPROVING THE PATH" project working group designed a questionary prospectively administered to BPH-affected outpatients by urologists. A cross-sectional study was performed. Data were adjusted for patient age as a potential confounding factor. RESULTS: Of 5815 patients enrolled, BPH was already diagnosed in 4144 (71.3%), and not in 1671 (28.7%). Patients with known BPH, compared to newly diagnosed, were older (median 68 versus [vs] 55), had more frequent smoking (smoker 27.2 vs 22.6%, and ex-smoker 16.4 vs 12.5%) and drinking habits (55.4 vs 45.1%), were more frequently affected by hypertension (60.0 vs 42.4%), obesity (15.3 vs 9.6%), diabetes (17.9 vs 12.5%), and cardiovascular diseases (14.2 vs 9.5%), p < 0.001. At IPSS, moderate and severe symptoms correlated with already known BPH (56.1 vs 47.3% and 24.8 vs 7.8%), whereas newly diagnosed patients showed milder symptoms (44.9 vs 19.1%), all p < 0.001. At BII, concern for one's health and time lost due to urinary problems were higher in patients with known BPH (p < 0.001). For these patients, the urologist changes at least one of the ongoing medications in 63.5%. For patients newly diagnosed, supplements/phytotherapeutics, alpha-blockers, and 5-alfa reductase inhibitors were prescribed in 54.6%, 21.6%, and 7.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite medical treatment, natural history of BPH leads to a progressive deterioration of symptoms. This may reflect the difference between newly diagnosed patients and those with known BPH in lifestyle and associated comorbidities. A healthy lifestyle and treatments including local anti-inflammatory agents may delay worsening of symptoms and improve quality of life.

Electromotive Drug Administration of Mitomycin C (EMDA/MMC) versus Intravesical Immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in Intermediate and High Risk Non Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although TURB of tumor (TURBT) by itself can eradicate a non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) completely, these tumors commonly recur and can progress to MIBC. It is, therefore, necessary to consider adjuvant therapy in most patients. The primary objective of the present study was to report our experience with EMDA/MMC and BCG, considering efficacy, progression, and recurrence, as adjuvant therapy in NMIBC patients; the secondary objective was to assess the efficacy of EMDA/MMC versus BCG as a comparative treatment. METHODS: Between April 2016 and February 2020, a series of 216 patients, with a diagnosis of intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC after TURBT, underwent adjuvant intravesical therapy. In 26 cases with a failure of the treatment, in patients unfit and unwilling for radical cystectomy, a repeated intravesical therapy was performed (2 had a twice repetition). Out of 244 adjuvant therapies, 140 EMDA/MMC and 104 BCG treatments were done. The following data were collected for each patient: baseline demographics and clinical data and perioperative and postoperative data. Overall patients' adjuvant intravesical therapies were included in a prospectively maintained institutional database, and a retrospective chart review was performed. We collected data on 2 main outcomes, recurrence-free survival (defined as a negative cystoscopy, cytology, and/or histology at the evaluation time point) and progression-free survival (defined as a negative cystoscopy or a nonprogressive tumor recurrence). RESULTS: The NMIBC progression rate was higher in BCG than EMDA/MMC but not statistically significant (respectively, 4.2% vs. 2.5%; p = 0.703). In the overall population, the risk of NMIBC recurrence was higher after BCG than EMDA/MMC (p = 0.025). In the subgroups of 59 paired patients with similar characteristics, no difference was observed between groups in NMIBC progression and recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that EMDA/MMC and BCG are safe and reproducible approaches as adjuvant treatment in NMIBC. EMDA/MMC permits to achieve a fine oncological management as adjuvant treatment in NMIBC, which is not less than that obtained with BCG.

Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score as a Predictor of Recurrence in Patients with High Grade Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Undergoing Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: A systemic inflammatory marker, the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), could predict outcomes in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NIMBC). We aimed to investigate the predictive power of mGPS in oncological outcomes in HG/G3 T1 NMIBC patients undergoing Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patient's medical data from multicenter institutions. A total of 1382 patients with HG/G3 T1 NMIBC have been administered adjuvant intravesical BCG therapy, every week for 3 weeks given at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months. The analysis of mGPS for recurrence and progression was performed using multivariable and univariable Cox regression models. RESULTS: During follow-up, 659 patients (47.68%) suffered recurrence, 441 (31.91%) suffered progression, 156 (11.28%) died of all causes, and 67 (4.84%) died of bladder cancer. At multivariable analysis, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio [hazard ratio (HR): 7.471; p = 0.0001] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (HR: 0.706; p = 0.006 were significantly associated with recurrence. mGPS has no statistical significance for progression (p = 0.076). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant difference in survival among patients from different mGPS subgroups. Five-year OS was 93% (CI 95% 92-94), in patients with mGPS 0, 82.2% (CI 95% 78.9-85.5) in patients with mGPS 1 and 78.1% (CI 95% 60.4-70) in mGPS 2 patients. Five-year CSS was 98% (CI 95% 97-99) in patients with mGPS 0, 90% (CI 95% 87-94) in patients with mGPS 1, and 100% in mGPS 2 patients. Limitations are applicable to a retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: mGPS may have the potential to predict recurrence in HG/G3 T1 NMIBC patients, but more prospective, with large cohorts, studies are needed to study the influence of systemic inflammatory markers in prediction of outcomes in NMIBC for a definitive conclusion.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound Fusion Transperineal Prostate Biopsy: Diagnostic Accuracy from a Single Center Retrospective Study.

The management of prostate biopsy in men with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer has changed in the last few years, especially with the introduction of imaging techniques, to overcome the low efficacy of risk stratification based on PSA levels. Here, we aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric MRI with fusion ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and standard biopsy, both performed through the transperineal route. To this end, we retrospectively analyzed 272 patients who underwent combined transperineal targeted and standard biopsy during the same session. The primary outcome was to compare the cancer detection rate between targeted and standard biopsy. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the added value of combined targeted and standard biopsy approach as compared to only targeted or standard biopsy. Results showed that a rate of 16.7% clinically significant tumors (International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade ≥ 2) would have been lost if only the standard biopsy had been used. The combined targeted and standard biopsy showed an added value of 10.3% and 9.9% in reducing the risk of prostate cancer missing after targeted or standard biopsy alone, respectively. The combined targeted and standard biopsy pathway is recommended to reduce the risk of missing clinically significant prostate cancer.

Nephron sparing surgery for the treatment of renal masses: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the partial nephrectomy (PN) not only is considered oncological equivalent to radical nephrectomy as renal tumor's treatment, but has also give benefits in quality of life and overall survival of patients. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the present study was to report our single center experience with NSS, predominantly performed by a robot assisted access, in a high-volume center with large experience with minimally invasive surgery. METHODS: Between June 2018 and January 2020, a consecutive series of 109 patients (pts) with a renal mass suspicious of renal cell carcinoma, feasible of NSS, detected by ultrasound and abdominal computed tomography (CT), underwent NSS and they were included in a prospectively maintained institutional database. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics, perioperative and postoperative parameters, pathological data were recorded. RESULTS: The mean clinical maximum CT tumor diameter was 37.3 ± 19.6 mm (median 31.5 mm; interquartile range 25-45 mm). PADUA risk was low in 54 pts (49.5%), intermediate in 48 pts (44.0%), high in seven pts (6.4%). The clinical T stage was mostly pT1a (70.6%). NSS was performed by open surgery in nine pts (8.3%), laparoscopy in one pts (0.9%) and was robot assisted in 99 pts (90.8%). A simple enucleation was performed in 67 pts (61.5%), an enucleoresection was performed in 37 pts (33.9%) and a partial nephrectomy was performed in five pts (4.6%). Warm ischemia was performed in 41 pts (37.6%), with a mean warm ischemia time of 5.1 ± 7.1 min. The mean pathological maximum tumor diameter was 35.5 ± 21.7 mm (median 30 mm; interquartile range 22-40 mm). Overall PSM rate was 11.9% (13 pts). In 78% of cases no complication was recorded. No major complications (grade III-IV-V) were noted. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that NSS is a safe, reproducible and minimally invasive approach as treatment of small renal masses. NSS permits to achieve a fine oncological management without any worsening of renal function.

Precision medicine in localized bladder cancer: Personalizing therapies to improve outcomes.

In the last decades, only few improvements have been made in the comprehension of bladder cancer tumor leading to few improvements in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.However, in the last years several step forwards in the field of precision medicine have been made. In this review we focused on some of these elements such as the available biomarkers, the role of enhanced transurethral resection of the bladder and the role of the molecular classification in defining prognosis and therapeutic approaches in bladder cancer patients. Although several progresses have been made, at the time none of the existing biomarkers appear to be able to safely avoid the need of cystoscopy during the follow up of bladder cancer patients. However, these biomarkers representan important tool to follow up patients with a less invasive methods and in the near future might be able to substitute the need of cystoscopy. Enhanced transurethral resection technique can in some cases reduce the risk of recurrence during follow up, although its impact on survival outcomes is still under debate. Transurethral resection of the bladder represents a fundamental diagnostic and therapeutic step in the management of bladder cancer and these techniques can successfully improve its outcomes. Finally, the molecular classification of the bladder cancer represents one of the most exciting novelty in this field, improving consistently the knowledge of bladder cancer. Improvements regarding prognoses and therapeutics can be achieved although data stil need validation.

En las ultimas décadas, pocas mejoras se han hecho en la comprensión del cáncer de vejiga, llevándonos a tener muy poco desarrollo de nuevas técnicas diagnósticas y terapéuticas. En cambio, en los últimos años, varios pasos adelante se han realizado en este campo de la medicina de precisión. En este resumen nos centraremos en algunos elementos importantes como los biomarcadores, el papel de la resección transuretral de vejiga y el papel de las clasificaciones moleculares, en definir el pronóstico y nuevas terapias en pacientes con cáncer de vejiga. Algún progreso se ha conseguido, pero ninguno de los biomarcadore sexistentes parece ser capaz de evitar con seguridad la cistoscopia durante el seguimiento del cáncer de vejiga.A unque estos biomarcadores representan una herramienta importante en el seguimiento de pacientes con métodos menos invasivos y en un futuro no muy lejano podrán substituir a la cistoscopia. La técnica de resección transuretral mejorada en algunos casos reduce elriesgo de recurrencia durante el seguimiento, aunque el impacto en supervivencia aún está en debate. La resección transuretral de vejiga representa un paso fundamental para el diagnóstico y tratamiento en el manejo del cáncer de vejiga y estas técnicas pueden mejorar los resultados. Finalmente, la clasificación molecular del cáncer de vejiga representa una de las novedades mas interesantes en este campo, mejorando de forma consistente los conocimientos del cáncer de vejiga. Las mejoras en relación al pronóstico y tratamiento pueden ser conseguidas aunque los datos aún requieren validación.

Effectiveness of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in a large prospective real-world cohort: the ABItude study.

BACKGROUND: Real-world data on chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with abiraterone plus prednisone are limited, largely deriving from small retrospective studies. METHODS: ABitude is an Italian, observational, prospective, multicenter study of mCRPC patients receiving abiraterone plus prednisone in clinical practice. Chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC patients were consecutively enrolled at abiraterone start (February 2016 to June 2017) and are being followed for 3 years, with evaluation approximately every 6 months. Several clinical and patients reported outcomes were examined. RESULTS: In this second interim analysis, among 481 enrolled patients, 453 were evaluable for analyses. At baseline, the median age was 77 years and ~69% of patients had comorbidities (mainly cardiovascular diseases). Metastases were located mainly at bones and lymph nodes; 8.4% of patients had visceral metastases. During a median follow-up of 18 months, 1- and 2-year probability of radiographic progression-free survival were 73.9% and 56.2%, respectively; the corresponding rates for overall survival were 87.3% and 70.4%. In multivariable analyses, the number of bone metastases significantly affected radiographic progression-free survival and overall survival. During abiraterone plus prednisone treatment, 65% of patients had a ⩾50% prostate-specific antigen decline, and quality of life remained appreciably high. Among symptomatic patients according to the Brief Pain Inventory) (32%), scores significantly declined after 6 months of treatment. Overall, eight patients (1.7%) had serious adverse reactions to abiraterone. CONCLUSIONS: Abiraterone plus prednisone is effective and safe for chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC patients in clinical practice.

Patients with cancer in the COVID-19 era: the clinical trial issue.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospital reorganization may result in reduced ability for the hospital to fully use its armamentarium for battling cancer. Thus different therapeutic modalities have been recommended. During the pandemic, despite regulatory agencies' recommendations, several considerations and doubts remain for oncologic clinical trials. Considering patients who had been enrolled before the pandemic, and who plan to take the study medication, the situation becomes complicated. These patients should undergo monitoring visits, blood sampling, questionnaire, physical examination, and drug and radiation administration. To avoid deviations from the protocol and trial discontinuation, follow-up should be performed regularly, in concordance with safety guidelines. Here we report several considerations.

Could pollen extract in association with vitamins be favorable in the reduction of chronic prostatic inflammation? A case-series analysis.

The aim of the present case-series analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy of pollen extract in association with vitamins in order to reduce the chronic prostatic inflammation in patients with class IV chronic prostatitis (CP). Nineteen non-consecutive patients performed a prostate biopsy for a suspect of prostate cancer. The biopsy histopathological examination showed a class IV CP, in presence of mild/moderate/high degree of inflammation, in association with an extensive (multiple biopsy sites, i.e., ≥ 3) high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia PIN (HGPIN) and/or atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). According to EAU Prostate Cancer Guidelines prostate biopsy was repeated after 6 months, because of the presence of extensive HGPIN or ASAP. Oral administration of pollen extract in association with vitamins (two capsules every 24 h) was prescribed until the repeat biopsy. Repeat biopsy histopathological examination showed, in 13 patients (68.4%), a lower degree of inflammation (absent/mild/moderate).

Safety and efficacy of abiraterone acetate in chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: an Italian multicenter "real life" study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of abiraterone acetate (AA) in the "real life" clinical practice for men with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with mCRPC in 9 Italian tertiary centres treated with AA was collected. Demographics, clinical parameters, treatment outcomes and toxicity were recorded. The Brief Pain Inventory scale Q3 was tracked and patient treatment satisfaction was evaluated. Survival curves were estimated by the method of Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression and compared by the log-rank test statistic. RESULTS: We included 145 patients (mean age 76.5y). All patients were on androgen deprivation therapy. Patients had prior radiotherapy, radical prostatectomy, both treatments or exclusive androgen deprivation therapy in 17%, 33%, 9% and 40%, respectively. 57% of the patients had a Gleason score higher more than 7 at diagnosis. 62% were asymptomatic patients. The median serum total PSA at AA start was 17 ng/mL (range 0,4-2100). The median exposure to AA was 10 months (range 1-35). The proportion of patients achieving a PSA decline ≥50% at 12 weeks was 49%. Distribution of patient satisfaction was 32% "greatly improved", 38% "improved", 24% "not changed", 5.5% "worsened". Grade 3 and 4 toxicity was recorded in 17/145 patients 11.7% (70% cardiovascular events, 30% critical elevation of AST/ALT levels). At the last follow-up, median progression free and overall survival were 17 and 26.5 months, respectively. Both outcomes significantly correlated with the presence of pain, patient satisfaction, PSA baseline and PSA decline. CONCLUSIONS: The AA is effective and well tolerated in asymptomatic or slightly symptomatic mCRPC in a "real life" setting. The survival outcomes are influenced by the presence of pain, patient satisfaction, baseline PSA and PSA decline. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered at ISRCTN as DOI: 10.1186/ISRCTN 52513758 in date April the 30th 2016.

Abiraterone Acetate for Treatment of Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer in Chemotherapy-naive Patients: An Italian Analysis of Patients' Satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: Abiraterone acetate (AA) gives a significant improvement in survival for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) before and after chemotherapy and has a favorable effect on patients' health-related quality of life and pain. Only a few studies have investigated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in AA treatment for mCRPC. The aim of this study was to investigate patients' satisfaction in men affected by mCRPC treated with AA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a database of consecutive chemonaive patients with progressive mCRPC. Patients were treated with AA until disease progression, death, or unacceptable toxicity. Evaluation was performed at baseline and every 4 weeks by means of physical examination and laboratory studies. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, pain symptoms, treatment-related toxicity, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and overall and progression-free survival were recorded. Satisfaction with treatment was investigated at 6 months by means of a 4-point arbitrary scale. RESULTS: One-hundred twenty-eight patients were enrolled. Patients' satisfaction with treatment was "greatly improved" in 36.1% of patients and "improved" in 32.4% of them. Patients with higher satisfaction had lower baseline and final PSA values (P < .05), lower PSA levels at 12 weeks (P = .080), and less pain symptoms and lower Brief Pain Inventory scores (P = .001). Satisfaction with treatment was significantly correlated with baseline PSA level (P = .018), presence of pain (P = .007), duration of androgen deprivation therapy >12 months (P = .025), and number of hormonal manipulations (P = .051). Progression-free survival significantly correlated with patient satisfaction (P < .001). CONCLUSION: AA is safe and well tolerated in chemonaive mCRPC patients, ensures good oncological and PROs. Patient's satisfaction is a predictor of progression-free survival.

Robot-assisted excision of seminal vesicle cyst associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis.

Seminal vesicle cysts (SVCs) associated with other genitourologic abnormalities are rare. Often associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis in a symptomatic patient. In symptomatic patients open surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The laparoscopic approach is a less invasive option. Recently robot-assisted management has gained a primary role for the treatment of this condition.

The use of autologous platelet rich plasma gel in bulbar and penile buccal mucosa urethroplasty: Preliminary report of our first series.

OBJECTIVE: The Buccal Mucosa (BM) UrethroPlasty (UP) is one of the preferred treatments for long or compli-cated urethral strictures. We propose the use of autologous Platelet Rich Plasma gel (aPRPg) in order to enhance to vascularization of BM graft and reduce the fibrous spongy. We report the outcome of our ten cases of bulbar and penile UP and the safety of this technique. Materials and metods: Ten patients underwent to BM UP with use of aPRP gel. Median age was 46. Stricture etiology was idiopathic, failed hypospadias and flogistic. Average stricture length was 3.7 cm. All patient were preoperatively evaluated with uroflowmetry , retrograde urethrography, cystoscopy and questionnaire. The harvesting of the aPRP was performed in blood bank from peripheral venous sample. Catheter was usually removed after 3 weeks and urethrography was performed after 6 weeks. RESULTS: All patients reported no problem on the donor site. At time of follow-up (median 20 month, 12-34) all patients refer no problem and a good uroflowmetry. No re-strictures at the anastomotic sites were demonstrated in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: However in our experience the follow-up is limited and no definitive conclusion or comparison can be made with the original BM UP. The use of aPRP gel seems feasible and safe. In our opinion it is important to continue investigating this procedure for its advantages in case of complex urethral strictures complicated by fibrous spongy, above all in penile urethral strictures post hypospadia repair.

Bilateral nerve sparing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is associated with faster continence recovery but not with erectile function recovery compared with retropubic open prostatectomy: the need for accurate selection of patients.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) shows measurable advantages, compared to conventional open surgery, even if some aspects are, still, under debate. The aim of this study was to compare the potency recovery rate of patients with clinically localised prostate cancer treated by bilateral nerve-sparing (BNS) RARP or retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), and secondarily, the urinary continence recovery evaluation and the oncological efficacy. All patients treated with BNS-RARP or BNS-RRP for clinically localised prostate cancer, performed by a single dedicated surgeon, between January 2004 and December 2008, were enrolled in this non-randomised prospective comparative study. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and erection hardness score (EHS), in the form of a questionnaire, were self-administered to each patient pre-operatively and after 12 months. The presence of surgical margins was considered as oncological outcome measure. Eighty-two patients underwent BNS-RARP while 48 underwent BNS-RRP. For BNS-RARP and BNS-RRP the median operative time was 221 and 103 min, respectively (P<0.001; df=128; t=721.43),and intra-operative blood loss was 280 and 565 ml, respectively (P<0.001; df=128; t=1742.44). At a mean follow-up period of 12.4±2.3 months, 12 patients (25%) in the BNS-RRP group and 22 (26.8%) in the BNS-RARP group were considered potent with or without drugs (P=0.81). Moreover, we did not find any statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of IEFF and EHS scores after treatment (17.21 vs. 16.98; P=0.16 and 2.1 vs. 2.0; P=0.54). On the other hand, statistically significant differences between the 2 groups were found in terms of faster urinary continence recovery and the presence of positive surgical margins (P<0.001, P=0.009). Shorter catheterization duration (7 vs. 3 days) and post-operative hospital stays (8 vs. 4 days; P<0.001) were found in the BNS-RARP group compared to the BNS-RRP group. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that BNS-RARP does not improve erectile function recovery compared to open radical prostatectomy; however, it significantly improves urinary continence and decreases the presence of positive surgical margins.

Prognostic role of cell apoptotic rate in prostate cancer: outcome of a long-time follow-up study.

The tumour apoptotic pattern is described as a good predictor of outcome in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). So far no authors have evaluated the role of apoptotic characteristics in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy (RRP) alone. The aim of the present study is to estimate the prognostic role of the apoptotic index (AI) in a group of patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma subjected to RRP with no adjuvant therapy. Fifty patients underwent RRP according to standardised techniques and the surgical specimens were analysed histologically. In order to evaluate the AI and correlate these results with the follow-up data, we used a standardised apoptotic regulatory terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated deoxyuridine-triphosphate-biotin nick end-labelling technique (Becton Dickinson Immunocytometry Systems, San Jose, CA, USA). The mean follow-up period was 66 months. Significant correlations were found between the AI and pathological features, such as stage (p<0.001) and grade (p<0.001). Out of 50 patients, 13 (26%) had biochemical recurrence and clinical disease progression, with an AI of 1.93 (range, 0.76-5.22), while 37 patients (74%) who did not report any disease progression, had an AI of 0.58 (range, 0.1-3.12). Furthermore, the AI significantly correlated with status at the end of follow-up (r=0.75, p=0.002), these data being confirmed by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis (p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, the AI proved to be an independent prognostic factor of progression-free probability (p<0.001). Our results highlight the utility of AI analysis in assessing the probability risk of clinical progression in PCa patients who are treated with RRP.

Detection rate of ultrasound vs CT scan in clinical staging accuracy of renal tumors pT1NxMx.

OBJECTIVE: Renal ultrasound is very important in the diagnosis of renal tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2000 to Jannuary 2005 we retrospectively examined the records of 116 patients, 37 women and 79 men (mean age 54 years, range 22-77), who underwent radical nephrectomy for kidney cancer in clinical stage CT1N0M0. 2.5 cm was the tumor dimension limit between the nephron sparing surgical technique and radical nephrectomy. We subdivided the sample into 2 groups, the first of 45 patients with tumor lesions smaller than 2.5 cm and the second with tumor lesions between 2.5 cm and 7 cm in diameter all patients underwent preoperative staging including ultrasound scan (ETG) and computer tomography scan (CT). RESULTS: Ultrasound has showed 35% sensitivity and 49% specificity for lesions under 2.5 cm in diameter, and 65% sensitivity and 75% specificity and 80% specificity for lesions under 2.5 and 80% sensitivity and 95% specificity for lesions between 2.5 and 7 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is the first step in the staging of renal cancer before surgery; to assess. 2.5 and 7 in diameter CT scan is the gold standard for solid and cystic lesions.