A prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel trial comparing the efficacy of α-blocker or 5α-reductase inhibitor withdrawal to continued combination therapy on the maintenance of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain how long combination therapy should be continued in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We investigated the withdrawal effects of α1-adrenergic receptor blocker (AB) or 5α-reductase inhibitor (5ARI) following successful combination therapy. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel trial enrolled 222 patients with BPH/LUTS who showed at least a seven-point improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score-total (IPSS-T) and a ≥ 20% reduction in prostate volume (PV) following the initiation of combination therapy. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into continued-combination, AB-withdrawal, and 5ARI-withdrawal groups. IPSS, overactive bladder symptom score, EuroQol-five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), EuroQol-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), prostate volume (PV), maximal flow rate, postvoid residual urine (PVR), and prostate-specific antigen level were assessed every 6 months for 24 months. The predictors of IPSS-T deterioration were evaluated. RESULTS: At Month 24, IPSS-T deterioration (≥2 point) was observed in 20/72 (27.8%) and 19/72 (26.4%) patients in the AB- and 5ARI-withdrawal groups, respectively. Among them, 4/72 (5.6%) and 4/70 (5.7%) patients required readdition of the withdrawn drug (p = 0.868). In the continued combination group, EQ-VAS improved at Month 24 compared to baseline (p = 0.028). At Month 24, the AB-withdrawal group showed improvements in EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS, and PVR (all p < 0.005), while the 5ARI-withdrawal group showed improvement in IPSS-S (p = 0.011). Diabetes mellitus was associated with IPSS-T deterioration at Month 24 (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with BPH/LUTS who are reluctant to continue combination therapy, AB or 5ARI withdrawal may be offered in men with improvement in IPSS-T by at least seven points and reduction in PV by at least 20%.

Effects of resection volume on postoperative micturition symptoms and retreatment after transurethral resection of the prostate.

PURPOSE: Despite advances in technology, such as advent of laser enucleation and minimally invasive surgical therapies, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the most widely performed surgical technique for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We evaluated resection volume (RV)-derived parameters and analyzed the effect of RV on post-TURP outcomes. METHODS: This observational study used data from patients who underwent TURP at two institutions between January 2011 and December 2021 Data from patients with previous BPH surgical treatment, incomplete data, and underlying disease affecting voiding function were excluded. The collected data included age, prostate-specific antigen, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)- and uroflowmetry-derived parameters, RV, perioperative laboratory values, perioperative International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), follow-up period, retreatment requirements and interval between the first TURP and retreatment. RESULTS: In 268 patients without prior BPH medication, there were no differences in prostate volume (PV), transitional zone volume (TZV), or RV according to IPSS. A total of 60 patients started retreatment, including medical or surgical treatment, within the follow-up period. There was a significant difference in RV/PV between the groups without and with retreatment respectively (0.56 and 0.37; p = 0.008). However, preoperative TRUS- and uroflowmetry-derived parameters did not differ between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that RV (p = 0.003) and RV/TZV (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with differences in perioperative IPSS. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only RV/PV was correlated with retreatment (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Maximal TURP leads to improved postoperative outcomes and reduced retreatment rate, it may gradually become a requirement rather than an option.

Toward Precision Medicine: Development and Validation of A Machine Learning Based Decision Support System for Optimal Sequencing in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Selecting a patient-specific sequencing strategy to maximize survival outcomes is a clinically unmet need for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We developed and validated an artificial intelligence-based decision support system (DSS) to guide optimal sequencing strategy selection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological data of 46 covariates were retrospectively collected from 801 patients diagnosed with CRPC at 2 high-volume institutions between February 2004 and March 2021. Cox-proportional hazards regression survival (Cox) modeling in extreme gradient boosting (XGB) was used to perform survival analysis for cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and overall mortality (OM) according to the use of abiraterone acetate, cabazitaxel, docetaxel, and enzalutamide. The models were further stratified into first-, second-, and third-line models that each provided CSM and OM estimates for each line of treatment. The performances of the XGB models were compared with those of the Cox models and random survival forest (RSF) models in terms of Harrell's C-index. RESULTS: The XGB models showed greater predictive performance for CSM and OM compared to the RSF and Cox models. C-indices of 0.827, 0.807, and 0.748 were achieved for CSM in the first-, second-, and third-lines of treatment, respectively, while C-indices of 0.822, 0.813, and 0.729 were achieved for OM regarding each line of treatment, respectively. An online DSS was developed to provide visualization of individualized survival outcomes according to each line of sequencing strategy. CONCLUSION: Our DSS can be used in clinical practice by physicians and patients as a visualized tool to guide the sequencing strategy of CRPC agents.

Metabolic syndrome-related factors as possible targets for lower urinary tract symptoms in Korean males.

INTRODUCTION: A positive association between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was reported in several studies, but studies from Asia often showed conflicting results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were obtained from a health promotion center database between 2021 and 2022. Men without a history of treatment for LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), transrectal ultrasonography. RESULTS: Of 1345 individuals, 603 (44.8%) had MetS. Older age, higher IPSS values, higher prevalence rates of BPH and overactive bladder, higher triiodothyronine, and lower testosterone and sex-hormone binding globulin were observed in individuals with MetS than in individuals without MetS. The severity of LUTS significantly increased in the individuals with MetS (p = .002). In individuals with MetS, age, HbA1c, and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) were associated with IPSS. For OABSS, age, HbA1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), coronary artery occlusive disease, and CVD were identified as predictors. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the positive correlation between MetS and BPH/LUTS in Korean. Factors including TSH and atherosclerosis affected LUTS in individuals with MetS. These findings suggested a potential role of thyroid hormones and atherosclerosis in the etiology and treatment of BPH/LUTS in patients with MetS.

Role of the elastography strain ratio using transrectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer.

This study investigated the efficacy of the elastography strain ratio (ESR) as a predictor of prostate cancer (PCa) in targeted prostate biopsy. In total, 257 patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy were enrolled. Before biopsy, we placed regions of interest (zone A and B) in the lesion and levator ani. The ESR was measured as zone A/zone B. Multivariate analyses were performed to predict PCa and clinically significant PCa. There were 206 (71.5%) positive cancer lesions. No difference in digit rectal examination findings was found between patients with and without PCa. For predicting clinically significant PCa, an ESR ≥ 6.8 was significantly higher in the PCa (+) group than in the PCa (-) group (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the conventional variables (model 1) plus the ESR was 0.845, which was significantly higher than that for model 1 (p = 0.001). In prostate imaging reporting and data system score 3 lesions, an ESR ≥ 4.6 was a significant predictor of PCa (p = 0.002). The AUC in model 1 plus the ESR was 0.856, which was significantly higher than that in model 1 alone (p = 0.017). The ESR is useful for predicting clinically significant PCa.

Deep learning diagnostics for bladder tumor identification and grade prediction using RGB method.

We evaluate the diagnostic performance of deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) for bladder cancer, which used white-light images (WLIs) and narrow-band images, and tumor grade prediction of AI based on tumor color using the red/green/blue (RGB) method. This retrospective study analyzed 10,991 cystoscopic images of suspicious bladder tumors using a mask region-based convolutional neural network with a ResNeXt-101-32 × 8d-FPN backbone. The diagnostic performance of AI was evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, and its ability to detect cancers was investigated using the dice score coefficient (DSC). Using the support vector machine model, we analyzed differences in tumor colors according to tumor grade using the RGB method. The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy and DSC of AI were 95.0%, 93.7%, 94.1% and 74.7%. In WLIs, there were differences in red and blue values according to tumor grade (p < 0.001). According to the average RGB value, the performance was ≥ 98% for the diagnosis of benign vs. low-and high-grade tumors using WLIs and > 90% for the diagnosis of chronic non-specific inflammation vs. carcinoma in situ using WLIs. The diagnostic performance of the AI-assisted diagnosis was of high quality, and the AI could distinguish the tumor grade based on tumor color.

Usefulness of grayscale values of hypoechoic lesions matched with target lesions observed on magnetic resonance imaging for the prediction of clinically significant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: To analyze grayscale values for hypoechoic lesions matched with target lesions evaluated using prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS). METHODS: We collected data on 420 target lesions in patients who underwent MRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion-targeted biopsies between January 2017 and September 2020. Images of hypoechoic lesions that matched the target lesions on MRI were stored in a picture archiving and communication system, and their grayscale values were estimated using the red/green/blue scoring method through an embedded function. We analyzed imaging data using grayscale values. RESULTS: Of the 420 lesions, 261 (62.1%) were prostate cancer lesions. There was no difference in the median grayscale values between benign and prostate cancer lesions. However, grayscale ranges (41.8-98.5 and 42.6-91.8) were significant predictors of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC) in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Area under the curve for detecting csPC using grayscale values along with conventional variables (age, prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate volume, previous prostate biopsy results, and PI-RADS scores) was 0.839, which was significantly higher than that for detecting csPC using only conventional variables (0.828; P = 0.036). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference for PI-RADS 3 lesions between grayscale values for benign and cancerous lesions (74.5 vs. 58.8, P = 0.008). Grayscale values were the only significant predictive factor (odds ratio = 4.46, P = 0.005) for csPC. CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of grayscale values according to PI-RAD 3 scores was potentially useful, and the grayscale range (42.6-91.8) was a potential predictor for csPC diagnosis.

Usefulness of grayscale values measuring hypoechoic lesions for predicting prostate cancer: An experimental pilot study.

Background: To ensure reproducibility and representativeness of hypoechoic lesions in transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), we used grayscale values and evaluated their usefulness in predicting prostate cancer (PCA). Methods: A total of 172 patients scheduled for prostate biopsy for suspected PCA between October 2016 and May 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent 12 core target biopsies for hypoechoic lesions in 12 areas of the prostate and two additional target biopsy cores for two hypoechoic lesions. We estimated the grayscale value of the image using a red/green/blue scoring method through a function embedded in the picture archiving and communication system. Imaging data were analyzed using estimated grayscale values. Results: Of the 127 patients (median age = 68.5 years, median prostate-specific antigen level = 6.19 ng/mL), 67 (52.8%) had PCA. Of 1778 biopsy lesions, 327 (18.4%) were PCA lesions. No differences in the grayscale values were found between PCA and benign lesions; however, the grayscale value between 28.0 and 57.0 for hypoechoic lesions was identified as a significant factor for predicting PCA in multivariable analysis (p=0.008). Multivariable analysis indicated a grayscale value between 34.0 and 48.0 as a predicting factor for clinically significant PCA (cs-PCA: Gleason grade group ≥2) (p=0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting cs-PCA was higher for combined clinical and grayscale value parameters than for TRUS grayscale values (0.780 vs. 0.561, p<0.001). Conclusions: Hypoechoic lesions that meet the quantitative criteria seem useful for predicting cs-PCA. The presence of hypoechoic lesions is not a predicting factor for PCA.

Pain control according to the periprostatic nerve block site in magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal targeted prostate biopsy.

We analyzed the intensity of pain at each site of systemic prostate biopsy (SBx) and compared the intensity of pain among magnetic resonance (MRI)-targeted transrectal biopsies according to the periprostatic nerve block (PNB) site. We collected data from 229 consecutive patients who had undergone MRI-targeted biopsy. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the site of PNB (base versus base and apex PNB). Pain was quantified at the following time points: probe insertion, injection at the prostate base, injection at the prostate apex, MRI cognitive biopsy (CBx), MRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy (FBx), SBx, and 15 min after biopsy. For all biopsy methods, the average pain were significantly higher in the base PNB group than in the base and apex PNB group (CBx, p < 0.001; FBx, p = 0.015; SBx, p < 0.001). In the base and apex PNB group, FBx was significantly more painful than SBx (p = 0.024). Overall, regardless of the PNB site, pain at the anterior sites was more than that at the posterior sites in FBx (p = 0.039). Base and apex PNB provided better overall pain control than base-only PNB in all biopsy methods. In the base and apex PNB group, FBx was more painful than CBx and SBx.

Effect of systemic atherosclerosis on overactive bladder symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Symptoms of male overactive bladder (OAB) may be caused by several systemic pathophysiological factors rather than a single-source etiology. We investigated the clinical factors associated with the severity of OAB symptoms in treatment-naïve men with coexisting benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: We obtained records from a health promotion center database of male patients who visited between March 2019 and February 2020. Men without a history of treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, transrectal ultrasonography, medical history, and carotid duplex ultrasound for the evaluation of atherosclerosis. Benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS) was defined as an IPSS of eight points or higher. Patients with comorbidities that may affect their voiding function were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 764 patients were divided into two groups based on their diagnosis: an OAB group and a non-OAB group. The non-OAB group consisted of 627 patients (82.1%) and the OAB group consisted of 137 patients (17.9%). Using multivariable analysis BPH/LUTS was identified as an independent risk factor for OAB. In the OAB group without BPH/LUTS, carotid atherosclerosis was significantly associated with the severity of OAB symptoms. A history of diabetes mellitus was the only variable that was associated with the severity of urinary urgency. Systolic blood pressure was associated with severity of urinary urgency in the OAB group with BPH/LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with male OAB exhibit different pathophysiology in the severity of symptoms depending on the presence of BPH/LUTS. Treatment for atherosclerosis and associated systemic pathophysiological factors could lower OAB symptom severity in male patients without BPH/LUTS.

Efficacy of additional periprostatic apex nerve block on pain in each of 12 transrectal prostate core biopsies: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: We identified pain variation according to prostate biopsy sites and compared differences in pain relief according to the site of periprostatic nerve block (PNB). METHODS: This retrospective study collected data from 312 patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsies between January 2019 and August 2020. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the site of local anesthesia (base vs. base and apex PNB), with each block achieved with 2.5 cm3 of 2% lidocaine. Pain scores were assessed using the visual analog scale at the following time points: probe insertion, PNB at base, PNB at apex, each of the 12 core biopsy sites, and 15 min after biopsy. The results were analyzed using a linear mixed model. RESULTS: The average pain scores were significantly higher in the base-only PNB group than were those in the base and apex PNB group (3.88 vs 2.82, p < 0.001). In the base-only PNB group, the pain scores increased from base to apex (p < 0.001), and the pain at each site also gradually increased as the biopsy proceeded (p < 0.001). In contrast, in the base and apex PNB group, there was minor change in pain scores throughout the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The pain scores varied at each site during the prostate biopsy. The provision of a base and apex PNB provided greater pain relief than does base-only PNB during prostate biopsy.

Optimal duration of preoperative antibiotic treatment prior to ureteroscopic lithotripsy to prevent postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome in patients presenting with urolithiasis-induced obstructive acute pyelonephritis.

PURPOSE: There is no consensus on the optimal duration of preoperative antibiotic treatment prior to ureteroscopic lithotripsy in patients presenting with urolithiasis-induced obstructive acute pyelonephritis (APN). We aimed to identify surgeon-modifiable, preoperative risk factors associated with postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study evaluated 115 patients who presented with urolithiasis-induced obstructive APN between January 2008 and December 2019. All patients were administered intravenous third-generation cephalosporin until culture sensitivity confirmation or until ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Data were collected for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, performance status, stone features, hydronephrosis grade, preoperative renal collecting system drainage, laboratory data, operative time, and duration of preoperative antibiotic treatment. Sensitivity analysis using Youden's index and logistic regression analysis were used to assess risk factors of postoperative SIRS. RESULTS: Postoperative SIRS was identified in 32 (27.8%) patients. The incidence of postoperative SIRS was higher in patients who received preoperative antibiotic treatment for fewer than 14 days (38.8% vs. 12.5%; p=0.001). Backward variable selection logistic regression analysis revealed maximal stone diameter ≥15 mm, duration of preoperative antibiotic treatment <14 days, and preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level ≥6.0 mg/L to be associated with higher risk of postoperative SIRS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with urolithiasis-induced obstructive APN planned for ureteroscopic lithotripsy should be administered at least 14 days of preoperative antibiotic administration and achieve a serum CRP level ≤6.0 mg/L to minimize the risk of postoperative SIRS.

Comparison of outpatient versus inpatient transurethral prostate resection for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Comparative, prospective bi-centre study.

INTRODUCTION: We compare the symptomatic relief with urodynamic parameter change and operative safety of the outpatient transurethral resection in saline (TURIS-V) technique with inpatient transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: This prospective cohort comparison study enrolled patients who needed BPH surgery. Between January 2010 and June 2011, outpatient TURIS-V was performed at 1 centre and the results of the treatment were compared with inpatient TURP performed at a separate hospital. Preoperative characteristics, including prostate volume, were similar in both groups. Perioperative data and any treatment complications were recorded. The analysis compared postoperative outcomes, including a 6-month postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), a quality of life (QoL) evaluation and a record of any changes in uroflowmetry findings, between the 2 groups. RESULTS: In the TURIS-V patient group, 75 patients agreed to be in the study. Of these, 69 ultimately complete the study. In the TURP group, 76 patients agreed and 71 of these completed the study. Both study groups were well-matched for age, IPSS, QoL and uroflowmetry findings. The TURIS-V group experienced both shorter operation times (54.6 vs. 74.8 minutes) and shorter catheterization times (2.2 vs. 4.2 days) when compared to the TURP group. There were comparable improvements in the 6-month postoperative IPSS, QoL, and uroflowmetry findings between the 2 groups. There were also equally low incidence rates of procedural complications. CONCLUSIONS: Both TURIS-V and TURP relieve lower urinary tract symptoms in a similar way, with great efficacy and safety. Overall, TURIS-V had shorter operative and catheterization times compared to TURP. Notwithstanding the paper's limitations (non- randomized cohort comparison with possible selection or surgeon bias and small heterogeneous sample size), TURIS-V can be performed safely even in an outpatient setting.