Pre-first-line chemotherapy risk stratification for overall survival in advanced urothelial carcinoma in sequential therapy era.

PURPOSE: To explore pre-treatment risk factors for overall survival (OS) in advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) patients treated with first-line (1L) chemotherapy in sequential therapy (ST) era. Additionally, to evaluate the proportion of patients who were not able to undergo subsequent immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy according to the subgroups stratified by the risk factors. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted. Metastatic or locally advanced UC patients treated between 2017 and 2022 were included. The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression models were used to address OS. RESULTS: Three hundred and fourteen patients treated with 1L chemotherapy were included in the study and 57 (18.2%) patients were not able to proceed to subsequent ICI therapy. Pre-chemotherapy risk factors for OS in 314 patients were ECOG-PS 1 or more, having no primary site resection, C-reactive protein (CRP) level of 3 mg/dL or more, and non-cisplatin-based regimen. Patients having 3 or 4 risk factors had higher risk for not being able to receive ST (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.001). As risk factors for OS in 230 patients who were able to receive ST, having no primary site resection, a neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio of 3 or more, and the presence of liver metastasis were identified. CONCLUSION: We reported the risk factors for OS in advanced UC patients treated with 1L chemotherapy in ST era. Patients with high risk for OS may not be able to proceed to subsequent ICI therapy even in the ST era.

Intrinsic and extrinsic factors causing hyperplasia of the prostate.

Prostatic hyperplasia is very common in elderly men and is a typical disease that reduces quality of life. Histologically, hyperplasia of the prostate gland causes obstruction at the bladder outlet, resulting in symptoms such as a weak urine stream. Various factors have been considered to cause histological enlargement of the prostate, but the underlying cause is still unknown. The factors that cause prostate hyperplasia can be broadly classified into intrinsic and extrinsic ones. Extrinsic factors include things that we directly come into contact with such as bacteria and food. On the other hand, intrinsic factors are those that cause changes in functions originally provided in the body due to some cause, including extrinsic factors, such as chronic inflammation and an imbalance of sex hormones. A large number of reports have been made to date regarding the etiology of prostatic hyperplasia, although they have not yet clarified the fundamental cause(s). The various factors currently known should be outlined for future research. Should it be possible to prevent this highly prevalent prostatic hyperplasia which is mainly cause of dcreasing quality of life, there is no doubt that it would be a huge contribution to humanity.

Prevention of local symptoms in muscle invasive bladder cancer patients: clinical significance of local radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the significance of local radiation therapy (LRT) for prevention of local symptoms (LSs) caused by muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 133 patients from 13 hospitals. MIBC patients with or without metastases who were treated with LRT alone from January 2015 through December 2020 were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were urinary diversion (UD) prior to LRT, non-MIBC, or lack of clinical information. LSs were defined as hematuria requiring invasive treatment or transfusion, UD after LRT, bladder tamponade, and opioid use for bladder pain. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen patients were finally enrolled in the study. During the median follow-up period of 13.5 months, 30 patients (26.3%) had LSs. Risk factors of LSs in multivariate analysis were a prior history of non-MIBC (NMIBC) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36 to 6.56; P < 0.01), radiation dose of less than 50 Gray (Gy) (HR 3.99; 95% CI, 1.80 to 8.82; P < 0.01), and tumor stage 3 or more (HR 2.43; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.21; P = 0.02). Risk factors of overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis were being female (HR 3.32; 95% CI, 1.68 to 6.58; P < 0.01), an age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity index of 6 or more (HR 2.19; 95% CI, 1.18 to 4.10; P = 0.01), distant metastases (HR 3.20; 95% CI, 1.39 to 6.58; P < 0.01), and tumor size of 40 mm or more (HR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.34 to 4.52; P < 0.01). Toxicity (all grades) occurred in 40.4% of the patients, 4.8% with grade 3 or more and 95.2% with lower grades. CONCLUSIONS: We determined the risk factors for LSs in MIBC patients treated with LRT alone. An escalated-dose of 50 Gy or more may contribute to prevention of LSs caused by MIBC. Thus, dose-escalated LRT for MIBC patients who can expect favorable survival may be a good option to avoid future annoying LSs.

Pre-pembrolizumab neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts the efficacy of second-line pembrolizumab treatment in urothelial cancer regardless of the pre-chemo NLR.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was reported to be associated with prognosis of urothelial cancer (UC) patients receiving systemic chemotherapy or immunotherapy. However, it has not been elucidated how preceding first-line chemotherapy affects NLR and subsequent second-line pembrolizumab treatment. This multicenter study analyzed 458 patients with metastatic UC who received first-line chemotherapy and second-line pembrolizumab with regard to pre-chemotherapy and pre-pembrolizumab NLR in association with the efficacy of chemotherapy and pembrolizumab treatment. NLR was increased in 47% while decreased in 53% of patients before and after first-line chemotherapy. High pre-chemotherapy NLR (≥ 3) was significantly associated with unfavorable overall (OS, P = 0.0001) and progression-free (P < 0.0001) survivals after first-line chemotherapy. However, pre-chemotherapy NLR showed only modest influence on radiological response and survival after second-line pembrolizumab treatment, whereas pre-pembrolizumab NLR showed higher association. NLR decrease was associated with partial response or greater objective response by first-line chemotherapy, while NLR increase was associated with higher patient age. In conclusion, immediate pre-chemotherapy and pre-pembrolizumab NLR was significantly associated with efficacy of the following treatment, respectively. However, even patients with high pre-chemotherapy NLR achieved favorable OS if they had their NLR reduced by chemotherapy, whereas those with high pre-chemotherapy NLR yielded unfavorable OS if they had their NLR remained high after chemotherapy, suggesting that chemotherapy may have differential effect on the efficacy of subsequent pembrolizumab treatment in UC patients.

Does cognitive behavioral therapy using a self-check sheet improve night-time frequency in patients with nocturia? Results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cognitive behavioral therapy using a self-check sheet is effective in improving night-time frequency of patients with nocturia. METHODS: We carried out a multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial in eight institutions. Patients having two or more episodes of nocturia were randomly assigned to either cognitive behavioral therapy with completion of frequency volume charts regularly (cognitive behavioral therapy group) or frequency volume charts regularly alone (frequency volume charts group). The cognitive behavioral therapy checklist was composed of eight items: wake up time/bedtime, mealtime, napping, alcohol/caffeine intake, water intake, salt intake, exercise and taking a bath. A physician explained cognitive behavioral therapy within 5 min using a brief manual. The patients in the cognitive behavioral therapy group filled out the self-check sheet every day. The primary end-point was the difference in night-time frequency based on the International Prostate Symptom Score Q7 at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 100 first-visit patients randomly allocated, 37 in the cognitive behavioral therapy group and 41 in the frequency volume charts group completed the protocol. No difference was observed in the mean ± standard deviation of night-time frequency at 4 weeks between the cognitive behavioral therapy group (2.6 ± 1.0) and the frequency volume charts group (3.1 ± 1.2; P = 0.056). However, when six patients with achievement of cognitive behavioral therapy of <50% were excluded from the analysis, night-time frequency at 4 weeks was significantly lower in the cognitive behavioral therapy group (2.5 ± 1.0) than in the frequency volume charts group (3.1 ± 1.2; P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy using a self-check sheet for nocturia remains to be shown. However, strictly practicing cognitive behavioral therapy might be beneficial to these patients.

[A Case of Diagnosed Lynch Syndrome in a Patient with Ureteral Cancer].

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder in which tumors are known to develop at an early age. Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is one of the tumors related to Lynch syndrome. A 49-year-old woman visited a urologic clinic due to left abdominal pain. She had a history of ovarian cancer. Her mother had a history of colorectal cancer and renal pelvic cancer, and her grandmother had had colorectal cancer. After detailed examination, she received laparoscopic left nephroureterectomy and she was pathologically diagnosed with left ureteral cancer. LS was suspected based on her past history, family history, and age. A microsatellite instability (MSI) test gave a positive result, and genetic analysis confirmed a mutation in the MSH2 gene, leading to the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Although LS has a high frequency of carcinogenesis, it is thought that an improved prognosis can be achieved by early discovery and treatment of cancer in LS patients. From our case report, we recommend screening of LS in patients with a past/family history, who have had an upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Once LS is diagnosed, the patient should be followed by a planned surveillance of cancer development.

[A Case of Detrusor Hyperactivity with Impaired Contractility (DHIC) after Transverse Myelitis].

A 44-year-old man was carried to the hospital in an ambulance because of dyspnea, paralysis and dysuria after signs of the flu. Acute encephalomyelitis was diagnosed by examination of magnetic resonance imaging. Antimicrobial treatment and respirator management was carried out with indwelling of urethral catheter for urinary retention. After improvement of encephalitis, the urethral catheter was removed. However, he still needed medical care because of persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. He complained of urge incontinence and urination frequency. Decrease of functional bladder capacity was noticed in a frequency volume chart. After consulting with our neurologist, acute transverse myelitis was diagnosed from imaging and neurological findings. Pressure flow study (PFS)demonstrated detrusor overactive during the filling phase and insufficient contractility during the voiding phase. We reached the diagnosis of detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC). We did not introduce clean intermittent catheterization but used the mirabegron instead. Although storage symptoms did not improve on the mirabegron monotherapy, the symptoms improved by solifenacin added. There is a possibility that combination therapy with mirabegron and solifenacin is effective for DHIC.

Long-term tadalafil administration can prevent functional and structural changes of the urinary bladder in male rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction.

AIMS: There have been few reports on whether long-term oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor administration can ameliorate bladder changes due to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Therefore, we clarified the chronological changes of the bladder using male BOO rats and evaluated the effects of tadalafil on these changes. METHODS: Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. BOO was created by placing a polyethylene catheter around the urethra. Then, the rats were orally treated with a vehicle, or tadalafil 2 or 10 mg/kg until each evaluation period. Cystometric measurements were performed and the degree of fibrosis in the smooth muscle layer was evaluated at 2, 4, and 16 weeks. RESULTS: In BOO rats, a significant increase in the number of non-voiding contractions (NVCs) and a shortened intercontraction interval (ICI) were observed in the earlier phase (2 and 4 weeks) compared to Sham rats. In the chronic phase (16 weeks), markedly increased residual urine volume and an extended ICI were observed accompanied by enhanced smooth muscle fibrosis. These results indicated that the bladder in BOO rats represented the overactive phenotype in the earlier phase and changed into the underactive phenotype in the chronic phase. Even in Sham rats, an increased number of NVCs and enhanced fibrosis were observed with time. Tadalafil administration significantly prevented these bladder changes in both BOO and Sham rats. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term oral administration of tadalafil can prevent functional and histological changes in the BOO rat bladder. This agent is also effective for the bladder functional change even in non-obstructed rats.

Incidence and risk factors of parastomal hernia after ileal conduit diversion in Japanese population.

OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors influencing the incidence of parastomal hernia (PH) associated with ileal conduit (IC). METHODS: A total of 194 Japanese patients who underwent IC diversion followed by regular postoperative radiographic follow-up from 2005 through 2016 were enrolled. The diagnosis of PH was determined by computed tomography (CT) for patients with and without related symptoms. The cumulative incidence of PH was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate risk factors associated with the incidence of PH. RESULTS: PH was observed in 20 patients (10.3%) after a median follow-up of 25.5 months. Of the 20 patients, three were symptomatic. The cumulative incidences were 3.6%, 10.1% and 15.1% at 1, 2 and 5 years after operation, respectively. The median body mass index (BMI) was 23.1 kg/m2 (IQR 20.4-24.6). The BMI and diameter of the passage through the rectus abdominis muscle for the IC (DPRAM) were significant predictors for PH (p = 0.04 and p < 0.001, respectively). In proportional hazards regression analysis, DPRAM ≥ 2.4 cm was the only independent risk factor for developing PH (HR 10.94, 95% CI 3.66-32.64). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PH in the current Japanese series was relatively low. Even in the population with low BMI, higher BMI might have an impact on incidence of PH. Moreover, DPRAM was also significantly associated with the incidence, suggesting that the operative procedure for creation of the passage is critical for future development of PH.

[A Case of Fibroepithelial Polyp that was Difficult to Distinguish from Renal Pelvic Carcinoma].

A 56-year-old woman presented with left flank pain. Computed tomography revealed hydronephrosis and a 35 mm mass in the left renal pelvis. Ureteroscopy revealed a white elevated lesion in the left renal pelvis. Tissue biopsy was performed and the histological findings showed no evidence of malignancy. Urine cytology was class III. Based on these results, we could not completely rule out malignancy. Left retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy was performed and a pedunculated white mass was found in the renal pelvis. The pathological diagnosis was a fibroepithelial polyp of the renal pelvis. Fibroepithelial polyps in the urinary tract are relatively rare, and those in the renal pelvis even more so. When the preoperative diagnosis shows no malignant findings, fibroepithelial polyps should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

[Durable Response after Discontinuation Due to Immune-Related Adverse Events in a Patient with Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma : A Case Report].

A 70-year-old female with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma was treated with nivolumab. After three dosages, she developed interstitial lung disease which required steroid therapy and nivolumab was discontinued. Thereafter, the target lesion continued to shrinkand the best response was partial response 15 weeks after discontinuation of nivolumab, the reduction rate of which eventually reached 49.1%. Other immune-related adverse events (irAEs), nephrotic syndrome and acute kidney injury developed 34 weeks after discontinuation of nivolumab, leading to irreversible kidney injury that required chronic hemodialysis. Although the target lesion continued to shrink, a new lesion developed 48 weeks after discontinuation of nivolumab. Subsequently, targeted therapies were added, but she died of cancer 13 months after resuming medical treatment. In this case, although various irAEs developed, the effectiveness of nivolumab was sustained even after it was discontinued.

[A Case of Panperitonitis Caused by Spontaneous Bladder Rupture].

A female septuagenarian had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus for more than 20 years. She had persistent pyuria, but did not seek further examination. In 2019, she was transported to our hospital by ambulance for sudden abdominal pain. Physical examination showed a sign of panperitonitis with sepsis. Computed tomography showed ascites and intraperitoneal free air. In addition, there was also a defect in the bladder wall, suggesting bladder rupture. Blood tests showed a marked increase in serum creatinine in addition to increased inflammatory reactants. Because perforation of gastrointestinal tract could not be excluded, an emergency laparotomy was performed. An intraperitoneal perforation of the posterior wall of the bladder was revealed, though there was no intestinal damage. The bladder wall was repaired and cystostomy was performed followed by irrigation and drainage of the abdominal cavity. After the operation, her abdominal symptom resolved and her general status improved. We speculated that voiding disturbance due to neurogenic bladder associated with diabetes mellitus and chronic infection caused the spontaneous bladder rupture. Most cases of spontaneous bladder rupture are associated with a history of pelvic surgery or irradiation, which suggests that this case is extremely rare. In patients with repeated urinary tract infection and underlying disease affecting bladder function, evaluation and appropriate management of bladder dysfunction should be performed ; otherwise, spontaneous bladder rupture may occur.

Sustained density of neuroendocrine cells with aging precedes development of prostatic hyperplasia in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine (NE) cells may have an impact on the development and initial growth of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) according to previous human studies. METHODS: To explore the relationship of NE cells and BPH development, we compared the density of NE cells and also prostatic weight in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), which develop by aging, and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) as control. The total weights of the epithelium and stroma in the ventral lobes of 8-, 12, 16-, 28- and 56-week-old SHR and WKY were calculated using Image J software. NE cells in the ventral prostatic ducts (VPd) were quantified using immunohistochemical staining for serotonin. RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference in the estimated total weight of the epithelium and stroma in the ventral lobes adjusted by body weight (ES weight) between the two groups at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, ES weight was significantly greater in the SHR group than in the WKT group at 28 and 56 weeks. The density of NE cells in the VPd decreased with aging in the WKY group, whereas it was sustained until 16 weeks and then decreased with aging in the SHR group. The difference in the density between the two groups was most marked at 16 weeks of age. CONCLUSION: In the natural history of BPH, NE cells may play an important role in the initial development of BPH because sustained density of NE cells in the VPd precedes the development of prostatic hyperplasia.

[A Case of Retroperitoneal Atypical Spindle Cell Lipomatous Tumor].

A 74-year-old man visited our clinic for treatment of a retroperitoneal tumor that had enlarged gradually. We performed surgical resection of the tumor because we suspected retroperitoneal liposarcoma radiographically. The histopathological diagnosis was an atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumor. No signs of recurrence or metastasis have been observed for one year after the operation.

Does digital rectal examination predict prostate volume greater than 30 mL?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the accuracy of digital rectal examination in estimating prostate volume in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: A community-based study was carried out in Japan to investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A total of 457 men were screened and deemed eligible for the present analysis. Findings on digital rectal examination were compared with prostate volume measurement by transrectal ultrasound. Five groups were identified on digital rectal examination: flat, normal, slightly enlarged, moderately enlarged and markedly enlarged. RESULTS: The median age and prostate volume were 64 years and 19.7 mL, respectively. Prostate volumes for the flat, normal, slightly enlarged, moderately enlarged, and markedly enlarged groups were 16.4, 18.3, 27.0, 41.9 and 86.3 mL, respectively. There were significant differences in prostate volume between the groups. The positive predictive value was 94.1% if flat, and normal were assumed to have a prostate volume <30 mL. The value was 80.8% if moderately enlarged, and markedly enlarged were assumed to have a prostate volume ≥30 mL. Of the men in the slightly enlarged group, 61.0% had a prostate volume <30 mL. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to stratify prostate volume according to digital rectal examination. We could determine the prostates in the flat and normal groups to have a prostate volume <30 mL, and those in the moderately enlarged and markedly enlarged groups to have a prostate volume ≥30 mL by digital rectal examination with high accuracy. Transrectal ultrasound was required for those in the slightly enlarged group.

Changes of sexual function and perception in Japanese men: A 15-year cross-sectional community-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the longitudinal changes of sexual function of Japanese men. METHODS: From 1992 to 1993, we carried out a cross-sectional community-based study on sexual function in Japanese men aged 40-79 years. After 15 years, a follow-up study was carried out to determine longitudinal changes of their sexual function. Of the 319 participants in the initial study, 135 participated again in the follow-up study. Sexual function was assessed using the same validated questionnaire in the two studies. RESULTS: Erectile rigidity declined in men of each age decade at baseline (40s, 50s, 60s and 70s) of the initial study (P < 0.01, <0.01, <0.01 and <0.05). The frequency of sexual drive was significantly decreased in men aged in their 40s, 50s and 60s (P < 0.05, <0.01 and <0.01). Men aged in their 40s were dissatisfied with their decreased sexual function (P < 0.05). In contrast, men aged in their 70s were satisfied with their sexual life (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Over a 15-year period, the sexual function of Japanese men declined in each age decade. However, the perception of this decline differed among different age group. Most elderly Japanese men did not worry about their impaired sexual function.

A randomized controlled study of the efficacy of tamsulosin monotherapy and its combination with mirabegron for overactive bladder induced by benign prostatic obstruction.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of add-on treatment with a ß3-adrenoceptor agonist (mirabegron) for overactive bladder symptoms remaining after α1-blocker (tamsulosin) treatment in men with benign prostatic obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with benign prostatic obstruction with urinary urgency at least once per week and a total OABSS of 3 or more points after 8 or more weeks of treatment with tamsulosin were enrolled in the study. They were randomly allocated to receive 0.2 mg tamsulosin daily or 0.2 mg tamsulosin and 50 mg mirabegron daily for 8 weeks. The primary end point was change in total OABSS. Safety assessments included change in post-void residual urine volume and adverse events. RESULTS: From January 2012 through September 2013 a total of 94 patients were randomized. Of these patients 76 completed the protocol treatment. In the full analysis set the change in total OABSS during the treatment period was significantly greater in the combination group than in the monotherapy group (-2.21 vs -0.87, p=0.012). The changes in scores for urinary urgency, daytime frequency, International Prostate Symptom Score storage symptom subscore and quality of life index at 8 weeks were significantly greater in the combination group. The change in post-void residual urine volume was significantly greater in the combination group. Although 6 patients experienced adverse events in the combination group, urinary retention was observed in only 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Combined tamsulosin and mirabegron treatment is effective and safe for patients with benign prostatic obstruction who have overactive bladder symptoms after tamsulosin monotherapy.

Efficacy and safety of docetaxel and prednisolone for castration-resistant prostate cancer: a multi-institutional retrospective study in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Although some new drugs for castration-resistant prostate cancer are available, docetaxel still plays an important role in castration-resistant prostate cancer treatment. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of docetaxel and prednisolone in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who received docetaxel and prednisolone at 14 hospitals in the Sapporo Medical University Urologic Oncology Consortium from August 2004 to December 2011. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer received docetaxel and prednisolone (median age, 73.8 years; median prostate specific antigen, 54.7 ng/ml). A median of six cycles (range: 1-43) of docetaxel and prednisolone was administered per patient. Median follow-up was 13.7 months. Median overall survival was 22.0 months. The log-rank test revealed that prostate specific antigen before docetaxel and prednisolone (<50 ng/ml) and the prostate specific antigen reduction rate (≥30%) were associated with overall survival (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Eighty patients (57.1%) achieved a prostate specific antigen reduction rate of over 30%. All except two (97.5%) reached 30% prostate specific antigen reduction within five cycles of docetaxel and prednisolone. There were two (1.4%) treatment-related deaths due to adverse events, which were interstitial lung disease, and febrile neutropenia and bacterial pneumonia. Interstitial lung disease occurred in 14 (10.0%) patients within a median of 2.5 cycles of docetaxel and prednisolone. Grade 5 interstitial lung disease was seen after three cycles of docetaxel and prednisolone. CONCLUSIONS: If a prostate specific antigen reduction rate of over 30% is not obtained within five cycles of docetaxel and prednisolone, other treatment options should be considered. Although most patients safely received docetaxel and prednisolone, we must always keep interstitial lung disease in mind as a possible lethal adverse event.

Serum antimicrobial concentrations for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis in radical nephrectomy and radical prostatectomy.

To evaluate the current methods of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis from the viewpoint of pharmacokinetics for patients undergo urologic surgery, this study was designed to measure the serum concentrations of two different prophylactic antimicrobial agents in different types of urologic surgery. This prospective study included 39 patients with prostate cancer, renal pelvic cancer, ureteral cancer or renal cancer treated by radical surgery from August 2005 to March 2006. Blood samples were taken intraoperatively at 30 min and 180 min after the beginning of the first administration. The half-life of the beta phase of cefazolin is 2.46 h and that of piperacillin is 0.7 h according to their manufacturers. The average serum concentration of cefazolin at 30 min was 144 µg/mL in the prostatectomy group and 175 µg/mL in the nephrectomy group. At 180 min, the average concentration of cefazolin was 37 µg/mL in prostatectomy group and 59 µg/mL in the nephrectomy group. The average concentration of piperacillin at 30 min was 134 µg/mL in the prostatectomy group and 137 µg/mL in the nephrectomy group. At 180 min, the average concentration of piperacillin was 10 µg/mL in the prostatectomy group and 22 µg/mL in the nephrectomy group. Thus, the concentration at 180 min after the beginning of infusion was different according to the half-life of each antimicrobial agent. Therefore, up-to-date guidelines for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis that deal with additional types of intraoperative prophylaxis should be consulted if the operation exceeds two half-lives of the prophylactic antimicrobial agents used in real-life clinical practice.