Evaluating perceptions and usage of natural remedies, herbal medicine, and dietary supplements for kidney stones among a diverse, international, urban patient population.

Our goal was to assess the use and perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for kidney stones among a diverse, urban population. This was a cross-sectional study of patients treated for kidney stones in the Bronx, NY. We assessed demographic information, personal history of kidney stones, as well as knowledge and use of CAM for kidney stones. Patient demographics and responses were analyzed using chi-squared, t tests, and binomial logistic regression. 113 patients were surveyed. 90% identified as non-white, of whom 58% indicated Hispanic, 46% Latinx, and 23% Black. 56% of patients were born outside the United States. 56% of patients had heard of CAM for kidney stones and 44% had used CAM for kidney stones. The most common CAM were fruits (N = 42, 84%). Recurrent stone formers were more likely than first-time stone formers to have heard of CAM (68 vs 44% p = 0.013) and to have used CAM (56 vs 30%, p = 0.008). Those identifying as Hispanic were more likely to have both heard of and tried CAM for kidney stones (p = 0.036 and 0.022, respectively) compared to non-Hispanic patients. CAM are commonly used among our diverse, urban patient population. While some remedies are high in citrate and alkali (i.e., lemon, cranberry), others are high in oxalate (i.e., beets) and could potentially contribute to stone formation. These findings underpin the importance that medical providers educate themselves on the CAM used in their specific patient populations and discussing use with patients. Providers should aim to identify and reconcile therapeutics that oppose goals of treatment.

Association of Obesity and Diabetes With Prostate Cancer Risk Groups in a Multiethnic Population.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) have been associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk, but data examining their combined effects on aggressive PCa are sparse, particularly among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men. We investigated the associations of obesity and DM in relation to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) PCa risk groups in a racially-diverse patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We abstracted demographic and clinical data from men who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution between 2005 and 2019. Patients were classified into three NCCN PCa risk-groups: low, intermediate and high-risk. Logistic regression models were used to examine the independent and combined associations of body mass index (BMI)/obesity and DM with risks of intermediate and high-risk PCa, adjusting for age and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: A total of 1303 men with PCa (average age 60 ± 6.9 years) were analyzed. The majority were non-Hispanic Black (N = 493, 38%) or Hispanic (N = 407, 31%). The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and DM was 29.3% (N = 382) and 28.3% (N = 369), respectively. In multivariate analyses, obesity was independently associated with an odds ratio (OR) = 2.21 of high-risk PCa (95% CI: 1.28-3.81), while DM was associated with an OR = 1.49 (95% CI: 1.05-2.11) of intermediate-risk PCa. Compared to non-obese men without diabetes, men with BMI ≥ 30 and DM had increased risks of both intermediate (OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.12-3.43) and high-risk PCa (OR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.22-4.73). Interestingly, most of the association of high-risk PCa was driven by obesity. CONCLUSION: In this multiethnic population both obesity and DM were independently associated with intermediate- and high-risk PCa; however, most of the association for high-risk cancer was driven by obesity. Our results corroborate findings that obesity increases the risk of aggressive PCa; however, results regarding DM need to be confirmed in other large multiethnic populations.

Use of beta-blocker types and risk of incident prostate cancer in a multiethnic population.

PURPOSE: Increased adrenergic innervation is observed in prostate cancer (CaP) and is associated with aggressive disease. Emerging evidence suggests that beta-adrenergic blockade inhibits CaP progression. However, the association between type of beta-blocker use and risk of incident CaP on initial prostate biopsy has not been investigated in multiethnic populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of racially/ethnically diverse men (64% African-American and Hispanic), who underwent initial prostate biopsy between 2006 and 2016 in a large healthcare system was performed. Oral use of beta-blocker type was assessed by reviewing active prescriptions within the 5-year period preceding initial biopsy. Patient demographics and clinical factors were collected. RESULTS: Of 4,607 men who underwent initial prostate biopsy, 4,516 met criteria and 2,128 had a biopsy positive for CaP; 20% high-risk, 41% intermediate-risk, and 39% low or very-low risk (National Comprehensive Cancer Network classification). Overall, 15% of patients were taking a beta-blocker prior to initial biopsy, with Metoprolol, Atenolol, and Carvedilol accounting for the majority. Of beta-blocker types, Atenolol alone was associated with a 38% reduction in odds of incident CaP (P= 0.01), with a 40% and 54% reduction in risks of National Comprehensive Cancer Network intermediate and high-risk CaP (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03, respectively) compared to men not taking a beta-blocker. Furthermore, longer duration of Atenolol use (3-5 years) was associated with a 54% and 72% reduction in intermediate and high-risk disease, (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Among beta blocker types, long-term Atenolol use is associated with a significant reduction in incident CaP risk on initial prostate biopsy for clinically-significant intermediate and high-risk disease compared to men not taking a beta-blocker.