Performance of a Region of Interest-based Algorithm in Diagnosing International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group ≥2 Prostate Cancer on the MRI-FIRST Database-CAD-FIRST Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows high sensitivity for International Society of Urological Pathology grade group (GG) ≥2 cancers. Many artificial intelligence algorithms have shown promising results in diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer on MRI. To assess a region-of-interest-based machine-learning algorithm aimed at characterising GG ≥2 prostate cancer on multiparametric MRI. METHODS: The lesions targeted at biopsy in the MRI-FIRST dataset were retrospectively delineated and assessed using a previously developed algorithm. The Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2) score assigned prospectively before biopsy and the algorithm score calculated retrospectively in the regions of interest were compared for diagnosing GG ≥2 cancer, using the areas under the curve (AUCs), and sensitivities and specificities calculated with predefined thresholds (PIRADSv2 scores ≥3 and ≥4; algorithm scores yielding 90% sensitivity in the training database). Ten predefined biopsy strategies were assessed retrospectively. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: After excluding 19 patients, we analysed 232 patients imaged on 16 different scanners; 85 had GG ≥2 cancer at biopsy. At patient level, AUCs of the algorithm and PI-RADSv2 were 77% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70-82) and 80% (CI: 74-85; p = 0.36), respectively. The algorithm's sensitivity and specificity were 86% (CI: 76-93) and 65% (CI: 54-73), respectively. PI-RADSv2 sensitivities and specificities were 95% (CI: 89-100) and 38% (CI: 26-47), and 89% (CI: 79-96) and 47% (CI: 35-57) for thresholds of ≥3 and ≥4, respectively. Using the PI-RADSv2 score to trigger a biopsy would have avoided 26-34% of biopsies while missing 5-11% of GG ≥2 cancers. Combining prostate-specific antigen density, the PI-RADSv2 and algorithm's scores would have avoided 44-47% of biopsies while missing 6-9% of GG ≥2 cancers. Limitations include the retrospective nature of the study and a lack of PI-RADS version 2.1 assessment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The algorithm provided robust results in the multicentre multiscanner MRI-FIRST database and could help select patients for biopsy. PATIENT SUMMARY: An artificial intelligence-based algorithm aimed at diagnosing aggressive cancers on prostate magnetic resonance imaging showed results similar to expert human assessment in a prospectively acquired multicentre test database.

Management of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer with clinical evidence of pelvic lymph node metastases.

Identification of clinically positive pelvic lymph node metastases (cN+) in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer is currently challenging, as the diagnostic accuracy of available imaging modalities is limited. Conventional CT is still considered the gold-standard approach to diagnose lymph node metastases in these patients. The development of innovative diagnostic methods including radiomics, artificial intelligence-based models and molecular biomarkers might offer new perspectives for the diagnosis of cN+ disease. With regard to the treatment of these patients, multimodal strategies are likely to provide the best oncological outcomes, especially using induction chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in responders to chemotherapy. Additionally, the use of adjuvant nivolumab has been shown to decrease the risk of recurrence in patients who still harbour ypT2-T4a and/or ypN+ disease after surgery. Alternatively, the use of avelumab maintenance therapy can be offered to patients with unresectable cN+ tumours who have at least stable disease after induction chemotherapy alone. Lastly, patients with cN+ tumours who are not responding to induction chemotherapy are potential candidates for receiving second-line treatment with pembrolizumab.

Learning curve for fusion magnetic resonance imaging targeted prostate biopsy and three-dimensional transrectal ultrasonography segmentation.

OBJECTIVE: To report the learning curve of multiple operators for fusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) targeted biopsy and to determine the number of cases needed to achieve proficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All adult males who underwent fusion MRI targeted biopsy between February 2012 and July 2021 for clinically suspected prostate cancer (PCa) in a single centre were included. Fusion transrectal MRI targeted biopsy was performed under local anaesthesia using the Koelis platform. Learning curves for segmentation of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) images and the overall MRI targeted biopsy procedure were estimated with locally weighted scatterplot smoothing by computing each operator's timestamps for consecutive procedures. Non-risk-adjusted cumulative sum (CUSUM) methods were used to create learning curves for clinically significant (i.e., International Society of Urological Pathology grade ≥ 2) PCa detection. RESULTS: Overall, 1721 patients underwent MRI targeted biopsy in our centre during the study period. The median (interquartile range) times for TRUS segmentation and for the MRI targeted biopsy procedure were 4.5 (3.5, 6.0) min and 13.2 (10.6, 16.9) min, respectively. Among the 14 operators with experience of more than 50 cases, a plateau was reached after 40 cases for TRUS segmentation time and 50 cases for overall MRI targeted biopsy procedure time. CUSUM analysis showed that the learning curve for clinically significant PCa detection required 25 to 45 procedures to achieve clinical proficiency. Pain scores ranged between 0 and 1 for 84% of patients, and a plateau phase was reached after 20 to 100 cases. CONCLUSIONS: A minimum of 50 cases of MRI targeted biopsy are necessary to achieve clinical and technical proficiency and to reach reproducibility in terms of timing, clinically significant PCa detection, and pain.

Robot-assisted Periprostatic Artificial Urinary Sphincter Implantation in Men with Neurogenic Stress Urinary Incontinence: Description of the Surgical Technique and Comparison of Long-term Functional Outcomes with the Open Approach.

BACKGROUND: Periprostatic artificial urinary sphincter implantation (pAUSi) is a rare yet relevant indication for male neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI). OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique of robot-assisted pAUSi (RApAUSi) and compare the long-term functional results with the open pAUSi (OpAUSi). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data of 65 consecutive men with neurogenic SUI undergoing pAUSi between 2000 and 2022 in a tertiary centre were collected retrospectively. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Thirty-three patients underwent OpAUSi and 32 underwent RApAUSi. OpAUSi cases were performed by a single surgeon, experienced in functional urology and prosthetic surgery. RApAUSi cases were performed by the same surgeon together with a second surgeon, experienced in robotic surgery. MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures were achievement of complete urinary continence, intra- and postoperative complications, and surgical revision-free survival (SRFS). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: RApAUSi showed superior results to OpAUSi in terms of median (interquartile range) operative time (RApAUSi: 170 [150-210] min vs OpAUSi: 245 [228-300] min; p < 0.001), estimated blood loss (RApAUSi: 20 [0-50] ml vs OpAUSi: 500 [350-700] ml; p < 0.001), and median length of hospital stay (LOS; RApAUSi: 5 [4-6] d vs OpAUSi: 11 [10-14] d; p < 0.001). Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3a complications occurred more frequently after OpAUSi (RApAUSi: 1/32 [3%] vs OpAUSi: 10/33 [30%]; p = 0.014). Achievement of complete urinary continence (zero pads) was comparable between the groups (RApAUSi: 24/32 [75%] vs OpAUSi: 24/33 [73%]; p = 0.500). The median follow-up periods were 118 (50-183) and 56 (25-84) mo for OpAUSi and RApAUSi, respectively (p < 0.001). A tendency towards longer SRFS was observed in the RApAUSi group (p = 0.076). The main study limitation was its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: RApAUSi is an efficient alternative to OpAUSi, resulting in shorter operative times, less blood loss, fewer severe complications, and a shorter LOS with similar functional results and need for revision surgery. PATIENT SUMMARY: Compared with open periprostatic artificial urinary sphincter implantation (pAUSi), robot-assisted pAUSi leads to faster recovery and similar functional results, with fewer postoperative complications.

Perioperative, renal function and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To report perioperative, renal function and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: This was a retrospective single-arm monocentric study including all consecutive UTUC patients treated with robot-assisted RNU at our institution between 2014 and 2022. Descriptive statistics with median and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables and numbers with frequencies for categorical variables were used to report perioperative and renal function outcomes while Kaplan-Meier curves were computed to present extravesical and intravesical recurrence-free survival(RFS) as well as cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals(CIs). RESULTS: Overall, 70 patients with a median age of 69.6 [63.3-74.9] years were included in our study. With regards to perioperative outcomes, the median operative time was 157 [130-182] min with a median blood loss of 200 [100-300] cc. Intraoperative complications occurred in 4 (5.7%) patients but no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery was required. Postoperative complications occurred in 9 (12.9%) patients, including 5 (7.1%) with grade ≥ 3 complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The median length of stay was 4 [3-6] days. With regards to renal function outcomes, the median postoperative loss in estimated glomerular filtration rate at discharge was 16 [10.25-26] mL/min/1.73 m2. With regards to oncological outcomes, the 3-year extravesical and intravesical RFS, CSS and OS rates were 73.6 [62.8-86.2]%, 68.1 [54.6-85]%, 82.5 [72-94.4]% and 75.3 [63.4-89.5]%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We report favorable perioperative and oncological outcomes with expected decrease in renal function after robot-assisted RNU for patients with UTUC.

Impact of Relative Volume Difference Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Three-dimensional Transrectal Ultrasound Segmentation on Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Detection in Fusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging-targeted Biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Segmentation of three-dimensional (3D) transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images is known to be challenging, and the clinician often lacks a reliable and easy-to-use indicator to assess its accuracy during the fusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted prostate biopsy procedure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the relative volume difference between 3D-TRUS and MRI segmentation on the outcome of a targeted biopsy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: All adult males who underwent an MRI-targeted prostate biopsy for clinically suspected prostate cancer between February 2012 and July 2021 were consecutively included. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent a fusion MRI-targeted prostate biopsy with a Koelis device. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Three-dimensional TRUS and MRI prostate volumes were calculated using 3D prostate models issued from the segmentations. The primary outcome was the relative segmentation volume difference (SVD) between transrectal ultrasound and MRI divided by the MRI volume (SVD = MRI volume - TRUS volume/MRI volume) and its correlation with clinically significant prostate cancer (eg, International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] ≥2) positiveness on targeted biopsy cores. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 1721 patients underwent a targeted biopsy resulting in a total of 5593 targeted cores. The median relative SVD was significantly lower in patients diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer than in those with ISUP 0-1: (6.7% [interquartile range {IQR} -2.7, 13.6] vs 8.0% [IQR 3.3, 16.4], p < 0.01). A multivariate regression analysis showed that a relative SVD of >10% of the MRI volume was associated with a lower detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (odds ratio = 0.74 [95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.98]; p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: A relative SVD of >10% of the MRI segmented volume was associated with a lower detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer on targeted biopsy cores. The relative SVD can be used as a per-procedure quality indicator of 3D-TRUS segmentation. PATIENT SUMMARY: A discrepancy of ≥10% between segmented magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal ultrasound volume is associated with a reduced ability to detect significant prostate cancer on targeted biopsy cores.

Unleashing the Power of Artificial Intelligence and Fusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Biopsy: Transforming Prostate Cancer Diagnosis.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and medical imaging have opened new avenues for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. In particular, AI technology can enhance the performance of fusion magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy of the prostate, and has the potential to enhance the usability and precision of this biopsy technique, guide treatment decisions, and further advance prostate cancer care.

Robotic-assisted artificial urinary sphincter revisions for women suffering from non-neurogenic stress incontinence: a single center experience.

PURPOSE: Patients with artificial urinary eventually need surgical revision. Unfortunately, in women, this requires another invasive abdominal intervention. Robotic-assisted revision may provide a less invasive and more acceptable approach for sphincter revision in women. We wanted to determinate the continence status after robotic-assisted artificial urinary sphincter revision among women with stress incontinence. We also examined postoperative complications and the safety of the procedure. METHODS: The chart of the 31 women with stress urinary incontinence who underwent robotic-assisted AUS revision at our referral center from January 2015 to January 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients underwent a robotic-assisted artificial urinary sphincter revision by one of our two expert surgeons. The primary outcome was to determinate the continence rate after revision and the secondary outcome aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the procedure. RESULTS: Mean patients age was 65 years old, and the mean time between the sphincter revision and previous implantation was 98 months. After a mean follow-up of 35 months, 75% of the patients were fully continent (0-pad). Moreover, 71% of the women were back to the same continence status as with the previously functional sphincter, while 14% even have an improved continence status. Clavien-Dindo grade [Formula: see text] 3 and overall complications occurred in 9% and 20.5% of our patients, respectively. This study is mainly limited by its retrospective design. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted AUS revision carries satisfying outcome in terms of continence and safety.

Role of Antimuscarinics Combined With Alpha-blockers in the Management of Urinary Storage Symptoms in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining antimuscarinics with alpha-blockers to treat storage symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Searches were carried out on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to identify randomized, placebo-controlled trials published before February 15, 2022, assessing the efficacy or safety of antimuscarinics in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with alpha-blockers. Further meta-analyses were performed using standardized mean difference and risk ratio. RESULTS: A total of 12 randomized trials were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis showed no impact of antimuscarinics on the number of urgencies per day (SMD -0.23 [95%CI: -0.64; -0.17]; P = .21). However, the use of antimuscarinics was associated with a small reduction of micturition episodes per day (SMD -0.19 [95%CI: -0.37; -0.01]; P = .045). With regard to side effects, post-void residual increased slightly in patients treated with antimuscarinics (SMD 0.26 [95%CI: 0.15; 0.37]; P < .01). In addition, there was a higher risk of acute urinary retention (RR 3.26 [95%CI: 1.35; 7.86]; P = .02), dry mouth (RR 3.43 [95%CI: 1.86; 6.32]; P < .001), and constipation (RR 2.92 [95%CI: 1.48; 5.73]; P < .001) with the use of antimuscarinics. Finally, the risk of treatment interruption due to adverse events was higher for the patients treated with antimuscarinics (RR 1.74 [95%CI: 1.27; 2.38]; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of antimuscarinics to alpha-blockers was not associated with a substantial reduction in urgencies and micturition episodes in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with storage symptoms. In addition, the toxicity profile was not in favor of antimuscarinic use in these patients.

Long-term device survival after a first implantation of AMS800™ for stress urinary incontinence: Comparison between men and women.

PURPOSE: The artificial urinary sphincter is the reference treatment for stress urinary incontinence in men, but it remains rarely used in women. This study aimed to compare long-term device survival between women and men, after the first implantation of an AMS800™ artificial urinary sphincter (Boston Scientific) for the treatment of a non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients with nonneurogenic stress urinary incontinence who underwent surgery in a large-volume university hospital between 2000 and 2013. The primary outcome was the overall survival of the device, defined as the absence of any repeated surgery (revision or explantation) during follow-up. Men and women were matched 3:1 according to age and year of implantation. Differences were analyzed using a Cox model accounting for matching and applying time intervals because hazards were not proportional over time. Sensitivity analyzes were performed, excluding firstly a population with a history of radiotherapy and secondly a population with more than one previous surgery for urinary incontinence. RESULTS: A total of 107 women were matched to 316 men. Median follow-up was 6.0 years (Q1-Q3 1.8-9.4): 7.0 years (Q1-Q3 3.1-10.3) for women and 5.1 years (Q1-Q3 1.3-9.1) for men. During the follow-up, 56 patients had an explantation of the device: 44 men (13.9%) and 12 women (11.2%), and 113 had a revision: 85 men (26.9%) and 28 women (26.1%). Men have a significantly higher risk of explantation or revision than women between 6 months and 8 years after implantation (hazard ratio 2.12 [1.29-3.48]). Before 6 months and after 8 years, there were no significant differences. Both sensitivity analyses found consistent results. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that device survival seems better in women after the first 6 months.

Dynamic evaluation of MRI-targeted, systematic and combined biopsy for prostate cancer diagnosis through 10 years of practice in a single institution.

PURPOSE: To perform a dynamic evaluation of the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate according to the biopsy strategy over 10 years of practice in a single institution that pioneered MRI-targeted fusion biopsy (MRI-TB). METHODS: This stage 4 IDEAL study prospectively included all consecutive patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy for clinically suspected PCa between January 2010 and November 2020. Patients with positive MRI (PIRADS score ≥ 3) underwent both MRI-TB and systematic biopsy (SB) while those with negative MRI (PIRADS score < 3) underwent SB only. The main outcome was the evolution of the detection rate of clinically relevant PCa (csPCa; grade ≥ 2). The secondary outcome was the change in PCa detection rate according to the biopsy method. RESULTS: A total of 2942 men underwent prostate MRI and a prostate biopsy: 2322 underwent MRI-TB and 620 had SB only. The detection rate of csPCa increased 2.5-fold from 23 to 58%. The detection rate of PCa and csPCa was significantly higher in patients who underwent MRI-TB compared to those who underwent SB only (67% vs. 52% and 40% vs. 32%, respectively (P < 0.001 for both comparisons)). The number of csPCa diagnosed by MRI-TB increased linearly over the study period and represented the majority of PCa diagnoses after 2016. CONCLUSION: Implementation of MRI-TB in patients with positive MRI led to improved detection of csPCa.

Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Is the New Black: What Are the Next Targets?

Transperineal biopsy is recommended as the first-choice technique for diagnosis of prostate cancer owing to lower rates of postprocedural sepsis. However, unresolved issues such as biopsy quality, lack of a systematic biopsy template, cost-effectiveness, and the risk of acute urine retention are yet to be resolved by the urological community.

Evaluation of the 24-h pad weight test as continence rate assessment tool after artificial urinary sphincter implantation for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence: A Swedish retrospective cohort study.

AIM: Patient-reported pad-count as continence rate assessment tool after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation is common. However, lack of standardized continence definition using this method results in heterogeneous published efficacy outcomes. Data on 24-h pad weight tests (PWT) after primary AUS implantation for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI) is scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the 24-h PWT as an efficacy assessment tool and correlate it to qualitative outcomes using validated questionnaires. METHODS: This retrospective, single center, follow-up cohort study, evaluated 180 patients who underwent primary AUS implantation for PPUI from 2005 to 2018. Voiding diaries, 24-h PWT, validated patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires were collected pre-operatively and at 3-6 months postactivation, using the institution's Electronic Medical Records. RESULTS: The median preoperative and postoperative 24-h PWT values were 494 (interquartile range [IQR]: 304-780) and 7 (IQR: 0-25) g respectively with a significant improvement in urinary leakage of 489.5 g 99.1% (p < 0.001). Median preoperative and postoperative I-QoL results increased from 33.5 (IQR: 19.3-63.6) to 86.4 (IQR: 73.9-94.3) points, with a significant 52.9 points improvement in QoL (p < 0.001). Similarly, the median preoperative and postoperative ICIQ-SF values decreased from 20 (IQR: 17-21) to 5 (IQR: 3-9) points, showing a significant improvement of 15 points (p < 0.001). We also found a significant correlation between PWT and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The 24-h PWT provides a reliable and objective assessment of continence rates, with a strong correlation to qualitative outcomes, after primary AUS implantation for PPUI. Its use could help reduce reported outcome heterogeneity across studies.

Long-term outcomes after penile prosthesis placement for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction: a single-Centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Penile prothesis (PP) is the gold-standard treatment of drug-refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). While postoperative outcomes have been widely described in the literature, there are few data about patient satisfaction and intraoperative events. We aimed to assess long-term patient satisfaction and perioperative outcomes after PP implantation in a single-centre cohort of unselected patients using validated scales. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients received a PP (median age: 62.5 years [IQR: 58-69]; median International Index of Erectile Function (IEEF-5) score: 6 [IQR: 5-7]). Median follow-up was 6.3 years [IQR: 4-9.4]. Thirty-two (24.6%) patients underwent surgical revision, of which 20 were PP removals (15.4%). Global PP survival rate was 84.6% and previous PP placement was a risk factor for PP removal (p = 0.02). There were six (4.6%) non-life-threatening intraoperative events including two which resulted in non-placement of a PP (1.5%). EAUiaic grade was 0 for 124 procedures (95.4%), 1 for four procedures (3.1%) and 2 for two procedures (1.5%). Of patients who still had their PP at the end of the study, 91 (80.5%) expressed satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: PP implantation is a last-resort treatment for ED with a satisfactory outcome. PPs are well accepted by patients.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: La prothèse pénienne (PP) est. le traitement de référence de la dysfonction érectile (DE) réfractaire aux médicaments. Le but de ce travail est. d'évaluer les résultats à long terme chez les patients traités par prothèses péniennes (PP) dans notre hôpital. RéSULTATS: Un total de 130 patients a eu une pose de PP (âge médian: 62,5 ans [IQR: 58­69]; score médian de l'indice international de la fonction érectile (IEEF-5): 6 [IQR: 5­7]). Le suivi médian était de 6.3 ans [IQR: 4­9.4]. Trente-deux (24,6%) patients ont eu une reprise chirurgicale, dont 20 étaient des retraits de PP (15,4%). La durée de vie global des PP était de 84,6% et la pose antérieure de PP était un facteur de risque pour l'ablation (p = 0,02). Il y a eu six (4,6%) événements peropératoires ne mettant pas la vie en danger, dont deux qui ont empêché la pose de PP (1,5%). Le score EAUiaic était de 0 pour 124 procédures (95,4%), 1 pour quatre procédures (3,1%) et 2 pour deux procédures (1,5%). Parmi les patients qui avaient encore leur PP à la fin de l'étude, 91 (80,5%) ont exprimé leur satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: L'implantation de PP est. un traitement de dernier recours pour la dysfonction érectile avec un résultat satisfaisant. Les PP sont bien acceptés par les patients.

Risk stratification for upper tract urinary carcinoma.

Upper tract urinary carcinoma (UTUC) is a heterogeneous group of rare tumors. The aim of this article is to critically review current therapeutic strategies and to propose a change in the risk-stratification of the disease. A non-systematic review of the literature was performed using the Medline database with the search terms: "upper tract urothelial carcinoma" together with "prognostic factor", "risk stratification", "risk factor", "recurrence", "predictive tool", "nomograms" and "treatment". Preoperative risk factors can be viewed as patient-related risk factors (gender, age, ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, or genetic factors), or tumor-related risk factors (stage, grade, size, architecture, multifocality, ureteric obstruction). Several biomarkers, available either in blood, urine, or the tumor itself have also been proposed. However, many of these prognostic factors lack accuracy and validation in predicting oncological outcomes, despite their use in predictive tools. After risk stratification, kidney-sparing strategies should be considered (endoscopic management and segmental ureterectomy) and could benefit from new diagnostic tools and technical improvements in in situ adjuvant endocavitary instillations. Radical nephroureterectomy remains the first choice therapy for high-grade disease and will probably be associated with other treatments in the future (lymphadenectomy, perioperative chemotherapy, or immunotherapy). In view of the major recent improvements in UTUC treatment strategies, a new classification should be proposed, including low-, intermediate-, high- and very high-risk disease. Subgroup analysis of good quality trials and better understanding of UTUC risk factors will help validate this new approach toward more personalized medicine.

Standardized Nomenclature and Surveillance Methodologies After Focal Therapy and Partial Gland Ablation for Localized Prostate Cancer: An International Multidisciplinary Consensus.

BACKGROUND: Focal therapy (FT) and partial gland ablation (PGA) are quickly adopted by urologists and radiologists as an option for the management of localized prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: To find consensus on a standardized nomenclature and to define a follow-up guideline after FT and PGA for localized prostate cancer in clinical practice. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A review of the literature identified controversial topics in the field of FT. Online questionnaires were distributed to experts during three rounds, with the goal to achieve consensus on debated topics. The consensus project was concluded with a face-to-face meeting in which final conclusions were formulated. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Controlled feedback of responses of previous rounds were summarized and returned to the participants allowing them to re-evaluate their decisions. The level of agreement to achieve consensus on a topic was set at 80%. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Sixty-five experts participated in this interdisciplinary consensus study (72% urologists; 28% radiologists). The experts propose the use of the herein standardized nomenclature for ablative procedures. After FT/PGA, the following tests should be performed to assess treatment outcomes: prostate-specific antigen (PSA), imaging, biopsies, and functional outcome assessment. Although not a reliable marker for treatment failure, PSA should be measured every 3 mo in the 1st year and every 6 mo thereafter. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred image modality and should be performed at 6 and 18 mo after treatment. A systematic 12-core transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy combined with a targeted biopsy of the treated area should be performed 6-12 mo after treatment. Functional outcomes should be obtained 3-6 mo after treatment for the first time and until stability is attained. CONCLUSIONS: The panel recommends the use of the proposed nomenclature and follow-up protocols to generate reliable data supporting a broader implementation of FT as a standard of care for select patients with localized prostate cancer. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we present expert opinion on the use of a standardized nomenclature, and surveillance methodologies after focal therapy and partial gland ablation for localized prostate cancer.