The impact of metformin use on the risk of prostate cancer after prostate biopsy in patients with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia.

PURPOSE: We report our experience on metformin use in diabetic patients and its impact on prostate cancer (PCa) after a high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 551 patients with a diagnosis of HGPIN without PCa in a first prostate biopsy. The cohort of the study consisted of 456 nondiabetic subjects, and 95 diabetic patients. Among the patients with diabetes 44 were treated with metformin, and 51 with other antidiabetic drugs. A transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy scheme with 22 cores was carried out 4-6 months after the first diagnosis of HGPIN. RESULTS: Among 195 (35.4%) patients with cancer, there were statistically significant differences in terms of PCa detection (p<0.001), Gleason score distribution (p<0.001), and number of positive biopsy cores (pv0.002) between metformin users and non-users. Metformin use was associated with a decreased risk of PCa compared with neveruse (p<0.001). Moreover, increasing duration of metformin assumption (≥2 years) was associated with decreasing incidence of PCa and higher Gleason score ≥7 compared with assumption <2 years. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience suggests that metformin use may have some beneficial effects in patients with diabetes and HGPIN; metformin should not be overlooked in these patients because it is neither new nor expensive.

Update on histopathological evaluation of lymphadenectomy specimens from prostate cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Metastases to lymph nodes (LNs) represent an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Histological examination represents the gold standard in the evaluation of the lymphadenectomy (LND) specimens for the presence of secondary deposits. METHODS AND RESULTS: The metastatic detection rate can vary according to the approach adopted in the microscopic analysis of the LNs, which includes frozen-section examination, total inclusion of the tissue with and without whole-mount sections, serial sectioning, and the application of immunohistochemistry. The assessment of the sentinel LN, the search for micrometastases, and the evaluation of atypical LN metastatic sites further contribute to the detection of the metastatic spread. CONCLUSION: In this review, an update on the histopathological evaluation of LND specimens in patients with PCa is given, and focus is made on their clinical and prognostic significance.

Prostatic calculi detected in peripheral zone of the gland during a transrectal ultrasound biopsy can be significant predictors of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Prostatic calculi (PC) are usually associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia or chronic inflammation. However, in several studies prostatic inflammation and calcification have been implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (CaP). We evaluated the prevalence of PC during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and correlate the ultrasonographic patterns with histological findings. METHODS: A prospective study of 664 patients undergoing TRUS and prostate biopsy was planned. A standardized reproducible technique was used with using a GE Logiq 7 machine equipped with a 5-9MHz multi-frequency convex probe "end-fire". We defined marked presence of PC as multiple hyperechoic foci with significant area (≥ 3 mm in the largest diameter). PC were classified according to zone distribution into the gland: transitional zone (TZ), central zone (CZ), and peripheral zone (PZ). RESULTS: No significant difference was noted between the patients with PC and without PC, when comparing age, preoperative PSA level, prostate volume, and biopsy number, except for DRE findings. 168 patients (25.3%) had marked presence of PC on TRUS: 50.6% in TZ, 20.2% in CZ, and 29.2% in PZ. 31 patients (63.3%) with presence of PC in PZ had CaP on biopsy. The correlation observed between CaP and the presence of PC in PZ was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, among patients in the CaP group there was no statistical association between PC and moderate or high Gleason grade. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that chronic prostatic inflammation and PC have a role in the biogenesis of cancer. CaP was more frequent in patients with PC in PZ of the gland, but was not associated with higher Gleason grade among these patients (p < 0.001).

Pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula of the prostate after pelvic trauma: Ultrasound imaging.

Pseudoaneurysm (PA) associated with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the internal pudendal artery branches are very uncommon. We report a case of post-traumatic PA with AVF connected to Santorini plexus. Diagnosis was made with trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) after recurrent hematuria. TRUS reported a 1.7 × 1.4 × 1.5 cm anechoic area, on anterior prostate apex close to Santorini plexus. The use of color Doppler in this area revealed high flow velocity that was indicative for AVF. The feeding artery was a distal branch of the left pudenda artery. After selective embolization was observed complete occlusion of the feeding branches and disappearance of PA with AVF. Prostate PA with concomitant symptomatic AVF detected with TRUS has not yet described in literature after pelvic trauma and represents complex diagnostic challenges. This case report suggests that the use of TURS and color Doppler can provide an important diagnostic and follow-up to address the clinical suspicion of occult vascular injuries using a noninvasive approach.

Cognitive zonal fusion biopsy of the prostate: Original technique between target and saturation.

We describe our experience in prostate biopsy using a new standardized cognitive fusion techniques, that we call "cognitive zonal fusion biopsy". This new technique is based on two operative options: the first based on target biopsies, the Cognitive Target Biopsy (CTB) if the same target was detected with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI); the second based on saturation biopsies, the Zonal Saturation Biopsy (ZSB) on anatomical zone/s containing the region of interest if the same target was not evident with TRUS and MRI. We evaluated results of our technique compared to standard biopsy in order to identify clinically relevant prostate cancer. METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study conducted in 58 pts: 25 biopsy-naïve, 25 with previous negative biopsy and in 8 with cancer in active surveillance. Based on mpMRI and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), all patients were scheduled for standard 12-core TRUS-guided biopsy. If mpMRI was suggestive or positive (PI-RADS 3, 4 or 5): patients underwent additional targeted 2 to 6 cores using cognitive zonal fusion technique. RESULTS: 31/58 (53.4%) patients had a cancer. Our technique detected 80.6% (25 of 31) with clinically significant prostate cancer, leading to detection of insignificant cancer in 20%. Using standard mapping in MR negative areas we found 5 clinically significant cancer and 4 not significant cancers. MRI cancer detection rate was 18/31 (58.1%), and 9/18 (50%) in high grade tumors. Therefore MRI missed 50% of high grade cancers. The mean number of cores taken with cognitive zonal fusion biopsy was 6.1 (2-17), in addition biopsy sampling was done outside the ROI areas. Overall 15.4 cores (12-22) were taken. Cancer amount in Zonal Biopsy was larger than 7.3 mm (1-54.5) in comparison with 5.2 mm (1-23.5) in standard mapping. Largest percentage of cancer involvement with cognitive zonal fusion technique was detected in 19.4% vs 15.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive Zonal Saturation Biopsies should be used to reduce operator variability of cognitive fusion biopsy in addition to standard biopsy. Cognitive zonal biopsy based on mpMRI findings identifies clinically relevant prostate in 80%, has larger cancer extension in fusion biopsies than in random biopsies, and reduce the number of cores if compared to saturation biopsy.

Rare presentation of a testicular angiofibroma treated with testis sparing surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular benign tumors are very rare (< 5%). Testicular Angiofibroma (AF) is one of those, however the gold standard of treatment and follow-up is still unclear. CASE REPORT: A 47 years-old man with only one functioning testis was referred to our clinic for a palpable right testicular mass and atrophic contralateral testis. Patient underwent testis-sparing surgery with inguinal approach and intraoperative frozen sections examination with diagnosis of AF. Final histology confirmed AF. Post-operative follow-up was uneventful. Clinical and ultrasonographic follow-up was negative after 8 months. CONCLUSION: We report a conservative surgery in a patient with AF of the solitary testis. AF is a benign para-testicular fibrous neoplasm that could be misinterpreted as malignant tumor and treated with orchiectomy. Testis-sparing surgery is recommended in this case with intraoperative pathological examination. The excision of the mass is enough but in front of a possible recurrence a long follow-up is advisable.

Testicular sparing surgery in small testis masses: A multinstitutional experience.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of benign testicular tumors is increasing in particular in small lesion incidentally found at scrotal ultrasonography. Primary aim of this study was to perform radical surgery in malignant tumor. Secondary aim was to verify the efficacy of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway recently adopted in management of small masses with testis sparing surgery in benign lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter study, we reviewed all patients with single testis lesion less than 15 mm at ultrasound as main diameter. We applied the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway described by Sbrollini et al. (Arch Ital Urol Androl 2014; 86:397) which comprises: 1) testicular tumor markers, 2) repeated scrotal ultrasound at the tertiary center, 3) surgical exploration with inguinal approach, intraoperative ultrasound, and intraoperative pathological examination. Definitive histology was reviewed by a dedicated uro-pathologist. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients completed this clinical flowchart. The mean lesion size was 9.3 mm (range 2.5-15). Testicular tumor markers were normal except in a case. Intraoperative ultrasound was necessary in 8/28 cases. We treated 11/28 (39.3%) with immediate radical orchiectomy and 17/28 (60.7%) with testis-sparing surgery. Definitive pathological results were: malignant tumor in 6 cases (seminoma), benign tumor in 10 cases (5 Leydig tumors, 2 Sertoli tumors, 1 epidermoid cyst, 1 adenomatoid tumor, 1 angiofibroma), benign disease in 11 (8 inflammation with haemorragic infiltration, 2 tubular atrophy, 1 fibrosis), and normal parenchyma in 1 case. We observed a good concordance between frozen section examination and definitive histology. Any malignant tumor was treated conservatively. Any delayed orchiectomy was necessary based on definitive histology. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of benign lesions in 60% of small testis lesions with normal tumor markers makes orchiectomy an overtreatment. Testicular sparing surgery of single testicular nodules below 15 mm is a safe option, but requires a standardized pathway in diagnosis. Our pathway has shown good reliability and security profile to be applied in a multicenter management for small scrotal masses. Our study has shown the reliability of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway in the management of single testicular masses. The higher incidence of benign lesions in 60% of patients makes often orchiectomy an overtreatment.

Prostate changes related to therapy: with special reference to hormone therapy.

Hormone and radiation therapy have traditionally been used in prostate cancer (PCa). Morphological effects are often identified in needle biopsies and surgical specimens. A range of histological changes are seen in the non-neoplastic prostate and in the pre-neoplastic and neoplastic areas. Other ablative therapies, including cryotherapy, and emerging focal therapies, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound, photodynamic therapy and interstitial laser thermotherapy, may induce changes on the prostate. As new compounds are developed for prostate cancer treatment, it is important to document their effects on benign and neoplastic prostate tissue.

Robot-assisted inguinal lymphadenectomy to treat penile and vulvar cancers: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal lymph nodes dissection (ILND) is recommended in patients presenting with high-risk penile (PC) or vulvar cancers (VC). Though, this surgical procedure is underused because of its anticipated morbidity. Minimally invasive approaches were proposed to minimize complications associated with open surgery. In this review, we analyze current available data exploring intra and perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted ILND (RAIL). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: On April 9th, 2023, a literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases. The search employed the combination of the following terms: ("robotic assisted" OR "robot-assisted" OR "robotic") AND ("inguinal lymph node dissection" OR "lymphadenectomy") AND ("penile cancer" OR "vulvar cancer"). Out of the 404 identified articles, 18 were used for the present scoping review and their results were reported according to the PRISMA statement. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Data on 171 patients, ranging in age from 32 to 85 years, were obtained. Most of them (90.6%) harbored a penile squamous cell carcinoma and presented with no palpable nodes (85%). Operation time (OT) ranged between 45 and 300 min. Estimated blood loss varied from 10 to 300 mL. One single intra-operative complication was reported and one conversion to open was recorded. The lymph nodes (LNs) count spanned from 3 to 26 per groin, with 17 studies reporting a median yield >7 nodes. Hospital stay was 1-7 days, while the duration of drainage ranged from 4 to 72 days. Post-operative complications included lymphocele (22.2%; 0-100%), lymphedema (13.4%; 0-40%), cellulitis (11.1%; 0-25%), skin necrosis (8.7%; 0-15.4%). seroma (3.5%; 0-20%) and wound breakdown/wound infection (2.9%; 0-10%). Out of the included studies, 7 provided at least a 12-month follow-up, with recurrence-free rates ranging from 50% to 100% in patients affected by penile cancer and from 92% to 100% in vulvar cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence on RAIL for the treatment of PC and VC is limited. The approach appears to be safe and effective, as it provides an adequate lymph node yield while ensuring a minimally morbid postoperative course and a short hospital stay.

Operative outcomes 24 hours after retrograde intrarenal surgery for solitary renal calculi using a flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath. A prospective global multicenter study by the European Association of Urology Section on Urolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Suction techniques showed potential to improve outcomes of retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS). We assessed the 24-hour stone-free rate (SFR) and complications after RIRS using flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheaths (FANS-UAS). METHODS: Sixteen centers prospectively contributed to data (August 2023-October 2023). Inclusion criteria: age ≥18 years, single renal stone, pre and 24-hour post-RIRS CT scan. Exclusion criteria were: ureteral stone, anomalous kidney, multiple stones. SFR was divided into: 1) grade A - no fragments; 2) grade B - fragments ≤2 mm; 3) grade C - fragments 2.1-4 mm; and 4) grade D - fragments >4 mm. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model was performed to assess factors associated with the odds of having grade A stone-free status. Data are expressed as median (interquartile range), absolute numbers and frequencies, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: One hundred forty-two patients with a median age of 52 years (40-61) were enrolled. 61.3% were males. Median stone volume was 1165 mm3 (656-1936). Median operative time was 48.5 (36.25-71.75) min. Transient fever (37°C-37.5°C) occurred in 10 (7%) patients. No sepsis case occurred. 96.5% of patients were stone-free (Grade A+B). Grade A SFR was 52.8%. All patients were discharged within 48 hours. Bone window (OR 3.156 95% CI 1.177-9.130, P=0.027) was the only factor significantly associated with higher odds of 100% SFR, while stone volume (OR 0.999, 95% CI 0.999-1.000, P=0.007) was significantly associated with lower odds. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging and clinical evidence demonstrate excellent perioperative outcomes just 24 hours post RIRS with FANS-UAS. The technique demonstrates a good safety profile, ability for immediate high SFR, and a low rate of infective complications.

The pathway of isolated seminal vesicle invasion has a different impact on biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) has been considered an aggressive cancer. To evaluate the prognostic significance of different patterns of isolated SVI in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent RP between 2007 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were localized prostate adenocarcinoma, SVI at RP, at least 24-months follow-up, and no adjuvant treatment. Patterns of SVI were following Ohori's classification: type 1: direct spread along the ejaculatory duct from inside; type 2: seminal vesicle invasion outside the prostate, through the capsule; type 3: the presence of cancer island(s) in the seminal vesicle with no continuity from the primary tumor (discontinuous metastases). Patients with type 3 SVI (isolated or in association) were included in the same group. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as any postoperative PSA ≥0.2 ng/ml. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of BCR. Time to BCR was investigated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test. RESULTS: Sixty-one out of 1,356 patients were included. Median age was 67(7.2) years. Median PSA was 9.4(8.92) ng/ml. Mean follow-up was 85.28 ± 45.27 months. BCR occurred in 28(45.9%) patients. Logistic regression showed that a positive surgical margin (OR 19.964, 95%CI:1.172-29.322, P = 0.038) was predictor of BCR. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with pattern 3 had a significantly shorter time to BCR compared to other groups (log-rank, P = 0.016). The estimated time to BCR was 48.7 months in type 3, 60.9 months in pattern 1 + 2, 74.8, and 100.8 months in isolated patterns 1 and 2, respectively. In patients with negative surgical margins, pattern 3 confirmed a shorter time to BCR compared to other types of invasions, with an estimated time to BCR of 30.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 3 SVI demonstrated a shorter time to BCR compared to other patterns.

Role of imaging and biopsy to assess local recurrence after definitive treatment for prostate carcinoma (surgery, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, HIFU).

PURPOSE: Defining the site of recurrent disease early after definitive treatment for a localized prostate cancer is a critical issue as it may greatly influence the subsequent therapeutic strategy or patient management. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching Medline from January 1995 up to January 2011. Electronic searches were limited to the English language, and the keywords prostate cancer, radiotherapy [RT], high intensity focused ultrasound [HIFU], cryotherapy [CRIO], transrectal ultrasound [TRUS], magnetic resonance [MRI], PET/TC, and prostate biopsy were used. RESULTS: Despite the fact that diagnosis of a local recurrence is based on PSA values and kinetics, imaging by means of different techniques may be a prerequisite for effective disease management. Unfortunately, prostate cancer local recurrences are very difficult to detect by TRUS and conventional imaging that have shown limited accuracy at least at early stages. On the contrary, functional and molecular imaging such as dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), offers the possibility of imaging molecular or cellular processes of individual tumors. Recently, PET/CT, using 11C-choline, 18F-fluorocholine or 11C-acetate has been successfully proposed in detecting local recurrences as well as distant metastases. Nevertheless, in controversial cases, it is necessary to perform a biopsy of the prostatic fossa or a biopsy of the prostate to assess the presence of a local recurrence under guidance of MRI or TRUS findings. CONCLUSION: It is likely that imaging will be extensively used in the future to detect and localize prostate cancer local recurrences before salvage treatment.

Hidden penis: a rare case of delayed complication after a pelvic blunt trauma.

Penile dislocation following a traumatic pubic bone fracture is a very rare condition. Only a few cases are reported in the literature and the presentation mechanism is still not completely understood. The impact energy on the pelvis usually causes a displaced fracture with concomitant withdrawal of the pubic bone. The retraction of the pubic bone pulls the penis by its suspensory ligament leading to penile dislocation. We describe a rare case of a "hidden" penis 2 months after a blunt pelvic trauma following a motor vehicle accident. Clinical examination revealed a retracted penile skin. The penis was not visible, neither palpable in the expected position. Micturition took place by dripping urine from the opening of the prepubic skin where urine got trapped in the surrounding skin. He also complained of not having erections. A magnetic resonance imaging that showed invaginated penis, located in the anterior pelvic wall, adjacent to the right inguinal canal. Surgical repair was performed trough an inverted "V" suprapubic incision that allowed exploring the pubic area. The degloved penile shaft was identified and isolated from fibrotic adhesions to the surrounding tissue. The invaginated penile skin that was thin and retracted. The point of fixation was located deeply in the right pubic area where the subcutaneous tissue and skin were firmly attached to a spike of the fractured pubic bone. This adhesion was sharply resected and the penis and its skin were restored in their anatomical position. The suspensory ligament was partially detached. Erection was simulated using saline solution injection into the corpora cavernosa to exclude penile curvature. Postoperative course was uneventful. One year after surgery, the penis had a normal appearance without retraction and sexual function was completely restored. Our case pointed out the importance of genitalia evaluation by practitioners involved in the care of pelvic trauma patients.

Detection limits of significant prostate cancer using multiparametric MR and digital rectal examination in men with low serum PSA: Up-date of the Italian Society of Integrated Diagnostic in Urology.

Reasons why significant prostate cancer is still missed in early stage were investigated at the 22nd National SIEUN (Italian Society of integrated diagnostic in Urology, Andrology, Nephrology) congress took place from 30th November to 1st December 2020, in virtual modality. Even if multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) has been introduced in the clinical practice several, limitations are emerging in patient with regular digital rectal examination (DRE) and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels approaching the normal limits. The present paper summarizes highlights observed in those cases where significant prostate cancer may be missed by PSA or imaging and DRE. The issue of multidisciplinary interest had been subdivided and deepened under four main topics: biochemical, clinical, pathological and radiological point of view with a focus on PI-RADS 3 lesions.

Robot-assisted segmental ureterectomy with psoas hitch ureteral reimplantation: Oncological, functional and perioperative outcomes of case series of a single centre.

INTRODUCTION: According to the Urology guidelines, in selected cases of distal upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) segmental ureterectomy (SU) can be offered. There is no consensus in the surgical technique of preference. Robot-assisted SU could be an option to overcome all the limitations of open and laparoscopic techniques. We describe our first experience of robot assisted SU with psoas hitch ureteral reimplantation (RAPHUR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 11 patients underwent RAPHUR for distal UTUC between 2013 and 2017 in a single centre. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Conventional imaging was performed after 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year from surgery as follow up protocol. We retrospectively evaluated the technical feasibility, oncological and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Median age was 71 years (57-91). The median length of the ureteral defect was 23 mm (10-40). Median preoperative creatinine level was 1.22 mg/dl (0.7-1.85) and median eGFR was 57.5 ml/min/1.73m2 (31-80). Five (45.5%) patients were symptomatic and 7 (63.6%) had hydronephrosis. Median operative time was 185 min (120-240), with a median blood loss of 100 ml (50-300). No case required conversion to open surgery. Overall, only 1 (9%) patient developed Clavien Dindo ≥ 3 postoperative complications. Average hospital stay was 7 (2-9) days. Mean postoperative creatinine was 1.05 mg/dl (0.8-1.85) and mean postoperative eGFR was 72 (36-83). During a median follow up time of 25.5 months (12-53), 4 (36.4%) patients experienced recurrence of urothelial cancer at conventional imaging follow up and 2 (18.2%) died due to its progression. CONCLUSIONS: In our initial experience RAPHUR can be proposed to selected cases of distal ureteral carcinoma with optimal perioperative and functional outcomes. However, cancer control may be undermined compared to nephroureterectomy. Thus, further prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Uretero-iliac artery fistula: a challenge diagnosis for a life-threatening condition: monocentric experience and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Uretero-iliac artery fistulae (UIAF) are the consequence of chronic inflammatory events that create a fibrous and poorly vascularized uretero-vascular adhesion. They often occur in patients with a history of surgery, pelvic radiotherapy, and chronic ureteral stenting. The presentation is usually massive gross hematuria with acute anemia unto to hemorrhagic shock, representing a life-threatening condition. High mortality rate is reported (7-23%). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present four cases in three patients, treated in our Institution from 2013 to 2018, and reviewed the published literature. UIAF was defined as the ratified presence of an abnormal communication between the ureter and any artery. In all patients, the UIAF was initially evaluated by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) angiography. The management strategy was defined individually based on the specific risk profile of each patient. RESULTS: In all cases, ureteral-iliac artery fistula occurred in female patients with previous surgery or radiation and with presence of indwelling ureteral stent. In every case the hematuria was massive and life-threatening. Diagnosis was delayed because of the poor diagnostic accuracy of CT scan, leading to over-treatment. Angiography resulted the best diagnostic tool. The endovascular treatment proved good outcomes in terms of early complications, with no case of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In case of gross hematuria during ureteral stent change in female patients with history of previous pelvic surgery and radiation, UIAF must be suspected and immediately treated, since it represents a urological emergency. Angiography can be useful to confirm the diagnosis and endovascular treatment with vascular endoprosthesis is the best therapeutic option.

Immunohistochemical detection and localization of somatostatin receptor subtypes in prostate tissue from patients with bladder outlet obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Scant information on the cellular distribution of the five somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in the normal prostate and in neoplasms of the prostate has been reported in very few studies in which techniques, such as in situ hybridization histochemistry, autoradiography, and more recently immunohistochemistry, have been applied. The aim of the study was to examine immunohistochemically the distribution and localization of these 5 subtypes in the various tissue components in normal prostate. MATERIALS: The study was conducted in 14 surgical specimens of normal prostate tissue from adenomectomy specimens from patients with bladder outlet obstruction. The distribution and localization of the 5 somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes was investigated with an immunohistochemical technique. Specificity of the antibodies against the 5 receptor subtypes was preliminarily investigated. RESULTS: Close to 90% of secretory cells showed a weak positivity in the cytoplasm, the proportion ranging from 86.3% (SSTR4) to 89.9% (SSTR5). Strong immunoreactivity was seen in a small proportion of cells, ranging from 0.8% (SSTR3) to 3.2% (SSTR1). For the subtypes 1 and 3 the greatest proportion of basal cells showed a moderate intensity (42.5 and 41.4%, respectively), strong immunoreactivity being observed only in 18.1 and 15.8% of cells, respectively. For the subtypes 2, 4 and 5, the majority of cells showed a weak intensity (72.3, 65.7 and 65.1%, respectively). Subtype 1 showed a strong immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm in 60% of the smooth muscle cells. With subtypes 2, 3 and 4 the greatest proportion of cells showed a weak intensity (63.4, 89.8 and 81.7%, respectively). With the subtype 5 the majority of cells (59.8%) were negative. Subtype 1 showed a strong immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm in 98.6% of the endothelial cells. With subtypes 3 and 4 the greatest proportion of cells showed a weak intensity (73.5 and 56.4%, respectively). With the subtype 2 and 5 the majority of cells were negative (59.1 and 50.7%, respectively).

The role of the serum testosterone levels as a predictor of prostate cancer in patients with atypical small acinar proliferation at the first prostate biopsy.

The current literature does not support the usefulness of clinical markers on predicting which patients with atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) are more likely to progress to prostate cancer (PCa). Androgens have long been considered to be the potential risk factors for PCa. However, the role of testosterone is controversial. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between serum testosterone (TS) levels and the diagnosis of PCa after a first prostate biopsy in patients affected by ASAP. This retrospective study included 143 patients diagnosed with ASAP in an initial transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy for suspicious PCa according to the European Association of Urology guidelines. Their TS levels, age, PSA, prostate volume, digital rectal examination, and prostate biopsy Gleason score (GS) were collected retrospectively for statistical analysis. All patients included in the study had a second biopsy and were suitable for further analysis. Re-biopsy was carried out 3-6 months after the first diagnosis of ASAP. Low and normal TS groups were composed of 29 (20.3%) and 114 (79.7%) patients, respectively. The diagnosis of the second biopsy was ASAP in 25.2% and PCa in 36.4% of patients. The comparison between patients with PCa and those with negative or an ASAP result in the second biopsy reported that men with cancer had significantly higher levels of TS (P < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant association between GS postbiopsy and TS (P = 0.324). Our experience demonstrated that eugonadal patients may be a clinical risk factor for the diagnosis of PCa on re-biopsy after ASAP diagnosis than hypogonadal.