Immunology and Immunotherapeutic Approaches for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant tumor associated with various tumor microenvironments (TMEs). The immune system is activated by the development of cancer and drives T cell anti-tumor response. CD8 T cells are known to improve clinical outcomes and sensitivity to immunotherapy, and play a crucial role against tumors. In contrast, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) suppress immunity against malignancy and lead to tumor progression. TAMs are promoted from damaged TMEs and mount proinflammatory responses to pathogens. Initial immunotherapy consists of interferon-α and interleukin-2. However, response to such therapy is unclear in most patients, and it is associated with high levels of toxicity. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which up-regulate immune responses by blocking the programed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor, the ligand of PD-1, or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 T cells, have led to a new era of immunotherapy. Furthermore, combination strategies with ICIs have proven effective through several randomized controlled trials. We expect the next generation of immunotherapy to lead to better outcomes based on ongoing trials and inspire new therapeutic strategies.

Optimal sequencing strategy using docetaxel and androgen receptor axis-targeted agents in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer: utilization of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for the selection of the optimal sequencing strategy using docetaxel and androgen receptor axis-targeted (ARAT) agents in patients with M0 or M1 castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Currently, there is a need to identify biomarkers to guide optimal sequential treatment in CRPC. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective analysis included 303 consecutive patients initially diagnosed with M0 or M1 CRPC between September 2009 and March 2017. Of these, 52 (17.2%) patients received pre-docetaxel ARAT agents and 189 (62.4%) patients received post-docetaxel ARAT agents. The prognostic ability of NLR at CRPC diagnosis regarding radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were investigated. For the analysis, the NLR level was dichotomized at 2.5, and evaluated according to sequencing strategy. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed NLR ≥ 2.5 as an independent predictor of a lower risk for CSS. During the median follow-up of 18.5 months, patients with NLR ≥ 2.5 exhibited significantly lower 1-year rPFS (p = 0.011) and 2-year CSS rates (p = 0.005) compared to patients with NLR < 2.5. Among patients with NLR < 2.5, the post-docetaxel ARAT agent sequencing group exhibited higher 1-year rPFS (p = 0.031) and 2-year CSS (p = 0.026) rates compared to the pre-docetaxel ARAT agent sequencing group. Among patients with NLR ≥ 2.5, rPFS and CSS rates were comparable regardless of ARAT agent sequencing. CONCLUSION: NLR ≥ 2.5 at CRPC diagnosis is associated with a lower risk for CSS. Patients with NLR < 2.5 should primarily be offered docetaxel considering the survival benefit of docetaxel-to-ARAT agent sequencing.

Time to Disease Recurrence Is a Predictor of Metastasis and Mortality in Patients with High-risk Prostate Cancer Who Achieved Undetectable Prostate-specific Antigen Following Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a feasible treatment option for high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). While patients may achieve undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after RARP, the risk of disease progression is relatively high. We investigated metastasis-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) outcomes and prognosticators in such patients. METHODS: In a single-center cohort of 342 patients with high-risk PCa (clinical stage ≥ T3, biopsy Gleason score ≥ 8, and/or PSA levels ≥ 20 ng/mL) treated with RARP and pelvic lymph node dissection between August 2005 and June 2011, we identified 251 (73.4%) patients (median age, 66.5 years; interquartile range [IQR], 63.0-71.0 years) who achieved undetectable PSA levels (< 0.01 ng/mL) postoperatively. Survival outcomes were evaluated for the entire study sample and in groups stratified according to the time to biochemical recurrence dichotomized at 60 months. RESULTS: During the median follow-up of 75.9 months (IQR, 59.4-85.8 months), metastasis occurred in 38 (15.1%) patients, most often to the bones, followed by the lymph nodes, lungs, and liver. The 5-year metastasis-free, cancer-specific, and OS rates were 87.1%, 94.8%, and 94.3%, respectively. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed time to recurrence as an independent predictor of metastasis (P < 0.001). Time to metastasis was an independent predictor of OS (P = 0.003). Metastasis-free and CSS rates were significantly lower among patients with recurrence within 60 months of RARP (log-rank P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RARP confers acceptable oncological outcomes for high-risk PCa. Close monitoring beyond 5 years is warranted for early detection of disease progression and for timely adjuvant therapy.

Clinical implications of a feeling of incomplete emptying with little post-void residue in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

AIM: It remains unclear why patients suffer from a feeling of incomplete emptying despite no or little post-void residual (PVR). Accordingly, we evaluated the clinical implications thereof in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: Records were obtained from a prospectively maintained database for 905 first-visit men with LUTS. Patients with comorbidities that may affect voiding function and with PVR > 20 ml were excluded. Finally, 421 patients were eligible for the study. RESULTS: By International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), a score for evaluating a feeling of incomplete emptying, 106 patients (25.2%) were characterized as experiencing no symptoms (score 0, 1), 201 (47.7%) as mild to moderate symptoms (score 2, 3), and 114 (27.1%) as severe symptoms (score 4, 5). The severity of a feeling of incomplete emptying was significantly associated with total IPSS and with subscores for both voiding and storage symptoms (P < 0.001). Comparing patients with severe symptoms (severe group, N = 114) with a propensity score-matched control group, adjusting for age, PVR, and maximum flow rate, total IPSS was significantly different between the two groups (23.04 ± 5.68 vs. 13.21 ± 5.48, respectively; P < 0.001). The subscores for both voiding and storage symptoms were also significantly worse in the severe group. The quality of life score was 4.51 ± 0.80 in the severe group and 3.53 ± 1.05 in control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A feeling of incomplete emptying despite little PVR was frequently observed and, notably, this was significantly associated with worsening of both voiding and storage symptoms, even after adjusting for relevant variables.

Comparison of Finasteride and Dutasteride on Risk of Prostate Cancer in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Pooled Analysis of 15 Real-world Databases.

PURPOSE: Finasteride and dutasteride are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Finasteride blocks only the type 2 form of 5-alpha-reductase, whereas dutasteride blocks both type 1 and 2 forms of the enzyme. Previous studies suggest the possibility that dutasteride may be superior to finasteride in preventing prostate cancer. We directly compared the effects of finasteride and dutasteride on the risk of prostate cancer in patients with BPH using a pooled analysis of 15 real-world databases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, cohort study of new-users of finasteride and dutasteride. We include patients who were prescribed 5 mg finasteride or dutasteride for the first time to treat BPH and had at least 180 days of prescription. We excluded patients with a history of prostate cancer or a prostate-specific antigen level ≥ 4 ng/mL before the study drug prescription. Cox regression analysis was performed to examine the hazard ratio (HR) for prostate cancer after propensity score (PS) matching. RESULTS: A total of 8,284 patients of new-users of finasteride and 8,670 patients of new-users of dutasteride were included across the 15 databases. In the overall population, compared to dutasteride, finasteride was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in both on-treatment and intent-to-treat time-at-risk periods. After 1:1 PS matching, 4,897 patients using finasteride and 4,897 patients using dutasteride were enrolled in the present study. No significant differences were observed for risk of prostate cancer between finasteride and dutasteride both on-treatment (HR=0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-1.00; p=0.051) and intent-to-treat time-at-risk periods (HR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.67-1.14; p=0.310). CONCLUSIONS: Using real-world databases, the present study demonstrated that dutasteride was not associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer than finasteride in patients with BPH.

Clinical features of supervoiders who suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms: a propensity score-matching study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with maximal urine flow rate (Q max) ≥ 25 ml/s complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), using propensity score-matching analysis to compare with the control group. METHODS: Medical records from a prospectively maintained database for first visit male patients with LUTS/benign prostatic hyperplasia between 2010 and 2012 were used to select 818 patients. Of these patients, 68 men with Q max ≥ 25 ml/s were defined as the supervoider group, and 68 patients were selected for the control group using propensity scores, which were calculated for each patient using multivariable logistic regression model based on the following covariates: age, prostate volume, voided urine volume, and post-voided residual volume. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life score, and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) were also analyzed. RESULTS: Mean Q max was 30.82 ± 5.13 in supervoiders and 15.95 ± 4.88 ml/s in controls (p < 0.001). There were statistical differences in IPSS between supervoiders and controls (12.63 ± 5.81 vs. 16.13 ± 6.90; p = 0.002). Although the IPSS voiding symptom sub-score in supervoiders was lower than controls (5.09 ± 3.35 vs. 7.40 ± 4.00; p < 0.001), there were no significant differences in storage symptom and post-micturitional symptom sub-scores. In OABSS and subdomain scores for frequency, nocturia, and urgency, there were no significant differences between the groups. However, the urge incontinence subdomain score was significantly higher in supervoiders versus controls (0.69 ± 1.26 vs. 0.18 ± 0.52; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Supervoiders experience comparable levels of storage and post-micturition symptoms, but display more severe urge incontinence despite milder voiding symptoms and better uroflowmetric measurements than propensity score-matched controls.

Corrigendum: Correction of the Figure. Trends of stratified prostate cancer risk in a single Korean province from 2003 to 2021: A multicenter study conducted using regional training hospital data.

This corrects the article on p. 140 in vol. 64, PMID: 36882172.

Trends of stratified prostate cancer risk in a single Korean province from 2003 to 2021: A multicenter study conducted using regional training hospital data.

PURPOSE: To identify changes in prostate cancer (PCa) risk-stratification during the last two decades in Korea, where the social perception of PCa was limited due to a relatively low incidence but has recently been triggered by the rapidly increasing incidence of benign prostate hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data of patients who had received a diagnosis of PCa in a single Korean province (Daegu-Gyeongsangbuk) at all seven training hospitals in the years 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2021 were subjected to analysis. Changes in PCa risk-stratification were investigated with respect to serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score (GS), and clinical stage. RESULTS: Of the 3,393 study subjects that received a diagnosis of PCa, 64.1% had high-risk disease, 23.0% intermediate, and 12.9% low-risk disease. The proportion diagnosed with high-risk disease was 54.8% in 2003, 30.6% in 2019, but then increased to 35.1% in 2021. The proportion of patients with high PSA (>20 ng/mL) steadily decreased from 59.4% in 2003 to 29.6% in 2021, whereas the proportion with a high GS (>8) increased from 32.8% in 2011 to 34.0% in 2021, and the proportion with advanced stage disease (over cT2c) increased from 26.5% in 2011 to 37.1% in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, conducted in a single Korean province, high-risk PCa accounted for the largest proportion of newly registered Korean PCa patients during the last two decades and increased in the early 2020s. This outcome supports the adoption of nationwide PSA screening, regardless of current Western guidelines.

Factors associated with complications of the ureteral stump after proximal ureteroureterostomy.

PURPOSE: Ureteroureterostomy is a treatment modality for managing an ectopic ureterocele or ectopic ureter and preserving upper pole kidney function. However, the development of urinary tract infection at the residual ureteral stump is a concern. We analyzed factors affecting the development of urinary tract infection at the residual ureteral stump after proximal ureteroureterostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2009 proximal ureteroureterostomy was performed in 80 patients with ectopic ureterocele or ectopic ureter associated with a duplex system. Excluding 6 patients who did not meet the study inclusion criteria, we investigated age at operation, diameter of the upper pole ureter on ultrasonography, differential renal function and the presence of vesicoureteral reflux in 74 patients. Risk factors for residual ureteral stump infection and decreased differential renal function were analyzed. RESULTS: During a median followup of 5.0 years an additional operation was required in 9 patients (12.2%) due to urinary tract infection at the residual ureteral stump a median of 2.4 years after initial proximal ureteroureterostomy. The preoperative maximal diameter of the upper pole ureter was significantly greater in patients with infection complications. The postoperative maximal diameter of the upper pole ureter was also significantly greater on postoperative ultrasonography performed a median 43.0 days after the operation. Median preoperative and postoperative differential renal function was 47.8% and 47.0%, respectively. No preoperative factors were significantly related to the decrease in differential renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal ureteroureterostomy is a safe treatment for ectopic ureterocele or ectopic ureter with a low postoperative complication rate. Upper pole ureter diameter was correlated with the development of a urinary tract infection at the residual ureteral stump.

Does hydronephrosis after extravesical ureteral reimplantation deteriorate renal function?

PURPOSE: We analyzed whether newly developed or aggravated hydronephrosis deteriorates differential renal function after extravesical ureteral reimplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed extravesical ureteral reimplantation in 93 patients with unilateral vesicoureteral reflux between January 2006 and December 2009. Excluding 3 patients with other combined disease, a retrospective cohort analysis of 90 consecutive patients was conducted. We performed ultrasonography before and 1 month after extravesical ureteral reimplantation, and dimercapto-succinic acid scan before and 6 months after extravesical ureteral reimplantation. Of the patients 83 underwent final dimercapto-succinic acid scan at 6 months postoperatively. We analyzed the preoperative studies and perioperative parameters to evaluate the factors affecting newly developed or aggravated hydronephrosis at 1 month, and decrease in differential renal function at 6 months after extravesical ureteral reimplantation. RESULTS: Newly developed or aggravated hydronephrosis was observed in 25 patients (28.4%) 1 month after extravesical ureteral reimplantation. Younger age at surgery was a risk factor (p = 0.003). Of the patients 23 showed improvement on ultrasound 6 months postoperatively. In 12 patients (15.7%) a decrease in differential renal function of more than 5% was observed 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative parenchymal reduction on dimercapto-succinic acid scan was the only significant factor (p = 0.008). There was no correlation between newly developed or aggravated hydronephrosis and final decrease in differential renal function (p >0.999). CONCLUSIONS: Although newly developed or aggravated hydronephrosis after extravesical ureteral reimplantation is common, especially in younger patients, it is transient and does not affect differential renal function. A postoperative decrease in differential renal function without further urinary tract infection could develop when there is a parenchymal reduction on preoperative dimercapto-succinic acid scan.

Risk of cardiovascular intervention after androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients with a prior history of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but there is controversy regarding the cardiovascular risk in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the risk of cardiovascular intervention after androgen deprivation therapy in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cardiovascular intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2017, 195,308 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer were identified from the nationwide claims database in South Korea. Among them, 49,090 men with a history of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were analyzed. The patients were divided into the androgen deprivation therapy (n = 14,092) and non-androgen deprivation therapy (n = 34,988) groups. The primary outcome was cardiovascular interventions (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery). Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the events. RESULTS: After balancing the covariates with 1:1 exact matching, the two groups had 10,514 subjects each. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that androgen deprivation therapy was not significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular interventions (hazard ratio, 1.060; 95% confidence interval, 0.923-1.217; P = 0.4104), regardless of the duration of therapy. A history of cardiovascular intervention, diabetes mellitus, antithrombotic medication use, and cardiovascular events significantly increased the risk of cardiovascular intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Androgen deprivation therapy was not associated with cardiovascular intervention in patients with a previous history of cardiovascular disease, regardless of the duration of therapy. Therefore, the cardiovascular risk of androgen deprivation therapy should be reassessed in this population.

Villous adenoma of bladder with uncommon location in a super-aged patient without gross hematuria.

INTRODUCTION: There have been few reported cases of villous adenoma of the bladder. It commonly occurs in the superior area of the bladder with hematuria as the most common symptom. Here, we have presented a case of villous adenoma of the bladder neck and reviewed the existing literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 90-year-old man presented with voiding difficulty. Although urine analysis revealed microscopic hematuria and pyuria, the patient never complained about gross hematuria. Ultrasonography and cystoscopic examination revealed a bladder tumor located at the bladder neck. Transurethral resection was performed and villous adenoma was diagnosed by histopathologic examination. CONCLUSION: Villous adenoma of the bladder is a rare disease, which is difficult to diagnose when the patient presents with uncommon clinical features. Although villous adenoma is known as a benign tumor, some reports suggest its association with malignancy. Therefore, careful management and follow-up are necessary.

Role of adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy following radical cystectomy in locally advanced muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Purpose: We purposed to assess the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACH) on survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are treated with radical cystectomy (RC). Materials and Methods: Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases for all articles that were published until February 2018. Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by pooling the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared patients with locally advanced MIBC who received ACH after RC to those who underwent cystectomy alone. Endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Four RCTs with a total of 490 patients were selected for the analysis. These four trials included patients with locally advanced MIBC. Pooled HRs for PFS and OS across the studies were 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.60; p<0.00001) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.48-0.83; p=0.0009), respectively. Absolute increases in PFS and OS for locally advanced MIBC were 17% and 10%, respectively (i.e., equivalent to numbers needed to treat of 5.9 and 10). Conclusions: ACH following RC may improve the survival outcomes of locally advanced MIBC patients. Beneficial effect of ACH might be more marked in patients with locally advanced MIBC when comparing the previously reported meta-analysis with all MIBC patients.

Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on locally advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains controversial. The aim of present study was to evaluate the contemporary role of NAC for patients with locally advanced UTUC through systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. METHODS: Systematic literature searches were conducted in PubMed/Medline and Embase for all studies that examined the role of chemotherapy for UTUC. We performed this study according to the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Endpoints were overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: A total of four trials on 318 patients were included in this study. Each of the included studies was retrospective. Compared to controls, NAC improved OS, CSS, and PFS by 57% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.73; p = 0.002), 59% (95% CI, 0.27-0.57; p < 0.00001), and 45% (95% CI, 0.50-0.60; p < 0.00001), respectively. The absolute increases in OS, CSS, and PFS were 11%, 18%, and 13%, respectively, and these increases are equivalent to numbers-needed-to-treat of 9, 5.5, and 7.6, respectively. Pooled odds ratio for the effect of NAC on downstaging was 0.21 (95% CI, 0.09-0.60; p = 0.004), which indicates that NAC group had a 4.76-fold higher probability of having pathologic N stage 0 than control group. CONCLUSIONS: NAC treatment before radical nephroureterectomy might provide better survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced UTUC. Prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm the benefits of NAC in locally advanced UTUC patients.

Effect of Prior Local Treatment and Prostate-Specific Antigen Kinetics during Androgen-Deprivation Therapy on the Survival of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics predicts survival in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC); however, the influence of prior treatment on this relationship is unclear. Patients with CRPC were stratified according to time to PSA nadir and time to CRPC progression to investigate their prognostic significance on prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) and whether PSA kinetics may serve as prognosticators regardless of prior local treatment. This multicenter retrospective study included 295 patients diagnosed with CRPC between September 2009 and November 2017. PSA kinetics during androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) including %PSA decline, PSA nadir level, time to PSA nadir, and time to CRPC progression was investigated. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the prior history of local curative treatment. Patients who did not receive prior local treatment with ≥6 months to PSA nadir and <12 months to CRPC, showed lower PCSS rates than those with <6 months to PSA nadir (23.3% vs. 45.3%; p = 0.031) and ≥12 months to CRPC (20.0% vs. 47.8%; p = 0.001). In patients who had received local treatment, PSA kinetic parameters did not influence PCSS. Our results indicate that time to PSA nadir and time to CRPC progression are prognosticators of PCSS in patients with CRPC who did not previously receive curative local treatment.

What is the most effective local anesthesia for transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy of the prostate? A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 47 randomized clinical trials.

We aimed to compare the effectiveness of various local anesthetic methods for controlling prostate biopsy (PBx) related pain using network meta-analysis. Literature searches were performed on PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to March 2018. Forty-seven randomized controlled trials, in which the effectiveness of PBx-related pain was investigated using a visual analogue scale after various local anesthetic methods, were included. The local anesthetic methods included intraprostatic local anesthesia (IPLA), intrarectal local anesthesia (IRLA), intravenous sedation (IVS), periprostatic nerve block (PNB), pelvic plexus block (PPB), and spinal anesthesia (SPA). Eight pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analyses with 21 comparisons were performed. All modalities, except single use of IPLA and IRLA, were more effective than placebo. Our results demonstrate that PNB + IVS (rank 1) and SPA (rank 2) were the most effective methods for pain control. The followings are in order of PPB + IRLA, PNB + IPLA, PPB, PNB + IRLA, IVS, and PNB. In conclusion, the most effective way to alleviate PBx-related pain appears to be PNB + IVS and SPA. However, a potential increase in medical cost and additional risk of morbidities should be considered. In the current outpatient setting, PPB + IRLA, PNB + IPLA, PPB, PNB + IRLA, and PNB methods are potentially more acceptable options.

Is Pelvic Plexus Block Superior to Periprostatic Nerve Block for Pain Control during Transrectal Ultrasonography-Guided Prostate Biopsy? A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

We evaluated whether pelvic plexus block (PPB) is superior to periprostatic nerve block (PNB) for pain control during transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy (PBx). A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study was performed at a single center; 46 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: PPB (n = 23) and PNB (n = 23). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used; pain scores were measured four times: during local anesthesia, probe insertion, sampling procedures, and at 15 min post procedures. No significant differences were observed in VAS scores during local anesthesia (2.30 for PPB vs. 2.65 for PNB, p = 0.537) or during probe insertion (2.83 for PPB vs. 2.39 for PNB, p = 0.569). Similarly, no differences in VAS scores were detected during the sampling procedures (2.83 for PPB vs. 2.87 for PNB, p = 0.867) and at 15 min post procedures (1.39 for PPB vs. 1.26 for PNB, p = 0.631). No major complications were noted in either group. Both PPB and PNB are comparably effective and safe methods for PBx related pain relief, and PPB is not superior to PNB. Local anesthetic method could be selected based on the preference and skill of the operator.

Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptor Blockers for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blockers (α1-blockers) in the treatment of female lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Fourteen studies with 1,319 patients were ultimately included. The study comprised 2 analyses: a comparison of urinary symptom scores, maximal flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume before and after α1-blocker administration in 8 prospective, open-label studies and 5 randomized clinical trials (RCTs); and an evaluation of the same variables in α1-blocker and placebo groups in 4 RCTs. RESULTS: The first meta-analysis showed that, following treatment, patients exhibited statistically significant symptom relief (mean difference [MD], -5.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], -7.71 to -3.99; P<0.00001), increased Qmax (MD, 3.67 mL/sec; 95% CI, 2.76-4.59 mL/sec; P<0.00001), and decreased PVR volume (MD, -28.46 mL; 95% CI, -34.99 to -21.93 mL; P<0.00001). In the second meta-analysis, α1-blockers demonstrated significant symptom relief relative to placebo (MD, -1.60; 95% CI, -2.68 to -0.51; P=0.004). However, no significant differences were observed in Qmax (MD, 0.05 mL/sec; 95% CI, -0.74 to 0.83 mL/sec, P=0.91) and PVR (MD, -8.10 mL; 95% CI, -32.32 to 16.12 mL, P=0.51) between the α1-blocker and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: These analyses suggest that α1-blockers are effective in the treatment of female LUTS patients. However, the effect of α1-blockers on female LUTS should be assessed according to the underlying cause, and the role of α1-blockers in combination therapy with other drugs should also be investigated.

Effect of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy on Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We aimed to evaluate the change in bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to those with PCa or other urologic conditions not receiving ADT. Literature searches were conducted throughout October 2018. The eligibility of each study was assessed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the Participant, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, and Study design method. The outcomes analyzed were the mean difference (MD) of percent changes in BMD of lumbar spine, femur neck, and total hip. Five prospective cohort studies with a total of 533 patients were included in the present study. Statistically significant decreases of BMD change relative to the control group were observed in the ADT treatment group in the lumbar spine (MD -3.60, 95% CI -6.72 to -0.47, P = 0.02), femoral neck (MD -3.11, 95% CI -4.73 to -1.48, P = 0.0002), and total hip (MD -1.59, 95% CI -2.99 to -0.19, P = 0.03). There is a significant relationship between ADT and BMD reduction in patients with PCa. Regular BMD testing and the optimal treatment for BMD loss should, therefore, be considered in patients with PCa undergoing ADT.

Effects of age and comorbidity on survival vary according to risk grouping among patients with prostate cancer treated using radical prostatectomy: A retrospective competing-risk analysis from the K-CaP registry.

A multicenter Korean Prostate Cancer Database (K-CaP) has been established to provide information regarding Korean patients with prostate cancer (PCa). We used the K-CaP registry to investigate the value of age and comorbidity for predicting cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM) according to risk grouping.The K-CaP registry includes 2253 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) between May 2001 and April 2013 at 5 institutions. Preoperative clinicopathologic data were collected and stratified according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk criteria. Survival was evaluated using Gray's modified log-rank test according to risk category, age (<70 years vs ≥70 years), and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (0 vs ≥1).The median follow-up was 55.0 months (interquartile range: 42.0-70.0 months). Competing-risk regression analysis revealed that, independent of CCI, ≥70-year-old high-risk patients had significantly greater CSM than <70-year-old high-risk patients (P = .019). However, <70-year-old high-risk patients with a CCI of ≥1 had similar CSM relative to ≥70-year-old patients. Survival was not affected by age or CCI among low-risk or intermediate-risk patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that a CCI of ≥1 was independently associated with a higher risk of CSM (P = .003), while an age of ≥70 years was independently associated with a higher risk of OCM (P = .005).Age and comorbidity were associated with survival after RP among patients with high-risk PCa, although these associations were not observed among low-risk or intermediate-risk patients. Therefore, older patients with high-risk diseases and greater comorbidity may require alternative multidisciplinary treatment.