AP-2α gene deregulation is associated with renal cell carcinoma patient survival.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), one of the most fatal urologic tumors, accounts for approximately 3% of all adult cancers and exhibits a high metastatic index at diagnosis and a high rate of relapse. Radical or partial nephrectomy is a curative option for nonmetastatic RCCs. Targeted therapy has been shown to improve the survival of patients with metastatic RCCs. However, the underlying cellular and molecular events associated with RCC pathogenesis are not well known. METHODS: To investigate the clinical role of the transcription factor activator protein (AP)-2α in RCC, methylated CpG island recovery assays and microarray analysis were employed. COBRA and RT‒qPCR assays were performed to assess AP-2α expression in RCC. RESULTS: A negative correlation was noted between AP-2α mRNA expression levels and methylation status. Multivariate analyses showed that AP-2α mRNA was a major risk factor not only for overall and disease-free survival in RCC but also for disease-free survival in clear cell RCC. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that AP-2α expression was deregulated in RCC and associated with overall patient survival and disease-free survival. Such findings suggest that AP-2α might play an important role in the pathogenesis of RCC.

Modified three-layer vesicourethral reconstruction in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy can change cystography pattern and improve early recovery of continence.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine early continence outcomes after three-layer vesicourethral reconstruction during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and the role of postoperative cystography pattern. METHODS: Between May 2015 and January 2019, a total of 170 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent RARP, were divided into one- and three-layer groups based on the method of vesicourethral reconstruction. Continent status, preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, clinicopathological variables, and cystography parameters were analyzed. The patients were followed up for at least 12 months. RESULTS: Of the 170 consecutive patients, 85 with one-layer vesicourethral anastomosis, and 85 with three-layer reconstruction. The continence rates immediately after catheter removal, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after RARP were 47.1%, 75.3%, 92.9%, and 98.8% in the three-layer group; compared to 15.3%, 60%, 78.8%, and 90.6% in the one-layer group, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, three-layer reconstruction was the only independent variable with a 42% risk reduction of postprostatectomy incontinence (hazard ratio (HR): 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.42-0.80, p = 0.001). Cystography in the three-layer group revealed less anastomotic leakage, less sharp bladder neck angle, and higher bladder neck level category. CONCLUSIONS: Three-layer anatomical reconstruction demonstrated promising early continence outcomes, and postoperative cystography revealed a specific pattern more associated with continence.

Should Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma and Pathological Nodal Invasion Be Classified As Having Stage IV Disease?

BACKGROUND: Lymph node invasion is associated with poor outcome in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with RCC within a single center from 2001 to 2018 were retrospectively obtained from the Chang Gung Research Database. Patient gender, physical status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, tumor side, histology, age at diagnosis, and body mass index (BMI) were compared. The overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of each group were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank tests were used to compare between the subgroups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A total of 335 patients were enrolled, of whom 76 had pT3N0M0, 29 had pT1-3N1M0, 104 had T1-4N0M1, and 126 had T1-4N1M1 disease. Significant OS difference was noted between pT3N0M0 and pT1-3N1M0 groups with 12.08 years [95% confidence interval (CI), 8.33-15.84] versus 2.58 years (95% CI, 1.32-3.85), respectively (P < 0.005). No significant difference was observed in OS between pT1-3N1M0 and T1-4N0M1 groups with 2.58 years (95% CI, 1.32-3.85) versus 2.50 years (95% CI, 1.85-3.15, P = 0.72). The OS of N1M1 group was worse than that of N0M1 group with 1.00 year (95% CI, 0.74-1.26) versus 2.50 years (95% CI, 1.85-3.15, P < 0.05). Similar results were also observed in CSS. In summary, we claim that RCC with lymph node (LN) invasion should be reclassified as stage IV disease in terms of survival outcome.

Recent advances in upper tract urothelial carcinomas: From bench to clinics.

Urothelial carcinoma in the upper tract is rare and often discussed separately. Many established risk factors were identified for the disease, including genetic and external risk factors. Radiographic survey, endoscopic examination and urine cytology remained the most important diagnostic modalities. In localized upper tract urothelial carcinomas, radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision are the gold standard for large, high-grade and suspected invasive tumors of the renal pelvis and proximal ureter, whereas kidney-sparing surgeries should be considered in patients with low-risk disease. Advances in technology have given endoscopic surgery an important role, not only in diagnosis, but also in treatment. Although platinum-based combination chemotherapy is efficacious in advanced or metastatic disease, current established chemotherapy regimens are toxic and lack a sustained response. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have led to a new era of treatment for advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinomas. The remarkable results achieved thus far show that immunotherapy will likely be the future treatment paradigm. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other agents is another inspiring avenue to explore that could benefit even more patients. With respect to the high incidence rate and different clinical appearance of upper tract urothelial carcinomas in Taiwan, a possible correlation exists between exposure to certain external risk factors, such as arsenic in drinking water and aristolochic acid in Chinese herbal medicine. As more gene sequencing differences between upper tract urothelial carcinomas and various disease causes are detailed, this has warranted the era of individualized screening and treatment for the disease.

A Specific Cystography Pattern Can Predict Postprostatectomy Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is one of the most bothersome complications of radical prostatectomy. A postoperative image survey may better predict PPI than a preoperative survey. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether postoperative cystography bladder patterns can predict PPI at short- and long-term follow-up. METHODS: In total, 180 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) from September 2008 to September 2014, and who were followed for at least 6 months, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent cystography within 2 weeks after RARP before Foley catheter removal, and all parameters were analyzed to evaluate the relationship with PPI at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months post-RARP. Patients were also divided into four bladder neck level groups, according to the relative position of the bladder neck to the pubic symphysis. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were followed for at least 48 months after RARP. Cystography patterns were analyzed, including the downward bladder neck, bladder height, bladder width, height to width ratio, and bladder neck angle. A more downward bladder neck and a sharper bladder neck angle were significant predictors of PPI at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after RARP. Patients with a larger bladder height or height to width ratio (prolate bladder shape) tended to have poor outcomes regarding PPI. Clinicians can also use a bladder neck level classification to rapidly predict the outcome of PPI. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative cystography is a reliable and cost-effective tool for predicting PPI. A more downward bladder neck and a sharper bladder neck angle have the greatest predictive power for short- and long-term PPI.

Lesion size may affect diagnostic capabilities of MRI-guided ultrasound fusion biopsy and cognitive targeted biopsy for clinically significant prostate cancer.

MRI-guided targeted biopsy (MRGB) was recommended as part of biopsy paradigm of prostate cancers by current guidelines. This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of MRGB and systemic biopsy (SB), and to compare diagnostic capabilities within subgroups of MRGB: MRI-cognitive biopsy (MRCB) and MRI-fusion biopsy (MRFB). We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent MRGB for suspicious malignant lesion(s) identified on MRI in a single tertiary center, sample size was 74 patients. An mpMRI was performed prior to biopsy and reviewed by an experienced radiologist specialized in prostate cancer. Per-person results of MRGB and each concomitant SB were analyzed as independent biopsies for its positive biopsy rate and positive core percentage. Per-lesion results of MRFB and MRCB were compared for the detection rate. Variables of interest were analyzed with t-test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS), Version 23 (IBM, Armonk, New York). Total of 74 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. MRFB had higher PCa detection rate comparing to both MRCB and SB (56.1%, 30.3%, and 33.9% respectively, p value = 0.036); clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection rate was also significantly higher in MRFB group (43.9%, 24.2%, and 16.9% in each group respectively, p value = 0.011). In per-lesion analysis, MRCB and MRFB had no significant difference in PCa and csPCa detection rate (41.0% vs. 26.2% and 29.5% vs. 16.7% respectively, p value = 0.090 and 0.103). In the lesion ≦ 1.3 cm group, MRFB could achieve higher PCa detection rate, comparing to MRCB (36.4% vs. 14.3%, p value = 0.047); there were also higher positive rates for PCa and csPCa per biopsied cores (22.1% vs. 6.8% and 15.6% vs. 2.7%, p value = 0.029 and 0.028, respectively). Further logistic regression of multi-variate analysis in subgroup of lesion ≦ 1.3 cm revealed that PIRADS score and biopsy method were significant predictors of positive biopsy result for PCa (p value = 0.045 and 0.026, respectively) and for csPCa (p value = 0.043 and 0.025, respectively). In patients receiving trans-perineal prostate biopsy, MRFB had higher cancer detection rate than MRCB and SB. In per lesion comparison, MRFB and MRCB had similar diagnostic accuracy. However, in lesions with diameter less than 1.3 cm, MRFB can provided better diagnose value for PCa and csPCa than MRCB.

Periprostatic adipose tissue inhibits tumor progression by secreting apoptotic factors: A natural barrier induced by the immune response during the early stages of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent malignancy in men worldwide. The risk factors for PCa include obesity, age and family history. Increased visceral fat has been associated with high PCa risk, which has prompted previous researchers to investigate the influence of body composition and fat distribution on PCa prognosis. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on the mechanisms and interactions between periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) and PCa cells. The present study investigated the association between the composition of pelvic adipose tissue and PCa aggressiveness to understand the role played by this tissue in PCa progression. Moreover, PPAT-conditioned medium (CM) was prepared to assess the influence of the PPAT secretome on the pathophysiology of PCa. The present study included 50 patients with localized PCa who received robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Medical records were collected, magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed and body compositions were calculated to identify the associations between adipose tissue volume and clinical PCa aggressiveness. In addition, CM was prepared from PPAT and perivesical adipose tissue (PVAT) collected from 25 patients during surgery, and its effects on the PCa cell lines C4-2 and LNCaP, and the prostate epithelial cell line PZ-HPV-7, were investigated using a cell proliferation assay and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results revealed that the initial prostate-specific antigen level was significantly correlated with pelvic and periprostatic adipose tissue volumes. In addition, PPAT volume was significantly higher in patients with extracapsular tumor extension. PCa cell proliferation was significantly reduced when the cells were cultured in PPAT-CM compared with when they were cultured in control- and PVAT-CM. RNA-seq revealed that immune responses, and the cell death and apoptosis pathways were enriched in PPAT-CM-cultured cells indicating that the cytokines or other factors secreted from PPAT-CM induced PCa cell apoptosis. These findings revealed that the PPAT secretome may inhibit PCa cell proliferation by activating immune responses and promoting cancer cell apoptosis. This mechanism may act as a first-line defense during the early stages of PCa.

Can the Sandwich Method Be an Alternative Treatment Choice for BPH Patients With Large Prostates?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of the sandwich method with GreenLight photoselective vaporization (GLPVP) and bipolar transurethral resection (B-TURP) with those of the enucleation method in patients with BPH and a prostate volume ≥ 80 g. METHODS: Patients with BPH who underwent either the sandwich method with GLPVP and B-TURP or the enucleation method between 2014 and 2021 were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the comparison of uroflowmetry results between the 2 groups. Safety analysis of the complication rates was also compared. RESULTS: The cohort included 55 patients in the sandwich group and 41 patients in the enucleation group. In the efficacy analysis, both groups showed comparable uroflowmetry results, except for a higher postoperative average flow rate in the enucleation group. Regarding perioperative parameters, the sandwich method required a longer operating time, and the enucleation group had a higher incidence of manual Foley irrigation. Both groups demonstrated similar postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The sandwich method exhibited comparable efficacy and safety to the enucleation method in patients with BPH with a prostate volume ≥ 80 g. Thus, for surgeons who are familiar with GLPVP and B-TURP, the sandwich method may be an alternative surgical approach for BPH patients with large prostates.

Recognition of Postoperative Cystography Features by Artificial Intelligence to Predict Recovery from Postprostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: A Rapid and Easy Way to Predict Functional Outcome.

Purpose: Post-operative cystography has been used to predict the recovery of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) in patients with localized prostate cancer. This study aimed to validate the predictive value of cystography for PPI and utilize a deep learning model to identify favorable and unfavorable features. Methods: Medical records and cystography images of patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Specific cystography features, including anastomosis leakage, a downward bladder neck (BN), and the bladder neck angle, were analyzed for the prediction of PPI recovery. Favorable and unfavorable patterns were categorized based on the three cystography features. The deep learning model used for transfer learning was ResNet 50 and weights were trained on ImageNet. We used 5-fold cross-validation to reduce bias. After each fold, we used a test set to confirm the model's performance. Result: A total of 170 consecutive patients were included; 31.2% experienced immediate urinary continence after surgery, while 93.5% achieved a pad-free status and 6.5% were still incontinent in the 24 weeks after surgery. We divided patients into a fast recovery group (≤4 weeks) and a slow recovery group (>4 weeks). Compared with the slow recovery group, the fast recovery group had a significantly lower anastomosis leakage rate, less of a downward bladder neck, and a larger bladder neck angle. Test data used to evaluate the model's performance demonstrated an average 5-fold accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 93.75%, 87.5%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Postoperative cystography features can predict PPI recovery in patients with localized prostate cancer. A deep-learning model can facilitate the identification process. Further validation and exploration are required for the future development of artificial intelligence (AI) in this field.

RP11-367G18.1 V2 enhances clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

PURPOSE: Metastasis is the end stage of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common malignant subtype. The hypoxic microenvironment is a common feature in ccRCC and plays an essential role in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accumulating evidence manifests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in RCC tumorigenesis and regulate hypoxia-induced EMT. Here, we identified a lncRNA RP11-367G18.1 induced by hypoxia, that was overexpressed in ccRCC tissues. METHODS: A total of 216 specimens, including 149 ccRCC tumor samples and 67 related normal kidney parenchyma tissue samples, were collected. To investigate the biological fucntions of RP11.367G18.1 in ccRCC, migration, invasion, soft agar colony formation, xenograft tumorigenicity assays, and tail vein and orthotopic metastatic mouse models were performed. The relationship between RP11-367G18.1 and downstream signaling was analyzed utilizing reporter assay, RNA pull-down, chromatin immunopreciptation, and chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays. RESULTS: Hypoxic conditions and overexpression of HIF-1α increased the level of RP11-367G18.1. RP11-367G18.1 induced EMT and enhanced cell migration and invasion through variant 2. Inhibition of RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 reversed hypoxia-induced EMT phenotypes. An in vivo study revealed that RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 was required for hypoxia-induced tumor growth and metastasis in ccRCC. Mechanistically, RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 interacted with p300 histone acetyltransferase to regulate lysine 16 acetylation on histone 4 (H4K16Ac), thus contributing to hypoxia-regulated gene expression. Clinically, RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 was upregulated in ccRCC tissues, particularly metastatic ccRCC tissues, and it is linked to poor overall survival. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the prognostic value and EMT-promoting role of RP11-367G18.1 and indicate that this lncRNA may provide a therapeutic target for ccRCC.

Conservative Bladder Management and Medical Treatment in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Patients.

To review the available data on non-surgical management for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and provide the most updated knowledge for readers. We categorized the bladder management approaches into storage and voiding dysfunction separately; both are minimally invasive, safe, and efficacious procedures. The main goals for NLUTD management are to achieve urinary continence; improve quality of life; prevent urinary tract infections and, last but not least, preserve upper urinary tract function. Annual renal sonography workups and regular video urodynamics examinations are crucial for early detection and further urological management. Despite the extensive data on NLUTD, there are still relatively few novel publications and there is a lack of high-quality evidence. There is a paucity of new minimally invasive and prolonged efficacy treatments for NLUTD, and a partnership between urologists, nephrologists and physiatrists is required to promote and ensure the health of SCI patients in the future.

Body composition as a predictor of oncological outcome in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer receiving intravesical instillation after transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

Introduction: Body status, categorized as sarcopenia or obesity and assessed using body mass index and body composition, affects the outcome of bladder cancer patients. However, studies comparing disease progression, recurrence, or overall survival in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with different body compositions are lacking. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to identify the impact of body composition, sarcopenia, and obesity on the oncological prognosis of patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) intravesical instillation (IVI). Methods: Patients with NMIBC who had undergone TURBT with adjuvant IVI with BCG from March 2005 to April 2021 were included. Body composition parameters were evaluated using computed tomography images of the third lumbar vertebrae and further categorized by sarcopenia and obesity. Oncological outcomes including recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS) after treatment were analyzed. Results: A total of 269 patients were enrolled. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) density was a significant predictor of RFS, whereas psoas muscle density was a significant predictor of OS in the multivariate analysis. Patients with sarcopenia but without obesity tolerated significantly fewer BCG IVIs than patients without sarcopenia or obesity. Patients with sarcopenia had poorer RFS and OS than those without sarcopenia. In contrast, patients with obesity had better OS than those without obesity. Discussion: Body composition parameters, including SAT density and psoas muscle density, emerged as significant predictors of OS and RFS, respectively. Hence, our findings indicate that body composition is a helpful measurement to assess the oncological outcomes of patients with NMIBC.

Replacement Instead of Discontinuation of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Instillation in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of intravesical chemotherapy replacement in patients with intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), who underwent bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation but discontinued due to global shortages or toxicity of BCG. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC who received BCG intravesical instillation. Those who discontinued the treatment were divided into the pure BCG group and chemotherapy replacement group. Comparisons between these groups were performed. The primary endpoint was bladder recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: A total of 480 patients were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, but the total instillation times were higher in the chemotherapy replacement group than in the pure BCG group (n = 14.9 vs. 10.5). The chemotherapy replacement group had a better three-year RFS (p = 0.022). On multivariate analysis, the pure BCG group had significantly increased all-time and 3-year recurrences (hazard ratio 2.015 and 2.148) compared to the chemotherapy replacement group. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy replacement has a better three-year RFS than no instillation in patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC who received BCG instillation but facing treatment stoppage.

Efficacy and Safety of the Sandwich Method in Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: Bipolar Transurethral Resection with GreenLight Vaporization.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the nonmalignant enlargement of the transition zone of the prostate gland. While holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and open simple prostatectomy are effective in the management of patients with large prostates, they have some limitations. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of the sandwich method of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP) and GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (GLPVP) in patients with large prostates. Patients diagnosed with BPH who underwent the sandwich method with B-TURP and GLPVP from 2015 to 2020 were included. Efficacy analyses included the change in the uroflowmetry results in both group A (prostate volume < 80 g) and group B (prostate volume ≥ 80 g), and complication analyses included perioperative complications, early postoperative complications at three months and late postoperative complications at 12 months. The cohort comprised 188 and 44 patients in groups A and B, respectively. The prostate volume of groups A and B were 50.83 ± 14.14 g and 102.03 ± 19.36 g (p < 0.001), respectively. The peak (Qmax) and average (Qavg) flow rates were comparable between the two groups. The only significant difference noted was in the postoperative post-void residual (PVR) urine. Improvement was seen in all the variables including the Qmax, Qavg and PVR urine in each group. No patient experienced perioperative complications. Analysis of the overall one-year complication rate showed no significant difference between the two groups. The sandwich method of B-TURP and GLPVP may be feasible for the management of patients with large prostate.

The Impact of Exercise on Improving Body Composition and PSA in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen-Deprivation Therapy.

This prospective study investigated how exercise impacted chronological changes in anthropometrics, body composition, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The patients were divided into either the usual care or exercise group. All patients received measurements a week before ADT initiation, six- and twelve months after treatment. The exercise group received both aerobic and resistance training. The analysis was conducted using appropriate statistical methods. There were 45 males enrolled (age 67.4 ± 8 years and BMI 25.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2). Profound changes were observed at six months follow-up. The exercise group showed a significant increase in the trunk and leg lean mass, and a lesser loss of total and arm lean mass. A significant decrease in PSA was also observed among the exercise group. PNI and PSA were significantly associated with regional lean mass. Exercise can prevent loss or even increase lean mass in high-risk PCa, especially in the early stage of ADT treatment. Moreover, a strong bond between lean mass and PNI and PSA further underscores the importance of early and continuous exercise interventions.

Body composition and pelvic fat distribution are associated with prostate cancer aggressiveness and can predict biochemical recurrence.

This study evaluated the effect of body composition and pelvic fat distribution on the aggressiveness and prognosis of localized prostate cancer. This study included patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with positive surgical margins. Clinicodemographic data were collected from patients' medical reports. Pretreatment magnetic resonance images (MRI) obtained for cancer staging were reviewed by a single radiologist to calculate pelvic fat distribution and body composition. We correlated these body composition parameters with initial prostate-specific antigen (iPSA), Gleason score, extracapsular tumor extension, and biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival. The iPSA was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI; P = .027), pelvic fat volume (P = .004), and perirectal fat volume (P = .001), whereas the Gleason score was significantly associated with BMI only (P = .011). Tumor extracapsular extension was significantly associated with increased periprostatic fat volume (P = .047). Patients with less subcutaneous fat thickness (<2.4 cm) had significantly poor BCR-free survival (P = .039). Pelvic fat distribution, including pelvic fat volume, perirectal fat volume, and periprostatic fat volume, were significantly correlated with prostate cancer aggressiveness. Patients with less subcutaneous fat had an increased risk of BCR after radical prostatectomy.

Utilizing Computed Tomography to Analyze the Morphomic Change between Patients with Localized and Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Body Composition Varies According to Cancer Stage.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to elucidate the change of body composition in different clinical stages of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by analyzing computed tomography (CT) images. METHODS: We enrolled patients diagnosed with RCC in a tertiary medical center who did not mention body weight loss or symptoms of cachexia. We grouped patients into those with localized RCC and those with metastatic RCC. Analyses of the volume of skeletal muscles tissue (SMT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) calculated based on CT images were performed and included subgroup analyses by sex and age. The correlation between tumor size and body composition in localized RCC was also examined. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients were enrolled in this study. There was significantly lower VAT (p = 0.015) in the metastatic group than in the localized group. SAT, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different between these two groups. In the subgroup analysis, a significant difference in SMT and VAT was noted in the male and younger subgroups but not in the female and older subgroups. Regarding primary tumor size in localized RCC, VAT was significantly higher in patients with larger tumors (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In localized RCC, VAT volume was significantly larger in those with large primary tumor size. However, the VAT was significantly lower in those with metastatic status comparing to those with localized disease. The clinical course of cancers closely correlates with body composition.

Clinical predictors for biochemical failure in patients with positive surgical margin after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with positive surgical margins (PSMs) after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer have a higher risk of biochemical failure (BCF). We investigated the risk factors of BCF in patients with PSMs after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: We evaluated 462 patients who underwent RARP in a single medical center from 2006 through 2013. Of them, 61 with PSMs did not receive any treatment before BCF. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis were used to compare patients with (n = 19) and without (n = 41) BCF. RESULTS: Overall, 13.2% of patients had PSMs, and of those, 31.7% experienced BCF during follow-up. The mean follow-up duration was 43.7 months (42.4 [non-BCF] vs 46.35 (BCF], p = 0.51). In univariant analyses, the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (6.26 [non-BCF] vs 8.02 [BCF], p = 0.04) differed statistically. When patients were grouped by pathologic grade ≦2 or ≧3 (p = 0.004), the BCF-free survival rates differed significantly. Seminal vesicle invasion also differed significantly (5 [non-BCF] vs 7 [BCF], p = 0.005). Patients with undetectable nadir prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after RARP (BCF rate 4/34) differed statistically from those with detectable PSA after RARP (BCF rate 15/26) (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the platelet/lymphocyte (P/L) ratio, pathologic grade, and undetectable nadir PSA remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who undergo RARP and have PSMs, P/L ratio >9 preoperatively, pathologic grade ⩾3, and detectable nadir PSA after RARP should be considered adverse features. Early intervention such as salvage radiation therapy or androgen deprivation therapy should be offered to these patients.

Instillation Strategies for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Shortage Era: A Simple Solution for BCG Discontinuation.

Objective: Among intravesical instillation protocol in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), chemotherapy agents have been widely used during the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) shortage era since the patient might under the risk of BCG discontinuation. This study evaluates the efficacy of incomplete BCG instillation compared with pure chemotherapy instillation protocol. Materials and Methods: Patients newly diagnosed with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC who received incomplete BCG intravesical instillation or chemotherapy instillation were retrospectively included. Patients were divided into three groups according to different intravesical instillation schedules: [BCG only], [BCG + Chemo], and [Chemo only]. Comparisons between these three groups were performed. Bladder recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed as the primary endpoint. Results: A total of 475 patients who received intravesical instillations were enrolled. Compared to the [Chemo only] group, the [BCG + Chemo] group had significantly better bladder RFS (p = 0.027). Multivariate analysis of recurrence revealed the [BCG + Chemo] regimen has a hazard ratio 0.381 (95% CI 0.154-0.941, p = 0.037). The total instillation number >12 was associated with better RFS (p = 0.001) compared with other instillation numbers. Conclusion: For NMIBC patients facing the risk of unexpected BCG instillation interruption, instead of starting instillation with chemotherapy agents, receiving BCG first till stoppage then shifting to chemotherapy agents is recommended.

Changes in prostate-specific antigen kinetics during androgen-deprivation therapy as a predictor of response to abiraterone in chemonaïve patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has a poor prognosis. Abiraterone acetate (AA), enzalutamide, and chemotherapy are first-line treatments for patients with mCRPC. This study examined prognostic factors for AA response in the form of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics throughout androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in chemonaïve patients with mCRPC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included data from 34 chemonaïve patients with mCRPC who had received AA at some point between January 2017 and December 2018. We separated patients into two study arms according to the decrease in PSA percentages after use of AA for 3 months. We correlated PSA kinetics parameters with response and compared the two study groups with respect to PSA kinetics. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 77 years. In the total group of patients, 64% had a response to AA, whereas 35% did not. The ratio of the PSA level at nadir to the level during ADT was significantly higher in the AA-sensitive group (19.78 vs. 1.03, p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who experienced a dramatic change in PSA level during ADT were more likely to be resistant to AA after progression to mCRPC. Chemotherapy rather than AA might be more suitable as a first-line treatment for these patients.