Characterizing the Genomic Landscape of the Micropapillary Subtype of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder Harboring Activating Extracellular Mutations of ERBB2.

The micropapillary subtype of urothelial carcinoma (MPUC) of the bladder is a very aggressive histological variant of urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). A high frequency of MPUC contains activating mutations in the extracellular domain (ECD) of ERBB2. We sought to further characterize ERBB2 ECD-mutated MPUC to identify additional genomic alterations that have been associated with tumor progression and therapeutic response. In total, 5,485 cases of archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded UBC underwent comprehensive genomic profiling to identify ERBB2 ECD-mutated MPUC and evaluate the frequencies of genomic co-alterations. We identified 219 cases of UBC with ERBB2 ECD mutations (74% S310F and 26% S310Y), of which 63 (28.8%) were MPUC. Genomic analysis revealed that TERT, TP53, and ARID1A were the most common co-altered genes in ERBB2-mutant MPUC (82.5%, 58.7%, and 39.7%, respectively) and did not differ from ERBB2-mutant non-MPUC (86.5%, 51.9%, and 35.3%). The main differences between ERBB2 ECD-mutated MPUC compared with non-MPUC were KMT2D, RB1, and MTAP alterations. KMT2D and RB1 are tumor-suppressor genes. KMT2D frequency was significantly decreased in ERBB2 ECD-mutated MPUC (6.3%) in contrast to non-MPUC (27.6%; P < .001). RB1 mutations were more frequent in ERBB2 ECD-mutated MPUC (33.3%) than in non-MPUC (17.3%; P = .012). Finally, MTAP loss, an emerging biomarker for new synthetic lethality-based anticancer drugs, was less frequent in ERBB2 ECD-mutated MPUC (11.1%) than in non-MPUC (26.9%; P = .018). Characterizing the genomic landscape of MPUC may not only improve our fundamental knowledge about this aggressive morphological variant of UBC but also has the potential to identify possible prognostic and predictive biomarkers that may drive tumor progression and dictate treatment response to therapeutic approaches.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Early-Stage Testicular Cancer: AUA Guideline Amendment 2023.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this American Urological Association (AUA) guideline amendment is to provide a useful reference on the effective evidence-based treatment strategies for early-stage testicular cancer. METHODOLOGY/METHODS: The original methodology protocol included searches of PubMed®, Embase®, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from January 1980 through August 2018. The search strategy used medical subject heading (MeSH) terms and key words relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of early-stage testicular cancer. The searches conducted for the update presented herein utilized the same methodological protocol to capture literature published through March 2023. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions. RESULTS: Updates were made to statements on imaging, seminoma management, non-seminoma management, surveillance for stage I testicular cancer, and additional survivorship. Further revisions were made to the methodology and reference sections as appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline seeks to improve clinicians' ability to evaluate and treat patients with early-stage testicular cancer based on currently available evidence. Future studies will be essential to further support or refine these statements to improve patient care.

Total Margin Control Is Superior to Traditional Margin Assessment for Treatment of Low-Stage Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Penile cancer is rare, with significant morbidity and limited literature assessing utility of peripheral and deep en face margin assessment (PDEMA) vs traditional margin assessment (vertical sections) on treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 32-year retrospective multicenter cohort study at 3 academic tertiary care centers. The cohort consisted of 189 patients with histologic diagnosis of in situ or T1a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the penis at Brigham and Women's, Massachusetts General Hospital (1988-2020), and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (1995-2020) treated with PDEMA surgical excision, excision/circumcision, or penectomy/glansectomy. Local recurrence, metastasis, and disease-specific death were assessed via multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 189 patients. Median age at diagnosis was 62 years. Median tumor diameter was 1.3 cm. The following outcomes of interest occurred: 30 local recurrences, 13 metastases, and 5 disease-specific deaths. Primary tumors were excised with PDEMA (N = 30), excision/circumcision (N = 110), or penectomy/glansectomy (N = 49). Of patients treated with traditional margin assessment (non-PDEMA), 12% had narrow or positive margins. Five-year proportions were as follows with respect to local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and disease-specific survival/progression-free survival, respectively: 100%, 100%, and 100% following PDEMA; 82%, 96%, and 99% following excision/circumcision; 83%, 91%, and 95% following penectomy/glansectomy. A limitation is that this multi-institutional cohort study was not externally validated. CONCLUSIONS: Initial results are encouraging that PDEMA surgical management effectively controls early-stage penile squamous cell carcinoma.

New EAU/ASCO guideline recommendations on sentinel node biopsy for penile cancer and remaining challenges from a nuclear medicine perspective.

INTRODUCTION: The European Association of Urology (EAU) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently issued updated guidelines on penile cancer, emphasising dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB) as the preferred method for surgical staging among patients with invasive penile tumours and no palpable inguinal lymphadenopathy. This paper outlines the rationale behind this new recommendation and describes remaining challenges, as well as strategies for promoting DSNB worldwide. MAIN TEXT: DSNB offers high diagnostic accuracy with the lowest postoperative complications compared to open or minimally invasive inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND), prompting its preference in the new guidelines. Nevertheless, despite its advantages, there are challenges hampering the widespread adoption of DSNB. This includes the false-negative rate associated with DSNB and the potential negative impact on patient outcome. To address this issue, improvements should be made in several areas, including refining the timing and interpretation of the lymphoscintigraphy and the single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography images. In addition, the quantity of tracer employed and choice of the injection site for the radiopharmaceutical should be optimised. Finally, limiting the removal of nodes without tracer activity during surgery may help minimise complication rates. CONCLUSION: Over the years, DSNB has evolved significantly, related to the dedicated efforts and innovations in nuclear medicine and subsequent clinical studies validating its efficacy. It is now strongly recommended for surgical staging among selected penile cancer patients. To optimise DSNB further, multidisciplinary collaborative research is required to improve SN identification for better diagnostic accuracy and fewer complications.

Urethral cancer: a comprehensive review endorsed by the Global Society of Rare Genitourinary Tumours.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and adverse effects of urethrectomy alone or as part of multimodal therapy (MMT). METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, LILACS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases, from their inception to the present date. The study cohort comprised individuals aged 16 years and older diagnosed with urethral tumours at any stage who underwent either isolated urethrectomy or urethrectomy as an integral component of MMT. RESULTS: Ninety-two studies comprising 25 480 patients met the inclusion criteria. Surgical outcomes for urethral cancer vary considerably, with 5-year overall survival (OS) ranging from 10% to 68% based on disease extent, approach, and gender. Radiotherapy (RT) alone provides 5-year OS of approximately 40%. Combined regimens provide better outcomes compared to single modalities, including reduced recurrence and enhanced survival. However, trimodal therapy showed survival benefits only for urothelial subtypes, indicating the need to tailor management according to cancer type. MMT with neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery demonstrated the most consistent survival gains. CONCLUSIONS: The management of urethral cancer demands a nuanced, personalised approach, accounting for factors such as tumour location, sex, and tumour stage. MMT combining surgery, chemotherapy and RT has shown the ability to enhance outcomes in advanced disease. More extensive collaborative studies through specialised centres are imperative to advance evidence-based protocols and refine treatment in order to improve survival.

Incidence, risk factors, and temporal trends of penile cancer: a global population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the global disease burden and country-specific trends of penile cancer incidence by age group and investigate its associations with several factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Global Cancer Observatory database was interrogated for penile cancer incidence. The 10-year cancer incidence rates were collected from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus. The country-specific data were extracted from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory and Global Burden of Disease databases for conducting risk factors analysis. The penile cancer incidence was presented using age-standardised rates. Its associations with various factors were examined by linear regression, while the incidence trend was estimated using joinpoint regression and presented as average annual percentage change with 95% confidence intervals in different age groups. RESULTS: There were an estimated 36 068 new cases of penile cancer in 2020. There was a considerable geographical disparity in the disease burden of penile cancer, with South America reporting the highest incidence. Overall, alcohol drinking, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and unsafe sex were positively associated with a higher penile cancer incidence, while circumcision was found to be a protective factor. There has been a mixed trend in penile cancer incidence overall, but an increasing trend was found among younger males. CONCLUSIONS: There was a global variation in the penile cancer burden associated with prevalence of alcohol drinking, HIV infection, unsafe sex, and circumcision. The increasing penile cancer incidence in the younger population is worrying and calls for early detection and preventive interventions.

Impact of the extent of lymph node dissection on survival outcomes in clinically lymph node-positive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the oncological impact of extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) vs standard PLND (sPLND) during radical cystectomy (RC) in clinically lymph node-positive (cN+) bladder cancer (BCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, multicentre study we included 969 patients who underwent RC with sPLND (internal/external iliac and obturator lymph nodes) or ePLND (sPLND plus common iliac and presacral nodes) with or without platin-based peri-operative chemotherapy for cTany N1-3 M0 BCa between 1991 and 2022. We assessed the impact of ePLND on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the distribution of recurrences (locoregional and distant recurrences). The secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). We performed propensity-score matching using covariates associated with the extent of PLND in univariable logistic regression analysis. The association of the extent of PLND with RFS and OS was investigated using Cox regression models. RESULTS: Of 969 cN+ patients, 510 were 1:1 matched on propensity scores. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to recurrence was 8 (4-16) months, and median (IQR) follow-up of alive patients was 30 (13-51) months. Disease recurrence was observed in 104 patients in the ePLND and 107 in the sPLND group. Of these, 136 (27%), 47 (9.2%) and 19 patients (3.7%) experienced distant, locoregional, or both distant and locoregional disease recurrence, respectively. When stratified by the extent of PLND, we did not find a difference in recurrence patterns (P > 0.05). ePLND improved neither RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70-1.19; P = 0.5) nor OS (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60-1.01; P = 0.06) compared to sPLND. Stratification by induction chemotherapy did not change outcomes. CONCLUSION: Performing an ePLND at the time of RC in cN+ patients improved neither RFS nor OS compared to sPLND, regardless of induction chemotherapy status. Pretreatment risk stratification is paramount to identify ideal candidates for RC with ePLND as part of a multimodal treatment approach.

The optimal number of induction chemotherapy cycles in clinically lymph node-positive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the optimal number of induction chemotherapy cycles needed to achieve a pathological response in patients with clinically lymph node-positive (cN+) bladder cancer (BCa) who received three or four cycles of induction chemotherapy followed by consolidative radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymph node dissection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 388 patients who received three or four cycles of cisplatin/gemcitabine or (dose-dense) methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC), followed by consolidative RC for cTanyN1-3M0 BCa. We compared pathological complete (pCR = ypT0N0) and objective response (pOR = yp ≤T1N0) between treatment groups. Predictors of pCR and/or pOR were assessed using uni- and multivariable logistic regression analysis. The secondary endpoints were overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). We evaluated the association between the number of induction chemotherapy cycles administered and survival outcomes on multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: Overall, 101 and 287 patients received three or four cycles of induction chemotherapy, respectively. Of these, 72 (19%) and 128 (33%) achieved pCR and pOR response, respectively. The pCR (20%, 18%) and pOR (40%, 31%) rates did not differ significantly between patients receiving three or four cycles (P > 0.05). The number of cycles was not associated with pCR or pOR on multivariable logistic regression analyses. The 2-year OS estimates were 63% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-0.74) and 63% (95% CI 0.58-0.7) for patients receiving three or four cycles, respectively. Receiving three vs four cycles was not associated with OS and CSS on uni- or multivariable Cox regression analyses. CONCLUSION: Pathological response and survival outcomes did not differ between administering three or four induction chemotherapy cycles in patients with cN+ BCa. A fewer cycles (minimum three) may be oncologically sufficient in patients with cN+ BCa, while decreasing the wait for definitive local therapy in those patients who end up without a response to chemotherapy. This warrants further validation.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Bladder Cancer, Version 3.2024.

Bladder cancer, the sixth most common cancer in the United States, is most commonly of the urothelial carcinoma histologic subtype. The clinical spectrum of bladder cancer is divided into 3 categories that differ in prognosis, management, and therapeutic aims: (1) non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC); (2) muscle invasive, nonmetastatic disease; and (3) metastatic bladder cancer. These NCCN Guidelines Insights detail recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Bladder Cancer, including changes in the fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours: Urinary and Male Genital Tumours and how the NCCN Guidelines aligned with these updates; new and emerging treatment options for bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive NMIBC; and updates to systemic therapy recommendations for advanced or metastatic disease.

Current Status and Challenges in Rare Genitourinary Cancer Research and Future Directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In contemporary urological practice, managing rare genitourinary (GU) malignancies presents significant challenges, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their unique characteristics and tailored treatment approaches. RECENT FINDINGS: Rare GU malignancies, whether per se, variants of common histologies, or common tumors in uncommon locations, often lack widely available clinical guidelines. Consequently, treatment decisions are frequently based on empirical evidence, risking suboptimal outcomes. However, recent advances in molecular profiling, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy offer promising avenues for improving management strategies and patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of some rare GU malignancies encountered in clinical practice, including their distinct pathological features, current management approaches, and ongoing research directions. Understanding the complexities of these rare tumors and implementing multidisciplinary treatment strategies are essential for optimizing patient care and improving survival outcomes.

From Detection to Cure - Emerging Roles for Urinary Tumor DNA (utDNA) in Bladder Cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review sought to define the emerging roles of urinary tumor DNA (utDNA) for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of bladder cancer. Building from early landmark studies the focus is on recent studies, highlighting how utDNA could aid personalized care. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research underscores the potential for utDNA to be the premiere biomarker in bladder cancer due to the constant interface between urine and tumor. Many studies find utDNA to be more informative than other biomarkers in bladder cancer, especially in early stages of disease. Points of emphasis include superior sensitivity over traditional urine cytology, broad genomic and epigenetic insights, and the potential for non-invasive, real-time analysis of tumor biology. utDNA shows promise for improving all phases of bladder cancer care, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies. Building from current research, future comprehensive clinical trials will validate utDNA's clinical utility, potentially revolutionizing bladder cancer management.

Factors predictive of recurrence, metastasis and death in node-negative penile squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) carries significant morbidity and mortality. Literature is limited regarding prognostic factors, especially prognostic factors for development of metastasis. OBJECTIVES: To identify independent prognostic factors associated with poor outcomes, defined as local recurrence (LR), metastasis and disease-specific death (DSD) in clinically node-negative PSCC undergoing local therapy. METHODS: Thirty-two-year Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study of 265 patients with histologically diagnosed PSCC at three tertiary care centres. Predictive models based on patient or tumour characteristics were developed. RESULTS: Local recurrence occurred in 56 patients, metastasis in 52 patients and DSD in 40 patients. In multivariable models, the following five factors were independent prognostic factors based on subhazard ratio (SHR): history of balanitis (LR SHR: 2.3; 95% CI 1.2-4.2), poor differentiation (metastasis SHR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.6), invasion into the corpora (metastasis SHR: 3.0; 95% CI 1.5-5.8 and DSD SHR: 4.5; 95% CI 1.7-12.1), perineural invasion (PNI) (metastasis SHR: 2.8; 95% CI 1.4-5.5 and DSD SHR: 3.5; 95% CI, 1.6-7.8) and a history of phimosis (DSD SHR: 2.5; 95% CI 1.2-5.3). The 5-year cumulative incidence of metastasis was higher for tumours with PNI [cumulative incidence function (CIF) = 55%, 95% CI 38-75 vs. CIF 15%, 95% CI 11-22], corporal invasion (CIF: 35%, 95% CI 26-47 vs. 12%, 95% CI 7-19) and poorly differentiated tumours (CIF = 46%, 95% CI 31-64 vs. CIF 15%, 95% CI 11-22). CONCLUSIONS: History of balanitis, history of phimosis, PNI, corporal invasion and poor differentiation are independent risk factors associated with poor outcomes. Since poor differentiation and PNI currently constitute only T1b disease, prognostic staging can likely be improved.

Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of NF2-Mutated Kidney Tumors Reveals Potential Targets for Therapy.

Genomic alterations (GA) in NF2 tumor-suppressor gene have been associated with aggressive behavior in kidney tumors. We used comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to evaluate the frequencies of NF2 GA in histologic subtypes of kidney tumors and co-occurring GA in other genes and biomarkers. Advanced kidney tumors included 1875 clear cell (ccRCC), 405 papillary (pRCC), 108 chromophobe (chRCC), 171 sarcomatoid (sRCC), 61 collecting duct (cdRCC), 49 medullary (mRCC), 134 unclassified (uRCC), 906 urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis (UC), and 147 Wilms tumors underwent hybrid-capture based CGP to evaluate all classes of GA. 192 (4.9%) of kidney tumors featured NF2 GA which were predominantly structural variant mutations (89%), followed by copy number alterations (9%). Gender and age were similar between NF2-mutant (NF2mut) and NF2-wild type (NF2wt) cohorts with male preponderance. NF2 GA frequency was highest in cdRCC (30%), sRCC (21%), uRCC (15%), and pRCC (12%) while lowest in ccRCC (3%), UC (3%) Wilms tumor (1%), and chRCC (0%). NF2 mutational status was associated with loss of Ch 22 (P < .001). NF2mut RCC harbored co-occurring GA including CDKN2A, CDKN2B, SETD2, and BAP1. VHL, PBRM1, PTEN, and FGFR3 GA were significantly more frequent in NF2wt than in NF2mut tumors. MTOR pathway GAs were uncommon in NF2mut tumors. No NF2 mutated RCC featured MSI-high or high TMB. sRCC was associated with high PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 SP142 tumoral (P = .04) and immune cells (P = .013) were more frequent in NF2mut as compared to NF2wt group. Among histologic subtypes of RCC, cdRCC, sRCC, pRCC, and uRCC are enriched in NF2 GA. Co-occurrent GA in CDKN2A/B, SETD2, and BAP1 may represent potential therapeutic targets. Higher level of PD-L1 expression in NF2mut cohort suggests that these tumors might be sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.

Comparative Genomic Landscape of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder Among Patients of East and South Asian Genomic Ancestry.

BACKGROUND: Despite the low rate of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) in patients of South Asian (SAS) and East Asian (EAS) descent, they make up a significant portion of the cases worldwide. Nevertheless, these patients are largely under-represented in clinical trials. We queried whether UCB arising in patients with SAS and EAS ancestry would have unique genomic features compared to the global cohort. METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue was obtained for 8728 patients with advanced UCB. DNA was extracted and comprehensive genomic profiling was performed. Ancestry was classified using a proprietary calculation algorithm. Genomic alterations (GAs) were determined using a 324-gene hybrid-capture-based method which also calculates tumor mutational burden (TMB) and determines microsatellite status (MSI). RESULTS: Of the cohort, 7447 (85.3%) were EUR, 541 (6.2%) were AFR, 461 (5.3%) were of AMR, 74 (0.85%) were SAS, and 205 (2.3%) were EAS. When compared with EUR, TERT GAs were less frequent in SAS (58.1% vs. 73.6%; P = .06). When compared with non-SAS, SAS had less frequent GAs in FGFR3 (9.5% vs. 18.5%, P = .25). TERT promoter mutations were significantly less frequent in EAS compared to non-EAS (54.1% vs. 72.9%; P < .001). When compared with the non-EAS, PIK3CA alterations were significantly less common in EAS (12.7% vs. 22.1%, P = .005). The mean TMB was significantly lower in EAS vs. non-EAS (8.53 vs. 10.02; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this comprehensive genomic analysis of UCB provide important insight into the possible differences in the genomic landscape in a population level. These hypothesis-generating findings require external validation and should support the inclusion of more diverse patient populations in clinical trials.

Concomitant vs Staged Therapeutic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy in Clinically Node Positive Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Does It Make a Difference?

PURPOSE: Inguinal lymph node dissection within 3 months of primary tumor resection in penile cancer has been associated with longer recurrence-free and cancer-specific survival. However, the optimal timing and effect of lymphadenectomy performed concurrently at the time of primary lesion management on oncologic outcomes in clinically lymph node positive penile squamous cell carcinoma remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An international, multicenter cohort of 966 penile cancer cases was queried for penile squamous cell carcinoma management after the year 2000, clinically lymph node positive status, and performance of penile surgery and inguinal lymph node dissection. Cohorts were stratified as concomitant if inguinal lymph node dissection and penile surgery occurred on the same date or staged when inguinal lymph node dissection was performed after penile resection. Rates and patterns of penile squamous cell carcinoma recurrence were reported. Distant recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analyses and groups compared with log-rank testing. RESULTS: Of 253 contemporary men with clinically lymph node positive penile squamous cell carcinoma, 96 (38%) underwent concomitant inguinal lymph node dissection and 157 (62%) had inguinal lymph node dissection performed in a staged manner. Penile cancer was most likely to recur distantly (19%) followed by in the groin (14%) or pelvis (5%). There were no differences in distant recurrence-free, cancer-specific, or overall survival between management strategies. Multivariable analysis adjusting for stage, treatment center, and perioperative chemoradiation also demonstrated no recurrence-free, cancer-specific, or overall survival benefit between management strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Inguinal lymph node dissection performed concurrently with excision of the penile tumor for clinically node positive penile squamous cell carcinoma is not associated with differences in recurrence-free, cancer-specific, or overall survival compared to staged lymph node dissection.

Impact of Maximal Transurethral Resection on Pathological Outcomes at Cystectomy in a Large, Multi-institutional Cohort.

PURPOSE: While the presence of residual disease at the time of radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is an established prognostic indicator, controversy remains regarding the importance of maximal transurethral resection prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We characterized the influence of maximal transurethral resection on pathological and survival outcomes using a large, multi-institutional cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 785 patients from a multi-institutional cohort undergoing radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We employed bivariate comparisons and stratified multivariable models to quantify the effect of maximal transurethral resection on pathological findings at cystectomy and survival. RESULTS: Of 785 patients, 579 (74%) underwent maximal transurethral resection. Incomplete transurethral resection was more frequent in patients with more advanced clinical tumor (cT) and nodal (cN) stage (P < .001 and P < .01, respectively), with more advanced ypT stage at cystectomy and higher rates of positive surgical margins (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively). In multivariable models, maximal transurethral resection was associated with downstaging at cystectomy (adjusted odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.5). In Cox proportional hazards analysis, maximal transurethral resection was not associated with overall survival (adjusted HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-1.1). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing transurethral resection for muscle-invasive bladder cancer prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, maximal resection may improve pathological response at cystectomy. However, the ultimate effects on long-term survival and oncologic outcomes warrant further investigation.

First-line programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade, combined with platinum-based chemotherapy, for stage IV penile cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anti-tumour activity and safety of anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) antibody plus epidermal growth factor receptor blockade combined with platinum-based chemotherapy (PEP) as first-line therapy for stage IV penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 17 patients with stage IV PSCC undergoing first-line PEP at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2018 and September 2021. Clinical responses were assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (AEs) were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. RESULTS: Of 17 patients who received first-line PEP, 13 were observed to have partial responses. Twelve patients subsequently received consolidated surgery. Nine of these achieved pN0 status, of whom six with locally advanced PSCC achieved pathological complete response. The median (range) follow-up time was 24.87 (3.63-29.40) months. Median PFS and median OS were not reached, with 2-year PFS and OS rates being 68.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.7-96.1) and 62.9% (95% CI 41.6-95), respectively. Eight patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related AEs. No Grade 5 AEs or death associated with treatment was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-PD-1 antibody plus epidermal growth factor receptor blockade and platinum-based chemotherapy showed promising anti-tumour activity, acceptable toxicity, and satisfying long-term survival for stage IV PSCC. Larger clinical trials are needed to validate our findings.

Telemedicine Adoption in an NCI-Designated Cancer Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report on Patient Experience of Care.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer require timely access to care so that healthcare providers can prepare an optimal treatment plan with significant implications for quality of life and mortality. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred rapid adoption of telemedicine in oncology, but study of patient experience of care with telemedicine in this population has been limited. We assessed overall patient experience of care with telemedicine at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined changes in patient experience over time. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of outpatient oncology patients who received treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center. Press Ganey surveys were used to assess patient experience. Data from patients with appointments between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, were analyzed. Patient experience was compared between telemedicine and in-person visits, and patient experience with telemedicine over time was described. RESULTS: A total of 33,318 patients reported Press Ganey data for in-person visits, and 5,950 reported Press Ganey data for telemedicine visits. Relative to patients with in-person visits, more patients with telemedicine visits gave higher satisfaction ratings for access (62.5% vs 75.8%, respectively) and care provider concern (84.2% vs 90.7%, respectively) (P<.001). When adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, sex, insurance, and clinic type, telemedicine visits consistently outperformed in-person visits over time regarding access and care provider concern (P<.001). There were no significant changes over time in satisfaction with telemedicine visits regarding access, care provider concern, telemedicine technology, or overall assessment (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a large oncology dataset showed that telemedicine resulted in better patient experience of care in terms of access and care provider concern compared with in-person visits. Patient experience of care with telemedicine visits did not change over time, suggesting that implementing telemedicine was effective.

Pathophysiological basis of human papillomavirus in penile cancer: Key to prevention and delivery of more effective therapies.

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis is a rare malignancy in the United States, with a significantly higher incidence-up to 20 to 30 times greater-in areas of Africa and South America. This can be explained in part by the significantly greater prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among high-risk males often having unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated as the infectious pathway by which several these penile neoplasms originate from precursor lesions. In this regard, a fundamental understanding of HPV in penile carcinogenesis can have meaningful implications in understanding 1) the diagnosis of HPV-related precursor penile lesions, 2) targeting HPV-specific molecular pathways, and 3) cancer prevention. Using vaccination programs not only may improve patient outcomes but also may minimize the need for highly aggressive and often debilitating surgical resection. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:481-495. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Patient and caregiver experience with telehealth for surgical cancer care: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic led to telemedicine adoption for many medical specialties, including surgical cancer care. To date, the evidence for patient experience of telemedicine among patients with cancer undergoing surgery is limited to quantitative surveys. Thus, this study qualitatively assessed the patient and caregiver experience of telehealth visits for surgical cancer care. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 25 patients with cancer and three caregivers who had completed a telehealth visit for preanesthesia or postoperative visits. Interviews covered visit descriptions, overall satisfaction, system experience, visit quality, what roles caregivers had, and thoughts on what types of surgery-related visits would be appropriate through telehealth versus in-person. RESULTS: Telehealth delivery for surgical cancer care was generally viewed positively. Multiple factors influenced the patient experience, including prior experience with telemedicine, ease of scheduling visits, smooth connection experiences, having access to technical support, high communication quality, and visit thoroughness. Participants identified use cases on telehealth for surgical cancer care, including postoperative visits for uncomplicated surgical procedures and educational visits. CONCLUSIONS: Patient experiences with telehealth for surgical care are influenced by smooth system experiences, high-quality patient-clinician communications, and a patient-centered focus. Interventions are needed to optimize telehealth delivery (e.g., improve telemedicine platform usability).