Primary Chemoablation of Recurrent Low-Grade Intermediate-Risk Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer With UGN-102: A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Phase 3 Trial (ENVISION).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UGN-102 chemoablation for the primary treatment of patients with recurrent low-grade intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ENVISION is an ongoing, multinational, single-arm, Phase 3 study in patients with a biopsy-proven recurrence of untreated low-grade intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. Patients received 6 weekly intravesical instillations of UGN-102 (mitomycin; outpatient setting) and were evaluated at 3 months. Patients achieving complete response (CR) (negative cystoscopic examination, cytology, and for-cause biopsy) were surveilled regularly until recurrence, progression, or death. Patients who remain disease-free will be followed up to 5 years, and further results will be reported in the future. RESULTS: Of 240 patients enrolled, 228 (95%) received all 6 planned doses; 191 (79.6%; 95% CI: 73.9, 84.5) achieved CR at 3 months, with an 82.3% (95% CI: 75.9, 87.1) probability of response 12 months later. Median duration of response was not estimable over a median 13.9-month follow-up period. The most common adverse events (≥5.0% of patients) were dysuria, hematuria, urinary tract infection, pollakiuria, fatigue, and urinary retention; generally mild/moderate and resolved/resolving. Serious adverse events were observed in 29/240 (12.1%), 2 were treatment-related (urinary retention/urethral stenosis), both resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Primary chemoablation with UGN-102 in patients with recurrent low-grade-intermediate-risk-nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer resulted in a 79.6% CR rate. Patients achieving a CR had an 82.3% likelihood of remaining disease-free 1 year later. The benefit-risk profile was favorable, supporting UGN-102 as a non-surgical alternative for transurethral resection of bladder tumors in this patient population. Limitations of this study included lack of tumor sizing after the diagnostic biopsy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05243550.

Treatment of Low-grade Intermediate-risk Nonmuscle-invasive Bladder Cancer With UGN-102 ± Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor Compared to Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor Monotherapy: A Randomized, Controlled, Phase 3 Trial (ATLAS).

PURPOSE: Low-grade intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer is a chronic illness commonly treated by repetitive transurethral resection of bladder tumor. We compared the efficacy and safety of intravesical chemoablation with UGN-102 (a reverse thermal gel containing mitomycin), with or without subsequent transurethral resection of bladder tumor, to transurethral resection of bladder tumor alone in patients with low-grade intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, phase 3 trial recruited patients with new or recurrent low-grade intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer to receive initial treatment with either UGN-102 once weekly for 6 weeks or transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Patients were followed quarterly by endoscopy, cytology, and for-cause biopsy. The primary end point was disease-free survival. All patients were followed for adverse events. RESULTS: Trial enrollment was halted by the sponsor to pursue an alternative development strategy after 282 of a planned 632 patients were randomized to UGN-102 ± subsequent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (n=142) or transurethral resection of bladder tumor monotherapy (n=140), rendering the trial underpowered to perform hypothesis testing. Patients were predominantly male and ≥65 years of age. Tumor-free complete response 3 months after initial treatment was achieved by 92 patients (65%) who received UGN-102 and 89 patients (64%) treated by transurethral resection of bladder tumor. The estimated probability of disease-free survival 15 months after randomization was 72% for UGN-102 ± transurethral resection of bladder tumor and 50% for transurethral resection of bladder tumor (hazard ratio 0.45). The most common adverse events (incidence ≥10%) in the UGN-102 group were dysuria, micturition urgency, nocturia, and pollakiuria. CONCLUSIONS: Primary, nonsurgical chemoablation with UGN-102 for the management of low-grade intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer offers a potential therapeutic alternative to immediate transurethral resection of bladder tumor monotherapy and warrants further investigation.

Primary Chemoablation of Low-Grade Intermediate-Risk Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Using UGN-102, a Mitomycin-Containing Reverse Thermal Gel (Optima II): A Phase 2b, Open-Label, Single-Arm Trial.

PURPOSE: Low-grade intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (LG IR NMIBC) is a recurrent disease, thus requiring repeated transurethral resection of bladder tumor under general anesthesia. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of UGN-102, a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel, as a primary chemoablative therapeutic alternative to transurethral resection of bladder tumor for patients with LG IR NMIBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, phase 2b, open-label, single-arm trial recruited patients with biopsy-proven LG IR NMIBC to receive 6 once-weekly instillations of UGN-102. The primary end point was complete response (CR) rate, defined as the proportion of patients with negative endoscopic examination, negative cytology and negative for-cause biopsy 3 months after treatment initiation. Patients with CR were followed quarterly up to 12 months to assess durability of treatment effect. Safety and adverse events were monitored throughout the trial. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients (38 males and 25 females 33-96 years old) enrolled and received ≥1 instillation of UGN-102. Among the patients 41 (65%) achieved CR at 3 months, of whom 39 (95%), 30 (73%) and 25 (61%) remained disease-free at 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment initiation, respectively. A total of 13 patients had documented recurrences. The probability of durable response 9 months after CR (12 months after treatment initiation) was estimated to be 73% by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Common adverse events (incidence ≥10%) included dysuria, urinary frequency, hematuria, micturition urgency, urinary tract infection and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Nonsurgical primary chemoablation of LG IR NMIBC using UGN-102 resulted in significant treatment response with sustained durability. UGN-102 may provide an alternative to repetitive surgery for patients with LG IR NMIBC.

Durability of Response to Primary Chemoablation of Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Using UGN-101, a Mitomycin-Containing Reverse Thermal Gel: OLYMPUS Trial Final Report.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to evaluate long-term safety and durability of response to UGN-101, a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel, as primary chemoablative treatment for low-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this open-label, single-arm, multicenter, phase 3 trial (NCT02793128), patients ≥18 years of age with primary or recurrent biopsy-proven low-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma received 6 once-weekly instillations of UGN-101 via retrograde catheter to the renal pelvis and calyces. Those with complete response (defined as negative ureteroscopic evaluation, negative cytology and negative for-cause biopsy) 4-6 weeks after the last instillation were eligible for up to 11 monthly maintenance instillations and were followed for ≥12 months with quarterly evaluation of response durability. Durability of complete response was determined by ureteroscopic evaluation; duration of response was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were monitored. RESULTS: Of 71 patients who initiated treatment, 41 (58%) had complete response to induction therapy and consented to long-term followup; 23/41 patients (56%) remained in complete response after 12 months (95% CI 40, 72), comprising 6/12 (50%) who did not receive any maintenance instillations and 17/29 (59%) who received ≥1 maintenance instillation. Kaplan-Meier analysis of durability was estimated as 82% (95% CI 66, 91) at 12 months. Ureteric stenosis was the most frequently reported TEAE (31/71, 44%); an increasing number of instillations appeared to be associated with increased incidence of urinary TEAEs. CONCLUSIONS: Durability of response to UGN-101 with or without maintenance treatment is clinically meaningful, offering a kidney-sparing therapeutic alternative for patients with low-grade disease.

Finasteride Use and Risk of Bladder Cancer in a Multiethnic Population.

PURPOSE: Finasteride use has been associated with a reduced incidence of bladder cancer. However, the majority of studies have been conducted primarily in East Asian or White populations. Given differences in the incidence of bladder cancer among racial/ethnic groups, it is important to determine whether the effect of finasteride use on bladder cancer varies by race/ethnicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all patients with a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia between 2000 and 2016 at our academic health center in Bronx, New York via an electronic medical record database. We then identified patients who were prescribed finasteride, and those who developed bladder cancer during followup. We used competing risk analysis to examine associations of finasteride use with risk of bladder cancer, adjusting for age, smoking and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: We identified 42,406 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (average±SD age 67±12.9 years), of whom 27.7% were Black and 14.8% were Hispanic. Finasteride was prescribed in 5,698 patients (13.4%). Bladder cancer was diagnosed in 84 of 5,698 finasteride users (1.5%), compared to 762 of 36,708 nonusers (2.1%, log-rank p=0.003). Finasteride was associated with a 36% reduction in risk of bladder cancer (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.51-0.80; p <0.0001) among all patients. When data were stratified by race/ethnicity, finasteride use was associated with a reduction in risk of bladder cancer in White men (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43-0.86; p=0.005) and Hispanic men (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21-0.90; p=0.026), but there was no association among Black men (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.67-1.51; p=0.964). CONCLUSIONS: Our study corroborates previous findings that men who are on finasteride have a lower bladder cancer incidence. However, the reduction in risk was seen only in White and Hispanic men, but not among Black men. Therefore, race/ethnicity represents an important stratification factor for future larger studies on finasteride as chemoprevention for bladder cancer.

The third group of the B7-CD28 immune checkpoint family: HHLA2, TMIGD2, B7x, and B7-H3.

The B7-CD28 family of ligands and receptors play important roles in T-cell co-stimulation and co-inhibition. Phylogenetically they can be divided into three groups. The recent discovery of the new molecules (B7-H3 [CD276], B7x [B7-H4/B7S1], and HHLA2 [B7H7/B7-H5]/TMIGD2 [IGPR-1/CD28H]) of the group III has expanded therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of human diseases. In this review, we describe the discovery, structure, and function of B7-H3, B7x, HHLA2, and TMIGD2 in immune regulation. We also discuss their roles in important pathological states such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, transplantation, and infection. Various immunotherapeutical approaches are emerging including antagonistic monoclonal antibodies and agonistic fusion proteins to inhibit or potentiate these molecules and pathways in cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Primary chemoablation of low-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma using UGN-101, a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel (OLYMPUS): an open-label, single-arm, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer are treated by radical nephroureterectomy. We aimed to assess the safety and activity of a non-surgical treatment using instillation of UGN-101, a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel. METHODS: In this open-label, single-arm, phase 3 trial, participants were recruited from 24 academic sites in the USA and Israel. Patients (aged ≥18 years) with primary or recurrent biopsy-proven, low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer (measuring 5-15 mm in maximum diameter) and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of less than 3 (Karnofsky Performance Status score >40) were registered to receive six instillations of once-weekly UGN-101 (mitomycin 4 mg per mL; dosed according to volume of patient's renal pelvis and calyces, maximum 60 mg per instillation) via retrograde catheter to the renal pelvis and calyces. All patients had a planned primary disease evaluation 4-6 weeks after the completion of initial therapy, in which the primary outcome of complete response was assessed, defined as negative 3-month ureteroscopic evaluation, negative cytology, and negative for-cause biopsy. Activity (complete response, expected to occur in >15% of patients) and safety were assessed by the investigator in all patients who received at least one dose of UGN-101. Data presented are from the data cutoff on May 22, 2019. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02793128. FINDINGS: Between April 6, 2017, and Nov 26, 2018, 71 (96%) of 74 enrolled patients received at least one dose of UGN-101. 42 (59%, 95% CI 47-71; p<0·0001) patients had a complete response at the primary disease evaluation visit. The median follow-up for patients with a complete response was 11·0 months (IQR 5·1-12·4). The most frequently reported all-cause adverse events were ureteric stenosis in 31 (44%) of 71 patients, urinary tract infection in 23 (32%), haematuria in 22 (31%), flank pain in 21 (30%), and nausea in 17 (24%). 19 (27%) of 71 patients had study drug-related or procedure-related serious adverse events. No deaths were regarded as related to treatment. INTERPRETATION: Primary chemoablation of low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer with intracavitary UGN-101 results in clinically significant disease eradication and might offer a kidney-sparing treatment alternative for these patients. FUNDING: UroGen Pharma.

Patient-reported outcomes of blue-light flexible cystoscopy with hexaminolevulinate in the surveillance of bladder cancer: results from a prospective multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate blue-light flexible cystoscopy (BLFC) with hexaminolevulinate in the office surveillance of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer with a high risk of recurrence by assessing its impact on pain, anxiety, subjective value of the test and patient willingness to pay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multicentre, phase III study was conducted during which the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anxiety, Pain and 'Was It Worth It' questionnaires were administered at baseline, after surveillance with BLFC and after resection for those referred to the operating room. Comparisons of scores were performed between groups. RESULTS: A total of 304 patients were enrolled, of whom 103 were referred for surgical examination. Of these, 63 were found to have histologically confirmed malignancy. Pain levels were low throughout the study. Anxiety levels decreased after BLFC (∆ = -2.6), with a greater decrease among those with negative pathology results (P = 0.051). No differences in anxiety were noted based on gender, BLFC results, or test performance (true-positive/false-positive). Most patients found BLFC 'worthwhile' (94%), would 'do it again' (94%) and 'would recommend it to others' (91%), with no differences based on BLFC results or test performance. Most patients undergoing BLFC (76%) were willing to pay out of pocket. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety decreased after BLFC in patients with negative pathology, including patients with false-positive results. Most of the patients undergoing BLFC were willing to pay out of pocket, found the procedure worthwhile and would recommend it to others, irrespective of whether they had a positive BLFC result or whether this was false-positive after surgery.

SIU-ICUD consultation on bladder cancer: treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive overview and update of the Joint Société Internationale d'Urologie-International Consultation on Urological Diseases (SIU-ICUD) Consultation on Bladder Cancer for muscle-invasive presumably node-negative bladder cancer (MIBC). METHODS: Contemporary literature was analyzed for the latest evidence in treatment options, outcomes, including radical surgery, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment modalities, and bladder-sparing approaches. An international multi-disciplinary expert panel evaluated and graded the data according to guidelines from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard of care for MIBC patients considered to be surgical candidates. While associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, this has been mitigated with improved technique, minimally invasive technology, and better perioperative care pathways (e.g., enhanced recovery after surgery). Neoadjuvant (NA) cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy improves overall survival and should be offered to eligible ≥ cT2N0 patients. Adjuvant (Adj) cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy may be considered, particularly for pT3-4 and/or pN+ disease without prior NA chemotherapy. Trimodal bladder-preserving treatment via maximum transurethral resection of bladder tumor followed by concurrent chemoradiation is safe and, when combined with early salvage RC for recurrence, offers long-term survival rates in selected patients comparable to RC. Immunotherapy is still experimental and is given either alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation. CONCLUSION: A multi-disciplinary approach is paramount to achieving optimal outcomes for MIBC patients, irrespective of their age, performance and nutritional status, fitness/frailty, renal and other organ function, or disease severity.

Efficacy and Safety of Blue Light Flexible Cystoscopy with Hexaminolevulinate in the Surveillance of Bladder Cancer: A Phase III, Comparative, Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: We compared blue light flexible cystoscopy with white light flexible cystoscopy for the detection of bladder cancer during surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients at high risk for recurrence received hexaminolevulinate intravesically before white light flexible cystoscopy and randomization to blue light flexible cystoscopy. All suspicious lesions were documented. Patients with suspicious lesions were referred to the operating room for repeat white and blue light cystoscopy. All suspected lesions were biopsied or resected and specimens were examined by an independent pathology consensus panel. The primary study end point was the proportion of patients with histologically confirmed malignancy detected only with blue light flexible cystoscopy. Additional end points were the false-positive rate, carcinoma in situ detection and additional tumors detected only with blue light cystoscopy. RESULTS: Following surveillance 103 of the 304 patients were referred, including 63 with confirmed malignancy, of whom 26 had carcinoma in situ. In 13 of the 63 patients (20.6%, 95% CI 11.5-32.7) recurrence was seen only with blue light flexible cystoscopy (p <0.0001). Five of these cases were confirmed as carcinoma in situ. Operating room examination confirmed carcinoma in situ in 26 of 63 patients (41%), which was detected only with blue light cystoscopy in 9 of the 26 (34.6%, 95% CI 17.2-55.7, p <0.0001). Blue light cystoscopy identified additional malignant lesions in 29 of the 63 patients (46%). The false-positive rate was 9.1% for white and blue light cystoscopy. None of the 12 adverse events during surveillance were serious. CONCLUSIONS: Office based blue light flexible cystoscopy significantly improves the detection of patients with recurrent bladder cancer and it is safe when used for surveillance. Blue light cystoscopy in the operating room significantly improves the detection of carcinoma in situ and detects lesions that are missed with white light cystoscopy.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Effect on Survival of Time from Diagnosis to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Cystectomy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

PURPOSE: We determine the impact of the timing of radical cystectomy from the diagnosis of muscle invasive bladder cancer on survival in patients also treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by cystectomy between 1996 and 2014 at a single institution. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the effect of treatment time intervals on overall survival. Three treatment intervals were analyzed for survival impact, from diagnosis of muscle invasive bladder cancer to initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, from initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to cystectomy and from diagnosis to cystectomy. Other pretreatment and posttreatment clinicopathological parameters were also analyzed. RESULTS: Median time from the diagnosis of muscle invasive bladder cancer to radical cystectomy was 28 weeks. Cystectomy performed less than 28 weeks from the diagnosis did not result in significant improvement in overall survival outcomes (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.28-1.63, p=0.388). Neither the timing of neoadjuvant chemotherapy initiation from diagnosis (median 6 weeks) nor the timing of cystectomy from neoadjuvant chemotherapy initiation (median 22 weeks) was associated with survival. Patient age, variant histology, extravesical and/or lymph node involvement (T3-4 and/or N1 or greater) were significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: The timing of radical cystectomy in relation to muscle invasive bladder cancer diagnosis date does not significantly impact overall survival in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Blood Transfusion is Associated with Increased Perioperative Morbidity and Adverse Oncologic Outcomes in Bladder Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radical Cystectomy.

PURPOSE: Perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) has been inconsistently associated with adverse outcomes. Bladder cancer patients are unique as they frequently undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with resulting immunosuppression, which may be exacerbated by transfusion-related immunomodulation. We examined the effect of leukoreduced PBT on oncologic outcomes and perioperative morbidity in radical cystectomy (RC) patients who received NAC, quantifying exposure with a novel dose-index variable. METHODS: The Johns Hopkins Radical Cystectomy database was queried for patients who had undergone NAC followed by RC from 2010 to 2013. Overall, 119 patients had available PBT and survival data. A multivariable Cox model evaluated risk factors, including pathologic stage, Charlson Comorbidity Index, age, race, year of surgery, surgical margin status, PBT, and preoperative hemoglobin for bladder cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). Logistic regression models determined factors that were independently associated with perioperative morbidity. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 7.8 months (range 0.2-41.8), and during follow-up there were 25 deaths and 21 cancer deaths. PBT significantly predicted OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.49; p = 0.005), CSS (HR 1.32, 95 % CI 1.11-1.57; p = 0.002), and morbidity (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95 % CI 1.26-2.21; p = 0.004) in univariate analyses. In multivariable models, PBT was significantly associated with morbidity (OR 1.77, 95 % CI 1.30-2.39; p = 0.0002), but not OS or CSS. Intraoperative transfusion was associated with decreased OS and CSS, and increased morbidity, whereas postoperative transfusion was only associated with increased morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative blood transfusion was associated with increased perioperative morbidity and worsened OS and CSS in patients undergoing RC who had NAC. Although PBT may be life-saving in certain patients, a restrictive transfusion strategy may improve outcomes.

Vesigenurtacel-L (HS-410) in the management of high-grade nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer.

Unlike other malignancies, the death rate of bladder cancer has not declined in several decades, highlighting the need for new treatment options. In the emerging era of immunotherapy, therapeutic cancer vaccines are an attractive option to cure, control and prevent cancer. Despite this, finding a feasible and efficacious vaccine platform has proven elusive across all malignancies. Vesigenurtacel-L is the first whole cell, allogeneic vaccine intended to treat high-grade, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. This type of vaccine technology for bladder cancer is novel, and has the potential to be both economically and logistically feasible.

Infectious complications in transfused patients after radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Infectious complications are common after radical cystectomy (RC), and allogeneic blood transfusions may increase infection risk by an immunosuppressive effect. While it has been suggested that perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) may be associated with adverse oncologic outcomes after RC, no large analyses have assessed whether PBT increases the risk of perioperative infection after RC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998 to 2011) to study the rate of PBT during RC for bladder cancer and identify infectious complications. We compared rates of infectious complications in patients who did and did not receive PBT and developed a multivariable model to assess the independent risk of infectious complication associated with PBT controlling for age, year of surgery, obesity, chronic kidney disease, comorbidity score, and type of urinary diversion. RESULTS: We identified 126,454 RCs performed during the study period. A total of 34,203 (27%) received a PBT. The use of PBT increased over the study period, from 18.4% in 1998 to 31.6% in 2011 (p < 0.0001). Patients who received a PBT had an increased risk of perioperative infectious complications [36.7% versus 27.7%, unadjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.51 (1.43-1.60), p < 0.0001]. After adjusting for potential confounders, PBT remained an independent predictor of infectious complications [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.46 (1.38-1.55), p < 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides strong observational evidence that PBT is associated with an increased risk of perioperative infectious complications, which may be secondary to transfusion-related immunomodulation. Urologists should aggressively pursue blood conservation strategies and adhere to evidence-based restrictive transfusion thresholds, particularly given the rising rate of PBT.

Tissue-engineered urinary conduits.

The role of tissue engineering in the cystectomy population rests on the principle of sparing healthy intestinal tissue while replacing diseased bladder. Over the last 25 years advances in cell biology and material science have improved the quality and durability of bladder replacement in animals. The neo-urinary conduit ([NUC]-Tengion) employs autologous fat smooth muscle cells which are seeded onto synthetic, biodegradable scaffolds. This seeded construct is then implanted in the patient and purportedly regenerates native urinary tissue to serve as a passive channel connecting the ureters to the skin surface. Preclinical animal studies as well as the first phase I human trial implanting the NUC are reviewed. While the ultimate goal of creating a durable, effective, tissue-engineered conduit is still in its infancy, important technical and experimental strides have been made.

Impact of hospital volume on perioperative outcomes and costs of radical cystectomy: analysis of the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission database.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of hospital case volume on perioperative outcomes and costs of radical cystectomy (RC) after controlling for differences in patient case mix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission database was queried for patients who underwent an open RC between 2000 and 2011. Patients were divided into tertiles based on hospital case volume. Groups were compared for differences in length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of total hospital stay, rate of in-hospital deaths and procedure-related costs. RESULTS: In total, 1620 patients underwent a RC during the study period. Of these patients, 457 (28.2%) underwent surgery at 37 low volume centers, 465 (28.7%) at six mid volume centers and 698 (43.1%) at a single high volume center. The mean case volume of each group was 1.1, 7.0 and 63.5 RC/center/year, respectively. After controlling for marked differences in patient case mix, having surgery at the single high-volume center was independently associated with a decrease in length of ICU stay (coefficient = -0.41 days, 95% CI -0.78--0.05, p = 0.03), in-hospital mortality (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.80, p = 0.02) and total medical costs (coefficient = -2.91k USD, 95% CI -4.15--1.67, p < 0.001). Decreased total costs were driven by reductions in charges associated with the operating room, drugs, radiology tests, labs, supplies and physical/occupational therapy (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Undergoing RC at a high volume medical center was associated with improved outcomes and reduced costs. These data support the centralization of RC to high volume centers.

Lymphovascular invasion is independently associated with bladder cancer recurrence and survival in patients with final stage T1 disease and negative lymph nodes after radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcomes of patients with final pathological stage T1N0 disease after radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) and to determine whether lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is an independent predictor of prognosis in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of 958 consecutive patients who underwent RC at three academic centres were reviewed. A total of 101 patients with negative lymph nodes and with final stage (the higher of the pre-RC clinical/transurethral resection [TUR] and post-RC pathological stages) T1 UCB were identified. The median (range) follow-up was 38 (0.4-177) months and the median (range) number of nodes examined was 19 (9-80). RESULTS: Overall, 12/101 (11.9%) patients experienced cancer recurrence and 7/101 (6.9%) died from their cancer. The 3-year recurrence-free survival probability (SD) was 0.89 (0.04) and 3-year cancer-specific survival probability (SD) was 0.96 (0.02). Six of 101 (6%) patients had LVI, of whom four experienced disease recurrence and three died from bladder cancer. All recurrences and deaths occurred in patients who had either LVI and/or concomitant carcinoma in situ. On multivariable analysis, LVI (hazard ratio [HR] 4.9, P = 0.01) and higher pathological stage (HR 8.5, P = 0.04) predicted cancer recurrence and LVI (HR 6.7, P = 0.01) predicted cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: LVI helps identify patients with final pathological T1N0 UCB who are at significantly increased risk of bladder cancer recurrence and death. These patients should be considered for close monitoring after cystectomy.

Radical cystectomy in patients with preexisting three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is the treatment of choice for muscle-invasive, and certain populations with non-invasive, urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. There have not been any reports to date on patients undergoing this surgery who have had previous placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis. AIM: To present the outcomes of four patients with pre-existing inflatable penile prostheses (IPP) with reservoirs within the space of Retzius who were subsequently treated with radical cystectomy for bladder cancer management. METHODS: After obtaining institutional review board approval, the demographic, clinical, and pathologic data were reviewed in the Johns Hopkins Cystectomy Database for patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer from 1994 to 2012. A case series of four patients is presented who had a preexisting IPP and their post-operative course and long-term outcomes are reviewed. RESULTS: All four patients had radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion with no intra-operative or post-operative complications. One patient was not sexually active and therefore had the reservoir explanted and not replaced. The other three patients had the reservoir removed prior to bladder extirpation and the tubing capped, with reservoir replacement in the pseudocapsule at the termination of the procedure. In one patient an omental flap was used to ensure separation between the reservoir and ileal conduit. The devices were all functional intra-operatively and on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: As erectile dysfunction is more commonly being diagnosed and treated with IPP insertion at younger ages, surgeons will increasingly encounter pre-placed abdominal reservoirs when performing pelvic surgery. This case series of four patients undergoing radical cystectomy with prior-placed IPPs reveals that the functionality of the IPP can be preserved while still performing oncologically sound extirpative procedures.