NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Prostate Cancer Early Detection, Version 1.2023.

The NCCN Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Early Detection provide recommendations for individuals with a prostate who opt to participate in an early detection program after receiving the appropriate counseling on the pros and cons. These NCCN Guidelines Insights provide a summary of recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines with regard to the testing protocol, use of multiparametric MRI, and management of negative biopsy results to optimize the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer and minimize the detection of indolent disease.

Impact of tumor histology and grade on treatment success of percutaneous renal cryoablation.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed oncological outcomes in patients who underwent percutaneous renal cryoablation (PRC) with documented renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by perioperative biopsy. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective analysis of 153 patients [median follow-up 48 months] who underwent PRC from 09/2005 to 08/2014 was performed. We divided the cohort into patients who developed recurrence versus no recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analyses examined recurrence-free survival (RFS) according to grade and histology. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors associated with tumor recurrence. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three patients were analyzed [18 patients (11.8 %) with recurrence and 135 (88.2 %) patients without recurrence]. There were no differences between the groups with respect to demographics, RENAL score, and number of probes utilized. Recurrence group had larger tumor size (3.1 vs. 2.4 cm; p = 0.011), upper pole tumor location (p = 0.016), and greater proportions of high-grade tumor (33 vs. 0.7 %; p < 0.001) and clear cell histology (77.8 vs. 45.9 %; p = 0.011). Four-year RFS was 100 versus 80 % for grade 1 versus grade 2/3 tumors (p = 0.0002), and 97 versus 88 % for other RCC versus clear cell RCC (p = 0.07). MVA demonstrated tumor size >3 cm (OR 2.46; p = 0.019), clear cell histology (OR 2.12; p = 0.027), and high tumor grade (OR 2.33, p < 0.001) as independent risk factors associated with tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Association of higher grade and clear cell histology with recurrence and progression suggests need for increased emphasis on preoperative risk stratification by biopsy, with grade 1 and non-clear cell RCC being associated with improved treatment success than higher grade and clear cell RCC.

NCCN Guidelines Insights: Prostate Cancer Early Detection, Version 2.2016.

The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Prostate Cancer Early Detection provide recommendations for prostate cancer screening in healthy men who have elected to participate in an early detection program. The NCCN Guidelines focus on minimizing unnecessary procedures and limiting the detection of indolent disease. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the NCCN Prostate Cancer Early Detection Panel's most significant discussions for the 2016 guideline update, which included issues surrounding screening in high-risk populations (ie, African Americans, BRCA1/2 mutation carriers), approaches to refine patient selection for initial and repeat biopsies, and approaches to improve biopsy specificity.

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines Prostate Cancer Early Detection, Version 2.2015.

Prostate cancer represents a spectrum of disease that ranges from nonaggressive, slow-growing disease that may not require treatment to aggressive, fast-growing disease that does. The NCCN Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Early Detection provide a set of sequential recommendations detailing a screening and evaluation strategy for maximizing the detection of prostate cancer that is potentially curable and that, if left undetected, represents a risk to the patient. The guidelines were developed for healthy men who have elected to participate in the early detection of prostate cancer, and they focus on minimizing unnecessary procedures and limiting the detection of indolent disease.

Association of rise in C-reactive protein with decline in renal function following partial nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate association of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, with renal functional decline patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent PN between February 2006-March 2011, with ≥ 6 months follow up. Data was analyzed between two groups: CRP increase ≥ 0.5 mg/L from 6 months postoperative ('CRP rise,' CRPR), versus no CRP increase = 0.5 ('CRP stable,' CRPS). Primary outcome was change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR, mL/min/1.73 m²), with de novo postoperative stage III chronic kidney disease (stage III-CKD, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) being secondary. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was conducted to identify risk factors for development of de novo stage III-CKD. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients (206 CRPS/37 CRPR) were analyzed. Demographics and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores were similar. CRPR had significantly higher median ΔeGFR (-13.7 versus -32.0 mL/min/1.73 m², p < 0.001) and de novo stage III-CKD at last follow up (43.2% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001). Median time to CRP rise was 10 (IQR 6.5-12) months. Median time from CRP rise to de novo stage III-CKD was 9 (IQR 7.5-11) months. MVA found RENAL score (OR 1.89, p = 0.001), hypertension (OR 4.75, p = 0.016), and CRP rise (OR 55.76, p < 0.001) were associated with de novo stage III-CKD. Sensitivity of CRP increase ≥ 0.5 for predicting CKD was 69.6%, specificity 93.3%, positive predictive value 55.2%, and negative predictive value 96.3%. CONCLUSION: Rise in CRP postoperatively is independently associated with renal functional decline after PN and may be useful in identifying patients to evaluate for renoprotective strategies. Further studies are requisite to clarify etiology of this association.

Impact of renal surgery for cortical neoplasms on lipid metabolism.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of and risk factors for development of hyperlipidaemia in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cortical neoplasms, as hyperlipidaemia is a major source of morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a two-centre retrospective analysis of 905 patients (mean age 57.5 years, mean follow-up 78 months), who underwent RN (n = 610) or PN (n = 295) between July 1987 and June 2007. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative hyperlipidaemia were recorded. De novo hyperlipidaemia was defined as that ocurring ≥6 months after surgery in cases where laboratory values met National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definitions. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess freedom from de novo hyperlipidaemia. Multivariable analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors for de novo hyperlipidaemia. RESULTS: There were no significant differences with respect to demographics, preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P = 0.123) and hyperlipidaemia (P = 0.144). Tumour size (cm) was significantly larger in the RN group vs the PN group (7.0 vs 3.7; P < 0.001). Significantly greater postoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was noted in the RN group (45.7 vs 18%, P < 0.001). Significantly, more de novo hyperlipidaemia developed in the RN group than in the PN group (23 vs 6.4%; P < 0.001). The mean time to development of hyperlipidaemia was longer for PN than for RN (54 vs 44 months; P = 0.03). Five-year freedom from de novo hyperlipidaemia probability was 76% for RN vs 96% for PN (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that RN (odds ratio [OR] 2.93; P = 0.0107), preoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (OR 1.98; P = 0.037) and postoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (OR 7.89; P < 0.001) were factors associated with hyperlipidaemia development. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent RN had a significantly higher incidence of and shorter time to development of de novo hyperlipidaemia. RN and pre- and postoperative eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were associated with development of hyperlipidaemia. Further follow-up and prospective investigation are necessary to confirm these findings.

Prostate cancer early detection, version 1.2014. Featured updates to the NCCN Guidelines.

The NCCN Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Early Detection provide recommendations for men choosing to participate in an early detection program for prostate cancer. These NCCN Guidelines Insights highlight notable recent updates. Overall, the 2014 update represents a more streamlined and concise set of recommendations. The panel stratified the age ranges at which initiating testing for prostate cancer should be considered. Indications for biopsy include both a cutpoint and the use of multiple risk variables in combination. In addition to other biomarkers of specificity, the Prostate Health Index has been included to aid biopsy decisions in certain men, given recent FDA approvals.

Erosion of IPP components into bladder lumen and prostatic urethra.

The incidence of erosion of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) components into adjacent organs is low (<0.1 %). During a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in a patient with prior IPP placement, we encountered IPP tubing that had eroded into the prostate. The pump and cylinders were later explanted through a penoscrotal approach, with the reservoir drained and retained with plan for follow up cystoscopy in 4-6 weeks. Cystoscopy 1 month later demonstrated reservoir erosion into the bladder lumen. An open cystotomy was performed to retrieve the reservoir. This is the first reported case of IPP tubing eroding into the prostate.

Refining Penile Trauma Management: Introduction of the Penile Trauma Score.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the Penile Trauma Score (PTS), a new statistically driven classification system aimed at enhancing the management of penile trauma by providing clinically relevant treatment protocols. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 34 men with penetrating penile injuries at the Elvis Presley Level 1 Trauma Center, Memphis, from January 2014 to December 2016. Variables assessed included injury mechanism, location, depth, and follow-up outcomes related to voiding and erectile function. Odds ratios were calculated using superficial penile injury as the control group. RESULTS: Based on physical examination findings and odds ratios calculated, the PTS was developed. Results indicated that higher PTS scores necessitated surgical intervention, while lower scores could be managed nonoperatively. Follow-up showed no missed injuries or reported dysfunctions, validating the PTS's effectiveness. CONCLUSION: The PTS represents an important modification in the classification and management of penile trauma. By integrating practical, easily identifiable injury characteristics, the PTS facilitates more streamlined surgical decision-making and potentially reduces unnecessary diagnostic procedures. However, further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to fully validate the PTS's clinical utility.

Does radical nephrectomy increase the risk of erectile dysfunction compared with partial nephrectomy? A cohort analysis.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - Therapy (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a form of endothelial dysfunction that is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesized that partial nephrectomy (PN) would limit development of ED compared with radical nephrectomy (RN), primarily due to renal function preservation, and found that patients undergoing RN had significantly higher de novo ED compared with a contemporary, well-matched cohort undergoing PN; in addition to RN, hypertension, CKD and diabetes mellitus were associated with developing ED. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating an increased risk of ED after RN compared with PN. OBJECTIVES: • To evaluate prevalence and risk factors for development of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN). • ED is a form of endothelial dysfunction that is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PN confers superior renal functional preservation compared with RN; however, the impact on ED is unclear. METHODS: • This was a retrospective study of 432 patients (264 RN/168 PN, mean age 58 years, mean follow-up 5.8 years) who underwent surgery for renal tumours between January 1998 and December 2007. • The primary outcome was rate of de novo ED postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included development of CKD (estimated GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ) and response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. • Multivariate analysis was performed to determine risk factors for de novo ED postoperatively. RESULTS: • RN and PN groups had similar demographics and comorbidities. • Tumour size (cm) was larger for RN (RN 7.0 vs PN 3.7, P < 0.001) and more preoperative ED existed in PN vs RN (P= 0.042). No differences were observed for preoperative CKD, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus. • Postoperatively, higher rates of de novo ED (29.5% vs 9.5%, P < 0.001) and CKD (33.0% vs 9.8%, P < 0.001) developed in RN vs PN cohorts, respectively. • Of men with ED, 63% responded to phosphodiesterase inhibitors, without significant difference between the two groups (P= 0.896). • Multivariate analysis demonstrated de novo ED to be associated with RN (odds ratio [OR] 3.56, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR 2.32, P= 0.014), preoperative (OR 8.77, P < 0.001) and postoperative (OR 2.64, P= 0.001) CKD, and postoperative diabetes mellitus (OR 2.93, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: • Patients undergoing RN had significantly higher de novo ED compared with a contemporary, well-matched cohort undergoing PN. In addition to RN, hypertension, CKD and diabetes mellitus were associated with developing ED. • Further investigation on effects of surgically induced nephron loss on ED is requisite.

Peyronie's disease compromises the durability and component-malfunction rates in patients implanted with an inflatable penile prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the durability and complication rates of surgery to implant an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) between patients with and without Peyronie's disease (PD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing IPP surgery at one centre (Memphis) between July 1997 and May 2007. Variables included age at surgery, race, body mass index, presence of PD, brand/type of IPP (two vs three pieces), presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), active tobacco use, and complications. The result were assessed using t-tests, chi-square and regression analysis, with P < 0.05 considered to indicate significant differences. RESULTS: In all, 79 men were analysed (mean age 59.8 years, range 38.1-81.5). Nine (11%) patients had PD and had a IPP implanted, with penile modelling. Overall, 43 (54%) patients had pre-existing DM and 51 (65%) actively used tobacco. At a mean (range) follow-up of 19.6 (0.1-115.3) months, six (8%) patients had component malfunctions. Of these, three had DM and four actively smoked. Of the nine patients with PD, three developed component malfunctions, vs three (4%) who did not have PD (P= 0.002). Both groups had similar infection rates (P= 0.98). The mean (range) time to component malfunction was 4.3 (0.1-9.6) months, which was longer (but not significantly) in the PD group, with a mean (median, range) of 10.9 (6.3, 1.1-9.6) months, than the 3.0 (1.0, 0.2-7.9) months in the group without PD (P= 0.4). Groups were matched for rates of DM (P= 0.1) and tobacco use (P= 0.2). PD was a significant predictor of component malfunction on both univariate (P= 0.001) and multivariate analysis (P= 0.002) when adjusting for age (P= 0.2), body mass index (P= 0.7), DM (P= 0.3) and tobacco use (P= 0.8). CONCLUSION: Patients with PD implanted with a IPP, with penile modelling, had significantly higher component malfunction rates. Further, PD independently predicted component malfunction. These findings might be related to stress on the device at the time of surgery, during use, or both. Further study into this relationship is required.

Variation in the incidence of and risk factors for the development of nephrolithiasis after radical or partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: to examine incidence of and risk factors for the development of nephrolithiasis in patients treated with radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (nephron-sparing surgery, NSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: the study comprised a single-centre review of 749 patients treated with RN or NSS from August 1987 to June 2006. Demographics, medical and stone history, metabolic variables and postoperative stone events were recorded. Data were analysed within subgroups based on treatment (RN vs NSS). Multivariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for postoperative stone formation. RESULTS: in all, 499 patients had RN and 250 had NSS (mean age 57.9 years; mean follow-up 6.3 years). There were no significant differences in their demographic factors, but tumours were significantly larger in RN (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in preoperative urinary pH < 6.0 or stone history. Significantly fewer patients after NSS than RN formed calculi (NSS 1.6% vs RN 8.4%, P < 0.001), developed hypobicarbonataemia (NSS 7.2% vs RN 12.8%, P= 0.020), and a urinary pH of <6.0 (NSS 11.2% vs RN 19.4%, P= 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that RN (odds ratio 18.18), postoperative urinary pH < 6 (15.63), previous stone disease (13.7), age <60 years (7.33, all P < 0.001), body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) (3.26, P= 0.033), male gender (2.67, P= 0.039), and hypobicarbonataemia (2.46, P= 0.034) were significantly associated with the development of postoperative calculi. CONCLUSIONS: patients undergoing RN have a significantly higher incidence of postoperative nephrolithiasis than a well-matched cohort undergoing NSS. In addition to RN, male sex, urinary pH < 6.0, hypobicarbonataemia, history of stone disease, obesity, and age <60 years were significantly associated with postoperative stone formation.

Preparation and Utilization of Freshly Isolated Human Detrusor Smooth Muscle Cells for Characterization of 9-Phenanthrol-Sensitive Cation Currents.

Detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) cells present within the urinary bladder wall ultimately facilitate urine storage and voiding. Preparation of the viable, fresh, and isolated DSM cells presents an important technical challenge whose achievement provides optimal cells for subsequent functional and molecular studies. The method developed and elaborated herein, successfully used by our group for over a decade, describes dissection of human urinary bladder specimens obtained from open bladder surgeries followed by an enzymatic two-step treatment of DSM pieces and mechanical trituration to obtain freshly isolated DSM cells. The initial step involves dissection to separate the DSM layer (also known as muscularis propria) from mucosa (urothelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa) and the adjacent connective, vascular, and adipose tissues present. The DSM is then cut into pieces (2-3 mm x 4-6 mm) in nominal Ca2+-containing dissection/digestion solution (DS). DSM pieces are next transferred to and sequentially treated separately with DS containing papain and collagenase at ~37 °C for 30-45 min per step. Following washes with DS containing enzyme-free bovine serum and trituration with a fire-polished pipette, the pieces release single DSM cells. Freshly isolated DSM cells are ideally suited for patch-clamp electrophysiological and pharmacological characterizations of ion channels. Specifically, we show that the TRPM4 channel blocker 9-phenanthrol reduces voltage-step evoked cation currents recorded with the amphotericin-B perforated patch-clamp approach. DSM cells can also be studied by other techniques such as single cell RT-PCR, microarray analysis, immunocytochemistry, in situ proximity ligation assay, and Ca2+ imaging. The main advantage of utilizing single DSM cells is that the observations made relate directly to single cell characteristics revealed. Studies of freshly isolated human DSM cells have provided important insights characterizing the properties of various ion channels including cation-permeable in the urinary bladder and will continue as a gold standard in elucidating DSM cellular properties and regulatory mechanisms.

Survival outcomes in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy as primary or salvage treatment for localized or advanced prostate cancer: 20-year single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in men receiving primary androgen-deprivation therapy (PADT) or salvage medical ADT (SADT) for prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer between July 1987 and June 2007. Variables included age at diagnosis and ADT induction, race, PSA level before ADT, ADT schedule (continuous/intermittent), clinical/pathological stage, hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRCP) status, PADT or SADT, and deaths. RESULTS: In all, 548 men were analysed. The mean age at diagnosis and ADT induction were 70.1 and 72.3 years, respectively, and 321 (58.6%) were African-American. The median PSA level before ADT was 16.3 ng/mL. ADT was administered continuously in 497 (90.7%) patients; 342 (62.4%) received PADT while 206 (37.6%) received SADT. At mean (range) follow-up of 81.8 (2.1-445) months, 98 (17.9%) deaths occurred; 31 (31.6%) were cancer-specific. The OS and DSS in the PADT and SADT groups were not significantly different (P = 0.36 and P = 0.81, respectively). Mortality rates/distributions were similar between groups (P = 0.68). Multivariate predictors of OS and DSS included age at diagnosis (P = 0.03) and ADT induction (P = 0.009), tumour stage (P < 0.001), and PSA level at ADT induction (P = 0.01). Progression to HRPC worsened OS and DSS (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PADT and SADT prolong survival in men with prostate cancer. HRPC portends a poor DSS. Age at diagnosis and ADT induction, PSA level before ADT, and disease stage predict both OS and DSS in this population. However, most men died from causes unrelated to prostate cancer, thus questioning the true value of ADT in prolonging patient survival.

Comparison of rates and risk factors for developing chronic renal insufficiency, proteinuria and metabolic acidosis after radical or partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for developing chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), proteinuria and metabolic acidosis (MA) in patients treated with radical nephrectomy (RN) or nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 749 patients (mean age 57.7 years; mean follow-up 6.4 years) who had RN or NSS for renal tumours between July 1987 and June 2006 at our institution. The demographics and outcomes were analysed and recorded. The primary outcome variable was the development of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), with secondary outcomes being the development of a serum creatinine level of > or =2.0 mg/dL, MA (serum bicarbonate <22 mmol/L), and proteinuria (> or =1+ on dipstick testing). Multivariate logistic regression (MV) was used to identify risk factors for developing an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), a creatinine level of > or =2.0 mg/dL and MA. RESULTS: Of the 749 patients, 499 had RN and 250 NSS; there were no significant demographic differences between the groups. After surgery a significantly greater proportion of the RN than the NSS group had a low eGFR (44.7% vs 16.0%, P < 0.001), MA (12.8% vs 7.2%, P = 0.02), proteinuria (22.2% vs 13.2%, P = 0.003) and elevated creatinine (14.2% vs 8.4%, P = 0.022). MV showed that diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 8.96, P = 0.002), RN (5.32, P < 0.001), hypertension (4.55, P = 0.003), a body mass index (BMI) of > or =30 kg/m(2) (3.51, P = 0.017), age > or =60 years (2.91, P = 0.015) and smoking (2.44, P = 0.014) were risk factors for developing a low eGFR; and that age > or =60 years (2.00, P = 0.019), diabetes mellitus (10, P < 0.001), hypertension (7.41, P = 0.002), smoking (5.29, P < 0.001) and RN (3.08, P < 0.001) were risk factors for developing an elevated creatinine level; and that being male (2.50, P = 0.019), age > or =60 years (3.13, P = 0.002), a BMI > or =30 (3.52, P < 0.001), RN (9.82, P < 0.001), preoperative eGFR <60 (9.71, P < 0.001) and elevated creatinine (5.9, P = 0.008) were risk factors for developing MA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing RN had significantly greater CRI, MA and proteinuria rates than a well-matched group undergoing NSS. In addition to RN, age > or =60 years, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking were associated with progression to CRI after surgery.

Adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer: Current management issues.

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most common visceral malignancy and a leading cause of cancer death in men. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an established treatment for locally advanced and metastatic CaP, and often used as primary therapy in select patients. As ADT has continued to assume an important role in the treatment of CaP, a greater appreciation of potential adverse effects has been acknowledged in men receiving this therapy. Given that all treatments for CaP are frequently associated with some degree of morbidity and can have a negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), the potential benefits of any treatment, including ADT, must outweigh the risks, particularly in patients with asymptomatic disease. Once the choice to proceed with ADT is complete, it is imperative for the urologist to possess comprehensive knowledge of the potential adverse effects of ADT. This permits the urologist to properly monitor for, perhaps diminish, and to treat any linked morbidities. Patient complaints related to ADT such as a decrease in HRQOL, cognitive and sexual dysfunction, hot flashes, endocrine abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, and alterations in skeletal and body composition are commonly reported throughout the literature. Herein, we review the principal adverse effects linked with ADT in CaP patients and suggest various universal strategies that may diminish these potential adverse consequences associated with this therapy.

Effect of Molar Preparation Axial Height on Retention of Adhesively-luted CAD-CAM Ceramic Crowns.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of axial wall height (AWH) on failure resistance of CAD-CAM adhesively-bonded, all-ceramic crowns on molar preparations with a conservative total occlusal convergence (TOC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 newly extracted maxillary third molars were divided into 5 groups (n = 12) and prepared for all-ceramic crowns with occlusal cervical AWH of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm, all containing a conservative 10-degree TOC. Scanned preparations were fitted with lithium-disilicate glass-ceramic crowns using a self-adhesive resin-composite luting agent after intaglio surface preparation with hydrofluoric acid and silane. Specimens were stored at 37°C/98% humidity for 24 h and tested to failure at a 45-degree angle applied to the palatal cusp on a universal testing machine. Mean results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: Preparations containing 2, 3, and 4 mm AWH demonstrated similar and higher failure resistance than the 0- and 1-mm axial wall height groups. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, evidence is presented that under certain conditions CAD-CAM adhesive technology may compensate for less than optimal AWH. Based on both failure load results and failure mode analysis, adhesively-luted maxillary molar CAD-CAM crowns based on a preparation containing 10-degree TOC require at least 2 mm AWH for adequate resistance and retention. However, adoption of these findings is cautioned until both fatigue analysis and appropriate clinical evidence has been provided.

Acupuncture for Analgesia During Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor.

Background: Acupuncture has been widely studied, and theories regarding its analgesic mechanism of action have been proposed. It has been used for procedural analgesia; however, no reports of its use in urologic surgery have been reported. In this case report, we demonstrate how acupuncture can be used as an alternative to general anesthesia for transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). This may serve as an attractive option for bladder cancer patients with medical comorbidities, which predispose them to high risk for general anesthesia. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old Caucasian female with toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT) was found to have a bladder mass. TURBT was discussed, and in light of her TILT syndrome, she elected to undergo the procedure with acupuncture in lieu of general anesthesia for fear of an adverse reaction. Acupuncture was performed by a trained practitioner with therapeutic needles placed in the ears, hands, abdomen, and lower extremities bilaterally. She was subsequently taken to the operating room where we performed a TURBT of a bladder tumor overlying the left ureteral orifice. The procedure was generally well tolerated and the patient experienced mild pain. There were no perioperative complications. The tumor was estimated to be 3 cm in largest diameter, and a total of 8 g of aggregate tissue was sent to our pathologists. Pathology analysis demonstrated adequate resection with detrusor muscle present in the sample. The bladder tumor was low-grade papillary urothelial cell carcinoma (Stage Ta). She has had tumor recurrence and has undergone repeat TURBT, but to date, she is 22 months free of bladder cancer. Conclusion: In this case report, we demonstrate that acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for patients undergoing TURBT. Since tobacco use is prevalent among bladder cancer patients, many of these individuals have associated medical comorbidities, which predispose them to high risk with general anesthesia. Therefore, acupuncture may serve as an attractive alternative for certain patients in this population.

Rising Serum Uric Acid Level Is Negatively Associated with Survival in Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Aim and Background: To investigate the association of serum uric acid (SUA) levels along with statin use in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), as statins may be associated with improved outcomes in RCC and SUA elevation is associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery for RCC with preoperative/postoperative SUA levels between 8/2005-8/2018. Analysis was carried out between patients with increased postoperative SUA vs. patients with decreased/stable postoperative SUA. Kaplan-Meier analysis (KMA) calculated overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). Multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors associated with increased SUA levels and all-cause mortality. The prognostic significance of variables for OS and RFS was analyzed by cox regression analysis. Results: Decreased/stable SUA levels were noted in 675 (74.6%) and increased SUA levels were noted in 230 (25.4%). A higher proportion of patients with decreased/stable SUA levels took statins (27.9% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.0039). KMA demonstrated improved 5- and 10-year OS (89% vs. 47% and 65% vs. 9%, p < 0.001) and RFS (94% vs. 45% and 93% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), favoring patients with decreased/stable SUA levels. MVA revealed that statin use (Odds ratio (OR) 0.106, p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (OR 2.661, p = 0.004), stage III and IV disease compared to stage I (OR 1.887, p = 0.015 and 10.779, p < 0.001, respectively), and postoperative de novo CKD stage III (OR 5.952, p < 0.001) were predictors for increased postoperative SUA levels. MVA for all-cause mortality showed that increasing BMI (OR 1.085, p = 0.002), increasing ASA score (OR 1.578, p = 0.014), increased SUA levels (OR 4.698, p < 0.001), stage IV disease compared to stage I (OR 7.702, p < 0.001), radical nephrectomy (RN) compared to partial nephrectomy (PN) (OR 1.620, p = 0.019), and de novo CKD stage III (OR 7.068, p < 0.001) were significant factors. Cox proportional hazard analysis for OS revealed that increasing age (HR 1.017, p = 0.004), increasing BMI (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.099, p < 0.001), increasing SUA (HR 4.708, p < 0.001), stage III and IV compared to stage I (HR 1.537, p = 0.013 and 3.299, p < 0.001), RN vs. PN (HR 1.497, p = 0.029), and de novo CKD stage III (HR 1.684, p < 0.001) were significant factors. Cox proportional hazard analysis for RFS demonstrated that increasing ASA score (HR 1.239, p < 0.001, increasing SUA (HR 9.782, p < 0.001), and stage II, III, and IV disease compared to stage I (HR 2.497, p < 0.001 and 3.195, p < 0.001 and 6.911, p < 0.001) were significant factors. Conclusions: Increasing SUA was associated with poorer outcomes. Decreased SUA levels were associated with statin intake and lower stage disease as well as lack of progression to CKD and anemia. Further investigation is requisite.

Patterns of sexual and erectile dysfunction and response to treatment in patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of patient-reported erectile (ED) and sexual dysfunction and response to treatment in men after the induction of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, as ADT-induced changes in serum testosterone can result in changes in libido and sexual function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer at our institution between January 1989 and July 2005; those receiving only neoadjuvant ADT were excluded. Variables included age, race, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen level before ADT, Gleason sum, clinical stage, ADT type (medical vs surgical) and schedule (continuous vs intermittent), previous treatment for prostate cancer, presence of pre-existing or new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM), and presence of ED before ADT. After ADT induction, charts were reviewed for reporting of ED, changes in libido, and initiation of ED therapy (medical or surgical). RESULTS: In all, 395 patients (mean age of 71.7 years; 59.0% African-American, 41.0% Caucasian/other, at initiation ADT) were analysed. At mean follow-up of 87.4 months, 57 (14.4%) patients reported ED; 40 of these (70%) reported new-onset ED, while 17 (30%) reported ED before ADT. Response rates were 33-80% with medical therapy, including 44% receiving phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor monotherapy. On multivariate analysis, age <70 years (P < 0.001) and the absence of DM (P = 0.024) were associated with reporting ED after ADT. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving ADT for prostate cancer have variable degrees of ED. Successful outcomes are possible, particularly when implementing multimodal therapy. Younger patients and those with no DM are more likely to report ED after ADT induction.