Use of concomitant proton pump inhibitors, statins or metformin in patients treated with pembrolizumab for metastatic urothelial carcinoma: data from the ARON-2 retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant medications may potentially affect the outcome of cancer patients. In this sub-analysis of the ARON-2 real-world study (NCT05290038), we aimed to assess the impact of concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), statins, or metformin on outcome of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) receiving second-line pembrolizumab. METHODS: We collected data from the hospital medical records of patients with mUC treated with pembrolizumab as second-line therapy at 87 institutions from 22 countries. Patients were assessed for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rate. We carried out a survival analysis by a Cox regression model. RESULTS: A total of 802 patients were eligible for this retrospective study; the median follow-up time was 15.3 months. PPI users compared to non-users showed inferior PFS (4.5 vs. 7.2 months, p = 0.002) and OS (8.7 vs. 14.1 months, p < 0.001). Concomitant PPI use remained a significant predictor of PFS and OS after multivariate Cox analysis. The use of statins or metformin was not associated with response or survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest a significant prognostic impact of concomitant PPI use in mUC patients receiving pembrolizumab in the real-world context. The mechanism of this interaction warrants further elucidation.

Robot-assisted Simple Prostatectomy with Tunnel-Shaped Trigonization (RASP-TST) - A Novel Technique.

To describe a technical modifi cation for robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) using three-steps reconstructive technique to achieve a 360 trigonization of the bladder mucosa. Through fi ve-trocars transperitoneal access, we perform a longitudinal incision of the bladder wall and prostate capsule. Our technique of RASP is very similar to the standard operative technique described during laparoscopic and robotic removal of adenoma, however, for reconstruction, we propose the Tunnel-Shaped Trigonization (TST). The fi rst step is the advancement of a bladder mucosa fl ap until the posterior part of the prostatic urethra. The second step, a running suture between the advanced mucosa and the prostatic capsule is done bilaterally. At this point, the prostate capsule should be totally isolated from the rest of the urinary tract. Finally, the third step is closing both sides of the capsule and bladder mucosa anteriorly identical to a tunnel conformation. Hiding the prostatic capsule optimizes the patient recovery since hematuria is the most related factor for hospital stay length. This pilot-case has shown satisfactory results without the need for continuous bladder irrigation. The prostate volume in the TRUS was 130 cm3 and the preoperative International Prostate Symptom score was 24. He was discharged at second postoperative day and no late complications were detected. In conclusion, the TST-RASP seems to be a safe and feasible modifi cation of the RASP. We hope that the application of the TST can lead us to lower rates of blood loss, transfusion and postoperative complications in comparison to the standard technique.

Recommendations on robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: a Brazilian experts' consensus.

Radical prostatectomy is a commonly adopted treatment for localized/locally advanced prostate cancer in men with a life expectancy of ten years or more. Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is comparable to open radical prostatectomy on cancer control and complication rates; however, new evidence suggests that RARP may have better functional outcomes, especially with respect to urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Some of the surgical steps of RARP are not adequately described in published literature and, as such, may have an impact on the final outcomes of the procedure. We organized a Brazilian experts' panel to evaluate best practices in RARP. The confection of the recommendations broadly involved: selection of the experts; establishment of working groups; systematic review of the literature and elaboration of a questionnaire; and construction of the final text with the approval of all participants. The participants reviewed the publications in English from December 2019 to February 2020. A one-round Delphi technique was employed in 188 questions. Five reviewers worked on the final recommendations using consensual and non-consensual questions. We found 59.9% of questions with greater than 70% agreement that were considered consensual. Non-consensual questions were reported according to the responses. The recommendations were based on evidence-based literature and individual perceptions adapted to the Brazilian reality, although some issues remain controversial. We believe that these recommendations may help urologists involved in RARP and hope that future discussions on this surgical procedure may evolve over the ensuing years.

Arteriocaliceal Fistula: A Life-Threatening Condition After Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

Background: Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has emerged as a viable and safe option for renal stones <2 cm. Because of its high efficiency and relative safety, experienced endourologists have applied it to even larger stones. We present a case of arteriocaliceal fistula, which is a rare postoperative complication of RIRS. Case Presentation: A 52-year-old man with a rich history of endourologic procedures and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy caused by inferior caliceal calculi was subjected to RIRS. This was complicated by transient intraoperative hemorrhage, followed by recurrent hematuria and clot retention several days postoperatively. Renal arteriography revealed the presence of an arteriocaliceal fistula. This was completely resolved with selective arterial embolization. Conclusion: This case highlights that early detection and timely intervention are crucial to avoid serious consequences of post-RIRS hemorrhage resulting from arteriocaliceal fistula.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the penis.

Sebaceous carcinoma is a very aggressive malignant tumor, derived from the adnexal epithelium of sebaceous glands. Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma is a very uncommon neoplasm usually localized on the head and neck. To our knowledge, there are only 2 previously reported cases of sebaceous carcinoma on the penis. We report the clinicopathologic data on 3 additional cases of sebaceous carcinoma arising in the penis. Treatment is debatable in view of the fact that this kind of tumor has a high recurrence rate and early regional lymph node involvement. Considering these facts, we used preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative lymph node mapping and sentinel node biopsy before performing a bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy in 1 of 3 patients treated in our institute.

Critical analysis of salvage radical prostatectomy in the management of radioresistant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To critically evaluate salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) in the treatment of patients with recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2007, we assessed patients with recurrent localized PCa. Recurrence was suspected when there were three or more successive increases in prostate specific antigen (PSA) after nadir. After the routine imagery examinations, and once localized PCa was confirmed, patients were offered SRP. Following surgery, we evaluated bleeding, rectal injury, urinary incontinence or obstruction and impotence. PSA values were measured at 1, 3, 6, months and thereafter twice a year. RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent SRP. The average age was 61 years. Following radiotherapy, the mean PSA nadir was 1.5 ng/mL (0.57-5.5). The mean prostate specific antigen doubling time (PSA-DT) was 14 months (6-20). Prior to SRP, the mean PSA was 5.7 ng/mL (2.9-18). The pathologic staging was pT2a: 13%; pT2b: 34%; pT2c: 27%; pT3a: 13%; and pT3b: 13%. Bleeding > 600 mL occurred in 14% of the cases; urethral stenosis in 50%; and urinary incontinence (two or more pads/day) in 72%. The mean follow-up post-SRP ranged from 6 to 30 months. The PSA level rose in 9, of which 6 had PSA-DT < 10 months. CONCLUSIONS: SRP is a feasible method in the management of localized radioresistant PCa. PSA-DT has shown to be important for the selection and SRP should not be performed if PSA-DT > 10 months. Due to its increased morbidity, SRP should be only offered to the patients who are more concerned about survival rather than quality of life.

Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection as a Safe Procedure for Postchemotherapy Residual Mass in Testicular Cancer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility, clinical and perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (L-RPLND) in the management of patients with germ cell tumors (GCT) and residual post-chemotherapy mass. METHODS: We report our experience of 25 patients treated with L-RPLND between 2008 and 2015. All 25 patients were diagnosed with GCT by primary pathological evaluation of the specimens after orchiectomy. All patients received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The technique consisted of L-RPLND excision of the residual mass using unilateral template dissection. We assessed perioperative data and histological findings. RESULTS: Surgery was successfully completed in 24 (96%) patients, 1 patient required an open surgery due to intense adhesions of the mass to the inferior vena cava. Mean operation time was 213 minutes. Mean blood loss was 260 mL. Postoperative complications were upper limb osteomuscular pain in 2 patients and chylous ascites in 1 patient. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. The median residual mass diameter was 3.3 cm (range 1.1-6.6 cm). Histopathological findings were necrotic tissue in 9 patients, teratoma in 9 patients, viable tumor in 6 patients, and Castleman disease in 1 patient. The median follow-up was 30 months. Normal antegrade ejaculation was preserved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic postchemotherapy RPLND is a feasible, safe, and highly oncologically efficient procedure, which has the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Validity of the MISTELS simulator for laparoscopy training in urology.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The McGill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills (MISTELS) consists of a series of five laparoscopic exercises performed in an endotrainer box. MISTELS has been validated for use in both training and evaluation of general surgery residents in fundamental laparoscopic skills. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the construct validity of MISTELS for urology residents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventeen participants were evaluated during performance of the five MISTELS tasks (peg transfer, pattern cutting, ligating loop, and suturing with extracorporeal and intracorporeal knots) using the standardized scoring system, which rewards both speed and precision. Participants included 13 urology residents (PGY 1-5), 1 fellow, and 3 urologists experienced in laparoscopy. Results are expressed as median (range). The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare MISTELS scores for 9 novice (PGY 1-4) and 8 experienced urologists (PGY 5-attending). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The median MISTELS total normalized score for novices was 52.3 (range 15-68.9) compared with 71.7 (range 56.3-82.9) for experienced urologists (P = 0.007). Although the experienced group achieved higher scores in all five individual tasks, statistically significant differences were demonstrated for the peg transfer and intracorporeal suture tasks only. CONCLUSION: These data provide evidence for construct validity of the MISTELS system for urology residents.

Critical analysis of salvage radical prostatectomy in the management of radioresistant prostate cancer

Purpose: To critically evaluate salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) in the treatment of patients with recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to June 2007, we assessed patients with recurrent localized PCa. Recurrence was suspected when there were three or more successive increases in prostate specific antigen (PSA) after nadir. After the routine imagery examinations, and once localized PCa was confirmed, patients were offered SRP. Following surgery, we evaluated bleeding, rectal injury, urinary incontinence or obstruction and impotence. PSA values were measured at 1, 3, 6, months and thereafter twice a year. Results: Forty-two patients underwent SRP. The average age was 61 years. Following radiotherapy , the mean PSA nadir was 1.5 ng/mL (0.57-5.5). The mean prostate specific antigen doubling time (PSA-DT) was 14 months (6-20). Prior to SRP, the mean PSA was 5.7 ng/mL (2.9-18). The pathologic staging was pT2a: 13 percent; pT2b: 34 percent; pT2c: 27 percent; pT3a: 13 percent; and pT3b: 13 percent. Bleeding > 600 mL occurred in 14 percent of the cases; urethral stenosis in 50 percent; and urinary incontinence (two or more pads/day) in 72 percent. The mean follow-up post-SRP ranged from 6 to 30 months. The PSA level rose in 9, of which 6 had PSA-DT < 10 months. Conclusions: SRP is a feasible method in the management of localized radioresistant PCa. PSA-DT has shown to be important for the selection and SRP should not be performed if PSA-DT > 10 months. Due to its increased morbidity, SRP should be only offered to the patients who are more concerned about survival rather than quality of life.