Prostate cancer biomarkers: a practical review based on different clinical scenarios.

Traditionally, diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer (PCa) have been based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, digital rectal examination (DRE), and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. Biomarkers have been introduced into clinical practice to reduce the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of low-grade PCa and increase the success of personalized therapies for high-grade and high-stage PCa. The purpose of this review was to describe available PCa biomarkers and examine their use in clinical practice. A nonsystematic literature review was performed using PubMed and Scopus to retrieve papers related to PCa biomarkers. In addition, we manually searched websites of major urological associations for PCa guidelines to evaluate available evidence and recommendations on the role of biomarkers and their potential contribution to PCa decision-making. In addition to PSA and its derivates, thirteen blood, urine, and tissue biomarkers are mentioned in various PCa guidelines. Retrospective studies have shown their utility in three main clinical scenarios: (1) deciding whether to perform a biopsy, (2) distinguishing patients who require active treatment from those who can benefit from active surveillance, and (3) defining a subset of high-risk PCa patients who can benefit from additional therapies after RP. Several validated PCa biomarkers have become commercially available in recent years. Guidelines now recommend offering these tests in situations in which the assay result, when considered in combination with routine clinical factors, is likely to affect management. However, the lack of direct comparisons and the unproven benefits, in terms of long-term survival and cost-effectiveness, prevent these biomarkers from being integrated into routine clinical use.

Prostate MRI percentage tumor involvement or "PI-RADS percent" as a predictor of adverse surgical pathology.

BACKGROUND: This study assesses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prostate % tumor involvement or "PI-RADs percent" as a predictor of adverse pathology (AP) after surgery for localized prostate cancer (PCa). Two separate variables, "All PI-RADS percent" (APP) and "Highest PI-RADS percent" (HPP), are defined as the volume of All PI-RADS 3-5 score lesions on MRI and the volume of the Highest PI-RADS 3-5 score lesion each divided by TPV, respectively. METHOD: An analysis was done of an IRB approved prospective cohort of 557 patients with localized PCa who had targeted biopsy of MRI PIRADs 3-5 lesions followed by RARP from April 2015 to May 2020 performed by a single surgeon at a single center. AP was defined as ISUP GGG ≥3, pT stage ≥T3 and/or LNI. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate APP and HPP at predicting AP with other clinical variables such as Age, PSA at surgery, Race, Biopsy GGG, mpMRI ECE and mpMRI SVI. Internal and External Validation demonstrated predicted probabilities versus observed probabilities. RESULTS: AP was reported in 44.5% (n = 248) of patients. Multivariable regression showed both APP (odds ratio [OR]: 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.14, p = 0.0007) and HPP (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04-1.16; p = 0.0007) were significantly associated with AP with individual area under the operating curves (AUCs) of 0.6142 and 0.6229, respectively, and AUCs of 0.8129 and 0.8124 when incorporated in models including preoperative PSA and highest biopsy GGG. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing PI-RADS Percent was associated with a higher risk of AP, and both APP and HPP may have clinical utility as predictors of AP in GGG 1 and 2 patients being considered for AS. PATIENT SUMMARY: Using PIRADs percent to predict AP for presurgical patients may help risk stratification, and for low and low volume intermediate risk patients, may influence treatment decisions.

Minimum 5-year follow-up of 1138 consecutive laparoscopic radical prostatectomies.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 1138 patients underwent LRP during a 163-month period from 2000 to 2008, of which 51.5%, 30.3% and 18.2% were categorised into D'Amico risk groups of low-, intermediate- and high-risk, respectively. All intermediate- and high-risk patients were staged by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography and isotope bone scanning, and had a pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), which was extended after April 2008. The median (range) patient age was 62 (40-78) years; body mass index was 26 (19-44) kg/m(2) ; prostate-specific antigen level was 7.0 (1-50) ng/mL and Gleason score was 6 (6-10). Neurovascular bundle was preservation carried out in 55.3% (bilateral 45.5%; unilateral 9.8%) of patients. RESULTS: The median (range) gland weight was 52 (14-214) g. The median (range) operating time was 177 (78-600) min and PLND was performed in 299 patients (26.3%), of which 54 (18.0%) were extended. The median (range) blood loss was 200 (10-1300) mL, postoperative hospital stay was 3 (2-14) nights and catheterisation time was 14 (1-35) days. The complication rate was 5.2%. The median (range) LN count was 12 (4-26), LN positivity was 0.8% and the median (range) LN involvement was 2 (1-2). There was margin positivity in 13.9% of patients and up-grading in 29.3% and down-grading in 5.3%. While 11.4% of patients had up-staging from T1/2 to T3 and 37.1% had down-staging from T3 to T2. One case (0.09%) was converted to open surgery and six patients were transfused (0.5%). At a mean (range) follow-up of 88.6 (60-120) months, 85.4% of patients were free of biochemical recurrence, 93.8% were continent and 76.6% of previously potent non-diabetic men aged <70 years were potent after bilateral nerve preservation. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term results obtainable from LRP match or exceed those previously published in large contemporary open and robot-assisted surgical series.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the results of performing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (HRPC): PSA level of ≥20 ng/mL ± biopsy Gleason ≥8 ± clinical T stage ≥2c. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of a total of 1975 patients having LRP during a 159-month period from 2000 to 2013, 446 (22.6%) had HRPC; all patients were staged by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography and isotope bone scanning. The median (range) patient age was 64.0 (36-79) years; body mass index 27.0 (18-43) kg/m(2) ; PSA level 8.1 (0.1-93) ng/mL and biopsy Gleason 8 (6-10). All patients had a pelvic lymphadenectomy, which was done using an extended template after April 2008 (53.3%). Neurovascular bundle (NVB) preservation was done in 41.5% (bilateral 26.3%; unilateral 15.2%) of patients; an incremental or partial nerve-sparing technique was used in 99 of the 302 (32.8%) NVBs preserved. RESULTS: The median (range) gland weight was 58.5 (20-161) g; operating time 180 (92-330) min; blood loss 200 (10-1400) mL; postoperative hospitalisation 3.0 (2-7) nights; catheterisation time 14 (2-35) days; complication rate 7.6%; lymph node (LN) count 16 (2-51); LN positivity 16.2%; LN involvement 2 (1-8); positive surgical margin (PSM) rate 26.0%; up-grading 2.5%; down-grading 4.3%; up-staging from T1/2 to T3, 24.7%; down-staging from T3 to T1/2, 6.1%. No cases were converted to open surgery and three patients were transfused (0.7%) after surgery. At a mean (range) follow-up of 24.9 (3-120) months, 79.2% of patients were free of biochemical recurrence, 91.8% were continent and 64.4% of previously potent non-diabetic men aged <70 years were potent after bilateral nerve preservation. CONCLUSION: The low morbidity, 55.4% specimen-confinement rate, 26.0% PSM rate, 79.2% biochemical disease-free survival, 91.8% continence rate and 64.4% potency rate, at 35.2 months in the present study serve as evidence firstly that surgery is an effective treatment for patients with HRPC, curing many and representing the first step of multi-modal treatment for others, and that LRP for HRPC appears to be as effective as open RP in this context.

The influence of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and stress reduction) on prostate cancer tumour biology and patient outcomes: A systematic review.

Background: The mostly indolent natural history of prostate cancer (PCa) provides an opportunity for men to explore the benefits of lifestyle interventions. Current evidence suggests appropriate changes in lifestyle including diet, physical activity (PA) and stress reduction with or without dietary supplements may improve both disease outcomes and patient's mental health. Objective: This article aims to review the current evidence on the benefits of all lifestyle programmes for PCa patients including those aimed at reducing obesity and stress, explore their affect on tumour biology and highlight any biomarkers that have clinical utility. Evidence acquisition: Evidence was obtained from PubMed and Web of Science using keywords for each section on the affects of lifestyle interventions on (a) mental health, (b) disease outcomes and (c) biomarkers in PCa patients. PRISMA guidelines were used to gather the evidence for these three sections (15, 44 and 16 publications, respectively). Evidence synthesis: For lifestyle studies focused on mental health, 10/15 demonstrated a positive influence, although for those programmes focused on PA it was 7/8. Similarly for oncological outcomes, 26/44 studies demonstrated a positive influence, although when PA was included or the primary focus, it was 11/13. Complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammatory biomarkers show promise, as do inflammatory cytokines; however, a deeper understanding of their molecular biology in relation to PCa oncogenesis is required (16 studies reviewed). Conclusions: Making PCa-specific recommendations on lifestyle interventions is difficult on the current evidence. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the heterogeneity of patient populations and interventions, the evidence that dietary changes and PA may improve both mental health and oncological outcomes is compelling, especially for moderate to vigorous PA. The results for dietary supplements are inconsistent, and although some biomarkers show promise, significantly more research is required before they have clinical utility.

Functional and Oncological Outcomes of Female Pelvic Organ-preserving Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy.

BACKGROUND: For females undergoing cystectomy and urinary diversion, decreases in sexual and urinary functions can have a significant impact on quality of life. Pelvic organ-preserving (POP) radical cystectomy (RC) has been proposed as an approach to improve postoperative functional outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative functional outcomes of a robotic approach for female POP RC with intracorporeal urinary diversion. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a multicenter retrospective study evaluating sexual, urinary, and oncological outcomes for sexually active females undergoing POP robot-assisted RC for ≤T2 bladder cancer. Exclusion criteria included multifocal, trigonal, or locally advanced tumors. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: We describe a step-by-step technique for POP robot-assisted RC with intracorporeal urinary diversion. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome of the study was evaluation of sexual and urinary functions following surgery. Oncological outcomes were evaluated as a secondary endpoint. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Our study included 23 females who underwent POP robot-assisted RC between 2008 and 2020 with intracorporeal neobladder (87%) or ileal conduit (13%) reconstruction. The median follow-up was 20 mo. A postoperative sexual function questionnaire was completed by 15 patients (65%). Of those, 13 (87%) resumed sexual activity at a median of 6 mo after surgery. Of the patients with a neobladder, 14 (70%) achieved daytime continence and 16 (80%) achieved nighttime continence. Cancer-specific and overall survival were both 91%. The results are limited by their retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: POP robot-assisted RC with orthotopic neobladder allows a majority of female patients to return to sexual activity after surgery. This approach should be considered for selected sexually active women. PATIENT SUMMARY: We evaluated 23 women with bladder cancer who underwent surgical removal of the bladder with preservation of their reproductive organs. Following this surgery, a majority of patients resumed sexual activity. For selected patients, this technique can be performed without compromising cancer control.

Expanding Active Surveillance Inclusion Criteria: A Novel Nomogram Including Preoperative Clinical Parameters and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.

BACKGROUND: Current European Association of Urology, American Urological Association, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend active surveillance (AS) for selected intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, limited evidence exists regarding which men can be selected safely. OBJECTIVE: To externally validate the Gandaglia risk calculator (Gandaglia-RC), designed to predict adverse pathology (AP) at radical prostatectomy (RP) and thus able to improve selection of intermediate-risk PCa patients suitable for AS, and to assess whether addition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (MAP model) improves the predictive ability of Gandaglia-RC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a retrospective analysis of a single-center cohort of 1284 consecutive men with low- and intermediate-risk PCa treated with RP between 2013 and 2019. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: AP was defined as non-organ-confined disease and/or lymph node invasion and/or pathological grade group≥3 at RP. Logistic regression was used to calculate the predictors of AP; calculated coefficients were used to develop a risk score. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and decision curve analysis were performed to evaluate the net benefit within models. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: At multivariable analysis, age at surgery, prostate-specific antigen, systematic and targeted biopsy Gleason grade group, MRI prostate volume, Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score, and MRI extraprostatic extension were significantly associated with AP. The model significantly improved the ability of Gandaglia-RC to predict AP (area under the curve 0.71 vs 0.63 [p<0.0001]). Using a 30% threshold, the proportions of men eligible for AS were 45% and 77% and the risks of AP were 16% and 17%, for Gandaglia-RC and MAP model, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with Gandaglia-RC, the MAP model significantly increased the number of patients eligible for AS without significantly increasing the risk of AP at RP. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we have developed a risk prediction tool to select men for conservative treatment of prostate cancer. Using the novel tool, more men could safely be allocated to conservative treatment rather than surgery or radiation.

The Mount Sinai Prebiopsy Risk Calculator for Predicting any Prostate Cancer and Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer: Development of a Risk Predictive Tool and Validation with Advanced Neural Networking, Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcome Database, and European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator.

Background: The European Association of Urology guidelines recommend the use of imaging, biomarkers, and risk calculators in men at risk of prostate cancer. Risk predictive calculators that combine multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with prebiopsy variables aid as an individualized decision-making tool for patients at risk of prostate cancer, and advanced neural networking increases reliability of these tools. Objective: To develop a comprehensive risk predictive online web-based tool using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical data, to predict the risk of any prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) applicable to biopsy-naïve men, men with a prior negative biopsy, men with prior positive low-grade cancer, and men with negative MRI. Design setting and participants: Institutional review board-approved prospective data of 1902 men undergoing biopsy from October 2013 to September 2021 at Mount Sinai were collected. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate clinical variables such as age, race, digital rectal examination, family history, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), biopsy status, Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score, and prostate volume, which emerged as predictors for any PCa and csPCa. Binary logistic regression was performed to study the probability. Validation was performed with advanced neural networking (ANN), multi-institutional European cohort (Prostate MRI Outcome Database [PROMOD]), and European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator (ERSPC RC) 3/4. Results and limitations: Overall, 2363 biopsies had complete clinical information, with 57.98% any cancer and 31.40% csPCa. The prediction model was significantly associated with both any PCa and csPCa having an area under the curve (AUC) of 81.9% including clinical data. The AUC for external validation was calculated in PROMOD, ERSPC RC, and ANN for any PCa (0.82 vs 0.70 vs 0.90) and csPCa (0.82 vs 0.78 vs 0.92), respectively. This study is limited by its retrospective design and overestimation of csPCa in the PROMOD cohort. Conclusions: The Mount Sinai Prebiopsy Risk Calculator combines PSA, imaging and clinical data to predict the risk of any PCa and csPCa for all patient settings. With accurate validation results in a large European cohort, ERSPC RC, and ANN, it exhibits its efficiency and applicability in a more generalized population. This calculator is available online in the form of a free web-based tool that can aid clinicians in better patients counseling and treatment decision-making. Patient summary: We developed the Mount Sinai Prebiopsy Risk Calculator (MSP-RC) to assess the likelihood of any prostate cancer and clinically significant disease based on a combination of clinical and imaging characteristics. MSP-RC is applicable to all patient settings and accessible online.

A Review of the Pathophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy or ADT is one of the cornerstones of management of locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, alongside radiation therapy. However, despite early response, most advanced prostate cancers progress into an androgen unresponsive or castrate resistant state, which hitherto remains an incurable entity and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men in the US. Recent advances have uncovered multiple complex and intermingled mechanisms underlying this transformation. While most of these mechanisms revolve around androgen receptor (AR) signaling, novel pathways which act independently of the androgen axis are also being discovered. The aim of this article is to review the pathophysiological mechanisms that help bypass the apoptotic effects of ADT to create castrate resistance. The article discusses castrate resistance mechanisms under two categories: 1. Direct AR dependent pathways such as amplification or gain of function mutations in AR, development of functional splice variants, posttranslational regulation, and pro-oncogenic modulation in the expression of coactivators vs corepressors of AR. 2. Ancillary pathways involving RAS/MAP kinase, TGF-beta/SMAD pathway, FGF signaling, JAK/STAT pathway, Wnt-Beta catenin and hedgehog signaling as well as the role of cell adhesion molecules and G-protein coupled receptors. miRNAs are also briefly discussed. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer is paramount to the development of targeted agents to overcome these mechanisms. A number of targeted agents are currently in development. As we strive for more personalized treatment across oncology care, treatment regimens will need to be tailored based on the type of CRPC and the underlying mechanism of castration resistance.

Hood Technique for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy-Preserving Periurethral Anatomical Structures in the Space of Retzius and Sparing the Pouch of Douglas, Enabling Early Return of Continence Without Compromising Surgical Margin Rates.

BACKGROUND: A common side effect following radical prostatectomy is urinary incontinence. Here, we describe a novel surgical technique to reduce postoperative urinary incontinence and facilitate early return of continence. OBJECTIVE: To describe the novel "hood technique" for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is an institutional review board-approved prospective study of 300 patients (median age 64 yr) with localized prostate cancer treated with the RARP hood technique at a major urban hospital between April 2018 and March 2019. The exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with anterior tumor location based on biopsy or multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. All but one patient participated in follow-up over 12 mo after the procedure. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The RARP "hood technique" was performed to preserve the detrusor apron, puboprostatic ligament complex, arcus tendineus, endopelvic fascia, and pouch of Douglas. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical data collected included pre- and intraoperative variables, and postoperative functional and oncological outcomes and complications. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Continence rates at 1, 2, 4, 6 12, 24, and 48 wk after catheter removal were 21%, 36%, 83%, 88%, 91%, 94%, and 95%, respectively. Positive surgical margin rate was 6%. Thirty patients (9.7%) experienced complications after RARP: 17 (5.7%), 11 (3.6%), and one (0.4%) had Clavien-Dindo grade I, II, and III complications, respectively. This study was conducted within a single health system and may not be generalizable. The study lacked randomization and a comparative arm. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the hood technique spares musculofascial structures anterior to the urethral sphincter complex with early return of continence after surgery, without compromising positive surgical margin rates. Exclusion of anterior tumor location contributed to a reduction in positive surgical margins. PATIENT SUMMARY: By better preservation of anatomical structures around the urethra, we were able to achieve early return of urinary continence without a negative impact on complications and cancer outcomes.

Anatomical robotic prostatectomy: technical factors to achieve superb continence and erectile function.

Debate continues as to the superiority of robotic versus open radical prostatectomy for the surgical treatment of localized prostate cancer. Despite this controversy, retrospective data from high volume centres has demonstrated RARP is associated with improved pentafecta outcomes with lower transfusion rates, less incontinence, lower positive surgical margins and improved potency. Advocates of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) believe an enhanced visual field, the precision afforded by robotic technology as well as lack of bleeding, sharp dissection and delicate tissue handling lead to improved outcomes. Prostate Cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men, and as the number of post-surgical patients increases, the complications of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction not only have a significant negative impact on patients' quality of life, but have become an expanding part of clinical practice. This article outlines what are believed to be the most important strategies based on anatomical knowledge and technical expertise, that allow robotic prostatectomists to achieve superb outcomes in urinary and erectile function.

Immunotherapy in prostate cancer: current state and future perspectives.

Metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (PCa) remains an incurable entity. In the era of immunotherapy, the complex PCa microenvironment poses a unique challenge to the successful application of this class of agents. However, in the last decade, a tremendous effort has been made to explore this field of therapeutics. In this review, the physiology of the cancer immunity cycle is highlighted in the context of the prostate tumor microenvironment, and the current evidence for use of various classes of immunotherapy agents including vaccines (dendritic cell based, viral vector based and DNA/mRNA based), immune checkpoint inhibitors, Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, antibody-mediated radioimmunotherapy, antibody drug conjugates, and bispecific antibodies, is consolidated. Finally, the future directions for combinatorial approaches to combat PCa are discussed.

Robot-assisted Salvage Lymph Node Dissection for Clinically Recurrent Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Salvage lymph node dissection has been described as a feasible treatment for the management of prostate cancer patients with nodal recurrence after primary treatment. OBJECTIVE: To report perioperative, pathologic, and oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted salvage nodal dissection (RASND) in patients with nodal recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively evaluated 16 patients affected by nodal recurrence following RP documented by positive positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Surgery was performed using DaVinci Si and Xi systems. A pelvic nodal dissection that included lymphatic stations overlying the external, internal, and common iliac vessels, the obturator fossa, and the presacral nodes was performed. In 13 (81.3%) patients a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection that included all nodal tissue located between the aortic bifurcation and the renal vessels was performed. MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative outcomes consisted of operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications occurred within 30 d after surgery. Biochemical response (BR) was defined as a prostate-specific antigen level <0.2 ng/ml at 40 d after RASND. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Median operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 210min, 250ml, and 3.5 d. The median number of nodes removed was 16.5. Positive lymph nodes were detected in 11 (68.8%) patients. Overall, four (25.0%) and five (31.2%) patients experienced intraoperative and postoperative complications, respectively. Overall, one (6.3%) and four (25.0%) patients had Clavien I and II complications within 30 d after RASND, respectively. Overall, five (33.3%) patients experienced BR after surgery. Our study is limited by the small cohort of patients evaluated and by the follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: RASND represents a feasible procedure in patients with nodal recurrence after RP and provides acceptable short-term oncologic outcomes, where one out of three patients experience BR immediately after surgery. Long-term data are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this approach. PATIENT SUMMARY: We report our initial experience with robot-assisted salvage nodal dissection for the management of patients with lymph node recurrence after radical prostatectomy. This technique represents a feasible and effective approach, where no high-grade complications were recorded and one out of three patients experienced biochemical response at 40 d after surgery.

Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Locally-advanced Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on the role of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). OBJECTIVE: To describe our surgical technique of extrafascial RARP and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) in locally advanced PCa. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four patients with clinical stage ≥T3 undergoing RARP with ePLND at three European centers between 2011 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Surgery was performed using the DaVinci Si system. The anatomically defined ePLND included nodes overlying the external iliac axis, those in the obturator fossa, and around the internal iliac artery up to the ureter. RARP was performed using an extrafascial approach where the Denonvillers' fascia was dissected free and left on the posterior surface of the seminal vesicles. MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative outcomes consisted of operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications occurred within 30 d after surgery. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive prostate-specific antigen values ≥0.2ng/ml. Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed time to BCR and clinical recurrence. Multivariable Cox regression analyses assessed predictors of BCR. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Median operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 230min, 200ml, and 6 d. Overall, 12 (12.7%) patients experienced complications and five (5.3%), four (4.3%), and three (3.2%) patients had Clavien I, II, and III/IV complications. Overall, 72 (76.6%), 35 (37.2%), and 30 (32.3%) patients had pT3/4, pN1, and positive margins. The median number of nodes removed was 16. Overall, 19 (20.2%) and 21 (22.3%) patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. The median follow-up was 23.5 mo. At 3-yr follow-up, the BCR- and clinical recurrence-free survival rates were 63.3% and 95.8%. Pathologic stage, Gleason score, and positive margins represented predictors of BCR (all p≤0.03). Our study is limited by its retrospective nature and by the follow-up duration. CONCLUSIONS: RARP represents a well-standardized, safe, and oncological effective option in patients with locally advanced PCa. Pathologic stage, Gleason score, and positive margins should be considered to select patients for multimodal approaches. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robot-assisted surgery represents a well-standardized, safe, and oncological effective option in men with locally advanced prostate cancer. Two out of three patients treated with this approach are free from recurrence at 3-yr follow-up. Pathologic stage, Gleason score, and positive surgical margins represent predictors of BCR and should be considered to select patients for multimodal approaches.

Early Catheter Removal after Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical Technique and Outcomes for the Aalst Technique (ECaRemA Study).

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a widespread option for the treatment of patients with clinically localised prostate cancer. Modifications in the surgical technique may help to further improve functional outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of early catheter removal 48h after surgery, as opposed to standard catheter removal 6 d after surgery following RARP, using a newly developed surgical technique for posterior reconstruction and anastomosis (Aalst technique). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients scheduled for RARP were prospectively scheduled for early catheter removal at postoperative d 2 (group A, n=37) and standard catheter removal at postoperative d 6 (group B, n=37). SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RARP was performed using the Da Vinci Si system. The Aalst technique for the urethro-vesical anastomosis including posterior reconstruction was used as previously described. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary endpoint was spontaneous voiding after catheter removal. Secondary endpoints were rate of anastomotic urinary leakage after catheter removal, presence and severity of urethral, perineal, and abdominal pain, as well as patient's bother after catheter removal using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Rate and severity of urinary incontinence after catheter removal were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-MLUTS) questionnaire. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to baseline and perioperative parameters, as well as pathological features; however, significantly more patients underwent bilateral nerve-sparing procedures in group A (34 vs 23, p=0.008). After catheter removal, patients in both groups showed spontaneous voiding, whereas only 11% and 8% of the patients in group A and group B experienced urinary retention after catheter removal (p=0.7). Patients in group B had significantly higher maximum flow rates, but lower voided volumes after catheter removal in comparison with patients in group A (21ml/s vs 10ml/s, p≤0.001 and 170ml vs 200ml, p≤0.001, respectively). ICIQ-MLUTS questionnaire and VAS scores showed no significant differences between the groups at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: The Aalst technique allows the removal of catheters 2 d after RARP and results in spontaneous voiding. Early removal showed no increased rate of urinary leakage, no negative impact on short-term continence and on perineal, urethral or penile pain, and no increase in urinary retention rates. Future studies have to confirm these results with longer follow-up including detailed parameters on return to daily activity. PATIENT SUMMARY: We provide evidence that it is possible to remove the bladder catheter as early as 2 d after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy without any negative effects on voiding and pain parameters. Thus, leaving the hospital early without a catheter in place could represent a significant and relevant benefit for the patient.

Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic enlargement: surgical technique and outcomes in a high-volume robotic centre.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to large benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). OBJECTIVE: To present the perioperative and short-term functional outcomes of RASP in a large series of patients with LUTS due to BPE treated in a high-volume referral center. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively collected data for 67 consecutive patients who underwent RASP from October 2008 to August 2014. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RASP was performed using a Da Vinci S or Si system with a transvesical approach. MEASUREMENTS: Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Continuous variables are reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). Comparison of preoperative and postoperative outcomes was assessed by Wilcoxon test. A two-sided value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median preoperative prostate volume was 129ml (IQR 104-180). For the 45 patients who did not have an indwelling catheter, the median preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 25 (20.5-28), the median maximum flow rate (Qmax) was 7ml/s (IQR 5-11), and the median post-void residual volume (PVRV) was 73ml (IQR 40-116). The median operative time was 97min (IQR 80-127) and the median estimated blood loss was 200ml (IQR 115-360). The postoperative complication rate was 30%, including three cases (4.5%) with grade 3b complications (major bleeding requiring cystoscopy and coagulation). The median catheterization time was 3 d (IQR 2-4) and the median length of stay was 4 d (IQR 3-5). The median follow-up was 6 mo (IQR 2-12). At follow-up, the median IPSS was 3 (IQR 0-8), the median Qmax was 23ml/s (IQR 16-35), and the median PVRV was 0ml (IQR 0-36) (all p<0.001 vs baseline values). The retrospective design is the major study limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate good perioperative outcomes, an acceptable risk profile, and excellent improvements in patient symptoms and flow scores at short-term follow-up following RASP. PATIENT SUMMARY: We analyzed the perioperative and functional outcomes of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy in the treatment of male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to large prostatic adenoma. The procedure was associated with a relatively low risk of complications and excellent functional outcomes, including considerable improvements in symptoms and flow performance. We can conclude that the procedure is a valuable option in the treatment of such patients. However, comparative studies evaluating the efficacy of the procedure in comparison with endoscopic treatment of large prostatic adenomas are needed.

Laparoscopic versus robotic pyeloplasty: man versus machine.

With all its different presentations and etiologies, ureteropelvic junction obstruction has been a topic for much research and debate. For several decades, the 'gold standard' of treatment was unequivocally an Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty. Various surgical modifications and minimally invasive alternatives have been studied. It was not until the last two decades that laparoscopic and robotic approaches have threatened to supplant the classic open approach as the preferred surgical treatment option. While the debate between the laparoscopic and robotic approaches has been a heavily contested one, it has rarely been founded on prospective, well-matched evidence. We review the existing literature and present our perspective on the clinical, academic and economic aspects of this contest between man and machine.