Development and Validation of a Risk-Adapted Scoring Model for Metachronous Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma following Radical Cystectomy.

PURPOSE: The incidence and risk factors for metachronous upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) following radical cystectomy (RC) remain incompletely defined, which has limited the ability to individualize postoperative surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 2 institutional registries was performed to identify patients undergoing RC for urothelial carcinoma. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models for metachronous post-RC UTUC were developed in one institutional data set and validated in the second institutional data set. A post-RC UTUC risk score was then developed from these models. RESULTS: A total of 3,170 RC patients were included from the training cohort and 959 RC patients from the validation cohort. At a median followup after RC of 4.6 years (IQR 2.1-8.7), 167 patients were diagnosed with UTUC. On multivariable analysis in the training cohort, risk factors for metachronous UTUC were the presence of positive urothelial margin (HR 2.60, p <0.01), history of bacillus Calmette-Guérin treatment prior to RC (HR 2.20, p <0.01), carcinoma in situ at RC (HR 2.01, p <0.01) and pre-RC hydronephrosis (HR 1.48, p=0.04). These factors had similar discriminative capacity in the training and validation cohorts (C-statistic 0.71 and 0.73, respectively). A UTUC risk score was developed with these variables which stratified patients into low (0 points), intermediate (1-3 points), and high risk (4+ points) for post-RC UTUC, with respective 5-year UTUC-free survivals of 99%, 96%, 89% in the training cohort and 98%, 96%, and 91% in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and validated a risk score for post-RC UTUC that may optimize UTUC surveillance protocols after RC.

MicroRNA profiling in clear cell renal cell carcinoma tissues potentially links tumorigenesis and recurrence with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Twenty to 40% localised RCC patients may experience recurrence after curative surgery. Limited miRNA predictors have been identified for ccRCC recurrence. METHODS: Through a multi-phase study design, we analysed miRNAs in tissues obtained from 203 ccRCC patients. Paired t-test was used for tumour-normal comparisons and Cox regression model was performed to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% CIs. RESULTS: A 17-miRNA signature was identified that can concordantly classify >95% of tumour/adjacent normal samples. Significant enrichment was found as 6 out of 17 miRNAs were associated with obesity (binomial probability=0.001). Decreased levels of miR-204-5p and miR-139-5p were each associated with an approximately three-fold increased risk of recurrence (P<0.01). Risk score was generated based on expressions of miR-204-5p and miR-139-5p, and the trend test was significant in both discovery and validation sets (Pfor trend<0.05). Striking MST reduction was observed for patients with a high-risk score (high vs low: discovery, 9.4 vs >97.7 months; validation, 20.8 vs >70.3 months). Expressions of miR-204-5p were also associated with body mass index (ß=5.64, P<0.001). Significant inverse correlations were observed and validated between miR-204-5p and 13 obesity-related genes (r<0, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 17 miRNAs dysregulated in ccRCC tissues and showed that low expressions of miR-204-5p and miR-139-5p were associated with the higher risk of recurrence. The link between miR-204-5p and ccRCC recurrence may be partially mediated by regulating the expression of targeted obesity-related genes.

Role of partial nephrectomy as cytoreduction in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

In this review, we describe the role, feasibility and safety of partial nephrectomy in the setting of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Partial nephrectomy is currently the preferred therapeutic modality in patients with localized renal tumors, while radical cytoreductive nephrectomy is the standard of care for appropriately selected patients with metastatic disease. Several studies have shown the prognostic value of percentage tumor removed when cytoreductive nephrectomy is done. This concept of percentage tumor removal and the associated benefit should also be applied when considering patients for cytoreductive partial nephrectomy; however, the potential adverse events after partial nephrectomy should be kept in mind, as these, when they occur, could delay time to starting systemic therapy. Several small retrospective studies have shown the feasibility of this approach in carefully selected patient groups. In well-selected patients with metastatic disease and primary tumors that are amenable to nephron sparing approaches, partial nephrectomy could offer an alternative to radical nephrectomy, with manageable adverse events, and good renal functional outcomes. Preserving renal function in this population could allow these patients to participate in clinical trial that they otherwise might not qualify for.

Outcome of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with targeted therapy without cytoreductive nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) became a standard procedure in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the immunotherapy era. Historically, median overall survival (OS) of patients treated with interferon alpha (IFN-α) without CN was 7.8 months. Median OS in patients treated with targeted therapy (TT) without CN is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with mRCC who received TT without CN. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression analysis were used to estimate median OS and identify poor prognostic factors. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-eight patients were identified. Most patients had intermediate-risk (54.8%) or poor-risk (44.1%) disease. Median OS for all patients was 10.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.1-12.5]. By multivariable analysis, elevated baseline lactate dehydrogenase and corrected calcium, performance status of two or more, retroperitoneal nodal metastasis, thrombocytosis, current smoking, two or more metastatic sites, and lymphopenia were independent risk factors for inferior OS. Patients with four or more factors had increased risk of death (hazard ratio 8.83, 95% CI 5.02-15.5, P < 0.001) and 5.5-month median OS. Nineteen patients (10.0%) survived for 2+ years. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the improved OS of patients with mRCC treated with TT without CN, compared with historical IFN-α treatment, and may guide the design of trials investigating the role of CN in the TT era.

Pilot trial of sunitinib therapy in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease.

BACKGROUND: Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease induces vascular neoplasms in multiple organs. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of sunitinib in VHL patients and examined the expression of candidate receptors in archived tissue. METHODS: Patients with VHL were given four cycles of 50 mg sunitinib daily for 28 days, followed by 14 days off. Primary end point was toxicity. Modified RECIST were used for efficacy assessment. We evaluated 20 archival renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and 20 hemangioblastomas (HBs) for biomarker expression levels using laser-scanning cytometry (LSC). RESULTS: Fifteen patients were treated. Grade 3 toxicity included fatigue in five patients. Dose reductions were needed in 10 patients. Eighteen RCC and 21 HB lesions were evaluable. Six of the RCCs (33%) responded partially, versus none of the HBs (P = 0.014). LSC revealed that mean levels of phosphorylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 were lower in HB than in RCC endothelium (P = 0.003) and mean phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate-2 (pFRS2) levels were higher in HB (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Sunitinib treatment in VHL patients showed acceptable toxicity. Significant response was observed in RCC but not in HB. Greater expression of pFRS2 in HB tissue than in RCC raises the hypothesis that treatment with fibroblast growth factor pathway-blocking agents may benefit patients with HB.

Ablative therapies in renal cell carcinoma.

We reviewed the use of ablative therapies in the management of renal cell carcinoma. We performed a PubMed search of the English language literature using the keywords "ablation" and "renal carcinoma." Pertinent articles specific to the technologic advancement of ablative therapy and clinical outcomes were selected for review. Intermediate-term oncologic outcomes of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation are acceptable but are not quite as good as for surgical excision based nearly all on retrospective studies. No randomized studies have been performed comparing excisional and ablative therapies. Careful selection of patients and tumor characteristics results in improved outcomes. Diagnostic biopsy for tissue confirmation is mandatory and should even be considered post therapy after 6-12 months in patients with a concern about recurrence. Ablative therapies are associated with decreased morbidity, less severe complication rates, and excellent preservation of renal function in comparison with surgical excision. The majority of recurrences occur early, but long-term surveillance is required as delayed recurrences are also possible and the long-term oncologic efficacy is not yet established. Ablation can be delivered percutaneously or laparoscopically, and the superiority of one over the other remains controversial. The percutaneous approach is more cost effective and causes less perinephric desmoplasia. Nearly all data on ablation are retrospective and, with few exceptions, from single institutions. Ablative therapy is an appealing option for the management of small renal tumors shown to be renal cell carcinoma on biopsy in patients who are unsuitable candidates for surgical extirpation.

Impaired alpha-interferon signaling in transitional cell carcinoma: lack of p48 expression in 5637 cells.

The limited success of IFN-alpha therapy for clinical treatment of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) has prompted us to investigate the responsiveness of TCC lines to IFN-alpha. The response to IFN-alpha in terms of 561 gene induction, an IFN-stimulated response element-containing IFN-alpha/beta-inducible gene, and IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) formation was normal in primary human urothelial cells. We tested the antiproliferative effects of IFN-alpha in three TCC lines as a measure of IFN-alpha responsiveness, and variable patterns of growth inhibition were observed in three TCC lines. More than 90% growth inhibition was noted in TCCSUP cells, whereas only 40% and 10% inhibition by IFN-alpha was observed in 5637 and HT1197 cells, respectively. IFN-alpha treatment formed extremely low levels of ISGF3 in electrophoretic mobility shift assays in these later two relatively insensitive cells. In addition, expression of the 561 gene was significantly reduced in these two TCC lines by Northern blots. We have further identified a low expression level of Tyk2 in HT1197 cells compared with two other TCCs. This suggests that an extremely low ISGF3 level after IFN-alpha treatment may be due to low Tyk2 expression or other unidentified defects. In 5637 cells, p48 protein expression was undetectable. This undetectable p48 expression is not due to a deletion in the coding region because the correct size protein is detected following IFN-gamma treatment. Consequently, the ISGF3 complex formation and 561 gene induction were restored by IFN-gamma pretreatment plus IFN-alpha treatment. Introduction of p48 expressing plasmid into 5637 cells was sufficient to form the ISGF3 complex by IFN-alpha treatment, suggesting the defect lies in the expression of p48 protein in 5637 cells. Detailed mechanistic understanding of the action of IFNs in bladder cancer cell lines may explain the abrogated therapeutic response of IFN-alpha in the clinical treatment of TCCs.

Targeting MET and AXL overcomes resistance to sunitinib therapy in renal cell carcinoma.

Antiangiogenic therapy resistance occurs frequently in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The purpose of this study was to understand the mechanism of resistance to sunitinib, an antiangiogenic small molecule, and to exploit this mechanism therapeutically. We hypothesized that sunitinib-induced upregulation of the prometastatic MET and AXL receptors is associated with resistance to sunitinib and with more aggressive tumor behavior. In the present study, tissue microarrays containing sunitinib-treated and untreated RCC tissues were stained with MET and AXL antibodies. The low malignant RCC cell line 786-O was chronically treated with sunitinib and assayed for AXL, MET, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein expression and activation. Co-culture experiments were used to examine the effect of sunitinib pretreatment on endothelial cell growth. The effects of AXL and MET were evaluated in various cell-based models by short hairpin RNA or inhibition by cabozantinib, the multi-tyrosine kinases inhibitor that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, MET and AXL. Xenograft mouse models tested the ability of cabozantinib to rescue sunitinib resistance. We demonstrated that increased AXL and MET expression was associated with inferior clinical outcome in patients. Chronic sunitinib treatment of RCC cell lines activated both AXL and MET, induced EMT-associated gene expression changes, including upregulation of Snail and ß-catenin, and increased cell migration and invasion. Pretreatment with sunitinib enhanced angiogenesis in 786-0/human umbilical vein endothelial cell co-culture models. The suppression of AXL or MET expression and the inhibition of AXL and MET activation using cabozantinib both impaired chronic sunitinib treatment-induced prometastatic behavior in cell culture and rescued acquired resistance to sunitinib in xenograft models. In summary, chronic sunitinib treatment induces the activation of AXL and MET signaling and promotes prometastatic behavior and angiogenesis. The inhibition of AXL and MET activity may overcome resistance induced by prolonged sunitinib therapy in metastatic RCC.

Laparoscopic ultrasonography.

The use of laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) allows visualization of tissues beyond the two-dimensional laparoscopic picture, enhancing the amount and quality of information available to the surgeon. Linear-array transducers with frequencies of 7.5 to 10 MHz are typically used for LUS, employing B-mode scanning and color Doppler capability on probes with articulating tips. In general surgery, LUS has become a common adjunct to the intraoperative staging of upper gastrointestinal malignancy to determine resectability, avoiding unnecessary laparotomy. In urology, LUS appears to be a promising adjunct for four current procedures: difficult pelvic lymphocele marsupialization, renal cyst decortication, nephrolithotomy and other renal stone surgery, and cryotherapy of renal masses. The role of LUS during varicocelectomy is limited, and enthusiasm for this procedure is waning. Laparoscopic ultrasonography is a critical adjunct to renal cryoablation, a developmental procedure that currently lacks long-term data but is promising as therapy for small, incidentally detected renal masses. It appears that as laparoscopic urologic procedures continue to expand, so will the application of this promising operative imaging modality.

Laparoscopic marsupialization of the difficult lymphocele using internalized peritoneal dialysis catheter.

PURPOSE: Definitive treatment of the recurrent or anatomically difficult lymphocele without a common wall between the lymphocele and peritoneal cavities requires open surgery. We present a novel technique of laparoscopic marsupialization of such lymphoceles with placement of a cable of 2 internalized peritoneal dialysis catheters for maintaining permanent lymphoperitoneal drainage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients with a symptomatic, post-renal transplant pelvic lymphocele underwent the procedure. Laparoscopic marsupialization was performed with ultrasound guidance and in each case a cable of 2 internalized peritoneal dialysis catheters was anchored through the limited peritoneal window to maintain lymphoperitoneal drainage. RESULTS: Both procedures were successful. During a followup of 20 and 21 months, respectively, no recurrence or infectious complications were noted in these immunocompromised patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic marsupialization with internalization of peritoneal dialysis catheters is a feasible, alternative measure available for select cases with a difficult or recurrent lymphocele.

Metabolic risk factors in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal calculi.

PURPOSE: We performed a prospective study to determine the incidence and spectrum of metabolic abnormalities predisposing to stone formation in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 consecutive patients with congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent metabolic evaluation of stone risk factors. Of these patients 21 had associated stones (study group), while 26 did not (control group). Logistical regression, Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests were performed to determine whether there was a significant difference between these groups in regard to the presence of metabolic risk factors. RESULTS: Demographically and symptomatically the 2 groups were equivalent except that the study patients were older. The 24-hour urinary excretion of calcium was significantly higher in study than in the control patients (p = 0.007). While the incidence of hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria was also higher in the study population, these differences were not significant (p = 0.08 and 0.07, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic abnormalities predisposing to stone formation are present more frequently in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction who have associated stones compared to those who do not. As such, urinary stasis alone does not explain stone formation in these cases. Rather, the local physiological environment of urine likely has a predisposing role. In addition to restoring unobstructed urinary flow, consideration should be given to metabolic evaluation and prophylactic treatment for affected patients.

Renal dysfunction associated with staged bilateral partial nephrectomy: the importance of operative positioning.

PURPOSE: Remnant kidneys may be susceptible to injury during positioning for a contralateral flank incision. We document renal dysfunction in a remnant kidney after staged partial nephrectomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We review a case of renal dysfunction associated with staged bilateral partial nephrectomy. Pertinent data and radiographic findings are presented. RESULTS: A man with multiple bilateral solid enhancing renal masses underwent left partial nephrectomy, resulting in sparing of 50% of the renal parenchyma. Postoperatively nuclear renography showed excellent flow and 33% function on that side. Right partial nephrectomy was then performed via the standard flank approach through the bed of the 11th rib, sparing 50% of the renal parenchyma. Cold ischemia time was 40 minutes. Serum creatinine increased to 4.9 mg./dl. within 48 hours. Nuclear renography immediately postoperatively showed poor flow and 13% function in the left kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Limited published data imply detrimental hemodynamic and myocutaneous consequences due to use of the kidney rest. Table flexion with elevation of the kidney rest may also cause ischemic damage in a previously operated contralateral kidney. Careful positioning is critical for preventing undue injury to the remnant kidney and in such cases elevation of the kidney rest should be avoided. Alternatively stage 2 may be approached via an anterior incision.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy: a comparative study of electrohydraulic and electromagnetic units.

PURPOSE: We determined the results of shock wave lithotripsy with a newer electromagnetic lithotriptor and compared them with those in a contemporary series of cases managed by an electrohydraulic lithotriptor using identical treatment and followup criteria at a single center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 1999, 356 patients (375 renal units, 483 upper urinary tract stones) meeting study inclusion criteria were treated with an MFL 5000 electrohydraulic shock wave lithotripsy unit (Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia). From 1999 to 2000, 173 patients (175 renal units; 218 upper urinary tract stones) meeting identical study inclusion criteria were treated using an electromagnetic Modulith SLX shock wave lithotripsy unit (Karl Storz Lithotripsy, Atlanta, Georgia). In each group stone-free results were determined by plain abdominal x-ray and renal ultrasound 1 month after lithotripsy and efficiency quotients were developed. Baseline patient and stone characteristics were compared by the Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher exact tests. All variables significant at p <0.05 were included in subsequent outcome analysis using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were equivalent, including patient age, gender, stone number and location, although patients treated with the electrohydraulic unit had a significantly larger median stone burden (103 versus 71 mm.2, p = 0.015). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated a higher stone-free rate in the electrohydraulic group (77% versus 67%, p = 0.01) but also a higher rate of total adjunctive measures (56% versus 47%, p = 0.04). Consequently the efficiency quotients were comparable for the electrohydraulic and electromagnetic lithotripsy units (0.45 and 0.42, respectively, p = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: Electrohydraulic lithotripsy resulted in a higher stone-free rate at 1 month, although it was associated with a higher rate of auxiliary measures. Ultimately the efficiency quotients were equivalent, implying that these 2 contemporary energy sources are acceptable. According to single center treatment and followup criteria they are equally efficacious.

Renal outcome 25 years after donor nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: The extended outcome after kidney donation has been a particular concern ever since the recognition of hyperfiltration injury. Few published reports have examined donor renal outcome after 20 years or greater. Kidney transplantation has been performed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation since 1963, at which there is extensive experience with live donor transplantation. We assess the impact of donor nephrectomy on renal function, urinary protein excretion and development of hypertension postoperatively to examine whether renal deterioration occurs with followup after 20 years or greater. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1963 to 1975, 180 live donor nephrectomies were performed at the Cleveland Clinic. We attempted to contact all patients to request participation in our study. Those 70 patients who agreed to participate in the study were mailed a package containing a 24-hour urine container (for assessment of creatinine, and total protein and albumin), a vial for blood collection (for assessment of serum creatinine) and a medical questionnaire. All specimens were returned to and processed by the Cleveland Clinic medical laboratories. Blood pressure was taken and recorded by a local physician. A 24-hour creatinine clearance and the Cockcroft-Gault formula were used to estimate renal function, and values were compared with an age adjusted glomerular filtration rate for a solitary kidney. RESULTS: Mean patient followup was 25 years. The 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance decreased to 72% of the value before donation. For the entire study cohort serum creatinine and systolic blood pressure after donation were significantly increased compared with values before, although still in the normal range. The overall incidence of hypertension was comparable to that expected in the age matched general population. There was no gender or age difference (younger or older than 50 years) for 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance, or change in serum creatinine before or after donation. Urinary protein and albumin excretion after donation was significantly higher in males compared with females. There were 13 (19%) subjects who had a 24-hour urinary protein excretion that was greater than 0.15 gm./24 hours, 5 (7%) of whom had greater than 0.8. No gender difference was noted in blood pressure, and there were no significant changes in diastolic pressure based on gender or age. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, renal function is well preserved with a mean followup of 25 years after donor nephrectomy. Males had significantly higher protein and albumin excretion than females but no other clinically significant differences in renal function, blood pressure or proteinuria were noted between them or at age of donation. Proteinuria increases with marginal significance but appears to be of no clinical consequence in most patients. Patients with mild or borderline proteinuria before donation may represent a subgroup at particular risk for the development of significant proteinuria 20 years or greater after donation. The overall incidence of proteinuria in our study is in the range of previously reported values after donor nephrectomy.