Late complications and 5 years outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy in France: prospective assessment in the French Kidney Cancer Research Network (UroCCR 10).

PURPOSE: To describe the practice of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in France and prospectively assess the late complications and long-term outcomes. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter (n = 16), observational study including all patients diagnosed with a renal tumor who underwent RAPN. Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were collected and stored in the French research network for kidney cancer database (UroCCR). Patients were included over a period of 12 months, then followed for 5 years. RESULTS: In total, 466 patients were included, representing 472 RAPN. The mean tumor size was 3.4 ± 1.7 cm, most of moderate complexity (median PADUA and RENAL scores of 8 [7-10] and 7 [5-9]). Indication for nephron-sparing surgery was relative in 7.1% of cases and imperative in 11.8%. Intraoperative complications occurred in 6.8% of patients and 4.2% of RAPN had to be converted to open surgery. Severe postoperative complications were experienced in 2.3% of patients and late complications in 48 patients (10.3%), mostly within the first 3 months and mainly comprising vascular, infectious, or parietal complications. At 5 years, 29 patients (6.2%) had chronic kidney disease upstaging, 21 (4.5%) were diagnosed with local recurrence, eight (1.7%) with contralateral recurrence, 25 (5.4%) with metastatic progression, and 10 (2.1%) died of the disease. CONCLUSION: Our results reflect the contemporary practice of French expert centers and is, to our knowledge, the first to provide prospective data on late complications associated with RAPN. We have shown that RAPN provides good functional and oncologic outcomes while limiting short- and long-term morbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03292549.

The Role of CT in the Staging and Follow-Up of Testicular Tumors: Baseline, Recurrence and Pitfalls.

Ultrasound imaging of the testis represents the standard-of-care initial imaging for the diagnosis of TGCT, whereas computed tomography (CT) plays an integral role in the initial accurate disease staging (organ-confined, regional lymph nodes, or sites of distant metastases), in monitoring the response to therapy in patients who initially present with non-confined disease, in planning surgical approaches for residual masses, in conducting follow-up surveillance and in determining the extent of recurrence in patients who relapse after treatment completion. CT imaging has also an important place in diagnosing complications of treatments. The aims of this article are to review these different roles of CT in primary TGCT and focus on different pitfalls that radiologists need to be aware of.

Postoperative outcomes of elderly patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.

To describe clinical outcomes of patients aged 75 years and above after partial nephrectomy (PN), and to assess independent factors of postoperative complications. We retrospectively reviewed information from our multi-institutional database. Every patient over 75 years old who underwent a PN between 2003 and 2016 was included. Peri-operative and follow up data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictive factors of postoperative complications. We reviewed 191 procedures including 69 (40%) open-surgery, and 122 (60%) laparoscopic procedures, of which 105 were robot-assisted. Median follow-up was 25 months. The mean age was 78 [75-88]. The American Society of Anesthesiologist's score was 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 10.5%, 60%, 29% and 0.5% of patients respectively. The mean tumor size was 4.6 cm. Indication of PN was elective in 122 (65%) patients and imperative in 52 patients (28%). The median length of surgery was 150(± 60) minutes, and the median estimated blood loss 200 ml. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 71.5 ml/minute preoperatively, and 62 ml/min three months after surgery. The severe complications (Clavien III-V) rate was 6.2%. On multivariate analysis, the robotic-assisted procedure was an independent protective factor of medical postoperative complications (Odds Ration (OR) = 0.31 [0.12-0.80], p = 0.01). It was adjusted for age and RENAL score, robotic-assisted surgery (OR = 0.22 [0.06-0.79], p = 0.02), and tumor size (OR = 1.13 [1.02-1.26], p = 0.01), but the patients age did not forecast surgical complications. Partial nephrectomy can be performed safely in elderly patients with an acceptable morbidity, and should be considered as a viable treatment option. Robotic assistance is an independent protective factor of postoperative complications.

Immunodynamics of explanted human tumors for immuno-oncology.

Decision making in immuno-oncology is pivotal to adapt therapy to the tumor microenvironment (TME) of the patient among the numerous options of monoclonal antibodies or small molecules. Predicting the best combinatorial regimen remains an unmet medical need. Here, we report a multiplex functional and dynamic immuno-assay based on the capacity of the TME to respond to ex vivo stimulation with twelve immunomodulators including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in 43 human primary tumors. This "in sitro" (in situ/in vitro) assay has the potential to predict unresponsiveness to anti-PD-1 mAbs, and to detect the most appropriate and personalized combinatorial regimen. Prospective clinical trials are awaited to validate this in sitro assay.

Predictive factors of urinary incontinence after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a multicentric evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate predictive factors of urinary incontinence (UI) after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). METHODS: Patients (n = 2346) were included in a retrospective multicentric study from April 2012 to November 2017. Patients' characteristics (age, BMI, percentage with diabetes), preoperative data (IPSS score, whole gland volume, urinary drainage), operative data (enucleation time, enucleation efficiency, tissue enucleated weight, total delivered energy) and postoperative data were recorded. Absence of UI was defined as no pads at 3 and 6 months. Surgeon experience was stratified in three categories: beginners (< 21 cases), intermediate (21-40 cases) and experienced (> 40 cases). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: UI was observed in 14.5% of patients (340/2346) at 3 months (95%CI 13-16%) and in 4.2% (98/2346) at 6 months (95%CI 3-5%). On multivariate analysis at 3 months, increasing age (OR per SD = 1.3 [1.14-1.48]), elevated BMI (OR per SD = 1.23 [1.09-1.38]), preoperative urinary drainage (OR = 0.62 [0.45-0.85]), increasing enucleated tissue weight (OR per SD = 1.29 [1.16-1.45]) and experienced surgeon with at least 40 cases (OR = 0.56 [0.42-0.75]) were significantly associated with UI. At 6 months, increasing age (OR per SD = 1.25 [1.01-1.53]), elevated BMI (OR per SD = 1.25 [1.03-1.5]), increasing whole gland volume (OR per one SD log = 1.24 [1.01-1.53]) and diabetes disorder (OR = 1.7 [1.03-2.78]) were significantly associated with UI. CONCLUSION: UI after HoLEP was observed in 14.5% of patients at 3 months and 4.2% at 6 months, with stress UI in half of the cases. Surgeon experience with at least 40 cases was the main predictive factor of 3 months UI after HoLEP and diabetes disorder of persistent UI at 6 months.

Grade groups at diagnosis in African Caribbean men with prostate cancer: Results of a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: There are no comparative data on pathological predictors at diagnosis, between African Caribbean and Caucasian men with prostate cancer (PCa), in equal-access centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the grade groups of an African Caribbean cohort, newly diagnosed with PCa on prostate biopsy, compared with a Caucasian French Metropolitan cohort. METHODS: A retrospective, a comparative study was conducted between 2008 and 2016 between the University Hospital of Martinique in the French Caribbean West Indies, and the Saint Joseph Hospital in Paris. Clinical, biological, and pathological data were collected at diagnosis. The primary outcome was the grade groups for Gleason score; the secondary outcome was the PCa detection rate. Multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression. RESULTS: Of the 1880 consecutive prostate biopsy performed in the African Caribbean cohort, 945 had a diagnosis of PCa (50.3%) and 500 of 945 in the French cohort (33.8%). African Caribbean patients were older (mean 68.5 vs 67.5 years; P = .028), had worse clinical stage (13.2% vs 5.2% cT3-4; P < .001) and higher median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (9.23 vs 8.32 ng/mL; P = .019). On univariate analysis, African Caribbean patients had worse pathological grade groups than French patients (P < .001). Nevertheless, after adjustment on age, stage, and PSA, there were no significant differences between the two cohorts (P = .903). CONCLUSION: African Caribbean patients presented higher PCa detection rate, and higher grade groups at diagnosis than French patients in equal-access centers on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis. African Caribbean patients with equivalent clinical and biological characteristics than Caucasian patients at diagnosis might expect the same prognosis for PCa.

Evaluation of axitinib to downstage cT2a renal tumours and allow partial nephrectomy: a phase II study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of neoadjuvant axitinib to reduce the size of T2 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) for shifting from a radical nephrectomy (RN) to a partial nephrectomy (PN) indication, offering preservation of renal function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with cT2aN0NxM0 clear-cell RCC, considered not suitable for PN, were enrolled in a prospective, multicentre, phase II trial (AXIPAN). Axitinib 5 mg, and up to 7-10 mg, was administered twice daily, for 2-6 months before surgery, depending on the radiological response. The primary outcome was the number of patients receiving PN for a tumour <7 cm in size after neoadjuvant axitinib. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled. The median (range) tumour size and RENAL nephrometry score were 76.5  (70-98) mm and 11 (7-11), respectively. After axitinib neoadjuvant treatment, 16 tumours decreased in diameter, with a median size reduction of 17% (64.0 vs 76.5 mm; P < 0.001). The primary outcome was considered achieved in 12 patients who underwent PN for tumours <7 cm. Sixteen patients underwent PN. Axitinib was tolerated in the present study, as has been previously shown in the metastatic setting. Five patients had grade 3 adverse events. Five patients experienced Clavien III-V post-surgery complications. At 2-year follow-up, six patients had metastatic progression, and two had a recurrence. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant axitinib in cT2 ccRCC is feasible and, even with a modest decrease in size, allowed a tumour shrinkage <7 cm in 12 cases; however, PN procedures remained complex, requiring surgical expertise with possible morbidity.

Helping patients make informed decisions. Two-year evaluation of the Gustave Roussy prostate cancer multidisciplinary clinic.

OBJECTIVES: The initial treatment decision for newly diagnosed non-metastatic prostate cancer is complex. Multiple valid approaches exist, without a clear and absolute consensus for every clinical scenario, and therefore specialist opinions may vary. Multidisciplinary consultations focusing on shared decision-making aim to provide an apposite tool for the initial treatment decision. We have evaluated the first two years of activity of the Gustave Roussy Prostate Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic (PCMC), dedicated to the initial decision-making for non-metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS: PCMC consists of two consecutive specialist consultations with a urological surgeon and a radiation oncologist, followed by a dedicated Tumor Board discussion. A study questionnaire was addressed to all PCMC patients via postal mail. Medical notes and questionnaire responses of 195 eligible patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The questionnaire response rate was 69% (134 patients). Complete satisfaction rate was high (114 of 118 responders, 97%). Patients were offered new treatment options in 55% of cases, and felt better informed in 98% (122 of 125 responders). The double consultation was considered useful (124 of 129 responders, 96%). Reported feeling of active participation was significantly elevated (117 of 131 responders, 89%), while 46% of patients (57 of 125) modified their decision on the management of their prostate cancer following their PCMC consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of a multidisciplinary consultation in the initial management of non-metastatic prostate cancer renders high patient satisfaction, improves their appreciation of feeling better informed, promotes active participation and shared decision-making and strongly influences their final decision.

Impact of hospital volume and surgeon volume on robot-assisted partial nephrectomy outcomes: a multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of hospital volume (HV) and surgeon volume (SV) on perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent a RAPN from 2009 to 2015, at 11 institutions, were included in a retrospective study. To evaluate the impact of HV, we divided RAPN into four quartiles according to the caseload per year: low HV (<20/year), moderate HV (20-44/year), high HV (45-70/year), and very high HV (>70/year). The SV was also divided into four quartiles: low SV (<7/year), moderate SV (7-14/year), high SV (15-30/year), and very high SV (>30/year). The primary endpoint was the Trifecta defined as the following combination: no complications, warm ischaemia time (WIT) <25 min, and negative surgical margins. RESULTS: In total, 1 222 RAPN were included. The mean (sd) caseload per hospital per year was 44.9 (26.7) RAPNs and the mean (sd) caseload per surgeon per year was 19.2 (14.9) RAPNs. The Trifecta achievement rate increased significantly with SV (69.9% vs 72.8% vs 73% vs 86.1%; P < 0.001) and HV (60.3% vs 72.3% vs 86.2% vs 82.4%; P < 0.001). The positive surgical margins (PSM) rate (P = 0.02), length of hospital stay (LOS; P < 0.001), WIT (P < 0.001), and operative time (P < 0.001), all decreased significantly with increasing SV. The PSM rate (P = 0.02), LOS (P < 0.001), WIT (P < 0.001), operative time (P < 0.001), and major complications rate (P = 0.01), all decreased significantly with increasing HV. In multivariate analysis adjusting for HV and SV (model 3), HV remained the main predictive factor of Trifecta achievement (odds ratio [OR] 3.70 for very high vs low HV; P < 0.001), whereas SV was not associated with Trifecta achievement (OR 1.58 for very high vs low SV; P = 0.34). CONCLUSION: In this multicentre study HV and SV both greatly influenced RAPN perioperative outcomes, but HV appeared to have a greater impact than SV.

Tumours with class 3 BRAF mutants are sensitive to the inhibition of activated RAS.

Approximately 200 BRAF mutant alleles have been identified in human tumours. Activating BRAF mutants cause feedback inhibition of GTP-bound RAS, are RAS-independent and signal either as active monomers (class 1) or constitutively active dimers (class 2). Here we characterize a third class of BRAF mutants-those that have impaired kinase activity or are kinase-dead. These mutants are sensitive to ERK-mediated feedback and their activation of signalling is RAS-dependent. The mutants bind more tightly than wild-type BRAF to RAS-GTP, and their binding to and activation of wild-type CRAF is enhanced, leading to increased ERK signalling. The model suggests that dysregulation of signalling by these mutants in tumours requires coexistent mechanisms for maintaining RAS activation despite ERK-dependent feedback. Consistent with this hypothesis, melanomas with these class 3 BRAF mutations also harbour RAS mutations or NF1 deletions. By contrast, in lung and colorectal cancers with class 3 BRAF mutants, RAS is typically activated by receptor tyrosine kinase signalling. These tumours are sensitive to the inhibition of RAS activation by inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases. We have thus defined three distinct functional classes of BRAF mutants in human tumours. The mutants activate ERK signalling by different mechanisms that dictate their sensitivity to therapeutic inhibitors of the pathway.

Off-Clamp versus On-Clamp Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: A Multicenter Match-Paired Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of on-clamp and off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of all patients who underwent an RPN at 8 institutions between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients who underwent an off-clamp RPN were matched to on-clamp RPN in a 1-4 fashion according to the following variables: RENAL score, tumor size and surgeon's experience. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Among 525 RPN, 26 were performed off-clamp (5%). They were matched to 104 on-clamp RPN. The complications rate (15.5 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.53), major complications rate (4.9 vs. 3.9%; p = 0.82), and transfusions rate (0 vs. 4.9%; p = 0.58) did not differ significantly between the clamped and unclamped groups. Conversely, estimated blood loss was higher in the off-clamp group (266.4 vs. 284.6 mL, p = 0.048) and so was the rate of conversion to radical nephrectomy (0 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.04). Postoperative preservation of renal function was comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: Off-clamp RPN is feasible for a small subgroup of renal tumors without increased risk of postoperative complications but at the cost of higher estimated blood loss and increased risk of conversion to radical nephrectomy.

Postoperative drainage does not prevent complications after robotic partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the impact of a postoperative drainage after RPN. METHODS: A retrospective multicentric study included RPN performed at eight centers between 2010 and 2014. Three centers stopped using postoperative drainage early in their RPN experience, whereas other institutions systematically left a drain. Preoperative characteristics, complication rates, need for postoperative imaging or procedure (surgical or radiological) and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups [drainage (D) and no drainage (ND)]. RESULTS: Among 636 RPNs, 140 were done without drainage (22 %). In the ND group, surgeons were more experienced (>50 cases: 55.7 vs. 15.1 %; p < 0.0001), and tumors were more complex (RENAL score: 7.6 vs. 6.5; p < 0.0001). Complication rates were similar in both groups (21.9 vs. 20.2 %; p = 0.67). The omission of postoperative drainage did not increase requirement of CT scan (RR = 1.03; 95 % CI 0.64-1.67). Length of hospital stay was shorter in the ND group (4.5 vs. 5.5 days; p = 0.007). There were six urinary fistulas: four in the D group (0.8 %) and two in the ND group (1.4 %; p = 0.49). A CT scan was done to confirm the diagnosis of fistula in every case. In multivariate analysis, the omission of drainage was not associated with increased need of postoperative CT scan or major complications but was a predictor of decreased length of stay. CONCLUSION: The omission of postoperative drainage does not seem to increase the risk of postoperative complications and could safely be omitted after RPN.

Seminal vesicle metastasis of cutaneous malignant melanoma: An unusual and challenging presentation.

Malignant melanoma is a tumour, which usually involves skin melanocytes. Involvement of the male genitourinary (GU) system by melanoma is an uncommon and challenging diagnosis. We report the first case of seminal vesicle metastasis from a primary cutaneous melanoma in a 58-year-old man, with hemospermia as the only clinical sign. This case highlights the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, as a more sensitive assessment to early detect metastatic melanoma in the GU system. The patient underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic bilateral seminal vesiculectomy, which had good functional and oncological results and is still in complete remission at the 1-year follow-up.

The use of hemostatic agents does not prevent hemorrhagic complications of robotic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of HA on robotic PN (RPN) outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent RPN in eight centers between 2009 and 2013. Hemorrhagic complications were defined as the occurrence of a pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula or hematoma requiring transfusion. Patients were first divided into two groups: group A (use of at least one HA) and group B (no HA used), and then into five groups to assess the impact of each HA: group 1 (no HA), group 2 (Floseal(®) only), group 3 (Surgicel(®) only), group 4 (Tachosil(®) only) and group 5 (Surgicel(®) + Floseal(®)). The impact of HA was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Out of 515 RPN, 315 (61 %) were done using at least one HA (group A) and 200 (39 %) were done without any HA (group B). Patients in both groups had similar hemorrhagic complication rates (13 % vs. 15 %, p = 0.42) and postoperative complication rates (19 % vs. 23 %, p = 0.32). In multivariate analysis, the absence of HA was not a risk factor for hemorrhagic complications (OR 0.77, p = 0.54). When each type of HA was considered individually, none was associated with the occurrence of hemorrhagic complication either in univariate or in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In this multicenter study, the use of HA was not associated with a lower risk of hemorrhagic or global complications.

Locoregional symptoms in patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer: Morbidity, management, and disease outcome.

BACKGROUND: The paradigm change observed over the last few years in several solid tumors emphasizes the value of locoregional treatment in the presence of metastatic disease, currently ignored in de novo prostate cancer (CaP). We investigated the effect of the primary tumor that is left untreated on prostate cancer-specific morbidity and mortality, time to castration resistance, and overall survival (OS). METHODS: We performed a bicentric cohort study. The overall population included de novo metastatic CaP managed at the Genito-Urinary Oncology Unit of the Gustave Roussy Institute and the Urology Clinic of the University Hospital of Pointe-à-Pitre, France. Descriptive statistical and outcome analyses were performed in the overall cohort and also separately in the N+M0 and M+subgroups. RESULTS: The overall cohort included 263 patients. Approximately two-thirds of patients (64%) presented with locoregional symptoms at diagnosis, and 78% throughout the disease. Of the symptomatic patients, 59% required a locoregional procedure. Median OS of patients with locoregional symptoms at diagnosis was shorter than in those who were asymptomatic (47 vs. 86 mo, P = 0.0007); this difference was maintained in the N+M0 and M+subgroups. Median OS and time to castration resistance showed a nonsignificant trend in favor of patients undergoing a locoregional treatment at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The presence of symptoms due to locoregional disease in de novo metastatic CaP entails significant morbidity and even mortality and requires active management. Randomized prospective trials are needed to evaluate the role of initial definite locoregional treatment in these patients.

Early PSA level decline is an independent predictor of biochemical and clinical control for salvage postprostatectomy radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: To improve the early detection of responders to salvage external beam radiotherapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: Between 2002 and 2007, in a single institution, 136 consecutive patients received salvage RT to a dose of 66 Gy without androgen-deprivation therapy after RP for a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. PSA measurements were systematically performed before RT (PSART), at the fifth week of RT (PSA5), and in the follow-up at least twice a year (every 6 mo). The PSA level decline during RT was expressed as PSA ratio (PSA5/PSART). Two different definitions of biochemical failure after salvage RT were considered: PSA level>0.4 ng/ml and PSA>PSA nadir post-RT +0.4 ng/ml. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 60 months. The 5-year freedom from biochemical and clinical failure rates were 57% (95% CI: 48%-66%) and 92% (95% CI: 87%-97%), respectively. The mean PSA5 was 0.61 ng/ml (range: 0-7) and the mean PSA ratio was 0.67 (0-1.7). A PSA ratio<1 was a significant prognostic factor in multivariate analysis for both definitions of biochemical failure (P = 0.01 for both) and for clinical failure (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing salvage RT after RP for a rising PSA level, the absence of PSA level decline during RT is predictive of biochemical and clinical failure and may be used to rapidly identify poor responders.

The use of partial nephrectomy: results from a contemporary national prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Despite benefits in functional renal outcome and favorable oncological efficacy, previous studies show marked underuse of partial nephrectomy (PN). We investigated national utilization of partial and radical nephrectomy (RN) using a contemporary, prospective population-based cohort. METHODS: Between June and December 2010, 1,237 patients were treated by PN or RN for renal cell carcinoma in 56 French centers. Data were prospectively collected, and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 667 (53.9 %) and 570 patients (46.1 %) underwent RN and PN, respectively. In case of PN, surgical approach was an open PN in 63.3 % of cases, a laparoscopic PN in 21.0 % of cases and a robot-assisted PN in 15.7 % of cases. PN was used in T1a, T1b, T2 and T3 tumors in 395 (76.7 %), 131 (38.2 %), 29 (14.7 %) and 7 (4.6 %), respectively. Median ischemia time was 16 min [0-60], and mean blood loss was 280.4 ml (±339.9). Tumor characteristics and operative features were significantly different according to the surgical approach. Warm ischemia time was significantly higher in case of laparoscopic or robot-assisted procedure (p < 0.001). There was no statistical significant difference in blood loss and transfusion rate according to surgical approach. Postoperative medical and surgical complications occurred in 8.2 and 10.0 % of PN, respectively, with no significant difference according to surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: Partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma is commonly used in this French centers sample. Mini-invasive approaches represent also a significant part of all partial nephrectomies with no difference in terms of complication rates.

Early unclamping technique during robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can minimise warm ischaemia without increasing morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes of early unclamping (EUC) vs standard unclamping (SUC) during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), as early unclamping of the renal pedicle has been reported to decrease warm ischaemia time (WIT) during laparoscopic PN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective multi-institutional study was conducted at eight French academic centres between 2009 and 2013. Patients who underwent RAPN for a renal mass were included in the study. Patients without vascular clamping or for whom the decision to perform a radical nephrectomy was taken before unclamping were excluded. Perioperative outcomes were compared using the chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests for discrete variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. Predictors of WIT and estimated blood loss (EBL) were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: In all, there were 430 patients: 222 in the EUC group and 208 in the SUC group. Tumours were larger (35.8 vs 32.3 mm, P = 0.02) and more complex (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score 6.9 vs 6.1, P < 0.001) in the EUC group but surgeons were more experienced (>50 procedures 12.2% vs 1.4%, P < 0.001). The mean WIT was shorter (16.7 vs 22.3 min, P < 0.001) and EBL was higher (369.5 vs 240 mL, P = 0.001) in the EUC group with no significant difference in complications or transfusion rates. The results remained the same when analysing subgroups of complex renal tumours (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score ≥7) or RAPN performed by less experienced surgeons (<20 procedures). In multivariable analysis, EUC was predictive of decreased WIT (ß -0.34; P < 0.001) but was not associated with EBL (ß -0.09, P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: EUC can reduce WIT during RAPN without increasing morbidity even for complex renal tumours or when being performed by less experienced surgeons.

Compliance with guidelines and correlation with outcome in patients with advanced germ-cell tumours.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prior compliance with guidelines in patients treated with salvage chemotherapy for advanced germ-cell tumours (GCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data concerning the initial management of patients requiring salvage chemotherapy for GCT at Institut Gustave Roussy between 2000 and 2010 were obtained and correlated with recommendations for treatment. Criteria of non-compliance were defined based on guidelines. Compliance with guidelines, predictive factors for non-compliance and the impact on outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Among 82 patients treated in the salvage setting, guidelines to initial treatment were followed in only 41 cases (50%). The most common non-compliance criteria were non-adherence to the planned dose (16%), an inappropriate interval between first-line chemotherapy cycles (16%), the lack of post-chemotherapy surgery (16%) and a long interval to post-chemotherapy surgery (48%). Compliance with standard care was better in cancer centres than in other hospitals (private or public) (Odd Ratio (OR): 6.9, P = 0.001). A poor-risk status according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) was also predictive of compliance in univariate but not in multivariate analysis. No significant difference in outcome after salvage chemotherapy was observed. Patients relapsing after non-compliant first-line therapy tended to be more easily salvaged, which is consistent with the fact that their initial treatment was inadequate. Some of these relapses were therefore probably not due to true biologically refractory disease. CONCLUSION: Guidelines for first-line treatment are adhered to in only half the patients requiring salvage chemotherapy. As the only predictive factor for non-compliance was the treating centre, centralisation of patients with GCT in well-trained hospitals should be recommended.

Feasibility of nephron-sparing surgery in giant oncocytoma.

Oncocytomas represent 3 to 7% of renal masses and behave as benign tumours. Nephron-sparing procedures are preferred for biopsy confirmed lesions; however, giant oncocytomas have been generally treated by radical nephrectomy. We report the first case of partial nephrectomy in a 45-year-old man who presented with a 20-cm oncocytoma. At the 1 year follow-up, he had a normal functioning kidney. Despite the difficulty of this procedure, partial nephrectomy for very large benign tumours can be considered in appropriately selected young patients.