Solid tumours showing oligoprogression to immune checkpoint inhibitors have the potential for abscopal effects.

PURPOSE: Given the uncertainty surrounding the abscopal effect (AE), it is imperative to identify promising treatment targets. In this study, we aimed to explore the incidence of AE when administering radiotherapy to patients with oligoprogressive solid tumours while they are undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicentre prospective observational study, oligoprogressive disease was defined as a < 20% increase in lesions compared to > 2 months before enrolment. We enrolled patients who requested radiotherapy during the ICI rest period between 2020 and 2023. AE was considered present if ≥ 1 non-irradiated lesion decreased by ≥ 30% before the next line of systemic therapy started. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included in this study; the common primary lesions were in the lungs (four patients) and kidneys (three patients). AEs were observed in six (50%) patients, with a median time to onset of 4 (range 2-9) months after radiotherapy. No significant predictors of AEs were identified. Patients in the AE group had a significantly better 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate than those in the non-AE group (p = 0.008). Two patients from the AE group were untreated and progression-free at the last follow-up. Four (33%) patients experienced grade 2 toxicity, with two cases attributed to radiotherapy and the other two to ICI treatment. No grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed in any category. CONCLUSION: Patients with oligoprogressive disease may be promising targets with potential for AEs. AEs can lead to improved PFS and, in rare cases, to a certain progression-free period without treatment. Irradiating solid tumours in patients with oligoprogressive disease during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may be a promising target with the potential for abscopal effects (AEs). AEs can lead to improved progression-free survival and, in rare cases, to a certain progression-free period without treatment.

The prevalence and predictive factors of nocturnal polyuria in Japanese patients with nocturia: a multicentral retrospective cohort study.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and predictors of nocturnal polyuria (NP) in Japanese patients. This multicentral, observational study enrolled patients with the chief complaint of nocturia at 17 Japanese institutions between January 2018 and December 2022. The frequency of daily voiding and volume of urination were evaluated using bladder diaries. NP was diagnosed in patients with an NP index of > 33%. The primary endpoint was NP prevalence in patients with nocturia. The secondary endpoints were the prevalence of NP according to sex and age and the identification of factors predicting NP. This study analyzed 875 eligible patients. NP was present in 590 (67.4%) patients, with prevalence rates of 66.6% and 70.0% in men and women, respectively. Age ≥ 78 years, body mass index (BMI) < 23.0 kg/m2, and patients with ischemic heart or cerebrovascular disease were significant predictors of NP (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.014, P = 0.016, respectively). This is the first large multicenter study to investigate the prevalence of NP in Japanese patients with nocturia. NP has a prevalence of 67.4%. Significant predictors of NP include age, BMI, and cardiovascular disease.

[Metastatic Renal Cancer with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome after Nivolumab Treatment : A Case Report].

A 65-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with an abscess on his buttocks. Computed tomography (CT) on admission incidentally revealed left kidney cancer, and retroperitoneal nephrectomy was performed. Pathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. One month after surgery, CT showed findings suggesting primary liver cancer or liver metastasis along with retroperitoneal metastasis. Although metastatic kidney cancer was suspected, the possibility of primary liver cancer could not be ruled out. Therefore, we initiated treatment using sorafenib, which is indicated for both types of cancer, as first-line treatment for intermediate-risk based on the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk classification. After three months of sorafenib treatment, the patient showed hyponatremia, anemia, and hand-foot syndrome and was admitted to the hospital. CT showed an enlarged area that appeared to be a metastatic site, after which we suspended sorafenib. Four months after sorafenib treatment, nivolumab was initiated as a second-line treatment. However, on day 28 after the administration of nivolumab eruptions appeared all over the patient's body. The patient was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to nivolumab. We initiated corticosteroid therapy, and the eruptions gradually improved. Prednisolone was gradually reduced to 5mg/day, after which the patient was discharged. Six months after discharge, the eruptions had generally become epithelialized and no metastatic lesions had grown. The patient remained under observation without proceeding to third-line treatment. It is crucial to carefully monitor the patient's condition, especially in cases involving serious immune-related adverse events.

[Well Leg Compartment Syndrome after Cystectomy in the Lithotomy Position: A Case Report].

Well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is an uncommon and severe complication that occurs after prolonged surgery in the lithotomy position. A 67-year-old male with bladder cancer who underwent cystectomy including ileal conduit construction in the lithotomy position developed severe, gradually worsening cramping pain in the right leg on the day after surgery. The posterior compartmental pressure of the right leg was high (40 mmHg), and WLCS was diagnosed. Emergency fasciotomy was followed by rehabilitation for one month and he recovered from motor or sensory deficits, but the pain continued. We considered that important factors associated with the development of WLCS in this patient were arteriosclerosis obliterans and the length of time during which he remained in the lithotomy position during the ileal conduit procedure. We consider thatlengthy surgical procedures for cystectomy with patients in the lithotomy position have high potential for inducing WLCS.

[Dramatic response of penile cancer with inguinal lymph node metastases to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin : a case report].

Carcinoma of the penis is rare, and the prognosis of penile cancer with inguinal metastases is extremely poor. Standard chemotherapy for advanced penile cancer has not been established because of its rarity. A case of penile cancer with inguinal metastases that responded well to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin (TIP) is described. A 55-year-old Japanese male visited our hospital for a penile tumor and fixed, 4 cm, right inguinal lymph nodes. Computed tomography and 18F-FDG-PET imaging showed not only right but also left inguinal lymphadenopathy. Penile cancer (clinical stage T3N3M0, 7th edition TNM classification) was diagnosed, and partial penectomy and right inguinal biopsy were performed. The pathological examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the penis with right inguinal lymph node metastasis. The inguinal metastases were judged to be unsuitable for radical resection ; and, paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 (day 1), ifosfamide 1,200 mg/m2 (days 1-3), and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 (days 1-3) were given at 3-week intervals as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After 4 courses of chemotherapy, the inguinal metastases were markedly reduced. He had neutropenia (grade 3) during each course and peripheral neuropathy after 2 courses, but there were no severe complications. The patient underwent bilateral inguinal and pelvic lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pathological examination revealed no viable cells in the resected specimens. The patient remains alive and well with no evidence of recurrence 8 months after this radical treatment. TIP chemotherapy appears to be effective for advanced penile cancer.

Prevalence and morbidity of urethral Trichomonas vaginalis in Japanese men with or without urethritis.

OBJECTIVES: Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the pathogens causing sexually transmitted infections. This microorganism is a common pathogen among women, but its significance as a cause of morbidity among men remains uncertain. We sought to determine the prevalence and morbidity of T. vaginalis infection in Japanese men with and without urethritis. METHODS: We examined urine specimens from 215 men with urethritis and 98 men without urethritis for the presence of urethral T. vaginalis by PCR assay. RESULTS: Only four patients-one with gonococcal urethritis, one with non-gonococcal chlamydial urethritis, one with non-gonococcal non-chlamydial urethritis and one without urethritis-were positive for T. vaginalis. The prevalence of T. vaginalis was 1.4% in men with urethritis and 1.0% in men without urethritis. A possible relation between the appearance of T. vaginalis and clinical symptoms was not confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the incidence of urethral T. vaginalis infection appears to be rare in Japanese men with or without urethritis, and T. vaginalis may be an uncommon pathogen in male urethritis in Japan.

[Laparoscopic left partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma associated with ITP with platelet count of 10,000/µL].

A 58-year-old man from Brazil was followed as an outpatient with asymptomatic macroglobulinemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Abdominal enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scan for elevated liver enzymes revealed a left renal tumor. The tumor was in the middle outer left kidney, measured 18 mm in diameter, was discovered in its early phase, and appeared half exophytic. After investigations, the patient was diagnosed with left renal cell carcinoma associated with ITP. His preoperative platelet count was 10,000/µl ; five days of intravenous gamma globulin therapy with high-dose dexamethasone increased the platelet count to 76,000/µl just before operation. Laparoscopic left partial nephrectomy was performed successfully using the retroperitoneal approach. The renal artery was clamped and the tumor excised with an adequate margin. Renal parenchymal repair was completed using running sutures. Ischemia time was 16 minutes. There was no severe oozing of blood intraoperatively. The platelet count decreased to 15,000/µl on postoperative day three (POD 3), and there was oozing of blood around the retroperitoneal drain tube. The bleeding stopped after administration of platelet transfusion. The patient was discharged on POD 9. The histopathological diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma, and surgical margins were negative.

Relationship between prostate-specific antigen and obesity in prostate cancer screening: analysis of a large cohort in Japan.

Previous studies have shown that lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in obese men might decrease the sensitivity of prostate cancer screening, leading to delayed diagnosis and unfavorable prognosis. We examined whether the effect of obesity is important in prostate cancer screening of Japanese men, who have a low prevalence of obesity. We analyzed 19,294 male subjects from a large cohort of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) employees (aged > 50 years, serum PSA level ≤ 4.0 ng/mL) who underwent physical examinations from August 2006 to December 2009. The relationship between PSA level and obesity-related factors was analyzed by simple and multiple regression analysis. The relationships between six body mass index (BMI) categories, and PSA level and PSA mass (PSA concentration × plasma volume) were analyzed. PSA level decreased significantly with increasing BMI, but the coefficient of determination was very low. Mean PSA values decreased from 1.02 to 0.85 ng/mL as BMI increased from underweight (BMI <18.5) to morbidly obese (BMI >35). However, PSA mass peaked in the overweight category and was slightly reduced with increasing BMI. On multiple regression analysis, PSA level was influenced by age, diastolic blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein as well as BMI. We found an inverse but weak relationship between PSA level and BMI. Obesity seems to have very limited influence on prostate cancer screening in this population. Nonetheless, when considering indications for prostatic biopsy in obese men, we should be aware that the hemodilution effect might reduce PSA levels.

[Case of primary renal carcinoid tumor with hemorrhage].

Carcinoid tumors are low-grade malignant tumors that arise from neuroendocrine cells. Primary renal carcinoid tumors are extremely uncommon. A 63-year-old woman presented with a right abdominal mass and fever. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a mass in the right kidney; the mass measured 120 mm in diameter and showed hemorrhage. The patient underwent an uneventful right radical nephrectomy, and histological appearance was typical of carcinoid tumor. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated strong cytoplasmic labeling for neuron-specific enolase and synaptophysin. Additional examinations of the gastrointestinal tract did not show any evidence of carcinoid tumors. The patient remains free from disease recurrence at 8 months after the operation. The prognosis for primary renal carcinoid tumor is relatively optimistic. Complete surgical excision is the only recommended treatment for localized renal carcinoid tumor.

[A case of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in right renal cell carcinoma with left inferior vena cava].

We present a case of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in right renal cell carcinoma with left inferior vena cava in a 65-year-old male. Abdominal contrasted CT scan revealed that the left inferior vena cava crossed the aorta at the level of third lumbar vertebra. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed transperitoneally. A right gonadal vein drained into the right renal vein. We indentified a right renal vein easily with tracing the right gonadal vein. Left inferior vena cava is a very rare congenital anomaly among malformation of inferior vena cava. Recognition of such venous anomalies and making a detailed strategy before operation is important especially in laparoscopic surgery.

[Discrepancy between Gleason score of needle biopsies and radical prostatectomy specimens--current situation of general pathologists].

We retrospectively reviewed the discrepancy in Gleason score between needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens. Specimens from 153 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy at Gifu University Hospital and 9 community-based institutions between January 2001 and December 2005, were studied. Gleason score was determined by the general pathologist at each institution. The coincidence rate of Gleason score between biopsy and prostatectomy specimens was 49.7%. In contrast, 37.4% of biopsy specimens were undergraded. In biopsy specimens given a Gleason score of 5 or less, the Gleason score was coincident or undergraded compared with prostatectomy specimens. In biopsy specimens given a Gleason score of 6, the coincidence rate was 39.6%. In 56% in biopsy specimens of cancers with a Gleason score of 6 the Gleason score was undergraded compared with the prostatectomy specimen. In this group, extra-prostatic extention was found significantly more often than in other groups (p = 0.04). In patients, who underwent extended biopsy, or had a more positive biopsy core (> or = 25%), the coincidence rate was significantly greater (p = 0.03). We should be aware of the limitations of Gleason scores based on biopsy specimens, and give treatment opinions careful consideration.

The potential role of prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging combined with prostate-specific antigen density in the detection of prostate cancer.

AIM: Two-thirds of patients with a gray-zone prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level undergo unnecessary biopsy. Sensitivity is not yet sufficient to permit the use of modified PSA parameters or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging alone for prostate cancer screening. Thus, we evaluated the combination of MR imaging and PSA density (PSAD) for specificity and sensitivity. METHODS: During the period April 2004 through March 2006, 185 patients with a PSA level of 4.0-10.0 ng/mL underwent MR imaging and transrectal ultrasonography-guided 8-core biopsy (systemic sextant biopsy of the peripheral zone plus two cores of transition zone). All MR images were interpreted prospectively by two radiologists. An image was considered positive for prostate cancer if any feature indicated a cancerous lesion. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the usefulness of the PSA level, PSAD and PSA transitional zone density (PSATZ) for the detection of prostate cancer. RESULTS: Of the 185 patients, 62 had prostate cancer. Sensitivity and specificity of the axial T2-weighted MR imaging findings for cancer detection were 79.0% and 59.4%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.590 for the PSA level, 0.718 for PSAD and 0.695 for PSATZ. MR imaging findings and PSAD were shown by multivariate analysis to be statistically significant independent predictors of prostate cancer (P < 0.001). With a PSAD cut-off value of 0.111, sensitivity was 96.8%, but specificity was 19.5%. Combining MR imaging findings with PSAD increased the specificity to 40% and retained 95% sensitivity. CONCLUSION: MR imaging findings combined with PSAD provide high sensitivity and improve the specificity for the early detection of prostate cancer.

Anterior urethral valve in the fossa navicularis presenting as a split urinary stream in a child.

An anterior urethral valve is uncommon compared to a posterior urethral valve as a cause of lower obstructive uropathy. Furthermore, an anterior urethral valve in the fossa navicularis is extremely rare. We describe the case in a 6-year-old boy who presented with a split urinary stream. Endoscopy revealed an anterior urethral valve in the fossa navicularis, and we successfully incised the valve with a hook knife. We should consider the possibility of an anterior urethral valve in any child with an abnormal urinary stream.

MRI-based preplanning in low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To compare the dosimetric results between MRI-based and TRUS-based preplanning in permanent prostate brachytherapy, and to estimate the accuracy of MRI-based preplanning by comparing with CT/MRI fusion-based postimplant dosimetry. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-one patients were entered in this prospective study with written informed consent. MRI-based and TRUS-based preplanning were performed. The seed and needle locations were identical according to MRI-based and TRUS-based preplanning. MRI-based and TRUS-based preplanning were compared using DVH-related parameters. Following brachytherapy, the accuracy of the MRI-based preplanning was evaluated by comparing it with CT/MRI fusion-based postimplant dosimetry. RESULTS: Mean MRI-based prostate volume was slightly underestimated (0.73 cc in mean volume) in comparison to TRUS-based volume. There were no significant differences in the mean DVH-related parameters except with rectal V(100)(cc) between TRUS-based and MRI-based preplanning. Mean rectal V(100)(cc) was 0.74 cc in TRUS-based and 0.29 cc in MRI-based preplanning, respectively, and the values demonstrated a statistical difference. There was no statistical difference in mean rectal V(150)(cc), and rectal V(100)(cc) between MRI-based preplanning and CT/MRI fusion-based postimplant dosimetry. CONCLUSION: Prostate volume estimation and DVH-related parameters in MRI-based preplanning were almost identical to TRUS-based preplanning. From the results of CT/MRI fusion-based postimplant dosimetry, MRI-based preplanning was therefore found to be a reliable and useful modality, as well as being helpful for TRUS-based preplanning. MRI-based preplanning can more accurately predict postimplant rectal dose than TRUS-based preplanning.

Bilateral primary malignant lymphoma of the ureter.

We report the case of a 68-year-old Japanese man who presented with postrenal azotemia due to bilateral upper ureteral stenosis. The patient's right kidney was nonfunctional; therefore, right nephroureterectomy was performed for the purpose of pathologic diagnosis. Histopathologic examination revealed follicular lymphoma with diffuse change in the ureter. With chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma, the stenosis of the left ureter was alleviated, and left renal function was preserved. Primary malignant lymphoma of the ureter is extremely rare. In cases of ureteral stenosis with ureteral wall thickening for which the cause is uncertain, the possibility of malignant lymphoma of the ureter should be considered.

The role of Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum biovar 2 in postgonococcal urethritis.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies on coinfection with genital mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas in men with gonococcal urethritis (GU). The role of these species in postgonococcal urethritis (PGU) is poorly understood. Thus, we conducted a study to determine the prevalence of coinfection with genital mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas among men with GU and to assess the role of these pathogens in PGU. METHODS: Three hundred ninety men infected with culture-confirmed Neisseria gonorrhoeae participated in the study. Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum biovar 1, and Ureaplasma urealyticum biovar 2 in first-voided urine samples were detected by polymerase chain reaction-based assay at the patients' initial visits. PGU was judged to be present if the urethral smear was positive for polymorphonuclear leucocytes 7-14 days after treatment for gonorrhea. The association between each microorganism and PGU, measured by the odds ratio, was estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, M. hominis, U. parvum biovar 1, and U. urealyticum biovar 2 were detected in 85 (21.8%), 16 (4.1%), 8 (2.1%), and 33 men (8.5%), respectively. In patients with chlamydia-negative GU, coinfection with M. genitalium was associated with a 14.54-fold greater risk of PGU (95% confidence interval, 2.91-72.74), and coinfection with U. urealyticum biovar 2 was associated with a 3.64-fold greater risk of PGU (95% confidence interval, 1.24-10.63). CONCLUSIONS: Coinfection with M. genitalium or U. ureaplasma biovar 2 in men with GU was significantly associated with PGU, independent of C. trachomatis. Men with GU should be treated presumptively with antibiotics that are active against C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, and U. urealyticum biovar 2.

Comparison of urethral diameters for calculating the urethral dose after permanent prostate brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: No studies have yet evaluated the effects of a dosimetric analysis for different urethral volumes. We therefore evaluated the effects of a dosimetric analysis to determine the different urethral volumes. METHODS: This study was based on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) combined findings in 30 patients who had undergone prostate brachytherapy. Postimplant CT/MRI scans were performed 30 days after the implant. The urethra was contoured based on its diameter (8, 6, 4, 2, and 0 mm). The total urethral volume-in cubic centimeters [UrV150/200(cc)] and percent (UrV150%/200%), of the urethra receiving 150% or 200% of the prescribed dose-and the doses (UrD90/30/5) in Grays to 90%, 30%, and 5% of the urethral volume were measured based on the urethral diameters. RESULTS: The UrV150(cc) and UrD30 were statistically different between the of 8-, 6-, 4-, 2-, and 0-mm diameters, whereas the UrD5 was statistically different only between the 8-, 6-, and 4-mm diameters. Especially for UrD5, there was an approximately 40-Gy difference between the mean values for the 8- and 0-mm diameters. CONCLUSION: We recommend that the urethra should be contoured as a 4- to 6-mm diameter circle or one side of a triangle of 5-7 mm. By standardizing the urethral diameter, the urethral dose will be less affected by the total urethral volume.

Transcatheter arterial embolization with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Hystoacryl) in two treatments for huge renal arteriovenous malformation.

We report a case of huge renal arteriovenous malformation treated with superselective endovascular embolization in two treatments using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Hystoacryl).