Adoption of robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy permits a minimally invasive option for management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in geriatric patients: comparison with non-geriatric patients with intermediate-term oncologic follow-up.

To assess the oncologic efficacy and safety of robot-assisted approach to radical nephroureterectomy (RARNU) in geriatric versus younger patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2009 to 2022 of 145 patients (two cohorts: < 75 and ≥ 75 years old) with non-metastatic UTUC who underwent RARNU. Primary endpoint was UTUC-related recurrence of disease during surveillance (bladder-specific and metastatic). Safety was assessed according to 30-day, modified Clavien-Dindo (CD) classifications (Major: C.D. III-V). Survival estimates were performed using Kaplan-Meier method. There were 89 patients < 75 years (median 65 years) and 56 patients ≥ 75 years (median 81 years). Comparing the young versus geriatric cohorts: median follow-up 38 vs 24 months (p = 0.03, respectively) with similar 3-year bladder-specific recurrence survival (60% vs 67%, HR 0.70, 95% CI [0.35, 1.40], p = 0.31) and metastasis-free survival (79% vs 70%, HR 0.71, 95% CI [0.30, 1.70], p = 0.44). Expectedly, the younger cohort had a significant deviation in overall survival compared to the geriatric cohort at 1-year (89% vs 76%) and 3-years (72% vs 41%; HR 3.29, 95% CI [1.88, 5.78], p < 0.01). The 30-day major (1% vs 0) and minor complications (8% vs 14%, p = 0.87). Limitations include retrospective study design of a high-volume, single-surgeon experience. Compared to younger patients with UTUC, geriatric patients undergoing RARNU have similar oncologic outcomes at intermediate-term follow-up with no increased risk of 30-day perioperative complications. Thus, age alone should not be used to disqualify patients from definitive surgical management of UTUC with RARNU.

Robotic distal ureterectomy for high-risk distal ureteral urothelial carcinoma: a retrospective multicenter comparative analysis (ROBUUST 2.0 collaborative group).

BACKGROUND: The role of kidney-sparing surgery in patients with high-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is controversial. The present study aimed to assess oncological and functional outcomes of robot-assisted distal ureterectomy in patients with high-risk distal ureteral tumors. METHODS: The ROBUUST 2.0 multicenter international (2015-2022) dataset was used for this retrospective cohort analysis. High-risk patients with distal ureteral tumors were divided based on type of surgery: robot-assisted distal ureterectomy or robot-assisted nephroureterectomy. A survival analysis was performed for local recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival. After adjusting for clinical features of the high-risk prognostic group, Cox proportional hazard model was plotted to evaluate significant predictors of time-to-event outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 477 patients were retrieved, of which 58 received robot-assisted distal ureterectomy and 419 robot-assisted nephroureterectomy, respectively, with a mean (±SD) follow-up of 29.6 months (±2.6). The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline features. At survival analysis, no significant difference was observed in terms of recurrence-free survival (P=0.6), metastasis-free survival (P=0.5) and overall survival (P=0.7) between robot-assisted distal ureterectomy and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy. At Cox regression analysis, type of surgery was never a significant predictor of worse oncological outcomes. At last follow-up patients undergoing robot-assisted distal ureterectomy had significantly better postoperative renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Comparable outcomes in terms of recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival between robot-assisted distal ureterectomy and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy patients, and better postoperative renal function preservation in the former group were observed. Kidney-sparing surgery should be considered as a potential option for selected patients with high-risk distal ureteral UTUC.

Violation of onco-surgical principles is associated with survival outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinomas after radical nephroureterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Disease recurrence, particularly intravesical recurrence (IVR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), is common. We investigated whether violations of onco-surgical principles before or during RNU, collectively referred to as surgical violation (SV), were associated with survival outcomes.  Material and methods: Data from a consecutive series of patients who underwent RNU for UTUC 2001-2012 at Skåne University Hospital Lund/Malmö were collected. Preoperative insertion of a nephrostomy tube, opening the urinary tract during surgery or refraining from excising the distal ureter were considered as SVs. Survival outcomes in patients with and without SV (IVR-free [IVRFS], disease-specific [DSS] and overall survival [OS]) were assessed using multivariate Cox regression analyses (adjusted for tumour stage group, prior or concomitant bladder cancer, comorbidity and preoperative urinary cytology). RESULTS: Of 150 patients, 47 (31%) were subjected to at least one SV. Overall, SV was not associated with IVRFS (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.4-1.6) but with worse DSS (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.03-3.7) and OS (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3) in multivariable analysis. Additional analyses with a broader definition of SV including also preoperative instrumentation of the upper urinary tract (ureteroscopy and/or double J stenting) showed similar outcomes for DSS (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.3). CONCLUSION: Worse survival outcomes, despite no difference in IVR, for patients that were subjected to the violation of sound onco-surgical principles before or during RNU for UTUC strengthen the notion that adhering to such principles is a cornerstone in upper tract urothelial cancer surgery.

Totally retroperitoneal approach for robot-assisted nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff without repositioning.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU) for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is typically performed via the transperitoneal approach because of limited surgical space. However, a retroperitoneal approach may be preferable in patients with a history of abdominal surgery or in those in whom pelvic lymph node dissection is unnecessary. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUES: RANU via the retroperitoneal approach was selected for two patients diagnosed with high-grade upper urothelial carcinoma with a history of abdominal surgery. Nephrectomy was performed in the 90° flank position, and the bed was tilted at 20°. The retroperitoneal space was extended, and the robot trocar was subsequently repositioned in the left lower quadrant. After redocking the robot, the distal ureter was dissected, and the bladder cuff was resected en bloc along with the kidney and the ureter. Neither patient had any complications within 3 months postoperatively. DISCUSSION: By devising a new technique for trocar placement, total retroperitoneal RANU without repositioning was possible, even in a small patient.

Efficacy of BCG for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer following nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravesical (IVe) Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) recurrences in patients who have previously undergone nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: We performed a single institution retrospective review of patients who underwent nephroureterectomy for UTUC from 2009 to 2021. Patients who subsequently developed NMIBC treated with transurethral resection followed by IVe BCG were included in the study group. A control cohort was formed by retrospective review of patents with primary NMIBC treated with BCG during the same period. Patients in the control cohort were matched by stage of bladder cancer at a 2:1 ratio of control to study subjects. Demographic data, pathology of bladder tumors prior to and following BCG, use of maintenance BCG (mBCG), time to recurrence, time to progression, progression to cystectomy, and progression to metastatic disease were collected on all patients. Descriptive statistics were utilized to compare the 2 groups. The primary outcome was progression to muscle invasive disease. Secondary outcomes included intravesical recurrence free survival, disease free survival, and progression to metastatic disease. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to elucidate independent variables associated with bladder tumor recurrence. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to assess the impact of prior UTUC on time to bladder tumor recurrence. RESULTS: One-hundred and ninety-one patients underwent nephroureterectomy at our institution from 2009 to 2021 for UTUC. Twenty-five patients were identified to have subsequently developed NMIBC recurrences treated with inductions BCG. The control group was comprised of 50 patients with primary NMIBC matched by stage of bladder cancer for which BCG was indicated in the study group. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up was significantly longer in the control group relative to the study group (64.8 [50.1-85.6] vs 25 months [17-35]; P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in demographics between the study and control groups. The rate of progression to muscle invasive disease was 17% vs 0% in the study group and control group respectively (P = 0.0521). History of UTUC was associated with increased risk of intravesical bladder tumor recurrence post BCG on multivariable analysis (HR 2.5; P = 0.017) and Kaplan Meier survival analysis (P = 0.039). The mean time to bladder tumor recurrence after treatment with BCG was significantly worse in the study group at (7.9 vs. 23.9 months; P = 0.0322). Similarly, the rate of progression to metastatic disease was worse in the study group (24% vs 2%; P = 0.0047). Overall disease-free survival was also noted to be significantly worse on Kaplan Meier survival analysis in the study group (P = 0.0074). No statistically significant differences in the stage grade of bladder tumor recurrence, grade of bladder tumor recurrence, or rate of progression to cystectomy were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests reduced efficacy of BCG for NMIBC in patients with a history of UTUC. Patients in this population should be counseled accordingly. Research into alternative treatments for bladder tumor recurrence and more aggressive prophylactic regimens after nephroureterectomy for prevention of bladder tumor recurrence in this population is encouraged.

Endoscopic intervention versus radical nephroureterectomy for the management of localized upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

OBJECTIVE: Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is an uncommon cancer typically detected at an advanced stage. Currently, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision is the standard treatment for high-risk UTUC. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival and bladder recurrence rates in studies comparing endoscopic kidney-sparing surgeries (E-KSS) with RNU in localized UTUC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a literature search on 20th April 2023 through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The PICOS model was used for study inclusion: P: adult patients with localized UTUC; I: E-KSS. C: RNU; O: primary: overall survival (OS); secondary: cancer-specific survival (CSS), bladder recurrence rate, and metastasis-free survival (MFS). S: retrospective, prospective, and randomized studies. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 11 studies involving 2284 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis, 737 in the E-KSS group and 1547 in the RNU group. E-KSS showed a similar overall 5-year OS between E-KSS and RNU, and for low-grade tumors, while 5-year OS favored RNU for high-grade tumors (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.69, p = 0.002). No difference emerged for 5-year CSS between the two groups, even when the results were stratified for low- and high grade tumors. Bladder recurrence rate and 5-year MFS were also similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our review showed that E-KSS is a viable option for patients with localized UTUC with non-inferior oncological outcomes as compared with RNU, except for 5-year OS in high-grade tumors which favoured RNU.

Early experience and future prospects regarding use of newly developed surgical robot system, hinotori, in the field of urologic cancer surgery.

In the field of urology, robotic surgery has gained rapid and wide acceptance as a standard surgical approach in the majority of major surgeries over the last decade. To date, the da Vinci surgical system has been the dominant platform in robotic surgery; however, several newly developed robotic systems have recently been introduced in routine clinical practice. Of these, hinotori, the first made-in-Japan robotic system, is characterized by various unique and attractive features different from the existing system, and the use of this system has gradually increased mainly in urologic cancer surgeries, including radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, and radical nephroureterectomy. This review initially describes detailed characteristics of hinotori, then summarizes the early experience with urologic cancer surgeries using hinotori at our institution, and finally discusses the future prospects of robotic surgery using hinotori, considering problems associated with the use of this robotic system.

Open versus minimally invasive nephroureterectomy in octogenarians: An analysis of surgical approach trends, outcomes, and survival analysis with propensity matching.

INTRODUCTION: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease accounting only for 5%-10% of urothelial carcinoma (UC). For localized high-risk disease, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is the standard of care. While minimally invasive (MIS) RNU has not been shown to decisively improve overall survival (OS) compared to open surgery, MIS RNU has been associated with reduced hospital length of stay (LOS), blood transfusion requirements and improved recovery, which are important considerations when treating older patients. The purpose of this study is to examine trends in surgical approach selection and outcomes of open vs. MIS RNU in patients aged ≥80 years. METHODS: Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), patients aged ≥80 years who underwent open or MIS (either robotic or laparoscopic) RNU were identified from 2010 to 2019. Demographic, patient-related, and disease-specific factors associated with either open or MIS RNU were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox-proportional hazard regression. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was utilized to adjust for confounding variables. Survival analysis was also conducted on the IPTW adjusted cohort using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox-proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: 5,687 patients were identified, with 1,431 (25.2%) and 4,256 (74.8%) patients undergoing open and MIS RNU respectively. The proportion of RNU performed robotically has increased from 12.5% in 2010 to 50.4% in 2019. MIS was associated with a shorter hospital LOS (4.7 days versus 5.9 days, SMD 23.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed that MIS was associated with a significant reduction in 90-day mortality (OR: 0.571; 95%CI: 0.34-0.96, P = 0.033) and improved median OS (53.8 months [95%CI: 50.9-56.9] vs 42.35 months [95%CI: 38.6-46.8], P < 0.001) compared to open surgery. IPTW-adjusted survival analysis revealed improved median OS with MIS when compared to open surgery, with a survival benefit of 46.1 months (95%CI: 40.2-52.4 months) versus 37.7 months (95%CI: 32.6-46.5 months, P = 0.0034) respectively. IPTW-adjusted cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that MIS was significantly associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66-0.87, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In octogenarians undergoing RNU, MIS is associated with improved median OS and 90-day mortality.

Serum α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase as a biomarker for predicting survival outcomes in patients with UTUC after radical nephroureterectomy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the prognostic value of α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled the data of 544 UTUC patients at West China Hospital from May 2003 to June 2019. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was the endpoint of interest. The optimal cutoff value of α-HBDH was identified by X-Tile program. After propensity score matching (PSM), we utilized Kaplan‒Meier curves to estimate survival and Cox proportional hazard model for risk assessment. A nomogram was built based on the results of multivariate analysis, and calibration curve, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis were also performed to evaluate the predictive accuracy. RESULTS: Overall, 394 and 150 patients were divided into the α-HBDH-low group and α-HBDH -high group at the cutoff value of 158 U/L, respectively. After PSM, the two groups were well matched for all confounding factors. High α-HBDH was associated with inferior CSS (P = 0.006), and preoperative α-HBDH was an independent predictor for CSS (HR: 1.36; 95% CI:1.08, 1.80), especially in localized UTUC patients (HR: 2.04; 95% CI:1.11, 3.74). Furthermore, the nomogram based on α-HBDH achieved great predictive ability for CSS with areas under the curves of 0.800 and 0.778 for 3-year and 5-year CSS, respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum α-HBDH was a novel and reliable biomarker for predicting survival outcomes in UTUC patients after RNU but should be further explored.

Oncologic surveillance intensity after endoscopic treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The optimal oncologic surveillance in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) elected for conservative treatment is still a matter of debate. METHODS: Patients elected for endoscopic treatment of UTUC were followed up according to EAU guidelines recommendations after treatment. Bladder cancer recurrence-free survival (BCa-RFS), UTUC recurrence-free survival (UTUC-RFS), radical nephroureterectomy-free survival (RNU-FS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The crude risks of BCa and UTUC recurrences over time were estimated with the Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing method. RESULTS: Overall, 54 and 55 patients had low- and high-risk diseases, respectively. Median follow-up was 46.9 (IQR: 28.7-68.7) and 36.9 (IQR: 19.8-60.1) months in low and high-risk patients, respectively. In low-risk patients, BCa recurrence risk was more than 20% at 24 months follow-up. At 60 months, time point after which cystoscopy and imaging should be interrupted, the risk of BCa recurrence and UTUC recurrence were 14% and 7%, respectively. In high-risk patients, the risk of BCa and UTUC recurrence at 36 months was approximately 40% and 10%, respectively. Conversely, at 60 months, the risk of bladder recurrence and UTUC recurrence was 28% and 8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For low-risk patients, cystoscopy should be performed semi-annually until 24 months, while upper tract assessment should be obtained up to 60 months, as per current EAU guidelines recommendations. For high-risk patients, upper tract assessment should be intensified to semi-annually up to 36 months, then obtained yearly. Conversely, cystoscopy should be ideally performed semi-annually until 60 months and yearly thereafter.

Testing the external validity of the POUT III trial (adjuvant platnium-based chemotherapy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma) in a North American cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The European POUT III randomized controlled trial provided level-one evidence that adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard of care following nephroureterectomy (RNU) for locally invasive or node-positive upper tract urothelial carcinoma. We aim to assess this European randomized controlled trial's generalizability (external validity) to a North American cohort, using a nationwide database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To compare trial patients with those seen in real-world practice, we simulated the trial inclusion criteria using data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). We identified patients with histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma who underwent RNU. The available demographic characteristics of the NCDB cohort were compared with the POUT III trial cohort using Chi-squared test. RESULTS: The NCDB cohort (n = 3,380) had a significantly higher proportion of older patients (age ≥ 80: 23.5% vs. 5%), and more males (68% vs. 56.2%) than the POUT cohort (Table 1, both p < 0.001). Additionally, the rate of advanced nodal disease was higher in the NCDB (N1 9.6%, N2 9.3%) than in the POUT (N1 6%, N2 3%) cohort (p < 0.001). A more extensive lymph node dissection was performed in NCDB vs. POUT patients (node≥10 10.9% vs. 3%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis removing all subjects with a Charlson Comorbidity Index > 0 did not change the significance of any results. CONCLUSIONS: While the primary disease stage was similar, the rate of advanced nodal disease was significantly higher in NCDB, which might be explained partially by the more extensive lymph node dissection performed in the latter. These differences warrant caution when applying the POUT III findings to North American patients.

Robotic Assisted En-Bloc Removal of Kidney, Ureter and Bladder Wall for Endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To highlight a case where a nephroureterectomy and partial bladder cystectomy needed to be done due to endometriosis. DESIGN: A video article demonstrating a case study and the surgical management. SETTING: Ureteral endometriosis is a complex form of endometriosis [1]. If left untreated, the ureter can become significantly compressed leading to hydroureter, hydronephrosis and complete loss of kidney function [2]. INTERVENTIONS: This is a case of a 29-year-old patient with pelvic pain and cyclical rectal bleeding. Further investigation showed significant left hydronephrosis and almost complete loss of left kidney function (8% on renogram). MRI revealed endometriosis involving the posterior bladder wall and distal left ureter, a large full-thickness sigmoid nodule and a large left endometrioma. The patient underwent a robotic-assisted left nephroureterectomy, partial cystectomy (bladder), excision of pelvic endometriosis and sigmoid resection. This procedure was performed jointly with the gynecologist, urologist, and colorectal surgeon and the SOSURE technique was employed [3]. The specimen (left kidney, whole length of ureter and bladder wall around ureteric orifice) was removed en-bloc through a small 3cm extension of the umbilical incision. As the distance between the sigmoid nodule and the anal verge was 35cm, which was above the limit of the transanal circular stapler, a limited resection was performed over a discoid excision. The patient made a good recovery postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Ureteral endometriosis is an indolent and aggressive condition which can lead to silent kidney loss. It is essential that hydronephrosis and hydroureter is ruled out in cases with deep endometriosis. Isolated hydronephrosis should also prompt a suspicion for endometriosis.

Improved Disease-Free Survival With Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer: Final Results of the POUT Trial.

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.POUT was a phase III, randomized, open-label trial, including 261 patients with muscle-invasive or lymph node-positive, nonmetastatic upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) randomly assigned after radical nephroureterectomy to platinum-based chemotherapy (132) or surveillance (129). Primary outcome analysis demonstrated that chemotherapy improved disease-free survival (DFS). At that time, the planned secondary outcome analysis of overall survival (OS) was immature. By February 2022, 50 and 67 DFS events had occurred in the chemotherapy and surveillance groups, respectively, at a median follow-up of 65 months. The 5-year DFS was 62% versus 45%, univariable hazard ratio (HR), 0.55 (95% CI, 0.38 to 0.80, P = .001). The restricted mean survival time (RMST) was 18 months longer (95% CI, 6 to 30) in the chemotherapy arm. There were 46 and 60 deaths in the chemotherapy and control arms, respectively. The 5-year OS was 66% versus 57%, with univariable HR, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.46 to 1.00, P = .049) and RMST difference 11 months (95% CI, 1 to 21). Treatment effects were consistent across chemotherapy regimens (carboplatin or cisplatin) and disease stage. Toxicities were similar to those previously reported, and there were no clinically relevant differences in quality of life between arms. In summary, although OS was not the primary outcome measure, the updated results add further support for the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with UTUC, suggesting long-term benefits.

Preoperative C-reactive protein to albumin ratio as a novel prognostic biomarker for the oncological outcomes of radical nephroureterectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of the preoperative C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) on progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from a single-center nephroureterectomy registry between January 2011 and December 2017. Participants were categorized into high and low CAR groups based on the optimal CAR cut-off value determined using the Youden index. The primary endpoint was PFS, the time from RNU to metastasis or disease recurrence. The secondary endpoint was CSS, the time from RNU to UTUC-related death. Median PFS and CSS were compared between the high and low CAR groups using Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to assess the prognostic significance of CAR, adjusting for known prognostic factors. RESULTS: We included 491 patients with UTUC in the analysis. The optimal CAR cut-off value was determined to be 0.036, which resulted in classifying 49.3% (242/491) of patients into the high CAR group. The high CAR group had older patients (69.8 vs. 67.4, p-value = 0.01), advanced T and N stages (p-value<0.001), high-grade tumor (p-value = 0.03), and a higher incidence of preoperative hydronephrosis (p-value < 0.01) than the low CAR group. The high CAR group demonstrated significantly inferior median PFS (78.3 vs. 100.3 months, p-value < 0.01) and CSS (73.2 vs. 96.1 months, p-value < 0.01) than the low CAR group. Moreover, high CAR independently increased the risk of disease progression (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-2.64, p < 0.01) and UTUC-related mortality (HR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.15, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative CAR is independently associated with poor PFS and CSS in patients with UTUC undergoing RNU. Moreover, CAR may be an independent UTUC prognostic factor, offering a cost-effective and minimally invasive marker. However, further validation through large-scale, multi-center studies is necessary to confirm these findings and determine the optimal CAR cut-off value.

The Prognostic Value of Preoperative Naples Prognostic Score in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Patients after Radical Nephroureterectomy.

This study aims to determine the prognostic value of preoperative Naples prognostic score (NPS) on survival outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). We conducted a retrospective study about UTUC patients at West China Hospital from January 2015 to June 2019. The X-Tile program was used to identify the optimal cutoff value of NPS. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were the endpoints of interest. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival and Cox proportional hazard model was used for risk assessment. A total of 237 UTUC patients after RNU were identified and the threshold of NPS was determined to be 2. Preoperative high-NPS was associated with inferior OS (p = 0.004), CSS (p = 0.002) and PFS (p = 0.008), especially in locally advanced UTUC patients. Preoperative NPS was an independent predictor for OS (HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.93), CSS (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.14) and PFS (HR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.50). The addition of NPS into the predictive model consisting of predictors from multivariate Cox regression resulted in better prediction performance. Preoperative NPS was a novel and reliable predictor for survival in UTUC patients after RNU, and should be further explored.

Prognostic significance of subclassifying pathological T3 upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Results from a multicenter cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The population with pathological T3 (pT3) upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is heterogeneous, thereby making prognostication challenging. We assessed the clinical ramifications of subclassifying pT3 UTUC after nephroureterectomy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis including 308 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy for pT3N0-1M0 UTUC. pT3 was subclassified into pT3a and pT3b based on invasion of the peripelvic and/or periureteral fat. Cox's proportional hazard models were utilized to determine the significant prognosticators of oncological outcomes, encompassing intravesical recurrence-free survival, recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis elucidated that pT3b status, pathological N1 status, and lymphovascular invasion status were independent risk factors for an unfavorable RFS and CSS. Although the RFS and CSS of patients with pT3b UTUC were superior to those in patients with pT4 UTUC, no significant disparities were detected between patients with pT3a and pT2. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that pT3 UTUC with peripelvic/periureteral fat invasion is independently associated with metastasis and cancer-specific death after nephroureterectomy. These findings provide patients and physicians with invaluable insight into the risk for disease progression in pT3 UTUC patients.

Real-world outcomes of adjuvant immunotherapy candidates with upper tract urothelial carcinoma: results of a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical trials have reported improved disease-free survival rates of patients with stage pT3-4/ypT2-4 or pN + upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) on adjuvant nivolumab therapy. However, the appropriateness of the patient selection criteria used in clinical practice remains uncertain. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 895 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy to treat UTUC. The patients were divided into two groups: grade pT3-4 and/or pN + without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) or grade ypT2-4 and/or ypN + on NAC (adjuvant immunotherapy candidates) and others (not candidates for adjuvant immunotherapy). Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to assess the oncological outcomes, including recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify significant prognostic factors for oncological outcomes. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier curves revealed notably inferior RFS, CSS, and OS of patients who were candidates for adjuvant immunotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that pathological T and N grade and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status were independent risk factors for poor RFS, CSS, and OS. CONCLUSION: In total, 44.8% of patients were candidates for adjuvant immunotherapy. In addition to pathological T and N status, LVI was a significant predictor of survival, and may thus play a pivotal role in the selection of patients eligible for adjuvant immunotherapy.

Perioperative and oncological outcomes of distal ureter management during nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The best approach of the bladder cuff (i.e., transvesical, extravesical, endoscopic) during radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains an unsolved question. The aim of this review is to compare the oncological and perioperative outcomes among three different approaches of the distal ureter during RNU. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was conducted through June 2022 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The primary outcome was bladder recurrence-free survival and secondary outcomes included: perioperative outcomes, metastasis-free survival, and cancer-specific survival. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 19 non-randomized studies comprising 6581 patients met our inclusion criteria. The risk of bladder recurrence, metastasis and cancer-related death did not differ significantly between each approach (all P>0.05). In subgroup analysis excluding patients with history of bladder cancer, the risk of bladder recurrence remained similar between each approach (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications between each approach (all P>0.05). The main limitation is the retrospective design of 18/19 included studies. CONCLUSIONS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the lack of high-level evidence on distal ureter management during RNU. On the basis of the available data, the present review supports the equivalence of different techniques of bladder cuff excision during RNU. The extravesical approach seems non-inferior to the transvesical approach in terms of oncological and perioperative outcomes.

Nefroureterectomía radical asistida por robot para el carcinoma urotelial del tracto urinario superior: resultados peri y postoperatorios / Robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Peri and postoperative outcomes

Introducción La nefroureterectomía radical constituye el tratamiento de los tumores uroteliales del tracto urinario superior con alto riesgo de mortalidad específica. La nefroureterectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot (NURAR) todavía está siendo investigada para establecer de manera concluyente la seguridad del procedimiento en el tratamiento de los tumores uroteliales del tracto urinario superior. El objetivo principal es evaluar la seguridad intra y postoperatoria de la NURAR y, posteriormente, evaluar los resultados oncológicos a mediano plazo. Métodos Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo monocéntrico basado en una recopilación de NURAR realizadas entre el 1 de enero de 2015 y el 1 de octubre de 2021. Las NURAR se llevaron a cabo con la asistencia del robot Da Vinci Si® y, desde 2017, con el robot Da Vinci Xi®. Siempre que fue posible, la totalidad del procedimiento se llevó a cabo sin reacoplamiento (re-docking). Resultados Entre el 1 de enero de 2015 y el 1 de octubre de 2021, se realizaron 29 NURAR en nuestro centro. En el 80% de los casos se pudo realizar toda la cirugía sin reacoplamiento con el robot Da Vinci Xi®. Un paciente requirió conversión a cirugía abierta por dificultad en la disección. El 50% de los tumores se clasificaron como T3 o T4. La tasa de complicaciones a los 30 días fue del 31%. La duración media de la estancia hospitalaria fue de 5 días. La supervivencia libre de enfermedad en el tiempo medio de supervivencia (27,5 meses) fue del 75,2%. Un paciente tuvo una recidiva en el compartimento de la nefrectomía y ningún paciente tuvo recidiva peritoneal o en los orificios de los trocares. Conclusión La realización de NURAR para el tratamiento de los tumores del tracto urinario superior parece cumplir los criterios de seguridad quirúrgica y oncológica (AU)

Introduction The treatment of urothelial tumours of the upper urinary tract at high risk of specific mortality is based on radical nephroureterectomy. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RARNU) is still under investigation to definitively establish the safety of this procedure in the management of urothelial tumours of the upper urinary tract. The primary objective is to evaluate the intra- and postoperative safety of RARNU and, subsequently, to evaluate the medium-term oncological results. Methods Our study is a retrospective, mono-centric study with a collection of RARNUs conducted between 1st January 2015 and 1st October 2021. The RARNUs were performed with the assistance of the Da Vinci Si® robot, then from 2017 the Da Vinci Xi® robot. Whenever possible, the entire procedure was carried out without re-docking. Results Between 1st January 2015 and 1st October 2021, 29 RARNUs were carried out at our centre. Complete surgery without re-docking was possible in 80% of cases with the Da Vinci Xi® robot. One patient required conversion to open surgery due to difficult dissection. A percentage of 50 of tumours were classified as T3 or T4. The 30-day complication rate was 31%. The median length of hospitalisation was 5 days. The disease-free survival at the mean survival time (27.5 months) was of 75.2%. One patient had a recurrence in the nephrectomy compartment and no patient had a peritoneal or trocar orifice recurrence. Conclusion Performing RARNU for the management of tumours of the upper urinary tract appears to meet the criteria of surgical safety and those of oncological safety (AU)