Influence of Surgical Complications on Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: With the increasing use of marginal donors, it is important to identify factors for outcomes in kidney transplantation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of surgical complications for graft survival after kidney transplantation and identify risk factors for surgical complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study by chart review of patients who underwent kidney transplantation at the Taichung Veterans General Hospital in the period from 2007 to 2018. RESULTS: Of the 433 patients who underwent kidney transplantation, 57 experienced surgical complications with an occurrence rate of 13.2%. The most common complications were vascular complications (n=31; 7.2%), followed by urologic (n=9; 2%) and wound (n=9; 2%) complications. From univariate analyses, risk factors for surgical complications were cold ischemia time, blood loss, operation time, number of vascular anastomoses and year of operation. From univariate and multivariate analyses, operation time was associated to surgical complications. Patients with surgical complications experienced worse both one-year and five-year death-censored graft and patient survival. CONCLUSION: Surgical complications were associated with higher risk of death-censored graft failure and mortality. Cold ischemia time, blood loss, operation time, number of vascular anastomoses and year of operation were risk factors for surgical complications. Efforts should aim to minimize surgical complications to improve both graft and patient survival.

Prostate­specific antigen density and preoperative MRI findings as predictors of biochemical recurrence in high­risk and very high­risk prostate cancer.

Patients with high-risk prostate cancer after prostatectomy have a particularly high chance of being diagnosed with biochemical recurrence (BCR). Patients with BCR have a greater risk of disease progression and mortality. The present retrospective observational study aimed to clarify the risk factors for the BCR of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy in patients with high-risk and very high-risk prostate cancer. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer who received radical prostatectomy in a single center from January 2009 to June 2020 were included in the study. Data from medical records were reviewed and the patients were followed up for ≥6 years. The primary outcome was BCR within 1 year after surgery. A total of 307 patients were included, with 187 in the high-risk group and 120 in the very high-risk group as classified by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Patients in the very high-risk group had a lower BCR-free survival rate compared with those in the high-risk group, with a high risk of BCR even if their PSA levels were initially undetectable after prostatectomy, and a high risk of postoperatively detectable PSA. In patients with undetectable PSA after prostatectomy, BCR was associated with the initial PSA density, imaging stage (T3aN0M0 and T3bN0M0), and pathologic stage (any N1). Postoperatively detectable PSA was associated with pathologic stage (T3bN0M0 and any N1) In conclusion, preoperative MRI imaging stage and PSA density are predictors for short-term BCR after prostatectomy. NCCN-defined high-risk patients with a high initial PSA density, imaging stage (T3aN0M0 and T3bN0M0), and pathologic stage (any N1) had a higher risk of BCR when compared with other patients with undetectable PSA, while those with pathologic stage (T3bN0M0 or any N1) displayed a higher risk of postoperatively detectable PSA. These findings may help urologists to identify patients for whom active therapeutic protocols are necessary.

Intravoxel Incoherent Motion-Diffusion-Weighted MRI for Investigation of Delayed Graft Function Immediately after Kidney Transplantation.

Purpose: A non-invasive way of assessing post-transplant renal graft function has been needed. This study aimed to assess the micro-structural and micro-functional status of graft kidneys by using intravoxel incoherent motion- (IVIM-) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to investigate delayed graft function (DGF) immediately after transplantation. Method: A prospective study was conducted on 37 patients, 14 with early graft function (EGF) and 23 with DGF (9 with complication, 14 without) who underwent IVIM-DWI, most often within 1-7 days after kidney transplantation. A total of 37 cases were collected and all the participants have been well-informed and signed their consents. In addition, the study conducted in this paper was approved by the Ethics Committee of Clinical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital (IRB number: CE14065). Using biexponential analysis of slow diffusion coefficient (D slow), fast diffusion coefficient (D fast), and perfusion fraction was performed. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated by use of a monoexponential model. All parameters were measured from three different regions-of-interest (ROI), covering the entire renal parenchyma, cortex, and medulla. Results: D slow, perfusion fraction, and ADC were significantly higher in patients with EGF than DGF (all p values values <0.001). Especially, ADC measured from ROI covering the entire kidney parenchyma had the best cut-off value (1.93µm2/msec) with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC 0.943) in differentiating EGF from DGF. For analysis of pair-wise differences, only the perfusion fraction values, measured from the ROI covering the renal cortex, were significantly higher in 14 DGF patients with no complications than in the 9 DGF patients with complications, with the best cut-off value of 12.3% and the AUC of 0.844. Conclusion: Noninvasive IVIM-DWI reliably differentiates DGF from EGF after kidney transplantation, and it may aid in identifying posttransplant complications and indications for renal biopsy.

Significant predictors of contralateral upper tract recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the significant predictors of contralateral upper tract recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2015, 548 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical nephroureterectomy in a single institution were included in this retrospective cohort study. Several clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were explored. The crucial end-point was the diagnosis of contralateral upper tract recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy. RESULTS: Of the 548 patients, the median age was 68 years (range 24-93 years), and the median follow-up time after radical nephroureterectomy was 41 months (range 8-191 months). Contralateral upper tract recurrence occurred in 28 patients (5.1%). The median time period between radical nephroureterectomy and contralateral upper tract recurrence was 15.4 months (range 3.4-52.4 months). In the multivariate analysis, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio 3.08, P = 0.003) and tumor multifocality (hazard ratio 2.16, P = 0.043) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 and tumor multifocality are significant predictors of contralateral upper tract recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Tumor Multifocality is a Significant Risk Factor of Urinary Bladder Recurrence after Nephroureterectomy in Patients with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Single-Institutional Study.

The purpose of this study was to identify the significant risk factors of urinary bladder recurrence (UBR) after nephroureterectomy (NUx) in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). A total of 550 patients diagnosed with UTUC between January 2001 and December 2015 were included in this retrospective study. The median age of our patients was 68 (range 24-93) and the median follow-up time after NUx was 40.3 months (range 8-191). The most important censored point of this study was the first episode of UBR. Of the 550 patients, UBR occurred in 164 patients (29.8%). One hundred and forty-two (86.6%) patients with UBR were identified within two years after NUx for UTUC, with the median time interval between NUx and UBR being 8.4 months (range 3-59.8). Through univariate analysis, the positive surgical margin (p = 0.049) and tumor multifocality (p = 0.024) were both significant prognostic factors for UBR-free survival after NUx in patients with UTUC. However, only tumor multifocality (p = 0.037) remained a significant prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. In conclusion, tumor multifocality is a significant risk factor of UBR after nephroureterectomy in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Treatment of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection in renal transplant recipients - a single center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic active antibody-mediated rejection is a major etiology of graft loss in renal transplant recipients. However, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment strategies. METHODS: Computerized records from Taichung Veterans General Hospital were collected to identify renal transplant biopsies performed in the past 7 years with a diagnosis of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection. The patients were divided into two groups according to treatment strategy: Group 1 received aggressive treatment (double filtration plasmapheresis and one of the followings: rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, antithymogycte globulin, bortezomib, or methylprednisolone pulse therapy); and group 2 received supportive treatment. RESULTS: From February 2009 to December 2017, a total of 82 patients with biopsy-proven chronic antibody mediated rejection were identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis of death-censored graft survival showed a worse survival in group 2 (P = 0.015 by log-rank test). Adverse event-free survival was lower in group 1, whereas patient survival was not significantly different. Proteinuria and supportive treatment were independent risk factors for graft loss in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive treatment was associated with better graft outcome. However, higher incidence of adverse events merit personalized treatment, especially for those with higher risk of infection. Appropriate prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for patients undergoing aggressive treatment.

Renal volume matters: Assessing the association between excisional volume loss and renal function after partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the oncological and functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy for clinical stage T1 (cT1) renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and assess the association between excisional volume loss (EVL) and postoperative renal function. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 150 patients with cT1 RCC undergoing partial nephrectomy from 2002 to 2016. End-point evaluation was assessed by recurrence free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), stage III and stage IV chronic kidney disease (CKD). Regression models were used to determine the risk factors of CKD after surgery. The relationship between EVL and renal function decline was evaluated using Spearman correlation method. RESULTS: Ninety patients with clinical stage T1a (cT1a) tumors and 60 patients with clinical stage T1b (cT1b) tumors were included. There were no differences in RFS, OS, and risk of stage III and stage IV CKD between the two groups. In Cox regression models, multivariate analysis showed that preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was an independent risk factor for developing stage III (hazard ratio 0.937, P < 0.001) and stage IV CKD (hazard ratio 0.929, P = 0.027). EVL was significantly associated with postoperative eGFR decrease. (Correlation Coefficient = 0.325, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cT1a and cT1b RCC have comparable oncological and functional outcome after partial nephrectomy, and preoperative eGFR is an independent factor to predict developing CKD. EVL has influence on the postoperative renal function decline.

Abiraterone Acetate and Enzalutamide: Similar Efficacy in Treating Post Docetaxel Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Abiraterone (AA) and enzalutamide (ENZ) were introduced in Taiwan since 2012 for the treatment of patients with post-docetaxel metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This study aims to retrospectively compare the efficacy of the two regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 77 mCRPC patients previously treated with docetaxel and subsequently with AA (n=63, the AA group) or ENZ (n=13, the ENZ group), all treated in our hospital. Clinical parameters of the two groups were compared to determine differences between pre-treatment variables and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients received AA and 13 received ENZ, with a median 18.2 vs. 14.5 months follow-up (p=0.434). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response >50% was 31 (48.4%) in AA and 9 (69.2%) in ENZ (p=0.171), while PSA response >90% was 16 (25%) in AA and 5 (38.5%) in ENZ (p=0.32). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.3 (95%CI=4.796-9.804) months in AA and 9.5 months (95%CI=5.743-13.257) in ENZ (p of log rank=0.766). The median overall survival (OS) from second-line hormone treatment was 30.2 months in AA group and 16.2 months in ENZ group (p of log rank=0.734). Neither the uni- nor the multi-variate COX-regression analysis distinguished any advantage of the two-drug regimen in terms of PFS or OS. Metastasis volume (HR=3.032, 95%CI=1.281-7.178, p=0.012) and nadir PSA (HR=1.000, 95%CI=1.000-1.001, p=0.010) were shown as independent risk factors for the survival of AA/ENZ-treated patients. CONCLUSION: AA and ENZ had a similar efficacy in treating post-docetaxel mCRPC patients. Metastatic volume and nadir PSA were independent risk factors of these patients in predicting their disease-specific survival and overall survival.

Alteration in serum concentrations of FGF19, FGF21, and FGF23 in patients with urothelial carcinoma.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) 19, 21, and 23 have been reported as functional factors in human metabolic diseases and malignancies. We performed a prospective survey to compare circulating FGF levels in urothelial carcinoma (UC) patients and normal controls. Between 2016 and 2017, 39 patients with UC of the urinary bladder or upper urinary tract who received surgical intervention were included. All the serum samples were obtained before surgeries. The control group included 28 healthy volunteers. Analysis of the circulating FGF19, 21, and 23 levels among all 67 subjects, as well as a subgroup analysis of the 39 UC patients were performed. The median levels of serum FGF19, 21, and 23 in the UC patients were 84.2, 505.3, and 117.6 pg/mL, respectively, which were statistically different from levels found in the healthy controls (P = 0.015, <0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, the FGF19 and FGF21 levels were significantly higher in end-stage renal disease UC patients, while FGF21 was also higher in the UC patients with cardiovascular diseases and history of recurrent UC. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, FGF19, 21, and 23 were all significant predictors of UC [area under the curve (AUC)] 0.674, P = 0.015; AUC 0.918, P < 0.001; AUC 0.897, P < 0.001, respectively). In UC patients, serum FGF19 level was significantly lower, while FGF21 and 23 were significantly higher, than respective levels in healthy controls. All three markers may serve as good predictors of UC occurrence, and FGF21 level was associated with disease recurrence. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(1):62-68, 2019.

Effect of HMGB1 Polymorphisms on Urothelial Cell Carcinoma Susceptibility and Clinicopathological Characteristics.

The high mobility group box 1 gene (HMGB1) plays a prominent role in cancer progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This study explored the effect of HMGB1 polymorphisms on clinicopathological characteristics of urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). In total, 1293 participants (431 patients with UCC and 862 healthy controls) were recruited. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HMGB1 (rs1412125, rs1360485, rs1045411, and rs2249825) were assessed using TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. The results indicated that individuals carrying at least one T allele at rs1045411 had a lower risk of UCC than those with the wild-type allele [adjusted odds ratio = 0.722, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.565-0.924]. Furthermore, female patients with UCC carrying at least one T allele at rs1045411 were at a lower invasive tumor stage than those with the wild-type allele [odds ratio (OR) = 0.396, 95% CI = 0.169-0.929], similar to nonsmoking patients (OR = 0.607, 95% CI = 0.374-0.985). In conclusion, this is the first report on correlation between HMGB1 polymorphisms and UCC risk. Individuals carrying at least one T allele at rs1045411 are associated with a lower risk of UCC and a less invasive disease in women and nonsmokers.

The Impact of Local Intervention Combined with Targeted Therapy on Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We performed a retrospective survey on our metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC) patients who had received targeted therapies, and afterwards evaluated the clinical impacts of local interventions on the patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2016, 124 patients with MRCC who had received at least one line of tyrosine kinase inhibitors or mammalian target of rapamycin were included in the study. Seventy-five patients (60.5%) received targeted therapies only, twenty-six patients received complete resection and the remaining 23 received incomplete local interventions for their metastatic lesions. Analysis of the basic characteristics, overall survival and multi-variant regression amongst the three groups was performed. RESULTS: The age, gender distribution, tumor cell type, targeted therapy selection, line of therapies and sites of metastases were not different amongst the three groups. The targeted therapy-only group had a significantly higher percentage of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) poor-risk patients compared with the other two groups (22.7% vs. 3.8% and 0%, p=0.006 respectively). The targeted treatment duration and follow-up duration was significantly shorted in the targeted therapy-only group. Of the twelve variables analyzed, complete resection and MSKCC poor-risk group showed a significant impact on the overall survival rate (HR=0.5, 95%CI=0.25-0.98, p=0.045; HR=2.97, 95%CI=1.05-8.4, p=0.04 respectively). CONCLUSION: Complete resection of metastatic sites for MRCC patients, combined with targeted therapy, could provide better overall survival rates than targeted therapy alone. Poor MSKCC risk is still correlated to a poor outcome in the current targeted therapy era.

Outcome of Patients with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer After PSA Progression with Abiraterone Acetate.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression after abiraterone acetate (AA) treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2012 and 2017, 83 patients with clinically-confirmed mCRPC previously treated with docetaxel with/without cabazitaxel followed by AA were included in this retrospective study. All patients received 1,000 mg AA with 5 or 10 mg prednisolone. Among them, 59 were eligible for this study based on PSA progression during the clinical course. Patients were divided into two groups, AA responders and AA non-responders according to previous PSA response to AA treatment. Overall survival and treatment response to subsequent therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: The median overall survival of the 59 patients after AA-treated PSA progression was 12 (95% confidence interval(CI)=7.6-16.4) months and was longer in the AA-responding group compared to the non-responding group (25 vs. 8 months, p<0.001). The survival time after PSA progression on AA was longer in the AA-responsive group despite not being statistically different (13 vs. 7 months, p=0.126). Patients with AA treatment who received subsequent therapies after PSA progression had better overall survival than those without (18 vs. 4 months, p=0.003). In addition, there was a trend for better chemotherapy response in AA non-responders than AA responders, 62.5% (5/8) vs. 12.5% (1/8) respectively. CONCLUSION: In our small retrospective patient experience, effective sequential treatments for patients with mCRPC provided overall survival benefit. Previous treatment response can act as a clinical predictor for subsequent treatment.

A Modified Application of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Implantation: A Revolution from the Laparoscope- to the Nephroscope-Assisted Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: A laparoscope provides many advantages when establishing abdominal access for peritoneal dialysis (PD), particularly with direct observation and correction of the catheter's position. However, laparoscopic placement requires specialized equipment and usually requires using more than one working port, which may increase the potential for complications, including dialysis leakage. We modified the surgical technique by using a nephroscope, rather than a laparoscope. This study aimed to illustrate this modified technique step by step and compare the postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on a retrospective chart review of 397 consecutive patients who underwent either laparoscope- or nephroscope-assisted PD catheter insertion between September 2005 and December 2016 in our institute, as performed by a single surgeon. Data were collected and analyzed to compare the characteristics of the patients, including age and gender, along with surgical outcomes and complications between the two groups. RESULTS: Two-hundred fourteen patients underwent laparoscopy implantation, whereas 183 patients received the nephroscope-assisted method. More patients had previously undergone abdominal surgery in the nephroscopy group (29% vs 18.7%, p = 0.035) than those in the laparoscopy group. There was no significant difference in the 1-year catheter survival (82.5% vs 79.4%, p = 0.734) rate between the two groups. A total of five patients experienced dialysis leakage within the laparoscopy group, whereas none had dialysis leakage in the nephroscopy group. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical times were significantly shorter in the nephroscopy group. Although comparison of the complication rate between the two groups revealed no statistical significance, there were trends that showed there were less early surgical complications in the nephroscopy group.

Long-term outcome of robotic partial nephrectomy for renal angiomyolipoma.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To present the long-term result and efficacy of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) with perioperative outcome and renal function preservation. METHODS: From September 2006 to October 2014, the database of a single medical center was reviewed and patients who underwent RPN for AMLs were enrolled. The patient demographics, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 23 patients who were treated with RPN for renal AMLs. The average age was 52.7 (± 9.9) years, and 20 (87%) patients were female. The median size of the resected AML was 5.2 [interquartile range (IQR)=3.1-6.8] cm. The median estimated blood loss was 100 (IQR=50-225) mL, and three (13%) patients required blood transfusion. Perioperative complications occurred in six (26%) patients and none of them are higher than Clavien Grade II. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3-month and the latest follow-ups were 103 (IQR=85.5-112) mL/min/1.73m2 and 104 (IQR=90-112) mL/min/1.73m2, respectively, with a median of 89.6% (IQR=84.2-100) and 86.9% (IQR=81.3-97.8) preservation, respectively. The median follow-up period was 40 (IQR=30.5-61.5) months. None of the patients developed complications requiring a second intervention or local recurrence of AML. CONCLUSION: A long-term follow-up of RPN for renal AMLs revealed good preservation of renal function with a low complication rate. It may be considered as a reliable method to manage renal AMLs.

Effectiveness of Deferred Combined Androgen Blockade Therapy Predicts Efficacy in Abiraterone Acetate Treated Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients after Docetaxel.

Introduction: Conventional anti-androgen regimens were widely used as an initiation or combined androgen blockade (CAB) therapy in advanced prostate cancer patients. Currently, new androgen pathway inhibitors such as abiraterone acetate (AA) and enzalutamide had been proven effective in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. In this study, we attempt to analyze the role of conventional anti-androgen drugs as deferred CAB therapy in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. Materials and Methods: From 2012 to 2017, 48 metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients who received sequential treatments with primary androgen blockade, oral anti-androgen regimens, and docetaxel followed by AA treatment were included. We defined effective deferred CAB as any decline of PSA after add-on antiandrogen after CRPC. Patients were separated into effective and ineffective deferred CAB. Comparison between two groups in the first line androgen deprivation therapy duration, CRPC PSA level, pre-AA PSA level, chemotherapy dosages, duration, and patients progression free survival and overall survival after AA treatment were analyzed. Results: Twenty-three patients (47.9%) achieved PSA decline after deferred CAB. Among total 48 patients, 24 patients experienced PSA decline more than 50% after AA treatment. The median PSA progression-free survival and overall survival after AA treatment in the total cohort of 48 patients were 4.4 and 24.3 months, respectively. The effective deferred CAB group showed significantly lower PSA level, lower percentage of PSA progression, higher total follow-up duration, higher percentage of surviving patients, better progression free survival, and overall survival estimate after AA treatment. Of the eight variables analyzed, effectiveness in deferred CAB showed positive association to progression free survival (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.67, p = 0.004) and overall survival (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07-0.81, p = 0.022). First line androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) duration also showed positive association to overall survival (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99, p = 0.023). Conclusions: Effectiveness of deferred CAB therapy was positively associated with progression free survival and overall survival of AA treatment after docetaxel. It can be used as a pre-treatment predictor.

Ectopic Thyroid Tissue in the Adrenal Gland Mimicking a Pheochromocytoma.

Ectopic thyroid tissue in the adrenal gland (ETTAG) usually presents as a well-circumscribed cystic mass on a CT scan. However, the MRI features of ETTAG are incompletely understood. We report a case of ectopic thyroid tissue in the adrenal gland, which demonstrates findings similar to those of a pheochromocytoma on the MRI.

Comparison of Efficacy of Adjuvant MEC (Methotrexate, Epirubicin and Cisplatin) and GC (Gemcitabine and Cisplatin) in Advanced Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate, epirubicin and cisplatin (MEC) or gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) as adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced upper tract urothelium carcinoma (UTUC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2002 January to 2008 December, a total of 70 patients with advanced UTUC received radical nephroureterctomy at our Institute with MEC and GC as adjuvant chemotherapy. Disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) among the two groups were evaluated. RESULTS: The MEC (n=30) and GC group (n=40) were compared and showed no significant differences in DFS (p=0.859), CSS (p=0.722) and OS (p=0.691). Positive lymph nodes, preoperative creatinine >1.5, old age, a high ECOG state and low BMI are all the independent risk factors of poor prognosis in advanced UTUC. CONCLUSION: In patients with UTUC, MEC has a non-inferior efficacy to GC in consideration of cancer recurrence, cancer-specific survival and overall survival.

Ureteroscopy-Assisted Laparoscopic Segmental Resection of Ureteral Stricture with a Modified Flank Position: Clinical Experience.

PURPOSE: To share the surgical technique that possesses the advantage of a perioperative ureteroscope without position change, which allows for a laparoscopic segmental resection of the ureteral stricture to be performed more precisely. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2006 January and 2015 December, 10 patients with a ureteral stricture received a laparoscopic segmental resection and ureteroureterostomy in our clinical institute. The etiology included stone, endometriosis, crossing vessel, and idiopathic benign ureteral polyp. With the advance of bilateral lower extremities extended and abducted, 1 assistant used a ureteroscope as a direct guide to the precise location of the stricture affected ureter. Thus, the surgeon was able to perform a more specific resection without an unnecessary excision, which may have compromised the blood supply or increased the tension at anastomosis. RESULTS: Five patients received the traditional transperitoneal laparoscopic approach, whereas the other 5 patients received a ureteroscopy-assisted laparoscopic segmental resection and ureteroureterostomy. The operating time appears to be no different between the two groups (124 minutes versus 142 minutes, P = .351), and, thus, no additional time is consumed for the ureteroscope procedure. After at least 1 year of follow-up, only 1 patient in the traditional laparoscopic group suffered from recurrence. One patient had a right ureteral stricture due to stone impaction, where with the advantage of a ureteroscope guide without change position, the operator was able to make a limited excision at the affected location. No complications related to the decubitus and bilateral leg in the extended position were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroscopy-assisted laparoscopic segmental resection of the ureter without a change in position is a feasible and safe procedure when dealing with a refractory ureter stricture. Although it is convenient, the surgeon should be aware of possible pressure sores at the dependent part.

First Line Androgen Deprivation Therapy Duration Is Associated with the Efficacy of Abiraterone Acetate Treated Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer after Docetaxel.

Introduction: We performed a chart review study in our castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients who received Abiraterone acetate (AA) treatment after docetaxel and identified clinical markers which can predict treatment outcome. Materials and Methods: From 2012 to 2016, 64 patients who received docetaxel after CRPC followed by AA treatment were included. Clinical parameters were recorded and analysis was performed to identify associations between pre-treatment variables and treatment outcome. Results: Thirty three patients (51.6%) achieved a decrease in PSA of 50%. The median PSA progression-free survival and overall survival in the total cohort of 64 patients were 6.6 and 24 months, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) in all grades developed in 35.9% (23/64) patients and mostly were grade 1 or 2. The most common AEs were gastric upset, hypokalemia and elevated liver function tests. Of the eight variables analyzed, first line androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) duration showed positive association to progression free survival (HR 0.98, 95% CI [0.96-0.99], p = 0.012) and overall survival (HR 0.97, 95% CI [0.94-0.99], p = 0.019). Pre-AA PSA and PSA progression ratio showed negative association only to progression free survival (HR 1.0, 95% CI [1.000-1.002], p = 0.025, HR 1.01, 95% CI [1.00-1.01], p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: First line ADT duration was positively associated with AA treatment efficacy in progression free survival and overall survival. It can be used as a pre-treatment predictor.

Escin induces apoptosis in human renal cancer cells through G2/M arrest and reactive oxygen species-modulated mitochondrial pathways.

Escin, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, exhibits antitumor effects on various types of human cancer cells, but its effect on human renal cancer cells has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrated that escin elicits cytotoxic effects on human renal cancer cells (786-O and Caki-1) in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by MTT assay. Escin induced G2/M arrest, and then increased the sub-G1 population, Annexin V binding, activation of caspase-9/-3, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Bax protein. Escin also decreased the anti-apoptotic protein levels of Bcl-2, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and survivin. In addition, escin induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction and inducing apoptosis in 786-O renal cancer cells, which were suppressed by antioxidants, such as NAC. Collectively, our results suggest that escin induces apoptosis via the intrinsic-mitochondrial apoptosis pathway through G2/M arrest and ROS generation in human renal cancer cells. Escin appears to have potential as a clinically useful chemotherapeutic agent for human renal cancer.