Integrating the PD-L1 Prognostic Biomarker in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in Clinical Practice-A Comprehensive Review on State-of-the-Art Advances and Critical Issues.

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), comprising the majority of initial BC presentations, requires accurate risk stratification for optimal management. This review explores the evolving role of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) as a prognostic biomarker in NMIBC, with a particular focus on its implications in the context of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy. The literature suggests a potential association between elevated PD-L1 status and adverse outcomes, resistance to BCG treatment, and disease progression. However, conflicting findings and methodological issues highlight the heterogeneity of PD-L1 assessment in NMIBC, probably due to the complex biological mechanisms that regulate the interaction between PD-L1 and the tumor microenvironment. The identification of PD-L1 as a prognostic biomarker provides ground for tailored therapeutic interventions, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nevertheless, challenges such as intratumoral heterogeneity and technical issues underscore the need for standardized protocols and larger, homogeneous trials. This review contributes to the ongoing debate on the personalized management of NMIBC patients, focusing on the advances and perspectives of incorporating PD-L1 as a biomarker in this setting.

Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms with concomitant CALR mutation and BCR::ABL1 translocation: diagnostic and therapeutic implications of a rare hybrid disease.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are subdivided into Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Ph-negative MPNs. BCR::ABL1 translocation is essential for the development and diagnosis of CML; on the other hand, the majority of Ph-negative MPNs are characterized by generally mutually exclusive mutations of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), calreticulin (CALR), or thrombopoietin receptor/myeloproliferative leukemia (MPL). CALR mutations have been described essentially in JAK2 and MPL wild-type essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. Rarely coexisting CALR and MPL mutations have been found in Ph-negative MPNs. BCR::ABL1 translocation and JAK2 mutations were initially considered mutually exclusive genomic events, but a discrete number of cases with the combination of these genetic alterations have been reported. The presence of BCR::ABL1 translocation with a coexisting CALR mutation is even more uncommon. Herein, starting from a routinely diagnosed case of CALR-mutated primary myelofibrosis subsequently acquiring BCR::ABL1 translocation, we performed a comprehensive review of the literature, discussing the clinicopathologic and molecular features, as well as the outcome and treatment of cases with BCR::ABL1 and CALR co-occurrence.

HELLS regulates transcription in T-cell lymphomas by reducing unscheduled R-loops and by facilitating RNAPII progression.

Chromatin modifiers are emerging as major determinants of many types of cancers, including Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas (ALCL), a family of highly heterogeneous T-cell lymphomas for which therapeutic options are still limited. HELLS is a multifunctional chromatin remodeling protein that affects genomic instability by participating in the DNA damage response. Although the transcriptional function of HELLS has been suggested, no clues on how HELLS controls transcription are currently available. In this study, by integrating different multi-omics and functional approaches, we characterized the transcriptional landscape of HELLS in ALCL. We explored the clinical impact of its transcriptional program in a large cohort of 44 patients with ALCL. We demonstrated that HELLS, loaded at the level of intronic regions of target promoters, facilitates RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) progression along the gene bodies by reducing the persistence of co-transcriptional R-loops and promoting DNA damage resolution. Importantly, selective knockdown of HELLS sensitizes ALCL cells to different chemotherapeutic agents, showing a synergistic effect. Collectively, our work unveils the role of HELLS in acting as a gatekeeper of ALCL genome stability providing a rationale for drug design.

Prognostic Value of P63 Expression in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer and Association with Molecular Subtypes-Preliminary Report.

There is an ongoing need for biomarkers that could reliably predict the outcome of BC and that could guide the management of this disease. In this setting, we aimed to explore the prognostic value of the transcription factor P63 in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) having undergone radical cystectomy. The correlation between P63 expression and clinicopathological features (tumor stage, nodes involvement, patterns of muscularis propria invasion, papillary architecture, anaplasia, concomitant carcinoma in situ, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, necrosis) and molecular subtyping (basal and luminal type tumors) was tested in 65 radical cystectomy specimens and matched with cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). P63-negative tumors displayed significantly higher rates of pattern 2 of muscularis propria invasion (50% vs. 14%, p = 0.002) and variant histology (45% vs. 19%, p = 0.022) compared to P63-positive ones. According to the combined expression of CK5/6 and CK20 (Algorithm #1), P63-positive and P63-negative tumors were mostly basal-like and double-negative, respectively (p = 0.004). Using Algorithm #2, based on the combined expression of CK5/6 and GATA3, the vast majority of tumors were luminal overall and in each group (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in CSS and OS between P63-positive and P63-negative tumors, but the former featured a trend towards longer OS. Though associated with pathological features harboring negative prognostic potential, P63 status as such failed to predict CSS and OS. That said, it may contribute to better molecular subtyping of MIBC.

Initial management approach for localized/locally advanced disease is critical to guide metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer care.

BACKGROUND: Currently, several therapies are available for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) but no specific clinical factors to personalize treatment. We first sought the prognostic value of duration on androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC) in patients receiving androgen-receptor-signaling inhibitors (ARSI) for mCRPC. METHODS: A multicenter cohort of mCRPC patients who started ARSI between July 2011 and October 2021 was identified. Based on their initial disease burden and duration on ADT for HSPC, primary progressive (PP) men were classified into four groups: low/intermediate-risk localized disease (LOC) and high-risk localized/locally advanced disease (LAD) and short-term (ST) < 24 vs. long-term (LT) ADT ≥ 24 months, whereas de novo (DN) mHSPC were subdivided into short-time vs. long-time to CRPC. RESULTS: We included 919 mCRPC patients with a median age of 77 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 71-82)]. Median ADT duration in HSPC was 24 months (IQR = 14-40). Median follow-up was 91 months (IQR = 62-138), median OS and PFS from ARSI start were 20 (IQR 10-32) and 10 months (IQR = 5-19), respectively. In PP developing metastatic disease (n = 655, 71.3%), LOC and LAD with ST ADT had a greater than almost double-risk of death compared to LT ADT (LOC/ST: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.01; 95% CI 1.54-2.64; LAD/ST: HR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.34-2.24; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis including age, prognostic cohort, Gleason, ECOG, radical radiotherapy and prostatectomy, groups with ST ADT were associated with worse OS compared to LT ADT (LOC/ST: HR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.38-2.45; p < 0.001; LAD/ST: HR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.21-2.10; p < 0.001), along with ECOG > 2 (HR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.06-2.26; p = 0.03). There were also similar results of PFS. Moreover, long-time to CRPC in patients with history of DN mHSPC (n = 264, 28.7%) resulted in a better OS/PFS (HR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.56-1.02, p = 0.064 and HR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.55-0.99, p = 0.042, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that duration on ADT for mHSPC was significantly associated with survival in mCRPC undergoing ARSI. These findings suggest a possible connection between initial management of prostate tumour and a better prognostication in mCRPC. Prospective trials are warranted.

Primary Anaplastic-Lymphoma-Kinase-Positive Large-Cell Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System: Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary anaplastic-lymphoma-kinase (ALK)-positive large-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNS ALK-positive ALCL) is a rare entity, with a limited consensus reached regarding its management. While this pathology often presents as solitary lesions, the occurrence of multiple tumors within the brain is not uncommon. The lack of distinctive radiological features poses a diagnostic challenge, leading to delays in initiating targeted therapy. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search, identifying seventeen publications for qualitative analysis. RESULTS: The management options and reported patient outcomes in the literature varied significantly, emphasizing the need for a patient-specific approach. The emergence of ALK-specific inhibitors represents a new frontier in this field, demonstrating promising results. CONCLUSION: PCNS ALK-positive ALCL necessitates a comprehensive understanding and optimized management strategies. A tailored therapeutic approach, integrating surgical intervention with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, appears pivotal in addressing this pathology. The implementation of a therapeutic protocol is anticipated for further advancement in this field.

External Validation of the IMPROD-MRI Volumetric Model to Predict the Utility of Systematic Biopsies at the Time of Targeted Biopsy.

Background: The aim of this study was to validate externally a nomogram that relies on MRI volumetric parameters and clinical data to determine the need for a standard biopsy in addition to a target biopsy for men with suspicious prostate MRI findings. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 469 biopsy-naïve men who underwent prostate biopsies. These biopsies were guided by pre-biopsy multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI) and were performed at two different institutions. We included men with a PIRADSsv 2.1 score from 3 to 5. Each patient underwent both an MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy of identified MRI-suspicious lesions and a systematic biopsy according to our protocol. The lesion volume percentage was determined as the proportion of cancer volume on MRI relative to the entire prostate volume. The study's outcomes were iPCa (Gleason Grade Group 1) and csPCa (Gleason Grade Group > 1). We evaluated the model's performance using AUC decision curve analyses and a systematic analysis of model-derived probability cut-offs in terms of the potential to avoid diagnosing iPCa and to accurately diagnose csPCa. Results: The nomogram includes age, PSA value, prostate volume, PIRADSsv 2.1 score, percentage of MRI-suspicious lesion volume, and lesion location. AUC was determined to be 0.73. By using various nomogram cut-off thresholds (ranging from 5% to 30%), it was observed that 19% to 58% of men could potentially avoid undergoing standard biopsies. In this scenario, the model might miss 0% to 10% of diagnosis of csPCa and could prevent identifying 6% to 31% of iPCa cases. These results are in line with findings from the multi-institutional external validation study based on the IMPROD trial (n = 122) and the MULTI-IMPROD trial (n = 262). According to DCA, the use of this nomogram led to an increased overall net clinical benefit when the threshold probability exceeded 10%. Conclusions: This study supports the potential value of a model relying on MRI volumetric measurements for selecting individuals with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer who would benefit from undergoing a standard biopsy in addition to a targeted biopsy.

Skin Involvement by Hematological Neoplasms with Blastic Morphology: Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, Blastoid Variant of Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Differential Diagnoses.

Hematological neoplasms sharing a blastic morphology may involve the skin. The skin may be either the primary site of occurrence of hematological malignancies with blastic features or cutaneous lesions are the first manifestation of an underlying systemic malignancy. The assessment of skin biopsies of hematological neoplasms with blastic features poses diagnostic problems and requires expert hematopathologists considering a wide range of differential diagnoses. The precise diagnosis of diseases sharing blastic features but with different outcomes and requiring distinct therapies is essential for patient management. The present paper mainly focuses on cutaneous involvement of the blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma and lymphoblastic lymphoma of B-cell or T-cell origin. The relevant literature has been reviewed and the clinical aspects, pathological features, prognosis, and therapy of both blastoid mantle cell lymphoma and lymphoblastic lymphoma involving the skin are discussed. A focus on other hematological entities with blastic features, which may involve the skin, to be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis is also given.

Validation of real-time prostatic biopsies evaluation with fluorescence laser confocal microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Routine processing of prostate biopsies requires conventional steps that usually take a few days. The aim of this study was to validate the use of fluorescence laser confocal microscopy (FCM) for real-time diagnostics. METHODS: We prospectively tested images from prostate needle biopsies (75 images were evaluated by FCM and conventional slides). Two pathologists reviewed the images and assessed agreements between FCM versus conventional slides and between pathologists (κ-values). Interpretation was performed on digital images from the VivaScope 2500 confocal microscope (MAVIG GmbH, Munich, Germany; Caliber I.D., Rochester, NY, USA) placed in the urological operating room. Cancerous versus benign tissue was the primary focus, then the application of the grading system. RESULTS: Cancer was diagnosed in 24 conventional slides (on 75 images) in which agreement among pathologists was high for both conventional (κ=0.96) and FMC (κ=0.84). 1/24 (4%) was ISUP/WHO grade group I, 12/24 (50%) II, 8/24 (33%) III, 2/24 (8%) IV and 1/24 (4%) grade V. Near perfect agreement was obtained for grades I, IV and V (κ=0.85). Grade III values achieved a moderate agreement (κ=0.55). The mean time for laser scanning was 9 minutes. For the remaining non-tumor images, agreement was nearly perfect (κ=0.81). CONCLUSIONS: We validated the use of FCM for real-time cancer detection in prostate biopsies.

Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Virtual/Ghost Ileostomy or Defunctioning Ileostomy after Anterior Resection of the Rectum: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anterior rectal resection (ARR) represents one of the most frequently performed methods in colorectal surgery, mainly carried out for rectal cancer (RC) treatment. Defunctioning ileostomy (DI) has long been chosen as a method to "protect" colorectal or coloanal anastomosis after ARR. However, DI does not rule out risks of more or less serious complications. A proximal intra-abdominal closed-loop ileostomy, the so-called virtual/ghost ileostomy (VI/GI), could limit the number of DIs and the associated morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed by use of RevMan [Computer program] Version 5.4. RESULTS: The five included comparative studies (VI/GI or DI) covering an approximately 20-year study period (2008-2021). All included studies were observational ones and originated from European countries. Meta-analysis indicated VI/GI as significantly associated with lower short-term morbidity rates related to VI/GI or DI after primary surgery (RR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.64, p = 0.006), fewer dehydration (RR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04-0.75, p = 0.02) and ileus episodes after primary surgery (RR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.77, p = 0.02), fewer readmissions after primary surgery (RR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43, p = 0.0002) and readmissions after primary surgery plus stoma closure surgery (RR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.30, p < 0.00001) than the DI group. On the contrary, no differences were identified in terms of AL after primary surgery, short-term morbidity after primary surgery, major complications (CD ≥ III) after primary surgery and length of hospital stay after primary surgery. Conclusions: Given the significant biases among meta-analyzed studies (small overall sample size and the small number of events analyzed, in particular), our results require careful interpretation. Further randomized, possibly multi-center trials may be of paramount importance in confirming our results.

Long non-coding RNA mitophagy and ALK-negative anaplastic lymphoma-associated transcript: a novel regulator of mitophagy in T-cell lymphoma.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are emerging as powerful and versatile regulators of transcriptional programs and distinctive biomarkers of progression of T-cell lymphoma. Their role in the aggressive anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative (ALK-) subtype of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has been elucidated only in part. Starting from our previously identified ALCL-associated lncRNA signature and performing digital gene expression profiling of a retrospective cohort of ALCL, we defined an 11 lncRNA signature able to discriminate among ALCL subtypes. We selected a not previously characterized lncRNA, MTAAT, with preferential expression in ALK- ALCL, for molecular and functional studies. We demonstrated that lncRNA MTAAT contributes to an aberrant mitochondrial turnover restraining mitophagy and promoting cellular proliferation. Functionally, lncRNA MTAAT acts as a repressor of a set of genes related to mitochondrial quality control via chromatin reorganization. Collectively, our work demonstrates the transcriptional role of lncRNA MTAAT in orchestrating a complex transcriptional program sustaining the progression of ALK- ALCL.

Clinicopathological Features and Survival Analysis in Molecular Subtypes of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Molecular subtyping of bladder cancer (BC) aims to capture the biological heterogeneity of this complex disease in order to provide better patient risk stratification. Immunohistochemical (IHC) markers are regarded as promising surrogates to classify BCs into luminal and basal subtypes in routine practice. We investigated the correlation between the molecular subclassification, assessed through IHC, and the conventional prognostic variables of a cohort of 93 muscle-invasive BCs (MIBCs), with a focus on the pattern of muscularis propria (MP) invasion, and evaluated their association with outcome. Basal, luminal, double-positive (DP), and double-negative (DN) phenotypes were identified according to the coordinate expression of 1 basal (CK5/6) and 2 luminal (CK20, GATA3) markers, and accounted for 33.3%, 32.3%, 3.2%, and 31.2% (Scheme #1) and 9.7%, 60.2%, 26.9%, and 3.2% (Scheme #2). There was a significant association between the pattern of MP invasion and the molecular subtypes according to Scheme #2, in that all 8 basal and DN cases, as well as 83% of DP cases, had a non-infiltrative invasion pattern. No consistent differences were observed in terms of OS and CSS between the molecular subtypes obtained through surrogate IHC markers. In keeping with previous studies, we report the correlation between the identification of BC subtypes and the presence of morphological prognostic factors, supporting the need for a comprehensive pathological evaluation, including clinicopathological and molecular parameters, in order to improve the diagnosis and management of MIBC.

Oncological outcomes of whole-gland cryoablation in patients with prostate cancer and high risk of lymph node invasion.

Purpose: Prostate cryoablation has been proposed as an alternative to radical prostatectomy for men with localized prostate cancer (PCa); however, it is limited by the lack of data regarding oncological outcomes and the impossibility of performing a lymph node dissection. The aim of this study was to assess if whole-gland cryoablation is oncologically safe, especially for patients in whom pelvic lymph node dissection would be necessary. Materials and Methods: After institutional review board approval, we identified 102 patients who underwent whole-gland prostate cryoablation between 2013 and April 2019. Lymph node invasion (LNI) probability was computed using Briganti nomogram, and a 5% cutoff probability was used to stratify the population in two groups. Biochemical recurrence after procedure was assessed using Phoenix criteria. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, (CT), and bone scan or choline positron-emission tomography/CT were performed for the detection of distant metastases. Results: Seventeen (17%) patients were treated for a low-risk PCa, 48 (47%) patients were at intermediate-risk PCa, and 37 (36%) patients were at high-risk PCa. Patients with a probability of LNI >5% (n = 46) exhibited higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density, ISUP Grade Group, CT stage, and european association of urology (EAU) risk. Recurrence-free survival rates at 3 years' follow-up were 93%, 82%, and 72%, respectively for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients. At a median follow-up of 37 months (17-62), additional treatment and metastasis-free survival were 84% and 97%, respectively. No differences in oncological outcomes were found in patients with a probability of LNI above and below 5%. Conclusions: Prostate whole-gland cryoablation can be considered a safe procedure with acceptable outcomes in low- and intermediate-risk patients. A high preoperative risk of nodal involvement could not be considered an exclusion criterion to perform cryoablation. Further studies are required.

TFEB and TFE3 drive kidney cystogenesis and tumorigenesis.

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is an inherited familial cancer syndrome characterized by the development of cutaneous lesions, pulmonary cysts, renal tumors and cysts and caused by loss-of-function pathogenic variants in the gene encoding the tumor-suppressor protein folliculin (FLCN). FLCN acts as a negative regulator of TFEB and TFE3 transcription factors, master controllers of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, by enabling their phosphorylation by the mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1). We have previously shown that deletion of Tfeb rescued the renal cystic phenotype of kidney-specific Flcn KO mice. Using Flcn/Tfeb/Tfe3 double and triple KO mice, we now show that both Tfeb and Tfe3 contribute, in a differential and cooperative manner, to kidney cystogenesis. Remarkably, the analysis of BHD patient-derived tumor samples revealed increased activation of TFEB/TFE3-mediated transcriptional program and silencing either of the two genes rescued tumorigenesis in human BHD renal tumor cell line-derived xenografts (CDXs). Our findings demonstrate in disease-relevant models that both TFEB and TFE3 are key drivers of renal tumorigenesis and suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the inhibition of these transcription factors.

Mast Cell Leukemia: An Update with a Practical Review.

Mast cell leukemia (MCL) is the leukemic form of SM with at least 20% mostly immature mast cells on bone marrow aspirate. MCL may develop de novo, in the absence of a prior SM, or it may represent a progression from a previous SM. MCL may be sub-divided into the more frequent, aggressive acute form with signs of organ damage (C-findings) and the chronic form lacking C-findings and presenting a more stable course, although over time, progression to acute MCL is common. The 2022 WHO subtype of MCL with an associated hematological neoplasm was renamed MCL with an associated myeloid neoplasm in the 2022 International Consensus Classification (ICC). The relevance of the distinction between the leukemic and aleukemic forms based on the percentage of circulating mast cells is a matter of debate. The current knowledge on MCL is restricted mainly to single reports or case series with a limited number of larger studies. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of this rare disease in terms of clinical manifestations, morphology, phenotype, molecular characteristics, differential diagnosis, outcome and treatment. A general overview on mastocytosis is also included.

Conservative treatment for high-risk NMIBC failing BCG treatment: who benefits from adding electromotive drug administration (EMDA) of mitomycin C (MMC) to a second BCG induction cycle?

PURPOSE: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for high-risk non muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) failing first BCG treatment. A second BCG course is an option for those patients who refuse RC or are not eligible for it, but its success rate is quite low. Aim of the present study was to determine whether the addition of intravesical electromotive drug administration of mytomicin-C (EMDA-MMC) improved the efficacy of second BCG course. METHODS: Patients with high-risk NMIBC having failed first BCG treatment and having refused RC were offered a second BCG induction course either alone (group A) or combined with EMDA-MMC (group B). Recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were tested. RESULTS: Of the 80 evaluable patients, 44 were in group A and 36 in group B; median follow-up was 38 months. RFS was significantly worse in group A whereas there was no difference in PFS and CSS between the two groups. Stratifying by disease stage, Ta patients receiving combined treatment had statistically better RFS and PFS survival than those receiving BCG only; this difference did not apply to T1 patients. Multivariable analysis confirmed that combined treatment was a significant predictor of recurrence and was close to predict progression. No tested variable was predictive of recurrence or progression in T1 tumours. Among those who underwent RC, CSS was 61.5% in those who had progression and 100% in those who remained with NMIBC. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment improved RFS and PFS only in patients with Ta disease.

Foggia Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator 2.0: A Novel Risk Calculator including MRI and Bladder Outlet Obstruction Parameters to Reduce Unnecessary Biopsies.

Risk calculator (RC) combining PSA with other clinical information can help to better select patients at risk of prostate cancer (PCa) for prostate biopsy. The present study aimed to develop a new Pca RC, including MRI and bladder outlet obstruction parameters (BOOP). The ability of these parameters in predicting PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa: ISUP GG ≥ 2) was assessed by binary logistic regression. A total of 728 patients were included from two institutions. Of these, 395 (54.3%) had negative biopsies and 161 (22.11%) and 172 (23.6%) had a diagnosis of ISUP GG1 PCa and csPCa. The two RC ultimately included age, PSA, DRE, prostate volume (pVol), post-voided residual urinary volume (PVR), and PIRADS score. Regarding BOOP, higher prostate volumes (csPCa: OR 0.98, CI 0.97,0.99) and PVR ≥ 50 mL (csPCa: OR 0.27, CI 0.15, 0.47) were protective factors for the diagnosis of any PCa and csPCa. AUCs after internal validation were 0.78 (0.75, 0.82) and 0.82 (0.79, 0.86), respectively. Finally, decision curves analysis demonstrated higher benefit compared to the first-generation calculator and MRI alone. These novel RC based on MRI and BOOP may help to better select patient for prostate biopsy after prostate MRI.

Treatment of localized prostate cancer in elderly patients: the role of partial cryoablation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate oncological outcomes of partial gland cryoablation (PGC) for localized prostate cancer (PCa) in a cohort of elderly patients who required an active treatment. METHODS: Data from 110 consecutive patients treated with PGC for localized PCa were collected. All patients underwent the same standardized follow-up with serum-PSA level and digital rectal examination. Prostate MRI and eventual re-biopsy were performed at twelve months after cryotherapy or in case of suspicion of recurrence. Biochemical recurrence was defined according to Phoenix criteria (PSA nadir + 2 ng/ml). Kaplan-Meier curves and Multivariable Cox Regression analyses were used to predict disease progression, biochemical recurrence- (BCS) and additional treatment-free survival (TFS). RESULTS: Median age was 75 years (IQR 70-79). PGC was performed in 54 (49.1%) patients with low-risk PCa, 42 (38.1%) with intermediate risk and 14 (12.8%) high risk. At a median follow-up of 36 months, we recorded a BCS and TFS of 75 and 81%, respectively. At 5 years, BCS was 68.5% and CRS 71.5%. High-risk prostate cancer was associated with lower TFS and BCS curves when compared with low-risk group (all p values < .03). A PSA reduction < 50% between preoperative level and nadir resulted as an independent failure predictor for all outcomes evaluated (all p values < .01). Age was not associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: PGC could be a valid treatment for low- to intermediate PCa in elderly patients, when a curative approach is suitable in terms of life expectancy and quality of life.