An increased body mass index is associated with a worse prognosis in patients administered BCG immunotherapy for T1 bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: The body mass index (BMI) may be associated with an increased incidence and aggressiveness of urological cancers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the BMI on survival in patients with T1G3 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: A total of 1155 T1G3 NMIBC patients from 13 academic institutions were retrospectively reviewed and patients administered adjuvant intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy with maintenance were included. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of recurrence and progression. RESULTS: After re-TURBT, 288 patients (27.53%) showed residual high-grade NMIBC, while 867 (82.89%) were negative. During follow-up, 678 (64.82%) suffered recurrence, and 303 (30%) progression, 150 (14.34%) died of all causes, and 77 (7.36%) died of bladder cancer. At multivariate analysis, tumor size (hazard ratio [HR]:1.3; p = 0.001), and multifocality (HR:1.24; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with recurrence (c-index for the model:55.98). Overweight (HR: 4; p < 0.001) and obesity (HR:5.33 p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Addition of the BMI to a model that included standard clinicopathological factors increased the C-index by 9.9. For progression, we found that tumor size (HR:1.63; p < 0.001), multifocality (HR:1.31; p = 0.01) and concomitant CIS (HR: 2.07; p < 0.001) were significant prognostic factors at multivariate analysis (C-index 63.8). Overweight (HR: 2.52; p < 0.001) and obesity (HR: 2.521 p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of progression. Addition of the BMI to a model that included standard clinicopathological factors increased the C-index by 1.9. CONCLUSIONS: The BMI could have a relevant role in the clinical management of T1G3 NMIBC, if associated with bladder cancer recurrence and progression. In particular, this anthropometric factor should be taken into account at initial diagnosis and in therapeutic strategy decision making.

Predictors of Residual T1 High Grade on Re-Transurethral Resection in a Large Multi-Institutional Cohort of Patients with Primary T1 High-Grade/Grade 3 Bladder Cancer.

The aim of this multi-institutional study was to identify predictors of residual high-grade (HG) disease at re-transurethral resection (reTUR) in a large cohort of primary T1 HG/Grade 3 (G3) bladder cancer patients. A total of 1155 patients with primary T1 HG/G3 bladder cancer from 13 academic institutions that underwent a reTUR within 6 weeks after first TUR were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of predictive factors with residual HG at reTUR. Residual HG cancer was found in 288 (24.9%) of patients at reTUR. Patients presenting residual HG cancer were more likely to have carcinoma in situ (CIS) at first resection (p<0.001), multiple tumors (p=0.02), and tumor size larger than 3 cm (p=0.02). Residual HG disease at reTUR was associated with increased preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) (p=0.006) and body mass index (BMI)>=25 kg/m2. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors for HG residual disease at reTUR were tumor size >3cm (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.02-1.84, p=0.03), concomitant CIS (OR 1.92; 95% CI: 1.32-2.78, p=0.001), being overweight (OR= 2.08; 95% CI: 1.44-3.01, p<0.001) and obesity (OR 2.48; 95% CI: 1.64-3.77, p<0.001). A reTUR in high grade T1 bladder cancer is mandatory as about 25% of patients, presents residual high grade disease. Independent predictors to identify patients at risk of residual high grade disease after a complete TUR include tumor size, presence of carcinoma in situ, and BMI >=25 kg/m2.

Validation of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio in a Multi-institutional Cohort of Patients With T1G3 Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and to validate the NLR cutoff of 3 in a large multi-institutional cohort of patients with primary T1 HG/G3 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study period was from January 2002 through December 2012. A total of 1046 patients with primary T1 HG/G3 who had NMIBC on re-transurethral bladder resection (TURB) who received adjuvant intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy with maintenance from 13 academic institutions were included. Endpoints were time to disease, and recurrence-free (RFS), progression-free (PFS), overall (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: A total of 512 (48.9%) of patients had NLR ≥ 3 prior to TURB. High pretreatment NLR was associated with female gender and residual T1HG/G3 on re-TURB. The 5-year RFS estimates were 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.8%-12.4%) in patients with NLR ≥ 3 compared with 58.8% (95% CI, 54%-63.2%) in patients with NLR < 3; the 5-year PFS estimates were 57.1% (95% CI, 51.5%-62.2%) versus 79.2% (95% CI, 74.7%-83%; P < .0001); the 10-year OS estimates were 63.6% (95% CI, 55%-71%) versus 66.5% (95% CI, 56.8%-74.5%; P = .03); the 10-year CSS estimates were 77.4% (95% CI, 68.4%-84.2%) versus 84.3% (95% CI, 76.6%-89.7%; P = .004). NLR was independently associated with disease recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 3.34; 95% CI, 2.82-3.95; P < .001), progression (HR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.71-2.78; P < .001) and CSS (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.02-2.66; P = .03). The addition of NLR to a multivariable model that included established features increased its discrimination for predicting of RFS (+6.9%), PFS (+1.8%), and CSS (+1.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment NLR ≥ 3 was a strong predictor for RFS, PFS, and CSS in patients with primary T1 HG/G3 NMIBC. It could help in the decision-making regarding intensity of therapy and follow-up.

High-Grade T1 on Re-Transurethral Resection after Initial High-Grade T1 Confers Worse Oncological Outcomes: Results of a Multi-Institutional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the prognostic impact of residual T1 high-grade (HG)/G3 tumors at re-transurethral resection (TUR of bladder tumor) in a large multi-institutional cohort of patients with primary T1 HG/G3 bladder cancer (BC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study period was from January 2002 to -December 2012. A total of 1,046 patients with primary T1 HG/G3 and who had non-muscle invasive BC (NMIBC) on re-TUR followed by adjuvant intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy with maintenance were included. Endpoints were time to disease recurrence, progression, and overall and cancer-specific death. RESULTS: A total of 257 (24.6%) patients had residual T1 HG/G3 tumors. The presence of concomitant carcinoma in situ, multiple and large tumors (> 3 cm) at first TUR were associated with residual T1 HG/G3. Five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were 17% (CI 11.8-23); 58.2% (CI 50.7-65); 73.7% (CI 66.3-79.7); and 84.5% (CI 77.8-89.3), respectively, in patients with residual T1 HG/G3, compared to 36.7% (CI 32.8-40.6); 71.4% (CI 67.3-75.2); 89.8% (CI 86.6-92.3); and 95.7% (CI 93.4-97.3), respectively, in patients with NMIBC other than T1 HG/G3 or T0 tumors. Residual T1 HG/G3 was independently associated with RFS, PFS, OS, and CSS in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Residual T1 HG/G3 tumor at re-TUR confers worse prognosis in patients with primary T1 HG/G3 treated with maintenance BCG. Patients with residual T1 HG/G3 for primary T1 HG/G3 are very likely to fail BCG therapy alone.

Systemic Inflammatory Markers and Oncologic Outcomes in Patients with High-risk Non-muscle-invasive Urothelial Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Serum levels of neutrophils, platelets, and lymphocytes have been recognized as factors related to poor prognosis for many solid tumors, including bladder cancer (BC). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic role of the combination of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive urothelial BC (NIMBC). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1151 NMIBC patients who underwent first transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) at 13 academic institutions between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2012 were included in this analysis. The median follow-up was 48 mo. INTERVENTION: TURBT with intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of recurrence, progression, cancer-specific mortality, and overall mortality. A systemic inflammatory marker (SIM) score was calculated based on cutoffs for NLR, PLR, and LMR. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The 48-mo recurrence-free survival was 80.8%, 47.35%, 20.67%, and 17.06% for patients with an SIM score of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.01, log-rank test) while the corresponding 48-mo progression free-survival was 92.0%, 75.67%, 72.85%, and 63.1% (p<0.01, log-rank test). SIM scores of 1, 2, and 3 were associated with recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 3.73, 7.06, and 7.88) and progression (HR 3.15, 4.41, and 5.83). Limitations include the lack of external validation and comparison to other clinical risk models. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high-grade T1 stage NMIBC with high SIM scores have worse oncologic outcomes in terms of recurrence and progression. Further studies should be conducted to stratify patients according to SIM scores to identify individuals who might benefit from early cystectomy. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we defined a risk score (the SIM score) based on the measurement of routine systemic inflammatory markers. This score can identify patients with high-grade bladder cancer not invading the muscular layer who are more likely to suffer from tumor recurrence and progression. Therefore, the score could be used to select patients who might benefit from early bladder removal.

Prostate cancer screening in Brazil: should it be done or not?

ABSTRACT The use of PSA in the screening, detection and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa) has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder with an increase in detection rates and PCa organ-confined. Despite these benefits and ease of implementation, tracking PCa remains a matter of great controversy. We conducted a literature review and demographic and epidemiological data in Brazil feeling to assess the current state of screening and whether there is justification for population programs. the differences are valued between developed and underdeveloped countries as the incidence, mortality, screening and access to health. an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of screening is made as well as a critical analysis of existing studies on screening and some recommendations on a rational screening.

External validation of EORTC risk scores to predict recurrence after transurethral resection of brazilian patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer stages Ta and T1

ABSTRACT Validate the EORTC risk tables in Brazilian patients with NMIBC. Methods: 205 patients were analyzed. The 6 parameters analyzed were: histologic grading, pathologic stage, size and number of tumors, previous recurrence rate and concomitant CIS. The time for first recurrence (TFR), risk score and probability of recurrence were calculated and compared to the probabilities obtained from EORTC risk tables. C-index was calculated and accuracy of EORTC tables was analyzed. Results: pTa was presented in 91 (44.4%) patients and pT1 in 114 (55.6%). Ninety-seven (47.3%) patients had solitary tumor, and 108 (52.7%) multiple tumors. One hundred and three (50.2%) patients had tumors smaller than 3 cm and 102 (40.8%) had bigger than 3 cm. Concomitant CIS was observed in 21 (10.2%) patients. Low grade was presented in 95 (46.3%) patients, and high grade in 110 (53.7%). Intravesical therapy was utilized in 105 (56.1%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 117 (57.1%) patients and the mean TFR was 14,2 ± 7,3 months. C-index was 0,72 for 1 year and 0,7 for 5 years. The recurrence risk was 28,8% in 1 year and 57,1% in 5 years, independently of the scoring risk. In our population, the EORTC risk tables overestimated the risk of recurrence in 1 year and underestimated in 5 years. Conclusion: The validation of the EORTC risk tables in Brazilian patients with NMIBC was satisfactory and should be stimulated to predict recurrence, although these may overestimated the risk of recurrence in 1 year and underestimated in 5 years.

Prostate cancer screening in Brazil: should it be done or not?

The use of PSA in the screening, detection and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa) has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder with an increase in detection rates and PCa organ-confined. Despite these benefits and ease of implementation, tracking PCa remains a matter of great controversy. We conducted a literature review and demographic and epidemiological data in Brazil feeling to assess the current state of screening and whether there is justification for population programs. the diferences are valued between developed and underdeveloped countries as the incidence, mortality, screening and access to health. an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of screening is made as well as a critical analysis of existing studies on screening and some recommendations on a rational screening.

External validation of EORTC risk scores to predict recurrence after transurethral resection of brazilian patients with non -muscle invasive bladder cancer stages Ta and T1.

Validate the EORTC risk tables in Brazilian patients with NMIBC. METHODS: 205 patients were analyzed. The 6 parameters analyzed were: histologic grading, pathologic stage, size and number of tumors, previous recurrence rate and concomitant CIS. The time for first recurrence (TFR), risk score and probability of re¬currence were calculated and compared to the probabilities obtained from EORTC risk tables. C-index was calculated and accuracy of EORTC tables was analyzed. RESULTS: pTa was presented in 91 (44.4%) patients and pT1 in 114 (55.6%). Ninety-seven (47.3%) patients had solitary tumor, and 108 (52.7%) multiple tumors. One hundred and three (50.2%) patients had tumors smaller than 3 cm and 102 (40.8%) had bigger than 3 cm. Concomitant CIS was observed in 21 (10.2%) patients. Low grade was presented in 95 (46.3%) patients, and high grade in 110 (53.7%). Intravesical therapy was utilized in 105 (56.1%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 117 (57.1%) patients and the mean TFR was 14,2 ± 7,3 months. C-index was 0,72 for 1 year and 0,7 for 5 years. The re¬currence risk was 28,8% in 1 year and 57,1% in 5 years, independently of the scoring risk. In our population, the EORTC risk tables overestimated the risk of recurrence in 1 year and underestimated in 5 years. CONCLUSION: The validation of the EORTC risk tables in Brazilian patients with NMIBC was satisfactory and should be stimulated to predict recurrence, although these may overestimated the risk of recurrence in 1 year and underestimated in 5 years.

Hiperplasia nodular de células de Leydig / Nodular Leydig cell hyperplasia

A hiperplasia de células de Leydig (HCL) é uma condiçãobenigna que pode trazer dificuldade no diagnósticodiferencial com neoplasias testiculares, levando aorquiectomia desnecessária. Não existem diretrizes notratamento, riscos e acompanhamento destes pacientes.Discute-se a possibilidade de diagnóstico desta condiçãobenigna pré-tratamento. Relatamos o caso de umnódulo sólido testicular em um paciente de 33 anos percebidopela palpação e confirmado pela ecografia commarcadores tumorais negativos. Submetido à orquiectomiaradical direita, o exame histológico revelou hiperplasianodular de células de Leydig e ectopia adrenalem cordão espermático. A conduta seguinte constituiuacompanhamento clínico trimestral. Conclusão: pareceser consenso que um nódulo sólido testicular palpávelou demonstrado por USG em homem jovem, independentementedos marcadores tumorais, deverá ser levadoa orquiectomia radical. Mas o achado de múltiplos nódulosmenores que 6mm bilaterais sugerem, inicialmente,HCL e podem ser seguidos, desde que apresentem marcadoresnegativos. De modo semelhante, quando houveressecção prévia de uma HCL, a exerese parcial pode seruma alternativa.

The Leydig cell hyperplasia (LCH) is a benign conditionthat can cause difficulty in differential diagnosiswith testicular neoplasms, leading to unnecessary orchiectomy.There are no guidelines for the treatment,risks and monitoring these patients. It discusses the possibilityof pretreatment diagnosing this benign conditio.The case of a solid testicular nodule in a patient of 33years detected by palpation and confirmed by sonographywith negative tumor markers. Underwent right radicalorchiectomy, the histologic examination revealednodular hyperplasia of Leydig cells and adrenal ectopicin the spermatic cord. The following constitutes conductclinical monitoring quarterly. It seems to be consensusthat a solid nodule or a palpable testicular demonstratedby ultrasonography in a young man, regardless of tumormarkers should be taken to radical orchiectomy. Butthe finding of multiple bilateral nodules smaller than6mm suggests, initially, LCH and may be followed, providedthat they have negative markers. Similarly, whenthere was a previous resection of the LCH partial resectionmay be an alternative.

Estudio prospectivo que compara laparoscopia y cirugía abierta para el tratamiento de cálculos ureterales impactados / Prospective trial comparing laparoscopy and open surgery for management of impacted ureteral stones

Introducción y objetivos: Con objeto de investigar dos enfoques en la práctica de ureterolitotomías para el tratamiento de cálculos impactados de grandes dimensiones, hemos llevadoa cabo la evaluación y el seguimiento de las características perioperatorias de pacientes consecutivos sometidos a una ureterolitotomía tras obtener resultados desfavorables alaplicar un tratamiento endourológico. Métodos: De los 110 pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 34 se sometieron a una ureterolitotomía laparoscópica. Se dividió a los pacientes en tres subgrupos de ureterolitotomías: grupo A, 76 intervenciones abiertas; grupo B, 16 transperitoneoscopias, y grupo C, 19retroperitoneoscopias. Todos los procedimientos se llevaron a cabo durante un programa de especialización en urología para médicos residentes. Resultados: La edad y el sexo de los pacientes, la clasificación ASA y las características de los cálculos no mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos. En general, la tasa de complicaciones y la duración de las intervenciones registradas fueron similares. Uno de los pacientes presentaba cálculos bilaterales y ambos lados se trataron en un único procedimiento de transperitoneoscopia. Tres retroperitoneoscopias finalizaron en cirugía abierta debido a dificultades técnicas. En 3 de los 35 casos (8,5%) se produjo fuga urinaria prolongada y 2 de estos pacientes recibieron tratamiento mediante la inserción de un catéter ureteral. Ambos grupos laparoscópicos tuvieron necesidades analgésicas significativamente menores y una hospitalización de menor duración (p < 0,001 y p = 0,003, respectivamente). Ningún paciente presentaba cálculos en la visita de seguimiento realizada al mes siguiente. Conclusiones: Según la información de que disponemos, ésta es la primera comparación prospectiva entre laparoscopia y ureterolitotomía abierta que se realiza en un entorno deformación en laparoscopia. A pesar de que estas intervenciones las realizaron residentes con limitada experiencia laparoscópica, la laparoscopia aportó ventajas significativas sobre la ureterolitotomía abierta tradicional, que dio como resultado una mejor analgesia y una estancia en el hospital menos prolongada, con similares tasas de complicaciones (AU)

Introduction and objectives: To investigate two ureterolithotomy approaches for treatment of large and impacted upper ureteral stones, we prospectively evaluated the perioperative features of consecutive patients submitted to ureterolithotomy following failure of endourological treatment. Methods: Of the 110 patients included in the study, 34 underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Patients were divided into three ureterolithotomy subgroups (group A, 76open procedures; group B, 16 transperitoneoscopies and group C, 19 retroperitoneoscopies). All procedures were performed into a urology residency program. Results: The patients’ age, sex, ASA classification and stones characteristics showed no significant difference between the groups. Overall, complication rates and the operation times recorded were similar. One patient had bilateral stones and both sides were managed in a single transperitoneoscopy procedure. Three retroperitoneoscopies were converted to an open surgery due technical difficulties. A prolonged urinary leakage occurred in 3/35 cases (8.5%) where 2 patients were treated by placing a ureteral catheter. Both laparoscopic groups have significantly less analgesia requirements and shorter hospitalization (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). All patients were stone-free in the follow-up 1-month visit. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective comparison of laparoscopic and open ureterolithotomy in a laparoscopic training scenario. Even though these procedures were performed by limited laparoscopic experience urologists, laparoscopy offered significant advantages over traditional open ureterolithotomy, resulting in improved analgesia, shorter hospital stays and similar complication rates (AU)

Prospective trial comparing laparoscopy and open surgery for management of impacted ureteral stones.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate two practical approaches in ureterolithotomy for the treatment of large impacted stones, we carried out the assessment and monitoring of perioperative features of consecutive patients undergoing ureterolithotomy after unfavourable results from endourological treatment. METHODS: Of the 110 patients included in the study, 34 underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Patients were divided into three ureterolithotomy subgroups: group A, 76 open operations; group B, 16 transperitoneoscopies, and group C, 19 retroperitoneoscopies. All procedures were conducted in a specialised urology programme for resident physicians. RESULTS: The patients' age, sex, ASA classification and stone characteristics showed no significant differences between the groups. Overall, the complication rate and operation times recorded were similar. One patient had bilateral stones and both sides were treated in a single transperitoneoscopic procedure. Three retroperitoneoscopies ended up in open surgery due to technical difficulties. A prolonged urinary leakage occurred in 3/35 cases (8.5%), and 2 of these patients were treated by insertion of a ureteral catheter. Both laparoscopic groups had significantly lower analgesia requirements and shorter hospitalisation periods (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). No patient had stones in the follow-up visit the following month. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective comparison of laparoscopic and open ureterolithotomy in a laparoscopic training environment. Although these interventions were conducted by urologists with limited laparoscopic experience, laparoscopy offered significant advantages over traditional open ureterolithotomy, resulting in improved analgesia and shorter hospital stays, but with similar complication rates.