How many surgically-treated angiomyolipomas are related to tuberous sclerosis complex? Insights from a retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with TSC - related renal angiomyolipoma (AML) are eligible for targeted therapy with mTOR inhibitors, avoiding the morbidity of interventional management. Despite clinical criteria for TSC diagnosis have been defined, their use in routine clinical practice is likely suboptimal, leading to potential misclassification of TSC-related AML. The study aims to assess the proportion and characteristics of surgically-treated patients with putative sporadic AML that would have been re-classified as TSC-related. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected multi-institutional database to select patients with suspected TSC-related AML among those undergoing surgery at three referral Centers over 11-years (2005-2015). Possible diagnosis of TSC was defined according to the 2012 International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus (ITSCC) criteria. The proportion and characteristics of patients with possible TSC-related AML (as compared to those of patients with sporadic AML) were considered the main study endpoints. RESULTS: Overall, 132 patients were included. Of these, 10 (7.6%) were considered TSC-related. Most patients (84%) were female. Patients with TSC-related AML were likely to be younger (median age 53 vs. 56 years, P=0.29), symptomatic at diagnosis (70% vs. 21%, P=0.002), with slightly worse preoperative physical status (median ASA score 2 vs. 1, P=0.001) and bilateral disease (30% vs. 7.4%, P=0.04) as compared to patients with sporadic AML. Anatomic complexity and tumor size were also higher among TSC-related AMLs. CONCLUSIONS: A non-negligible proportion of surgically-treated, putative sporadic AMLs were reclassified as potentially hereditary (TSC-related). As TSC patients may be treated with targeted therapies, our findings may increase urologists' awareness of TSC-related AML and prompt the design of future studies evaluating targeted diagnostic pathways for these patients.

Satisfaction and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation for drug-refractory erectile dysfunction: mid-term results in a single center French cohort.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the mid-term results of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) from a "real-life" historic cohort in a French academic center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients receiving an inflatable PP between 2004 and 2014 in our institution were included in this study. ED was assessed preoperatively using the IEEF-5 questionnaire. Postoperative satisfaction with the PP was assessed using the EDITS questionnaire at each follow up visit. Postoperative complications were classed according to the Clavien classification. Surgical and functional outcomes were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Seventy-six men received a PP during the 10 year study period. Median (IQR) age was 62 (58-69) years. The main causes of ED were radical prostatectomy (n = 40; 53%) and diabetes mellitus (n = 28; 36.8%). Five patients (6.6%) had a non-functioning PP in place requiring complete substitution or a previous penile implant which had already been removed at the time of surgery. Sixty-nine (90.8%) patients received an AMS 700 CX device and seven (9.2%) a Coloplast Titan. The surgical approach was penoscrotal in 45 (59.2%) and infrapubic in 31 (40.8%). Intraoperative complications occurred in four (5%) patients, without compromising the intervention. Postoperative complications occurred in 27 (35.5%) patients: 17 (22%) were Clavien I-II and 10 (15%) Clavien III. All major complications resulted in prosthesis removal (n = 9; 11.8%) or revision (n = 1; 1.3%). Median (IQR) follow up was 43 (34-55) months. At the end of follow up, 70 (92.1%) patients had a functional implant. Fifty-four (71.1%) patients were satisfied with the device at the 6 month follow up visit and beyond. Early satisfaction (at 3 months) was reported by 44 (57.9%) patients. A previous PP was the only significant risk factor for prosthesis removal (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: PP implantation is a safe and satisfactory treatment for ED. However, patient selection remains crucial in determining the post-surgical success of this procedure.

Expression of long non-coding RNA MFI2-AS1 is a strong predictor of recurrence in sporadic localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma.

Prediction of recurrence is a challenge for the development of adjuvant treatments in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In these tumors, expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are deregulated and closely associated with prognosis. Thus, we aimed to predict ccRCC recurrence risk using lncRNA expression. We identified prognostic lncRNAs in a training set of 351 localized ccRCCs from The Cancer Genome Atlas and validated lncRNA-based recurrence classification in an independent cohort of 167 localized ccRCCs. We identified lncRNA MFI2-AS1 as best candidate in the training set. In the validation cohort, MFI2-AS1 expression was independently associated with shorter disease-free survival (Hazard Ratio (HR) for relapse 3.5, p = 0.0001). Combined with Leibovich classification, MFI2-AS1 status improved prediction of recurrence (C-index 0.70) compared to MFI2-AS1 alone (0.67) and Leibovich classification alone (0.66). In patients with aggressive tumors (Leibovich ≥5), MFI2-AS1 expression was associated with dramatically increased risk of relapse (HR 12.16, p < 0.0001) compared to patients with undetectable MFI2-AS1 who had favorable outcomes. Compared to normal samples, MFI2-AS1 was upregulated in tumor tissue, and higher expression was associated with metastatic dissemination. Overall, MFI2-AS1 status improves patient stratification in localized ccRCC, which supports further integration of lncRNAs in molecular cancer classifications.

NSD1 Inactivation and SETD2 Mutation Drive a Convergence toward Loss of Function of H3K36 Writers in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas.

Extensive dysregulation of chromatin-modifying genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been uncovered through next-generation sequencing. However, a scientific understanding of the cross-talk between epigenetic and genomic aberrations remains limited. Here we identify three ccRCC epigenetic clusters, including a clear cell CpG island methylator phenotype (C-CIMP) subgroup associated with promoter methylation of VEGF genes (FLT4, FLT1, and KDR). C-CIMP was furthermore characterized by silencing of genes related to vasculature development. Through an integrative analysis, we discovered frequent silencing of the histone H3 K36 methyltransferase NSD1 as the sole chromatin-modifying gene silenced by DNA methylation in ccRCC. Notably, tumors harboring NSD1 methylation were of higher grade and stage in different ccRCC datasets. NSD1 promoter methylation correlated with SETD2 somatic mutations across and within spatially distinct regions of primary ccRCC tumors. ccRCC harboring epigenetic silencing of NSD1 displayed a specific genome-wide methylome signature consistent with the NSD1 mutation methylome signature observed in Sotos syndrome. Thus, we concluded that epigenetic silencing of genes involved in angiogenesis is a hallmark of the methylator phenotype in ccRCC, implying a convergence toward loss of function of epigenetic writers of the H3K36 histone mark as a root feature of aggressive ccRCC. Cancer Res; 77(18); 4835-45. ©2017 AACR.

Urothelial carcinoma in first histological diagnosis of patients over 80 years has distinctive histological features: a retrospective single-institution study of 185 patients.

Few histological data are known about patients with a first diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) at the age ≥80 years. We describe the largest series in this patient group and their distinctive histological features. This unicentric retrospective study included patients at the age ≥80 years with a first diagnosis of bladder cancer between 2005 and 2015. All diagnosis was made by one senior uropathologist according to the WHO 2016 classification, pTNM 7th edition 2009. We examined samples of 185 patients, sex ratio M:W = 2.49:1, with ≥80 years at the time of first diagnosis of BC. The mean age was 85.1 years (84.8 for men and 85.8 for women). One hundred sixteen patients were diagnosed with NMIBC (non-muscle invasive bladder cancer) (62.7%). Sixty-nine patients were detected with MIBC (muscle invasive bladder cancer) (37.3%). In the MIBC, 20 (29.0%) cases, a divergent differentiation was reported. No patient had primary carcinoma in situ (Cis) at time of diagnosis, and concomitant Cis was observed in 18.9% (35 cases). According to our results, the histopathological findings are different from those of other patients' groups. The study shows a higher number of MIBC and a high percentage of histological variants. We could show distinctive pathological features in this patient group.

Outcomes of a virtual-reality simulator-training programme on basic surgical skills in robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The utility of the virtual-reality robotic simulator in training programmes has not been clearly evaluated. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a virtual-reality robotic simulator-training programme on basic surgical skills. METHODS: A simulator-training programme in robotic surgery, using the da Vinci Skills Simulator, was evaluated in a population including junior and seasoned surgeons, and non-physicians. Their performances on robotic dots and suturing-skin pod platforms before and after virtual-simulation training were rated anonymously by surgeons experienced in robotics. RESULTS: 39 participants were enrolled: 14 medical students and residents in surgery, 14 seasoned surgeons, 11 non-physicians. Junior and seasoned surgeons' performances on platforms were not significantly improved after virtual-reality robotic simulation in any of the skill domains, in contrast to non-physicians. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of virtual-reality simulator training on several tasks to basic skills in robotic surgery were not obvious among surgeons in our initial and early experience with the simulator. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stress urinary incontinence in female neurological patients: long-term functional outcomes after artificial urinary sphincter (AMS 800TM ) implantation.

AIMS: To report the long-term functional outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in female adult neurological patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to sphincter deficiency. METHODS: Female patients with neurological disease suffering from SUI due to sphincter deficiency who underwent AUS (AMS 800TM ) implantation between 1984 and 2011 were included. Continence rate defined as no need for pads and survival rates of the device without needing explantation or revision using Kaplan-Meier curves were reported. RESULTS: Overall, 26 patients, median age 49.2 years (IQR 28.5-59.7) were included. The median follow-up time was 7.5 years (IQR 3.9-23.8). At the end of follow-up period, 15 patients (57.7%) still had their primary AUS. The AUS was explanted in five women because of infection or erosion. Survival rates, without AUS explantation were 90%, 84%, 84%, and 74% at 5, 10, 15, 20 years, respectively. Survival rates without AUS revision were 75%, 51%, 51%, and 51% at 5, 10, 15, 20 years, respectively. 71.4% of patients with AUS were continent. When considering the 26 initial patients, including the patients in whom the AUS was explanted, the continence rate was 57.7%. CONCLUSIONS: For treating neurogenic sphincter deficiency in the long term, the AMS 800TM can offer a satisfying rate of continence to female patients, with a tolerable rate of explantation and revision. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:764-769, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

HOXB13 protein expression in metastatic lesions is a promising marker for prostate origin.

The HOXB13 gene is a member of the homeobox gene family, and prostate development depends on HOXB13 function. HOXB13 is a very sensitive and specific marker of prostate tissue and prostate cancer. When the origin of a tumor in a resection specimen or in biopsy material is unclear, it allows determining the prostate as the primary. Our aim was to determine whether HOXB13 has similar sensitivity for determining prostate origin of lymph node and bone metastases. We retrieved cases of lymph node and bone metastases of histologically confirmed prostate cancer (PCa) and selected lymph node metastases of urothelial carcinoma (UCa). A panel of antibodies against HOXB13, PSA, ERG, Androgen receptors, p504S, p63, GATA-3, CK7, and Uroplakin 2 and 3 was tested on these tissue samples. Two pathologists analysed and scored staining as either 0 (negative) or + (positive). The selected cohort consisted of 74 cases of lymph node and 15 of bone metastases of PCa and 15 of lymph node metastases of UCa. HOXB13 was expressed in 93 % of lymph node and in 33 % of bone metastases of PCa. All lymph node metastases of UCa were negative. Sensitivity of HOXB13 as a marker for prostate origin in lymph node metastases was 93 % and for bone metastases 33 %. Inter-observer variability in assessment of staining was good, as only two (1.9 %) of lymph node metastasis of PCa were discordant. HOXB13 is a useful marker for prostate origin when doubt exists regarding the site of the primary of a metastatic lesion. On bone metastases, HOXB13 immunohistochemistry performed less well, probably due to the use of tissue decalcification.

Apparent diffusion coefficient value is a strong predictor of unsuspected aggressiveness of prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of multiparametric MRI (mp MRI) parameters in order to predict prostate cancer aggressiveness as defined by pathological Gleason score or molecular markers in a cohort of patients defined with a Gleason score of 6 at biopsy. METHODS: Sixty-seven men treated by radical prostatectomy (RP) for a low grade (Gleason 6) on biopsy and mp MRI before biopsy were selected. The cycle cell proliferation (CCP) score assessed by the Prolaris test and Ki-67/PTEN expression assessed by immunohistochemistry were quantified on the RP specimens. RESULTS: 49.25 % of the cancers were undergraded on biopsy compared to the RP specimens. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) < 0.80 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s (P value 0.003), Likert score >4 (P value 0.003) and PSA density >0.15 ng/ml/cc (P value 0.035) were significantly associated with a higher RP Gleason score. Regarding molecular markers of aggressiveness, ADC < 0.80 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s and Likert score >4 were also significantly associated with a positive staining for Ki-67 (P value 0.039 and 0.01, respectively). No association was found between any analyzed MRI or clinical parameter and the CCP score. CONCLUSION: Decreasing ADC value is a stronger indicator of aggressive prostate cancer as defined by molecular markers or postsurgical histology than biopsy characteristics.

Relationship between non-suspicious MRI and insignificant prostate cancer: results from a monocentric study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether non-suspicious multiparametric magnetic-resonance imaging (mpMRI) was associated with no cancer or indolent prostate cancer (PCa) in subsequent biopsies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analyses of a prospective database were conducted between 2009 and 2013. It included men with an abnormal digital rectal examination and/or prostate-specific antigen levels <20 ng/mL and a non-suspicious multiparametric MRI (Likert score <3). Participants underwent a systematic 12-extended-core biopsy ultrasound protocol (STD). Indolent PCa was defined as a single core with a Gleason score of 6 (3 + 3) and a cancer-core length of ≤4 mm. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients with a negative MRI were included in the study; median patient age was 62 years (IQR 50-74). Median PSA level was 7.15 ng/mL, with a median PSA density of 0.15. The digital rectal examination was abnormal in eight cases. From MRI, 53 patients were Likert 2, 25 patients were Likert 1, and median prostate volume was 56.5 mL. From biopsies, no cancer was found in 92.3 % (n = 72). PCa was histologically confirmed in six patients (7.7 %): five cases were indolent (as defined above); only one patient had a cancer core of 5 mm long, with a Gleason score of 6 (3 + 3). All six patients were within the low-risk group according to the D'Amico classification. CONCLUSION: Men with non-suspicious mpMRI are likely to have no or indolent PCa in subsequent biopsies.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Postoperative Pathology but Misses Aggressive Prostate Cancers as Assessed by Cell Cycle Progression Score.

PURPOSE: We identified prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer by a radiogenomics strategy that integrates gene expression using the cell cycle progression score and medical images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained institutional review board approval and written informed consent from 106 men with prostate cancer, including 60% at low risk, who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before radical prostatectomy was done and a cell cycle progression score was determined. The correlation between the results of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and Gleason grade or cell cycle progression score was assessed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with primary Gleason grade greater than 3 had a longer median maximal tumor diameter (13 vs 10 mm) and a lower median apparent diffusion coefficient (0.745 vs 0.88×10(-3) mm2 per second, each p=0.0001) than those with primary Gleason grade 3 or less. Maximal diameter 10 mm or greater (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 14.0, p=0.0012) and apparent diffusion coefficient 0.80×10(-3) mm2 per second or less (OR 7.5, 95% CI 3.0 to 18.7, p<0.0001) were significantly associated with primary Gleason grade greater than 3. The combined measure of maximal diameter less than 10 mm and apparent diffusion coefficient greater than 0.80×10(-3) mm2 per second identified only index lesions harboring primary Gleason grade 3. However, 7 of those lesions showed a molecular pattern of high risk lethal prostate cancer (cell cycle progression score greater than 0). CONCLUSIONS: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is able to predict low and high risk Gleason scores in the tumor. However, the cell cycle progression score did not completely match the imaging result. These findings suggest that management of early stages prostate cancer could strongly benefit by performing magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy coupled with molecular analysis.

Intralesional Injections for Early Peyronie Disease: Standardized Assessment and Analysis of Predictive Factors for Treatment Response.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of a new protocol of intralesional injections of verapamil (ILIV) to treat Peyronie disease (PD) and to look for predictors of response. METHODS: Patients followed up for PD in our center were prospectively enrolled between 2007 and 2013. The following data were collected: age, degree of curvature of the penis, Lue score (severity score of PD [0-15]), and pain (analogic Likert scale: 0-5). The protocol consisted of 1 verapamil injection per session (15 mg in 6 mL) in the main plaque using a single-puncture approach. Injections were repeated once every 3 weeks, at least 6 times. RESULTS: Sixty men were included. Mean number of injections per patient was 12.6 (±8.9). Average Lue scores before and after ILIV were 9.4 (±2) and 4.5 (±2; P = .05), respectively. Average penile curvatures during erection before and after ILIV were 37.3° (±13.3) and 21° (±13), respectively (P = .02). There were no serious side effects. At the end of follow-up, 47 patients (78%) considered themselves globally improved. Younger age was the only predictor of response to ILIV in univariate (odds ratio = 0.91; P = .04) and multivariate analyses (odds ratio = 0.87; P = .03). CONCLUSION: ILIV had a favorable impact reducing PD in 78% of patients with minimal side effects. Most patients required at least 12 injections to obtain optimal improvement. A protocol consisting of repeated courses of 6 injections using a single-puncture approach appears a valid option. Younger age was the only predictor of success.

Prevalence of alternative diagnoses in patients with suspected uncomplicated renal colic undergoing computed tomography: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) has become a standard imaging technique for uncomplicated renal colic in many countries. The appropriate timing of CT imaging has not been established, and guidelines recommend that this imaging be performed between 1 and 7 days of presentation. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of alternative diagnosis identified with low-dose unenhanced CT in the emergency department (ED) in patients with suspected uncomplicated renal colic. METHODS: This prospective single-centre study was carried out in a large university hospital ED. Over a 6-month period, all patients with clinically diagnosed renal colic and a plan to be discharged underwent low-dose unenhanced CT in the ED. Pregnant women, women of childbearing age not willing to have a pregnancy test, and patients who had already undergone diagnostic imaging were excluded. The primary outcome was the number and nature of the alternative diagnosis. Univariate analyses were performed to assess factors associated with the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients were screened, and 155 underwent CT in the ED. The mean age was 42.2 years; 69% were male. The diagnosis of uncomplicated renal colic was confirmed in 118 participants (76%); 27 (17%) had an inconclusive CT scan. Overall, 10 patients (6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3-10) had an alternative diagnosis, 5 of whom were subsequently hospitalized. CONCLUSION: Low-dose unenhanced CT in the ED detects alternative diagnoses in 6% (95% CI 3-10) of patients with suspected uncomplicated renal colic, half of whom are subsequently hospitalized. Our prospective findings, which were similar to those reported in retrospective studies, are a potential argument for a systematic approach to ED imaging in suspected renal colic. Future research involving intervention and control groups would be helpful.

Low circulating free and bioavailable testosterone levels as predictors of high-grade tumors in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Controversy exists regarding the propensity of hypogonadism and metabolic disorders to promote the development of high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). Our aim was to prospectively test whether preoperative circulating testosterone levels, obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were correlated with aggressive pathological features after radical prostatectomy (RP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall, 354 patients undergoing robot-assisted RP at our academic institution, between 2010 and 2013, to treat clinically localized PCa were included in this prospective study. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 116 (32.8%) patients and confirmed the absence of nodal metastases in all of them. Cardiovascular risk factors and body-mass index (BMI) were used to define MetS and obesity, respectively. Total testosterone (TT) levels were assessed using an immunoassay method, whereas bioavailable testosterone (BT) and free testosterone (FT) levels were estimated using Vermeulen׳s formula. Multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed independent predictors for postoperative aggressive pathological features (i.e., a pathological Gleason score [GS] ≥ 7, extracapsular extension [ECE], seminal vesicle invasion [SVI], and positive surgical margins [PSM]) and GS upgrading. RESULTS: Low TT, BT, and FT levels were found in 54 (15.2%), 70 (19.8%), and 62 (17.5%) patients, respectively. Median BMI was 26.3 kg/m(2) (range: 17.4-43.9), and prevalence of MetS was 18.9%. Significantly higher rates of pathological GS ≥ 7 were observed in groups with a low TT level (46.3% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.01), low BT level (44.3% vs. 33.1%; P<0.001), and low FT level (46.8% vs. 32.9%; P = 0.001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only low BT and FT levels were independent predictors of pathological GS ≥ 7 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76; P<0.001 and OR = 1.39; P<0.001, respectively) and GS upgrading (OR = 2.82; P<0.001 and OR = 1.71; P<0.001, respectively), but there was no significant correlation between low circulating testosterone levels and ECE, SVI, or PSM. Furthermore, BMI (OR = 1.28; P = 0.04) and MetS (OR = 1.19; P = 0.01) were only correlated with PSM. CONCLUSION: Hypogonadism, obesity, and MetS were not independent predictors of pathological GS ≥ 7, ECE, or SVI after RP. Our data suggest that only low BT and FT levels, which might logically result in an active androgen-depleted environment, were linked with high-grade PCa.

Renal metastasis from thyroid carcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Renal metastases of thyroid carcinomas occur rarely and represent about 3% of all metastases to the kidney, with only 23 single case study reports in the English language literature. CASE: A 77-year-old man presented with gross hematuria. CT scan showed a posterior and cortico-sinusal mass in the right kidney measuring 5 x 3 cm. On gross examination the kidney was occupied by a lobulated mass measuring 4.5 cm in its greatest dimension. Microscopically, there was a papillary and follicular proliferation with colloid-like materials in the intrafollicular space. The strong positive immunohistochemical stain of thyroglobulin and thyroid transcription factor-1 confirmed the origin of thyroid gland and the diagnosis of renal metastasis of thyroid carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Although rare, the renal metastasis of a thyroid carcinoma is a diagnostic to consider even if the renal mass is unilateral and the patient has no history of thyroid surgery. The main differential diagnostic is the primitive thyroid-like follicular carcinoma of the kidney. Immunohistochemistry often leads to the right diagnosis, which is crucial for the management of the patient. Renal metastases of thyroid carcinomas are rare and often present as a primitive unilateral renal mass.

Secondary chemoprevention of localized prostate cancer by short-term androgen deprivation to select indolent tumors suitable for active surveillance: a prospective pilot phase II study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of 3-month androgen deprivation therapy (st-ADT) a secondary chemoprevention of indolent-localized prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A prospective phase II study enrolled men over 4 years with low-risk PCa and the following characteristics: PSA < 10 ng/mL, Gleason score of 6 (3 + 3) or less, three positive cores or less, and tumor stage T2a or less. Patients received a single sub-cutaneous injection of 22.5 mg of leuprolide acetate with Atrigel 3-month depot associated with a daily oral intake of bicalutamide 50 mg/day during 15 days around the injection. Follow-up included PSA and bioavailable testosterone blood tests every 3 months and yearly surveillance biopsies. Primary end point was the presence of PCa on biopsy at last follow-up. Secondary end points were detailed pathological features and adverse events. RESULTS: Overall, 98 men were included and 45 of them (45.9 %) had a negative biopsy after a median follow-up of 13 months [11-19.5]. Of the 53 patients with positive biopsy, 17 had pathologic progression because of upgraded Gleason score (11 patients), four or more positive cores (three patients) or both (three patients). The only significant predictive factor biopsy outcome was the number of positive cores at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary chemoprevention by st-ADT for localized PCa could be useful to pinpoint indolent tumors suitable for AS. Indeed, after st-ADT nearly one patient out of two had negative biopsies and 17 % had pathological progression. This is an innovative option to consider as an alternative to current AS protocols contingent upon confirmation in subsequent studies.

Comparison of oncologic outcomes after radical prostatectomy in men diagnosed with prostate cancer with PSA levels below and above 4 ng/mL.

PURPOSE: To assess whether the PSA level (threshold 4 ng/mL) is a prognostic factor in biochemical recurrence-free survival in men with prostate cancer (PCa) with an initial PSA level <10 ng/mL who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARLP). METHODS: We prospectively recruited data for consecutive patients treated by RARLP for PCa with an initial PSA level below 10 ng/mL between 2003 and 2011 at our institution. We divided the population into two groups: patients with a PSA level below 4 ng/mL (G1; n = 53) and patients with a PSA level between 4 and 10 ng/mL (G2; n = 371). Biochemical recurrence was defined as a single increase in PSA greater than 0.2 ng/mL after surgery. Multivariate analysis was used to assess prognostic factors of recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: Overall, 424 patients were included, and the median age was 62 (58-67) years. The median PSA was 5.8 ng/mL (4.8-7.7 ng/mL). Overall, 6 patients from G1 and 34 patients from G2 experienced a biochemical recurrence. Overall, the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 86.6 %. The PSA level at diagnosis (under or over 4 ng/mL) was not significantly linked to recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.59, p = 0.25). However, positive margins and a Gleason score >7 on the specimen were significantly linked to recurrence-free survival with respective hazard ratios of 4.30 (p < 0.0001) and 6.18 (p < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSION: A PSA level <4 ng/mL alone appears to be obsolete as a cut-off to define a population of men likely to have indolent disease.

Impact of the length of time between diagnosis and surgical removal of urologic neoplasms on survival.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the effect of surgical wait time on the survival of patients with urological neoplasms, including prostate, bladder, penile, and testicular cancers and upper tract tumours (UTUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Current, relevant studies were identified from the literature. Keywords used for article retrieval were as follows: delay; surgery; prostate cancer; urothelial carcinoma; renal cell carcinoma; testicular cancer; bladder; renal pelvis; ureter; and survival. RESULTS: Regarding the length of surgical wait time, it does not matter in cases of incidental T1a renal cell carcinomas. In other cases of renal cell carcinomas, surgery should be considered within <1 month; it is of crucial importance in bladder cancer and should be <1 month for a TURBT in cases of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and <1 month for a radical cystectomy in cases of muscle-invasive bladder cancer; it is important in invasive UTUC and should be <1 month for a radical nephroureterectomy; it is not crucial in cases of low-risk prostate cancer. In any other case, radical prostatectomy should be considered within <2 months; it is important in testicular cancer and should be fewer than 10 days for an orchiectomy. CONCLUSION: Prolonged surgical wait times have an impact on the overall quality of life and anxiety of the patient. Extending the wait time beyond a given threshold can also have a negative impact on the patient's clinical outcomes, but this threshold differs between urological neoplasms.

Hereditary-like urothelial carcinomas of the upper urinary tract benefit more from adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy after radical nephroureterectomy than do sporadic tumours.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of 'hereditary-like' status in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) on the survival of patients who have undergone radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and adjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicentre retrospective study was performed on all patients with high-risk UTUC who underwent RNU and adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Using a patient risk identification tool, we distinguished tumours suspected to be hereditary from sporadic tumours and compared survival rates. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients with a median age of 67 years were included. Hereditary-like tumour status was detected in 35 patients (31.3%), while 77 patients (68.7%) had sporadic tumours. The median age was significantly younger in the hereditary-like tumour group (56.0 vs 69.8 years, P < 0.001). Overall survival (OS) after chemotherapy was significantly better in the group with hereditary-like tumours than in the group with sporadic tumours (5-year OS: 48.2 vs 32%; P = 0.008). The cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate was significantly better in the group with 'hereditary-like' tumours than in the group with sporadic tumours (5-year CSS: 58 vs 35%; P = 0.006). Although there was a trend in favour of the hereditary-like tumours, we observed no significant difference regarding progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups (5-year PFS: 71 vs 52%; P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy after RNU improves survival outcomes in patients with hereditary-like UTUC compared with those with sporadic tumours.

The surgical approach can be determined from the pathological specimen obtained after open or robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the surgical approach using the pathological specimen obtained after open radical prostatectomy (ORP) or robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALRP). METHODS: A prospective study has been performed in patients who underwent either ORP or RALRP for localized prostate cancer. Two dedicated uro-pathologists, blinded to the surgeons and the operating rooms' schedules, analyzed the pathological specimens according to the Stanford protocol. Both pathologists also determined the surgical approach used based on several criteria pertaining to the pathological specimen. RESULTS: Overall, 117 patients with a median age of 63 years were included. The main characteristics (i.e., Gleason score, pTNM stage, preoperative PSA and margin) were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05). Pathologists 1 and 2 were able to significantly assess the surgical procedure from the pathological specimen provided (in 76.1 and 69.2 % of cases, respectively). Pathologist 1 had a better performance than pathologist 2 (AUC 0.75, IC 95 % [0.67-0.83] vs. AUC = 0.68 IC 95 % [0.59-0.77]) (p = 0.017). The κ index of the inter-observer agreement was satisfactory (0.76). In a univariate analysis, the criteria linked to the pathologist's assessment were as follows: macroscopic integrity of the specimen (p = 0.04), presence of periprostatic fat (p = 0.04), width of periprostatic tissue (p < 0.001) and nerve-sparing status (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was possible to determine the surgical procedure from the analysis of the specimen obtained after a radical prostatectomy. In view of these data and from this perspective, one could infer that there are indeed oncological differences between the robotic and open approaches to radical prostatectomy.