Urine-Based Biomarker Test Uromonitor® in the Detection and Disease Monitoring of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Performance.

Optimal urine-based diagnostic tests (UBDT) minimize unnecessary follow-up cystoscopies in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder-cancer (NMIBC), while accurately detecting high-grade bladder-cancer without false-negative results. Such UBDTs have not been comprehensively described upon a broad, validated dataset, resulting in cautious guideline recommendations. Uromonitor®, a urine-based DNA-assay detecting hotspot alterations in TERT, FGFR3, and KRAS, shows promising initial results. However, a systematic review merging all available data is lacking. Studies investigating the diagnostic performance of Uromonitor® in NMIBC until November 2023 were identified in PubMed, Embase, Web-of-Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and medRxiv databases. Within aggregated analyses, test performance and area under the curve/AUC were calculated. This project fully implemented the PRISMA statement. Four qualifying studies comprised a total of 1190 urinary tests (bladder-cancer prevalence: 14.9%). Based on comprehensive analyses, sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value/PPV, negative-predictive value/NPV, and test accuracy of Uromonitor® were 80.2%, 96.9%, 82.1%, 96.6%, and 94.5%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.886 (95%-CI: 0.851-0.921). In a meta-analysis of two studies comparing test performance with urinary cytology, Uromonitor® significantly outperformed urinary cytology in sensitivity, PPV, and test accuracy, while no significant differences were observed for specificity and NPV. This systematic review supports the use of Uromonitor® considering its favorable diagnostic performance. In a cohort of 1000 patients with a bladder-cancer prevalence of ~15%, this UBDT would avert 825 unnecessary cystoscopies (true-negatives) while missing 30 bladder-cancer cases (false-negatives). Due to currently limited aggregated data from only four studies with heterogeneous quality, confirmatory studies are needed.

Impact of Peritoneal Interposition Flap on Patients Undergoing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

CONTEXT: Symptomatic lymphocele (sLC) occurs at a frequency of 2-10% after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). Construction of bilateral peritoneal interposition flaps (PIFs) subsequent to completion of RARP + PLND has been introduced to reduce the risk of lymphocele, and was initially evaluated on the basis of retrospective studies. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the impact of PIF on the rate of sLC (primary endpoint) and of overall lymphocele (oLC) and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications (secondary endpoints) to provide the best available evidence. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Meta-Analyses statement for observational studies in epidemiology, a systematic literature search using the MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and EMBASE databases up to February 3, 2023 was performed to identify RCTs. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the revised Cochrane RoB tool for randomized trials. Meta-analysis used random-effect models to examine the impact of PIF on the primary and secondary endpoints. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Four RCTs comparing outcomes for patients undergoing RARP + PLND with or without PIF were identified: PIANOFORTE, PerFix, ProLy, and PLUS. PIF was associated with odds ratios of 0.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.93) for sLC, 0.51 (95% CI 0.38-0.68) for oLC, and 0.41 (95% CI 0.21-0.83) for Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications. Functional impairment resulting from PIF construction was not observed. Heterogeneity was low to moderate, and RoB was low. CONCLUSIONS: PIF should be performed in patients undergoing RARP and simultaneous PLND to prevent or reduce postoperative sLC. PATIENT SUMMARY: A significant proportion of patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery have regional lymph nodes removed. This part of the surgery is associated with a risk of postoperative lymph collections (lymphocele). The risk of lymphocele can be halved via a complication-free surgical modification called a peritoneal interposition flap.

Second TURB, restaging TURB or repeat TURB in primary T1 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: impact on prognosis?

PURPOSE: A re-transurethral resection of the bladder (re-TURB) is a well-established approach in managing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) for various reasons: repeat-TURB is recommended for a macroscopically incomplete initial resection, restaging-TURB is required if the first resection was macroscopically complete but contained no detrusor muscle (DM) and second-TURB is advised for all completely resected T1-tumors with DM in the resection specimen. This study assessed the long-term outcomes after repeat-, second-, and restaging-TURB in T1-NMIBC patients. METHODS: Individual patient data with tumor characteristics of 1660 primary T1-patients (muscle-invasion at re-TURB omitted) diagnosed from 1990 to 2018 in 17 hospitals were analyzed. Time to recurrence, progression, death due to bladder cancer (BC), and all causes (OS) were visualized with cumulative incidence functions and analyzed by log-rank tests and multivariable Cox-regression models stratified by institution. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 45.3 (IQR 22.7-81.1) months. There were no differences in time to recurrence, progression, or OS between patients undergoing restaging (135 patients), second (644 patients), or repeat-TURB (84 patients), nor between patients who did or who did not undergo second or restaging-TURB. However, patients who underwent repeat-TURB had a shorter time to BC death compared to those who had second- or restaging-TURB (multivariable HR 3.58, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Prognosis did not significantly differ between patients who underwent restaging- or second-TURB. However, a worse prognosis in terms of death due to bladder cancer was found in patients who underwent repeat-TURB compared to second-TURB and restaging-TURB, highlighting the importance of separately evaluating different indications for re-TURB.

Prognosis of Primary Papillary Ta Grade 3 Bladder Cancer in the Non-muscle-invasive Spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Ta grade 3 (G3) non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a relatively rare diagnosis with an ambiguous character owing to the presence of an aggressive G3 component together with the lower malignant potential of the Ta component. The European Association of Urology (EAU) NMIBC guidelines recently changed the risk stratification for Ta G3 from high risk to intermediate, high, or very high risk. However, prognostic studies on Ta G3 carcinomas are limited and inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of categorizing Ta G3 compared to Ta G2 and T1 G3 carcinomas. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Individual patient data for 5170 primary Ta-T1 bladder tumors from 17 hospitals were analyzed. Transurethral resection of the tumor was performed between 1990 and 2018. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Time to recurrence and time to progression were analyzed using cumulative incidence functions, log-rank tests, and multivariable Cox-regression models with interaction terms stratified by institution. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Ta G3 represented 7.5% (387/5170) of Ta-T1 carcinomas of which 42% were classified as intermediate risk. Time to recurrence did not differ between Ta G3 and Ta G2 (p = 0.9) or T1 G3 (p = 0.4). Progression at 5 yr occurred for 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-4.8%) of Ta G2, 13% (95% CI 9.3-17%) of Ta G3, and 20% (95% CI 17-23%) of T1 G3 carcinomas. Time to progression for Ta G3 was shorter than for Ta G2 (p < 0.001) and longer than for T1 G3 (p = 0.002). Patients with Ta G3 NMIBC with concomitant carcinoma in situ (CIS) had worse prognosis and a similar time to progression as for patients with T1 G3 NMIBC with CIS (p = 0.5). Multivariable analyses for recurrence and progression showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of Ta G3 tumors in terms of progression appears to be in between that of Ta G2 and T1 G3. However, patients with Ta G3 NMIBC with concomitant CIS have worse prognosis that is comparable to that of T1 G3 with CIS. Our results support the recent EAU NMIBC guideline changes for more refined risk stratification of Ta G3 tumors because many of these patients have better prognosis than previously thought. PATIENT SUMMARY: We used data from 17 centers in Europe and Canada to assess the prognosis for patients with stage Ta grade 3 (G3) non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Time to cancer progression for Ta G3 cancer differed from both Ta G2 and T1 G3 tumors. Our results support the recent change in the European Association of Urology guidelines for more refined risk stratification of Ta G3 NMIBC because many patients with this tumor have better prognosis than previously thought.

Patients Regret Their Choice of Therapy Significantly Less Frequently after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy as Opposed to Open Radical Prostatectomy: Patient-Reported Results of the Multicenter Cross-Sectional IMPROVE Study.

Patient's regret (PatR) concerning the choice of therapy represents a crucial endpoint for treatment evaluation after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCA). This study aims to compare PatR following robot-assisted (RARP) and open surgical approach (ORP). A survey comprising perioperative-functional criteria was sent to 1000 patients in 20 German centers at a median of 15 months after RP. Surgery-related items were collected from participating centers. To calculate PatR differences between approaches, a multivariate regressive base model (MVBM) was established incorporating surgical approach and demographic, center-specific, and tumor-specific criteria not primarily affected by surgical approach. An extended model (MVEM) was further adjusted by variables potentially affected by surgical approach. PatR was based on five validated questions ranging 0−100 (cutoff >15 defined as critical PatR). The response rate was 75.0%. After exclusion of patients with laparoscopic RP or stage M1b/c, the study cohort comprised 277/365 ORP/RARP patients. ORP/RARP patients had a median PatR of 15/10 (p < 0.001) and 46.2%/28.1% had a PatR >15, respectively (p < 0.001). Based on the MVBM, RARP patients showed PatR >15 relative 46.8% less frequently (p < 0.001). Consensual decision making regarding surgical approach independently reduced PatR. With the MVEM, the independent impact of both surgical approach and of consensual decision making was confirmed. This study involving centers of different care levels showed significantly lower PatR following RARP.

T1G1 Bladder Cancer: Prognosis for this Rare Pathological Diagnosis Within the Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Spectrum.

BACKGROUND: The pathological existence and clinical consequence of stage T1 grade 1 (T1G1) bladder cancer are the subject of debate. Even though the diagnosis of T1G1 is controversial, several reports have consistently found a prevalence of 2-6% G1 in their T1 series. However, it remains unclear if T1G1 carcinomas have added value as a separate category to predict prognosis within the non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) spectrum. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of T1G1 carcinomas compared to TaG1 and T1G2 carcinomas within the NMIBC spectrum. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Individual patient data for 5170 primary Ta and T1 bladder tumors from 17 hospitals in Europe and Canada were analyzed. Transurethral resection (TUR) was performed between 1990 and 2018. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Time to recurrence and progression were analyzed using cumulative incidence functions, log-rank tests, and multivariable Cox regression models stratified by institution. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: T1G1 represented 1.9% (99/5170) of all carcinomas and 5.3% (99/1859) of T1 carcinomas. According to primary TUR dates, the proportion of T1G1 varied between 0.9% and 3.5% per year, with similar percentages in the early and later calendar years. We found no difference in time to recurrence between T1G1 and TaG1 (p = 0.91) or between T1G1 and T1G2 (p = 0.30). Time to progression significantly differed between TaG1 and T1G1 (p < 0.001) but not between T1G1 and T1G2 (p = 0.30). Multivariable analyses for recurrence and progression showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: The relative prevalence of T1G1 diagnosis was low and remained constant over the past three decades. Time to recurrence of T1G1 NMIBC was comparable to that for other stage/grade NMIBC combinations. Time to progression of T1G1 NMIBC was comparable to that for T1G2 but not for TaG1, suggesting that treatment and surveillance of T1G1 carcinomas should be more like the approaches for T1G2 NMIBC in accordance with the intermediate and/or high risk categories of the European Association of Urology NMIBC guidelines. PATIENT SUMMARY: Although rare, stage T1 grade 1 (T1G1) bladder cancer is still diagnosed in daily clinical practice. Using individual patient data from 17 centers in Europe and Canada, we found that time to progression of T1G1 cancer was comparable to that for T1G2 but not TaG1 cancer. Therefore, our results suggest that primary T1G1 bladder cancers should be managed with more aggressive treatment and more frequent follow-up than for low-risk bladder cancer.

[Impact of the experience of urological senior physicians in Germany on professional and personal aspects]. / Welchen Einfluss hat die Dauer der Oberarzttätigkeit auf die Berufsausübung und Zufriedenheit urologischer OberärztInnen in Deutschland?

BACKGROUND: Urological senior physicians in Germany are a heterogeneous group with various clinical priorities and career objectives. To date, there are no reliable data concerning the impact of the time span for which senior physicians have been holding their position on professional, personal and position-linked aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The objective of this study was a comparative analysis of perspectives, private and professional settings, specific job-related activities and individual professional goals of urological senior physicians in Germany based on their experience in this position assessed as number of years (dichotomised at 8 years as senior physician). As part of a cross-sectional study, a 55-item web-based questionnaire was designed, which was sent via a link to members of a mailing list of the German Society of Urology. The survey was available for urological senior physicians between February and April 2019. Group differences were evaluated using multivariate regression models. RESULTS: 107 of 192 evaluable questionnaires were completed by senior physicians holding this position for less than 8 years (< 8y senior physicians), 85 were completed by senior physicians holding this position for at least 8 years (≥ 8y senior physicians). < 8y senior physicians worked significantly more often at university hospitals (42.1 % vs. 18.8 %, p = 0.002). Overall, 82.4 % of ≥ 8y senior physicians assessed themselves autonomously safe in performing open surgery, compared to 39.3 % among < 8y senior physicians (p < 0.001). No significant differences concerning the self-assessment were found for endourological procedures (94.1 % vs. 87.9 %) and for the overall lower-rated self-assessment concerning laparoscopy (29.4 % vs. 20.6 %) and robotic surgery (14.1 % vs. 10.3 %). Despite the high management responsibility associated with their position, only about one third of participants (34.8 %) had received specific postgraduate education preparing them for managing and executive tasks. CONCLUSION: This study shows significant differences among senior physicians regarding surgical skills depending on the time span they hold their position. Moreover, there is considerable dissatisfaction regarding the development of leadership skills and the preparation for managing tasks. In order to ensure availability of senior staff members for the field of urology in the future, it is important to consider their professional needs and to overcome existing shortcomings by education programs within well-orchestrated human resources development strategies.

Oncological Long-term Outcome After Whole-gland High-intensity Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer-21-yr Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the morbidity of established radical treatment options for prostate cancer, alternative whole-gland and focal treatment strategies have emerged. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is one of the most studied sources for tissue ablation and has been used since the 1990s. OBJECTIVE: To provide 21-yr oncological long-term follow-up data of an unselected series of patients who underwent whole-gland HIFU for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 674 patients were treated between November 1997 and November 2012 in one university center. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The oncological outcome was assessed by biopsy failure-free survival (BFFS), salvage treatment-free survival (STFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to estimate the prognostic relevance of clinical variables. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In total, 560 patients were included into the evaluation and the median follow-up was 15.1 yr, with a range up to 21.4 yr. At 15 yr, CSS rates for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients were 95%, 89%, and 65%, respectively; MFS, STFS-1 (salvage treatment other than HIFU), STFS-2 (salvage treatment including repeat HIFU), and BFFS rates were 91%, 85%, and 58%; 77%, 63%, and 29%; 67%, 52%, and 28%; and 82%, 73%, and 47%, respectively. Preoperative high-risk category was an independent predictor of inferior OS, CSS, MFS, STFS, and BFFS. CONCLUSIONS: Although whole-gland HIFU achieved good long-term cancer control in low- and intermediate-risk patients, high-risk patients should not be treated routinely by HIFU. Intermediate-risk patients achieve high CSS and MFS rates, but a relevant salvage treatment rate has to be reckoned with. Long-term data after whole-gland therapy might help derive implications for focal treatment sources and patient selection. PATIENT SUMMARY: Long-term data after whole-gland high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy are crucial to prove its oncological efficacy, and may help derive implications for focal treatment strategies and patient selection. In this context, whole-gland HIFU achieved good long-term cancer control up to 21 yr in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Owing to considerably inferior long-term cancer control, it should not routinely be used in high-risk PCa patients.

Does the Identification of a Minimum Number of Cases Correlate With Better Adherence to International Guidelines Regarding the Treatment of Penile Cancer? Survey Results of the European PROspective Penile Cancer Study (E-PROPS).

BACKGROUND: Penile cancer represents a rare malignant disease, whereby a small caseload is associated with the risk of inadequate treatment expertise. Thus, we hypothesized that strict guideline adherence might be considered a potential surrogate for treatment quality. This study investigated the influence of the annual hospital caseload on guideline adherence regarding treatment recommendations for penile cancer. METHODS: In a 2018 survey study, 681 urologists from 45 hospitals in four European countries were queried about six hypothetical case scenarios (CS): local treatment of the primary tumor pTis (CS1) and pT1b (CS2); lymph node surgery inguinal (CS3) and pelvic (CS4); and chemotherapy neoadjuvant (CS5) and adjuvant (CS6). Only the responses from 206 head and senior physicians, as decision makers, were evaluated. The answers were assessed based on the applicable European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines regarding their correctness. The real hospital caseload was analyzed based on multivariate logistic regression models regarding its effect on guideline adherence. RESULTS: The median annual hospital caseload was 6 (interquartile range (IQR) 3-9). Recommendations for CS1-6 were correct in 79%, 66%, 39%, 27%, 28%, and 28%, respectively. The probability of a guideline-adherent recommendation increased with each patient treated per year in a clinic for CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS6 by 16%, 7.8%, 7.2%, and 9.5%, respectively (each p < 0.05); CS4 and CS5 were not influenced by caseload. A caseload threshold with a higher guideline adherence for all endpoints could not be perceived. The type of hospital care (academic vs. non-academic) did not affect guideline adherence in any scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Guideline adherence for most treatment recommendations increases with growing annual penile cancer caseload. Thus, the results of our study call for a stronger centralization of diagnosis and treatment strategies regarding penile cancer.

High BMI, Aggressive Tumours and Long Console Time Are Independent Predictive Factors for Symptomatic Lymphocele Formation after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphocele (LC) formation is a common complication which may cause severe symptoms after robot-assisted radical prostatovesiculectomy (RARP) with concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). Compared to open radical prostatectomy, the amount of data on potential risk factors for LC formation is still limited. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for symptomatic LC formation (sLC) after RARP with PLND. METHODS: We used the data of a prospective multicentre series of 232 RARP patients which were treated between March 2017 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was the presence of sLC within 90 days. Asymptomatic LC (aLC) formation was also recorded. We evaluated clinical, perioperative, and histopathological criteria and compared their distribution in patients with and without post-operative sLC. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses (MVAs) were performed to identify potential predictors for LC formation. Regarding the influence of patients' BMI, 2 models were calculated: BMI continuously (model 1) and BMI dichotomized with cut-off 30 kg/m2 (WHO definition, model 2). RESULTS: Post-operative sLC was present in 21 patients (9.1%), while aLC was detected in 49 patients (21.1%) 90 days after RARP with PLND. Patients with sLC showed higher median baseline PSA levels (9.8 vs. 8.1 ng/mL), higher prevalence of obesity (BMI >30; 42.9 vs. 19.9%), and longer median console time (180 vs. 165 min) compared to patients without sLC. On MVA higher BMI {model 1: OR 1.145 (confidence interval [CI] 1.025-1.278); model 2: OR 2.761 (1.045-7.296)}, longer console time (model 1: OR 1.013 [1.005-1.021]; model 2: OR 1.013 [1.005-1.020]) and an ISUP grade ≥3 (model 1: OR 3.247 [1.182-8.917]; model 2: OR 2.791 [1.050-7.423]) were identified as independent predictors for sLC development. CONCLUSION: Patients with aggressive tumours and higher BMI should be informed about a potentially increased risk for sLC formation. In case of a long console time, a close and regular follow-up should be considered to check for LC development.

Epidemiology and therapy of symptomatic lymphoceles after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

BACKGROUND: Lymphoceles are a common postoperative complication after radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Therapeutic options include cannulation and drainage (CD), drainage and instillation (DI), or laparoscopic fenestration (LF). The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of symptomatic lymphoceles (SLC) and evaluate the treatment options. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) at our clinic from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. All documented lymphoceles of these patients were recorded and analysed with regard to symptoms, possible infection and the treatment option (or options) chosen. RESULTS: We were able to include all 1,029 patients who underwent RARP in the aforementioned period of time. Of these, 18.1% were diagnosed with a lymphocele either when discharged or when readmitted and 6.9% experienced an SLC requiring treatment. Thirteen-point-seven percent of patients readmitted with SLC showed an accompanying thrombosis. Due to recurring or bilateral SLCs receiving different treatment options for each side, there was a total of 115 SLCs treated. CD was carried out in 102 cases. Twenty-point-six percent of patients were sufficiently treated this way, the rest required further treatment or experienced recurrences not requiring further treatment. DI was carried out in 56 cases. Of those patients, 46.4% were sufficiently treated. LF was carried out in 54 cases (either after CD, or after DI, or primarily). Of those patients, 98.1% were treated sufficiently. LF had a statistically significant higher success rate compared to CD and DI (P<0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed the significance of SLC as a common complication after RARP. LF turned out to be the most effective treatment option for SLC, while CD as well as DI have not been proven effective.

Prognostic Value of the WHO1973 and WHO2004/2016 Classification Systems for Grade in Primary Ta/T1 Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: A Multicenter European Association of Urology Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Guidelines Panel Study.

BACKGROUND: In the current European Association of Urology (EAU) non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) guideline, two classification systems for grade are advocated: WHO1973 and WHO2004/2016. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognostic value of these WHO systems. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Individual patient data for 5145 primary Ta/T1 NMIBC patients from 17 centers were collected between 1990 and 2019. The median follow-up was 3.9 yr. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Univariate and multivariable analyses of WHO1973 and WHO2004/2016 stratified by center were performed for time to recurrence, progression (primary endpoint), cystectomy, and duration of survival, taking into account age, concomitant carcinoma in situ, gender, multiplicity, tumor size, initial treatment, and tumor stage. Harrell's concordance (C-index) was used for prognostic accuracy of classification systems. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median age was 68 yr; 3292 (64%) patients had Ta tumors. Neither classification system was prognostic for recurrence. For a four-tier combination of both WHO systems, progression at 5-yr follow-up was 1.4% in low-grade (LG)/G1, 3.8% in LG/G2, 7.7% in high grade (HG)/G2, and 18.8% in HG/G3 (log-rank, p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses with WHO1973 and WHO2004/2016 as independent variables, WHO1973 was a significant prognosticator of progression (p < 0.001), whereas WHO2004/2016 was not anymore (p = 0.067). C-indices for WHO1973, WHO2004, and the WHO systems combined for progression were 0.71, 0.67, and 0.73, respectively. Prognostic analyses for cystectomy and survival showed results similar to those for progression. CONCLUSIONS: In this large prognostic factor study, both classification systems were prognostic for progression but not for recurrence. For progression, the prognostic value of WHO1973 was higher than that of WHO 2004/2016. The four-tier combination (LG/G1, LG/G2, HG/G2, and HG/G3) of both WHO systems proved to be superior, as it divides G2 patients into two subgroups (LG and HG) with different prognoses. Hence, the current EAU-NMIBC guideline recommendation to use both WHO classification systems remains correct. PATIENT SUMMARY: At present, two classification systems are used in parallel to grade non-muscle-invasive bladder tumors. Our data on a large number of patients showed that the older classification system (WHO1973) performed better in terms of assessing progression than the more recent (WHO2004/2016) one. Nevertheless, we conclude that the current guideline recommendation for the use of both classification systems remains correct, since this has the advantage of dividing the large group of WHO1973 G2 patients into two subgroups (low and high grade) with different prognoses.

European Association of Urology (EAU) Prognostic Factor Risk Groups for Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) Incorporating the WHO 2004/2016 and WHO 1973 Classification Systems for Grade: An Update from the EAU NMIBC Guidelines Panel.

BACKGROUND: The European Association of Urology (EAU) prognostic factor risk groups for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are used to provide recommendations for patient treatment after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). They do not, however, take into account the widely used World Health Organization (WHO) 2004/2016 grading classification and are based on patients treated in the 1980s. OBJECTIVE: To update EAU prognostic factor risk groups using the WHO 1973 and 2004/2016 grading classifications and identify patients with the lowest and highest probabilities of progression. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Individual patient data for primary NMIBC patients were collected from the institutions of the members of the EAU NMIBC guidelines panel. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent TURBT followed by intravesical instillations at the physician's discretion. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression models were fitted to the primary endpoint, the time to progression to muscle-invasive disease or distant metastases. Patients were divided into four risk groups: low-, intermediate-, high-, and a new, very high-risk group. The probabilities of progression were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 3401 patients treated with TURBT ± intravesical chemotherapy were included. From the multivariable analyses, tumor stage, WHO 1973/2004-2016 grade, concomitant carcinoma in situ, number of tumors, tumor size, and age were used to form four risk groups for which the probability of progression at 5 yr varied from <1% to >40%. Limitations include the retrospective collection of data and the lack of central pathology review. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides updated EAU prognostic factor risk groups that can be used to inform patient treatment and follow-up. Incorporating the WHO 2004/2016 and 1973 grading classifications, a new, very high-risk group has been identified for which urologists should be prompt to assess and adapt their therapeutic strategy when necessary. PATIENT SUMMARY: The newly updated European Association of Urology prognostic factor risk groups for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer provide an improved basis for recommending a patient's treatment and follow-up schedule.

Acceptance, Indications and Chances of Focal Therapy in Localized Prostate Cancer: A Real-World Perspective of Urologists in Germany.

Purpose: Focal therapy (FT) became a frequently discussed treatment strategy of localized prostate cancer (PCa), but the acceptance and evaluation of FT by practicing urologists are still unclear. Methods: A 25-item anonymized online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey®) was compiled by the German Society of Residents in Urology Academics Prostate Cancer Working Group and sent to the members of the German association of Urology. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine parameters for suggestion FT. Results: Two hundred ten urologists (median age 49 years) participated, from which 72% stated PCa as their main treatment focus. Ninety-nine percent of urologists were aware of and 54% wanted to improve their knowledge about FT. Sixty-five percent do not treat PCa with FT. FT is seen as an alternative to active surveillance and radiotherapy/radical prostatectomy by 66% and 37%, respectively. Regarding FT treatment strategies, 35% and 45% would treat all or all significant PCa foci, respectively, whereas 19% would treat mainly the index foci. Currently, 27% believe that FT will be an option as standard treatment in future, but 48% would not suggest FT to their patients, owing to an absence of evidence and insufficient diagnostic tools for proper patient selection today. Suggesting FT to patients is associated with self-performing FT (odds ratio [OR] 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-6.31) and believing in FT as a standard treatment in future (OR 9.05, 95% CI 6.68-22.30) (both p < 0.01). Conclusion: FT has currently no wide acceptance in German practicing urologists, mainly attributable to an absence of evidence for FT superiority compared to standard treatments.

Peritoneal Flap in Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Lymphocele is the most common complication arising after pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in the setting of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). The only data available until now on the utility of a peritoneal flap to prevent lymphocele were retrospectively acquired. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, multi-center trial with blinded assessment of endpoints was carried out on 232 patients with prostate cancer who underwent RARP with PLND. The patients in the intervention group were given a peritoneal flap; in the control group, surgery was performed without this modification. The two joint primary endpoints were the rates of symptomatic lymphocele during the same hospitalization as the operative procedure (iT1) and within 90 days of surgery (iT2). The secondary endpoints were lymphocele volume, the need for treatment of lymphocele, complications requiring an intervention, and the degree of postoperative stress incontinence. German Clinical Trials Register number: DRKS00011115. RESULTS: The data were evaluated in an intention-to-treat analysis, which, in this trial, was identical to an as-treated analysis. 108 patients (46.6%) were allotted to the intervention group. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences with respect to any clinical or histopathological criteria. A median of 16 lymph nodes were removed (interquartile range, 11-21). A symptomatic lymphocele arose in 1.3% (iT1) and 9.1% (iT2) of the patients, without any statistically significant difference between the two trial groups (p = 0.599 and p = 0.820, respectively). Nor did the groups differ significantly with respect to lymphocele volume (p = 0.670 on hospital discharge [T1], p = 0.650 90 days after surgery [T2]) or the type and frequency of need for subsequent surgical intervention (p = 0.535; iT2). 81.5% of all patients (n = 189) had no complications at all in the first three months after surgery. Nor were there any intergroup differences at 90 days with respect to the degree of stress urinary incontinence (p = 0.306) or complications (p = 0.486). CONCLUSION: A peritoneal flap after RARP was not found to influence the rate of postoperative lymphocele, whether asymptomatic or requiring treatment.

Obesity leads to a higher rate of positive surgical margins in the context of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Results of a prospective multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Current results concerning the effect of body mass index (BMI) on positive surgical margins (PSMs) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with localized prostate cancer are inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further analyse the association between BMI and PSMs after RARP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2017 and December 2017 a multicentre, prospective, randomised, single-blind series with a blinded outcome assessment of 232 RARP patients was performed. Multivariate logistical regression models were used to analyse the independent effect of obesity, with body-mass-index (BMI) dichotomised at 30 kg/m2 (model-1) and at 90th percentile (model-2), on PSMs. RESULTS: Median BMI was 27.2 kg/m2, PSMs were found in 15.5% (n = 36). In multivariate model-1, obesity did not have a significant effect on PSMs (OR 2.34, p = 0.061). However, if BMI was dichotomized at the 90th percentile (BMI ≥33.7 kg/m²), patients with a higher BMI showed PSMs four-times more frequently (OR 3.99, p = 0.013). In both models, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and pathological tumour stage had a significant effect on PSMs. There was no significant correlation between BMI and the extent of PSMs, nor a significant difference between the BMI groups and the localisation of PSMs. There was a higher percentage of posteriolateral PSM localisation in obese patients compared to patients with a BMI of less than 30 kg/m2 (58.3% and 25.3% of the localisations were posterolateral in obese and non-obese patients, respectively), however this effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.175). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to a longer operation time and about twice as many complications, patients with a BMI of ≥33.7 kg/m² had a higher PSM rate after RARP. Differences in localization of PSMs in relation to obesity should be evaluated in future research.

Gender-Specific Variations in Professional and Personal Aspects among Senior Urology Physicians at German Centers: Results of a Web-Based Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Senior urology physicians represent a heterogeneous group covering various clinical priorities and career objectives. No reliable data on gender-specific variations among senior urology physicians are available concerning professional and personal aspects. METHODS: The objective of this study was to analyze professional perspectives, professional and personal settings, and individual career goals. A Web-based survey containing 55 items was designed which was available for senior physicians at German urologic centers between February and April 2019. Gender-specific differences were evaluated using bootstrap-adjusted multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-two surveys were evaluable including 29 female senior physicians (15.1%). Ninety-five percent would choose urology again as their field of specialization - with no significant gender-specific difference. 81.2% of participants rate the position of senior physician as a desirable career goal (comparing sexes: p = 0.220). Based on multivariate models, male participants self-assessed themselves significantly more frequently autonomously safe performing laparoscopic, open, and endourologic surgery. Male senior physicians declared 7 times more often to run for the position of head of department/full professor. CONCLUSION: This first study on professional and personal aspects among senior urology physicians demonstrates gender-specific variations concerning self-assessment of surgical expertise and future career goals. The creation of well-orchestrated human resources development strategies especially adapted to the needs of female urologists seems advisable.