Case report: Prostatic malakoplakia: a rare disease that has a profile mimicking prostate cancer.

Prostatic malakoplakia (PMP) is a rare inflammatory disease, and misdiagnosis on imaging is a major reason for unnecessary punctures; however, information on imaging is even rarer. Five patients with PMP between May 2022 and February 2023 were enrolled in this study to summarize the imaging manifestations. All patients underwent ultrasound (US)-guided prostate biopsy and were confirmed by pathology, and the presence of prostate cancer was also excluded by pathology. The five patients, with a median age of 71 years (range = 58-74 years), had a median total prostate-specific antigen (T-PSA) of 10.40 ng/mL (range = 1.74-63.42 ng/mL). In two patients, chest computed tomography showed pulmonary infections. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of these patients, four had a Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) score of 5, while one had a score of 4. The lesions were mostly distributed in the peripheral zone of the prostate and appeared as a high signal on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and a low signal on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). In the US examination, four patients had abnormal prostate morphology, with an unsmooth envelope and non-uniform parenchymal echogenicity. Four patients had increased prostate volume. US showed a hypoechoic nodule with non-uniform internal echogenicity, and an abundant internal blood flow signal was detected by color Doppler US. PSA, MRI, and US were not specific for PMP in our study, but we found that a history of co-infection may be helpful in an accurate diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary biopsy.

Development and validation of a predictive model based on clinical and MpMRI findings to reduce additional systematic prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a predictive model based on clinical features and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to reduce unnecessary systematic biopsies (SBs) in biopsy-naïve patients with suspected prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A total of 274 patients who underwent combined cognitive MRI-targeted biopsy (MRTB) with SB were retrospectively enrolled and temporally split into development (n = 201) and validation (n = 73) cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) on cognitive MRTB, and the clinical, MRI, and combined models were established respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses were assessed. RESULTS: Prostate imaging data and reporting system (PI-RADS) score, index lesion (IL) on the peripheral zone, age, and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) were independent predictors and included in the combined model. The combined model achieved the best discrimination (AUC 0.88) as compared to both the MRI model incorporated by PI-RADS score, IL level, and zone (AUC 0.86) and the clinical model incorporated by age and PSAD (AUC 0.70). The combined model also showed good calibration and enabled great net benefit. Applying the combined model as a reference for performing MRTB alone with a cutoff of 60% would reduce 43.8% of additional SB, while missing 2.9% csPCa. CONCLUSIONS: The combined model based on clinical and mpMRI findings improved csPCa prediction and might be useful in making a decision about which patient could safely avoid unnecessary SB in addition to MRTB in biopsy-naïve patients. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The combined model based on clinical and mpMRI findings improved csPCa prediction and might be useful in making a decision about which patient could safely avoid unnecessary SB in addition to MRTB in biopsy-naïve patients. KEY POINTS: • Age, PSAD, PI-RADS score, and peripheral index lesion were independent predictors of csPCa. • Risk models were used to predict the probability of detecting csPCa on cognitive MRTB. • The combined model might reduce 43.8% of unnecessary SBs, while missing 2.9% csPCa.

Utilization trend of prebiopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and its impact on prostate cancer detection: Real-world insights from a high-volume center in southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Data on the utilization and effects of prebiopsy prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to support its routine use in real-world setting are still scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change of clinical practice of prebiopsy mpMRI over time, and assess its diagnostic accuracy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 6168 patients who underwent primary prostate biopsy (PBx) between January 2011 and December 2021 and had prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values ranging from 3 to 100 ng/mL. INTERVENTION: Prebiopsy MRI at the time of PBx. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We performed general linear regression and to elucidate trends in the annual use of prebiopsy mpMRI and conducted multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the potential benefits of incorporating prebiopsy mpMRI for prostate cancer (PCa) detection. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The utilization of prebiopsy mpMRI significantly increased from 9.2% in 2011 to 75.0% in 2021 (p < 0.001). In addition, prebiopsy mpMRI significantly reduced negative PBx by 8.6% while improving the detection of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) by 7.0%. Regression analysis showed that the utilization of prebiopsy mpMRI was significantly associated with a 48% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-1.84) and 36% (95% CI: 1.12-1.66) increased PCa detection rate in the PSA 3-10 ng/mL and 10-20 ng/mL groups, respectively; and a 34% increased csPCa detection rate in the PSA 10-20 ng/mL group (95% CI: 1.09-1.64). The retrospective design and the single center cohort constituted the limitations of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a notable rise in the utilization of prebiopsy mpMRI in the past decade. The adoption of this imaging technique was significantly associated with an increased probability of detecting prostate cancer. PATIENT SUMMARY: From 2011 to 2021, we demonstrated a steady increase in the utilization of prebiopsy mpMRI among biopsy-naïve men. We also confirmed the positive impact of prebiopsy mpMRI utilization on the detection of prostate cancer.

Genomic and Evolutionary Characterization of Concurrent Intraductal Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate.

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) is a lethal prostate cancer subtype that generally coexists with invasive high-grade prostate acinar adenocarcinoma (PAC) but exhibits distinct biological features compared with concomitant adenocarcinoma. In this study, we performed whole-exome, RNA, and DNA-methylation sequencing of IDC-P, concurrent invasive high-grade PAC lesions, and adjacent normal prostate tissues isolated from 22 radical prostatectomy specimens. Three evolutionary patterns of concurrent IDC-P and PAC were identified: early divergent, late divergent, and clonally distant. In contrast to those with a late divergent evolutionary pattern, tumors with clonally distant and early divergent evolutionary patterns showed higher genomic, epigenomic, transcriptional, and pathologic heterogeneity between IDC-P and PAC. Compared with coexisting PAC, IDC-P displayed increased expression of adverse prognosis-associated genes. Survival analysis based on an independent cohort of 505 patients with metastatic prostate cancer revealed that IDC-P carriers with lower risk International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 1-4 adenocarcinoma displayed a castration-resistant free survival as poor as those with the highest risk ISUP grade 5 tumors that lacked concurrent IDC-P. Furthermore, IDC-P exhibited robust cell-cycle progression and androgen receptor activities, characterized by an enrichment of cellular proliferation-associated master regulators and genes involved in intratumoral androgen biosynthesis. Overall, this study provides a molecular groundwork for the aggressive behavior of IDC-P and could help identify potential strategies to improve treatment of IDC-P. SIGNIFICANCE: The genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic characterization of concurrent intraductal carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the prostate deepens the biological understanding of this lethal disease and provides a genetic basis for developing targeted therapies.

Can contrast-enhanced ultrasound differentiate the type of hepatic echinococcosis: cystic echinococcosis or alveolar echinococcosis?

BACKGROUND: Hepatic echinococcosis (HE) is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus, and Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis are the most common, causing cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), respectively. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an imaging technique which has been recommended for identifying focal lesions in the liver. However, the effect of CEUS on the differentiation of hepatic echinococcosis type remains unclear. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with 46 HE lesions confirmed by histopathology in our hospital from December 2019 to May 2022 were reviewed by conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS examinations, respectively. After US was completed, the CEUS study was performed. A bolus injection of 1.0-1.2 ml of a sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent (SonoVue®) was administered. The images and clips of the lesions by US and CEUS were reviewed retrospectively. The lesions detected using US were evaluated including the location, size, morphology, margin, internal echogenicity and the internal Doppler signal. The lesions detected using CEUS were evaluated including the enhancement degree, enhancement pattern and enhancing boundary in different phases. The diagnoses of lesions by US or CEUS were respectively recorded. By taking the histopathology as the gold standard, the paired Chi-square test was performed with statistical software (IBM SPSS; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and the results of differentiation of HE type by US and CEUS were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 46 lesions were involved in 25 patients, including 10 males (40.0%) and 15 females (60.0%) aged 15-55 (42.9 ± 10.3) years. By histopathology, 24 lesions of nine patients were diagnosed as CE and 22 lesions of 16 patients were diagnosed as AE. Among the 46 HE lesions, compared with histopathological examination, the accuracy rate was 65.2% and 91.3% in US and CEUS findings, respectively. Among the 24 CE lesions, 13 lesions were correctly differentiated by US, and 23 by CEUS. The difference between US and CEUS was statistically significant (Chi-square test, [Formula: see text] = 8.10, df = 23, P < 0.005). Among the total 46 HE lesions, 30 lesions were correctly differentiated by US, and 42 by CEUS. The difference between US and CEUS was statistically significant (Chi-square test, [Formula: see text] = 10.08, df = 45, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: CEUS is a more effective technique than US for differentiating the type of HE between CE and AE. It could be a reliable tool in the differentiation of HE.

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Discussion Improves Overall Survival Outcomes for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients.

Purpose: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion is a widely used model to manage patients diagnosed with cancer. However, there has been no direct evidence to prove its effect on the prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients, so this study explored the impact of MDT discussion on mRCC patient survival. Methods: The clinical data of 269 mRCC patients were retrospectively collected from 2012 to 2021. The cases were grouped into the MDT and non-MDT groups, then subgroup analysis was performed according to different histology types, as well as exploring the role of MDT in patients who have undergone multiple-line therapy. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were set as the study endpoint. Results: Approximately half (48.0%, 129/269) of the patients were in the MDT group, with univariable survival analyses showing these patients had remarkably longer median OS (MDT group: 73.7 months; non-MDT group: 33.2 months, hazard ratio (HR): 0.423 (0.288, 0.622), p<0.001) and longer median PFS (MDT group: 16.9 months, non-MDT group: 12.7 months, HR: 0.722 (0.542, 0.962), p=0.026). Furthermore, MDT management resulted in longer survival for both ccRCC and non-ccRCC subgroups. Patients in the MDT group were more likely to receive multi-line therapy (MDT group: 79/129, 61.2% vs non-MDT group: 56/140, 40.0%, p<0.001), and within this patient group, MDT management still resulted in longer OS (MDT group: 94.0 months; non-MDT group: 43.5 months, p=0.009). Conclusion: MDT is associated with prolonged overall survival in mRCC independent of histology, ensuring that patients receive better management and precise treatment.

Neuroendocrine differentiation predicts the therapeutic efficacy of abiraterone and docetaxel as first-line therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We aim to explore the predictive value of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving abiraterone or docetaxel as first-line therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 262 mCRPC patients receiving abiraterone or docetaxel as first-line mCRPC treatment. NED was evaluated using prostate biopsy samples at the time of mCRPC by immunohistochemical staining. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to assess the association between NED and treatment outcomes including PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: NED was confirmed in 100/262 (38.2%) mCRPC patients, with 76/100 (76.0%) and 24/100 (24.0%) men harboring NED < 10% and NED ≥ 10%, respectively. 203/262 (77.5%) and 59/262 (22.5%) patients received abiraterone and docetaxel, respectively. In abiraterone treatment, NED was associated with a significantly shorter median PSA-PFS (mPSA-PFS, 7.5 vs. 10.3-Mo, P < 0.001), median rPFS (mrPFS, 15.9 vs. 19.5-Mo, P = 0.010), and median OS (mOS, 23.2 vs. 34.3-Mo, P = 0.014)). Likewise, for mCRPC patients receiving docetaxel, the positive detection of NED also predicted shorter mPSA-PFS (3.8 vs. 5.9-Mo, P = 0.052), mrPFS (8.4 vs. 20.4-Mo, P = 0.016) and mOS (13.6 vs. 29.0-Mo, P = 0.033). The adverse prognostic trait of NED is consistent in most subgroups. Additionally, patients' survival outcomes deteriorated as the NED proportion grew in both therapies. After propensity score matching, NED-positive patients showed comparable prognosis in abiraterone and docetaxel therapy. CONCLUSION: For mCRPC patients receiving abiraterone or docetaxel, NED and its proportion were critical predictive factors. NED detection at mCRPC might aid in predicting patients' outcomes and optimizing treatment decisions.

Combining clinical parameters and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to stratify biopsy-naïve men for an optimum diagnostic strategy with prostate-specific antigen 4 ng ml-1 to 10 ng ml-1.

We attempted to perform risk categories based on the free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio (%fPSA), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD, in ng ml-2), and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) step by step, with the goal of determining the best clinical diagnostic strategy to avoid unnecessary tests and prostate biopsy (PBx) in biopsy-naïve men with PSA levels ranging from 4 ng ml-1 to 10 ng ml-1. We included 439 patients who had mpMRI and PBx between August 2018 and July 2021 (West China Hospital, Chengdu, China). To detect clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) on PBx, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and their respective area under the curve were calculated. Based on %fPSA, PSAD, and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores, the negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated sequentially. The optimal %fPSA threshold was determined to be 0.16, and the optimal PSAD threshold was 0.12 for %fPSA ≥0.16 and 0.23 for %fPSA <0.16, respectively. When PSAD <0.12 was combined with patients with %fPSA ≥0.16, the NPV of csPCa increased from 0.832 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.766-0.887) to 0.931 (95% CI: 0.833-0.981); the detection rate of csPCa was similar when further stratified by PI-RADS scores (P = 0.552). Combining %fPSA <0.16 with PSAD ≥0.23 ng ml-2 predicted significantly more csPCa patients than those with PSAD <0.23 ng ml-2 (58.4% vs 26.7%, P < 0.001). Using PI-RADS scores 4 and 5, the PPV was 0.739 (95% CI: 0.634-0.827) when further stratified by mpMRI results. In biopsy-naïve patients with PSA level of 4-10 ng ml-1, stratification of %fPSA and PSAD combined with PI-RADS scores may be useful in the decision-making process prior to undergoing PBx.

Misdiagnosis of a Patient with Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis with Hepatapostema: A Case Report.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is an important zoonotic tropical disease in China that affects people living in western endemic areas. The disease is prone to occur in the liver with a characteristic similar to slow-growing malignant tumors. We report a 31-year-old male patient with serious complication after hepatorrhaphy, who had presented with clinical manifestations of hepatapostema with infection. Ultrasound (US) and computer tomography (CT) are two important medical imaging modalities to diagnose hepatic AE. Based on the medical history, clinical findings, laboratorial and imaging results, the patient was misdiagnosed with hepatapostema. A series of subsequent treatments were ineffective. Finally, partial hepatectomy was performed, and postoperative pathological results confirmed hepatic AE. The patient has now recovered.

Case report: Ultrasonographic findings of retroperitoneum and abdominal wall metastases of renal cell carcinoma with FH gene deletion.

Renal cell carcinoma with FH gene deletion is a rare subtype of renal cell carcinoma. There had been few reports about ultrasonographic imaging of metastasis of renal cell carcinoma with FH gene deletion. This case reported one of the features of metastasis of renal cell carcinoma with FH gene deletion of a male patient 7 months after undergoing radical nephrectomy. He was diagnosed with a renal malignant tumor before the operation and confirmed to be primary FH gene-deficient renal cell carcinoma after undergoing radical nephrectomy in another hospital. Reexamination 7 months after the operation indicated that multiple metastases all over the body were found; therefore, he came to our hospital for further diagnosis and therapy. The tumors have metastasized in the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes adjacent to the left reproductive vessels and external iliac vessels, retroperitoneum, and abdominal wall so far as confirmed by PET/CT or MRI. Ultrasonographic findings of masses in the retroperitoneum and abdominal wall are fully discussed, which have been confirmed by biopsy and diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma with FH gene deletion by pathology.

The role of prostate-specific antigen density and negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in excluding prostate cancer for biopsy-naïve men: clinical outcomes from a high-volume center in China.

This study aimed to assess the role of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) and negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in predicting prostate cancer for biopsy-naïve men based on a large cohort of the Chinese population. From a prostate biopsy database between March 2017 and July 2021, we retrospectively identified 240 biopsy-naïve patients with negative prebiopsy mpMRI (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 [PI-RADS v2] score <3). Logistic regression analysis was performed to select the potential predictors for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy. The negative predictive values of mpMRI in excluding any cancer and csPCa were 83.8% (201/240) and 90.8% (218/240), respectively. ROC curve analysis indicated that PSAD was the most promising predictor, with an AUC value of 0.786 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.699-0.874), and multiparametric logistic regression analysis confirmed that higher PSAD remained a significant marker for predicting csPCa (odds ratio [OR]: 10.99, 95% CI: 2.75-44.02, P < 0.001). Combining negative mpMRI and PSAD below 0.20 ng ml-2 obviously increased the predictive value in excluding PCa (91.0%, 101/111) or csPCa (100.0%, 111/111). If a PSAD below 0.20 ng ml-2 was set as the criterion to omit biopsy, nearly 46.3% of patients (463 per 1000) with negative mpMRI could safely avoid unnecessary biopsy, with approximately 4.2% of patients (42 per 1000) at risk of missed diagnosis of PCa and no patients with csPCa missed. A PI-RADS v2 score <3 and a PSAD <0.20 ng ml-2 could be potential criteria for the Chinese population to omit prompt biopsy safely.

Efficacy and safety of the new biopsy strategy combining 6-core systematic and 3-core MRI-targeted biopsy in the detection of prostate cancer: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Recent EAU guideline strongly recommended combined targeted biopsy (TBx) with systematic biopsy (SBx) for biopsy naïve patients with suspected multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) lesions; However, the clinical goal is to find out how to determine the optimal SBx and TBx cores for biopsy in order to maximize the detection of csPCa and minimize the associated defects. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the new biopsy strategy combining 6-core systematic and 3-core MRI- TBx compared to 12-core systematic and 3-core MRI-TBx strategy. Methods: This is a single-center, prospectively randomized controlled clinical trial. 280 men meeting inclusion criteria will be recruited and will be randomly allocated to either 6-core systematic plus 3-core MRI-TBx group (Group A) or 12-core systematic plus 3-core MRI-TBx group (Group B). The primary outcome compares the detection rate of PCa and clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa) between group A and group B. The secondary outcomes compare the participant-reported pain score immediate post biopsy using pain measurement scale; proportion of men with post-biopsy complications and adverse events (Time frame: 7 days post biopsy, 30 days post biopsy); proportion of the men who undergo radical prostatectomy and have cancer upgraded histopathology from the biopsy to the radical prostatectomy. Results and Discussion: A new biopsy strategy should be developed with the goal of minimizing procedure invasion, our study will provide the results of efficacy and safety of the new biopsy strategy (6-core systematic and 3-core MRI-TBx) in biopsy naïve men with suspicious mpMRI lesion in comparison with 12-core systematic and 3-core MRI-TBx. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200056437; http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=151413&htm=4.

Sonographic Features of Pure Mucinous Brelast Carcinoma With Micropapillary Pattern.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have mostly discussed the clinical manifestations and prognosis of mucinous breast carcinoma with a micropapillary pattern. The purposes of this study were to investigate the sonographic features of pure mucinous breast carcinoma with micropapillary pattern (MUMPC) and to identify the role of ultrasound in the differential diagnosis between MUMPC and conventional pure mucinous breast carcinoma (cPMBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained written informed consent from all patients, and the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital approved this retrospective study. The study was conducted between May and August 2020. We enrolled 133 patients with 133 breast lesions confirmed as mucinous breast carcinoma (MBC) histopathologically between January 2014 and January 2020.We retrospectively assessed sonographic features (margin, shape, internal echogenicity, calcification, posterior acoustic feature, invasive growth, blood flow grade, and rate of missed diagnosis) and clinical characteristics (age, tumor size, tumor texture, initial symptom, and lymph node metastasis). Bivariable analyses were performed using SPSS version 19.0. RESULTS: The 133 lesions included 11 MUMPCs, 65 cPMBCs, and 57 mixed MBCs (MMBCs). There were significant differences in margin, shape, calcification, posterior acoustic feature, invasive growth, rate of missed diagnosis, average tumor size, and lymph node metastasis among the three groups (p < 0.05). The subsequent pairwise comparisons showed that there were significant differences in lymph node metastasis, margin, and invasive growth between MUMPC and cPMBC (p < 0.05). In patients aged >45 years, there was a significant difference in tumor size among the three groups (p = 0.045), and paired comparison showed that the average tumor size in the cPMBC group was larger than that in the MMBC group (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: MUMPC showed a non-circumscribed margin and invasive growth more frequently than cPMBC did. Lymphatic metastasis was more likely to occur in MUMPC than cPMBC. Ultrasound is helpful to distinguish MUMPC from cPMBC.

Dynamic multidisciplinary team discussions can improve the prognosis of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) management is a popular treatment paradigm in managing cancer patients, which provides fully-discussed, interdisciplinary treatment recommendations for patients. However, there has been a lack of data on its actual impact on the overall survival (OS) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. mCRPC is the end stage of prostate cancer, facing a treatment dilemma of overwhelming options; therefore, we hypothesize dynamic MDT discussions can be helpful in comprehensively managing these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively collected 422 mCRPC patients' clinical information from 2013 to 2020 from our institute. Patients can voluntarily choose whether to enroll in the dynamic MDT group, which includes discussions at CRPC diagnosis and subsequent disease progression. All patients were followed up regularly, and OS from CRPC diagnosis to death was set as the endpoint of this study. RESULTS: Participating in MDT discussions is a favorable independent indicator of longer overall survival (median OS: MDT (+): 39.7 months; MDT (-): 27.0 months, hazard ratio: 0.549, p = .001). Moreover, this survival benefit of MDT remained in subgroups with first-line therapy [median OS: MDT (+): not reached; MDT (-): 27.0 months, p = .001) and with multi-line therapy until the end of follow-up (median OS: MDT (+): 36.7 months; MDT (-): 25.6 months, p = .044). CONCLUSION: Therefore, regular MDT discussions are valuable in the management of mCRPC patients. Clinicians are encouraged to tailor MDT discussions dynamically to provide mCRPC patients with a better and more individualized treatment plan and more prolonged survival. Take-home messages ● The MDT model is defined as dynamic MDT discussions at the time of mCRPC diagnosis and each time they progressed later on throughout the disease management. ● Prostate cancer MDT usually includes specialists in urologic oncology, pathology, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, ultrasound, imaging and nuclear medicine. ● MDT model can benefit mCRPC patients in terms of overall survival.

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin for Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The protective effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on kidney transplantation has not been established. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the potential influence of rHuEPO on transplanted kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To identify relevant studies, we searched electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, and major nephrology journals) from inception until June 15, 2018. Two independent reviewers assessed study quality. The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed with fixed- or random-effects models according to heterogeneity, and results are expressed as risk ratios (RR) or weighted mean differences. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials with a total of 435 patients met the inclusion criteria. rHuEPO, compared with placebo, had no statistically significant effect on delayed graft function (RR = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] , 0.73 to 1.07; P = 0.22) and slow graft function (RR = 0.93, 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.43; P = 0.73). The rHuEPO and control groups did not differ in thromboembolic events, mortality, acute rejection, and blood transfusion. A significant difference was found in long-term estimated glomerular filtration rate (RR = 3.65, 95% CI, -4.45 to 11.75; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggests that rHuEPO has a limited nephroprotective effect in patients undergoing kidney transplantation and does not increase the susceptibility to adverse events.

The optimal core number and site for MRI-targeted biopsy of prostate? A systematic review and pooled analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Prebiopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has been increasingly utilized for patients of suspicious prostate cancer (PCa). However, the optimal core number and site for MRI-targeted biopsy have not been clearly elucidated. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search in Pubmed, Embase and Ovid up to June 2019 was conducted and we identified studies reporting detection details of every MRI-targeted core. The incremental diagnostic value of performing additional cores was pooled on per-lesion analysis. Our secondary outcome concentrated on detection accuracy for cores of different site within one lesion. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Five studies comprising 2291 patients were identified to elucidate the association between targeted core number and cancer detection rates. Adding the second core to the first one resulted in 19.8% (range: 13.6-26.7%) increase in the detection rate of clinically significant lesions, and adding the third one to the first two resulted in 11.5% (range: 7.8-14.3%) increase. The incremental value of adding the fourth or the fifth core was 6.0% (4.7%, 6.9%) and 4.1% respectively. Four studies arranging MRI-targeted biopsy of more than two cores in well-determined sequences indicated more positive cores with higher cancer grade through center of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the number of samples per target from one to two, or two to three resulted in a nonnegligible incremental detection rate of clinically significant lesions, while obtaining more than 3 cores per target provided a diminished incremental value. And performing targeted cores accurately through center of the lesions may help improve diagnostic accuracy.

AKR1C3 expression in primary lesion rebiopsy at the time of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is strongly associated with poor efficacy of abiraterone as a first-line therapy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies had demonstrated that aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), a crucial enzyme in the steroidogenic pathway, played an important role in abiraterone (ABI)-resistance in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) by increasing intratumoral androgen synthesis. However, its value in predicting treatment response in patients with mCRPC is unknown. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Data of 163 patients with metastatic prostate cancer between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received androgen deprivation therapy plus bicalutamide after initial diagnosis. After mCRPC, either ABI or docetaxel (DOC) treatment was used. No patient had the experience of therapy to the primary tumor. AKR1C3 protein was detected by immunohistochemical staining from rebiopsy (re-Bx) of primary prostate lesions at mCRPC. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to analyze the association between AKR1C3 and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: AKR1C3 was positive in 58 of 163 (35.6%) cases. AKR1C3 was associated with significantly shorter median prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival (mPSA-PFS, 5.6 mo vs 10.7 mo; P < .001), median radiographic progression-free survival (mrPFS, 11.1 mo vs 18.0 mo; P = .018), and numerically shorter median overall survival (mOS, 20.4 mo vs 26.4 mo; P = .157). Notably, AKR1C3-positive patients treated with ABI, but not DOC, had shorter mPSA-PFS and mrPFS compared with AKR1C3-negative men, (mPSA-PFS, 5.7 mo vs. 11.2 mo; P < .001; mrPFS, 12.4 mo vs 23.3 mo; P = .048). However, AKR1C3 expression had no correlation to PSA response or OS. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that AKR1C3 was independently accompanied with rapid PSA progression (hazard ratio [HR], 3.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.10-6.31; P < 0.001) and radiological progression (HR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.05-4.11; P = .036) in the ABI-treated subgroup. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that AKR1C3 detection in tissues from prostate re-Bx at mCRPC was associated with early resistance to ABI but not DOC. These results will help to make optimal personalized treatment decisions for patients with mCRPC, facilitate physicians predicting the effectiveness of ABI.

High-frequency ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the evaluation of testicular capillary hemangioma: A case report.

RATIONALE: Testicular capillary hemangioma (TCH) is a rare benign tumor of the testis. To the authors' knowledge, there is currently only a few literatures describing the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to diagnose TCH. Accurate preoperative diagnosis of benign tumors can avoid orchiectomy. A case of TCH evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound and CEUS is presented. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 21-year-old male presented with a right testicular mass during a routine physical examination, and was admitted to the authors' hospital for definitive diagnosis and treatment. DIAGNOSES: Combined gray-scale, color Doppler ultrasonography, and CEUS did not exclude the possibility that the right testicular lesion may be a benign tumor. Combined with morphological and immunohistochemical staining results, a pathological diagnosis of TCH was considered. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent right orchiectomy under general anesthesia, which proceeded smoothly. OUTCOMES: At the 12-month follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic and resumed all daily activities. LESSONS: TCH is a rare benign tumor and lacks extensive previous data in imaging findings. If TCH can be diagnosed accurately before surgery, excessive or inappropriate treatment of benign lesions can be minimized, which will be beneficial to the physical and psychological health of patients.

The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

To evaluate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) compared with ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE).Thirty-one patients with 43 hepatic AE lesions between January 2010 and September 2017 were included in the study. All lesions which were histopathologically proven to be hepatic AE were retrospectively reviewed. Features of the lesions by CEUS were retrospectively studied.All lesions were detected by US and CEUS in the 31 patients (17 males and 14 females) with a mean age of 38.5 ±â€Š10.6 years (range: 16-58 years). The size of the lesions ranged from 1.5 × 0.7 cm to 15 × 18 cm. By US, 3 lesions (7%, 3/43) were hypoechoic nodules, 21 (48.8%, 21/43) were hyperechoic, and 19 lesions (44.2%, 19/43) were of mixed echogenicity type (solid-cystic). 27 lesions (62.8%, 27/43) had calcifications. Only 1 lesion was detected blood-flow signals. With CEUS, 23 lesions (53.5%, 23/43) displayed no enhancement in the arterial phase, portal phase and delayed phase on CEUS. 11 lesions (25.6%, 11/43) displayed a slight ring-like hyper-enhancement in the arterial phase and displayed hypo-enhancement in the portal and delayed phase. 6 lesions (14%, 6/43) displayed hyper-enhancement in the arterial phase and hypo-enhancement in the portal and delayed phase. 2 lesions (4.7%, 2/43) showed iso-enhancement in the arterial, portal, and delayed phase. 1 lesion (2.3%, 1/43) showed slight hypo-enhancement in the arterial, portal, and delayed phase.CEUS is a more valid technique for diagnosing AE than US. It could be a reliable tool in the diagnosis of hepatic AE.