Management of Urinary Incontinence Following Radical Prostatectomy: Challenges and Solutions.

Urinary incontinence is a common and debilitating problem in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Current methods developed to treat urinary incontinence include conservative treatments, such as lifestyle education, pelvic muscle floor training, pharmacotherapy, and surgical treatments, such as bulking agents use, artificial urinary sphincter implants, retrourethral transobturator slings, and adjustable male sling system. Pelvic floor muscle exercise is the most common management to improve the strength of striated muscles of the pelvic floor to try to recover the sphincter weakness. Antimuscarinic drugs, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, duloxetine, and a-adrenergic drugs have been proposed as medical treatments for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. Development of new surgical techniques, new surgical tools and materials, such as male slings, has provided an improvement of outcomes after UI surgery. Such improvement is still ongoing, and the uptake of new devices might lead to even better outcomes after UI surgery.

Conspicuity and muscle-invasiveness assessment for bladder cancer using VI-RADS: a multi-reader, contrast-free MRI study to determine optimal b-values for diffusion-weighted imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) compare bladder cancer (BC) muscle invasiveness among three b-values using a contrast-free approach based on Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS), to (2) determine if muscle-invasiveness assessment is affected by the reader experience, and to (3) compare BC conspicuity among three b-values, qualitatively and quantitatively. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who underwent a bladder MRI on a 3.0-T scanner were enrolled. The gold standard was histopathology report following transurethral resection of BC. Three sets of images, including T2w and different b-values for DWI, set 1 (b = 1000 s/mm2), set 2 (b = 1500 s/mm2), and set 3 (b = 2000 s/mm2), were reviewed by three differently experienced readers. Descriptive statistics and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Comparisons among readers and DWI sets were performed with the Wilcoxon test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. Areas under the curves (AUCs) and pairwise comparison were calculated. RESULTS: AUCs of muscle-invasiveness assessment ranged from 0.896 to 0.984 (reader 1), 0.952-0.968 (reader 2), and 0.952-0.984 (reader 3) without significant differences among different sets and readers (p > 0.05). The mean conspicuity qualitative scores were higher in Set 1 (2.21-2.33), followed by Set 2 (2-2.16) and Set 3 (1.82-2.14). The quantitative conspicuity assessment showed that mean normalized intensity of tumor was significantly higher in Set 2 (4.217-4.737) than in Set 1 (3.923-4.492) and Set 3 (3.833-3.992) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Muscle invasiveness can be assessed with high accuracy using a contrast-free protocol with T2W and DWI, regardless of reader's experience. b = 1500 s/mm2 showed the best tumor delineation, while b = 1000 s/mm2 allowed for better tumor-wall interface assessment.

Rotterdam mobile phone app including MRI data for the prediction of prostate cancer: A multicenter external validation.

OBJECTIVES: The Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk calculator (RPCRC) has been validated in the past years. Recently a new version including multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) data has been released. The aim of our study was to analyze the performance of the mpMRI RPCRC app. METHODS: A series of men undergoing prostate biopsies were enrolled in eleven Italian centers. Indications for prostate biopsy included: abnormal Prostate specific antigen levels (PSA>4 ng/ml), abnormal DRE and abnormal mpMRI. Patients' characteristics were recorded. Prostate cancer (PCa) risk and high-grade PCa risk were assessed using the RPCRC app. The performance of the mpMRI RPCRC in the prediction of cancer and high-grade PCa was evaluated using receiver operator characteristics, calibration plots and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 580 patients were enrolled: 404/580 (70%) presented PCa and out of them 224/404 (55%) presented high-grade PCa. In the prediction of cancer, the RC presented good discrimination (AUC = 0.74), poor calibration (p = 0.01) and a clinical net benefit in the range of probabilities between 50 and 90% for the prediction of PCa (Fig. 1). In the prediction of high-grade PCa, the RC presented good discrimination (AUC = 0.79), good calibration (p = 0.48) and a clinical net benefit in the range of probabilities between 20 and 80% (Fig. 1). CONCLUSIONS: The Rotterdam prostate cancer risk App accurately predicts the risk of PCa and particularly high-grade cancer. The clinical net benefit is wide for high-grade cancer and therefore its implementation in clinical practice should be encouraged. Further studies should assess its definitive role in clinical practice.

Bladder cancer: do we need contrast injection for MRI assessment of muscle invasion? A prospective multi-reader VI-RADS approach.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To investigate whether a contrast-free biparametric MRI (bp-MRI) including T2-weighted images (T2W) and diffusion-weighted images (DWI) can be considered an accurate alternative to the standard multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI), consisting of T2, DWI, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging for the muscle-invasiveness assessment of bladder cancer (BC), and (2) to evaluate how the diagnostic performance of differently experienced readers is affected according to the type of MRI protocol. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who underwent a clinically indicated bladder mp-MRI on a 3-T scanner were prospectively enrolled. Trans-urethral resection of bladder was the gold standard. Two sets of images, set 1 (bp-MRI) and set 2 (mp-MRI), were independently reviewed by four readers. Descriptive statistics, including sensitivity and specificity, were calculated for each reader. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, and the areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated for the bp-MRI and the standard mp-MRI. Pairwise comparison of the ROC curves was performed. RESULTS: The AUCs for bp- and mp-MRI were respectively 0.91-0.92 (reader 1), 0.90 (reader 2), 0.95-0.90 (reader 3), and 0.90-0.87 (reader 4). Sensitivity was 100% for both protocols and specificity ranged between 79.31 and 89.66% and between 79.31 and 83.33% for bp-MRI and mp-MRI, respectively. No significant differences were shown between the two MRI protocols (p > 0.05). No significant differences were shown accordingly to the reader's experience (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A bp-MRI protocol consisting of T2W and DWI has comparable diagnostic accuracy to the standard mp-MRI protocol for the detection of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The experience of the reader does not significantly affect the diagnostic performance using VI-RADS. KEY POINTS: • The contrast-free MRI protocol shows a comparable accuracy to the standard multiparametric MRI protocol in the bladder cancer muscle-invasiveness assessment. • VI-RADS classification helps non-expert radiologists to assess the muscle-invasiveness of bladder cancer. • DCE should be carefully interpreted by less experienced readers due to inflammatory changes representing a potential pitfall.

Conservative management of urinary incontinence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is getting more and more popular becoming the most common radical prostatectomy technique. Unfortunately, a not negligible proportion of patients in whom RARP is performed experience urinary incontinence. We aimed to systematically review the current literature evidence on urinary incontinence conservative treatment after RARP. EDIDENCE AQUISITION: A systematic literature review search using PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed in December 2019. PRISMA guidelines have been adopted. Population consisted of patients with urinary incontinence after RARP (P), conservative intervention was considered of interest (I). No comparator was considered mandatory (C). Outcomes of interest were the recovery of continence and quality of life (O). EVIDEDENCE SYNTHESIS: Six studies were included. Four of them investigated the use of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). PFMT improved pelvic muscle strength. Continence recovery was faster when guided PFMT was adopted. Moreover, two studies tested the effect of solifenacin on urinary incontinence. One of them, a randomized clinical trial, failed to show shorter time to continence in solifenacin group compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: The use of pads is associated with a detrimental effect on quality of life thus active treatments for UI post-RARP are warranted. PFMT has the main advantage to shorten the time for recovery. The use of solifenacin seems to not offer striking advantages in UI following RARP. Future studies should focus on testing the efficacy of these treatments when used after robotic vs. open radical prostatectomy.

Bioptic intraprostatic chronic inflammation predicts adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy in patients with low-grade prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the potential role of bioptic inflammation (Irani score) in predicting adverse pathology (AP) at radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with low-grade (ISUP Gleason Group [ISUP GG] 1 and 2) prostate cancer (CaP). METHODS: After institutional review board-approval, we identified patients who underwent prostate biopsy, had bioptic Irani score assessment, were diagnosed with low-grade CaP (ISUP GG 1-2, prostate-specific antigen [PSA] <20 ng/ml), and underwent RP. The impact of standard clinicopathological variables and bioptic Irani Score (G = grade and A = aggressiveness) on AP at RP, defined as stage ≥T3 and/or ISUP GG ≥3, was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 282 patients were eligible for this study. AP at RP occurred in 37 of 214 (17.3%) patients with ISUP GG 1, and 26 of 68 (38.2%) with ISUP GG 2. At univariate analysis, serum PSA, PSA density, bioptic ISUP GG, number of positive cores, total percentage of core involvement and Irani G score emerged as significant risk factors of AP. At multivariate analysis, however, only PSA density, bioptic ISUP GG, total percentage of core, and Irani G score kept statistical significance. The area under the curve for the resulting model was 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study demonstrating that low-grade inflammation is associated with a significantly increased risk of AP at RP. These findings would support the concept of prostatic inflammation being inversely correlated with presence and aggressiveness of CaP. Further studies are needed to externally validate the role of this readily available parameter in the decision-making process of patients with low-grade CaP.

External validation of Cormio nomogram for predicting all prostate cancers and clinically significant prostate cancers.

PURPOSE: Recently, the Cormio et al. nomogram has been developed to predict prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa using benign prostatic obstruction parameters. The aim of the present study was to externally validate the nomogram in a multicentric cohort. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2019, patients scheduled for ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy were prospectively enrolled at 11 Italian institutions. Demographic, clinical and histological data were collected and analysed. Discrimination and calibration of Cormio nomogram were assessed with the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve and calibration plots. The clinical net benefit of the nomogram was assessed with decision curve analysis. Clinically significant PCa was defined as ISUP grade group > 1. RESULTS: After accounting for inclusion criteria, 1377 patients were analysed. 816/1377 (59%) had cancer at final pathology (574/816, 70%, clinically significant PCa). Multivariable analysis showed age, prostate volume, DRE and post-voided residual volume as independent predictors of any PCa. Discrimination of the nomogram for cancer was 0.70 on ROC analysis. Calibration of the nomogram was excellent (p = 0.94) and the nomogram presented a net benefit in the 40-80% range of probabilities. Multivariable analysis for predictors of clinically significant PCa found age, PSA, prostate volume and DRE as independent variables. Discrimination of the nomogram was 0.73. Calibration was poor (p = 0.001) and the nomogram presented a net benefit in the 25-75% range of probabilities. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that the Cormio nomogram can be used to predict the risk of PCa in patients at increased risk. Implementation of the nomogram in clinical practice will better define its role in the patient's counselling before prostate biopsy.

New Antiandrogen Compounds Compared to Docetaxel for Metastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer: Results from a Network Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Docetaxel represent the standard of care in patients with metastatic, hormone sensitive prostate cancer. However, androgen receptor axis targeted therapies have also been shown to be effective. We aimed to analyze findings in randomized controlled trials investigating first-line treatment for hormone sensitive prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically reviewed the literature according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria and the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes) methodology. Outcomes of interest were overall and progression-free survival, and the rate of high grade adverse events. RESULTS: No treatment was superior to docetaxel in terms of overall survival. However, abiraterone (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.76-1.05), enzalutamide (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.69-1.19) and apalutamide (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.67-1.22) showed nonstatistically significant lower overall mortality rates than docetaxel. Abiraterone (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.86), enzalutamide (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.49-0.75) and apalutamide (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.95) also showed statistically significant lower disease progression rates than docetaxel. Furthermore, abiraterone (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.56-1.21) showed no statistically significant lower rate of high grade adverse events compared to docetaxel. Finally, enzalutamide (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35-0.92) and apalutamide (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24-0.79) showed statistically significant lower rates of high grade adverse events compared to docetaxel. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with androgen receptor axis targeted therapies combined with androgen deprivation therapy in patients with hormone sensitive prostate cancer did not offer a statistically significant advantage in overall survival compared to the standard, docetaxel. However, it was associated with a lower disease progression rate. Moreover, apalutamide and enzalutamide offer a better safety profile.

A drug safety evaluation of abiraterone acetate in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Introduction: To evaluate the safety profile characteristics of abiraterone acetate (AA) in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). Areas covered: In this literature review the authors evaluate safety data from phase III trials investigating the combination of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. In particular, the aim was to clarify its toxicity profile, long-term exposure impact, and the correlation with general health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Expert opinion: Based on the studies reviewed, it appears that abiraterone acetate has favourable outcomes, is effective and well tolerated, mostly in asymptomatic or slightly symptomatic patients, and has recognised toxicity profile characteristics. Incidence of adverse events (AEs), such as mineralocorticoid- and corticosteroid-releated AEs, and hepatotoxicity is well known and widely described. Understanding the toxicity profile of AA could assist decision-making in clinical practice.

Physical Activity as a Protective Factor for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Male Patients: A Prospective Cohort Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between physical activity, evaluated by the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE) questionnaire and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in male patients. METHODS: From 2009 onward, a consecutive series of patients with LUTS-benign prostatic enlargement were enrolled. Symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) with its subscores and prostate volume using transrectal ultrasound. Physical activity was evaluated with the PASE questionnaire, consisting of 12 questions regarding frequency and duration of leisure activity and recently used to evaluate physical activity in patients with prostatic disorders. The risk of detecting LUTS (IPSS ≥8), voiding LUTS (vIPSS≥5), and storage LUTS (sLUTS) (sIPSS ≥4) was evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Six hundred and seventeen patients were enrolled in 2 centers (Rome, Vasto, Italy). Median PASE score was 118 (IQR 73/169), and median IPSS was 9 (IQR 5/15). Overall 189 of 617 (30%) patients presented moderate/severe LUTS. These patients presented a lower PASE score (111 IQR 69/160 vs 125 IQR 83/180; P = .016) when compared to patients with total IPSS ≤7. On multivariate analysis, PASE score (OR = 0.997 per unit, 95%CI: 0.994-1.000; P = .023), and prostate volume (OR = 1.008 per mL, 1.000-1.016; P = .045) were independent predictors of LUTS severity. As well PASE score was an independent predictor of moderate/severe sLUTS (OR = 0.996, 95%CI:0.993-0.999; P = .015). CONCLUSION: In our study a reduced physical activity, assessed using the PASE questionnaire, is associated with an increased risk of moderate severe LUTS, more specifically of moderate/severe sLUTS.

Abiraterone acetate for early stage metastatic prostate cancer: patient selection and special considerations.

In recent years, therapeutic advances, together with new medication sequences and combinations, have improved outcomes for prostate cancer. For a long time, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been the standard of care for newly diagnosed, metastatic prostate cancer, first as a standalone therapy and then in combination with taxane-based regimens. More recently, the addition of abiraterone acetate to ADT to achieve complete androgen blockade has proven beneficial for the treatment of metastatic hormone-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). In this review, we summarize recent findings on the early use of abiraterone in mHSPC and discuss survival benefits as reported in clinical trials. On the basis of existing data, abiraterone in combination with ADT could be considered a new standard of care for patients affected by mHSPC.

Onabotulinumtoxin-A improves health status and urinary symptoms in subjects with refractory overactive bladder: Real-life experience.

OBJECTIVE:: Onabotulinumtoxin-A has been approved for wet overactive bladder refractory to anticholinergics in randomised controlled trials; however, data from real-life practice are scarce. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of intravesical onabotulinumtoxin-A injections, focusing on health status, urinary symptoms and subjective satisfaction. METHODS:: Data from consecutive patients with overactive bladder-refractory to anticholinergics treated with onabotulinumtoxin-A were prospectively collected and analysed. Standard doses (100-150 U) were used, followed by repeat sessions when clinical benefits diminished. Efficacy and safety of repeat onabotulinumtoxin-A administrations were assessed at 12-week post-injection. Clinical parameters evaluated were: change in the magnitude and frequency of incontinence, urgency and nocturia episodes, change in the number of pads used and procedural complications. Quality of life was evaluated using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Overactive Bladder Screener and Treatment Benefit Scale questionnaires. RESULTS:: Consecutive overactive bladder-refractory to anticholinergics patients ( n = 22) (median duration of oral therapy: 10 months) were enrolled. No intraoperative complications occurred, but two urinary retention cases were recorded. Forty-five percent of patients (10/22) were re-treated (median duration of perceived benefits: 18 months, range: 8-55 months). The number of urinary incontinence, frequency and nocturia episodes, and pads used went from 3.6, 11.3, 2.7 and 2.4 preoperatively to 1.0, 5.8, 0.7 and 0.7 postoperatively ( p < 0.005). Quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) was significantly improved and symptom scores (Overactive Bladder Screener) were reduced, from 34.5 to 17.1 at week 12 ( p < 0.05). Eighty-seven percent of patients indicated improvement/great improvement in their condition (Treatment Benefit Scale). CONCLUSION:: Intradetrusor injections of onabotulinumtoxin-A in patients with overactive bladder-refractory to anticholinergics significantly improved health status and urinary symptoms, with high subjective satisfaction.

The Surgical Experience Influences the Safety and Efficacy of Photovaporization of Prostate with 180-W XPS GreenLight Laser: Comparison Between Novices vs Expert Surgeons Learning Curves.

PURPOSE: To assess the extent to which surgical experience can affect perioperative and functional outcomes after photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with 180W XPX GreenLight laser in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 291 consecutive patients with symptomatic BPO (median follow-up 12 m) were collected and analyzed. Patients were treated at 2 different institutions by 2 expert (G1, n = 182) and 2 novice (G2, n = 109) transurethral prostate surgeons (February 2013 - March 2017) and underwent standard or anatomical PVP depending on surgeons' preferences. Patients' characteristics, perioperative and functional outcomes were compared using the chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Patients' satisfaction was measured using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score. Learning curves were analyzed based on changes in quantitative parameters: surgery time, lasing/operative time, and energy delivered (kJ). RESULTS: Patients' baseline characteristics, perioperative data and PGI-I score were similar. Overall the complication rates showed better trends for G1. Serum prostate-specific antigen levels, maximum flow rate, and International Prostatic Symptoms Score improved in both groups, with perceived improvements greater in G2 (p < 0.006). Lasing time/operative time ratio showed greater evolution for G1 than G2 (0.50:IQR 0.38-0.60 vs 0.46:IQR 0.34-0.58, respectively)(p = 0.201). A major increase in energy delivery for G2 was achieved within the first 50 procedures, whereas more than 100 iterations were needed for G1 to reach LT/OT >60%. CONCLUSION: Surgeons' background and expertise appear to affect outcomes over the learning curve, with roughly similar perioperative and functional results.

Monocenter Experience with 532 Nm-Laser Photoselective-Vaporization of the Prostate by GreenLight XPS™ Laser: Is It Really an Endourological Joker Card?

INTRODUCTION: In our study, we reported on our monocenter experience with GreenLight (GL) Xcelerated Performance System (XPS)™ /MoXy™ laser fiber (American Medical Systems Inc., Minnetonka, Minnesota), examining its efficacy, safety, and its ability to effectively treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in benign prostate obstruction (BPO). We also explored and compared the three different endoscopic approaches used for GL treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), standard photovaporization (PVP), anatomical PVP, and GreenLight XPS™ enucleation of the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2013 and April 2017, 140 patients, with an average age of 67.7 years (range 47-85), were treated using the XPS™/MoXy™ system in a single-operative urologic center. The data were retrospectively analyzed with an assessment of the main intra- and postoperative outcomes at three, six, 12, and 18 months comparing both subjective (international prostate symptom score [IPSS]) and objective (uroflow [Qmax] parameters and prostate volume) parameters to the preoperative data. Patients underwent standard PVP, anatomical PVP, or prostate photo-selective en-bloc enucleation (PEBE) according to surgeon preferences. RESULTS: Median prostate volume (MPV) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were 69cc and 3.24 ng/dl, respectively. An indwelling catheter, at the time of surgery, was observed in 15% of men. Median operative-laser time and energy applied were 56.4 minutes, 26.5 minutes, and 245813 kJ. Outpatient surgery was feasible with median length of stay at 48 hours. Significant improvement in IPSS and Qmax are observed at all endpoints. No significant intraoperative complications were reported. When stratifying postoperative complications according to the Cavien-Dindo classification, only two cases of high-degree emerged (grades III-IV). CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that in treating men with symptomatic benign prostate disease, the GreenLight XPS™/MoXy™ laser fiber is safe and able to achieve challenging results in terms of clinical outcomes and prostate volume reduction. Balance between functional outcomes and complications was great without statistically significant differences, in terms of outcomes, between the different surgical techniques.

Diagnostic accuracy of biparametric vs multiparametric MRI in clinically significant prostate cancer: Comparison between readers with different experience.

BACKGROUND: MRI plays a crucial role to identify men with a high likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer who require immediate biopsy. The added value of DCE MRI in combination with T2-weighted imaging and DWI is controversial (risks related to gadolinium administration, duration of MR exam, financial burden, effects on diagnostic performance). A comparison of a biparametric and a standard multiparametric MR imaging protocol, taking into account the different experience of the readers, may help to choose the best MR approach regarding diagnostic performance. PURPOSE: To determine the added value of dynamic contrasted-enhanced imaging (DCE) over T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, and to evaluate how it affects the diagnostic performance of three readers with different grade of experience in prostate imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five patients underwent prostate MR examination at 1.5 T MR scanner performed because of elevated prostate-specific antigen level and/or suspicion of prostate cancer at digital rectal examination. Two MR images sets (Set 1 = biparametric, Set 2 = multiparametric) were retrospectively and independently scored by three radiologists with 7, 3 and 1 years of experience in prostate MR imaging respectively, according to PI-RADS v2. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated by dichotomizing reader scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed and areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated for each reader and image set. A comparison of ROC curves was performed to test the difference between the areas under the ROC curves among the three readers. RESULTS: There was no significant difference regarding the detection of clinically significant tumor among the three readers between the two image sets. The AUC for the bi-parametric and multi-parametric MR imaging protocol was respectively 0.68-0.72 (Reader 1), 0.72-0.70 (Reader 2) and 0.60-0.54 (Reader 3). ROC curve comparison revealed no statistically significant differences for each protocol among the most experienced (Reader 1) and the other readers (Readers 2-3). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of a bi-parametric MR imaging protocol consisting of T2-weighted imaging and DWI is comparable with that of a standard multi-parametric imaging protocol for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. The experience of the reader does not significantly modify the diagnostic performance of both MR protocols.

Trifecta and Pentafecta Rates After Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Comparative Study of Patients with Renal Masses <4 and ≥4 cm.

OBJECTIVES: Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is preferred to radical nephrectomy because it guarantees superior functional outcomes in patients with small renal masses (RMs). Only a few studies so far have evaluated the feasibility of RAPN for the treatment of RM ≥4 cm. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of RAPN based on a comparison of trifecta and pentafecta rates for RMs ≥4 cm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from an institutional database of patients undergoing RAPN from September 2013 to November 2016. Demographic and perioperative data were collected and statistically analyzed. Pentafecta is defined as achievement of trifecta (negative surgical margins, no postoperative complications, and warm ischemia time ≤25 minutes) with the addition of two other variables, namely, over 90% estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation and no chronic kidney disease stage progression 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 123 patients underwent RAPN. Of those, 38 (30.9%) had RMs ≥4 cm. Trifecta was achieved in 72.9% of patients with RMs <4 cm and in 44.7% of those with ≥4 cm, whereas pentafecta was achieved by 23.5% of patients with RMs <4 cm and by 10.5% of those with RMs ≥4 cm. No significant predictive factors were found in connection with trifecta, whereas only one was found in connection with pentafecta, namely, age (odds ratio: 0.91; 95% confidence interval 0.85-0.98; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: RAPN may be considered a feasible and safe surgical approach ensuring good functional outcome even for patients with RMs ≥4 cm. Pentafecta rates after RAPN were comparable between RMs <4 and ≥4 cm in diameter.

A multidisciplinary group for prostate cancer management: A single institution experience.

Increased knowledge regarding the heterogeneity of Prostate Cancer (PC) and its variable outcomes has generated controversy over the best clinical approach. Nowadays, it is well-known that patient outcomes and clinical management may be improved by an efficient organization of the national health care system. The Interdisciplinary Group for Oncological Care (GICO) for PC patients was created by our healthcare management company in September 2010. Since then, a multidisciplinary internal report was applied to PC patients. This report highlights our methodology and experience of planning a GICO, and illustrates the results obtained for the management of PC patients before and after the adopted GICO criteria in a single institution, the SS Annunziata Hospital (Chieti, Italy).

Primary Vaginal Calculus in a Woman with Disability: Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Vaginal stones are rare and often unknown entities. Most urologists may never see a case in their careers. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 34-year-old bedridden Caucasian woman with mental and physical disabilities who presented with a large primary vaginal calculus, which, surprisingly, had remained undiagnosed until the patient suffered a right renal colic caused by a ureteral stone. The vagina was completely filled and a digital examination was not possible. For this reason, the stone was removed using surgical pliers with some maneuvering. A vesicovaginal fistula was excluded, as well as foreign bodies or other nidi of infection. After, urethral lithotripsy was performed as planned. The postoperative course and follow-up were uneventful. Conclusion: Although vaginal calculi are extremely rare in literature, their differential diagnosis should be considered in women with incontinence and associated disabilities, paraplegia, or prolonged immobilization in recumbent position.

Safety and efficacy of abiraterone acetate in chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: an Italian multicenter "real life" study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of abiraterone acetate (AA) in the "real life" clinical practice for men with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with mCRPC in 9 Italian tertiary centres treated with AA was collected. Demographics, clinical parameters, treatment outcomes and toxicity were recorded. The Brief Pain Inventory scale Q3 was tracked and patient treatment satisfaction was evaluated. Survival curves were estimated by the method of Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression and compared by the log-rank test statistic. RESULTS: We included 145 patients (mean age 76.5y). All patients were on androgen deprivation therapy. Patients had prior radiotherapy, radical prostatectomy, both treatments or exclusive androgen deprivation therapy in 17%, 33%, 9% and 40%, respectively. 57% of the patients had a Gleason score higher more than 7 at diagnosis. 62% were asymptomatic patients. The median serum total PSA at AA start was 17 ng/mL (range 0,4-2100). The median exposure to AA was 10 months (range 1-35). The proportion of patients achieving a PSA decline ≥50% at 12 weeks was 49%. Distribution of patient satisfaction was 32% "greatly improved", 38% "improved", 24% "not changed", 5.5% "worsened". Grade 3 and 4 toxicity was recorded in 17/145 patients 11.7% (70% cardiovascular events, 30% critical elevation of AST/ALT levels). At the last follow-up, median progression free and overall survival were 17 and 26.5 months, respectively. Both outcomes significantly correlated with the presence of pain, patient satisfaction, PSA baseline and PSA decline. CONCLUSIONS: The AA is effective and well tolerated in asymptomatic or slightly symptomatic mCRPC in a "real life" setting. The survival outcomes are influenced by the presence of pain, patient satisfaction, baseline PSA and PSA decline. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered at ISRCTN as DOI: 10.1186/ISRCTN 52513758 in date April the 30th 2016.

Bladder Neck Contracture After Endoscopic Surgery for Benign Prostatic Obstruction: Incidence, Treatment, and Outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years, new endoscopic techniques have been developed to reduce the morbidity of transurethral resection of the prostate. Nonetheless, complications are still frequently encountered and bladder neck contracture (BNC) is a well-described complication after endoscopic surgery for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Our aim is to review and discuss the contemporary incidence, the relevant treatment strategies, and their outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Findings suggest that BNC is a common complication with an acceptably low incidence but can range in complexity. Most contractures were usually managed successfully with conservative measures; nevertheless, in patients with refractory BNC, various valuable management strategies were employed with different kinds of success and re-treatment rates. In consideration of these challenging possibilities, the treatment of BNC requires a tailored approach with patient-specific management that can range from simple procedures to complex surgical reconstruction.