Real-life use of ropeg-interferon α2b in polycythemia vera: patient selection and clinical outcomes.

Ropeginterferon-alfa2b (ropegIFNα2b) is a long-acting IFN formulation with broad FDA/EMA approval as a therapy of polycythemia vera (PV) with no symptomatic splenomegaly. There is currently lack of information on the real-world patient selection, including the impact of local reimbursement policies, and drug management, particularly: type/timing of screening and follow-up tests; absolute/relative contraindications to therapy; ropegIFNα2b dose and combinations with hydroxyurea. As a sub-analysis of the PV-ARC retrospective study (NCT06134102), we here report our monocenter experience with ropegIFNα2b in the period from January 2021, corresponding to drug availability outside clinical trial, and December 2023. Among the 149 patients with EMA/FDA indication, only 55 (36.9%) met the local reimbursement criteria and 18 (12.1%) received ropegIFNα2b. Thanks to appropriate screening, relative/absolute contraindications to ropegIFNα2b were detected and managed in a multidisciplinary manner. Efficacy and safety of ropegIFNα2b was confirmed, with 3 cases of early molecular response. General use of low ropegIFNα2b dose, with frequent need for hydroxyurea combinations, was noted. This real-world experience suggests a significant impact of local regulations on drug prescription and the need for greater real-world data collection on ropegIFNα2b in PV patients. Also, it describes appropriate multidisciplinary screening and monitoring procedures during ropegIFNα2b therapy.

The history of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease which was defined in the early 1980s. The principal features include thromboembolic events and/or pregnancy losses in association with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). As an historical note, the full-blown picture of the syndrome resembles the illness suffered by Anne Stuart, Queen of England in the XVIII century, whose repeated miscarriages caused the end of the royal Stuart line and the Hanoverian succession. The identification of aPL started in the early XX century and was linked to the introduction of the serological test for the diagnosis of syphilis. This involves a reaction between an antibody (reagin) and a phospholipid antigen derived from bovine heart (cardiolipin). Later on, it was observed that not all subjects with a positive test had syphilis, and that the so called "false positive reaction" was often reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Different tests for the identification of aPL were subsequently developed: first lupus anticoagulant (1971) and then immunoassays for anticardiolipin (1983) and anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (1990) antibodies. In the same period the association between the presence of circulating aPL and thrombotic and obstetric events was established, both in patients with autoimmune diseases and in otherwise healthy subjects, leading to the identification of APS as a distinct autoimmune disease. This has allowed better diagnosis and more targeted treatment for many patients.

Analysis of tumour microstructure estimation from conventional diffusion MRI and application to skull-base chordoma.

Skull-base chordoma (SBC) is a rare tumour whose molecular and radiological characteristics are still being investigated. In neuro-oncology microstructural imaging techniques, like diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI), have been widely investigated, with the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) being one of the most used DW-MRI parameters due to its ease of acquisition and computation. ADC is a potential biomarker without a clear link to microstructure. The aim of this work was to derive microstructural information from conventional ADC, showing its potential for the characterisation of skull-base chordomas. Sixteen patients affected by SBC, who underwent conventional DW-MRI were retrospectively selected. From mono-exponential fits of DW-MRI, ADC maps were estimated using different sets of b-values. DW-MRI signals were simulated from synthetic substrates , which mimic the cellular packing of a tumour tissue with well-defined microstructural features. Starting from a published method, an error-driven procedure was evaluated to improve the estimates of microstructural parameters obtained through the simulated signals. A quantitative description of the tumour microstructure was then obtained from the DW-MRI images. This allowed successfully differentiating patients according to histologically-verified cell proliferation information.Clinical Relevance - The impact on cancer management derives from the expected improvement of radiation treatment quality tailored to a patient-specific non-invasive description of tumour microstructure.

Development and validation of a new set-up simulator dedicated to ocular proton therapy at CNAO.

An Eye Tracking System (ETS) is used at CNAO for providing a stable and reproducible ocular proton therapy (OPT) set-up, featuring a fixation light (FL) and monitoring stereo-cameras embedded in a rigid case. The aim of this work is to propose an ETS set-up simulation algorithm, that automatically provides the FL positioning in space, according to patient-specific gaze direction and avoiding interferences with patient, beam and collimator. Two configurations are provided: one in the CT room for acquiring images required for treatment planning with the patient lying on a couch, and one related to the treatment room with the patient sitting in front of the beam. Algorithm validation was performed reproducing ETS simulation (CT) and treatment (room) set-up for 30 patients previously treated at CNAO. The positioning accuracy of the device was quantified through a set of 14 control points applied to the ETS case and localizable both in the CT volume and in room X-ray images. Differences between the position of ETS reference points estimated by the algorithm and those measured by imaging systems are reported. The corresponding gaze direction deviation is on average 0.2° polar and 0.3° azimuth for positioning in CT room and 0.1° polar and 0.4° azimuth in the treatment room. The simulation algorithm was embedded in a clinically usable software application, which we assessed as capable of ensuring ETS positioning with an average accuracy of 2 mm in CT room and 1.5 mm in treatment room, corresponding to gaze direction deviations consistently lower than 1°.

A high-urgency stroke code reduces in-hospital delays in acute ischemic stroke: a single-centre experience.

Timely treatment is essential in acute ischemic stroke as the chances of recovery diminish over time, so efforts are necessary to streamline in-hospital pathways and reduce delays. Here, we analyse the interventions to reduce door-to-needle time in stroke patients suitable for intravenous thrombolysis at the Emergency Department of San Carlo Borromeo Hospital, Milan, Italy. All stroke patients consecutively treated with intravenous thrombolysis at our centre from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 were included in this analysis. The main interventions adopted were (1) continuous education of personnel, (2) reconsideration of blood tests and identify the ones really affecting treatment decision, (3) approval of a new high-urgency Stroke Code activated as soon as the triage nurse comes to know of a potential thrombolysis candidate. Median door-to-needle time progressively decreased from 103 min (iqr 78-120) in 2013, to 92 min (iqr 72-112) in 2014, and to 37 min (iqr 27-58) with the new Stroke Code (p < 0.001) in 2015. Simultaneously, median onset-to-treatment time decreased from 177 min (iqr 142-188) in 2013, to 155 min (iqr 141-198) in 2014, and to 114 min (iqr 86-160) with the new Stroke Code (p < 0.001 and p 0.005, respectively). We did not observe any significant difference in bleeding risks or deaths, whereas the likelihood of favourable outcome (mRS 0-2) increased. Streamlining in-hospital pathways with progressive interventions significantly decreases door-to-needle time and onset-to-treatment time and may contribute to improve stroke outcomes.

Mid-infrared coincidence measurements on twin photons at room temperature.

Quantum measurements using single-photon detectors are opening interesting new perspectives in diverse fields such as remote sensing, quantum cryptography and quantum computing. A particularly demanding class of applications relies on the simultaneous detection of correlated single photons. In the visible and near infrared wavelength ranges suitable single-photon detectors do exist. However, low detector quantum efficiency or excessive noise has hampered their mid-infrared (MIR) counterpart. Fast and highly efficient single-photon detectors are thus highly sought after for MIR applications. Here we pave the way to quantum measurements in the MIR by the demonstration of a room temperature coincidence measurement with non-degenerate twin photons at about 3.1 µm. The experiment is based on the spectral translation of MIR radiation into the visible region, by means of efficient up-converter modules. The up-converted pairs are then detected with low-noise silicon avalanche photodiodes without the need for cryogenic cooling.

Flood dynamics in urbanised landscapes: 100 years of climate and humans' interaction.

Raising interest in the interaction between humans and climate drivers to understand the past and current development of floods in urbanised landscapes is of great importance. This study presents a regional screening of land-use, rainfall regime and flood dynamics in north-eastern Italy, covering the timeframe 1900-2010. This analysis suggests that, statistically, both climate and land-use have been contributing to a significant increase of the contribution of short duration floods to the increase in the number of flooded locations. The analysis also suggests that interaction arises, determining land-use dynamics to couple with climatic changes influencing the flood aggressiveness simultaneously. Given that it is not possible to control the climatic trend, an effective disaster management clearly needs an integrated approach to land planning and supervision. This research shows that land management and planning should include the investigation of the location of the past and future social and economic drivers for development, as well as past and current climatic trends.

Activation of Protein C in Human Trophoblasts in Culture and Downregulation of Trophoblast Endothelial Protein C Receptor by TNF-α.

In mice, trophoblasts are equipped with a potent anticoagulant mechanism, the protein C pathway. In human placenta, no functional studies of the protein C pathway are available. Human first-trimester trophoblasts (CK(++) HLA-G(+/-) Vim(-)) were isolated and kept in culture for a maximum of 48 hours. Activation of protein C on trophoblasts was at least as efficient as in endothelial cells (4.43 × 10 (-) (7) nmol/L/min/cell). Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) was expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts. Downregulation of the messenger RNA of trophoblast EPCR occurred when trophoblasts were challenged with tumor necrosis factor α, and it could be prevented by unfractionated heparin but not by low-molecular-weight heparin at therapeutic doses. In conclusion, there is a functional protein C pathway on human first-trimester trophoblasts which can be modulated by inflammation. This finding has implications for the pathogenesis and prevention of placenta-mediated obstetric complications.

Image guided particle therapy in CNAO room 2: implementation and clinical validation.

In this contribution we describe the implementation of a novel solution for image guided particle therapy, designed to ensure the maximal accuracy in patient setup. The presented system is installed in the central treatment room at Centro Nazionale di Adroterapia Oncologica (CNAO, Italy), featuring two fixed beam lines (horizontal and vertical) for proton and carbon ion therapy. Treatment geometry verification is based on robotic in-room imaging acquisitions, allowing for 2D/3D registration from double planar kV-images or 3D/3D alignment from cone beam image reconstruction. The calculated six degrees-of-freedom correction vector is transferred to the robotic patient positioning system, thus yielding automated setup error compensation. Sub-millimetre scale residual errors were measured in absolute positioning of rigid phantoms, in agreement with optical- and laser-based assessment. Sub-millimetre and sub-degree positioning accuracy was achieved when simulating setup errors with anthropomorphic head, thorax and pelvis phantoms. The in-house design and development allowed a high level of system customization, capable of replicating the clinical performance of commercially available products, as reported with preliminary clinical results in 10 patients.

Nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica: experiencia en 227 casos consecutivos / Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: An experience in 227 cases

Objetivo: Analizar nuestra experiencia a largo plazo con la técnica de nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica (NPL) y revisar la literatura. Material y métodos: Entre junio de 1995 y junio de 2010 se efectuaron 227 nefrectomías parciales laparoscópicas. Los datos fueron registrados en forma prospectiva y se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de los datos demográficos y quirúrgicos, complicaciones perioperatorias, estancia hospitalaria, tasa de márgenes positivos y de recurrencia, y hallazgos histopatológicos. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 56,4 años (18-87). El sangrado intraoperatorio promedio fue de 250 ml (10-1.800). El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 108,42 min (30-240) y la mediana de tiempo de isquemia caliente fue de 25 min (10-60). La tasa de complicaciones intraoperatorias fue de 2,64% (6/227), de las cuales 5 (2,2%) fueron por sangrado. La tasa de complicación postoperatoria fue de 5,72% (13/227), siendo también el sangrado la más frecuente en un 3% (7/227) de los casos. Según la clasificación de Clavien, el 1,32% (3/227), el 0,88% (2/227) y el 3,52% (8/227) fueron grado i , ii y iii b, respectivamente. La estancia hospitalaria media fue de 3,66 días (1-12). El carcinoma de células renales fue el hallazgo histopatológico más frecuente en el 74,6% (150 pacientes), presentando estadios clínicos T1a, T1b y T2 en el 90,74% (206/227), el 7,48% (17/227) y el 1,76% (4/227), respectivamente. No hubo conversión ni mortalidad relacionada con la cirugía. Hubo margen quirúrgico positivo en 4 pacientes (2,7%), sin recurrencia a largo plazo. En un seguimiento promedio de 27 meses hubo solo un caso de metástasis en los puertos y carcinomatosis peritoneal. Conclusión: La NPL es una alternativa segura y viable a la nefrectomía parcial abierta, entregando resultados oncológicos equivalentes y una morbilidad comparable a la cirugía tradicional en centros con experiencia

Objective: To evaluate our long-term experience with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and to review the literature. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective chart review, evaluating 227 consecutives laparoscopic partial nephrectomies performed between June 1995 and June 2010. Perioperative data were recorded along with clinical a oncological outcomes. Results: Mean age was 56.4 years (18-87) and clinical stages were T1a, T1b and T2 in 90.74% (206/227), 7.48% (17/227) and 1.76% (4/227), respectively. Median blood loss was 250 ml (10-1800). The mean operative time was 108.42 min (30-240) and median warm ischemia time was 25 min (10-60). The intraoperative complication rate was 2.64% (6/227), 5 (2.2%) secondary to bleeding. The postoperative complication rate was 5.72% (13/227) and bleeding is also the most frequent in 3% (7/227) of the cases. According to the Clavien classification, 1.32% (3/227), 0.88% (2/227) and 3.52% (8/227) were grade I, II and III b, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 3.66 days (1-12). Clear cell carcinoma was the most common histological finding in 74.6% (150 patients). TNM classification was T1a, T1b and T2 in 90.74% (206/227), 7.48% (17/227) and 1.76% (4/227), respectively. No conversion or mortality was reported. Positive surgical margins were found in 4 patients (2.7%), with no local recurrence after long-term follow-up. At a mean follow up of 27 months, one patient had port site and peritoneal recurrence. Conclusion: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a safe and viable alternative to open partial nephrectomy, providing equivalent oncologic outcomes and comparable morbidity to the traditional approach in experienced centers

Elevated risk of death and major cardiovascular events in subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes: findings from an administrative database.

AIMS: To investigate the incidence of major cardiovascular complications and mortality in the first years of follow-up in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined incidence rates of hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons and death among new patients with diabetes using the administrative health database of the nine million inhabitants of Lombardy followed from 2002 to 2007. Age and sex-adjusted rates were calculated and hazard ratios (HR) were estimated with a matched population without diabetes of the same sex, age (± 1 year) and general practitioner. There were 158,426 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes and 314,115 subjects without diabetes. Mean follow-up was 33.0 months (SD ± 17.5). 9.7% of patients with diabetes were hospitalized for cardiovascular events vs. 5.4% of subjects without diabetes; mortality rate was higher in patients with diabetes (7.7% vs. 4.4%). The estimated probability of hospitalization during the follow up was higher in patients with diabetes than in subjects without for coronary heart disease (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3-1.4), cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.3.95% CI 1.2-1.3), heart failure (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3-1.4) as was mortality (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.4-1.4). Younger patients with diabetes had a risk of death or hospital admission for cardio-cerebrovascular events similar to subjects without diabetes ten years older. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated morbidity and mortality risks were clear since the onset of diabetes and rose over time. These data highlight the importance of prompt and comprehensive patients care in addition to anti-diabetic therapy in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes.

[Non palpable testicular tumors. Retrospective series]. / Tumeurs testiculaires non palpables. Série rétrospective.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in 13 cases with nonpalpable testicular tumors and review the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1998 to 2012, 13 patients were diagnosed with nonpalpable testicular tumors. The data base was performed prospectively, and analyzed retrospectively. We evaluated demographic data, clinical presentation, ultrasound tumor features, tumor markers, frozen and final histopathological findings. All patients were also evaluated with serum tumor markers and the surgical approach was inguinal. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.4 years and the most frequent clinical presentation were orchialgia in six patients (46.1%) and infertility in three (23%). All masses were hypoechoic with an average tumor size of 8.9 mm. The serum tumor markers were negative in all patients and the final histopathological findings were six seminomas, two embryonal carcinomas, one seminiferous tubules atrophy, a segmental testicular infarction, a Sertoli cell tumor and a Leydig cell tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Nonpalpable testicular masses were benign in almost half of the cases; therefore, we recommend using the frozen section pathology as a tool to perform conservative surgery in selective cases.

Commissioning and quality assurance of an integrated system for patient positioning and setup verification in particle therapy.

In an increasing number of clinical indications, radiotherapy with accelerated particles shows relevant advantages when compared with high energy X-ray irradiation. However, due to the finite range of ions, particle therapy can be severely compromised by setup errors and geometric uncertainties. The purpose of this work is to describe the commissioning and the design of the quality assurance procedures for patient positioning and setup verification systems at the Italian National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO). The accuracy of systems installed in CNAO and devoted to patient positioning and setup verification have been assessed using a laser tracking device. The accuracy in calibration and image based setup verification relying on in room X-ray imaging system was also quantified. Quality assurance tests to check the integration among all patient setup systems were designed, and records of daily QA tests since the start of clinical operation (2011) are presented. The overall accuracy of the patient positioning system and the patient verification system motion was proved to be below 0.5 mm under all the examined conditions, with median values below the 0.3 mm threshold. Image based registration in phantom studies exhibited sub-millimetric accuracy in setup verification at both cranial and extra-cranial sites. The calibration residuals of the OTS were found consistent with the expectations, with peak values below 0.3 mm. Quality assurance tests, daily performed before clinical operation, confirm adequate integration and sub-millimetric setup accuracy. Robotic patient positioning was successfully integrated with optical tracking and stereoscopic X-ray verification for patient setup in particle therapy. Sub-millimetric setup accuracy was achieved and consistently verified in daily clinical operation.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: An experience in 227 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate our long-term experience with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and to review the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review, evaluating 227 consecutives laparoscopic partial nephrectomies performed between June 1995 and June 2010. Perioperative were recorded along with clinical a oncological outcomes. RESULTS: Mean age was 56.4 years (18-87) and clinical stages were T1a, T1b and T2 in 90.74% (206/227), 7.48% (17/227) and 1.76% (4/227), respectively. Median blood loss was 250 mL (10-1800). The mean operative time was 108.42 minutes (30-240) and median warm ischemia time was 25 minutes (10-60). The intraoperative complication rate was 2.64% (6/227), 5 (2.2%) secondary to bleeding. The postoperative complication rate was 5.72% (13/227) and bleeding is also the most frequent in 3% (7/227) of the cases. According to the Clavien classification, 1.32% (3/227), 0.88% (2/227) and 3.52% (8/227) were grade I, II and IIIb, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 3.66 days (1-12). Clear cell carcinoma was the most common histological finding in 74.6% (150 patients). TNM clasification was T1a, T1b y T2 in 90.74% (206/227), 7.48% (17/227) and 1,76% (4/227), respectively. No conversion or mortality was reported. Positive surgical margins were found in 4 patients (2.7%), with no local recurrence after long-term follow-up. At a mean follow up of 27 months, one patient had port site and peritoneal recurrence. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a safe and viable alternative to open partial nephrectomy, providing equivalent oncologic outcomes and comparable morbidity to the traditional approach in experienced centers.

Reemplazo ureteral con colgajo de Boari laparoscópico: experiencia multi-institucional en 30 casos / Laparoscopic ureteral replacement by Boari flap: Multi-institutional experience in 30 cases

Introducción: El colgajo vesical tipo Boari es una excelente técnica para el reemplazo de lesiones del uréter distal. Existen pocas comunicaciones con el uso de la vía laparoscópica, sobre todo con resultados a largo plazo. Nuestro objetivo es presentar los resultados de un estudio multi-institucional en 30 casos. Material y método: Se analizan 30 pacientes tratados entre diciembre de 2001 y enero de 2009, en quienes se realizó un colgajo de Boari laparoscópico intracorpóreo en 3 centros latinoamericanos. En todos los casos se empleó la misma técnica quirúrgica. La base de datos fue registrada de forma prospectiva y analizada retrospectivamente. Resultados: La edad media fue de 43,2 años (rango de 9 a 71 años). La mayoría fueron mujeres (22 de 30) con un ligero predominio del lado izquierdo (17 de 30). Las causa más frecuente de lesión ureteral fue la histerectomía en 14 pacientes (46,6%) y la ureterolitotomía endoscópica en 9 pacientes (30%). La longitud ureteral media resecada fue de 7 cm (5 a 20 cm). El tiempo medio operatorio fue de 161,16 min (90 a 280 min). El sangrado intraoperatorio estimado promedio fue de 123 ml (0 a 500 ml) y la estancia hospitalaria de 4,86 días (2 a 10 días). No hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias ni conversión a cirugía abierta. Ocurrieron complicaciones postoperatorias en 5 pacientes (16,6%), Clavien 1 en 2 pacientes (6,6%) y Clavien 3 en 3 pacientes (10%). La tasa de éxito de la cirugía fue del 96,6% (29 pacientes), con un tiempo medio de seguimiento de 32 meses (5 a 60 meses). Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados con la técnica de colgajo de Boari laparoscópico confirman los buenos resultados de esta técnica a corto y largo plazo (AU)

Introduction: The Boari flap is an excellent technique for replacement of distal ureteral injuries. There are few reports with the use of laparoscopic surgery, especially with long term results. Our goal is to present the results of a multi-institutional study of 30 cases. Materials and methods: We analyzed 30 patients treated between December 2001 and January 2009 who underwent a laparoscopic intracorporeal Boari flap, in three Latin American centers. In all cases the same surgical technique was employed. The database was recorded prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Results: The mean age was 43.2 years (range 9–71 years). Most were women (22 of 30) with a slight predominance of left-side lesions (17 of 30). The most common cause of ureteral injury was hysterectomy in 14 patients (46.6%) and endoscopic ureterolithotomy in 9 patients (30%). The mean length of ureteral resection was 7 cm (5–20 cm). The average operative time was 161.16 min (90–280 min). The average estimated blood loss was 123 mL (0–500 mL), and hospital stay was 4.86 days (2–10 days). There were no intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (16.6%), Clavien 1 in 2 patients (6.6%) and Clavien 3 in three patients (10%). The success rate was 96.6% (29 patients) with a mean follow up of 32 months (5–60 months). Conclusions: Laparoscopic Boari flap in our hands had good short and long term results (AU)

Laparoscopic ureteral replacement by Boari flap: multi-institutional experience in 30 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The Boari flap is an excellent technique for replacement of distal ureteral injuries. There are few reports with the use of laparoscopic surgery, especially with long term results. Our goal is to present the results of a multi-institutional study of 30 cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 30 patients treated between December 2001 and January 2009 who underwent a laparoscopic intracorporeal Boari flap, in three Latin American centers. In all cases the same surgical technique was employed. The database was recorded prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 43.2 years (range 9 to 71 years). Most were women (22 of 30) with a slight predominance of left-side lesions (17 of 30). The most common cause of ureteral injury was hysterectomy in 14 patients (46.6%) and endoscopic ureterolithotomy in 9 patients (30%). The mean length of ureteral resection was 7 cm. (5 to 20 cm). The average operative time was 161.16 min (90 to 280 min). The average estimated blood loss was 123 mL. (0 to 500 mL), and hospital stay was 4.86 days (2 to 10 days). There were no intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (16.6%), Clavien 1 in 2 patients (6.6%) and Clavien 3 in three patients (10%). The success rate was 96.6% (29 patients) with a mean follow up of 32 months (5 to 60 months). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Boari flap in our hands had good short and long term results.

Nefrectomía parcial robótica con compresión selectiva del parénquima (pinza de Simon) / Robotic Partial Nephrectomy With Selective Parenchymal Compression (Simon Clamp)

Objetivo: Presentar nuestra experiencia inicial en nefrectomía parcial robótica (NPR) realizando compresión selectiva del parénquima renal, sin pinzamiento del hilio renal. Material y métodos: Se realizó NPR utilizando el sistema robótico da Vinci S HD con abordaje transperitoneal y compresión selectiva del parénquima renal a 4 pacientes con masa tumoral exofítica de localización polar. Se utilizó la pinza de Simon laparoscópica (Simon's clamp Aesculap®) sin control vascular del hilio renal. La reconstrucción renal fue la utilizada regularmente. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 49,6 años (42-59) con una relación hombre/mujer 3:1. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 71,6 min (40-120). El sangrado estimado promedio fue de 250 ml (50-400). El tamaño tumoral promedio fue de 3,25 cm (1,5-5,3). No hubo complicaciones perioperatorias ni postoperatorias. La estancia media hospitalaria fue de 3,5 días (1-7). No hubo complicaciones hemorrágicas intra ni postoperatorias. El examen patológico de las lesiones reveló carcinoma renal en 3 casos y quiste hemorrágico en un caso. No hubo márgenes quirúrgicos positivos. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados preliminares muestran que la NPR con compresión regional del parénquima renal es una alternativa quirúrgica factible en pacientes seleccionados y tumores de localización polar, proporcionando un campo quirúrgico adecuado para la resección tumoral (AU)

Objective: To present our initial experience using selective renal parenchymal ischemia, without hilar clamping, in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy. Material and methods: In four patients with T1a renal tumor we performed robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy, using the Simon's clamp (Aesculap®). It provides selective parenchymal compression without the need of vascular clamping. All patients had exofitic renal tumors in polar location. Renal parenchymal reconstruction was done as the standard technique. Results: The median age was 49.6 years (42-59), 3 male and 1 female patient. Median operative time was 71,6 minutes (40-120). Mean stimated bleeding was 250 ml (50-400). Average tumor size was 3,25 cm (1,5-5,3). There were no complications and the average hospital stay was 3,5 days (1-7). The pathology was informed as renal cell carcinoma in three patients and one hemorrhagic cyst. The surgical margins were negative. Conclusion: Our preliminary results shows that selective renal parenchymal compression, with the Simon's clamp, provides an alternative to vascular control in selected patients with polar renal tumors (AU)

Robotic partial nephrectomy with selective parenchymal compression (Simon clamp).

OBJECTIVE: To present our initial experience using selective renal parenchymal ischemia, without hilar clamping, in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In four patients with T1a renal tumor we performed robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy, using the Simon's clamp (Aesculap). It provides selective parenchymal compression without the need of vascular clamping. All patients had exofitic renal tumors in polar location. Renal parenchymal reconstruction was done as the standard technique. RESULTS: The median age was 49.6 years (42-59), 3 male and 1 female patient. Median operative time was 71,6 minutes (40-120). Mean stimated bleeding was 250 ml (50-400). Average tumor size was 3,25 cm (1,5-5,3). There were no complications and the average hospital stay was 3,5 days (1-7). The pathology was informed as renal cell carcinoma in three patients and one hemorrhagic cyst. The surgical margins were negative. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results shows that selective renal parenchymal compression, with the Simon's clamp, provides an alternative to vascular control in selected patients with polar renal tumors.

Evidencia actual acerca de bloqueo hormonal intermitente en cáncer de próstata / Current evidence about intermittent androgenic deprivation in prostate cancer

Objetivos: Revisar la aplicación de la hormonoterapia intermitente en el cáncer de próstata. Material y método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en la base de datos de MEDLINE y COCHRANE utilizando las palabras MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) «prostate cancer, androgenic deprivation e intermittent». Fueron incluidos aquellos con el mejor nivel de evidencia, que hayan sido publicados en los últimos 10 años. Resultados: La hormonoterapia intermitente es una de las herramientas del armamentario urológico que utilizamos en circunstancias especiales. De este análisis se destaca: la posibilidad de poder recuperar la función sexual durante el periodo de suspensión del tratamiento (time off) debido a la recuperación de los valores de testosterona manifestando además una mejoría de los síntomas; disminución de los costos y, que presenta el mismo control oncológico comparado con el bloqueo hormonal completo. Conclusión: Aun son controvertidos los beneficios en la calidad de vida y en la aparición de efectos secundarios a largo plazo propios del bloqueo hormonal continuo. Por lo tanto y por ahora solo deberíamos ofrecer la terapia intermitente en pacientes selectos (AU)

Objectives: To identify clinical application of intermittent hormonotherapy in prostatic carcinoma. Material and methods: We conducted a systematic review in MEDLINE database and COCHRANE Library using the words MeSH "prostate cancer, androgenic deprivation and intermittent". There were included those with the best level of evidence and published in the last 10 years. Results: Intermittent hormone therapy is one of the tools we use in urological armamentarium for special circumstances. This analysis highlights: possibility to regain sexual function during the period of suspension of treatment (time off) due to the recovery of testosterone levels also demonstrating an improvement in symptoms, decreased costs preserving the same oncological control compared to complete androgenic deprivation. Conclusions: There is still controversy about the benefits in quality of life and the emergence of long-term side effects typical of continuous hormonal therapy. Therefore and until now, we should only propose intermittent therapy in selected patients (AU)

[Current evidence about intermittent androgenic deprivation in prostate cancer]. / Evidencia actual acerca de bloqueo hormonal intermitente en cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical application of intermittent hormonotherapy in prostatic carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review in MEDLINE database and COCHRANE Library using the words MeSH "prostate cancer, androgenic deprivation and intermittent". There were included those with the best level of evidence and published in the last 10 years. RESULTS: Intermittent hormone therapy is one of the tools we use in urological armamentarium for special circumstances. This analysis highlights: possibility to regain sexual function during the period of suspension of treatment (time off) due to the recovery of testosterone levels also demonstrating an improvement in symptoms, decreased costs preserving the same oncological control compared to complete androgenic deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: There is still controversy about the benefits in quality of life and the emergence of long-term side effects typical of continuous hormonal therapy. Therefore and until now, we should only propose intermittent therapy in selected patients.