Enantioselective Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Tyrosine, Tryptophan, and Phenylalanine, and the Possibility of the Crop-Circle-Like Imprinting.

Molecularly imprinted polymer (L-MIP) for L-tyrosine (L-Tyr) is prepared by the complexation between quaternized poly(4-vinylpyridine/divinylbenzene) (QVP) and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (PAmA) in alkaline solution. The L-MIP shows higher enantioselectivity for L-isomers of tyrosine, together with tryptophan (Trp) and phenylalanine (Phe) compared to the D-isomers of them. The sorption isotherms of the three D-enantiomers are converged to one isotherm. It can reflect that the sorption of D-enantiomers can be relied mainly on the common segment, -CH2 -CH(NH2 )-COOH, neglecting any effect of bulkier aromatic groups. The imprinted common segment can be opened on the surface of MIP from the D-enantiomers. For the L-enantiomers, the sorption discrepancies are depended on the size of the aromatic group implying that the phenolic moiety of L-Tyr can be also opened. Thus, the imprinted sites are proposed to be opened on the surface of L-MIP similar to the crop-circle-like. The enantioselectivity factors, αef  = QL /QD , for Tyr, Trp, and Phe are 1.52, 1.30, and 1.52 for L- to D-isomers, respectively. And the uptake differences between D- and L-enantiomers of Tyr, Trp, and Phe are 31.8, 20.7, and 29 mg per 1 g MIP, respectively.

The feasibility of distance to the tumor of biopsy cores to estimate the extracapsular extension.

Background: To investigate the predictive capability of a new parameter, the distance between the fibromuscular capsule and the tumor as measured using a prostate biopsy core (referred to as "distance to the tumor" [DTT]), for the presence of extracapsular extension (ECE). Materials and methods: We analyzed specimens obtained from 246 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. All patients underwent prebiopsy, prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and subsequent prostatectomy. DTT measurements were obtained for each prostate biopsy core, and the minimum (min) DTT was extracted. We assessed the relationship between min DTT, MRI-estimated ECE, and pathological ECE, considering factors such as the PI-RADS score and tumor location. Results: In this study of 246 patients, the mean age was 65.8 years, and the mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 18.9 ng/ml. Patients with suspicious lesions in the peripheral zone and pathological ECE displayed higher rates of positive digital rectal examination (DRE), elevated PSA levels, and shorter DTT values in the biopsy cores. DTT demonstrated an accurate estimation of the presence of ECE, similar to MRI findings. Min DTT exhibited higher accuracy for peripheral zone masses, with a cutoff value of 1.0 mm for min DTT predicting ECE (AUC: 0.84, sensitivity: 72.23%, specificity: 77.78%, P < 0.01). Of the 246 patients, 66 had no ECE on MRI; however, 18 of these patients displayed pathological ECE, with 14 having DTT values <1.0 mm. Conclusions: Min DTT, positive DRE results, and a higher Gleason grade were significantly associated with ECE. DTT measurements of <1 mm can provide a more accurate prediction of ECE in the peripheral zone of the prostate than MRI-based assessments.

The Effectiveness of Cystography-Measured Bladder Neck Elevation at Predicting the Return of Continence After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical parameters correlated with early recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy, with a focus on urethral mobility during pelvic contraction at catheter removal. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 67 patients who underwent prostatectomy for prostate cancer at Jeju National University Hospital from January 2015 to June 2018. At the time of catheter removal, a cystography was performed in 67 men (median age, 65 years; range, 55-76 years) who had undergone robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. The vertical length of bladder neck movement between relaxing and contracting the pelvic muscles was measured. The correlation between the rate of continence recovery and the length of urethral movement was also assessed. All participants were divided into 2 groups according to the length of bladder neck elevation. Group 1 had ≥0.6 cm of elevation, while group 2 demonstrated <0.6 cm of elevation. RESULTS: A reverse correlation existed between the length of urethral movement and the recovery rate of urinary continence (r=-0.488, P<0.001). The optimal cutoff value for length of urethral movement was found to be 0.6 cm among patients (area under the curve, 0.703). A statistically significant difference was observed between group 1 (length≥0.6 cm) and group 2 (<0.6 cm) (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that urethral movement predicted the postoperative urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: The extent of bladder neck elevation after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, which can be easily evaluated using cystography, may be a good predictor of the recovery of urinary continence.

Effectiveness of Bi-Parametric MR/US Fusion Biopsy for Detecting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Prostate Biopsy Naïve Men.

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of bi-parametric MRI-ultrasound (MR/US) fusion prostate biopsy on the detection of overall cancer and significant prostate cancer (sPCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 140 patients with suspected prostate cancer lesions on MRI from August 2016 to March 2018. All patients had undergone 3T pre-biopsy bi-parametric (T2 weighted and diffusion-weighted) prostate MRI (bpMRI), and their MRI images were evaluated with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2.0. MR/US fusion targeted prostate biopsy was performed for lesions with a PI-RADS score ≥3 before systemic biopsy. The results of targeted and systemic biopsy were evaluated in regards to detection rate according to PI-RADS score. RESULTS: Of the patients (mean age=67.2 years, mean prostate-specific antigen level=8.1 ng/mL), 66 (47.1%) and 37 (26.4%) patients were diagnosed with cancer and significant prostate cancer, respectively. The rate of positive targeted biopsy increased with higher PI-RADS score (3: 40.4%, 4: 56.7%, 5: 90.0%). The proportion of significant prostate cancer among positive target lesions was 65.3% (32/49). CONCLUSION: bpMRI is a feasible tool with which to identify sPCa. MR/US fusion biopsy, rather than systemic biopsy, can help identify sPCa. We recommend using supplemental tools to increase prostate cancer detection in patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions.

The effects of testosterone replacement on penile structure and erectile function after long-term castration in adult male rats.

Short periods of testosterone suppression have been shown to reduce trabecular smooth muscle content and increase interstitial connective tissue accumulation in animal models. However, the long-term effects of testosterone suppression remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of testosterone suppression on penile structure and erectile function in rats. Subjects were divided into two groups by observation period (short-period group (group I), 12 weeks; long-period group (group II), 20 weeks). Each group comprised three different subgroups (10 rats each): sham-operated control, surgical castration, and testosterone replacement (4 weeks after an 8-week castration period). Group II subgroups included a sham control, surgical castration, and testosterone replacement (4 weeks after a 16-week castration period). Erectile function was assessed by measuring intracavernosal pressure in response to cavernous nerve stimulation, and expression of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein was determined by western blot analysis. Serum testosterone values were measured via radioimmunoassay. The results indicated that serum testosterone level, penile length and girth, cavernosal smooth muscle content, and eNOS activity decreased significantly in castrated animals. These effects were rescued by testosterone undecanoate injection. Erectile function was normalized over 4 weeks in rats that received androgen replacement. Expression of eNOS was decreased in the corpus cavernosum of castrated animals compared with controls, while androgen replacement normalized the expression of eNOS. These results were consistently observed regardless of the duration of androgen deprivation. Thus, these data suggest that androgen regulates the expression of eNOS in the rat penile corpus cavernosum and confirm the importance of androgens in the maintenance of erectile function. Additionally, long-term androgen deprivation does not induce irreversible structural or erectile functional changes in sexually mature adult male rats.

A Study of Clinical Predictors Associated With Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence.

PURPOSE: Recently, intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) has been identified as one important factor in the outcome of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) related surgery. Clinical factors that can predict ISD are uncommon. The aim of this study was to determine predictive clinical factors for ISD in female patients with SUI. METHODS: The patients were classified into 3 groups according to the value of Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP)>90 cm H2O (anatomical incontinence, AI), between 61 and 90 cm H2O (equivocal, EV), and <60 cm H2O (ISD). All groups underwent a full examination, history evaluation, physical examination, uroflowmetry, and complete urodynamic study. Univariate analysis was performed by chi-square or t-test for categorical variables, respectively. A multivariate study was performed by Pearson correlation analysis in order to get clinical predictors of VLPP<60 cm H2O. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: There were 3 groups with a total of 189 patients: 56 patients (AI, 29.7%), 64 patients (EV, 33.8%), and 69 patients (ISD, 36.5%). The univariate analysis revealed a significant difference associated with maximal urethral closing pressure (P=0.03) and Stamey classification (P=0.006) between ISD and AI. The more severe the urinary symptom grade, the higher the frequency of ISD. However, the multivariate analysis showed the independent predictor of ISD is only present in grades II and III symptoms in the Stamey classification (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the more severe the symptoms of urinary incontinence, the higher the possibility of ISD. In other words, the degree of urinary incontinence was found to be one relevant clinical factor in predicting ISD. This finding may help in evaluating and identifying the appropriate surgical technique for EV. Currently, absolute cutoff value to diagnose ISD has not yet been determined. More research is needed to identify clinical factors that can predict ISD.

The Testis Completely Replaced by a Huge Epidermal Cyst in an Older Man.

Epidermal cysts are commonly encountered, slow-growing superficial cysts in the hair-bearing areas of the body, and are usually discovered in the second and fourth decades of life. These cysts tend to be superficial, meaning that they can be easily found by ultrasound and digital palpation at a moderate degree of growth. However, we found a huge testicular cyst that went undetected until old age. In this report, we describe the interesting case of a patient in whom the right testis was totally replaced with an epidermal cyst. The cyst was found by ultrasonography and further evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. We performed orchiectomy under the impression of an epidermal cyst. The pathologic report confirmed this clinical impression. Over 24 months of follow-up, we did not find any recurrence of a growing mass on the testis.

The Practicality of Targeted Prostate Biopsy Procedures on the Dominant Side of the Tumor Determined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Elderly Patients with High Serum Levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen.

PURPOSE: To examine the possibility of reducing the number of cores per prostate biopsy in elderly patients with high levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) without significantly lowering the detection rate of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundreds sixteen men with PSA levels >20 ng/mL who underwent prostate biopsies from May 2009 to April 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. With the help of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the laterality of the dominant tumor burden in patients was determined. The results of targeted biopsies were compared with those of conventional biopsy procedures. RESULTS: The mean age and PSA level were 79.5 years and 81.3 ng/mL, respectively, and the overall diagnostic rate of sextant biopsies was 81.9% (177/216). MRI was able to show the tumor burden in 189 of the 216 patients. The detection rate of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided targeted biopsies was 87.3% (165/189). Detection rates were comparable with conventional biopsies (81.9% [177/216]) (p=0.23). Of the 177 men in whom the results of the sextant biopsy were positive, 12 men (6.8%) with PSA levels <29 ng/mL did not have any cancer cells according to targeted biopsies. However, all other patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer using the abovementioned techniques. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that TRUS-guided targeted biopsies of the prostate in elderly men with high PSA levels could reduce the number of unnecessary cores per biopsy. However, a risk of detection loss remains. Therefore, we recommend that at least a sextant biopsy should be performed, even in elderly patients, in order to detect prostate cancer.

Association of urinary urgency and delay time of micturition in women with overactive bladder.

PURPOSE: Accurately measuring urinary urgency is important for diagnosing overactive bladder (OAB) and quantifying improvements in treatment outcome. Various methods have been recommended for evaluating urinary urgency, but these methods assess individual perceptions and preferences. To overcome the subjectivity in measuring urinary urgency, we evaluated the relationship between uroflowmetric parameters and urinary urgency in women with OAB. METHODS: Consecutive female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (n=110) were prospectively enrolled in this study between April 2011 and September 2012. Individuals with a history of using medications that are known to affect bladder function were excluded. All enrolled patients completed uroflowmetry with a delayed time to voiding (T2V). After urination was completed, patients were asked whether they experienced any urinary hesitancy or urgency at that time. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 56.1 years; 70 out of 110 patients reported some degree of urinary urgency. T2V decreased with increased urgency. Several uroflowmetric parameters were observed to have a significant correlation with urinary urgency. T2V had a meaningful correlation coefficient for individuals with urgency, regardless of the voided volume. There was no significant correlation between the presence of urinary hesitancy and T2V. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that T2V would be a complementary tool for diagnosing and determining the degree of urinary urgency in women with OAB.

Diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting as a prostatic mass: a case report.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are an unusual and heterogeneous group of spindle cell tumors that can also appear on the exterior of the gastrointestinal tract (extra-GISTs). Despite the fact that extra-GISTs or large rectal GISTs can lead to the clinical impression of a prostatic mass, these tumors are, in general, excluded in the differential diagnosis of spindle cell tumors observed on prostate needle biopsy. Here, we present, in detail, a case of an extra-GIST identified on prostatic biopsy; the tumor was previously believed to be a primary prostatic stromal sarcoma in the differential diagnosis. Every investigator should check for KIT (CD117) in immunohistochemical staining to rule out an extra-GIST prior to diagnosing a solitary prostatic tumor, specialized prostatic stromal tumor, or leiomyosarcoma on prostate needle biopsy.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose anticholinergics to treat men with lower urinary tract symptoms with overactive bladder: a retrospective study based on real life practice.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether combination treatment using an α-blocker and 2 mg of tolterodine could improve the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) as much as α-blocker and 4 mg of tolterodine without voiding difficulties in real life practice. METHODS: We restrospectively recruited patients who were treated at four urology clinics between January 2006 and May 2008. A total of 1,094 men with lower urinary tract symptoms/overactive bladder (LUTS/OAB) were assigned to one of three groups: an α-blocker only group (group I, n=152), an α-blocker plus tolterodine 2 mg group (group II, n=520), and an α-blocker plus tolterodine 4 mg group (group III, n=574). Eligible patients were 50 years or older men who had a total IPSS of 8 or higher and a IPSS storage subscore of 5 or higher and were followed up for 12 weeks. RESULTS: The total IPSS score and quality of life scores were significantly improved at week 12 in groups II and III. The incidence of acute urinary retention was similar between both combination treatment groups, but the incidence of voiding difficulty was much lower in group II (2.1%) than group III (10.8%) tolterodine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that treatment of LUTS/OAB patients with an α-blocker plus tolterodine 2 mg is as effective as α-blocker plus tolterodine 4 mg, and the incidence of voiding difficulty was in the low-dose anticholinergic is lower. These results indicate that dose strength should be decided on a case-by-case basis to balance the efficacy and safety.

Easily removable ureteral catheters for internal drainage in children: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: We review our experience using a new and easily removable ureteral catheter in patients who underwent complicated ureteral reimplantation. Our goal was to shorten hospital stay and lower anxiety during catheter removal without fear of postoperative ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2009 and September 2010, nine patients who underwent our new method of catheter removal after ureteral reimplantation were enrolled. Patients who underwent simple ureteral reimplantation were excluded from the study. Following ureteral reimplantation, a combined drainage system consisting of a suprapubic cystostomy catheter and a ureteral catheter was installed. Proximal external tubing was clamped with a Hem-o-lok clamp and the rest of the external tubing was eliminated. Data concerning the age and sex of each patient, reason for operation, method of ureteral reimplantation, and postoperative parameters such as length of hospital stay and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the nine patients, four had refluxing megaureter, four had a solitary or non-functional contralateral kidney and one had ureteral stricture due to a previous anti-reflux operation. The catheter was removed at postoperative week one. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.4 days (range 1-4 days), and the mean follow-up was 9.8 months. None of the patients had postoperative ureteral obstructions, and there were no cases of migration or dislodgement of the catheter. CONCLUSION: Our new method for removing the ureteral catheter would shorten hospital stays and lower levels of anxiety when removing ureteral catheters in patients with a high risk of postoperative ureteral obstruction.

Effect of photoselective vaporization prostatectomy on lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia with or without intravesical prostatic protrusion.

PURPOSE: Intravesical protrusion of the prostate (IPP) can affect voiding. We evaluated the improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms and patient satisfaction after laser prostate photovaporization in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with or without IPP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 134 patients who underwent GreenLight HPS laser photoselective vaporization prostatectomy (PVP) between January 2010 and July 2011 patient. Preoperative IPP was evaluated by using the retroflexed view from flexible cystoscopy. evaluation included complete medical history, International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual (PVR), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and transrectal ultrasonogram. Changes from baseline in Qmax, PVR, total IPSS, and IPSS subscores (voiding and storage) were analyzed at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 66.6±7.8 years. Mean serum PSA and prostate volume were 1.7±1.5 ng/mL and 42.9±16.7 g, respectively. No significant differences existed between the IPP and no IPP groups in preoperative prostate volume, total IPSS, PSA, or lasing time and energy. The mean follow-up duration was 6.2±1.9 months. IPP patients showed significant improvements in total IPSS and voiding subscores at months 1 and 3. Improvements in the quality of life score and storage subscore were not significantly different between the groups. Qmax was significantly improved at 6 months postoperatively in the IPP group versus the no IPP group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who underwent PVP for BPH, the IPP group showed more symptom improvement, especially in voiding symptoms, than did the no IPP group. Preoperative cystoscopy is helpful for evaluating IPP and for anticipating postoperative outcome.

Effects of post biopsy digital rectal compression on improving prostate cancer staging using magnetic resonance imaging in localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of digital rectal-compression immediately after transrectal prostate biopsy (P-bx) for improving the accuracy of prostate cancer (PCa) staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2008 and June 2010, 94 consecutive patients who had a radical prostatectomy were included in our retrospective analysis. The exclusion criteria included a history of previous P-bx and surgery, a biopsy performed in another hospital, a number of biopsy cores different from 12, or a condition interfering with bleeding assessment. The subjects were divided into two groups, compression and non-compression. All enrolled patients took magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for PCa staging. RESULTS: The compression and non-compression groups were comparable with respect to several baseline characteristics. However, the total hemorrhage score of intraprostatic bleeding was significantly different between the groups, even with adjustment for the time from biopsy to MRI (compression:15.4 ± 2.32, non-compression: 24.9 ± 2.43, p<0.001). The intra-prostatic cancer location matching rate was higher in the compression group (78.0%) than in the non-compression group (70.2%) (p = 0.011). Overall accuracy of staging in compression and non-compression groups was 84.7% and 77.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that digital rectal compression performed immediately after prostate biopsy to reduce intraprostatic hemorrhage improves the accuracy for detection of PCa using MRI.

Are clinically insignificant prostate cancers really insignificant among Korean men?

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine whether 12 core-extended biopsies of the prostate could predict insignificant prostate cancer (IPCa) in Koreans reliably enough to recommend active surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-seven patients who underwent radical prostatectomy after 12 core-extended prostate biopsies were retrospectively reviewed. 38 cases (12.8%) were shown to be IPCa. RESULTS: The average age was 65.2 years, serum PSA was 5.49 ng/dL, and the PSA density was 0.11. The Gleason scores (GS) were 6 (3+3) in 31, 5 (3+2) in 4, and 4 (2+2) in 3. After radical prostatectomy, higher GS was given in 16 (42.1%), whereas lower GS was given in 1 case (2.6%), as compared with the GS obtained from biopsy. 11 (28.9%) had GS of 7 (3+4) and 5 (13.2%) had GS of 7 (4+3). 6 in GS 7 (4+3) and 1 in GS 7 (3+4) showed prostate capsule invasion and 1 in GS 7 (4+3) had seminal vesicle invasion. Prostate capsule invasion was observed in 1 with GS 6 (3+3). The rate of inaccuracy of the contemporary Epstein criteria was 42.1%. Only PSA density was a reliable indicator of clinically IPCa (odds ratio=1.384, 95% CI, 1.103 to 2.091). CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of IPCa from a prostate biopsy underestimated the true nature of prostate cancer in as many as 42.1% of Koreans.

Optimal baseline prostate-specific antigen level to distinguish risk of prostate cancer in healthy men between 40 and 69 years of age.

The present study evaluated optimal baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level at different ages in order to determine the risk of developing prostate cancer (CaP). We analyzed 6,651 Korean men, aged 40-69 yr. The serum PSA levels for these men were measured at one institute from 2000 to 2004 and were determined to be between 0-4 ng/mL. Patients were divided into 4 groups of 25th-percentile intervals, based on initial PSA level. Of these, the group with an increased risk was selected, and the optimal value was determined by the maximal area under a receiver-operating characteristic curve within the selected group. The risk of CaP diagnosis was evaluated by Cox regression. The mean follow-up period was 8.3 yr. CaP was detected in 27 of the 6,651 subjects. CaP detection rate was increased according to age. The optimal PSA value to distinguish the risk of CaP was 2.0 ng/mL for 50- to 69-yr-olds. Patients with a baseline PSA level greater than the optimal value had a 27.78 fold increase in the prostate cancer risk. Baseline PSA values are useful for determining the risk of developing CaP in Korean men for 50- and 69-yr-old. We suggest that PSA testing intervals be modified based on their baseline PSA levels.

Optimal timing to evaluate prediagnostic baseline erectile function in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate assessment of prediagnostic baseline erectile function (EF) is crucial when evaluating postoperative changes of EF in patients undergoing bilateral nerve sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP). Because score domains of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) can be affected by factors such as recall intervals and psychological stress or discomfort due to cancer diagnosis and treatment, it is important to assess the prediagnostic baseline EF at appropriate times. AIM: To determine optimal timing to evaluate prediagnostic baseline EF in patients undergoing bilateral nerve sparing RLRP. METHODS: Between March 2009 and February 2010, 54 patients ranging in age from 48 to 74 years were asked to complete IIEF-5 questionnaires before prostate biopsy, 1 day before RLRP, and 1 month after RLRP to assess preoperative baseline EF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in the mean scores of IIEF-5 were analyzed using paired t-tests. The strengths of the linear relationships among the three IIEF-5 scores were quantified using Pearson's correlation coefficient. An interrator agreement analysis in distribution was performed using the kappa statistic to determine the degree of agreement among the IIEF-5 scores. RESULTS: The mean IIEF-5 score before RLRP was significantly higher than the mean IIEF-5 score before prostate biopsy (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the mean IIEF-5 scores before prostate biopsy and 1 month following RLRP (P = 0.931). Scores of the IIEF-5 taken before prostate biopsy and 1 month following RLRP showed substantial agreement (kappa = 0.712), whereas scores of the IIEF-5 taken before prostate biopsy and before RLRP showed lower agreement (kappa = 0.325). CONCLUSION: To more accurately assess the prediagnostic baseline EF in patients with localized prostate cancer, the IIEF-5 questionnaire should be administered before prostate biopsy rather than before RLRP as cancer diagnosis-related symptoms and depression can affect IIEF-5 scores.

Is it suitable to eliminate bone scan for prostate cancer patients with PSA ≤ 20 ng/mL?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the relationship between bone metastasis (BM) and clinical or pathological variables, including the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration. METHODS: This retrospective study included 579 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (Pca) who underwent a bone scan study at our institution between 2002 and 2010. We used receiver operating characteristics curves to evaluate accuracy of bone metastasis between serum PSA 10 and 20 ng/mL. RESULTS: A positive bone scan result was found in 83 men (14.3%) with PCa. However, 27 men (4.6%) with serum PSA between 10 and 20 ng/mL, 29/579 men (5.0%) with GS ≤ 7, and 21/83 (25.3%) with serum PSA ≤ 20 ng/mL and Gleason score (GS) ≤ 7 had positive bone scans. In the logistic regression analyses, clinical T stage (odds ratio [OR] = 3.26; 95% CI, 2.29-4.33; P = 0.021), GS (OR = 3.41; 95% CI, 2.91-4.63; P = 0.019), and serum PSA (OR = 8.37; 95% CI, 3.91-19.21; P < 0.001) were predictive factors of detecting the BM. When the serum PSA concentration ≤20 ng/mL and GS ≤ 7, AUC value of bone scans for the detection of BM was 0.640 (P = 0.020; 95% CI, 0.563-0.717). With serum PSA at 10 ng/mL and GS ≤ 7, the AUC values of bone scans were 0.828 (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.773-0.883). CONCLUSIONS: Bone scans might be necessary in men with serum PSA between 10 and 20 ng/mL. New guidelines for eliminating bone scans in patients with newly diagnosed Pca are needed, especially in Asians.

The effects of long-term androgen deprivation therapy on penile length in patients with prostate cancer: a single-center, prospective, open-label, observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The adverse effects of long-term drug therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) can dramatically impact patient quality of life and are considered to be important factors when selecting treatment. AIM: To assess stretched penile length before and after long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for treatment of PCa. METHODS: From January 2008 to June 2010 at a single institution, 39 consecutive patients without distant metastases who were elected to receive ADT as initial therapy for PCa were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria were history of penile anomalies and/or trauma, and prior radical prostate surgery or radiation therapy. Erectile functions were evaluated at baseline according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Vertically stretched penile length was measured every 3 months from the pubopenile junction to the meatus with a spring scale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: After ADT, significant 3-month interval changes in stretched penile length were noted for up to 15 months (P < 0.001). The relationship between potency and penile shortening was not significant (P = 0.45). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 67.1 years. Before therapy, the mean stretched penile length was 10.76 cm. After 24 months of ADT, mean penile length had decreased to 8.05 cm. However, these changes plateaued after 15 months. Normal erectile function (EF) was reported by 41% of patients before therapy, while 10.5% reported normal EF at the 24-month follow-up. The relationship between potency and penile shortening was not significant. However, patients who preserved their potency tended to experience less penile shortening. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists induced significant decreases in penile length for only up to 15 months in the absence of the confounding effects of surgery and radiation.