Upper Urinary Tract Carcinoma In Situ: Current Knowledge, Future Direction.

PURPOSE: Carcinoma in situ of the urinary tract is a high grade form of nonmuscle invasive urothelial cancer. Our understanding of this entity in the upper tract is poor, and case management remains challenging due to knowledge gaps regarding the definition, diagnosis, treatment options and followup of the disease. We reviewed the available literature for similarities and differences between bladder and upper tract carcinoma in situ, and herein summarize the best available data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed PubMed® and MEDLINE™ databases from January 1976 through September 2014. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement was used to screen publications. All authors participated in the development of a consensus definition of disease. RESULTS: A total of 61 publications were found suitable for this review. All studies were retrospective. Compared to bladder carcinoma in situ, upper tract carcinoma in situ appears to have lower progression rates and improved survival. All available studies demonstrate topical therapy to be effective in treating upper tract carcinoma in situ, with decreased recurrence rates compared to bladder carcinoma in situ. Highlighted areas of current knowledge gaps include variable definitions of disease, methods of drug delivery and ideal treatment course. Improving methods for detection may allow easier diagnosis and more effective treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available data, organ preserving therapy with topical agents is an alternative to radical surgery in select patients with upper tract carcinoma in situ, although this method has not been evaluated in prospective trials. A paradigm shift regarding detection and treatment is needed to improve care and allow better renal preservation. A consensus definition of the disease is offered, and several areas of major knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research are identified.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma: epidemiology, high risk populations and detection.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare but highly morbid genitourinary malignancy. In 2014 approximately 15,000 new cases were diagnosed in the United States. It accounts for approximately 5-10% of all urothelial cell carcinomas, and 10% of renal tumors. Recent research has increased understanding of the epidemiology of this disease, including several high-risk populations. Environmental exposure to tobacco as well as aristolochic acid, and other carcinogens significantly increase the development of UTUC. Additionally, the genetic condition of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC), also known as Lynch Syndrome (LS) is linked to development of UTUC. Advances in imaging, ureteroscopy, cytological techniques and pathological recognition have allowed for improved detection of primary tumors and recurrent disease. Non-invasive imaging with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now represent the gold standard in imaging detection and surveillance, while technological advances in ureteroscopy allow for minimally invasive approaches to obtain pathologic diagnosis anywhere within the upper tracts. This review will highlight these recent improvements to allow better understanding of who is affected by this rare and morbid disease, as well as the latest developments in detection and surveillance.

Treatment strategies for diabetic patients suffering from erectile dysfunction: an update.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common complications of diabetes. The complex pathophysiology of this disease makes it difficult to create clinical treatments tailored specifically for diabetic patients. AREAS COVERED: This article will provide an update of both medical and surgical treatment approaches for diabetic ED, as well as discuss established treatments that are the cornerstone of this field. EXPERT OPINION: Currently, PDE type 5 inhibitors represent the first-line treatment for all patients with ED. In the interim since this article's first publication several new PDE5 inhibitors have come to market. Several others that were previously on the market are now available for daily dosing. Analysis of both testosterone level and hemoglobin A1c is an essential part of treatment. Intracavernosal injections and vacuum constriction devices remain safe, and are highly effective treatment options. The implantable penile prosthesis remains a safe, and definitive treatment modality for those patients with refractory ED. Over the coming years as the understanding of the underlying causes of diabetic ED continues, the development of new, noninvasive, but effective medical treatments will lead to even more options for the treatment of this difficult disease.