Predictive postoperative model for biochemical recurrence in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy as monotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the post-prostatectomy prognostic factors of biochemical recurrence (BCR) and develop a predictive model for BCR based on predictive pathological variables after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients with clinically localised prostate cancer treated with RP as monotherapy with a minimum follow up period of 12 months. We considered BCR to be the persistence or elevation of PSA levels after RP of> 0,4 ng/ml, and rising in the following determination. We performed uni-and multivariate analysis, using the logistic regression test to determine the variables associated with BCR. We developed a mathematical model to estimate BCR, based on the variables identified, with a logistic function equation and then designed an Excel spreadsheet to apply it. Calibration and discrimination were performed by way of a Hosmer-Lemeshow test and an ROC curve. RESULTS: 693 patients were included. Average age was 63.5 years and average follow up was 88.5 months. BCR was observed in 218 patients. The average time to BCR was 35.5 months, and 90% of the cases occurred in the first 7 years. In the multivariate analysis, the PSA, Gleason Score (GS) = 7(4+3), pathological stage pT3b and affectation of the surgical margin (SM) were identified as independent prognostic pathological variables related to BCR (p〈0,001). The above four variables were included into the equation of the model. Specificity and sensitivity were 90.6% and 50.2%. Its predictive capacity was 80.5% (CI 95% 76,80 -84.3). CONCLUSIONS: PSA, GS = 7(4+3), pathological stage pT3b and PSM were found to be the independent prognostic pathological variables related to BCR-free survival. The predictive model developed permits BCR risk estimation with a reliability of 80.5%

Predicting factors for recurrence in low-grade Ta primary bladder tumours.

OBJECTIVES: Ta bladder tumors constitute 53% of primary bladder neoplasms, 70% of them being low-grade (G1). These tumors present a 15- 38% chance of recurrence during the first year. The aim of this paper is to identify the predicting factors of the first recurrence in a series of TaG1 primary bladder tumors. METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed patients who were diagnosed with TaG1 primary bladder tumor by transurethral resection between 2004 and 2012. We established their tumor grade and pathological stage according to the WHO's classification guides for 1973 and 2004 as well as 2009's TNM. Those patients who were diagnosed before 2009 did not receive any adjuvant treatment. Those who were diagnosed later on received 40 mg of endovesical Mitomycin C during their immediate post operative period as their only treatment. We define recurrence as the presence of tumor after the first cystoscopy and relapse-free survival (RFS) as the period of time (in months) until the first recurrence appeared. Follow up constitutes the period of time (in months) until the last check-up or first recurrence. We also analyzed different variables: age, gender, smoking habits, muscular representation in the sample, size of the tumor (> or < 1 cm), multiple or single tumors and adjuvant treatment. The survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method, using the long-rank test to evaluate the differences between groups. RESULTS: 68 patients were included in the study (73.5% men, 75% smokers). The average age was 61.9 years (the median being 58.5). Average follow up was 33.2 months (median 28.4). 35.3% of patients experienced recurrence. Average RFS was 19.2 ± 12.7 months (median 13.5). The majority of tumors were of a single nature (77.9%), with a size of less than 1 cm (55.9%) and with muscle representation (52.9%). 57.4% of patients did not receive adjuvant treatment. Only the absence of adjuvant treatment was associated with recurrence in uni and multivariate analysis (p<0,001), with a relative risk of 17,5 IC95% (7,6-30,2). CONCLUSION: The absence of adjuvant therapy with Mitomycin C is the only factor that, in a statistically significant way, increases the risk of recurrence, regardless of demographic factors and the characteristics of the tumor.

An atypical presentation of renal mass associated with BAP-1 tumor predisposition syndrome: Case report and review of literature.

BCRA-associated protein-1 (BAP-1) mutation has been associated with the development of a familiar syndrome that predisposes to tumors with a higher incidence than in general population, including melanoma and renal carcinoma. We report a 47-year-old woman diagnosed with a BAPoma (melanocytic tumor characterized by the loss of BAP-1). Due to her extensive family history with multiple neoplasms, a FDG PET-CT was performed. Consequently, she was diagnosed with an atypical renal mass, which is rarely linked to this syndrome. We review and discuss the available literature on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of renal tumors associated with BAP-1 tumor predisposition syndrome.

Results of the spanish section of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC). Update after 21 years of follow-up. / Resultados de la rama española del Estudio Randomizado Europeo de Screening del Cáncer de Próstata (ERSPC). Actualización tras 21 años de seguimiento.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) is to assess whether prostate cancer (PCa) screening leads to an improvement of cancer-specific survival. This multicenter study (eight European countries) has recruited more than 180,000 asymptomatic men. After a follow-up period of 16 years, it has been shown that PSA screening reduces PCa mortality by 20%, and that it does not affect all-cause mortality. This article provides updated the results of the Spanish arm of the ERSPC after 21 years of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study invited 18,612 men (aged 45 - 70) of the Spanish section (Getafe and Parla, Madrid) to participate. They were randomly assigned to the intervention arm (serum PSA-based screening) and to the control arm (follow-up without intervention). The diagnoses of PCa were recorded, as well as the PCa-specific and all-cause mortality rates. A comparison between the survival curves of both arms of the study and detailed analysis of the causes of death were performed. RESULTS: The study finally included 4,276 men (2,415 intervention arm, 1,861 control arm). The median age, serum PSA and follow-up time were 57 years, 0.9 ng/ml and 21.1 years, respectively. There were 285 cases with PCa diagnosis, 188 (7.8%) from the intervention arm and 97 (5.2%) from the control arm (p<,001). A total of 216 (75.8%) presented organ-confined disease. There were 994 deaths were recorded; 544 (22.5%) in the intervention arm and 450 (24.2%) in the control arm. No significant differences were detected between the arms of the study in terms of cancer-specific (p=.768) or all-cause (p=.192) mortality rates. The main cause of death was malignant tumors (492 patients, 49.5% of overall mortality), and the most frequent sites were lung and bronchus (29.5%), colon and rectum (14.8%), and hematologic (9.8%). Only 20 patients (0.4% of the patients recruited) died from PCa, with no significant difference between study arms. CONCLUSIONS: In this update of the results of the Spanish section of the ERSPC study after 21 years of follow-up, we have not detected a benefit of PCa screening in terms of overall and cancer-specific survival.

[Immune response during laparoscopic and open living donor nephrectomy. An experimental pig model]. / Respuesta inmunohumoral durante la nefrectomía abierta y laparoscópica de donante vivo. Modelo porcino experimental.

INTRODUCTION: It's been demonstrated laparoscopic access determines a lower surgical stress, by measurement of several markers as different interleuquines (IL) or C-reactive protein (CRP). Endothelin 1 (ET-1) is a powerful vasoconstrictor produced in renal endothelium scarcely studied in laparoscopy. The objective of this study is to analyze immune response during laparoscopic and open donor nephrectomy, in a porcine experimental model by means of measuring IL-2, 10, tumoral necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), CRP and ET-1. METHODS: Twenty pigs underwent left nephrectomy, 10 by laparoscopy and 10 by open approach in an experimental model. Both groups were monitorized IL-2, 10, TNF alpha, ET-1 at basal, immediately post surgery, first, third, fifth and seventh days after procedure. RESULTS: The comparative analysis between groups demonstrated a significant increase in levels of CRP (1.44+/-0.88 vs 1.32+/-0.14 mg/dl, p=0.046), TNF alpha (131.14+/-41.37 vs 57.19+/-23.71 pg/ml, p>0.001) and ET-1 (0.91+/-0.49 vs 0.56+/-0.5 fmol/ml, p=0.001) of open nephrectomy group, as a higher levels of IL-2 in laparoscopic group. CONCLUSIONS: Open donor nephrectomy determines a higher immune response than laparoscopic approach. The importance of this fact over the ischemia-reperfusion syndrome or the immediate function of graft is not clearly established.

[Experimental models for research and training in renal transplant]. / Modelos experimentales para la investigación y el entrenamiento en trasplante renal.

An update on aspects and use of different experimental models applied in kidney transplant research is presented . This paper includes qualities, as long as similarities between most frequently used animal models and human clinical standards. Contributions of those models based on microsurgical or laparoscopic techniques are revised. The physiological consequences (hemodynamic, immunologic) of surgical technique (laparoscopy), applied in experimental models as long as non-heart beating organ donor models and organ preservation methods are also reviewed. Finally, an update of those models applied in research in prothocols of either immunosupression or xenotransplant is done.

[Adequacy of referral from primary care to a Department of Urology]. / Adecuación de las derivaciones desde Atención Primaria a un Servicio de Urología.

OBJECTIVE: [corrected] To indirectly address the adequacy of referrals from general practitioners (GP) to specialized care taking into account a previously agreed protocol on ten urological topics. MATERIALS & METHODS: The study analyzed all referrals to the Urology department originated in 10 primary care centres (135 GPs involved) throughout a 19-month period. Adequacy of 2841 referrals was checked. The urologist judged the referral as compliant (adequate) or not compliant (inadequate) with the terms of the protocol. Compliance per primary care centres was compared. Also referral adequacy corrected per centre and clinical topic was compared. The relationship between "absolute number of referrals" and "adequate referrals" was tested using a linear regression model. RESULTS: 57.2% of the referrals were inadequate. Overall, no significant differences were detected between primary care centres. Nevertheless significant differences between centres were evident in terms of referrals due to renal colic and female urinary incontinence. 70% (94/135) of the GPs complied with the protocol in, at least, 50% of the cases. A strong association between "absolute number of referrals" and "adequate referrals" was evident (r2=0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Overall compliance with the protocol was modest. While no significant differences between centres were detected in terms of adequacy of referrals certain conditions have to be locally revisited; most of the topics (particularly microhematuria) have to be revisited in every center.

[Adrenal pseudocyst. Report of a new case and review of the literature]. / Pseudoquiste adrenal. Aportación de un nuevo caso y revisión de la literatura.

Adrenal pseudocyst is the commonest type of benign lesions of adrenal gland althought is a very rare entity. Most of them are found as "incidentalomas" during imaging studies. A case of a patient with a left non-functioning and asymptomatic adrenal pseudocyst is reported. The diagnostic and therapeutic options are discussed and the literature is reviewed.

Cavernoplasty with oral mucosa graft for the surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease. / Cavernoplastia con injerto de mucosa oral para el tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad de La Peyronie.

BACKGROUND: Peyronie's disease is a disorder of the tunica albuginea and causes penile curvature, requiring surgical correction when the deformity impedes penetration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the short-term results (penile length, angle of curvature and erectile function) of treating Peyronie's disease in 10 patients through cavernoplasty with oral mucosa graft. Essentially, the treatment included the incision of the fibrotic plaque with electrical scalpel and the subsequent coating of the cavernous defect using a patch of oral mucosa. At month 6, we measured the penile length and curvature and recorded the erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Finally, the patients were asked "Would you undergo the same operation again?". RESULTS: The mean age was 53.4 years. The average and median follow-up was 22.7 months and 24 months, respectively. The mean preoperative curvature was 68.5° (50°-90°), the mean penile length was 11.2cm (9-15) and the mean IIEF-5 score was 16.1 (8-25). The mean postoperative penile length was 10.7cm, and the mean IIEF-5 score was 18.9. The differences between the preoperative and postoperative values were not statistically significant (P=ns). One patient developed erectile dysfunction. In all cases, the residual curvature was <20°. Nine patients (90%) stated that they would undergo the same operation. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term results suggest that cavernoplasty with oral mucosa graft can be an alternative to traditional grafts for surgically correcting Peyronie's disease.

Predictors of urethral stricture recurrence after endoscopic urethrotomy. / Factores predictivos de recidiva de estenosis uretral tras uretrotomía endoscópica.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the clinical-demographic variables of the series and the predictors of urethral stricture recurrence after endoscopic urethrotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 67 patients who underwent Sachse endoscopic urethrotomy between June 2006 and September 2014. Those patients who had previously undergone endoscopic urethrotomy or urethroplasty were excluded. The other patients who presented urethral stricture were included. We analysed age, weight, smoking habit, and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as the number, location, length and aetiology of the strictures, previous urethrotomies, vesical catheter duration and postsurgical dilatations. A univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted using the chi-squared test or Fisher's test and logistic regression to identify the variables related to recurrence. RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent of the patients had a relapse. The majority of the patients were older than 60 years (56.7%), obese (74.6%), nonsmokers (88%) and had no cardiovascular factors (56.7%). The majority of the strictures were single (94%), <1cm (82%), bulbar urethral (64.2%), iatrogenic (67.2%) and with no prior urethrotomy (89.6%). The majority of the patients carried a vesical catheter for <15 days (85.1%) and did not undergo postsurgical dilatation (65.7%). Only the length of the stricture was an independent risk factor for recurrence (P=.025; relative risk, 5.7; 95% CI 1.21-26.41). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of urethral strictures through endoscopic urethrotomy, a stricture length >1cm is the only factor that predicts an increase in the risk of recurrence. We found no clinical or demographic factors that caused an increase in the incidence of recurrence. Similarly, technical factors such as increasing the bladder catheterisation time and urethral dilatations did not change the course of the disease. Their routine use is therefore unnecessary.

[Effect of polyphenols from the Mediterranean diet on proliferation and mediators of in vitro invasiveness of the MB-49 murine bladder cancer cell line]. / Efecto de polifenoles de la dieta mediterránea sobre la proliferación y mediadores de la invasividad "in vitro" de la linea de cancer vesical murino MB-49.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different polyphenols on the proliferation and invasive capacity of MB-49 murine bladder tumor cell lines and to identify the mediators involved in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MB-49 murine bladder cancer cells were cultured in media supplemented with resveratrol, rutin, morin, quercetin, gallic acid and tannic acid (all of them are polyphenols usually present in Mediterranean diet) for periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours to quantify the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) in the culture medium, as well as of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and cell proliferation. RESULTS: All the polyphenols studied significantly inhibited proliferation of MB-49 cells, varying according to the time periods and doses used. The cells in the media supplemented with the nutrients to study did not show inhibition of mRNA expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) or its high affinity receptor (uPAR). It was even slightly increased in certain cases. However, mRNA expression of metalloproteinase-9 was strongly inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: The polyphenols present in our usual diet exert an effect on the proliferation and mediators of bladder tumor invasiveness in MB-49 cells.

Rotation of the corpora cavernosa for the treatment of congenital penile curvature.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital penile curvature (CPC) is caused by a disorder in the embryonic development of the urethra and corpora cavernosa. The condition causes difficulty for penetration, requiring surgical correction when it prevents intercourse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the cases of 2 men in their 40s who had ventral curvature greater than 60° of 2 years of evolution, with maintained erections. The patients underwent surgery for rotation of the corpora cavernosa. After the complete denudation of the penis, athermal release of the neurovascular bundle of the penis from the ventral side to the dorsal was performed. Once the curvature was verified using artificial erection, an incision was performed in the tunica albuginea of both corpora cavernosa, continuously suturing both internal and external margins with resorbable monofilament. The rectification of the curvature was then checked, and the mucocutaneous plane was reconstructed. RESULTS: The surgical time was 120minutes and there were no intraoperative complications. Both patients were discharged 24h after the surgery. At 1 week, the patients experienced spontaneous night-time erections and were able to maintain sexual relations 1 month after the surgery. At 6 months, the residual curvature was less than 20°, the penile shortening was less than 1 centimeter and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 was 25 for both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for rotation of the corpora cavernosa helps correct CPC without significant penile shortening or erectile dysfunction. In our opinion, the procedure is an appropriate treatment for patients with CPC but requires studies with long-term follow-up in order to consider it the technique of choice.

[Effect of sacral roots block in the prostatic structure of the rat]. / Efecto del bloqueo de raíces sacras en la estructura prostática de la rata.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a simplified model of neural manipulation of the lower urinary tract of the rat, by means of alcoholic blockade of sacral roots. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty Sprague-Dawle rats (aged 3 months) underwent alcohol sacral root blockade under total anesthesia with previous needle placement monitoring (electrostimulation). After 28-30 days, ipsilateral ventral prostatic lobe (VL) was obtained. Macroscopic and light microscopy (LM) studies were performed (computerized image analysis). Results were compared with 20 LV from non manipulated rats. RESULTS: A slight non significant decrease of LV weight in the blockade group was notice. LM study showed a reduced epithelial height after manipulation. Gland compartment mean proportions were: control group: 28.1% (epithelial), 29.8% (stromal), y 70.2% (glandular -lumen plus epithelium-); study group: 30.5% (not significant), 37.4% y 62.3% (both p < 0.05) respectively. Epithelium area did not suffer any variation. A reduced vascular overall count was noted in the study group. Ipsilateral diffusion of blockade solution was shown in 9 rats (45%), and bilateral in 11 (55%). CONCLUSIONS: Alcoholic sacral root blockade produces an atrophy of the glandular component (due to luminal shrinkage, without epithelial change). No differences were found after the macroscopic study. This study could not reproduce the changes produced after standard surgical denervation, therefore we cannot recommend this method to be used in future models.

[Non-surgical treatment of testicular cancer: guidelines for the urologist]. / Aspectos no quirúrgicos del cáncer testicular: guía práctica para el urólogo.

Near 70% of patients diagnosed with testicular seminoma make their presentation without metastasis. Although spread at the time of diagnosis is the rule, 25% of non-seminomatous germ-cell tumours are found confined to the testicle at presentation. Standardization of diagnostic and follow-up methods -within reach of most urology services- should allow a closer relationship between urologists and testicular tumours. Observation of "aggressive" surveillance schedules for stage I non-seminomatosous tumours confined with no risk factors, and use of radiotherapy to treat low degree (I,IIa and IIb) seminomas should allow urologists an initial control of up to 50% of patients. Occurrence of relapse or presentation in advanced stages force the use of chemotherapy. The present paper outlines the most basic aspects of non-surgical treatment of patients with testicular tumours.

[Relationship between a benign fibroepithelial polyp and a pelvic nephroblastoma: report of a case]. / Relación entre un pólipo fibroepitelial benigno y un nefroblastoma piélico: a propósito de un caso.

The purpose of this paper is to report one case of left pyelic Wilms' tumour in a 17-year old male patient. Pre-operative diagnosis was complicated by a background of prior surgery on the same kidney due to a benign fibroepithelial polyp. The possible concomitences are analyzed while the relevance of an extensive pathoanatomical study to avoid possible diagnostic errors is emphasized.

[Ultrastructural morphometric study of the prostate of the rat after microsurgical denervation]. / Estudio morfométrico ultraestructural de la próstata de la rata tras la denervación microquirúrgica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of rat prostate denervation on the ultrastructure of this gland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g. weight) were studied. Forty-two were anesthetized and right major pelvic ganglion (MPG) excised. After 28-30 days, same size prostatic ventral lobe (VL) was obtained for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study and computerized image analysis. These results were compared with those from 38 right VLs of same aged, non-operated rats. RESULTS: A significant decrease of supranuclear and cell heights was observed as well as of the area of epithelial cells after denervation (change in cell polarity). A reduction of Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum areas, and of secretory granules and apical microvilli count (p < 0.001) was also demonstrated in the denervated rats. These findings are consistent with a change of these cells towards a less active phenotype. Stromal smooth muscle cells, on the other hand, showed only an increase of cytoplasmic ribosomal aggregates area. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed an epithelial atrophy of rat prostate after denervation. Ultrastructural findings also suggest an overall decrease of epithelial cell's secretory activity. Nevertheless, the increase of ribosomal area in stromal smooth muscle cells could reflect their activation after denervation.

[Initial aspects of a program for in vitro transfection of cytokine genes into LNCap tumor cells]. / Aspectos iniciales de un programa para la transfección in vitro de genes de citokinas a células tumorales LNCaP.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the conditions and kinetics for in vitro growth of tumoral cells LNCaP. METHODS: Determination of proliferation curves and time to cell duplication through spectrophotometry and manual cell counts in haemocytometer with and without foetal calf serum (FCS) challenge. RESULTS: Data from the spectrophotometry and manual cell counts were correlated by mean of the equation through the number of cells = absorbance at 595 nm x 227,530-14,160. The correlation coefficient r was 0.99. Cell proliferation was higher in the presence of FCS (p > 0.001), the final culture density being 5.4 times higher than the baseline. Similarly, time to duplication in the presence of FCS was 36.4 hours. CONCLUSIONS: This experiment allowed to establish the local conditions for growth of LNCaP cells. In contrast to the behaviour exhibited by other malignant cells in culture, LNCaP cells grow slowly and require the stimulus provided by FCS. Both aspect are of the highest significance when adopting the pre-established timetables and logistic to the actual laboratory operation.

[Differential traits of prostatic cancer detected through an early screening program versus the one detected during urologic consultation]. / Rasgos diferenciales del cáncer de próstata procedente de un programa de detección precoz frente al detectado en una consulta de urología.

OBJECTIVE: To compare some features of prostate cancers (PCa) detected in a screening program, versus cancers diagnosed in an outpatient clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 393 patients with biopsy evidence of PCa: 93 (23.7%) from a screening campaign, and 300 (76.3%) detected in an outpatient Urology clinic. Features studied at the moment of diagnosis were age, PSA, digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) characteristics and volume stimation, PSA density (PSAD), clinical stage and Gleason score. A comparison was established between the two groups of patients taking into account the mentioned parameters. RESULTS: A higher age, PSA and DPSA values were found among cancers detected out of the screening program. A greater probability of abnormal DRE and a more advanced clinical stage was also noted. In the screening group, 78.5% of the cancers were localized and 8.6% metastatic. In the outpatient clinic group, the proportions were 50.7% and 26%, respectively. No differences were found with respect to TRUS findings, prostate volume, or Gleason score. CONCLUSIONS: Cancers detected in screening programs are found in earlier stages. Nevertheless, results from long term randomized studies are necessary to verify if these data really mean that a disease-specific mortality reduction can be achieved.

[Conditions for the development of a program of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for molecular staging of prostatic cancer]. / Condiciones de desarrollo de un programa de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa-transcriptasa reversa para el estadiaje molecular del cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To determine accurately the conditions for the development of tests using RT-PCR for PSA in patients with prostate cancer. METHOD: Gen amplification of PSA in cultures of the human prostate tumoral cell line LNCaP with RT-PCR under hot-start conditions, and verification through enzyme restriction digestion of the PCR product. Also, calculation of the PCR test limit of detection through serial dilutions of LNCaP cells in peripheral blood mononucleate cells. RESULTS: A highly specific, easy to perform, reproducible RT-PCR protocol has been developed. The lowest limit of detection reached was 1 PSA synthesising cell per 10(6) peripheral blood mononucleate cells. CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR is a highly sensitive technique that allows detection of small numbers of PSA producing cells in peripheral blood. This experience allows to establish with precision the conditions for the development of RT-PCR tests for PSA.