[68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT for locoregional lymph node staging in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder prior to cystectomy: initial experiences from a pilot analysis.

INTRODUCTION: [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT is a novel hybrid imaging method that previously showed additional diagnostic value in the assessment of distant urothelial carcinoma lesions. We hypothesized that patients with bladder cancer benefit from [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT prior to radical cystectomy for locoregional lymph node staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT for evaluation of lymph node (LN) status in predefined LN regions. Two hundred twenty-nine intraoperatively removed LN served as histopathological reference standard. RESULTS: Urothelial carcinoma (UC) spread was found in ten LN in seven different regions (14.3%). Hereby, [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT was positive in four out of seven regions (57.1%) and showed significantly increased FAPI uptake compared to non-pathological regions. In the remaining three out of seven (42.9%) regions, [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT was rated negative since no pathological increased FAPI uptake was detected or the proximity of the urinary tract prevented a differentiation from physiological uptake. CT was inconspicuous in these three regions. In total, two FAP-positive LN regions were found without histopathological counterpart. Overall, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 57.1%, 95.2%, 66.7%, and 93.0% for PET imaging. CONCLUSION: In summary, this innovative [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT method showed high specificity and negative predictive value in patients with bladder UC with a future potential to optimize therapy planning.

[68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT for penile cancer - a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Penile cancer is a rare entity and has a good prognosis in localized stage. Delayed surgical treatment of lymphatic disease is associated with poor overall survival but conventional imaging cannot detect occult lymph node metastasis sufficiently. Imaging cancer related fibroblasts has shown promising results as non-invasive staging tool in various tumor entities but has not yet been evaluated in penile cancer. METHODS: In this single-center pilot study, patients planned for surgical treatment for penile cancer underwent preoperatively [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT. Post-operative histopathology was compared to [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT results. RESULTS: From January 2022 to June 2022, a total number 11 patients with histopathologically proven penile cancer underwent surgery and received [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT prior therapy. 8 primary tumor sites and 4 lymph node regions were analyzed. FAPI uptake was increased on primary tumor site (SUVmax 16.2 (9.1 - 25.8)). Histopathological proven lymph node regions showed highly increased FAPI uptakes (SUVmax 17.9 (16.4 - 23.5) on [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT. CONCLUSION: In this first pilot cohort, there were no false-positive FAPI uptake which might allow the detection of occult lymph node metastasis by [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT and might consequently lead to omitting lymph node regions during surgery that had no increased FAPI uptake pre-operatively.

Oncological impact of perioperative blood transfusion in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy: Do we need to consider storage time of blood units, donor age, or gender matching?

BACKGROUND: The oncological impact of perioperative blood transfusions (PBTs) of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) because of bladder cancer (BCa) has been a controversial topic discussed in recent years. The main cause for the contradictory findings of existing studies might be the missing consideration of the storage time of red blood cell units (BUs), donor age, and gender matching. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed BCa patients who underwent RC in our department between 2004 and 2021. We excluded patients receiving BUs before RC, >10 BUs, or RC in a palliative setting. We assessed the effect of blood donor characteristics and storage time on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) through univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis. We also performed a propensity score matching with patients who received BUs and patients who did not on a 1:1 ratio. RESULTS: We screened 1692 patients and included 676 patients for the propensity score matching. In the multivariable analysis, PBT was independently associated with worse OS and CSS (p < .001). Postoperative transfusions were associated with better OS (p = .004) and CSS (p = .008) compared to intraoperative or mixed transfusions. However, there was no influence of blood donor age, storage time, or gender matching on prognosis. DISCUSSION: In our study of BCa patients undergoing RC, we demonstrate that PBT, especially if administered intraoperatively, is an independent risk factor for a worse prognosis. However, storage time, donor age, or gender matching did not negatively affect oncological outcomes. Therefore, the specific selection of blood products does not promise any benefits.

The impact of perioperative risk factors on long-term survival after radical cystectomy: a prospective, high-volume cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the gold standard for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nevertheless, RC is associated with substantial perioperative morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the role of important perioperative risk factors in predicting long-term survival after RC. METHODS: An analysis of the prospective cohort of patients undergoing open RC from 2004 to 2023 at our center was performed. Patients who died within one month after RC were excluded from the study. A univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the role of sex, age, urinary diversion, preoperative values of creatinine and hemoglobin, first-day postoperative values of CRP, leucocytes, and thrombocytes, perioperative Clavien-Dindo complications, perioperative chemotherapy, admission to the intensive or intermediate care unit, as well as type of histology, pathologic T-stage, positive lymph nodes, and positive surgical margins on predicting the long-term overall survival after RC. For all analyses hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 1,750 patients with a median age of 70 years (IQR: 62-76) were included. Of them, 1,069 (61%) received ileal conduit and 650 (37%) neobladder. Overall, 1,016 (58%) perioperative complications occurred. At a median follow-up of 31 months (IQR: 12-71), 884 (51%) deaths were recorded. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, increasing age (HR: 1.03, 95%CI: 1.02-1.04, p < 0.001), higher preoperative creatinine values (HR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.12-1.44, p < 0.001), lower preoperative hemoglobin values (HR: 0.93, 95%CI: 0.89-0.97, p = 0.002), higher postoperative thrombocyte values (HR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.02, p = 0.02), Clavien-Dindo 1-2 complications (HR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.03-1.53, p = 0.02), Clavien-Dindo 3-4 complications (HR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.22-1.96, p < 0.001), locally advanced bladder cancer (HR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.06-1.55, p = 0.009), positive lymph nodes (HR: 1.74, 95%CI: 1.45-2.11, p < 0.001), and positive surgical margins (HR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.29-2.01, p < 0.001) negatively affected long-term survival. CONCLUSION: Beside increased age and worse oncological status, impaired renal function, lower preoperative hemoglobin values, higher postoperative thrombocyte values, and perioperative complications are independent risk factors for mortality in the long term in patients undergoing open RC.

Health-related quality of life following salvage radical prostatectomy for recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy or focal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) is an important treatment option for patients with recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) after radiotherapy (RT) or focal therapy (FT). However, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after sRP depending on the primary treatment is understudied. METHODS: Patients who underwent Salvage RP for recurrent PCa were analyzed. The primary outcome of this study was HRQOL assessed by the quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and its prostate specific QLQ-PR25 add-on. Secondary outcomes were functional outcome parameters (erectile function, continence) and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS). Statistical analyses employed the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier method, with a p value < 0.05 denoting significance. RESULTS: 37 patients with RT as primary treatment (RT-sRP) and 22 patients with focal therapy prior sRP (FT-sRP) were analyzed. Mean global health score was not significantly different preoperatively (71.9 vs. 67.3, p = 0.89) as well as after a median of 32 months follow-up (54.9 vs. 50.6, p = 0.63) with impaired HRQOL after sRP in both groups. Baseline erectile dysfunction was more prevalent in the RT-sRP group (mean IIEF-5: 5.0) than in the FT-sRP group (mean IIEF-5: 8.5, p = 0.037). No differences were observed at follow-up for erectile function (IIEF-5-Score: 0.5 vs 2.5, p = 0.199) and continence (continence rate: 48.4% vs 52.9% (p = 0.763) between the RT-sRP and FT-sRP group. 5-year-BRFS was 60% (RT-sRP) and 68% (FT-sRP, p = 0.849). CONCLUSIONS: sRP impacts HRQOL in patients with PCa after RT and FT with no significant differences. Comparison with HRQOL and BRFS of treatment alternatives is paramount to counsel patients for appropriate treatments.

Upstaging after Transurethral Resection of the Bladder for Non-Muscle-Invasive Cancer of the Bladder: Who Is at Highest Risk?

INTRODUCTION: Transurethral resection of the bladder (TUR-BT) is the standard initial treatment and diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC). Of note, upstaging into muscle-invasive disease (MIBC) during re-resection occurs in a significant proportion of patients. This study aimed to define risk factors at initial TUR-BT for upstaging. METHODS: TUR-BT between 2009 and 2021 were retrospectively screened (n = 3,237). We included patients with visible tumors that received their primary and re-TUR-BT at our institution. Upstaging was defined as pathological tumor stage progression into MIBC at re-TUR-BT. Clinicopathological variables were analyzed for the impact on upstaging. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-six patients/532 TUR-BTs were included in the final analysis. Upstaging occurred in 7.9% (21/266) patients. Patients with upstaging presented with stroma-invasive and papillary non-muscle-invasive BC at primary resection in 85.7% (18/21) and 14.3% (3/21), respectively. Detrusor muscle at primary TUR-BT was significantly less present in patients with upstaging (4.1 vs. 95.9%; p < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, solid tumor configuration (HR: 4.17; 95% CI: 1.23-14.15; p = 0.022) and missing detrusor muscle at initial TUR-BT (HR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.05-12.24; p = 0.043) were significant risk factors for upstaging into MIBC. CONCLUSIONS: The current study defined two major risk factors for upstaging: missing detrusor muscle and solid tumor configuration. We propose that a second resection should be performed earlier if these risk factors apply.

The Prognostic Value of Perioperative Platelet and Leukocyte Values in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy: A Prospective Long-Term Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies assessing the impact of preoperative and first-day postoperative values of leukocytes, thrombocytes, and platelet/leukocyte ratio (PLR) after radical cystectomy (RC) are sparse. We aimed to assess the impact of these factors on long-term survival after RC. METHODS: An analysis of patients undergoing open RC from 2004 to 2023 at our center was performed. Leukocytosis was defined as ≥8,000 leukocytes/µL and thrombocytosis as ≥400,000 thrombocytes/µL. Similarly, the cutoff for PLR was set at 28. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the role of leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and PLR on long-term survival after RC. For all analyses, hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 1,817 patients with a median age of 70 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 62-77) were included. Overall, 804 (44%), 175 (10%), and 1,296 (71%) patients presented with leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and PLR ≥28 preoperatively. Accordingly, 1,414 (78%), 37 (2%), and 249 (14%) patients presented with leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and PLR ≥28 on the first day after RC. At a median follow-up of 26 months (IQR: 8-68) after RC, 896 (49%) patients died. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis after adjusting for major perioperative risk factors, only preoperative leukocytosis (HR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6, p = 0.01), as well as both preoperative and first-day thrombocytosis (HR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-2.9, and HR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6-5.1, p < 0.001, accordingly) were associated with worse overall survival. CONCLUSION: PLR should not be used as a prognostic marker for survival after RC. On the contrary, preoperative leukocytosis, as well as preoperative and first-day thrombocytosis should raise awareness among clinicians performing RC since they were independently associated with worse survival after RC.

Prognostic Factors for Survival in Patients Undergoing Surveillance After Cytoreductive Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: The clinical course of patients being placed on surveillance in a cohort of systemic therapy-naïve patients who undergo cytoreductive nephrectomy is not well documented. Thus, we evaluated the clinical course of patients placed on surveillance following cytoreductive nephrectomy and identified predictors of survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this large single-institution study, we retrospectively analyzed metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients who underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy followed by surveillance. Predictors of survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method with a log-rank test. Patients were risk stratified based on IMDC (International mRCC Database Consortium) and number of metastatic sites (Rini score), with IMDC score ≤1 and ≤2 metastatic organ sites considered favorable risk. Primary end point was systemic therapy-free survival. Secondary end points included intervention-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: Median systemic therapy-free survival was 23.6 months (95% CI: 15.1-40.6), intervention-free survival was 11.8 months (95% CI: 8.0-18.4), cancer-specific survival was 54.2 months (95% CI: 46.2-71.4), and overall survival 52.4 months (95% CI: 40.3-66.8). Favorable-risk patients compared to unfavorable-risk patients had longer systemic therapy-free survival (50.6 vs 11.1 months, P < .01), survival (25.2 vs 7.3, P < .01), and cancer-specific survival (71.4 vs 46.2 months, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Using risk stratification based on IMDC and number of metastatic sites, surveillance in favorable-risk patients can be utilized for a period without the initiation of systemic therapy. This approach can delay patients' exposure to the side effects of systemic therapy.

Absence of detrusor muscle in TUR-BT specimen - can we predict who is at highest risk?

INTRODUCTION: As a high-quality TUR-BT is important to ensure adequate treatment for bladder cancer patients, the aim of the current study is to investigate the impact of patient-related, surgical and tumor-specific parameters on detrusor muscle (DM) absence (primary objective) and to assess the impact of DM on the prognosis after a TUR-BT (secondary objective). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TUR-BTs) between 2009 and 2021 were retrospectively screened (n = 3237). We included 2058 cases (1472 patients) for the primary and 472 patients for secondary objective. Clinicopathological variables including tumor size, localization, multifocality, configuration, operation time and skill-level of the urologist were assessed. We analyzed predictors for missing DM and prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) for the complete cohort and subgroups. RESULTS: DM was present in 67.6% (n = 1371/2058). Surgery duration (continuous, minutes) was an independent predictor for absence of DM in the complete cohort (OR:0.98, r:0.012, 95%CI:0.98-0.99, p = 0.001). Other significant risk factors for missing DM were papillary tumors (OR:1.99, r:0.251, 95%CI:1.22-3.27, p = 0.006) in the complete cohort and bladder-roof and posterior-bladder-wall localization for re-resections. Absence of DM in high-grade BC correlated with reduced RFS (HR:1.96, 95%CI:1.0-3.79, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Sufficient time for a TUR-BT is mandatory to assure DM in the TUR-BT specimen. Also, cases with more difficult locations of bladder tumors should be performed with utmost surgical diligence and endourological training should incorporate how to perform such operations. Of note, DM correlates with improved oncological prognosis in high-grade BC.

Age and ECOG Performance Status as Predictors of Survival of Patients with Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Undergoing Radical Nephroureterectomy.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of chronological and biological age on perioperative complications and survival after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Elderly patients with upper-tract urothelial carcinoma might be overtreated by RNU. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing RNU. To evaluate the perioperative risk, patients were divided into four groups (<75; 75-79; 80-84; ≥85 years). The endpoints are perioperative complications and survival (overall survival [OS]). We calculated a risk score including chronological and biological age (Eastern cooperative oncology group performance status). Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, χ2, log-rank, and Breslow tests. RESULTS: 194 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 25.5 months. Elderly cohorts ≥2 presented a higher number of days in intensive care unit following RNU (p < 0.001). Complication rates increased from cohort 1-4 with rates of 48.8%; 55.2%; 92.0%; 85.7% (p < 0.001). Median survival was 115, 55, 28, and 20 months for cohorts 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The combined risk score revealed a significant 5-year OS benefit for patients with score 0 (82.3%) compared to score 1 (46.0%) and score 2 (15.0%; p < 0.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: We evaluated the impact of chronological and biological age on perioperative complications and survival after RNU. A combined risk score of chronological and biological age correlates with survival after RNU.

Feasibility of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT for detection of nodal and hematogenous spread in high-grade urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) ligand that targets fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression as FAP inhibitor (FAPI) and could already show promising results in several tumor entities. It could be demonstrated that an increased FAP expression correlates with tumor aggressivity in urothelial carcinoma (UC). Given the limited value of [18F]FDG in UC, [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 could add diagnostic information in staging and response assessment in UC. We present the first data of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET imaging in a pilot cohort of UC patients evaluating uptake characteristics in metastases and primary tumors. METHODS: Fifteen patients with UC prior to or after local treatment underwent [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT imaging for detection of metastatic spread. We compared the biodistribution in non-affected organs and tumor uptake of UC lesions by standard uptake value measurements (SUVmean and SUVmax). Additionally, metastatic sites on PET were compared to its morphological correlate on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Overall, 64 tumor sites were detected on PET and/or CT. The highest uptake intensity was noted at the primary site (SUVmax 20.8 (range, 8.1-27.8)) followed by lymph node metastases (SUVmax 10.6 (range, 4.7-29.1)). In 4/15 (26.7%) patients there were [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46-positive lesions that were missed on standard routine CT imaging. On the other hand, 2/15 patients had suspicious prominent bipulmonary nodules as well as pelvic lymph nodes previously rated as suspicious for metastatic spread on CT, but without increased FAPI expression; here histopathology excluded malignancy. CONCLUSION: [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET shows distinctly elevated uptake in UC lesions. Therefore, the tracer has potential as a promising new biomarker in metastatic UC patients, as [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET might improve detection of metastatic sites compared to CT alone. These findings highly emphasize larger studies investigating FAPI imaging in UC patients.

Accuracy and prognostic value of radiological lymph node features in variant histologies of bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: To provide first evidence of lymph node (LN) staging using CT scan and its prognostic value in variant histologies of bladder cancer. This knowledge may optimize patient management with variant histologies based on CT morphological findings. METHODS: Preoperative CT scans of patients with variant histologies who underwent RC between 2004 and 2019 were reanalyzed by two independent radiologists in a blinded review process. Specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy for LN staging as well as LN characteristics were evaluated. Correlation with survival was investigated by Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 1361 patients with primary tumor of the bladder underwent RC, of which 163 (12%) patients revealed variant histologies. 65 (47.8%) patients have shown an urothelial variant (UV) and 71 (52.2%) a non-urothelial variant (NUV). LN metastases were found in 18 (27.7%) patients with UV and 21 (29.6%) patients with NUV. The accuracy to detect LN metastasis for all variant histologies was 62% with a sensitivity of 46% and a specificity of 70%. Subgroups of UV and NUV revealed an accuracy of 67% and 57%. An increased number of regional LN (HR 2.8; 1.34-6.18) and the loss of fatty hilum (HR 0.36, 0.17-0.76) were prognostic parameters. In multivariate analysis, a fatty hilum (HR 0.313, 0.104-0.945) and the presence of lymph node metastases (HR 2.866, 1.140-7.207) were prognostic. CONCLUSION: This first study on CT morphological behavior of variant histologies revealed an accuracy of UV and NUV comparable to UC with low specificity for all variant histologies. CT scan prior RC should be interpreted in regard to histological subtypes.

Clinical Evaluation of Single-Use, Fiber-Optic, and Digital Ureterorenoscopes in the Treatment of Kidney Stones.

INTRODUCTION: Indication of ureteroscopy for the treatment of urolithiasis has expanded immensely over the last decade. Fiber-optic and digital reusable instruments present the standard in clinical practice, but various newly available single-use devices might offer an exciting alternative. To date, the evidence is limited to clinical evaluation and efficacy of single-use ureteroscopes (URS) compared to standard instruments. Therefore, we evaluate a single-use instrument's clinical characteristics and efficacy in direct comparison with a fiber-optic and digital device. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted for patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for urolithiasis at a tertiary care center. We evaluated the different instruments' clinical performance in categories of visibility, the stability of visibility, irrigation flow, and surgeon's satisfaction. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS using the Chi-Quadrat and Kruskal-Wallis test. A p value of p ≤ 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total number of 77 patients were included and distributed as follows: 35 (46.7%) single-use, 19 (25.3%) digital, and 23 (28%) fiber-optic URS. Patients' characteristics were homogenous over the three cohorts in sex, stone amount, and localization. The stone-free rate was equal in all three cohorts (p = 0.31). We identify stability of visibility, irrigation flow, and satisfaction were equal in all cohorts (p = 0.73; p = 0.20; p = 0.20). We report a significant difference in visibility, with 100% rated excellent in the digital URS group (p = 0.028). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Single-use URS achieve comparable clinical outcomes with equal stone-free rates in direct comparison with fiber-optic and digital reusable instruments. Accordingly, single-use devices present an adequate alternative for endoscopic therapy of urolithiasis.

Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Inflammatory Markers in Patients Receiving Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Bladder Cancer: Does Age Matter?

INTRODUCTION: Biomarkers are known predictors for survival after radical cystectomy (RC) and can improve patient stratification. Yet, it remains unclear how age influences their prognostic value. The current study aimed to assess the impact of age on standard prognostic biomarkers in different age-groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 1,014 patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer were included. Patients were divided into age-groups (I - <60, II - 60-69, III - 70-79, and IV - ≥80). C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hb), thrombocytes, and leucocytes prior to RC were used as biomarkers. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). For independent predictors of survival, multivariate models were applied. RESULTS: Absolute levels of biomarkers except CRP revealed a significant decrease with increasing age. We found low Hb to be associated with impaired CSS in groups II (2.05 [1.32-3.17]; p = 0.001), III (2.83 [2.01-4.00]; p < 0.001), and IV (1.79 [1.12-2.84]; p = 0.014). Thrombocytes above the cutoff were associated with impaired CSS and OS in groups II, III, and IV for CSS and OS. Leukocytes were associated with impaired CSS and OS in group II (2.11 [1.38-3.23]; p < 0.001 and 1.99 [1.36-2.90]; p < 0.001) and III (1.70 [1.08-2.67]; p = 0.021 and 1.80 [1.25-2.58]; p = 0.002). Elevated CRP was associated with impaired CSS and OS across all groups. CONCLUSION: Biomarkers are predictors for survival after RC. Yet, their impact on survival is less in the oldest patient group. Therefore, careful patient stratification and treatment administration should be considered in elderly patients. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

Computed-tomography based scoring system predicts outcome for clinical lymph node-positive patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: Contrast-enhanced CT scan is the standard staging modality for patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). Involvement of lymph nodes (LN) determines prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. The detection of LN metastasis by CT scan is still insufficient. Therefore, we investigated various CT scan characteristics to predict lymph node ratio (LNR) and its impact on survival. Also, pre-operative CT scan characteristics might hold potential to risk stratify cN+ patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed preoperative CT scans of patients undergoing RC in a tertiary high volume center. Retrospectively, local tumor stage and LN characteristics such as size, morphology (MLN) and number of loco-regional LN (NLN) were investigated and correlation to LNR and survival was analyzed. CT scan characteristics were used to develop a risk stratification using Kaplan-Maier and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 764 cN0 and 166 cN+ patients with complete follow-up and imaging data were included in the study. Accuracy to detect LN metastasis and locally advanced tumor stage in CT scan was 72% and 62%. LN larger than 15mm in diameter were significantly associated with higher LNR (p=0.002). Increased NLN correlated with decreased CSS and OS (p=0.001: p=0.002). Furthermore, CT scan based scoring system precisely differentiates low-risk and high-risk profiles to predict oncological outcome (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, solely LN size >15mm significantly correlated with higher LNR. Identification of increased loco-regional LN was associated with worse survival. For the first time, precise risk stratification based on computed-tomography findings was developed to predict oncological outcome for clinical lymph node-positive patients undergoing RC.

Adherence to guidelines in the management of urolithiasis: are there differences among distinct patient care settings?

INTRODUCTION: Urolithiasis is a common diagnosis in urology. New technologies offer a variety of diagnostic and therapy and consequently display a financial burden on healthcare systems. Hence, clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are essential to implement evidence-based medicine and assure a standard of care considering limited resources. To date, there is no evidence of the use and adherence to CPG on urolithiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional study to analyze the use of CPG on urolithiasis. Data collection was carried out by a questionnaire given to 400 German urologists. The survey included use and adherence to guidelines, evaluation of the clinical situation, therapy spectrum, and workplace. In total, 150 (37%) questionnaires were received and included in our survey. Statistics were performed by SPSS using Chi-quadrat test/Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: In our study, urologists were office based, hospital affiliated, non-academic, or academic centers in 53%, 32%, 16% and 5%, respectively. In 74% and 70%, urologists adhere to CPG in diagnostic and therapy. Interestingly, workplace and therapy spectrum determines the use of different CPG (p = 0.01; p = 0.022). Academic urologists were more likely to use international CPG of EAU (40%), while outpatient urologists significantly orientated on national CPG (46%). 86% of urologists with high volume of urolithiasis practice interventions in contrast to 53% in low volume (p = 0.001). More than 80% of urologists use short versions and app version of CPG. CONCLUSION: We firstly describe compliance and the use of CPG on urolithiasis. EAU and DGU present the most commonly used CPG. Short version and app version of CPG find frequent clinical utilization.

Prognostic value of pretreatment inflammatory markers in variant histologies of the bladder: is inflammation linked to survival after radical cystectomy?

PURPOSE: To investigate differences in standard preoperative inflammatory markers in patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) and variant histologies undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) and determine its impact on survival. METHODS: Patients undergoing RC at an academic high-volume center were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperatively taken CRP, leukocytes, hemoglobin (Hb), and thrombocytes were analyzed as routine inflammatory biomarkers. Log-rank tests and Kruskal-Wallis analysis were used to calculate for differences in survival and in blood levels of biomarkers. RESULTS: 886 patients with complete follow-up and UC or variant histology underwent RC at our institution between 2004 and 2019. Although variant histology presents with significantly higher t stage than UC, cancer-specific survival (CSS) of UC (1-year-CSS: 93%) is not significantly different to variant histology of UC with squamous differentiation (UCSD, 1-year-CSS: 81%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 1-year-CSS: 82%), and adenocarcinoma (AC, 1-year-CSS: 81%). In UC, alterations in all biomarkers except leukocytes beyond routine cut-off values were associated with poor survival (p < 0.01), whereas Hb beyond cut-off values are associated with poor prognosis in SCC (p < 0.05). CRP levels are significantly elevated in UCSD and SCC at time of surgery compared to UC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Inflammatory biomarkers reveal distinctive patterns across UC and variant histologies of bladder cancer. As inflammation might play an important role in cancer progression, further research is warranted to understand those molecular mechanisms and their potential therapeutic impact in variant histology of bladder cancer.

Salvage cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion as a last-line option for benign diseases-perioperative safety and postoperative health-related quality of life.

AIMS: Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion impact various dimensions of patients' health-related-quality-of-life (HRQOL). Yet, less is known about salvage cystectomy as a last-line option for treatment-refractory benign diseases. Therefore, our aim is to provide HRQOL data from a contemporary cohort of open salvage cystectomies for benign conditions. METHODS: Fifty-four consecutive patients were enrolled in one single tertiary referral center. Analysis was limited to patients undergoing urinary diversion via ileal conduit (IC). Complications were assessed via Clavien-Dindo-scale. HRQOL was measured using the validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BLM30 questionnaire. HRQOL QLQ-C30 domains were measured preoperatively and up to 3 years postoperatively. Longitudinal changes were analyzed using Friedman's rank test. Primary endpoint was good general HRQOL based on QLQ-C30 global health status (GHS). Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression models with a step-wise backward selection procedure. RESULTS: Longitudinal analysis of HRQOL subdomains revealed significantly improved pain (p = .005) and fatigue (p = .002) scores as well as improved social functioning (p = .038). Furthermore, general HRQOL (GHS scores) improved significantly during the follow-up period (28.0 vs. 50.6 [36 months], p = .045). In multivariate analysis, the indication for salvage cystectomy could not be identified as an independent predictor for good general HRQOL. We observed a total number of 10 (41.7%) high-grade (Clavien ≥III) 90 day-complications. Limitations include limited follow-up rates at respective time-points. CONCLUSION: Salvage cystectomy and IC can be safely performed as a last-line treatment for benign conditions and increases general HRQOL in the long-term follow-up. Thus, it can play a role in a holistic approach for a challenging clinical setting.

Listening to Music during Outpatient Cystoscopy Reduces Pain and Anxiety and Increases Satisfaction: Results from a Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the effect of classical music, music of patients' own choice, or no music on pain reduction during elective cystoscopy. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe the effect of listening to classical music, music of patients' own choice, or no music on patient's pain and satisfaction rates when carrying out an elective cystoscopy and the effect on the assessment capability of the performing urologist. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized trial included 127 patients undergoing elective cystoscopy at the Urological Department of the University Clinic of Munich between June 2019 and March 2020. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Patients were assigned randomly to 3 groups: group I: listening to standardized classical music (n = 35), group II: listening to music according to the patients' choice (n = 34), and control group III: no music (n = 44). Prior to cystoscopy, anxiety levels were assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS, range 1-100) was used for a self-assessment of pain, discomfort, and satisfaction. Statistical analysis was done with Spearman's rank correlation and t-tests. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median age was 63 (range 27-91) years. The duration of cystoscopy was 5.7 (1-30) min. Patients had undergone a median of 2.3 cystoscopies in the past. Between giving informed consent and cystoscopy, patients had to wait for a median of 64 (0-260) min. The median VAS pain score was significantly lower in group I at 1.7 and group II at 2.3 versus 5.2 in the control group III (p < 0.001). The control group III had significantly worse pain and patient satisfaction rates compared with groups I and II. Group I had a significant lower VAS pain score than groups II and III (p < 0.001). Classical music also increased the assessment capability of the preforming urologist. CONCLUSIONS: Listening to music during elective cystoscopy significantly reduces pain and distress and leads to higher patient and surgeon satisfaction. We recommend listening to classical music or music chosen by the patients during outpatient flexible/rigid cystoscopy in daily clinical routine. Patient Summary: In this study, we found that patients who listened to classical music or music of their own choice while undergoing a cystoscopy showed significant reduction of pain and distress.

Mapping Telemedicine in German Private Practice Urological Care: Implications for Transitioning beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the use and concern of telemedicine among German urologists, and thus, there are no established guidelines for telemedical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urological indications. METHODS: An anonymized survey was conducted among German private practice urologists during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 257 urologists were included in the final analysis. Thirty-five (14.0%) of urologists had used telemedicine as part of their consultation, and 221 (86.0%) had not used telemedicine. There was no difference between telemedicine adoption rates between rural and urban settings. Telemedicine users were significantly more satisfied with the information they had received regarding telemedicine issues. Users saw the greatest barrier to telemedicine that patients do not take up the offer of telemedicine. Nonusers were most concerned with unclear indications for telemedicine followed by lesser reimbursements during telemedicine than in-person visitations. Users were significantly more likely to use telemedicine beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Urologists, who wanted to use the service in the future, wanted an active support by the German society of urology and guidelines for telemedicine. Last, users and nonusers preferred telemedicine for non-acute chronic diseases and follow-up visitations. CONCLUSION: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine remains a rarely used service among German private practice urologists. Ultimately, to overcome the current challenges, urologists require an active support for the service through the German Society of Urology and telemedical guidelines.