Magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy in biopsy-naïve patients and the risk of overtreatment in prostate cancer: a grading issue.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of applying the 2014 and 2019 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) recommendations on grade group distribution and concordance with radical prostatectomy (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 655 biopsy-naïve patients diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) targeted and systematic biopsies for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score ≥3 lesions were identified from a prospectively maintained database from 2016 and 2022. Clinically significant prostate cancer was detected in 249 patients, of whom 69 underwent RP. Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar's tests were used to compare the ISUP grade group distribution and concordance with RP after applying the 2014 (i.e., highest grade) and 2019 (i.e., global grade) ISUP recommendations, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to the 2014 ISUP recommendations, the 2019 ISUP recommendations were associated with a significant decrease in ISUP Grade Group 4 (range of difference from -13% to -5%) and an increase in ISUP Grade Group 2 (range of difference from +6% to +11%) in MRI targeted biopsy only, MRI targeted with perilesional biopsies, and MRI targeted with systematic biopsies (all P < 0.01). In patients who underwent RP, a significant decrease in downgrading was observed with all biopsy strategies (range of difference from -19% to -12%; P ≤ 0.008), along with an increase in concordance with RP specimen (range of difference from +12% to +13%; P ≤ 0.02). The use of the 2019 ISUP recommendation was associated with RP specimen a lower treatment burden. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the 2019 ISUP recommendations mitigates the grade migration induced by MRI targeted biopsy and improves the concordance with the final RP specimen.

Predicting the risk of failed trial without catheter following Rezum™ therapy.

PURPOSE: Convective water vapor thermal therapy or "Rezum™" treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostate hypertrophy require postoperative catheterization to avoid acute urinary retention. Unsuccessful catheter removal is still unpredictable. We, therefore, aimed to identify the risk factors of failed initial trial without catheter (TWOC) after Rezum™ therapy inside a large cohort of patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent Rezum™ therapy by three referent urologists across two academic hospitals between January 2022 and January 2023. A Foley catheter was systematically placed after therapy for 7 days in all patients before TWOC. Patients characteristics [age, imagery, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual (PVR)], and treatment outcomes (International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), adverse events) were analyzed at baseline and 3 months from procedure. Failed initial TWOC was defined as the incapacity to pass urine or measured PVR > 300 mL. After univariate selection, the risk factors for TWOC failure were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 216 patients qualified for analysis with 23 (10.6%) failing the first TWOC after 7 days of catheterization. After multivariate logistic regression, only preoperative PVR predicted TWOC failure (OR 1.01; p = 0.007). The cut-off of preoperative PVR increasing this risk was 120 mL (p = 0, 02). CONCLUSION: Over 10% of men undergoing Rezum™ therapy for LUTS/BPH will experience TWOC failure and AUR after 7 days of catheterization. Preoperative PVR seems to be the only independent risk factor of unsuccessful catheter removal.

Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer with high tumor burden at biopsy: lessons learned from a contemporary radical prostatectomy cohort.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate whether initial tumor burden at biopsy could predict adverse features after radical prostatectomy (RP) in International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 1 prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in six referral centers. The cohort included patients with ISUP 1 PCa at systematic and MRI-targeted biopsy. We defined a high tumor burden at biopsy if ≥ 20% of cores were positive. The endpoint of the study was adverse features at RP, defined as ≥ pT3a stage and/or N1 and/or ISUP ≥ 3. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess associations between different thresholds on biopsy (percentage of positive cores [PPC] ≥ 25%, ≥ 33%, ≥ 50%, bilateral positivity and positive cores > 3) and adverse features. As the number of targeted biopsies sampled may influence the number of positive cores, we used a virtual biopsy model in which all targeted biopsy results were interpreted as a single targeted biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 312 contemporary patients were included. At final pathology, 99 patients (32%) had adverse features. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, there was no statistical association between PPC > 20% and adverse features (OR = 1.22; 95%CI:0.69-2.22, p = 0.5). In sensitivity analysis, tumor burden at biopsy was not associated with the risk of adverse features, regardless of the definition used (all p > 0.05). When we considered a unique virtual targeted biopsy, tumor burden remained not associated with adverse features (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ISUP 1 PCa tumor burden at biopsy did not predict adverse features in this study, suggesting that it should not be used alone as an exclusion criterion when assessing eligibility for active surveillance.

Predicting contralateral extraprostatic extension in unilateral high-risk prostate cancer: a multicentric external validation study.

PURPOSE: Accurate prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) is crucial for decision-making in radical prostatectomy (RP), especially in nerve-sparing strategies. Martini et al. introduced a three-tier algorithm for predicting contralateral EPE in unilateral high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of the study is to externally validate this model in a multicentric European cohort of patients. METHODS: The data from 208 unilateral high-risk PCa patients diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted and systematic biopsies, treated with RP between January 2016 and November 2021 at eight referral centers were collected. The evaluation of model performance involved measures such as discrimination (AUC), calibration, and decision-curve analysis (DCA) following TRIPOD guidelines. In addition, a comparison was made with two established multivariable logistic regression models predicting the risk of side specific EPE for assessment purposes. RESULTS: Overall, 38%, 48%, and 14% of patients were categorized as low, intermediate, and high-risk groups according to Martini et al.'s model, respectively. At final pathology, EPE on the contralateral prostatic lobe occurred in 6.3%, 12%, and 34% of patients in the respective risk groups. The algorithm demonstrated acceptable discrimination (AUC 0.68), comparable to other multivariable logistic regression models (p = 0.3), adequate calibration and the highest net benefit in DCA. The limitations include the modest sample size, retrospective design, and lack of central revision. CONCLUSION: Our findings endorse the algorithm's commendable performance, supporting its utility in guiding treatment decisions for unilateral high-risk PCa patients.

External validation and comparison of magnetic resonance imaging-based risk prediction models for prostate biopsy stratification.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising tool for risk assessment, potentially reducing the burden of unnecessary prostate biopsies. Risk prediction models that incorporate MRI data have gained attention, but their external validation and comparison are essential for guiding clinical practice. The aim is to externally validate and compare risk prediction models for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). METHODS: A cohort of 4606 patients across fifteen European tertiary referral centers were identified from a prospective maintained database between January 2016 and April 2023. Transrectal or transperineal image-fusion MRI-targeted and systematic biopsies for PI-RADS score of ≥ 3 or ≥ 2 depending on patient characteristics and physician preferences. Probabilities for csPCa, defined as International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade ≥ 2, were calculated for each patients using eight models. Performance was characterized by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration, and net benefit. Subgroup analyses were performed across various clinically relevant subgroups. RESULTS: Overall, csPCa was detected in 2154 (47%) patients. The models exhibited satisfactory performance, demonstrating good discrimination (AUC ranging from 0.75 to 0.78, p < 0.001), adequate calibration, and high net benefit. The model described by Alberts showed the highest clinical utility for threshold probabilities between 10 and 20%. Subgroup analyses highlighted variations in models' performance, particularly when stratified according to PSA level, biopsy technique and PI-RADS version. CONCLUSIONS: We report a comprehensive external validation of risk prediction models for csPCa diagnosis in patients who underwent MRI-targeted and systematic biopsies. The model by Alberts demonstrated superior clinical utility and should be favored when determining the need for a prostate biopsy.

The impact of prostate volume estimation on the risk-adapted biopsy decision based on prostate-specific antigen density and magnetic resonance imaging score.

PURPOSE: Utility of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) for risk-stratification to avoid unnecessary biopsy remains unclear due to the lack of standardization of prostate volume estimation. We evaluated the impact of ellipsoidal formula using multiparametric magnetic resonance (MRI) and semi-automated segmentation using tridimensional ultrasound (3D-US) on prostate volume and PSAd estimations as well as the distribution of patients in a risk-adapted table of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). METHODS: In a prospectively maintained database of 4841 patients who underwent MRI-targeted and systematic biopsies, 971 met inclusions criteria. Correlation of volume estimation was assessed by Kendall's correlation coefficient and graphically represented by scatter and Bland-Altman plots. Distribution of csPCa was presented using the Schoots risk-adapted table based on PSAd and PI-RADS score. The model was evaluated using discrimination, calibration plots and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Median prostate volume estimation using 3D-US was higher compared to MRI (49cc[IQR 37-68] vs 47cc[IQR 35-66], p < 0.001). Significant correlation between imaging modalities was observed (τ = 0.73[CI 0.7-0.75], p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plot emphasizes the differences in prostate volume estimation. Using the Schoots risk-adapted table, a high risk of csPCa was observed in PI-RADS 2 combined with high PSAd, and in all PI-RADS 4-5. The risk of csPCa was proportional to the PSAd for PI-RADS 3 patients. Good accuracy (AUC of 0.69 and 0.68 using 3D-US and MRI, respectively), adequate calibration and a higher net benefit when using 3D-US for probability thresholds above 25% on DCA. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate volume estimation with semi-automated segmentation using 3D-US should be preferred to the ellipsoidal formula (MRI) when evaluating PSAd and the risk of csPCa.

Risk stratification for early biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer in the era of multiparametric magnetic resonance imagining-targeted biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRI-targeted biopsy are nowadays recommended in the prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostic pathway. Ploussard and Mazzone have integrated these tools into novel risk classification systems predicting the risk of early biochemical recurrence (eBCR) in PCa patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). We aimed to assess available risk classification systems and to define the best-performing. METHODS: Data on 1371 patients diagnosed by MRI-targeted biopsy and treated by RP between 2014 and 2022 at eight European tertiary referral centers were analyzed. Risk classifications systems included were the European Association of Urology (EAU) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk groups, the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score, the International Staging Collaboration for Cancer of the Prostate (STAR-CAP) classification, the Ploussard and Mazzone models, and ISUP grade group. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to compare eBCR among risk classification systems. Performance was assessed in terms of discrimination quantified using Harrell's c-index, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Overall, 152 (11%) patients had eBCR at a median follow-up of 31 months (interquartile range: 19-45). The 3-year eBCR-free survival rate was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 89-93). For each risk classification system, a significant difference among survival probabilities was observed (log-rank test p < 0.05) except for NCCN classification (p = 0.06). The highest discrimination was obtained with the STAR-CAP classification (c-index 66%) compared to CAPRA score (63% vs. 66%, p = 0.2), ISUP grade group (62% vs. 66, p = 0.07), Ploussard (61% vs. 66%, p = 0.003) and Mazzone models (59% vs. 66%, p = 0.02), and EAU (57% vs. 66%, p < 0.001) and NCCN (57% vs. 66%, p < 0.001) risk groups. Risk classification systems demonstrated good calibration characteristics. At DCA, the CAPRA score showed the highest net benefit at a probability threshold of 9%-15%. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of risk classification systems using MRI and MRI-targeted information was less optimistic when tested in a contemporary set of patients. CAPRA score and STAR-CAP classification were the best-performing and should be preferred for treatment decision-making.

Accuracy of elastic fusion biopsy: Comparing prostate cancer detection between targeted and systematic biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: When performing targeted biopsy (TBx), the need to add systematic biopsies (SBx) is often debated. Aim of the study is to evaluate the added value of SBx in addition to TBx in terms of prostate cancer (PCa) detection rates (CDR), and to test the concordance between multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) findings and fusion biopsy results in terms of cancer location. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, multicentric study that gathered data on 1992 consecutive patients who underwent elastic fusion biopsy between 2011 and 2020. A standardized approach was used, with TBx (2-4 cores per target) followed by SBx (12-14 cores). We assessed CDR of TBx, of SBx, and TBx+SBx for all cancers and clinically significant PCa (csPCa), defined as ISUP score ≥2. CDR was evaluated according to radiological and clinical parameters, with a particular focus on PI-RADS 3 lesions. In a subgroup of 1254 patients we tested the discordance between mpMRI findings and fusion biopsy results in terms of cancer location. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of CDR. RESULTS: CDR of TBx+SBx was 63.0% for all cancers and 38.8% of csPCa. Per-patient analysis showed that SBx in addition to TBx improved CDR by 4.5% for all cancers and 3.4% for csPCa. Patients with lesions scored as PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 were diagnosed with PCa in 27.9%, 72.8%, and 92.3%, and csPCa in 10.7%, 43.6%, and 69.3%, respectively. When positive, PI-RADS 3 lesions were ISUP grade 1 in 61.1% of cases. Per-lesion analysis showed that discordance between mpMRI and biopsy was found in 56.6% of cases, with 710 patients having positive SBx outside mpMRI targets, of which 414 (58.0%) were clinically significant. PSA density ≥0.15 was a strong predictor of CDR. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of systematic mapping to TBx contributes to a minority of per-patient diagnoses but detects a high number of PCa foci outside mpMRI targets, increasing biopsy accuracy for the assessment of cancer burden within the prostate. High PSA-density significantly increases the risk of PCa, both in the whole cohort and in PI-RADS 3 cases.

Teaching robotic cystectomy: prospective pilot clinical validation of the ERUS training curriculum.

OBJECTIVE: To provide the first clinical validation of the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) curriculum for training in robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The ERUS proposed a structured curriculum, divided into 11 steps, to train novice surgeons and help overcome the steep learning curve associated with iRARC. In this study, one trainee completed the curriculum under the mentorship of an expert. Twenty-one patients were operated on by the trainee following the proposed iRARC curriculum [(t)iRARC group] and were compared with 42 patients treated with the standard of care by the mentor [(m)iRARC group]. To evaluate curriculum safety, peri-operative outcomes, surgical margins and complications were assessed. Propensity-score matching (1:2) was used to identify comparable (t)iRARC and (m)iRARC cases. Matched variables included age, body mass index, neoadjuvant therapy, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and cT stage. Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests were used to compare peri- and postoperative outcomes between the two cohorts. To evaluate curriculum efficacy, steps attempted and completed by the trainee were assessed and studied as a function of growing surgical experience of the trainee. RESULTS: The trainee progressed in proficiency-based training through steps of increasing difficulty. No differences in estimated blood loss, positive soft tissue margins, number of resected lymph nodes, overall and high-grade complications, or 90-day readmissions between the (t)iRARC and (m)iRARC groups were observed (all P > 0.05). However, operating time was significantly longer in the (t)iRARC group (P = 0.01). Of the 209 available steps, the trainee attempted 168 (80%) and successfully performed 125 (60%). Increasing experience was associated with more steps being successfully performed (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed ERUS curriculum assists naïve surgeons during the learning curve for iRARC and should be encouraged in order to guarantee optimal outcomes during the learning phase of this procedure.

Optimizing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy and detection of clinically significant prostate cancer: the role of core number and location.

PURPOSE: There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal number of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsy (TB) cores and their spatial distribution within the MRI lesion. We aim to determine the number of TB cores and location needed to adequately detect csPCa. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 505 consecutive patients undergoing TB for positive MRI lesions defined by a PI-RADS score ≥ 3 between June 2016 and January 2022. Cores chronology and locations were prospectively recorded. The co-primary outcomes were the first core to detect clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and the first highest ISUP grade group. The incremental benefit of each additional core was evaluated. Analysis was then performed by distinguishing central (cTB) and peripheral (pTB) within the MRI lesion. RESULTS: Overall, csPCa was detected in 37% of patients. To reach a csPCa detection rate of 95%, a 3-core strategy was required, except for patients with PI-RADS 5 lesions and those with PSA density ≥ 0.2 ng/ml/cc who benefited from a fourth TB core. At multivariable analysis, only a PSA density ≥ 0.2 ng/ml/cc was an independent predictive factor of having the highest ISUP grade group on the fourth TB cores (p = 0.03). No significant difference in the cancer detection rate was found between cTB and pTB (p = 0.9). Omitting pTB would miss 18% of all csPCa. CONCLUSION: A 3-core strategy should be considered for TB to optimize csPCa detection with additional cores needed for PI-RADS 5 lesions and high PSA density. Biopsy cores from both central and peripheral zones are required.

Optimizing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy and prostate cancer grading accuracy.

PURPOSE: To assess the most efficient biopsy method to improve International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group accuracy with final pathology of the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen in the era of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-driven pathway. METHODS: A total of 753 patients diagnosed by transrectal MRI-targeted and systematic biopsies (namely "standard method"), treated by RP, between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated. Biopsy methods included MRI-targeted biopsy, side-specific systematic biopsies relative to index MRI lesion and combination of both. Number of MRI-targeted biopsy cores and positive cores needed per index MRI lesion were assessed. Multivariable analysis was performed to analyze predictive factors of upgrading using MRI targeted and ipsilateral systematic biopsies method. RESULTS: Overall, ISUP grade group accuracy varied among biopsy methods with upgrading rate of 35%, 49%, 27%, and 24% for MRI targeted, systematic, MRI targeted and ipsilateral systematic biopsies and standard methods, respectively (p < 0.001). A minimum of two positive MRI-targeted biopsies cores per index MRI lesion were required when testing MRI targeted and ipsilateral systematic biopsies method to reach equivalent accuracy compared to standard method. Omitting contralateral systematic biopsies spared an average of 5.9 cores per patient. At multivariable analysis, only the number of positive MRI-targeted biopsy cores per index MRI lesion was predictive of upgrading. CONCLUSION: MRI targeted and ipsilateral systematic biopsies allowed an accurate definition of ISUP grade group and appears to be an interesting alternative when compared with standard method, reducing total number of biopsy cores needed.

Expanding inclusion criteria for active surveillance in intermediate-risk prostate cancer: a machine learning approach.

PURPOSE: To develop new selection criteria for active surveillance (AS) in intermediate-risk (IR) prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS: Retrospective study including patients from 14 referral centers who underwent pre-biopsy mpMRI, image-guided biopsies and radical prostatectomy. The cohort included biopsy-naive IR PCa patients who met the following inclusion criteria: Gleason Grade Group (GGG) 1-2, PSA < 20 ng/mL, and cT1-cT2 tumors. We relied on a recursive machine learning partitioning algorithm developed to predict adverse pathological features (i.e., ≥ pT3a and/or pN + and/or GGG ≥ 3). RESULTS: A total of 594 patients with IR PCa were included, of whom 220 (37%) had adverse features. PI-RADS score (weight:0.726), PSA density (weight:0.158), and clinical T stage (weight:0.116) were selected as the most informative risk factors to classify patients according to their risk of adverse features, leading to the creation of five risk clusters. The adverse feature rates for cluster #1 (PI-RADS ≤ 3 and PSA density < 0.15), cluster #2 (PI-RADS 4 and PSA density < 0.15), cluster #3 (PI-RADS 1-4 and PSA density ≥ 0.15), cluster #4 (normal DRE and PI-RADS 5), and cluster #5 (abnormal DRE and PI-RADS 5) were 11.8, 27.9, 37.3, 42.7, and 65.1%, respectively. Compared with the current inclusion criteria, extending the AS criteria to clusters #1 + #2 or #1 + #2 + #3 would increase the number of eligible patients (+ 60 and + 253%, respectively) without increasing the risk of adverse pathological features. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed model has the potential to expand the number of patients eligible for AS without compromising oncologic outcomes. Prospective validation is warranted.

CAR-T Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors: Are we Still That Far? a Systematic Review of Literature.

This systematic review aims to assess all the prospective studies published to date on the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors. Databases searched were PubMed and Google Scholar from inception through May 1st 2021. Search query was (Chimeric antigen receptor) or (CAR-T) or (T-CAR). Twenty-nine prospective studies (265 patients) were included. Most published clinical trials are phase I. Clinical benefit was 100% in epithelial ovarian cancer, 70-82% in gastrointestinal tumors, 79% in mesothelioma, 63% in small-cell lung cancer, 24-67% in sarcoma, 50-62% in prostate cancer, and 45-50% in central nervous system tumors. No serious CAR-T cell specific serious toxicities were noted.

Pathological features of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3 MRI lesions in biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the whole pathology spectrum of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3 lesions, identified on magnetic resonance imaging, using systematic (SB), targeted biopsy (TB) and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen analysis. METHODS: From a prospective database of patients undergoing RP after a combination of SB (median 12 cores) and fusion TB (median 3 cores), we included 150 PI-RADS 3 cases. Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) was defined by a Grade Group 2 or more. The primary endpoints were unfavourable features in RP specimens. RESULTS: Targeted biopsy was negative in 20.7% of patients. Final Grade Group 3 or more and a pT3 stage was reported in 36.7% and 38.7% of RP specimens. The upgrading rate was 38.2% between biopsy and RP specimens. The concordance rate between Grade Group on TB and RP was only 38.0%. The two independent predictive factors for unfavourable disease (pT3-4 and/or final Grade Group 3-5) were prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD; P = 0.001) and presence of csPCa on TB (odds ratio 3.7; P = 0.001). The risk of unfavourable disease was increased 2.3-fold and 5.8-fold, respectively, for patients with a PSAD between 0.15 and 0.20, and a PSAD >0.20 ng/mL/g. The 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rate was 93.2%. CONCLUSIONS: PI-RADS 3 lesions exhibited aggressive features in almost 40% of cases. PSAD and presence of csPCa on TB are independent predictive factors for high-grade and/or extraprostatic disease. A combination of SB and TB improve grade prediction compared to use of TB alone.

Uncovering the role of urinary microbiota in urological tumors: a systematic review of literature.

PURPOSE: Urinary microbiota has been found to play a key role in numerous urological diseases. The aim of this systematic review is to depict the role of urinary microbiota in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of urological tumors, including bladder cancer (BCa), prostate cancer (PCa) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: A systematic PubMed and Scopus search was undergone from inception through June 2021 for studies investigating urinary microbiota alterations in urological tumors. Study selection followed the PRISMA statement. Phylum, family, genus and species of each bacterium in cancer patients and controls were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies with 1194 patients (748 cancer patients and 446 controls) were included in our final analysis. Certain bacterial phylum, family, genus, and species were more predominant in each of BCa, PCa and RCC patients compared to controls. Abundance and specificity of urinary microbiota were prognosticators for: (1) recurrence, distinguishing recurrent from non-recurrent BCa, (2) disease stage, distinguishing non-muscle invasive from muscle invasive BCa, and (3) disease grade, distinguishing high- vs. low-grade PCa and BCa. Dietary, environmental and geographic patterns influenced urinary microbiota. Urinary microbiota of benign prostatic hyperplasia was different from PCa. CONCLUSION: Urological cancer patients have an altered urinary microbiota compared to controls. This may predict recurrence, disease stage and disease grade of these tumors. Further prospective studies are needed to depict a potential influence on therapeutic outcomes.

Grade group 1 prostate cancer on biopsy: are we still missing aggressive disease in the era of image-directed therapy?

PURPOSE: Recently, Eggener et al. reignited a debate consisting to redefine Gleason Grade Group (GGG) 1 prostate cancer (PCa) as a precancerous lesion to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment. However, historical cohorts showed that some GGG1-labeled disease at biopsy may be underestimated by the standard PCa diagnostic workup. The aim was to assess whether the risk of adverse features at radical prostatectomy (RP) in selected GGG1 patients still exists in the era of pre-biopsy mpMRI and image-guided biopsies. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our data from a European RP dataset to assess in contemporary patients with GGG1 at mpMRI-targeted biopsy the rate of adverse features at final pathology, defined as ≥ pT3a and/or pN+ and/or GGG ≥ 3. RESULTS: A total of 419 patients with cT1-T2 cN0 GGG1-PCa were included. At final pathology, 143 (34.1%) patients had adverse features. In multivariate analysis, only unfavorable intermediate-risk/high-risk disease (defined on PSA or stage) was predictive of adverse features (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.11-5.39, p = 0.02). A significant difference was observed in the 3-year biochemical recurrence-free survival between patients with and without adverse features (93.4 vs 87.8%, p = 0.026). In sensitivity analysis restricted low- and favorable intermediate-risk PCa, 122/383 patients (31.8%) had adverse features and no preoperative factors were statistically associated with this risk. CONCLUSION: In this European study, we showed that there is still a risk of underestimating GGG1 disease at biopsy despite the routine use of image-guided biopsies. Future studies are warranted to improve the detection of aggressive disease in GGG1-labeled patients by incorporating the latest tools such as genomic testing or radiomics.

The Virtue quadratic male sling for postradical prostatectomy urinary incontinence: 3-Year outcome measurements and a predictive model of surgical outcome from a European prospective observational study.

AIMS: This prospective multicenter observational study evaluated postprostatectomy incontinence treatment outcomes with Virtue male sling at 12 and 36 months. METHODS: Objective assessment was based on a 24-h pad weight test with improvement defined by a decrease >50% and cure by less than 1.3 g. Subjective assessment was based on the patient global impression of improvement and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-urinary incontinence-short form (ICIQ-UI-SF) questionnaires. Subgroups were analyzed by baseline severity of incontinence on a 24-h-pad test, body mass index (BMI), and pads usage. Factors associated with treatment response were assessed using logistic regression at Months 36. Complications were reported. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 117 men. Objective and subjective improvement were achieved in 54% and 35% and 51% and 34% at 12 and 36 months, respectively. Twenty-one percent and 19% were considered cured, respectively, at 12 and 36 months. No differences per baseline incontinence severity, BMI and pads usage were found at 36 months. Mean ICIQ-UI-SF score decreased from 15 to 9. Predictive factors were BMI, postvoid residual urine, number of nighttime urination, and ICIQ total score. Seven Clavien-Dindo Grade III (5.1%) including four Virtue sling revisions were reported. The most frequent Grade II complications were overactive bladder symptoms and pain reported in 10.3% and 2.9%, respectively. No complications required explantation. CONCLUSIONS: Virtue male sling is safe and effective in males with mild to severe postprostatectomy urinary incontinence over 36 months. Virtue could be considered an interesting option for postradical prostatectomy urinary incontinence with positive results over time even in patients with high BMI. The predictive model should be validated by further studies.

[Prostate cancer, androgen deprivation, and risk of COVID-19 infection : A systematic review and meta-analysis]. / Cancer de Prostate, déprivation androgénique, et risques d'infection par la COVID-19 : revue systématique et méta-analyse.

INTRODUCTION: Male gender has been shown to be a risk factor for COVID-19 infection, and men are more likely to develop severe disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on the incidence of infection and severity of SARS-CoV-2 in prostate cancer patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed after searching PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrial.org databases, between January 2020 and March 2022. Analyses were interpreted through forest plots for the following parameters: risk of infection, hospitalization, intensive care admission, and SARS-CoV-2-related death, with random or fixed-effects models. RESULTS: Fifteen articles were included in the systematic review and ten in the meta-analysis. Seven studies evaluated risk of infection in patients on ADT: OR=1.11 (95 % IC : [0.48-2.58] ; P=0.81). Six studies evaluated the risk of hospitalization in patients on ADT: TDA : OR=1.58 (95 % IC : [0.94-2.64] ; P=0.08). Seven studies evaluated risk of ICU admission in patients on ADT: OR=0.90 (95 % IC : [0.71-1.13] ; P=0.37). Nine studies evaluated mortality risk in patients on ADT: OR=1.07 (95 % IC : [0.61-1.87] ; P=0.82). CONCLUSION: ADT does not protect against SARS-CoV-2 in prostate cancer patients, nor does it protect against hospitalization, ICU admission, or mortality. These results remain questionable given the retrospective nature of the majority of studies included in our meta-analysis.

Antibodies targeting Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen positive prostate cancer: from diagnostic imaging to theranostics.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Targeting Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) has paved the way for personalized medicine in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. This review aims to highlight the role of PSMA targeting antibodies in PCa, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. RECENT FINDINGS: PSMA Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography has been a game changer in the diagnosis of PCa in the recent decade. Two anti-PSMA monoclonal antibodies have been studied in PCa: 7E11-C35 (limited use) and J591. J591 antibody was used for diagnostic purposes coupled with different radionuclides. Most importantly, it was combined to numerous therapeutic radionuclides such as Lutetium-177 (177Lu), Yttrium-90 (90Y), Indium-111 (111In), and Actinium-225 (225Ac). It was also conjugated to drugs forming antibody-drug conjugates (e.g. MLN2704 and PSMA-ADC). These compounds were tested in recent phase I/II clinical trials. SUMMARY: PSMA targeting antibodies are very promising for further clinical investigation and continue to be a momentous research area, for both imaging and therapeutic settings. Although some clinical trials resulted in unfavorably safety profiles for some antibodies, they validated PSMA as a crucial immunoconjugate target.

Avelumab as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with urothelial non-metastatic muscle invasive bladder cancer: a multicenter, randomized, non-comparative, phase II study (Oncodistinct 004 - AURA trial).

INTRODUCTION: Cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery is the standard treatment for patients with non-metastatic muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Unfortunately, many patients are not candidates to receive cisplatin due to renal impairment. Additionally, no predictive biomarkers for pathological complete response (pCR) are currently validated in clinical practice. Studies evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitors in the peri-operative setting are emerging with promising results. Clinical trials are clearly required in the neoadjuvant setting in order to improve therapeutic strategies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Oncodistinct 004 - AURA is an ongoing multicenter phase II randomized trial assessing the efficacy and safety of avelumab single-agent or combined to different NAC regimens in patients with non-metastatic MIBC. Patients are enrolled in two distinct cohorts according to their eligibility to receive cisplatin-based NAC. In the cisplatin eligible cohort, patients are randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive avelumab combined with cisplatin-gemcitabine or with dose-dense methotrexate-vinblastine-doxorubicin-cisplatin. In the cisplatin ineligible cohort, patients are randomized at a 1:1 ratio to paclitaxel-gemcitabine associated to avelumab or avelumab alone. Primary endpoint is pCR. Secondary endpoints are pathological response and safety. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is approved by ethics committee from all participating centers. All participants provide informed consent prior inclusion to the study. Once completed, results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03674424).