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Objective: To characterize clinical, hemodynamic, imaging, and pathologic findings in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and variants in SRY-box transcription factor 17 (SOX17), a novel risk gene linked to heritable and congenital heart disease-associated PAH., Study Design: We assembled a multi-institutional cohort of children with PAH and SOX17 variants enrolled in the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNet) and other registries. Subjects were identified through exome and PAH gene panel sequencing. Data were collected from registries and retrospective chart review., Results: We identified 13 children (8 female, 5 male) aged 1.6-16 years at diagnosis with SOX17 variants and PAH. Seven patients had atrial septal defects and 2 had patent ductus arteriosus. At diagnostic cardiac catheterization, patients had severely elevated mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure (mean 78, range 47-124 mmHg) and markedly elevated indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (mean 25.9, range 4.9-55 WU∗m 2 ). No patients responded to acute vasodilator testing. Catheter and computed tomography angiography imaging demonstrated atypical PA anatomy including severely dilated main pulmonary arteries, lack of tapering in third and fourth order pulmonary arteries, tortuous 'corkscrewing' pulmonary arteries, and abnormal capillary 'blush.' Several children had PA stenoses and 2 had systemic arterial abnormalities. Histologic examination of explanted lungs from 3 patients disclosed plexiform arteriopathy and extensive aneurysmal dilation of alveolar septal capillaries., Conclusions: SOX17-associated PAH is a distinctive genetic syndrome characterized by early onset severe PAH, extensive pulmonary vascular abnormalities, and high prevalence of congenital heart disease with intracardiac and interarterial shunts, suggesting a role for SOX17 in pulmonary vascular development., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The PPHNet Registry was supported by grant U01 HL12118 (Data Fusion: A Sustainable, Open Source Registry Advancing Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Research; K.D. Mandl and S.H. Abman) from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Work for this paper was also supported by a philanthropic grant for SOX17 research to the Boston Children's Hospital Pulmonary Hypertension Program, the Jayden de Luca Foundation, the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research/Manton Foundation, and by NIH/NCATS Colorado CTSA Grant Number UL1 TR002535. Contents are the authors' sole responsibility and do not necessarily represent official NIH or NHLBI views., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Bronchiectasis is one of the most common comorbidities in severe asthma. However, the mechanisms by which asthma promotes the development and progress of this condition are not well defined. This study aimed to analyze the inflammatory phenotypes and quantify the expression of proinflammatory and remodeling cytokines in asthma patients with and without bronchiectasis., Methods: The study sample comprised individuals with severe asthma and bronchiectasis (group AB, n=55) and a control population of individuals with severe asthma without bronchiectasis (group AC, n=45). Induced sputum samples were obtained and cell types determined by differential cell count. Proinflammatory and bronchial remodeling cytokines (IL-8, neutrophilic elastase, TGFβ1, VEGF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF) were analyzed by immunoassay in sputum supernatant., Results: Neutrophilic inflammation was the primary phenotype in both asthma groups. Higher levels of TGFβ1, VEGF and IFN-γ were observed in asthma patients with bronchiectasis (group AB) than in controls (group AC) (15 vs 24pg/ml, p=0.014; 183 vs 272pg/ml, p=0.048; 0.85 vs 19pg/ml, p<0.001, respectively). Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) levels were significantly lower in the AB group than in the AC group (1.2 vs 4.4pg/ml, p<0.001). IL-8, neutrophil elastase and TNF-α did not present significant differences between the groups., Conclusions: Raised levels of TGFβ1 and VEGF cytokines may indicate airway remodeling activation in asthma patients with bronchiectasis. The type of inflammation in asthma patients did not differ according to the presence or absence of bronchiectasis., (Copyright © 2024 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objetive: To assess the ability of an artificial intelligence software to detect pneumothorax in chest radiographs done after percutaneous transthoracic biopsy., Material and Methods: We included retrospectively in our study adult patients who underwent CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic biopsies from lung, pleural or mediastinal lesions from June 2019 to June 2020, and who had a follow-up chest radiograph after the procedure. These chest radiographs were read to search the presence of pneumothorax independently by an expert thoracic radiologist and a radiodiagnosis resident, whose unified lecture was defined as the gold standard, and the result of each radiograph after interpretation by the artificial intelligence software was documented for posterior comparison with the gold standard., Results: A total of 284 chest radiographs were included in the study and the incidence of pneumothorax was 14.4%. There were no discrepancies between the two readers' interpretation of any of the postbiopsy chest radiographs. The artificial intelligence software was able to detect 41/41 of the present pneumothorax, implying a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 100%, with a specificity of 79.4% and a positive predictive value of 45%. The accuracy was 82.4%, indicating that there is a high probability that an individual will be adequately classified by the software. It has also been documented that the presence of Port-a-cath is the cause of 8 of the 50 of false positives by the software., Conclusions: The software has detected 100% of cases of pneumothorax in the postbiopsy chest radiographs. A potential use of this software could be as a prioritisation tool, allowing radiologists not to read immediately (or even not to read) chest radiographs classified as non-pathological by the software, with the confidence that there are no pathological cases., (Copyright © 2023 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: The robotic retroperitoneal approach for renal mass surgery was introduced in 2018 at the Department of Urology in the clinic of Leverkusen, Germany. Clinical criteria for the choice of the access site (trans- vs. retroperitoneal) are not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to explore the learning curve and the impact of the access site on clinical outcome, in order to elucidate which preoperative clinical criteria should be taken into account when choosing the renal approach site., Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 107 patients who underwent robotic tumor surgery between June 2018 and March 2022 at the Department of Urology in the Clinic of Leverkusen, Germany. Data from 86 patients with transperitoneal robotic surgery of the kidney and 21 patients with retroperitoneal access were available for analysis. We evaluated the data of patients in a trans- and a retroperitoneal access group. The preoperative clinical data included anthropomorphic data, the Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as the Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for Anatomical Classification of Renal Masses (PADUA) - score. Intraoperative and postoperative data such as blood loss, clamping time, renal function and the learning curve of the surgeons was used to evaluate the outcomes of the two groups., Results: Operation time in the retroperitoneal group was significantly shorter (p=0.015). Operation-specific variables showed no significant difference between the two groups. PADUA score and hilar clamping time showed no difference (p=0.345 and p=0.130, respectively). The learning curve in the retroperitoneal access group unveiled a noticeable difference in the experience and mastery of the involved surgeons., Conclusion: Mastery of the retroperitoneal approach is readily possible for surgeons with previous experience in robotic renal surgery without compromising the operative morbidity. The PADUA-score seems most suitable as a preoperative clinical criterion for choosing the renal approach site., (Copyright © 2023 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, COVID-19 has changed the medical landscape. International recommendations for localized prostate cancer (PCa) include deferred treatment and adjusted therapeutic routines., Materials and Methods: To longitudinally evaluate changes in PCa treatment strategies in urological and radiotherapy departments in Germany, a link to a survey was sent to 134 institutions covering two representative baseline weeks prior to the pandemic and 13 weeks from March 2020 to February 2021. The questionnaire captured the numbers of radical prostatectomies, prostate biopsies and case numbers for conventional and hypofractionation radiotherapy. The results were evaluated using descriptive analyses., Results: A total of 35% of the questionnaires were completed. PCa therapy increased by 6% in 2020 compared to 2019. At baseline, a total of 69 radiotherapy series and 164 radical prostatectomies (RPs) were documented. The decrease to 60% during the first wave of COVID-19 particularly affected low-risk PCa. The recovery throughout the summer months was followed by a renewed reduction to 58% at the end of 2020. After a gradual decline to 61% until July 2020, the number of prostate biopsies remained stable (89% to 98%) during the second wave. The use of RP fluctuated after an initial decrease without apparent prioritization of risk groups. Conventional fractionation was used in 66% of patients, followed by moderate hypofractionation (30%) and ultrahypofractionation (4%). One limitation was a potential selection bias of the selected weeks and the low response rate., Conclusion: While the diagnosis and therapy of PCa were affected in both waves of the pandemic, the interim increase between the peaks led to a higher total number of patients in 2020 than in 2019. Recommendations regarding prioritization and fractionation routines were implemented heterogeneously, leaving unexplored potential for future pandemic challenges., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: To investigate infectious and non-infectious complications after transperineal prostate biopsy (TPB) without antibiotic prophylaxis in a multicenter cohort. Secondly, to identify whether increasing the number of cores was predictive for the occurrence of complications. Thirdly, to examine the relation between TPB and erectile dysfunction., Methods: We analyzed a retrospective multicenter cohort of 550 patients from three different urological centers undergoing TPB without antibiotic prophylaxis. The median number of cores was 26. Demographic and clinical data were extracted by reviewing patients' electronic medical records and follow-up data such as postoperative complications obtained by structured phone interviews. To investigate the influence of the number of cores taken on the occurrence of complications, we performed univariate and multivariate mixed effects logistic regression models., Results: There was no case of sepsis reported. Overall, 6.0% of patients (33/550) presented with any complication besides mild macrohematuria. In all, 46/47 (98%) complications were ≤Grade 2 according to Clavien-Dindo. In multivariate regression analyses, an increased number of cores was associated with overall complications (odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.14, P = 0.01) and specifically bleeding complications (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.50, P = 0.01) but not with infectious complications (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.97-1.10, P = 0.67). A total of 14.4% of patients referred impairment of erectile function after TPB. Of note, 98% of these men were diagnosed with prostate cancer., Conclusions: This is the first multicenter trial to investigate complications after TPB without antibiotic prophylaxis. In our study, we found no case of sepsis. This underlines the safety advantage of TPB even without antibiotic prophylaxis and supports the ongoing initiative to abandon TRB of the prostate. A higher number of cores were associated with an increase in overall complications specifically bleeding complications, but not with infectious complications. Post-biopsy erectile dysfunction was mainly present in patients diagnosed with PCa., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Though asthma and bronchiectasis are two different diseases, their coexistence has been demonstrated in many patients. The aim of the present study is to compare the characteristics of asthmatic patients with and without bronchiectasis and to assess risk factors for the development of this condition. Two hundred and twenty-four moderate-severe asthmatic patients were included. The severity of bronchiectasis was assessed by Reiff and FACED parameters. Logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis was identified in 78 asthma patients. In severe asthma patients, its prevalence was 56.9%. Bronchiectasis was defined as mild in81% of patients using modified Reiff criteria and in 74% using FACED criteria. Asthmatic patients with bronchiectasis had decreasing FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC (p = 0.002, 0.005 and 0.014 respectively), presented more frequent asthma exacerbations (p < 0.001) and worse asthma control (ACT 21 vs 16pts, p < 0.001). Factors independently associated with bronchiectasis were older age (42-65 years: OR, 3.99; 95% CI 1.60 to 9.95, P = 0.003; ≥ 65 years: OR, 2.91; 95% CI 1.06 to 8.04, P = 0.039), severe asthma grade (OR, 8.91; 95% CI 3.69 to 21.49; P < 0.001) and frequency of asthma exacerbations (OR, 4.43; 95% CI 1.78 to 11.05; P < 0.001). In patients with severe asthma, age of asthma onset (OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04; P = 0.015) and asthma exacerbations (OR, 4.88; 95% CI 1.98 to 12.03; P = 0.001) were independently associated with the development of bronchiectasis. The prevalence of bronchiectasis in severe asthmatic patients is high. Age of asthma onset and exacerbations were independent factors associated with the occurrence of bronchiectasis., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Objective: To describe the radiologic findings of extrapulmonary air in the chest and to review atypical and unusual causes of extrapulmonary air, emphasizing the importance of the diagnosis in managing these patients., Conclusion: In this article, we review a series of cases collected at our center that manifest with extrapulmonary air in the thorax, paying special attention to atypical and uncommon causes. We discuss the causes of extrapulmonary according to its location: mediastinum (spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumorrhachis, tracheal rupture, dehiscence of the bronchial anastomosis after lung transplantation, intramucosal esophageal dissection, Boerhaave syndrome, tracheoesophageal fistula in patients with esophageal tumors, bronchial perforation and esophagorespiratory fistula due to lymph-node rupture, and acute mediastinitis), pericardium (pneumopericardium in patients with lung tumors), cardiovascular (venous air embolism), pleura (bronchopleural fistulas, spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with malignant pleural mesotheliomas and primary lung tumors, and bilateral pneumothorax after unilateral lung biopsy), and thoracic wall (infections, transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia, and subcutaneous emphysema after lung biopsy)., (Copyright © 2021 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The aim of the study is to compare length of hospital stay, transfusion rates, and re-intervention rates during hospitalization for transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P), open prostatectomy (OP), and laser therapy (LT) for surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)., Methods: URO-Cert is an organization, in which clinical data of prostatic diseases from 2 university, 19 public, and 3 private hospitals and 270 office-based urologists are collected in order to document treatment quality. Data on diagnostics, therapy, and course of disease are recorded web based. The analysis includes datasets from 2005 to 2017., Results: Of 10,420 patients, 8,389 were treated with TUR-P, 1,334 with OP, and 697 with LT. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR: 4-7) for TUR-P, 9 days (IQR: 7-11) for OP, and 5 days (IQR: 4-6) for LT (p < 0.001). Risk for a hospital stay ≥7 days was higher for OP versus TUR-P (OR: 7.25; 95% CI = 6.27-8.36; p < 0.001) and LT (OR: 17.89; 95% CI = 14.12-22.65; p < 0.001) and higher for TUR-P versus LT (OR: 2.47; 95% CI = 2.03-3.01; p < 0.001). OP had a significantly higher risk for transfusions than TUR-P (OR: 2.44; 95% CI = 1.74-3.41; p < 0.001) and LT (OR: 3.32; 95% CI = 1.56-7.01; p < 0.001). Transfusion rates were not significantly different between TUR-P and LT (OR: 1.36; 95% CI = 0.66-2.79; p = 0.51). Risk of re-intervention was not different between all 3 approaches., Conclusion: OP was associated with higher transfusion rates and longer hospital stay than TUR-P and LT. Risk of transfusion was not different between TUR-P and LT, but TUR-P was inferior to LT concerning length of hospital stay. Re-intervention rates during hospitalization did not differ between the groups., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

We present the case of a young woman with a history of previously treated pleural and pulmonary tuberculosis referred to our hospital for chest pain and a single pleural nodule seen on plain chest films and chest CT. Cultures of inflammatory-type material obtained by US-guided fine-needle biopsy of the pleural lesion were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The diagnosis was a paradoxical reaction to antituberculosis treatment; after 6 more months of treatment, the pleural lesion and chest pain disappeared., (Copyright © 2020. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Objectives: To evaluate retrospectively the surgical, symptomatic and oncological outcomes of pelvic exenteration surgery (PES) in men with significant intrapelvic complications of locally advanced castration-sensitive (CSPC) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)., Patients and Methods: A total of 103 patients with locally advanced progressive and symptomatic CSPC or CRPC underwent PES (radical cystoprostatectomy, n = 71 [68.9%]; radical prostatectomy with continent vesicostomy, n = 9 [8.7%]; total exenteration, n = 23 [22.3%]). All patients underwent local staging via magnetic resonance imaging, cystoscopy and rectoscopy. Systemic staging was carried out with chest, abdominal and pelvic computed tomography scans and bone scans. Peri-operative complications were assessed according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Symptom-free and overall survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Statistical tests were two-tailed with a P value <0.05 taken to indicate statistical significance., Results: After a median (range) follow-up of 36.5 (3-123) months, the symptom-free survival rate at 1 and 3 years was 89.2% (n = 89) and 64.1% (n = 66), respectively. The median symptom-free survival was 27.9 months. A total of 78.6% of the patients were symptom-free during their remaining lifetime. The overall survival rate at 1 and 3 years was 92.2% and 43.7%, respectively, and the median overall survival was 33.6 months. Clavien-Dindo grades 2, 3 and 4 complications developed in 31 (30.6%), 12 (11.6%) and eight patients (8.1%), respectively., Conclusion: Pelvic exenteration surgery is technically feasible in well-selected patients, resulting in symptom relief in >90% of patients, covering 80% of their remaining lifetime., (© 2020 The Authors BJU International © 2020 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Competing Interests: Erklärung zu finanziellen InteressenForschungsförderung erhalten: nein; Honorar/geldwerten Vorteil für Referententätigkeit erhalten: ja, von einer anderen Institution (Pharma- oder Medizintechnikfirma usw.); Bezahlter Berater/interner Schulungsreferent/Gehaltsempfänger: nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an Firma (Nicht-Sponsor der Veranstaltung): nein; Patent/Geschäftsanteile/Aktien (Autor/Partner, Ehepartner, Kinder) an Firma (Sponsor der Veranstaltung): nein. Erklärung zu nichtfinanziellen InteressenDie Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.

Background: There is to date no convincing literature that has assessed the association between traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and the later development of urinary bladder cancer. The aim of this work is to present medical experts as well as the national accident insurance and the social courts decision-making aids based on the latest medical scientific knowledge, for assessment of this causal association., Materials and Methods: A study conducted between April 1998 and March 2017 in the BG Trauma Hospital Hamburg forms the basis for the decision-making aids. Urinary bladder cancer was diagnosed in 32 out of 6432 treated outpatient and inpatient SCI patients. Furthermore, relevant published literature was taken into consideration for the decision-making aids., Results: It was found that urinary bladder cancer in SCI patients occurs at a considerably younger age as compared to the general population, more frequently shows muscle invasive carcinoma with a higher grade at first diagnosis and a higher proportion of the more aggressive squamous cell carcinoma than that of the general population. Correspondingly, the survival time is extremely unfavorable. For medical experts a matrix was compiled where the various influencing factors, either for or against the recognition of an association between SCI and urinary bladder cancer, were weighted according to their relevance., Conclusion: The results showed that urinary bladder cancer in SCI patients differs considerably from that of able-bodied patients. These differences drastically shorten the survival time. A study on patients with spina bifida, i.e., a congenital spinal cord disorder, corroborates these observations. They indicate histopathological differences that have so far been intangible.

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (e-MRI), as a preoperative staging modality in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa)., Patients and Methods: Retrospectively, we analyzed data from N=168 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) between 2004 and 2013 at two tertiary medical centres. Prior to RP all patients underwent an e-MRI. Inclusion criteria were: PSA levels >20 ng/ml or Gleason score >7. Examinations were performed on a closed 1.0-T system combined with an endorectal body phased-array coil, imaging results were correlated with histopathology., Results: 10.7% (N=18 patients) had histologically-proven LNM. e-MRI was true-positive in N=6 (33.3%) and false-negative N=12 patients (66.6%). N=150 (89.3%) patients without LNM e-MRI were true-negative in 96% and false-positive in 4%. Sensitivity was 96%, specificity was 33%, accuracy was 64.5%., Conclusion: e-MRI can be considered a useful preoperative staging modality in diagnosis of LNM., (Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Vesicouterine fistulas (VUFs) are a pathological communication between uterus and urinary bladder, which are mainly related to iatrogenic lesions during caesarean sections or occur during vaginal deliveries after a previous caesarean section. The main symptoms are menstruation through the bladder (menouria), amenorrhea and urinary incontinence. Treatment can be conservative, hormonal or surgical; however, a spontaneous closure of the fistula is rare (5 %). We report a case of a female VUF with menouria after caesarean section with a successful surgical fistula excision. Based on this case report, we analyse the causes, symptoms, diagnostics and treatment of VUF as reported in the literature., Competing Interests: Es besteht kein Interessenkonflikt. Der korrespondierende Autor versichert, dass keine Verbindungen mit einer Firma, deren Produkt in dem Artikel genannt ist, oder einer Firma, die ein Konkurrenzprodukt vertreibt, bestehen., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Urethral strictures are independent of a patient's age and can happen in every life period. They are often iatrogenic, resulting from a transurethral surgical procedure or traumatic catheterisation. Endoscopic slotting is the surgery of choice; although this method is frequently associated with recurrence. Retrograde urethrography or cystourethrography continue to play a central role in diagnostic evaluation and treatment. There is no standardised procedure regarding the surgical technique, perioperative management, and postoperative follow-up. Evidence-based recommendations or guidelines do not exist. For a successful surgical treatment of the urethra it is important to have an excellent knowledge of the urethral and urogenital anatomy. The permanent removal of urethral strictures can only be achieved by open reconstructive surgery. Direct end-to-end urethroplasty is used, in general, for short bulbar urethral strictures, while urethroplasty with oral mucosa is used for longer bulbar and penile strictures. Urethral reconstruction using a patient-specific autologous cell transplant with MukoCell ® is an alternative to the conventional transplantation with native oral mucosa. Urethral reconstruction should be performed in specialised centres with appropriate expertise., Competing Interests: Interessenkonflikt: Die Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt vorliegt., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

A female urethral diverticulum (UD) is a rare condition with a prevalence of 0.6 - 4.7 %. Possible aetiologies include chronic infection of the periurethral glands, childbirth trauma, and iatrogenic lesions after urethral manipulation. The main symptoms are recurrent urinary tract infections, post-void dribbling and leakage of urine or purulent discharge by movement, which is caused by the emptying of the diverticular lumen (paradoxical incontinence). As this may imitate stress urinary incontinence, the final diagnosis is a challenge for urologists. We report the case of a female UD containing multiple calculi, which were diagnosed during diagnostic work-up of incontinence. Based on this case report, we want to present and analyse the symptoms as well as the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of UD as reported in the literature. Also we wish to emphasise that the differential diagnosis between a complicated diverticulum and stress urinary incontinence requires a precise knowledge of the symptoms and the diagnostic algorithm for the detection of a DU because the symptoms of these two conditions are similar., Competing Interests: Interessenkonflikt: Die Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Objectives: The aim of this report is to identify the radiological findings of unilateral tuberculous lung destruction (UTLD)., Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients with (UTLD) were reviewed from 1999 to 2014. Only patients with radiological evidence of absence of pulmonary parenchyma preserved were included. Clinical and demographic data were obtained and radiological studies (chest radiograph and CT) were retrospectively reviewed., Results: The left lung was more commonly involved (85%). The following radiological findings were found in all cases: a decrease in the diameter of the pulmonary vessels of the affected lung, herniation of the contralateral lung and hypertrophy of the ribs and/or thickening of extrapleural fat. Two radiological patterns were identified: UTLD with cystic bronchiectasis (85%) and UTLD without residual cystic bronchiectasis (15%). Forty-six per cent of cases had respiratory infection symptoms with presence of air-fluid levels in the affected lung as the most common finding in these patients., Conclusions: Total unilateral post-tuberculous lung destruction is an irreversible complication with the following main radiological features: predominantly left-sided location, decreases in the diameter of the ipsilateral pulmonary vessels, herniation of the contralateral lung and hypertrophy of the ribs and/or thickening of extrapleural fat., Teaching Points: • Unilateral tuberculous lung destruction is an irreversible complication of tuberculosis. • Left-side predominance and herniation of the contralateral lung are characteristic. • Decreased diameter of the ipsilateral pulmonary vessels occurred in all patients. • The pattern with residual cystic bronchiectasis is the most frequent. • Superimposed non-tuberculous infections may affect the destroyed lung.

Background: Non-prostatic bed recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) is usually treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). We analyzed the impact of salvage extended lymph node dissection (sLND) on cancer control in patients with rising PSA and lymph node (LN) metastases., Methods: Between 2009 and 2016 we performed sLND in 87 patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) and positive LNs on 18 FEC and 68 Ga-PSMA positron emission tomography/X-ray computer tomography (PET/CT) after primary treatment (PT) of PCa. Intra- and postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo were assessed and the rates of biochemical response (BR), BCR-free and clinical recurrence (CR)-free survival, as well as time to initiation of systemic treatment were evaluated., Results: Mean age of patients and mean PSA at sLND was 66.7 years (46-80 years) and 2.63 ng ml -1 (1.27-3.75 ng ml -1 ), respectively. With 87.4% radical prostatectomy (RP) was the most common PT. In all, 57.9% of patients additionally underwent adjuvant/salvage radiation therapy (RT) and 18.4% received ADT before sLND. Complete BR (cBR) was diagnosed in 27.5% of patients and incomplete BR in 40.6%. In total, 62.2% of patients remained without ADT at follow-up. With a median follow-up of 21 months (1-75 months), the cancer-specific mortality rate was 3.7%. The 3-year BCR-free, systemic therapy-free and CR-free survival rates for patients with cBR were 69.3%, 77.0% and 75%, respectively., Conclusions: sLND can be performed without significant complications and achieves an immediate BR, thus allowing a significant postponement of systemic therapy in selected patients with BCR and nodal recurrence of PCa. Therefore, sLND following 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT should be considered as part of a multimodal diagnostic and treatment concept for selective patients.

Background: Malignancies and cisplatin-based chemotherapy are both known to correlate with a high risk of venous thrombotic events (VTT). In testicular cancer, the information regarding the incidence and reason of VTT in patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy is still discussed controversially. Moreover, no risk factors for developing a VTT during cisplatin-based chemotherapy have been elucidated so far., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 153 patients with testicular cancer undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy at our institution for the development of a VTT during or after chemotherapy. Clinical and pathological parameters for identifying possible risk factors for VTT were analyzed. The Khorana risk score was used to calculate the risk of VTT. Student t test was applied for calculating the statistical significance of differences between the treatment groups., Results: Twenty-six out of 153 patients (17%) developed a VTT during chemotherapy. When we analyzed the risk factors for developing a VTT, we found that Lugano stage ≥IIc was significantly (p = 0.0006) correlated with the risk of developing a VTT during chemotherapy. On calculating the VTT risk using the Khorana risk score model, we found that only 2 out of 26 patients (7.7%) were in the high-risk Khorana group (≥3)., Conclusion: Patients with testicular cancer with a high tumor volume have a significant risk of developing a VTT with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The Khorana risk score is not an accurate tool for predicting VTT in testicular cancer., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Thoracic duct cysts in the mediastinum are extremely rare; they can give rise to chylothorax when they spontaneously rupture or after they are operated on. We present the case of an adult woman with a thoracic duct cyst in the mediastinum and chylothorax from its spontaneous rupture; to our knowledge, this phenomenon has not been specifically reported before. We describe the clinical and radiological findings, the therapeutic management, and the pathology findings, reviewing the literature for this entity., (Copyright © 2016 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To examine whether an extended prostate biopsy (PB) scheme is associated with an improvement in the accuracy between the PB Gleason score (GS) and radical prostatectomy (RP) pathology and to identify probable preoperative variables that stratified patients likely to harbor significant upgrading (SU)., Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of 538 patients' records diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent RP and exhibited a SU, at two tertiary medical centers, was conducted. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 194 who underwent a 6-core PB (36%), 156 who underwent a 12-core PB (28.9%) and 188 (34.9%) who underwent an 18-core PB. A multivariate analysis was conducted, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical stage, prostate size and duration from PB to RP., Results: The 6-core group exhibited a 42.7% SU, the 12-core group exhibited a 38.8% SU and the 18-core group exhibited a 14.1% SU. There was a highly significant lower rate of SU in the 18-core than that in the 6-core (p<0.001) and 12-core PB group (p<0.001) but no significant difference in the rate of SU was noted between the 6- and 12-core group (p=0.913). According to the multivariate analysis, only a prostate size of >35 g significantly elevated the probability of SU in the 6-core (p<0.025) and 12-core PB groups (p<0.025), respectively., Conclusion: An extended PB scheme is associated with a significant improvement in the accuracy between the PB GS and RP pathology. Prostate size >35 g in patients who undergo a 6- or 12-core PB is the only preoperative variable that stratifies patients likely to harbor SU., (Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: The diagnosis of anterior prostate cancer (APC) is troublesome due to its anatomical location. Patients with an APC often require multiple sets of biopsies until diagnosis is made. The objective of this study is to examine if endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (e-MRI) of the prostate could improve the detection of APC., Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of 412 patients records with a clinical suspicion of prostate cancer (PCa) (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels >4 ng/ml or a suspicious finding on digital rectal examination (DRE)) who underwent conventional e-MRI (e-cMRI) and functional e-MRI (e-fMRI) of the prostate and subsequent prostate biopsy from April 2004 to July 2010 was conducted. All patients had a history of at least one prior negative set of prostate biopsy. Sixty-five percent (N=268) of patients' images were considered suspicious for PCa of which 53 (12.8%) cases were considered to be suspicious for APC (defined as the presence of PCa anterior to the urethra). All patients underwent an 18-core transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy of the peripheral zone and an additional 3-core TRUS-targeted biopsy anterior to the urethra., Results: The median age and median PSA levels of the patients was 68.9 (range=56-72) years and 12.7 ng/ml (range=6.4-21.3), respectively. DRE was only positive in 6 patients (11.4%). The overall PCa detection rate was 90.5%. APC was detected through the targeted cores in 48 patients (90.5%). Seven patients (13.2%) exhibited a PCa of the peripheral zone as well. e-MRI-positive predictive value was 90.5%., Conclusion: e-MRI of the prostate has a high predictive value in detecting APC. Patients with a constant increase of PSA levels, negative DRE findings and prior negative sets of prostate biopsy are ideal candidates for e-MRI of the prostate and subsequent TRUS-targeted biopsies of possible suspicious anterior gland sites., (Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Aim: [(68)Ga]PSMA-HBED-CC ((68)Ga-PSMA) is a novel and promising tracer for highly sensitive combined integrated positron emission tomography and X-ray computed tomography (PET/CT) diagnosis of recurrent prostate cancer (PCA). Our aim was to assess the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV/NPV), and accuracy per lesion, as well as the positive predictive value per patient of (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT using post-lymphadenectomy histology as a standard, and to compare these values to those obtained in a patient collective scanned using (18)F-Fluoroethylcholine ((18)FEC) PET/CT., Methods: Thirty eight patients had (18)FEC and 28 patients had (68)Ga-PSMA. We performed a pelvic and/or retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, if necessary supplemented by resection of locally recurrent lesions in accordance with imaging results., Results: In 30/38 (18)FEC and 23/28 (68)Ga-PSMA patients ≥1 focus of PCA was identified in postsurgical histology, leading to a per-patient PPV of 78.9 % for (18)FEC and 82.1 % for (68)Ga-PSMA. In (18)FEC and (68)Ga-PSMA patients, a total of 378 and 308 lymph nodes and local lesions were removed, respectively. For (18)FEC and (68)for Ga-PSMA, the respective sensitivity (95 % confidence interval) was 71.2 % (64.5-79.6 %) and 86.9 % (75.8-94.2 %), specificity was 86.9 % (82.3-90.6 % ) and 93.1 % (89.2-95.9 %), PPV was 67.3 % (57.7-75.9 %) and 75.7 % (64.0-98.5 %), NPV was 88.8 % (84.4-92.3 %) and 96.6 % (93.5-98.5 %), and accuracy was 82.5 % (78.3-86.8 %) and 91.9 % (88.7 %-95.1 %)., Conclusion: In the present series Ga-PSMA PET/CT shows a better performance than FEC PET/CT with a significantly higher NPV and accuracy for the detection of locoregional recurrent and/or metastatic lesions prior to salvage lymphadenectomy.

The integration of magnetic resonance imaging into urologic routine may be highly beneficial and change our standards for prostate cancer treatment., (Copyright © 2016 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Published results of HistoScanning™ (HS) for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostics are inconsistent and their value remains unclear. We prospectively analyzed the detection rate and tumor volume concordance in PCa patients., Material and Methods: Two hundred and eighty-two patients with biopsy-proven PCa scheduled for radical prostatectomy (RP) were included. All patients underwent ultrasonographical examination by HS prior to surgery. HS was evaluated compared to RP specimen as to (1) the prediction of overall tumor volume and (2) accuracy of HS in detection of PCa lesions larger than 0.2/0.5 ml, separated for each sextant. For each sextant, receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-analysis and area under the curve were determined. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and visualized in ROC-curves., Results: HS tends to underestimate volume of cancerous lesions, particularly larger lesions >8 ml. Using a 0.2 ml detection threshold, specificity and sensitivity of HS were between 29-68% and 46-78%. For a 0.5 ml detection threshold, sextant-specific specificity increased to 59-92% and sensitivity decreased to 16-54%. Stratification according to pre-operational PSA values did not improve performance characteristics of HS., Conclusions: Our results do not support a significant contribution of HS to PCa diagnostics., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) is associated with complications and decreased adjunctive surgery. Little data are available concerning PC-RPLND in patients with advanced seminomas and residual retroperitoneal tumor lesions. We examined intra- and postoperative complications as well as the frequency of adjunctive surgeries in patients with seminoma and compared the data to a cohort of patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) who underwent PC-RPLND., Patients and Methods: In our retrospective analysis, 580 patients (43 patients with advanced seminomas and 537 patients with NSGCT) underwent PC-RPLND between 1989 and 2010. The surgical approach was preferred via midline incision or a thoracoabdominal approach depending on the location of the residual tumor., Results: Of the 43 patients with seminoma, a total number of 13 adjunctive surgeries were performed in 7 patients. There were only three intraoperative complications, two postoperative complications (prolonged intestinal paralyses). There were no significant differences in adjunctive surgeries and postoperative complications (p=0.49 and p=0.133) between the two groups. There were significantly fewer intraoperative complications in favor of seminomas (p=0.001)., Conclusion: PCRLND in seminomas and NSGCT is a demanding surgical intervention. In contrast to other series we did not find significant differences in the two patient groups concerning adjunctive surgeries and postoperative complications. The indication for PCLND in patients with seminoma is limited, but if necessary it can be performed safely in experienced centers.

Purpose: Chemotherapy is an integral part of the treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer. With the introduction of new drugs the need to identify nonresponders is increasing. To our knowledge there are no prognostic parameters to date for use upon the initiation of any treatment., Materials and Methods: cfDNA was isolated from a serum specimen before chemotherapy. Its value was correlated to recurrence-free and overall survival using Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors., Results: Of 59 men 48 (81.4%) had a measurable prostate specific antigen decrease from baseline. Median followup was 15.0 months (range 2.4 to 58.4). The median cfDNA concentration in all men in this study was 27.71 ng/ml (mean 32.64). A threshold of 55.03 ng/ml was significantly associated with a poor prostate specific antigen response of less than 30% (p = 0.005). On univariate and multivariate analysis circulating cfDNA was an independent predictor of overall survival (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-0.97, p = 0.044 and HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.91, p = 0.032, respectively). Limitations of the study are its retrospective character, and first and second line therapies., Conclusions: Our trial shows that the cfDNA concentration before therapy may be a useful predictive and prognostic biomarker for prostate specific antigen response and survival., (Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Context: Debates on overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer (PCa) are ongoing and there is still huge uncertainty regarding misclassification of prostate biopsy results. Several imaging techniques that have emerged in recent years could overcome over- and underdiagnosis in PCa., Objective: To review the literature on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-based techniques (contrast enhancement, HistoScanning, elastography) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based techniques for a nonsystematic overview of their benefits and limitations., Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive search of the PubMed database between August 2004 and August 2014 was performed. Studies assessing grayscale TRUS, contrast-enhanced (CE)-TRUS, elastography, HistoScanning, multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), and MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy were included. Publications before 2004 were included if they reported the principle or the first clinical results for these techniques., Evidence Synthesis: Grayscale TRUS alone cannot detect PCa foci (detection rate 23-29%). TRUS-based (elastography) and MRI-based techniques (MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy) have significantly improved PCa diagnostics, with sensitivity of 53-74% and specificity of 72-95%. HistoScanning does not provide convincing or homogeneous results (specificity 19-82%). CE-TRUS seems to be user dependent; it is used in a low number of high-volume centers and has wide ranges for sensitivity (54-79%) and specificity (42-95%). For all the techniques reviewed, prospective multicenter studies with consistent definitions are lacking., Conclusions: Standard grayscale TRUS is unreliable for PCa detection. Among the techniques reviewed, mpMRI and MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy seem to be suitable for enhancing PCa diagnostics. Elastography shows promising results according to the literature. CE-TRUS yields very inhomogeneous results and might not be the ideal technique for clinical practice. The value of HistoScanning must be questioned according to the literature., Patient Summary: New imaging modalities such as elastography and magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsies have improved the detection of prostate cancer. This may lower the burden of overtreatment as a result of more precise diagnosis., (Copyright © 2015 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Androgen deprivation represents the standard treatment for prostate cancer with osseous metastases. We explored the role of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer with low volume skeletal metastases in terms of a feasibility study., Materials and Methods: A total of 23 patients with biopsy proven prostate cancer, minimal osseous metastases (3 or fewer hot spots on bone scan), absence of visceral or extensive lymph node metastases and prostate specific antigen decrease to less than 1.0 ng/ml after neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy were included in the feasibility study (group 1). A total of 38 men with metastatic prostate cancer who were treated with androgen deprivation therapy without local therapy served as the control group (group 2). Surgery related complications, time to castration resistance, and symptom-free, cancer specific and overall survival were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis., Results: Mean patient age was 61 (range 42 to 69) and 64 (range 47 to 83) years in groups 1 and 2, respectively, with similar patient characteristics in terms of initial prostate specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage and extent of metastatic disease. Median followup was 34.5 months (range 7 to 75) and 47 months (range 28 to 96) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Median time to castration resistant prostate cancer was 40 months (range 9 to 65) and 29 months (range 16 to 59) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.04). Patients in group 1 experienced significantly better clinical progression-free survival (38.6 vs 26.5 months, p=0.032) and cancer specific survival rates (95.6% vs 84.2%, p=0.043), whereas overall survival was similar. Of the men in groups 1 and 2, 20% and 29%, respectively, underwent palliative surgical procedures for locally progressing prostate cancer., Conclusions: Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy is feasible in well selected men with metastatic prostate cancer who respond well to neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy. These men have a long life expectancy, and cytoreductive radical prostatectomy reduces the risk of locally recurrent prostate cancer and local complications. Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy might be a treatment option in the multimodality management of prostate cancer with minimal osseous metastases., (Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The approval or clinical evaluation of several new agents - cabazitaxel, abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, sipuleucel-T, and radium-223 - has significantly changed the management of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) prior to or after docetaxel-based chemotherapy. All of these agents have resulted in a significant survival benefit as compared to their control group. However, treatment responses might differ depending on the associated comorbidities and the extent and biological aggressiveness of the disease. Furthermore, treatment-associated side effects differ between the various drugs. As new drugs become approved, new treatment strategies and markers to best select which patients will best respond to which drug are needed. It is the aim of the current article to i) summarize the data of established treatment options in mCRPC, ii) highlight new developments in medical treatment, iii) provide clinically useful algorithms for the daily routine, and iv) point out future developments in medical treatment., (© 2015 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.)

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) represents the standard treatment for patients with prostate cancer (PCA) and osseous metastases. We explored the role of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy in PCA with low volume skeletal metastases in terms of a feasibility study., Material and Methods: A total of 23 patients with biopsy proven PCA, minimal osseous metastases (≤3 hot spots on bone scan), absence of visceral or extensive lymph node metastases and a decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to <1.0 ng/ml after neoadjuvant ADT were included in the feasibility study (group A). The control group (group B) consisted of 38 men with metastatic PCA who were treated by ADT alone. Surgery-related complications, time to castration resistance, symptom-free, cancer-specific and overall survival were analyzed using descriptive statistical analyses., Results: The mean age was 61 years (range 42-69 years) and 64 years (47-83) in groups A and B, respectively, with similar patient characteristics in terms of initial PSA level, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage and extent of metastatic disease. The median follow-up was 34.5 months (7-75 months) and 47 months (28-96 months) in groups A and B, respectively. Median time to castration resistance was 40 months (9-65 months) and 29 months (16-59 months) in groups A and B, respectively (p=0.04). Patients in group A experienced significantly better clinical symptom-free (38.6 versus 26.5 months, p=0.032) and cancer-specific survival rates (95.6% versus 84.2%, p=0.043) whereas the overall survival was similar. In group A none of the men underwent palliative surgical procedures for locally progressing PCA compared to 29% in group B., Conclusions: Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy is feasible in well-selected men with metastatic PCA who responded well to neoadjuvant ADT. These men have a long life expectancy and the risk of locally recurrent PCA and local complications are reduced. Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy might be a treatment option in the multimodal management of PCA with minimal osseous metastases.

Overtreatment of prostate cancer (PC) remains one of the main burdens in uro-oncology. Focal therapy may be a reasonable alternative with less side effects and morbidity. Application of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) induces immediate and irreversible coagulation. The treatment leads to consecutive necrosis with sharply delineated margins, making HIFU a promising tool for the focal therapy of localized PC. Unlike radiation, the treatment leaves no collateral damage outside of the heated tissue, allowing repeated use of HIFU, if necessary. In case of non-organ-confined relapse, additional radical salvage therapy can be performed. This review gives an overview of the existing evidence on focal HIFU. Today, 3 HIFU devices are approved for the treatment of localized PC: Sonablate™, Ablatherm™ and the FocalOne™ device. In summary, the first published results of focal HIFU are promising. The quality of life and potency of the patients are well preserved. Therefore, HIFU treatment, and especially focal ablation of tumor foci, seems to be a safe alternative to standard treatment, with low side effects. The oncologic results seem satisfactory but need further follow-up to validate this practice of PC control., (© 2015 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.)

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues or antagonists represents the treatment of choice in men with metastatic prostate cancer (PCA). Depending on the serum concentration of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir, the survival might vary between 11 and 78 months. In castration-resistant PCA (CRPC), all new medical treatment options can induce complete and partial remissions in metastatic foci, but they have no profound effect on the prostate itself, as has been shown recently. About one-third of all patients without local treatment of the primary will develop significant complications of the lower and upper urinary tract due to local progression of the PCA. In men with CRPC and lower urinary tract symptoms, palliative transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) can be performed with a 60-70% success rate. Infiltration of the pelvic floor, the bladder neck and trigone, and the external urethral sphincter can make palliative radical surgery necessary. Bladder neck closure with continent vesicostomy, radical cystoprostatectomy with an incontinent urinary diversion, and anterior and posterior exenteration are individual therapeutic options in men with a good performance status and a considerable life expectancy. Symptomatic involvement of the upper urinary tract can be managed by the placement of endoluminal stents or a percutaneous nephrostomy in men with poor performance. In men with a good response to ADT and a good performance status, reconstructive ureteral surgery might be considered and the options of ureteral reimplantation, ureter ileal replacement, and a subcutaneous pyelovesical bypass have to be discussed. The indication to perform one of the above-mentioned surgical approaches needs to be discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board., (© 2015 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.)

Purpose of Review: Androgen deprivation therapy with luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues or antagonists represents the treatment of choice in men metastatic prostate cancer (PCA). Depending on the serum concentration of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir, the survival might vary between 11 and 78 months. About one-third of all patients without local treatment of the primary will develop significant complications of the lower and upper urinary tract because of local progression of PCA. It is the purpose of the review to inform the treating physician about palliative surgical options in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)., Recent Findings: In men with CRPC and lower urinary tract symptoms, palliative transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) can be performed with a 60-70% success rate. Infiltration of the pelvic floor, the bladder neck and trigone and the external urethral sphincter can make palliative radical surgery necessary. Bladder neck closure with continent vesicostomy, radical cystoprostatectomy with an incontinent urinary diversion, and anterior and posterior exenteration are individual therapeutic options in men with a good performance status and a considerable life expectancy. Symptomatic involvement of the upper urinary tract can be managed by placement of endoluminal stents or a percutaneous nephrostomy in men with a poor performance. In men with a good response to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and a good performance status reconstructive ureteral surgery might be considered and the options of ureteral reimplantation, ureter ileal replacement and a subcutaneous pyelovesical bypass have to be discussed., Summary: There are various palliative surgical treatment options in the management of men with CRPC and symptomatic deterioration of the lower or the upper urinary tract, which should be considered in well selected patients. The indication to perform one of the above-mentioned surgical approaches needs to be discussed in a multidisciplinary tumour board.

Objective: To analyse the functional and oncological outcome of consecutive renal-transplant recipients (RTRs) with clinically localised prostate cancer who underwent radical retropubic (RRP) or perineal (RPP) prostatectomy., Patients and Methods: Between January 2000 and July 2011 16 patients underwent RRP (group 1) and seven RPP (group 2). In all, 200 consecutive non-RTRs served as the control group, of whom 100 each underwent RRP and RPP, respectively. The mean (range) interval between renal transplantation and RP was 95 (24-206) months, the PSA at the time of diagnosis was 4.5 (3.0-17.5) ng/mL, and the mean patient age was 64 (59-67) years., Results: The mean follow-up was 39 (RRP) and 48 months (RPP). There was no deterioration in graft function. In group 1, 13 and three patients had pT2a-cpN0 and pT3a-bpN0 prostate cancer, respectively, with a Gleason score of 6, 7 and 8 in 11, three and one patients, respectively. In group 2, three and four patients had pT2a-c and pT3a-b disease, respectively, with a Gleason score of 6 and 7 in two and five, respectively. In both groups one patient had a positive surgical margin and was followed expectantly, and all patients have no evidence of disease. Wound infections developed more often in the RPP group (29% vs. 7%), but there were no Clavien grade III-V complications. All patients achieved good continence, and two need one pad/day., Conclusions: RRP and RPP are suitable surgical treatments for prostate cancer in RTRs. RRP might be preferable, as it has the advantage of simultaneous pelvic lymphadenectomy and a lower risk of infectious complications.

The therapeutic role of cytoreductive surgery for urogenital malignancies is controversially discussed in the literature. The current article critically reflects the potential impact of cytoreductive surgery in patients with renal cell cancer and prostate cancer with locoregional lymph node or systemic metastases based on a review of the literature and personal experience.Even in the era of molecular targeted therapies in metastatic renal cell cancer, cytoreductive radical nephrectomy seems to exert survival benefit when compared to systemic therapy alone if (1) patients demonstrate a good ECOG performance status, (2) exhibit good or intermediate prognosis according to the Heng criteria, (3) cerebral metastases have been excluded, and (4) >90% of the total cancer volume can be eliminated. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that neoadjuvant systemic treatment might be associated with a significantly reduced 1-year mortality rate.For prostate cancer cytoreductive radical prostatectomy is one of the guideline-recommended treatment options for men with intrapelvic lymph node metastases resulting in survival benefit when compared to androgen deprivation as monotherapy. Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy should be performed (1) in the presence of limited intrapelvic lymph node metastasis without bulky disease, (2) if complete resectability of the primary cancer and its metastasis can be achieved by extended radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy, (3) if the patient is included in a multimodality approach, and (4) if the life expectancy is > 10 years.The role of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy in men with osseous metastases remains unclear due to the lack of large clinical trials. Despite the presence of the first promising studies, it is not justified to perform cytoreductive radical prostatectomy outside clinical trials. Preliminary results from small studies indicate that patients with minimal metastatic burden, PSA decrease < 1.0 ng/ml following neoadjuvant ADT for 6 months and complete resectability of the tumor exhibit the best prognosis to benefit from this new surgical approach.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the surgical, oncological and short-term functional outcomes in patients undergoing salvage robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SRARP) for the treatment of radiation-resistant prostate cancer., Patients and Methods: The records of 3,500 men who underwent RARP from February 2006 to July 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. All peri- and postoperative data were recorded prospectively in our database. A total of 13 patients (0.37%) who had undergone SRARP for the treatment of radiation-resistant prostate cancer were identified., Results: The primary treatment was external beam radiotherapy in 7 patients (53.8%) and brachytherapy in 6 patients (46.2%). The interval from radiotherapy to biochemical recurrence (BCR) varied from 12 to 108 months (median 48.9). Neurovascular bundle preservation was performed in 3 patients (23.1%). No intraoperative or major complications were encountered. Minor complications were encountered in 4 patients (30.7%). At 12 months, 7 patients were continent (53.8%), 3 exhibited mild incontinence (23.1%) and 3 (23.1%) were incontinent. Regarding potency, none of the patients were potent at 6 months, but 3 patients (23.1%) were potent at 1 year. Regarding BCR, 3 of the patients (23.1%) never reached a prostate-specific antigen nadir of zero, and during the follow-up period only 3 patients (23.1%) exhibited BCR. No disease-specific mortality was evident during follow-up., Conclusions: Although early in its development, it appears that SRARP is technically feasible and offers satisfactory surgical, oncological and short-term functional outcomes., (Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) era, prostate cancer is detected at more local stages. Nevertheless, depending on e.g. the differentiation stage there is recurrent disease in 10-40% of the cases with the need of further treatment. Once hormonal therapy has been initiated the disease can progress to the castration resistant stage and the question of chemotherapy arises. At this stage PSA sensitivity decreases. Although there is a significant improvement in survival only about 50% of the patients benefit from chemotherapy. Recently several new drugs have or will soon be approved in the setting of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPCA). Several prognostic molecular markers have been investigated. In this review some objective important biomarkers, proteins and targets will be presented.