Search

To compare cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and overall mortality (OM) between immediate radical cystectomy (RC) and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy for T1 squamous bladder cancer (BCa).We retrospectively analysed 188 T1 high-grade squamous BCa patients treated between 1998 and 2019 at fifteen tertiary referral centres. Median follow-up time was 36 months (interquartile range: 19-76). The cumulative incidence and Kaplan-Meier curves were applied for CSM and OM, respectively, and compared with the Pepe-Mori and log-rank tests. Multivariable Cox models, adjusted for pathological findings at initial transurethral resection of bladder (TURB) specimen, were adopted to predict tumour recurrence and tumour progression after BCG immunotherapy.Immediate RC and conservative management were performed in 20% and 80% of patients, respectively. 5-year CSM and OM did not significantly differ between the two therapeutic strategies (Pepe-Mori test p = 0.052 and log-rank test p = 0.2, respectively). At multivariable Cox analyses, pure squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) was an independent predictor of tumour progression (p = 0.04), while concomitant lympho-vascular invasion (LVI) was an independent predictor of both tumour recurrence and progression (p = 0.04) after BCG. Patients with neither pure SqCC nor LVI showed a significant benefit in 3-year recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival compared to individuals with pure SqCC or LVI (60% vs. 44%, p = 0.04 and 80% vs. 68%, p = 0.004, respectively).BCG could represent an effective treatment for T1 squamous BCa patients with neither pure SqCC nor LVI, while immediate RC should be preferred among T1 squamous BCa patients with pure SqCC or LVI at initial TURB specimen.

To review the current literature and discuss potential future roles of the novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracers targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). A literature search on February 19th 2018 was conducted using the Medline database and www.clinicaltrials.gov . Additionally, illustrative cases of CRPC patients from our own institution who were restaged and treated based on PSMA-PET scan results are provided. 11 Studies met the inclusion criteria. PSMA-PET detected more metastatic lesions compared to conventional bone scan. Several patients were up-staged from non-metastatic CRPC (nmCRPC) to metastatic CRPC (mCRPC). Currently, no clear consensus exists regarding treatment response assessment in PSMA-PET scans for mCRPC patients undergoing treatment. Also, the role of PSMA-PET as a gatekeeper for systemic therapy or radioligands is currently undefined. PSMA-guided metastasis-directed radiotherapy may not only alleviate local symptoms but has the potential to defer systemic treatment in patients with oligoprogressive CRPC. Compared to bone scan, PSMA-PET is more sensitive and specific to detect metastases but the therapeutic consequences of PSMA-PET results in the setting of CRPC remain unclear. Until future studies define the role of PSMA-PET in patients with CRPC, the current standard for imaging remains bone scan and computerized tomography.

To investigate whether heat-induced fiber degradation and loss of power output, which occurred during GreenLight laser vaporization (LV) of the prostate using the first- and second-generation 80 and 120 W laser, are still an issue during LV using the upgraded third generation 180 W GreenLight XPS™ laser. Laser beam power output of 53 laser fibers was measured at baseline and after every 25 kJ of delivered energy during routine 180 W GreenLight XPS™ LV in 47 patients with prostatic bladder outflow obstruction. After the procedures, the fiber tips were microscopically examined. The median applied energy per patient was 178 kJ [interquartile range (IQR): 106–247]. Loss of power output during the procedure was detectable in all fibers. After the application of 25, 150, and 250 kJ, the median power output decreased to 77% (IQR 59–87), 57% (IQR 32–71), and 51% (IQR 37–64) of the baseline value. Nine fibers (17%) remained on a relatively high power output level (> 80% of the initial output), while 13 fibers (25%) showed an end-of-procedure power output of less than 20%. Microscopy of the fiber tip revealed mild-to-moderate overall degradation and increasing degradation with higher energy delivered. Despite changes in fiber design, heat-induced fiber damage and loss of power output remain an issue during 180 W GreenLight XPS™ LV. Whether modifications of the surgical technique can prevent impairment of fiber performance needs to be further evaluated.

Leydig-cell tumours (LCT) of the testis are poorly understood clinically. The aim of this report is to analyse the clinical characteristics of LCT in a large patient sample and to compare these findings with corresponding data of germ-cell tumours (GCT). In a sample of 208 patients treated during 1995–2017 in 33 institutions, the following characteristics were registered: age, presenting symptoms, primary tumour size, testis-sparing surgery (TSS) or orchiectomy, malignancy, laterality, medical history, and outcome. Data analysis included descriptive statistical methods and logistic regression analysis. The ratio LCT:GCT is 1:23 (4.4%). The findings are as follows: median age 41 years, undescended testis 8%, bilateral LCTs 3%, malignant LCT 2.5%, contralateral GCT 2.5%, incidental detection 28%, scrotal symptoms 43%, infertility 18%, elevated estradiol levels 29%. TSS was performed in 56% with no local relapse. Of the patients with malignant LCT, one was cured through surgery. LCT is rare, with a relative frequency (relative to GCT) of 1:23. Malignancy is found in 2.5%. LCT and GCT share a number of clinical features, e.g. bilaterality, history of undescended testis, and presenting age. TSS is safe in benign LCT. Surgery is the treatment of choice in malignant LCT.

To evaluate and compare postoperative changes in prostate volume and clinical outcome after bipolar plasma vaporization (BPV) and conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).Consecutive series of patients undergoing BPV or TURP were included in this prospective, nonrandomized study. Planimetric volumetry after transrectal three-dimensional ultrasound of the prostate was performed preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Additionally, changes in clinical outcome parameters were assessed and compared between the groups. The reduction ratio and analysis of covariance were used to compare volume changes between BPV and TURP. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess a possible interaction between preoperative prostate volume and effect of therapy.A total of 157 patients were included (BPV: n = 68, TURP: n = 89). Median preoperative prostate volume was 43.1 ml in the BPV group and 45.9 ml in the TURP group (p = 0.43). Postoperatively, the prostate volumes decreased significantly in both groups. After catheter removal, the relative residual prostate volume was significantly higher in the BPV group (66.6 vs. 60.8 %; p = 0.02). Thereafter, significant differences were not detectable anymore (12 months: 46.6 vs. 47.1 %; p = 0.82). Regression analysis revealed that tissue ablation after BPV was superior to TURP in prostates45 ml but inferior in prostates45 ml. All clinical outcome parameters improved significantly and were not significantly different between the groups.Volume reduction and short-term clinical outcome following pure BPV was excellent and comparable to conventional TURP. However, volume reduction seems to be limited in patients with larger prostates.

To assess whether and to what extent irrigation fluid absorption occurs during laser vaporization (LV) of the prostate using the 180 W XPS™ GreenLight laser. This prospective investigation was performed in a tertiary care center with a consecutive series of patients undergoing 180 W LV of the prostate. Intraoperative irrigation was performed with isotonic saline containing 1 % ethanol. The volume of irrigation fluid absorption was calculated from periodically performed breath ethanol measurements during LV. Additionally, intraoperative changes in biochemical and hematological blood parameters were assessed. Positive breath ethanol tests were detectable in 22 of 54 patients. The median absorption volume in these patients was 950 ml (range 208–4579 ml). Ten patients absorbed more than 2000 ml. Absorbers had smaller prostates, more capsular perforations and injuries to venous sinuses, and more total energy was applied with higher output power. Five patients had transient symptoms potentially related to fluid absorption. A significant drop in hemoglobin, hematocrit, venous pH and bicarbonate and an increase in chloride were detectable in the absorber group. These changes were significantly different in the non-absorber group. Absorption of irrigation fluid did occur in a relevant proportion of patients undergoing XPS™ GreenLight LV. High-volume absorption (≥2000 ml), which might be clinically relevant, was detectable in almost 20 % of all procedures. Absorption of saline irrigation fluid does not result in a classical TUR syndrome, but fluid and chloride overload can lead to serious complications, particularly in cardiovascular high-risk patients. Thus, patients with symptoms potentially related to fluid absorption should be monitored carefully.