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Purpose: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) fails to identify some men with significant prostate cancer. Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PSMA PET/CT) is recommended for staging of prostate cancer, but its additional benefit above mpMRI alone in local evaluation for prostate cancer is unclear. The study aim was to evaluate the ability of mpMRI and PSMA PET/CT individually and in combination, to predict tumor location and Gleason score ≥3+4 on robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) histology. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,123 men with a preoperative mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT prior to a RALP. Tumor locations were collected from both imaging modalities and compared to totally embedded prostate histology. Lowest apparent diffusion coefficient value on mpMRI and the highest maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT were collected on the index lesions to perform analysis on detection rates. Results: Median prostate specific antigen was 6. Median Gleason score on biopsy and RALP histology was 4+3. The index lesion and multifocal tumor detection were similar between mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT (p=0.10; p=0.11). When combining mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT, index Gleason score ≥3+4 cancer at RALP was identified in 92%. Only 10% of patients with Gleason score ≤3+4 on biopsy with an SUVmax <5 were upgraded to ≥4+3 on RALP histology, compared to 90% if the SUVmax was >11. Conclusions: The addition of a diagnostic 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT to mpMRI can improve the detection of significant prostate cancer and improve the ability to identify men suitable for active surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to assess the frequency of development and the stages of evolution of chronic liver disease in patients with renal failure who are chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen. Cirrhosis or chronic active hepatitis developed in five of 21 patients and could not be predicted by the initial histological appearance or by HLA-A and B typing but was associated with the e antigen in four of the five patients. However, the antigen was not a consistent indicator of a poor prognosis, as the four other e antigen positive patients did not develop chronic liver disease during the period of the study. Transmission of hepatitis B to spouses occurred in four cases, was fatal in one instance, and was associated with e antigen in three of the four. Determination of e antigen status in renal unit patients who are carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen may be of value to the patient and his home environment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

People often modify the shoreline to mitigate erosion and protect property from storm impacts. The 2 main approaches to modification are gray infrastructure (e.g., bulkheads and seawalls) and natural or green infrastructure (NI) (e.g., living shorelines). Gray infrastructure is still more often used for coastal protection than NI, despite having more detrimental effects on ecosystem parameters, such as biodiversity. We assessed the impact of gray infrastructure on biodiversity and whether the adoption of NI can mitigate its loss. We examined the literature to quantify the relationship of gray infrastructure and NI to biodiversity and developed a model with temporal geospatial data on ecosystem distribution and shoreline modification to project future shoreline modification for our study location, coastal Georgia (United States). We applied the literature‐derived empirical relationships of infrastructure effects on biodiversity to the shoreline modification projections to predict change in biodiversity under different NI versus gray infrastructure scenarios. For our study area, which is dominated by marshes and use of gray infrastructure, when just under half of all new coastal infrastructure was to be NI, previous losses of biodiversity from gray infrastructure could be mitigated by 2100 (net change of biodiversity of +0.14%, 95% confidence interval −0.10% to +0.39%). As biodiversity continues to decline from human impacts, it is increasingly imperative to minimize negative impacts when possible. We therefore suggest policy and the permitting process be changed to promote the adoption of NI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an abstract of a study that examines the relationship between displacement of pelvic floor landmarks observed with transperineal ultrasound imaging and electromyography recordings of the muscles proposed to cause the displacements.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the Western world however there is ongoing debate about the optimal treatment strategy for localised disease. While surgery remains the most commonly received treatment for localised disease in Australia more recently a robotic approach has emerged as an alternative to open and laparoscopic surgery. However, high level data is not yet available to support this as a superior approach or to guide treatment decision making between the alternatives. This paper presents the design of a randomised trial of Robotic and Open Prostatectomy for men newly diagnosed with localised prostate cancer that seeks to answer this question. Methods/design 200 men per treatment arm (400 men in total) are being recruited after diagnosis and before treatment through a major public hospital outpatient clinic and randomised to 1) Robotic Prostatectomy or 2) Open Prostatectomy. All robotic prostatectomies are being performed by one surgeon and all open prostatectomies are being performed by one other surgeon. Outcomes are being measured pre-operatively and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. Oncological outcomes are being related to positive surgical margins, biochemical recurrence +/− the need for further treatment. Non-oncological outcome measures include: pain, physical and mental functioning, fatigue, summary (preference-based utility scores) and domain-specific QoL (urinary incontinence, bowel function and erectile function), cancer specific distress, psychological distress, decision-related distress and time to return to usual activities. Cost modelling of each approach, as well as full economic appraisal, is also being undertaken. Discussion The study will provide recommendations about the relative benefits of Robotic and Open Prostatectomy to support informed patient decision making about treatment for localised prostate cancer; and to assist in treatment services planning for this patient group. Trial registration ACTRN12611000661976

A prospective study was performed on 35 patients undergoing colonoscopy. Aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures before, during and after the investigation failed to demonstrate bacteraemia in any instance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: As rapid discharge protocols for pediatric spine fusion shorten stays, gastrointestinal (GI) complications are uncovered and cause delays in discharge. A pre-operative carbohydrate (CHO) drink has been shown to improve perioperative GI symptoms and functional return but has not been examined in pediatric spine patients. We aimed to determine if a preoperative CHO drink is safe in pediatric spine fusion patients, and if it improves their comfort scores and return of bowel function., Methods: We prospectively randomized ASA-1 and -2 pediatric spine fusion patients to either a pre-anesthesia carbohydrate drink 2 h prior to surgery or to a control group (standard 8 h NPO), blinded to surgical team. We documented time to return to flatus, bowel movement, GI symptoms, and comfort scores for 72 h post-operatively or until discharge., Results: 62 patients were randomized. There was no significant differences between the groups' pre-operative characteristics, surgical details, nor post-operative morphine dose equivalents, except for EBL (405 cc control, 340 cc CHO drink, p = 0.044). There were no perioperative complications related to ingestion of the CHO drink. CHO group had a positive trend for earlier return of flatus (21% vs. 3% return at 12 h), and comfort scores for anxiety and abdominal pain, but no statistically significant differences. There was no difference in length of stay or time to first bowel movement., Conclusion: There were no complications related to ingestion of a CHO drink 2 h prior to pediatric spinal fusion surgery. Further studies are needed to develop a study blinded to the participants with larger sample size. Level of evidence I., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Scoliosis Research Society.)

The PRIMARY score is a 5-category scale developed to identify clinically significant intraprostate malignancy (csPCa) on 68 Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-11 PET/CT ( 68 Ga-PSMA PET) using a combination of anatomic site, pattern, and intensity. Developed within the PRIMARY trial, the score requires evaluation in external datasets. This study aimed to assess the reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy of the PRIMARY score in a cohort of patients who underwent multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and 68 Ga-PSMA PET before prostate biopsy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Methods: In total, data from 242 men who had undergone 68 Ga-PSMA PET and mpMRI before transperineal prostate biopsy were available for this ethics-approved retrospective study. 68 Ga-PSMA PET and mpMRI data were centrally collated in a cloud-based deidentified image database. Six experienced prostate-focused nuclear medicine specialists were trained (1 h) in applying the PRIMARY score with 30 sample images. Six radiologists experienced in prostate mpMRI read images as per the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS), version 2.1. All images were read (with masking of clinical information) at least twice, with discordant findings sent to a masked third (or fourth) reader as necessary. Cohen κ was determined for both imaging scales as 5 categories and then collapsed to binary (negative and positive) categories (score 1 or 2 vs. 3, 4, or 5). Diagnostic performance parameters were calculated, with an International Society of Urological Pathology grade group of at least 2 (csPCa) on biopsy defined as the gold standard. Combined-imaging-positive results were defined as any PI-RADS score of 4 or 5 or as a PI-RADS score of 1-3 with a PRIMARY score of 3-5. Results: In total, 227 patients with histopathology, 68 Ga-PSMA PET, and mpMRI imaging before prostate biopsy were included; 33% had no csPCa, and 67% had csPCa. Overall interrater reliability was higher for the PRIMARY scale (κ = 0.70) than for PI-RADS (κ = 0.58) when assessed as a binary category (benign vs. malignant). This was similar for all 5 categories (κ = 0.65 vs. 0.48). Diagnostic performance to detect csPCa was comparable between PSMA PET and mpMRI (sensitivity, 86% vs. 89%; specificity, 76% vs. 74%; positive predictive value, 88% vs. 88%; negative predictive value, 72% vs. 76%). Using combined imaging, sensitivity was 94%, specificity was 68%, positive predictive value was 86%, and negative predictive value was 85%. Conclusion: The PRIMARY score applied by first-user nuclear medicine specialists showed substantial interrater reproducibility, exceeding that of PI-RADS applied by mpMRI-experienced radiologists. Diagnostic performance was similar between the 2 modalities. The PRIMARY score should be considered when interpreting intraprostatic PSMA PET images., (© 2024 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.)

Objective: To review the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in men with incidentally reported increased intraprostatic uptake at 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) ordered at Department of Urology, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia for non-PCa related pathology., Methods: Retrospective analysis of consecutive men between August 2014 and August 2019 presenting to a single institution for 18 F-FDG PET/CT for non-prostate related conditions was conducted. Men were classified as benign, indeterminate, or malignant depending of the results of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA velocity, biopsy histopathology, and three-Tesla (3 T) multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score, or gallium-68-prostate-specific membrane antigen ( 68 Ga-PSMA) PET/CT results., Results: Three percent (273/9122) of men demonstrated 18 F-FDG avidity within the prostate. Eighty-five percent (231/273) were further investigated, including with PSA tests (227/231, 98.3%), 3 T mpMRI (68/231, 29.4%), 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT (33/231, 14.3%), and prostate biopsy (57/231, 24.7%). Results were considered benign in 130/231 (56.3%), indeterminate in 31/231 (13.4%), and malignant in 70/231 (30.3%). PCa was identified in 51/57 (89.5%) of the men who proceeded to biopsy, including 26/27 (96.3%) men with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System scores 4-5 mpMRI and six men with a positive 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT. The most common Gleason score on biopsy was greater than or equal to 4+5 (14/51, 27.5%). 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT was concordant with the 18 F-FDG findings in 26/33 (78.8%). All 13 men with a positive concordant 18 F-FDG, 3 T mpMRI, and 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT had PCa on biopsy. There was no statistically significant difference in the 18 F-FDG maximum standardized uptake value between the benign or malignant groups (5.7 vs. 6.1; p =0.580)., Conclusion: In this study, after an incidental finding of an avid intraprostatic lesion on 18 F-FDG PET/CT, 70 of the 231 cases (30.3%; 0.8% of the entire cohort) had results consistent with PCa, most commonly as Gleason score greater than or equal to 4+5 disease. Unless there is limited life expectancy due to competing medical co-morbidity, men with an incidental finding of intraprostatic uptake on 18 F-FDG should be further investigated using principles of PCa detection., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 Editorial Office of Asian Journal of Urology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

Anterior prostate cancer (APC) has been considered an indolent tumor, most commonly arising in the transition zone (TZ). More recently, detection of APC has been facilitated through multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and improved biopsy techniques, enabling earlier detection. The pathologic features and clinical significance of pure APC in a large contemporary series of well-characterized tumors have, to date, not been elucidated. Cases with APC defined as cancer present anterior to the urethra only were identified from 1761 consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens accessioned between January 2015 and August 2016. The clinicopathologic features of these cases were compared with those of pure posterior prostate cancer (PPC) and the features of anterior peripheral zone (APZ) cancers were compared with those of TZ cancers. In addition, the tumor series from 2015 to 2016 was compared with a cohort of 1054 patients accessioned before the utilization of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the routine workup of patients with prostate cancer. In the 2015-2016 series, there were 188 (10.7%) patients with APC compared with 5.4% in the series from the pre-multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging era. No difference was observed between APC and PPC with regards to patient age or mean serum prostate-specific antigen at presentation. Mean tumor volume and positive surgical margin (PSM) rates were significantly higher in APC. In contrast, PPC was more commonly high grade with more frequent extraprostatic extension (EPE). None of the cases of APC had infiltration of the seminal vesicle or lymph node involvement, in contrast to PPC, with almost 14% of cases in each category. The 3- and 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival was significantly higher in APC when compared with PPC, although this was not retained on multivariable analysis which included tumor location. On division of APCs according to anatomic zone of origin, 45% were APZ cancer and 37% TZ cancer. On comparison of APZ and TZ cancers, there were no significant differences in mean age and serum prostate-specific antigen at presentation as well as tumor volume, Gleason score, and PSM rate. High-grade malignancy (Gleason score >3 + 4=7) was seen in 26% of TZ cancers which compared with 44% of APZ cancers and 56% of PPC cancers. The rate of EPE was significantly higher in APZ when compared with TZ cancer ( P< 0.0005); however, the biochemical recurrence rate was not significantly different between the groups. The prevalence of APC in radical prostatectomy specimens has increased in recent times, in association with earlier detection at a stage amenable to curative surgical treatment. APC, when compared with PPC, is less commonly high grade with less frequent EPE, despite the APC group having larger tumors and a higher PSM rate at presentation. However, not all anterior cancers are indolent. Anterior cancers are more commonly seen in the APZ than the TZ and APZ cancers appear more locally aggressive than TZ cancers., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: The authors have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this article., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The prognostic value of PSMA intensity on PSMA PET/CT due to underlying biology and subsequent clinical implications is an emerging topic of interest. We sought to investigate whether primary tumour PSMA PET intensity contributes to pre- and post-operative prediction of oncological outcomes following radical prostatectomy., Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 848 men who underwent all of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), transperineal prostate biopsy, and 68  Ga-PSMA PET/CT prior to radical prostatectomy. PSMA intensity, quantified as maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), and other clinical variables were considered relative to post-operative biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis., Results: After a median follow-up of 41 months, 219 events occurred; the estimated 3-year BRFS was 79% and the 5-year BRFS was 70%. Increasing PSMA intensity was associated with less favourable BRFS overall (Log rank p < 0.001), and within subgroups of Gleason score category (Log rank p < 0.03). PSMA intensity was significantly associated with shorter time to biochemical recurrence, after adjusting for pre-operative (HR per 5-unit SUVmax increase = 1.15) and post-operative (HR per 5-unit SUVmax increase = 1.10) parameters., Conclusion: These results in a large series of patients confirm PSMA intensity to be a novel, independent prognostic factor for BRFS., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) fails to identify some men with significant prostate cancer. Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PSMA PET/CT) is recommended for staging of prostate cancer, but its additional benefit above mpMRI alone in local evaluation for prostate cancer is unclear. The study aim was to evaluate the ability of mpMRI and PSMA PET/CT individually and in combination, to predict tumor location and Gleason score ≥3+4 on robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) histology., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,123 men with a preoperative mpMRI and 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT prior to a RALP. Tumor locations were collected from both imaging modalities and compared to totally embedded prostate histology. Lowest apparent diffusion coefficient value on mpMRI and the highest maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT were collected on the index lesions to perform analysis on detection rates., Results: Median prostate specific antigen was 6. Median Gleason score on biopsy and RALP histology was 4+3. The index lesion and multifocal tumor detection were similar between mpMRI and 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT (p=0.10; p=0.11). When combining mpMRI and 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT, index Gleason score ≥3+4 cancer at RALP was identified in 92%. Only 10% of patients with Gleason score ≤3+4 on biopsy with an SUVmax <5 were upgraded to ≥4+3 on RALP histology, compared to 90% if the SUVmax was >11., Conclusions: The addition of a diagnostic 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT to mpMRI can improve the detection of significant prostate cancer and improve the ability to identify men suitable for active surveillance.

Background: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is validated for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), although patients with negative/equivocal MRI undergo biopsy for false negative concerns. In addition, 68 Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (prostate-specific membrane antigen [PSMA]) may also identify csPCa accurately., Objective: This trial aimed to determine whether the combination of PSMA + MRI was superior to MRI in diagnostic performance for detecting csPCa., Design, Setting, and Participants: A prospective multicentre phase II imaging trial was conducted. A total of 296 men were enrolled with suspected prostate cancer, with no prior biopsy or MRI, recent MRI (6 mo), and planned transperineal biopsy based on clinical risk and MRI. In all, 291 men underwent MRI, pelvic-only PSMA, and systematic ± targeted biopsy., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values (negative predictive value [NPV] and positive predictive value) for csPCa were determined for MRI, PSMA, and PSMA + MRI. PSMA + MRI was defined as negative for PSMA negative Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 2/3 and positive for either MRI PI-RADS 4/5 or PSMA positive PI-RADS 2/3; csPCa was any International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group ≥2 malignancy., Results and Limitations: Of the patients, 56% (n = 162) had csPCa; 67% had PI-RADS 3-5, 73% were PSMA positive, and 81% were combined PSMA + MRI positive. Combined PSMA + MRI improved NPV compared with MRI alone (91% vs 72%, test ratio = 1.27 [1.11-1.39], p < 0.001). Sensitivity also improved (97% vs 83%, p < 0.001); however, specificity was reduced (40% vs 53%, p = 0.011). Five csPCa cases were missed with PSMA + MRI (four ISUP 2 and one ISUP 3). Of all men, 19% (56/291) were PSMA + MRI negative (38% of PI-RADS 2/3) and could potentially have avoided biopsy, risking delayed csPCa detection in 3.1% men with csPCa (5/162) or 1.7% (5/291) overall., Conclusions: PSMA + MRI improved NPV and sensitivity for csPCa in an MRI triaged population. Further randomised studies will determine whether biopsy can safely be omitted in men with a high clinical suspicion of csPCa but negative combined imaging., Patient Summary: The combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) + prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography reduces false negatives for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) compared with MRI, potentially allowing a reduction in the number of prostate biopsies required to diagnose csPCa., (Copyright © 2021 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has become a popular initial investigation of an elevated PSA and is being incorporated into active surveillance protocols. Decisions on prostate cancer investigation and management based solely on a normal mpMRI remains controversial. Histopathological findings of a totally embedded normal mpMRI lobe are rarely described., Methods: A retrospective review of the histological findings of negative preoperative mpMRI lobes in men treated by robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Inclusion criteria included a preoperative low risk mpMRI for both lobes (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) ≤ 2) or one negative lobe (with a PIRADS 3-5 in the opposite lobe)., Results: A single normal mpMRI lobe was identified in 1018 men (PIRADS 3-5 group). Both lobes were normal in 179 men (PIRADS ≤ 2 group). Prostate cancer was identified in 47.6% (485/1018) of the normal mpMRI lobe opposite a PIRADS 3-5 lesion, including 13.2% (134/1018) with >0.5 cc of International Society of Urologic Pathologists (ISUP) grade 2, or a higher grade cancer. ISUP grade 4-5 was only identified in 2% (20/1018). Compared to RALP histology of the PIRADS 3-5 mpMRI tumour, a pathological ISUP upgrade in the normal mpMRI lobe was identified in 58/1018 men (5.7%). In the PIRADS ≤ 2 group extraprostatic extension occurred in 19% (34/179) and seminal vesicle invasion (pT3b) in 3.9% (7/179). There was no difference in margin status between the PIRADS 3-5 and ≤2 groups (p = 0.247)., Conclusions: mpMRI underestimates tumour grade and volume compared to totally embedded histopathological analysis of RALP specimens, although ISUP grade 4-5 cancer is uncommon. Our analysis provides useful insight into the multifocality of prostate cancers, and highlights the utility of systematic biopsy, in addition to targeted biopsies. These results have ramifications for clinical decisions on prostate cancer management based solely on the mpMRI appearance, including active surveillance.

Background: Transrectal (TR) and transperineal (TP) approaches for prostate biopsy have different morbidity profiles. Our institution transitioned to a preference for multiparametric MRI-based triage and TP biopsy since 2014. The aim of this study was to compare clinical, microbiological and health economic outcomes between TR and TP prostate biopsy., Methods: A consecutive cohort study considered prostate biopsies over an 11 year period. Hospital presentations across the region within 30 days of biopsy were analysed for details and subsequent outcomes according to biopsy approach. Cost for each encounter (routine and unplanned) were analysed and generalised linear models applied, as well as cost implications for inclusion of mpMRI-based triage and TP biopsy preference., Results: In total, 2048 prostate biopsies were performed. Similar re-presentation rates per occurred for each biopsy approach (90 patients, TR 4.8%, TP 3.8%, p = 0.29), with 23 patients presenting more than once (119 total presentations). Presentations after TR biopsy were more likely to be of infectious aetiology (TR 2.92%, TP 0.26% de novo, p < 0.001) and result in hospital admission (TR 43/49, 93.4%; TP 14/24, 58.3%; p = 0.007) for similar rates of urinary retention (TR 2.76% vs TP 3.63%, p = 1). The mean overall cost (biopsy and re-presentations) was higher for the TP group (p < 0.001), adjusted for year and age, but reduced over time and was similar for patients who re-presented (p = 0.98). Incorporation of mpMRI (with subsequently avoided biopsies), TP biopsy and re-presentations resulted in AU$783.27 saving per biopsy., Conclusions: TR biopsy resulted in more infectious complications and hospital admissions than TP biopsy for similar rates of re-presentation and urinary retention. TP biopsy costs reduced over time and use in conjunction with mpMRI provides an overall cost saving. Routine TP biopsy is safe and feasible, with further cost savings expected with other approaches (local anaesthetic) under investigation.

Purpose: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) improves prostate cancer staging. Intraprostatic PSMA intensity may predict clinically relevant oncological outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between intraprostatic PSMA intensity and adverse pathology outcomes, including biochemical progression-free survival (PFS) after radical prostatectomy., Methods: This is a cohort study of 71 patients with MRI-guided, biopsy-proven prostate cancer and pre-operative 68 Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). Intraprostatic PSMA intensity was correlated to adverse pathology outcomes (Gleason score and upgrading from biopsy, pathological stage) and PFS using multivariate statistical analysis., Results: 68 Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT intensity in vivo predicted all of Gleason score on RP, upgrading from biopsy to RP histopathology, pathological stage, positive surgical margins and PFS. 74.6% (53/71) of patients were free from progression at a median follow-up of 19.5 months (0.4-48 months). Predictive accuracy was particularly enhanced by PSMA among patients with biopsy Gleason score ≤ 3 + 4 (n = 39) as the most significant predictor of PFS according to Cox-proportional hazards regression. Cox-regression adjusted survival analysis predicted a 5.48-fold increase in hazard for Gleason score ≤ 3 + 4 patients with high (SUVmax > 8) compared with low (SUVmax < 8) PSMA intensity., Conclusion: Intraprostatic 68 Ga-PSMA-11 intensity is prognostic and may be a valuable new biomarker in localised prostate cancer, especially in men with biopsy-proven Gleason 3 + 4 disease considering an initial approach of active surveillance or focal therapy.

Purpose: To describe the surgical technique and examine the feasibility and outcomes following robotic pelvic exenteration and extended pelvic resection for rectal and/or urological malignancy., Materials and Methods: We present a case series of seven patients with locally advanced or synchronous urological and/or rectal malignancy who underwent robotic total or posterior pelvic exenteration between 2012-2016., Results: In total, we included seven patients undergoing pelvic exenteration or extended pelvic resection. The mean operative time was 485±157 minutes and median length of stay was 9 days (6-34 days). There was only one Clavien-Dindo complication grade 3 which was a vesicourethral anastomotic leak requiring rigid cystoscopy and bilateral ureteric catheter insertion. Eighty-five percent of patients had clear colorectal margins with a median margin of 3.5 mm (0.7-8.0 mm) while all urological margins were clear. Six out of seven patients had complete (grade 3) total mesorectal excision. Three patients experienced recurrence at a median of 22 months (21-24 months) post-operatively. Of the three recurrences, one was systemic only whilst two were both local and systemic. One patient died from complications of dual rectal and prostate cancer 31 months after the surgery., Conclusions: We report a large series examining robotic pelvic exenteration or extended pelvic resection and describe the surgical technique involved. The robotic approach to pelvic exenteration is highly feasible and demonstrates acceptable peri-operative and oncological outcomes. It has the potential to benefit patients undergoing this highly complex and morbid procedure., Competing Interests: The authors have nothing to disclose., (© The Korean Urological Association, 2021.)

Objective: To evaluate the ability of preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and a gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT) scan to predict pathological outcomes and also identify a group of men with a <5% risk of histological pelvic lymph node metastasis (LNM) at pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) performed during a robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) for prostate cancer. We then aimed to compare these results to known risk calculators for LNM, including the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) and Briganti nomograms., Patients and Methods: Between July 2014 and September 2019 only men who had both a preoperative mpMRI and staging 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT at our institution followed by a RALP with PLND referred to a single specialist uropathology laboratory were considered for inclusion. The data were collected retrospectively prior to February 2019 and in a prospective manner thereafter. A model was built to allocate probabilities of the men with a negative 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan having a <5% risk of histologically LNM at RALP based on the preoperative radiological staging., Results: A total of 233 consecutive men met the inclusion criteria of which 58 men (24.9%) had a LNM identified on PLND histology. The median (range) International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade was 5 (1-5) and the median (range) prostate-specific antigen level was 7.4 (1.5-72) ng/mL. The median (range) number of resected lymph nodes was 16 (1-53) and the median (range) number of positive nodes identified on histology was 2 (1-22). Seminal vesicle invasion on mpMRI was more common in node-positive men than in the absence of LNM (31% vs 12%). The maximum standardised uptake value of the primary tumour on 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT was higher in men with LNM (median 9.2 vs 7.2, P = 0.02). Suspected LNM were identified in 42/233 (18.0%) men with 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT compared with 22/233 (9.4%) men with mpMRI (P = 0.023). The positive and negative predictive value for 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT was 66.7% and 84.3% respectively, compared to 59.1% and 78.7% for mpMRI. A predictive model showed only two men (4.2%) with a negative preoperative 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT would be positive for a histological LNM if they are ISUP Grade < 5 and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) <5; or ISUP Grade 5 with PI-RADS < 4. An inspection of three additional variables: CAPRA score, MSKCC and Briganti nomograms did not improve the predictive probability for this group. However, of the 61 men with ISUP Grade 4-5 malignancy and also a PI-RADS 5 mpMRI, 20 (32.8%) men had a microscopic LNM despite a negative preoperative 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT., Conclusion: Preoperative 68 Ga-PSMA/PET CT was more sensitive in identifying histological pelvic LNM than 3-T mpMRI. Men with a negative 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT have a lower risk of LNM than predicted with CAPRA scores or MSKCC and Briganti nomograms. We identified that the combination of a negative preoperative 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT, ISUP biopsy Grade <5 and PI-RADS <5 prostate mpMRI, or an ISUP Grade 5 with PI-RADS <4 on mpMRI was associated with a <5% risk of a LNM. The addition of CAPRA scores, MSKCC and Briganti nomograms did not improve the predictive probability within this model. Conversely, men with ISUP Grade 4-5 malignancy associated with a PI-RADS 5 prostate mpMRI had a >30% risk of microscopic LNM despite a negative preoperative 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT and this high-risk group would appear suitable for an extended PLND at the time of a radical prostatectomy., (© 2020 The Authors BJU International © 2020 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: To describe the use of a novel 'trizonal' biopsy schema in which 'near-target' biopsies are taken adjacent to the MRI lesion, in addition to target and systematic biopsies, to determine the accuracy of prostate MRI fusion systems., Participants and Methods: A trizonal biopsy technique was used to evaluate 75 men with small Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3-5 MRI lesions (<15 mm) identified from a prospective cohort of 290 men undergoing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for suspected prostate cancer at a single high-volume institution between September 2017 and May 2019. In addition to target and systematic biopsies, near-target biopsies were taken 4 mm from the apparent border of the MRI lesion. Comparisons were made between highest International Society of Urological Pathology grade and longest tumour length., Results: Fifty-three men with significant prostate cancer in the same quadrant as the target were included in the final analysis. The percentages of positive cores from target, near-target and MRI-negative zones were 66%, 39% and 17%, respectively. Significant cancer was detected in the near-target zone in 77% of cases when the target zone was positive. A total of 17% of participants were upgraded by a median (range) of 1 (1-3) grades through the addition of near-target cores. Notably, 9% of men were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer solely via the near-target biopsy cores when the target cores were negative., Conclusion: The use of near-target biopsies as part of a trizonal biopsy schema provides a novel methodology to optimize clinically significant prostate cancer detection., (© 2020 The Authors BJU International © 2020 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: 68Ga prostate specific membrane antigen PET/CT (68Ga-PSMA PET/CT) may be superior to multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) for localisation of prostate cancer tumour foci, however the concordance and differences between 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI when applied to all biopsied patients and potential benefit in patients with negative mpMRI is unclear., Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing mpMRI, prostate biopsy and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT over a 3-year period. Diagnostic performance of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI were assessed using biopsy histopathology for the entire cohort and radical prostatectomy specimen in a subset of patients. Lesion concordance and additional detection of each modality were determined, including in a dedicated cohort of patients with mpMRI PIRADS 2 scans., Results: A total of 144 patients were included in the study. Index lesion/foci detection was similar between 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI (sensitivity 83.1% vs 90.1%; p = 0.267), however lesions missed by mpMRI were larger (1.66 cm 3 vs 0.72 cm 3 ; p = 0.034). Lesion detection rates were similar across the biopsy histopathology and radical prostatectomy specimen subset, with a high concordance for index (80.1%) and a moderate concordance for total (67%) lesions between the 2 imaging modalities. The additional detection yield favoured 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT over mpMRI for index (13.5% vs 4.3%) and total (18.2% vs 5.4%) lesions; both modalities missed 2.1% and 12.3% of index and total lesions, respectively. 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT identified 9 of 11 patients with PIRADS 2 mpMRI but subsequently diagnosed with Gleason ≥ 3 + 4 disease., Conclusions: Despite high concordance rates, 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT incrementally improved tumour localisation compared with mpMRI. These results suggest that 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT may have an incremental value to that of mpMRI in the diagnostic process for prostate.

Purpose: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) improves clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection by facilitating targeted biopsy (cognitive, fusion technology, or in-gantry MRI guidance) and reducing negative biopsies. This study sought to describe the feasibility of introducing an mpMRI-based triage pathway, including diagnostic performance, applicability to training, and cost analysis., Methods: An observational retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients attending a large public tertiary referral training hospital who underwent mpMRI for suspicion of prostate cancer was considered. Standard clinical, MRI-related, histopathological, and financial parameters were collected for analysis of biopsy avoidance, diagnostic accuracy of biopsy approach, and operator (consultant and resident/registrar) and logistical (including financial) feasibility., Results: 653 men underwent mpMRI, of which 344 underwent prostate biopsy resulting in a 47% biopsy avoidance rate. Overall, 240 (69.8%) patients were diagnosed with PCa, of which 208 (60.5%) were clinically significant, with higher rates of csPCa observed for higher PIRADS scores. In patients who underwent both systematic and targeted biopsy (stTPB), targeted cores detected csPCa in 12.7% and 16.6% in more men than systematic cores in PIRADS 5 and 4, respectively, whereas systematic cores detected csPCa in 5% and 3.2% of patients, where targeted cores did not. A high standard of performance was maintained across the study period and the approach was shown to be cost effective., Conclusions: Introdution of an mpMRI-based triage system into a large public tertiary teaching hospital is feasible, cost effective and leads to high rates of prostate cancer diagnosis while reducing unnecessary biopsies and detection of insignificant PCa.

Aim: To compare features of pelvic floor muscle function between men with and without incontinence after prostatectomy and men with no history of prostate cancer., Methods: The study included men with incontinence postprostatectomy (PPI; n = 20), continent men postprostatectomy (PPC; n = 23) and a control group (CC; n = 20). Transperineal ultrasound imaging recorded motion associated with contraction of the striated urethral sphincter (SUS), puborectalis (PR) and bulbocavernosus (BC) muscles during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), submaximal efforts, evoked coughing and bearing down. Anatomical landmark displacements were compared between groups and receiver operating characteristics were calculated to determine the threshold displacements that best differentiated PPI and PPC., Results: PPC demonstrated greater SUS, PR, and BC displacement than PPI during MVC (All: P < .01). During cough, PPC had less bladder neck descent (PR lengthening), and greater BC shortening (P = .003) than both PPI and CC. PPC also achieved greater SUS displacement (P = .025) than PPI during cough. The best discrimination between PPI and PPC was achieved when men exceeded threshold displacement for both SUS (≥4.1 mm) and PR (≥2.4 mm) during MVC. The urethral length was not different between PPC and PPI., Conclusions: Men who were continent postprostatectomy achieved greater shortening of the SUS, PR, and BC muscles than incontinent men during voluntary contractions and demonstrated better PR and BC function than control participants during coughing. The capacity to shorten the SUS ≥4.1 mm and the PR ≥2.4 mm best distinguished between PPI and PPC and might be a useful clinical target for conservative treatment programs., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Guidelines recommend nephron sparing surgery where possible for patients with T1 renal tumours. The trends of nephron sparing surgery outside the USA are limited, particularly since the introduction of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). The aim of this study was to describe contemporary surgical management patterns of renal tumours in Australia according to Medicare claims data., Methods: Claims data according to the Medicare Benefits Schedule on surgical management of renal tumours in adult Australians between January 2000 and December 2016 was collated. Analysis of absolute number, population-adjusted rate and renal cancer-adjusted rate of interventions according to age and gender were performed, as well as proportion of RAPN., Results: Between 2000 and 2016, the rate of partial nephrectomy (PN) increased while radical nephrectomy (RN) remained stable (PN: 0.87-4.16, RN: 6.52-6.70 per 100 000 population). Since 2015, PN has become more common than RN in patients aged 25 to 44 years (0.98 versus 0.95 procedures per 100 000 population). Renal cancer-adjusted rate exhibited a trend towards increasing utilization of PN and reduced RN across all age groups. An increase in overall surgical treatment was observed (25%-41%), mainly due to increased treatment of patients older than 75 years. The proportion of RAPN was seen to rapidly increase (4.7% in 2010 to 58% in 2016)., Conclusions: Treatment utilization for renal masses has markedly changed in Australia according to Medicare claims. PN is increasingly replacing RN in younger patients, and older patients are receiving more surgical treatment. The impact of increased RAPN utilization is yet to be determined., (© 2019 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical trend changes in our robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) practice and to investigate the effect of 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) statement against PSA screening on these trends., Patients and Methods: Data of 10 000 RALPs performed by a single surgeon between 2002 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Time trends in successive 1000 cases for clinical, surgical and pathological characteristics were analysed with linear and logistic regression. Time-trend changes before and after the USPSTF's statement were compared using a logistic regression model and likelihood-ratio test., Results: Unfavourable cancer characteristics rate, including D'Amico high risk, pathological non-organ-confined disease and Gleason score ≥4+4 increased from 11.5% to 23.3%, 14% to 42.5%, and 7.7% to 20.9%, respectively, over time (all P < 0.001). Significant time-trend changes were detected after the USPSTF's statement with an increase in the positive trend of Gleason ≥4+4 and increase in the negative trends of Gleason ≤3+4 tumours. There was a significant negative trend in the rate of full nerve-sparing (NS) with a decrease from 59.3% to 35.7%, and a significant positive trend in partial NS with an increase from 15.8% to 62.5% over time (both P < 0.001). The time-trend slope in 'high-grade' partial NS significantly decreased and 'low-grade' partial NS significantly increased after the USPSTF's statement. The overall positive surgical margin rate increased from 14.6% to 20.3% in the first vs last 1000 cases (P < 0.001), with a significant positive slope after the USPSTF's statement., Conclusions: The proportion of high-risk patients increased in our series over time with a significant impact of the USPSTF's statement on pathological time trends. This stage migration resulted in decreased utilisation of high-quality NS and increased performance of poor-quality NS., (© 2019 The Authors BJU International © 2019 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)