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New imaging technologies play a pivotal role in the current management of patients with prostate cancer. Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a standard of care for localized disease and through the already imaging-based console subject of research towards combinations of imaging technologies and RARP as well as their impact on surgical outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the currently available literature for new imaging technologies for RARP. On 24 January 2023, we performed a systematic review of the current literature on Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science according to the PRISMA guidelines and Oxford levels of evidence. A total of 46 studies were identified of which 19 studies focus on imaging of the primary tumor, 12 studies on the intraoperative tumor detection of lymph nodes and 15 studies on the training of surgeons. While the feasibility of combined approaches using new imaging technologies including MRI, PSMA-PET CT or intraoperatively applied radioactive and fluorescent dyes has been demonstrated, the prospective confirmation of improvements in surgical outcomes is currently ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Purpose: The aim of this research was to compare the clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection rate (International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] ≥2) for the four biopsy methods: transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-GB), cognitive transrectal biopsy (COG-TB), fusion transperineal biopsy (FUS-TB), and transperineal template mapping biopsy (TPMB). Materials and Methods: The inclusion criteria were as follows: prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >2 ng/mL, and/or positive digital rectal examination (DRE), and/or suspicious lesion on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (Pi-RADS) v2.1 ≥ 3 score. In total, 102 patients were enrolled in the study. Biopsies were performed by two urologists. In a single procedure, the first urologist performed a FUS-TB and TPMB followed by second urologist who performed TRUS-GB and COG-TB. All specimens were obtained within a single procedure. Results: The csPCa detection rate and overall cancer detection rate (CDR) per patient were comparable among the respective biopsy methods (p > 0.05). Compared with other biopsy methods, a lower clinically insignificant prostate cancer (cisPCa) was detected using COG-TB (p = 0.004). The positive cores percentage ratio (p < 0.001) as well as positive cores containing csPCa percentage ratio (p < 0.001) significantly increased for the targeted biopsy methods. The median maximum cancer core length (MCCL; p = 0.52) as well the median for the MCCL of csPCa (p = 0.47) did not differ significantly among the respective biopsy methods. Concordance of the Gleason scores between biopsy and postprostatectomy pathology did not differ significantly among biopsy methods (p = 0.87). For TRUS-GB, FUS-TB, and TPMB, the common predictive factors for csPCa were positive DRE, suspicious lesion on ultrasound and Pi-RADS 5. As for COG-TB, the only predictor was Pi-RADS 5. Conclusion: The targeted methods did not show an increase in detection of csPCa and overall CDR over systematic ones in patients with Pi-RADS ≥3. A lower cisPCa was detected using COG-TB in comparison with the other methods. The sampling efficiency increased for the targeted biopsy methods, which used only a proportion of positive cores and cores containing csPCa. There was no statistical difference in histology concordance among the biopsies. One common predictive factor of increased csPCa detection for all biopsy methods was Pi-RADS 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Simple Summary: Robotic devices are being actively introduced into the urology field. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance and safety of robot-assisted targeted (RA-TB) and systematic prostate biopsies (RA-SB). RA-TB and RA-SB are both technically feasible and have comparable csPCa and overall detection rates [OR = 1.02 (95% CI 0.83; 1.26), p = 0.05, I2 = 62% and OR = 0.95 (95% CI 0.78; 1.17), p = 0.17, I2 = 40%, respectively]. A robot-assisted biopsy can potentially be performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Furthermore, a robot-assisted biopsy is a safe and feasible option with a low risk of complications. Introduction: Robot-assisted devices have been recently developed for use in prostate biopsy. However, it is possible advantages over standard biopsy remain unclear. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance and safety of robot-assisted targeted (RA-TB) and systematic prostate biopsies (RA-SB). Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE and Scopus databases. The detailed search strategy is available at Prospero (CRD42021269290). The primary outcome was the clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate. The secondary outcomes included the overall detection rate of PCa, cancer detection rate per core, and complications. Results: The clinically significant cancer detection rate, overall cancer detection rate, and "per patient" did not significantly differ between RA-TB and RA-SB [OR = 1.02 (95% CI 0.83; 1.26), p = 0.05, I2 = 62% and OR = 0.95 (95% CI 0.78; 1.17), p = 0.17, I2 = 40%, respectively]. There were no differences in the clinically insignificant cancer detection rate "per patient" between RA-TB and RA-SB [OR = 0.81 (95% CI 0.54; 1.21), p = 0.31, I2 = 0%]. RA-TB had a significantly higher cancer detection rate "per core" [OR = 3.01 (95% CI 2.77; 3.27), p < 0.0001, I2 = 96%]. Conclusion: RA-TB and RA-SB are both technically feasible and have comparable clinical significance and overall PCa detection rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Simple Summary: Prostate cancer (PCa) is notoriously difficult to diagnose owing to the lack of reliable biomarkers and the invasiveness of obtaining a tissue biopsy from the prostate. As an alternative, we developed a liquid biopsy technique, based on isolating tumor cells from semen samples via a microfluidic device. To optimize the device, we first attempted to recover PCa cells from semen samples spiked with PCa cell lines, achieving an average efficiency of >87% cell recovery at the chosen flow rate. We then transitioned to a clinical setting using semen samples from PCa patients. The yield of isolated clinical PCa cells varied between 67 and 307 cells per mL of semen (in 15 cancer patients). These cells were stained and compared to the standard prognostic parameters such as Gleason score and PSA serum level. This study presents a potential liquid biopsy technique to augment the existing diagnosis and prognosis of PCa. Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis is primarily based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and prostate tissue biopsies. However, PSA testing has relatively low specificity, while tissue biopsies are highly invasive and have relatively low sensitivity at early stages of PCa. As an alternative, we developed a technique of liquid biopsy, based on isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from seminal fluid (SF). The recovery of PCa cells from SF was demonstrated using PCa cell lines, achieving an efficiency and throughput as high as 89% (±3.8%) and 1.7 mL min−1, respectively, while 99% (±0.7%) of sperm cells were disposed of. The introduced approach was further tested in a clinical setting by collecting and processing SF samples of PCa patients. The yield of isolated CTCs measured as high as 613 cells per SF sample in comparison with that of 6 cells from SF of healthy donors, holding significant promise for PCa diagnosis. The correlation analysis of the isolated CTC numbers with the standard prognostic parameters such as Gleason score and PSA serum level showed correlation coefficient values at 0.40 and 0.73, respectively. Taken together, our results show promise in the developed liquid biopsy technique to augment the existing diagnosis and prognosis of PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Context: The value of Histoscanning™ (HS) in prostate cancer (PCa) imaging is much debated, although it has been used in clinical practice for more than 10 years now. Objective: To summarize the data on HS from various PCa diagnostic perspectives to determine its potential. Materials and methods: We performed a systematic search using 2 databases (Medline and Scopus) on the query "Histoscan*". The primary endpoint was HS accuracy. The secondary endpoints were: correlation of lesion volume by HS and histology, ability of HS to predict extracapsular extension or seminal vesicle invasion. Results: HS improved cancer detection rate "per core", OR = 16.37 (95% CI 13.2; 20.3), p < 0.0001, I2 = 98% and "per patient", OR = 1.83 (95% CI 1.51; 2.21), p < 0.0001, I2 = 95%. The pooled accuracy was markedly low: sensitivity − 0.2 (95% CI 0.19–0.21), specificity − 0.12 (0.11–0.13), AUC 0.12. 8 of 10 studiers showed no additional value for HS. The pooled accuracy with histology after RP was relatively better, yet still very low: sensitivity − 0.56 (95% CI 0.5–0.63), specificity − 0.23 (0.18–0.28), AUC 0.4. 9 of 12 studies did not show any benefit of HS. Conclusion: This meta-analysis does not see the incremental value in comparing prostate Histoscanning with conventional TRUS in prostate cancer screening and targeted biopsy. HS proved to be slightly more accurate in predicting extracapsular extension on RP, but the available data does not allow us to draw any conclusions on its effectiveness in practice. Patient summary: Histoscanning is a modification of ultrasound for prostate cancer visualization. The available data suggest its low accuracy in screening and detecting of prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Irreversible electroporation is a treatment option used for focal therapy. In this systematic review, we summarise data on irreversible electroporation outcomes in patients with localised prostate cancer. We performed a literature search in 3 databases and included articles with own data on irreversible electroporation results in patients with localised prostate cancer. Primary outcome was procedure efficacy measured as the absence of cancer in the treatment area on the follow‐up biopsy. Secondary outcomes were the absence of prostate cancer recurrence in the treatment area on MRI, out‐of‐field recurrence, complications and functional outcomes (erectile function and micturition). In‐field recurrence rate was 0%–39% and out‐field 6.4%–24%. In all studies, PSA level decreased: twice lower than baseline after 4 weeks and by 76% after 2 years. Most of the authors noted sexual and urinary toxicity during the first half year after surgery. However, functional outcomes recovered to baseline after 6 months with mild decrease in sexual function. Complication rates after irreversible electroporation were 0%–1% of Clavien–Dindo III and 5%–20% of Clavien–Dindo I–II. Irreversible electroporation has promise oncological outcomes, rate of post‐operative complications and minimal‐to‐no effects on erectile and urinary function. However, medium and long‐term data on cancer‐specific and recurrence‐free survival are still lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered to be the standard treatment for patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) ≤80 mL. However, up to 14.7% of the patients require secondary TURP due to recurrent BPO. The aim of our study was to describe specific features of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) in patients with recurrent BPO after previous prostate surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 768 consecutive patients from our prospective collected database were retrospectively reviewed and divided into 4 groups: group A (489 patients) and group C (253 patients) underwent primary HoLEP and ThuLEP treatment, while group B (17 patients) and D (9 patients) included patients with recurrent BPO who were treated with HoLEP and ThuLEP, respectively. Results: There were no significant differences in preoperative parameters between the groups at primary (A and C) and secondary (B and D) treatment except their age. At 6-month follow-up, voiding parameters and symptom scores showed statistically significant improvements compared to baseline without differences between the groups. The mean operative time was comparable between the groups and did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Laser enucleation for the treatment of recurrent BPO is feasible and seems to be a safe and effective procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Aim: To evaluate early prostate cancer cryoablation functional and oncological results in comparison with results of extraperitoneoscopic radical prostatectomy. Materials and methods: We analyzed early results of surgical treatment of 285 patients with prostate cancer: 42 of them had undergone total cryoablation (Group 1) while the rest of them had been treated by radical laparo- and extraperitoneoscopic prostatectomy. For comparative assessment of prostate cryoablation results, 42 patients from Group 2 randomized in accordance with their age, stage of disease, Gleason, prostate-specific antigen, and prostate volume were selected. In compliance with the results of pre-surgical examination, all the patients had low oncological risk and were not concerned in sexual function. Volume of prostate was from 22 to 65 cm3, prostate-specific antigen level was from 4.1 to 10 ng/mL, and level of neoplastic process differentiation using Gleason grading system was from 6 to 7a (3 + 4) scores. Results: Patients after prostate cryoablation in early post-surgical period felt lower intensity of postoperative pain compared with those who had undergone prostatectomy. Follow-up period up to 12 months manifested significant true reduction of prostate-specific antigen level in both groups of patients. Frequency of stress-induced enuresis in Group 1 was not observed. Conclusion: Radical prostatectomy is still the traditional treatment of choice in the case of localized prostate cancer. But we can draw the conclusion that cryoablation is an effective low-invasive method for treatment of low oncological risk patients, which gives the opportunity both to achieve good oncological results and to preserve high life quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The clinical relevance of telomerase subunits (human reverse transcriptase - hTERT, and human telomerase RNA - hTR) and TERT promotor mutations as biomarkers in genitourinary cancers was reviewed through the systematic analysis of the current literature. We performed a systematic literature search using 2 databases (Medline and Scopus) over the past 20 years. Primary outcomes were sensitivity and specificity of hTR, hTERT and TERT promoter mutations. Secondary outcomes were the biomarkers predictive values for tumor characteristics. Regarding bladder cancer, hTERT in urine showed high sensitivity (mean values: 55%-96%), and specificity (69%-100%): it correlated with bladder cancer grade and/or stage. hTR sensitivity ranged from 77% to 92%. With adapted cut-off, it demonstrated 72% to 89% specificity. TERT promoter mutation rate was up to 80% both in tissue and urine, resulting in 62%-92% sensitivity for primary tumors and 42% for relapse. Specificity ranged from 73% to 96%, no correlations with stage were observed. In prostate cancer, hTERT in tissue, prostate secretion and serum showed high sensitivity (97.9%, 36%, and 79.2%-97.5%, respectively) and specificity values (70%, 66%, 60%-100%). hTR showed very high sensitivity (88% in serum and 100% in tissue) although specificity values were highly variable depending on the series and techniques (0%-96.5%). In RCC, hTERT sensitivity on tissue ranged from 90 to 97%, specificity from 25 to 58%. There was an association of hTERT expression with tumor stage and grade. hTERT showed high accuracy in genitourinary cancers, while the value of hTR was more controversial. hTERT and TERT promotor mutations may have predictive value for bladder cancer and RCC staging and grading, while no such relationship was observed in CaP. Although telomerase subunits showed clinically relevant values in genitourinary cancers, developing fast and cost-effective methods is required before contemplating routine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...