Search

Background: Seminoma is a testicular tumor type, routinely diagnosed after orchidectomy. As cfDNA represents a source of minimally invasive seminoma patient management, this study aimed to investigate whether cfDNA methylation of six genes from liquid biopsies, have potential as novel seminoma biomarkers. Materials & methods: cfDNA methylation from liquid biopsies was assessed by pyrosequencing and compared with healthy volunteers' samples. Results: Detailed analysis revealed specific CpGs as possible seminoma biomarkers, but receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed modest diagnostic performance. In an analysis of panels of statistically significant CpGs, two DNA methylation panels emerged as potential seminoma screening panels, one in blood CpG8/CpG9/CpG10 ( KITLG) and the other in seminal plasma CpG1( MAGEC2)/CpG1( OCT3/4). Conclusion: The presented data promote the development of liquid biopsy epigenetic biomarkers in the screening of seminoma patients.

Svaki kirurški zahvat narušava homeostazu organizma, koja se očituje u imunološkim, neuroendokrinim i metaboličkim promjenama u organizmu. Pretpostavlja se da jačina odgovora organizma ovisi i o jačini traume tijekom operativnih zahvata. Cilj istraživanja je bio utvrditi antioksidacijski status kuja prije i poslije ovarijektomije. U istraživanje je bilo uključeno petnaest kuja pacijenata Klinike za porodništvo i reprodukciju Veterinarskog fakulteta u Zagrebu u kojih je učinjena elektivna ovarijektomija u svrhu kastracije. Kujama je krv vađena prije operacije te poslije prvog, trećeg i sedmog postoperativnog dana kako bi se izmjerio ukupni antioksidacijski status. Svim kujama je učinjena i kompletna krvna slika, biokemija i C-reaktivni protein (CRP). Ukupan antioksidacijski status određivan je pomoću TAS test kitova. Proizvođač kitova preporučuje svakom laboratoriju standardiziranje referentnih vrijednosti. Zbog toga je učinjena analiza 30 seruma zdravih kuja koje nisu bile operirane te je kao referentna vrijednost korištena njihova srednja vrijednost +/- dvije standardne devijacije. Prosječna referentna vrijednost iznosila je 1,55 mmol/L. Vrijednosti ukupnog antioksidacijskog statusa nakon operacije u svim promatranim razdobljima nisu se statistički znatnije razlikovale. Uspoređujući minimalne i maksimalne vrijednosti u svim promatranim razdobljima, zaključili smo da nije bilo velikih razlika u vrijednostima ukupnog antiosksidacijskog statusa u operiranih kuja. Na temelju naših rezultata možemo zaključiti da ovarijektomija nije prouzročila oksidacijski stres., Surgery impairs homeostasis, which is manifested in immunological, neuroendocrine, and metabolic changes in the organism. It is assumed that the response of the organism is proportional to the extent of the operative injury. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant status of bitches before and after ovariectomy. Fifteen bitches were presented to the Clinic for Reproduction and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, for elective ovariectomy due to castration. Blood sampling was performed on Day 0 (before surgery) and on Days 1, 3 and 7 after surgery to measure total antioxidant status (TAS), complete blood count, biochemistry and CRP. Total antioxidant capacity was determined using TAS test kits. For the purpose of standardisation of reference values of TAS in laboratory, 30 serum samples of healthy, intact bitches were also analysed and the mean value +/- two standard deviations was used as the reference value. The average reference value was 1.55 mmol/L. The values of total antioxidant capacity after surgery on all sampling days did not differ significantly. Comparing the minimum and maximum values on all sampling days, there were no statistical differences in the values of the total antioxidant capacity in ovariectomised bitches. Based on these results, it can be concluded that ovariectomy did not cause oxidative stress.

У овом раду описано је рачунарско испитивање података у вези са оралним здрављем код трудница. Описане су статистичке и истражне анализе података, након чега је дат опис чишћења и трансформације података. Описани су употребљавани предикциони модели и које су припреме извршене у циљу њиховог покретања. Приказани су добијени резултати и предочено је њихово могуће тумачење.

SUMMARY Changes in the diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer advised in the most recent Guidelines of the European Association of Urology bring many endeavors for everyday practice. Availability, costs and radiological expertise are still representing a challenge for the adoption of these guidelines in everyday clinical practice. In this article we discuss the current situation regarding these issues and future options.

According to the newest WHO classification tumors of the testis are divided into germ cell tumors derived from germ cell neoplasia in situ, germ cell tumors unrelated to germ cell neoplasia in situ, sex cord-stromal tumors, tumors containing both germ cell and sex cord-stromal elements, haematolymphoid tumors, and other rare tumors of the testis. Spermatocytic tumor is a rare neoplasm that occurs mainly in adults and is part of germ cell tumors unrelated to germ cell neoplasia in situ. Three cell populations without prominent lymphocytic nor granulomatous stromal reaction can be seen histologically.These tumors are negative for most usually used germ cell tumors immunohystochemical markers with the exception of CD117, which can be positive in about 40% of the cases. In the time of diagnosis or writing this report our patient had spermatocytic tumor without known metastases. Follow-up was ten months.

This review aims to emphasize new insights into the diagnosis, classification, and therapy of bladder cancer (BC). Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous, complex disease on a morphological, molecular, diagnostic, and prognostic level. Cancer stage is still the most important attribute for prognosis and treatment, while early detection with optimal and rapid individual therapeutic and surveillance approach is crucial. The vast majority of patients have a superficial, non-muscle-invasive tumor associated with a good prognosis after resection and adjuvant intravesical maintenance immuno or chemotherapy if needed. On the other hand, muscle-invasive bladder cancer is a highly aggressive disease with high morbidity and mortality. However, it has become a model for oncology success over the last five years with many available targeted therapeutic modalities. Metastatic BC is now amenable to multimodal treatment combining cystectomy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy and is a target for precision medicine.Conclusion. A new molecular taxonomy for bladder cancer has been proposed and provided insight into BC’s carcinogenesis, with some possible effects on therapy decisions. However, this classification is still not applicable in routine clinical practice. It opens new questions regarding the interplay between tumor genetic signature, intratumoral heterogeneity, therapy implications, and tumor progression.

Simple Summary Testicular seminoma represents the most common type of testicular germ cell tumours, which are the most prevalent malignancies among the male population in reproductive age. Thus, it is crucial to find novel biomarkers for early detection and improve patient management. Copy number variation (CNV) is associated with various cancers including seminoma. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate CNV of specific genes and determine their potential as a possible seminoma biomarker. CNVs were investigated in genomic DNA from seminoma tissue, as well as in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from seminal plasma as liquid biopsy. We detected increased CNVs in tissue samples, as well as in cfDNA from seminal plasma. According to obtained data, seminoma CNV hotspots are present and are reflected in seminal plasma. Although clinical value is yet to be determined, presented data emphasize a potential use of CNV as an SE biomarker. Abstract Seminoma (SE) is the most frequent type of testicular tumour, affecting predominantly young men. Early detection and diagnosis of SE could significantly improve life quality and reproductive health after diagnosis and treatment. Copy number variation (CNV) has already been associated with various cancers as well as SE. In this study, we selected four genes (MAGEC2, NANOG, RASSF1A, and KITLG) for CNV analysis in genomic DNA (gDNA), which are located on chromosomes susceptible to gains, and whose aberrant expression was already detected in SE. Furthermore, CNV was analysed in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from seminal plasma. Analysis was performed by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) on gDNA from SE and nonmalignant testicular tissue. Seminal plasma cfDNA from SE patients before and after surgery was analysed, as well as from healthy volunteers. The CNV hotspot in gDNA from SE tissue was detected for the first time in all analysed genes, and for two genes, NANOG and KITLG it was reflected in cfDNA from seminal plasma. Although clinical value is yet to be determined, presented data emphasize a potential use of CNV as a potential SE biomarker from a liquid biopsy.

The Department of Urology at the Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center is the oldest urological institution in the Republic of Croatia and this part of Europe. Today, the Department is a modern tertiary healthcare institution, where the most complex methods of urological practice are performed using modern medical devices and highly sophisticated technology. In 2011, our urology specialist education program was certified by the European Board of Urology (EBU) as the only one of its kind in Croatia. The program was recertified in 2017. The Department runs a program for the early detection of prostate cancer and performs more than 240 radical prostatectomies annually, which is the highest number of such interventions in Croatia. The aim of this study is to present the work and the activities of the Reference Center for Prostate Tumors of the Ministry of Health at the Department of Urology in Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center over the last 20 years. The database of the Reference Center for Prostate Tumors of the Ministry of Health at the Department of Urology in Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center was reviewed. During the twenty-year period, approximately 15,000 prostate interventions were performed due to benign and malignant diseases. Of this, 7,374 transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsies, 2,632 radical prostatectomies with open retropubic access, 3,988 transurethral prostate resections and 1,097 open suprapubic adenomectomies were performed. With the achieved scientific and professional results in monitoring, studying and improving the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of prostate tumors, as well as with the professional conditions and personnel, the Department of Urology in Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center truly justifies the title of the Reference Center for Prostate Tumors of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia awarded to it in 1998.

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to determine the detection rate of prostate cancers by multiparametric magnetic resonance and transrectal ultrasound (mpMRI-TRUS) cognitive fusion biopsies in patients with a previously negative TRUS-guided biopsy. Between 1 October 2016 and 1 July 2017, in 101 consecutive patients with elevated antigen (PSA) and/or positive digital rectal examination and after a negative first TRUS biopsy, a second, repeated prostate biopsy was performed. In 24 patients, cognitive fusion mpMRI-TRUS biopsy of the prostate with 8-10 system cores and 1-3 target biopsies was performed, in line with the European Association of Urology guidelines. In 77 patients, only a classic, repeated TRUS guided biopsy was performed. In patients with mpMRI, the detection rate according to PIRADS-v2 reporting system was: PIRADS 1, n = 0 ; PIRADS 2, n = 0 ; PIRADS 3, n = 0 ; PIRADS 4, n = 6/8 (75%) ; and PIRADS 5, n = 2/3 (67%). In the group of patients with MR-TRUS cognitive fusion biopsy, the prostate cancer detection rate was 8/24 (33%), while in the control group the detection rate was 12/77 (16%), which was statistically significant (t test, p = 0.037, CI 95% is 0.01 to 0.37). Patients with PIRADS ≤ 3 (54%) could have avoided the biopsy.

The aim of this study was to assess the Croatian urologists’ management of non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their compliance with the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. A cross-sectional survey included 51/179 Croatian urologists. We developed a questionnaire with questions addressing compliance with EAU guidelines. The rate of performing recommended evaluations on the initial assessment of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/LUTS varied from 8.0% (serum creatinine and voiding diary) to 100.0% (physical examination, prostate specific antigen and ultrasound). The international prostate symptom score was performed by 31%, analysis of urine sediment by 83%, urine culture by 53%, and serum creatinine by 8% of surveyed urologists. Only 8% of urologists regularly used bladder diary in patients with symptoms of nocturia. Our results indicated that 97% of urologists preferred alpha blockers as the first choice of treatment; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARI) were mostly prescribed (84%) in combination with an alpha-blocker, preferably as a continuous treatment, whilst 29% of urologists used to discontinue 5ARI after 1-2 years. Half of the Croatian urologists used antimuscarinics in the treatment of BPH/LUTS and recommended phytotherapeutic drugs in their practice. In conclusion, Croatian urologists do not completely comply with the guidelines available.

In this prospective study we examined the utility of parameters obtained on prostate needle biopsy and prostate specific antigen-alpha(1)-antichymotripsine complex (PSA-ACT) to predict adverse pathologic findings after radical prostatectomy. 45 consecutive patients assigned for radical prostatectomy due to clinically localized prostate cancer were included in the study. Prostate biopsy parameters such as number of positive cores, the greatest percentage of tumor in the positive cores, Gleason score, perineural invasion, unilaterality or bilaterality of the tumor were recorded. PSA-ACT was determined using sandwich immunoassay chemiluminiscent method (Bayer, Tarrytown, New York). We analyzed relationship of preoperative PSA, PSA-ACTand quantitative biopsy parameters with final pathology after prostatectomy. Adverse findings were considered when extracapsular extension of cancer (pT3) was noted. Postoperatively, 29 (64.4%) patients were diagnosed with pT2 disease and 16 (35.6%) with pT3 disease. There was a significant difference in localized vs. locally advanced disease in number of positive biopsy cores (p0.001), greatest percentage of tumor in the core (p=0.008), localization of the tumor (p=0.003) and perineural invasion (p=0.004). Logistic regression was used to develop a model on the multivariate level. It included number of positive cores and PSA-ACT and was significant on our cohort with the reliability of 82.22%. The combination of PSA-ACT and a large scale of biopsy parameters could be used in prediction of adverse pathologic findings after radical prostatectomy. Clinical decisions and patients counselling could be influenced by these predictors but further confirmation on a larger population is necessary.

In this prospective study we examined the utility of parameters obtained on prostate needle biopsy and prostate specific antigen-alpha(1)-antichymotripsine complex (PSA-ACT) to predict adverse pathologic findings after radical prostatectomy. 45 consecutive patients assigned for radical prostatectomy due to clinically localized prostate cancer were included in the study. Prostate biopsy parameters such as number of positive cores, the greatest percentage of tumor in the positive cores, Gleason score, perineural invasion, unilaterality or bilaterality of the tumor were recorded. PSA-ACT was determined using sandwich immunoassay chemiluminiscent method (Bayer, Tarrytown, New York). We analyzed relationship of preoperative PSA, PSA-ACT and quantitative biopsy parameters with final pathology after prostatectomy. Adverse findings were considered when extracapsular extension of cancer (pT3) was noted. Postoperatively, 29 (64.4 %) patients were diagnosed with pT2 disease and 16 (35.6 %) with pT3 disease. There was a significant difference in localized vs. locally advanced disease in number of positive biopsy cores (p

Only few reports validated contemporary Epstein criteria for insignificant prostate cancer, and only one being from Europe. Patients with insignificant prostate cancer should be offered active surveillance and spared radical treatment. In our study we tested Epstein biopsy criteria for predicting unfavorable final pathology and biochemical relapse in low risk prostate cancer patients, who were eligible for active surveillance but where treated with radical prostatectomy. Between January 2003 and January 2008, 586 patients were subjected to radical prostatectomy in our institution. Among them, 106 where eligible for active surveillance according to Epstein biopsy criteria for insignificant prostate cancer. We analyzed the presence of adverse pathological findings in the final pathohistological specimen after radical prostatectomy which excludes low risk disease. Adverse pathohistological findings were noted in 41 (38.6 %) patients, who could have been offered active surveillance. During the follow up of 48 (12 – 72) months, biochemical relapse was noted in 6 (5.6%) patients. Although active surveillance is becoming more popular because of the long natural course of prostate cancer and fear of overtreatment of patients with indolent course of disease, both doctors and patients must be aware of potentially significant disease in this group and limitations of current preoperative criteria defining low risk patients.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of margin positivity in clinically and pathologically localized prostate cancer (pT2) after radical prostatectomy on biochemical recurrence and time to adjuvant treatment. We analyzed data from 371 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. At the mean follow up of 36 (25-54) months, impact of margin positivity in pT2 patients on prostate specific antigen (PSA) recurrence and time to introduction of adjuvant treatment was noted. Out of 371 radical prostatectomies there were 277 (74.6%) pT2 and 94 (25.4%) pT3 (locally advanced) prostate cancers. Mean age was 67.6 years, mean Gleason score 6.78, mean preoperative PSA 11.45 ng/mL. Out of 277 pT2 pts., 233 (84%) had negative (SM-) and 44 (16%) positive surgical margins (SM+). Only 3% of SM- pts. had biochemical relapse (BCR). Among pT2 patients with SM+, 18 (41%) had BCR while 26 were free of recurrence at 3 years follow up. Positive surgical margins had an adverse impact on biochemical progression free survival (3% SM- vs. 41% SM+; p

The aim of this study was to assess the Croatian urologists’ management of non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their compliance with the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. A cross-sectional survey included 51/179 Croatian urologists. We developed a questionnaire with questions addressing compliance with EAU guidelines. The rate of performing recommended evaluations on the initial assessment of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/LUTS varied from 8.0% (serum creatinine and voiding diary) to 100.0% (physical examination, prostate specific antigen and ultrasound). The international prostate symptom score was performed by 31%, analysis of urine sediment by 83%, urine culture by 53%, and serum creatinine by 8% of surveyed urologists. Only 8% of urologists regularly used bladder diary in patients with symptoms of nocturia. Our results indicated that 97% of urologists preferred alpha blockers as the first choice of treatment; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARI) were mostly prescribed (84%) in combination with an alpha-blocker, preferably as a continuous treatment, whilst 29% of urologists used to discontinue 5ARI after 1-2 years. Half of the Croatian urologists used antimuscarinics in the treatment of BPH/LUTS and recommended phytotherapeutic drugs in their practice. In conclusion, Croatian urologists do not completely comply with the guidelines available., Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je uvrditi kliničku praksu hrvatskih urologa u pristupu bolesnicima sa simptomima donjeg mokraćnog trakta (LUTS) i njihovo pridržavanje Smjernica Europskoga urološkog društva (EAU). Provedeno je presječno istraživanje među 51/179 (28%) hrvatskih urologa. Izradili smo upitnik koji sadrži pitanja glede poštivanja smjernica EAU. Primjena preporučenih pretraga u početnoj procjeni bolesnika s benignom hiperplazijom prostate (BPH)/LUTS varirala je od 8,0% (kreatinin i dnevnik mokrenja) do 100,0% (fizikalni pregled, antigen specifičan za prostatu (PSA) i ultrazvuk). U početnoj procjeni bolesnika s BPH/LUTS uz anamnezu i digitorektalni pregled hrvatski urolozi primjenjuju još PSA i ultrazvuk (100%). Međunarodni zbroj prostatičnih simptoma (IPSS) primjenjuje 31%, analizu sedimenta mokraće 83%, kulturu mokraće 53%, a serumski kreatinin 8% ispitanih urologa. Samo 8% urologa redovito koristi dnevnik mokrenja kod bolesnika sa simptomima nokturije. Rezultati su pokazali kako 62% hrvatskih urologa smatra da provodi dijagnostičku obradu koja je u skladu sa smjernicama EAU. U terapijskom pogledu rezultati pokazuju da 97% urologa smatra alfa blokatore lijekom prvog izbora. Inhibitori 5-alfa reduktaze (5ARI) uglavnom (84%) su propisani u kombinaciji s alfa-blokatorima, ponajprije kao kontinuirano liječenje, dok 29% prekida 5ARI nakon 1-2 godine. Polovica hrvatskih urologa rabi antimuskarinike u liječenju BPH/LUTS i preporučuje fitoterapiju u svojoj praksi. Praksa hrvatskih urologa nije u potpunosti usklađena sa smjernicama.

We are presenting a rare case of a spontaneous extensive perirenal hematoma caused by ruptured renal adenocarcinoma in a patient who was on warfarin therapy because she had atrial fibrillation and three myocardial infarctions. A 77-year-old woman was admitted to our department with acute right flank pain and hemorrhagic shock. The anamnestic data revealed no trauma and hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography scan showed large retroperitoneal hematoma. The patient underwent urgent surgery and radical nephrectomy was performed. A large retroperitoneal hematoma was found originating from a ruptured renal neoplasm in the upper pole of the right kidney. The pathohistological diagnosis was chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. The clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic peculiarities of this rare condition are presented, along with the literature review on the topic.