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Background: Non-guideline-directed care (NGDC) is seen in ∼30% of testicular cancer patients and has been identified as a significant predictor of relapse. However, the potential impact of mismanagement on patient quality of life (QoL) is yet to be established., Objective: To explore the impact of NGDC on long-term QoL in testicular cancer survivors (TCSs)., Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective review of TCSs, who completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) in person or via mail ≥6 mo after completion of treatment, was conducted., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: The validated questionnaire evaluates global health status (GHS); cognitive, social, physical, emotional, and role functioning; financial burden; and treatment-specific side effects., Results and Limitations: A total of 120 men with a median age of 31.5 (interquartile range: 24-42) yr completed the questionnaire. Thirty-four (28%) men received NGDC: overtreatment (44%), improper imaging (32%), and undertreatment (29%). Men with NGDC presented with a more advanced clinical stage (≥IIA: 64% vs 32%, p = 0.007) and were less likely to undergo surveillance (19% vs 37%, p = 0.016). Patients receiving guideline-directed care reported higher GHS (84.1 vs 77.5, p = 0.015), higher physical function scores (98.5 vs 91.2, p = 0.013), and fewer financial difficulties (5.8 vs 18.6, p = 0.006) than those receiving NGDC. Multivariable linear regression showed a significant association between NGDC and poorer GHS (p = 0.002). Limitations of the study include its retrospective nature, modest sample size due to a 21% response rate, and quality-of-life assessment at a single time point rather than serially over time., Conclusions: In addition to treatment delay, avoidable morbidity, and higher rates of relapse, NGDC leads to inferior global QoL, worse physical functioning, and more financial stress., Patient Summary: We have previously shown how mismanagement of testicular cancer results in a higher rate of disease relapse. In this study, we emphasize how the lack of adherence to standard treatment guidelines can lead to worse quality of life outcomes and financial stress in testicular cancer survivors., (Copyright © 2020 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant soft tissue tumor. Bladder extra-skeletal osteosarcomas are very rare, and only few cases are reported in the English medical literature. This case is the third one of its kind to be reported consisting of a bladder diverticulum osteosarcoma. Compared to urothelial bladder carcinoma, urinary bladder osteosarcomas have a poorer prognosis. Biopsy and immunochemical staining are critical for the diagnosis. Treatment regimens vary based on the stage of the disease. However, choosing the best option for treatment is still unclear, due to the scarcity of cases available.

Little is known about the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on gas exchange in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of this study was to examine blood gases and pH in COPD patients undergoing HD with bicarbonate dialysate. We studied thirteen subjects with COPD and thirteen controls (CON). All were dialyzed for 4 hrs against a bicarbonate HD solution. Blood gases, pH and HCO(3) (-) were initially analyzed (t(0)) and, during HD, at 30 min (t(0.5)), 1 hr (t(1)) and 4 hrs (t(4)). At t(0), a statistically significant difference was observed for PO(2) (CON: 84.7±3.60, COPD: 72.19±4.92; p<0.001). For the first hr, PO(2) decreased, and at t(1), oxygen was required for 6 COPD subjects. By t(4), there was no significant difference in PO(2) between groups. The alveolar-arterial gradient (ΔA-a) remained different between groups (P<0.001, all times), with increasing ΔA-a for both groups up to t(1) and decreasing over the remaining 3 hr. For both groups, at t(4), ΔA-a was higher than at t(0) (p<0.001). For PCO(2), both groups demonstrated increases from t(0) to t(1) (p=0.0004), with COPD having PCO(2) higher than CON at t(0.5) and t(1) (p<0.05 for both); by t(4), PCO(2) levels decreased to nearly the same as at t(0). Over the 4 hr treatment, HCO(3) (-) and pH increased significantly for both groups; however no significant difference was observed between COPD and CON. Markedly increased ΔA-a is observed during HD in some COPD patients. COPD patients retain more CO(2). However, the effect of HCO(3) (-) leads to mild metabolic alkalosis at t(4).