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Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) sind seit wenigen Jahren in der Uroonkologie zugelassen. Real-world-Erfahrung zu Nutzen und Risiken bei neuartigen Nebenwirkungen liegt kaum vor. Material und Methoden In einer retrospektiven Analyse wurden an zwei Krankenhäusern in Deutschland von 2016–2021 Patienten erfasst, die aufgrund eines metastasierten Nierenzell- (NCC) oder Urothelkarzinoms (UCA) eine ICI-Therapie erhielten. Es wurde das radiologische Ansprechen, das progressionsfreie Überleben (PFS) sowie Nebenwirkungen, die zu einer Therapieunterbrechung führten, erhoben. Das onkologische Ansprechen wurde den Zulassungsstudien gegenübergestellt. Ergebnisse Bei 145 Patienten (111 Männer [77 %] und 34 Frauen [23 %]) wurden 1185 ICI-Zyklen appliziert. 64 (44,1 %) Patienten mit NCC und 81 (55,9 %) Patienten mit UCA erhielten eine ICI-Therapie. Von 141 Patienten mit Verlaufsbildgebung wurde ein objektives Ansprechen bei 21,3 % (n = 13) der Patienten mit NCC und 20,0 % (n = 16) mit UCA beobachtet (mediane Ansprechdauer 14,9 (3,0–51,3) Monate). Das PFS betrug bei Patienten mit NCC im Median 5,3 Monate und mit UCA 4,8 Monate. ICI-assoziierte Nebenwirkungen mit der Notwendigkeit einer Therapieunterbrechung wurden bei 17,2 % der NCC- und 20,9 % der UCA-Patienten beobachtet. Hierbei handelte es sich am häufigsten um renale (5,5 %: Nephritis) und gastrointestinale (4,8 %: Kolitis, Diarrhö) Nebenwirkungen. 22 (15,1 %) Patienten mussten deshalb hospitalisiert werden. Schlussfolgerung Diese Real-world-Erfahrung kann die patientenzentrierte Beratung in der Therapieentscheidung unterstützen. Weitere Studien zu prognostischen Faktoren sind notwendig. Therapieunterbrechungen sind häufig und das Nebenwirkungsspektrum erfordert eine interdisziplinäre Behandlung.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been successfully applied for automatic tumor detection and grading in histopathological image analysis in urologic oncology. The aim of this review was to assess the applicability of these approaches in image-based oncological outcome prediction.A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases MEDLINE through PubMed and Web of Science up to April 20, 2021. Studies investigating AI approaches to determine the risk of recurrence, metastasis, or survival directly from HE-stained tissue sections in prostate, renal cell or urothelial carcinoma were included. Characteristics of the AI approach and performance metrics were extracted and summarized. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the PROBAST tool.16 studies yielding a total of 6658 patients and reporting on 17 outcome predictions were included. Six studies focused on renal cell, six on prostate and three on urothelial carcinoma while one study investigated renal cell and urothelial carcinoma. Handcrafted feature extraction was used in five, a convolutional neural network (CNN) in six and a deep feature extraction in four studies. One study compared a CNN with handcrafted feature extraction. In seven outcome predictions, a multivariable comparison with clinicopathological parameters was reported. Five of them showed statistically significant hazard ratios for the AI's model's-prediction. However, RoB was high in 15 outcome predictions and unclear in two.The included studies are promising but predominantly early pilot studies, therefore primarily highlighting the potential of AI approaches. Additional well-designed studies are needed to assess the actual clinical applicability.

Purpose Advances in therapy of metastatic castration-refractory prostate cancer (mCRPC) resulted in more therapeutic options and led to a higher need of predictive/prognostic biomarkers. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers could provide the basis for personalized treatment selection. This study aimed to assess the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), the neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in men with mCRPC under docetaxel. Methods Patients with mCRPC and taxane chemotherapy at a tertiary care centre between 2010 and 2019 were screened retrospectively. The biomarkers mGPS, NLR, PLR and SII were assessed and analyzed for biochemical/radiologic response and survival. Results We included 118 patients. Of these, 73 (61.9%) had received docetaxel as first-line, 31 (26.2%) as second-line and 14 (11.9%) as third-line treatment. For biochemical response, mGPS (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, p = 0.04) and PLR (OR 0.63, p = 0.04) were independent predictors in multivariable analysis. SII was significant in first-line cohort only (OR 0.29, p = 0.02). No inflammatory marker was predictive for radiologic response. In multivariable analysis, mGPS and NLR (hazard ratio (HR) 1.71 and 1.12, both p p Conclusions Pre-treatment mGPS seems a promising prognostic biomarker. A combination of mGPS, NLR and further routine markers (e.g., Hb and AP) could yield optimized stratification for treatment selection. Further prospective and multicentric assessment is needed.

Since multiple oncological treatment options in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are available, optimal sequencing of therapies are under investigation. However, the efficacy of Cabazitaxel (CAB) in fourth and later lines of therapy is rarely investigated.Fifty three patients with mCRPC treated with CAB in fourth line or later were included in our retrospective study, which involved eight uro-oncology centers in Germany. Clinical and tumor characteristics, as well as PSA-response rates were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier plots addressed overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Logistic regression models predicted risk factors of overall mortality (OM).Of 53 patients, 79% (n=42), 19% (n=10) and 2% (n=1) received CAB in fourth, fifth and sixth line. A median of 4 cycles of CAB were administered. Median PSA at start of CAB was 199ng/ml (interquartile range (IQR) 70-869). In total, 89% had bone and 40% visceral metastases prior to the start of CAB. Moreover, 30% of patients received Docetaxel in first line therapy for mCRPC. Most frequent sequence of therapy was abiraterone followed by docetaxel and followed by enzalutamide. Overall, median PSA-response rate was -20% (IQR -80 to +10%). Patients with docetaxel in first line had a significantly better median PSA-response on CAB (-80 vs. 20%, P=0.03). Median OS, radiographic PFS and overall PFS were 14.8 (Confidence interval (CI): 11.0-20.8), 3.0 (CI: 2.9-4.0) and 2.9 (CI: 2.0-3.3) months, respectively. In multivariable analyses, visceral metastases, PSA100ng/ml, ISUP4+5 and later administration of Docetaxel were predictors of OM.Real-world experiences indicate that favorable oncologic outcomes can be achieved with CAB especially regarding PSA-response and OS even in the fourth line or later in patients with mCRPC.

To assess the baseline inflammatory markers modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as pragmatic tools for predicting response to chemohormonal therapy (docetaxel plus ADT) and prognosis in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).Male patients who received docetaxel at a tertiary university care center between 2014 and 2019 were screened for completion of 6 cycles. NLR, SII, mGPS, overall survival (OS), three-year survival, and radiologic response were assessed. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and stable disease (SD) were analyzed alone and in combination.Thirty-six mHSPC-patients were included. In thirty patients, baseline mGPS was assessed and was either 0 (n=22) or 2 (n=8). In Cochran-Armitage Trend Test, mGPS showed significant association with the combined radiologic endpoint of "CR, PR, or SD" (p=0.01), three-year survival (p=0.02), and OS (p0.01). Next to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (HR per 100 units 1.16, 95%CI=1.04-1.30, p0.01), NLR (HR=1.31, 95%CI=1.03-1.66, p=0.03), and mGPS (2 vs. 0, HR=6.53, 95%CI=1.6-27.0, p0.01) at baseline showed significant association with OS in univariable cox regression. However, mGPS remained the only independent predictor for OS in multivariable cox regression (p0.01) and for the combined radiologic endpoint of "CR, PR or SD" (p=0.01) in multivariable logistic regression. SII showed no statistical relevance.Baseline mGPS seems to be a pragmatic tool for clinical decision-making in patients with mHSPC in daily routine.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been approved in uro-oncology for a few years. Real-world experience regarding benefits and risks with novel side effects are rare.In a retrospective analysis, all patients who received ICI therapy due to metastatic renal cell carcinoma (NCC) or urothelial carcinoma (UCA) were enrolled at two maximum care hospitals in Germany between July 2016 and May 2021. Radiologic response, progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events leading to treatment interruption were collected. Oncologic response was compared to randomized controlled trials.In all, 1185 ICI cycles were administered to 145 patients (111 men [77%] and 34 women [23%]): 64 (44.1 %) patients with NCC and 81 (55.9%) patients with UCA received ICI therapy. Of 141 patients with radiological follow-up, an objective response was observed in 21.3% (n = 13) of patients with NCC and 20.0% (n = 16) with UCA (median duration of response 14.9 months [3.0-51.3]). Median PFS was 5.3 months in patients with NCC and 4.8 months with UCA. ICI-associated adverse events requiring treatment interruption were observed in 17.2% patients with NCC and 20.9% with UCA. These were most commonly renal (5.5%: nephritis) and gastrointestinal (4.8%: colitis, diarrhea) adverse events. Hospitalization was required for 22 (15.1%) patients.This real-world experience may support patient-centered consultation in treatment decision-making. Further studies on prognostic factors are needed. Therapy interruptions are frequent and the spectrum of side effects requires interdisciplinary treatment.HINTERGRUND: Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) sind seit wenigen Jahren in der Uroonkologie zugelassen. Real-world-Erfahrung zu Nutzen und Risiken bei neuartigen Nebenwirkungen liegt kaum vor.In einer retrospektiven Analyse wurden an zwei Krankenhäusern in Deutschland von 2016–2021 Patienten erfasst, die aufgrund eines metastasierten Nierenzell- (NCC) oder Urothelkarzinoms (UCA) eine ICI-Therapie erhielten. Es wurde das radiologische Ansprechen, das progressionsfreie Überleben (PFS) sowie Nebenwirkungen, die zu einer Therapieunterbrechung führten, erhoben. Das onkologische Ansprechen wurde den Zulassungsstudien gegenübergestellt.Bei 145 Patienten (111 Männer [77 %] und 34 Frauen [23 %]) wurden 1185 ICI-Zyklen appliziert. 64 (44,1 %) Patienten mit NCC und 81 (55,9 %) Patienten mit UCA erhielten eine ICI-Therapie. Von 141 Patienten mit Verlaufsbildgebung wurde ein objektives Ansprechen bei 21,3 % (n = 13) der Patienten mit NCC und 20,0 % (n = 16) mit UCA beobachtet (mediane Ansprechdauer 14,9 (3,0–51,3) Monate). Das PFS betrug bei Patienten mit NCC im Median 5,3 Monate und mit UCA 4,8 Monate. ICI-assoziierte Nebenwirkungen mit der Notwendigkeit einer Therapieunterbrechung wurden bei 17,2 % der NCC- und 20,9 % der UCA-Patienten beobachtet. Hierbei handelte es sich am häufigsten um renale (5,5 %: Nephritis) und gastrointestinale (4,8 %: Kolitis, Diarrhö) Nebenwirkungen. 22 (15,1 %) Patienten mussten deshalb hospitalisiert werden.Diese Real-world-Erfahrung kann die patientenzentrierte Beratung in der Therapieentscheidung unterstützen. Weitere Studien zu prognostischen Faktoren sind notwendig. Therapieunterbrechungen sind häufig und das Nebenwirkungsspektrum erfordert eine interdisziplinäre Behandlung.

PLOS ONE 17(8), 1-14 (2022). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0272656, Published by PLOS, San Francisco, California, US

Purpose Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) alterations are frequent in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), although current data regarding the prognostic and therapeutic relevance are inconsistent. We analyzed the prognostic role of FGFR3 mRNA expression in stage T1 NMIBC. Patients and Methods The mRNA expression of FGFR3 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) was measured by RT-qPCR in 80 patients with stage T1 NMIBC treated with transurethral resection of the bladder and correlated with clinical data and KRT5 and KRT20 expression, used as surrogate markers for basal and luminal subtypes, respectively. Results FGFR3 and CDKN2A transcript levels were not correlated. FGFR3 expression was associated with the expression of KRT5 (p=0.002) and KRT20 (p < 0.001). CDKN2A expression was negatively correlated with KRT5 (p=0.030). In Kaplan–Meier analysis and univariable Cox regression analysis, high FGFR3 expression was associated with significantly reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR=3.78; p < 0.001) and improved overall survival (OS) (HR=0.50; p=0.043), while high CDKN2A expression was associated with reduced OS (HR=2.34; p=0.034). Patient age was the only clinicopathological parameter associated with reduced OS (HR=2.29; p=0.022). No parameter was an independent prognostic factor in multivariable analysis. Next, we stratified the patients depending on their lineage differentiation. In univariable analysis, the prognostic effect of FGFR3 and CDKN2A was observed primarily in patients demonstrating high expression of KRT5 or KRT20, whereas high FGFR3 expression was associated with significantly reduced RFS, irrespective of instillation therapy. Conclusion Stage T1 NMIBC patients with high FGFR3 expression show shorter RFS but better OS than patients with low FGFR3 expression.

This study was performed to evaluate risk factors predictive of local tumor control after microwave ablation of primary and secondary lung malignancies up to 3 cm in maximal diameter.The single-antenna microwave ablation treatment of 91 index tumors in 57 patients was studied retrospectively. Time to local tumor progression was monitored on CT scans over the follow-up period. Estimation of overall time to local tumor progression was performed with the Cox regression model. Factors hypothesized to correlate with ablation response included tumor diameter, tumor shape (round or oval versus irregular), clear versus ill-defined tumor margin, adjacency to the pleura, adjacency to bronchi, presence of vessels at least 3 mm in diameter a maximum of 5 mm from the index tumor, energy applied to the index tumor, and the occurrence of cavernous formations after ablation. A logistic regression model was used to correlate the data.Thirty of 91 (33.0%) index tumors, found in 21 of 57 (36.8%) patients, underwent local progression. The mean time to local tumor progression was 8.3 ± 5.5 months (range 2.1-25.2 months), and the estimated median time to local tumor progression was 22.6 ± 12.4 months. The risk factors that correlated significantly with local tumor progression were a maximal diameter greater than 15.5 mm (p0.01), irregular shape of the index tumor (p0.01), pleural contact (p = 0.02), and less than 26.7 J/mm(3) applied to the index tumor (p0.001). After regression analysis, shape of the index tumor (p = 0.03) and energy deployed per unit volume of the index tumor (p = 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors. Conversely, tumor margin definition (p = 0.06) and proximity of cavernous formations (p = 0.19), juxtatumoral vessels (p = 0.08), and bronchi (p = 0.89) did not affect tumor progression after ablation.The independent predictive factors for local tumor progression in primary and secondary lung neoplasms up to 3 cm in diameter observed in this study were irregular shape of the index tumor and energy application of less than 26.7 J/mm(3) to the index tumor.

Background A recent study on the comprehensive genomic profile of advanced urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) showed cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) as the most often clinically relevant genomic alterations. Therefore, the prognostic role of FGFR3 and CDKN2A/p16 for pT1 UBC was studied. Patients and Methods Clinical data and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of pT1 UBC treated with an organ-preserving approach was analyzed retrospectively. Total RNA was isolated using commercial RNA extraction kits and mRNA expression of CDKN2A/p16 and FGFR3 was measured using single step reverse transcription quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction using RNA-specific TaqMan assays. Results Data from 296 patients (79.4% male; median age: 72 years) could be used for the final evaluation. Spearman correlation revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between mRNA expression of CDKN2A/p16 and FGFR3. There was a positive correlation between CDKN2A/p16 and G3 tumors (ρ = 0.1875; P = .0012) and associated carcinoma in situ (ρ = 0.1703, P = .0033) and a negative correlation between FGFR3 and these factors (ρ = −0.2791, P P = .0002). High CDKN2A/p16 expression (≥38.04) and low FGFR3 expression ( P = .0194 and P = .0089). Multivariate Cox regression analysis could identify patients with low FGFR3 and high CDKN2A/p16 expression (log rank (LR) χ 2 = 10.69; P = .0048) as well as tumor size ≥3 cm (LR χ 2 = 6.03; P = .0141) as independent predictors for PFS. Conclusion High expression of CDKN2A/p16 and low expression of FGFR3 show a correlation with established prognostic features for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer and can predict progression of stage pT1 UBC.