Clinicopathological characteristics of surgically treated localized renal masses in patients previously exposed to chemotherapy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To explore the potential association between renal mass characteristics and a history of chemotherapy. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of records of patients surgically treated for a localized renal mass between 2000 and 2012 was undertaken following an institutional review board approval. Patients age and sex, renal mass clinical characteristics (radiological size and mode of presentation) and pathological characteristics (diagnosis, renal cell carcinoma subtype, Fuhrman grade and stage) were compared between patients with and without a history of chemotherapy, using Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. A multivariate logistic analysis was performed to evaluate the independent association of chemotherapy and tumor pathology. Results: Of the 1,038 eligible patients, 33 (3%) had a history of chemotherapy. The distribution of clinical stage, renal mass diagnosis, renal cell carcinoma subtype, Fuhrman grade, pathological stage, sex and median age were similar between the general population and the chemotherapy group. However, the latter had a higher rate of incidental presentation (P = 0.003) and a significantly smaller median radiological tumor size (P = 0.01). In a subset analysis of T1a renal cell carcinoma, the chemotherapy group presented an increased rate of high Fuhrman grade (P = 0.03). On multivariate analysis adjusted for radiological tumor size, sex and age the chemotherapy cohort had a 3.92 higher odds for high Fuhrman grade. Conclusion: Patients with a history of chemotherapy typically present with smaller renal masses that, if malignant, have higher odds of harboring a high Fuhrman grade and thus may not be suitable for active surveillance.

Altered male physiologic function after surgery for prostate cancer: couple perspective

Purpose: Both the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) and the physiologic outcomes of surgical treatment impact the male’s psychological sphere. However, current research advocates a refocusing of outcomes directed to the PCa “couple”. Herein we acquire insight into perspective and concordance regarding male physiological function from the standpoint of a couple recovering from PCa surgery. Materials and methods: Couples whereby the male partner had undergone primary surgical treatment for PCa were mailed a Retrospective Sexual Survey (RSS) packet consisting of male and female partner questionnaires. RSS questions surveyed physiological changes in libido, foreplay, erection and arousal, orgasm and ejaculation in addition to perceived psychological impact. Patients’ and partners’ scores were evaluated to determine the concordance of both individual items as well as domain sums. Results: Twenty-eight couples completed the questionnaires. Only about 40 percent of men and women were happy with their levels of sexual interest with 82 percent concordance. Urine loss during orgasm was reported by 43 percent of men; the majority of participants were bothered by it. Ejaculation changes were observed by 96 percent of men (concordance 96 percent) with most reporting anejaculation. A change in orgasm experience was noted by 86 percent of men (and 36 percent of their female partners, p < 0.0001). Despite the change, the majority of men and women reported being satisfied with their ability to climax. Conclusion: Our results indicate that patients and their female partners may interpret differently the same physiological outcomes of PCa surgery. This information could be useful to better counsel the PCa couple and help patients and partners adjust after surgery.