Challenging dilemmas of low grade, non-invasive bladder cancer: a narrative review

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the current scientific knowledge and clinical experience in low-grade-non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (LG-NMIBC) patients in challenging scenarios. Materials and Methods: Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central were searched until March 2021. Results: A total of 841 studies were identified, and abstracts were analyzed. Twenty-one relevant studies were then identified and reviewed. After all, information was gathered from 16 studies, the authors discussed the specific topics, and expert opinions were also included in the discussion. There have been some studies that can help us to have some insights on how to manage these patients. Very distinctive strategies have been reported in the literature, mainly anecdotally or in small randomized studies. Some of these treatments outlined in the present manuscript include repeated TURBTs, chemoablation, BCG immunoablation, partial cystectomy, radical cystectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and future perspectives. In the current manuscript, we have combined these strategies in a proposed algorithm. Conclusion: For those LG-NMIBC patients in challenging scenarios, we have found repeated TURBTs, chemoablation, BCG immunoablation, partial cystectomy, radical cystectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are attractive modalities to treat them effectively. Also, the current manuscript proposes an algorithm to overcome these challenges.

Impact of pathological factors on survival in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is an ongoing need to identify various pathological factors that can predict various survival parameters in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). With this review, we aim to scrutinize the impact of several pathological factors on recurrence free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with UTUC. Materials and Methods: Systematic electronic literature search of various databases was conducted for this review. Studies providing multivariate hazard ratios (HR) for various pathological factors such as tumor margin, necrosis, stage, grade, location, architecture, lymph node status, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), carcinoma in situ (CIS), multifocality and variant histology as predictor of survival parameters were included and pooled analysis of HR was performed. Results: In this review, 63 studies with 35.714 patients were included. For RFS, all except tumor location (HR 0.94, p=0.60) and necrosis (HR 1.00, p=0.98) were associated with worst survival. All the pathological variables except tumor location (HR 0.95, p=0.66) were associated with worst CSS. For OS, only presence of CIS (HR 1.03, p=0.73) and tumor location (HR 1.05, p=0.74) were not predictor of survival. Conclusions: We noted tumor grade, stage, presence of LVI, lymph node metastasis, hydronephrosis, variant histology, sessile architecture, margin positivity and multifocality were associated with poor RFS, CSS and OS. Presence of CIS was associated with poor RFS and CSS but not OS. Tumor necrosis was associated with worst CSS and OS but not RFS. Tumor location was not a predictor of any of the survival parameters.

Metástasis rectal de carcinoma urotelial de vejiga resecado / Rectal metastasis of a resected urothelial bladder cancer

Resumen Se presenta el caso de una paciente con antecedentes de carcinoma urotelial de vejiga de alto grado con compromiso secundario ganglionar y óseo, la cual presentó cuadro de hematoquecia, tenesmo y dolor rectal un año después de su cirugía oncológica. La resonancia magnética de abdomen y pelvis, demos tró una lesión sólida rectal de 5 cm de longitud que estenosaba la luz y atravesaba el peritoneo, a 6 cm del margen anal. La anatomía patológica de dicha lesión, informó una metástasis urotelial a nivel del recto inferior en concordancia con el antecedente de la paciente. Este caso identifica una evolución atípica de carcinomas uroteliales (CU), destacando una ruta inusual de metástasis a distancia. Los CU pueden, en raras ocasiones, hacer metástasis rectales, generalmente en casos avanzados o recurrentes de la enfermedad. Al ser escasa la bibliografía disponible sobre dicho tema, cabe destacar la importancia de mantener un alto índice de sospecha en pacientes con antecedentes de carcinoma urotelial y síntomas urinarios/rectales (dolor y tenesmo rectal, dolor suprapúbico, incontinencia urinaria y fecal).

Abstract We present the case of a female patient with a history of high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with secondary lymph node and bone involvement, who presented with hematochezia, tenesmus and rectal pain one year after her oncological surgery. The abdomen and pelvis magnetic resonance image showed a 5 cm solid rectal lesion that stenosed the lumen and crossed the peritoneum, 6 cm away from the anal margin. The histology of this lesion reported an urothelial metastasis at the level of the lower rectum according to the patient's history. This case identifies an atypical evolution of urothelial carcinomas (UC), highlighting an unusual route of distant metastasis. UC can, on rare occasions, metastasize to the rectum, usually in advanced or recurrent cases of the disease. As the literature available on this topic is scarce, it is crucial to highlight the importance of maintaining high suspicion in patients with a history of urothelial carcinoma and urinary/rectal symptoms (rectal pain and urgency, suprapubic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence).

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3) mutations in high-grade muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer in a Brazilian population: evaluation and prevalence

ABSTRACT Objective To understand the feasibility of FGFR3 tests in the Brazilian public health context, and to sample the mutational burden of this receptor in high-grade muscle invasive bladder cancer. Methods A total of 31 patients with high-grade muscle-invasive bladder cancer were included in the present study. Either transurethral resection of bladder tumor or radical cystectomy specimens were analyzed. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were sectioned, hematoxylin and eosin stained, and histologic sections were reviewed. Total RNA was extracted using the RNeasy DSP formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kit. Qualitative results were displayed in Rotor-Gene AssayManager software. Results Six patients were excluded. From the samples analyzed, four (16.7%) were considered inadequate and could not have their RNA extracted. Two patients presented FGFR3 mutations, accounting for 9.5% of material available for adequate analysis. The two mutations detected included a Y373C mutation in a male patient and a S249C mutation in a female patient. Conclusion FGFR3 mutations could be analyzed in 84% of our cohort and occurred in 9.5% of patients with high-grade muscle invasive bladder cancer in this Brazilian population. FGFR3 gene mutations are targets for therapeutic drugs in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. For this reason, know the frequency of these mutations can have a significant impact on public health policies and costs provisioning.

Tumor de Brenner maligno y embarazo. Caso clínico: revisión de la bibliografía / Malignant Brenner tumor and pregnancy. Case report: Literature review

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La asociación del tumor de Brenner con el embarazo es excepcional: solo hay cuatro casos reportados, ninguno maligno. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 33 años, con antecedente de un embarazo que finalizó mediante parto y sin contratiempos, sin antecedentes médico-quirúrgicos de interés. En la ecografía de la décima segunda semana se registró una imagen sonoluscente de paredes lisas, de 41 mm, dependiente del ovario izquierdo. Durante la cesárea se practicó la tumorectomía. El estudio histológico describió una neoplasia epitelial de células transicionales, con áreas benignas, proliferativas e infiltrativas, compatible con un tumor de Brenner maligno. Se trató con cirugía radical de cáncer de ovario y quimioterapia coadyuvante. CONCLUSIONES: Es importante tener en mente al tumor de Brenner maligno como diagnóstico de exclusión ante tumoraciones de rápido y gran crecimiento durante el embarazo. En todas las ecografías de seguimiento del embarazo es indispensable valorar los anejos.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The association between Brenner tumor and pregnancy is extremely rare. Only four well-documented cases of benign Brenner tumor during pregnancy have been reported but nonmalignant. CLINICAL CASE: A 33-year-old female patient, with a history of a pregnancy that ended in delivery and without setbacks, with no medical or surgical history of interest. In the ultrasound scan of the twelfth week, a 41 mm smooth-walled sonoluscent image was recorded in the left ovary. Lumpectomy was performed during cesarean section. Histological study described a transitional cell epithelial neoplasm, with benign, proliferative and infiltrative areas, compatible with a malignant Brenner tumor. She was treated with radical ovarian cancer surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: It is important to keep malignant Brenner's tumor in mind as a diagnosis of exclusion in the presence of rapidly and rapidly growing tumors during pregnancy. It is very important to evaluate the appendages in all follow-up ultrasounds during pregnancy.

A Case of Pelviureteric Obstruction and Renal Stones with Transitional Cell Carcinoma. Beware of Tumor in Gross Hematuria

Presenting an interesting case report of a patient with gross hematuria. On contrast CT evaluation was found to have pelvicureteric obstruction with multiple secondary calculi. Since he was on anticoagulants and antiplatelets, these were thought tobe the cause of hematuria. On the table when laparoscopic pyeloplasty and stone removal procedure was on, incidental tumorin lower calyx was detected. Pyeloplasty was converted to laparoscopic nephrectomy after discussing with patients’ kin. Thishighlights the importance of suspecting tumor in patients presenting with gross hematuria.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis masquerading as renal tuberculosis

We report a case of transitional cell carcinoma of the right renal pelvis mimicking the signs, symptoms and radiological findings of renal tuberculosis (TB). She had been diagnosed initially for urinary tract infection and radiological diagnosis initially was more towards renal TB and urine cytology and cultures were normal. Specific investigations for tuberculosis all showed negative results. But as neoplasia could not be ruled out by ureterorenoscopy due to presence of multiple ureteric strictures, decision was taken for an exploratory surgery. During surgery it was found that there was a tumour in the upper pole of kidney involving the renal pelvis and was found to be papillary transitional cell carcinoma on histopathological examination.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder in Pediatric Patients: Where Do We Stand? / Carcinoma de células transicionales de vejiga en pacientes pediatricos: ¿Dónde nos encontramos?

Introduction Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCCB) is uncommon in the pediatric population, and its etiology, natural history and epigenetics remain poorly understood. We aim to describe six cases of TCCB in pediatric patients and discuss the state of the art in the management and follow-up of the patients with this uncommon early presentation. Methods The clinicopathological data of 6 patients with TCCB who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) were obtained from our institutional database. The patient data were collected retrospectively. A review of the literature was performed, and the most relevant and trending data were analyzed. Results A total of 6 patients (4 female, 2 male) were treated at our institution between 2004 and 2019. The mean age of the sample was 12 years, and the presenting symptoms were macroscopic hematuria (3 cases), suprapubic pain (2 cases), and 1 case was an incidental finding during pelvic ultrasonography. The long-term follow-up (median follow-up of 61 months) did not reveal recurrence. Conclusion Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder rarely presents in the pediatric population. Genetic and epigenetic anomalies have been proposed as causes, as well as carcinogenic exposure. The reported cases tend to have a good prognosis, and most are non-invasive at the diagnosis. Follow-up protocols are still lacking, as well as molecular insights on tumor development and prognostic markers.

Introducción Carcinoma de células transicionales de vejiga (CCTV) es una patología rara en la población pediátrica, su etiología, historia natural y epigenetica son pobremente entendidos. El objetivo de este articulo es describir 6 casos de CCTV en pacientes pediátricos, discutir el estado del arte en el manejo y seguimiento de los pacientes. Métodos Los datos clinicopatologicos de 6 pacientes con CCTV sometidos a resección transuretral de tumor vesical (RTU-TV) se analizaron de nuestra base de datos institucional. Los datos fueron recolectados y analizados de manera retrospectiva. Se realizo una revisión de la literatura y solo los artículos mas relevantes fueron analizados. Resultados Un total de 6 pacientes (4 mujeres, 2 hombres) fueron tratados en nuestra institución entre el 2004 y el 2019. La media de edad fue 12 años y los síntomas mas frecuentes fueron hematuria macroscópica (3 casos), dolor suprapúbico (2 casos) y en un caso fue un hallazgo incidental durante una ultrasonografía pélvica. El seguimiento a largo plazo (mediana de seguimiento de 61 meses) no mostro recurrencia en ningún paciente. Conclusión CCTV se presenta infrecuentemente en la población pediátrica, Anomalías genéticas y epigeneticas han sido propuestas como causas predisponentes al igual que la exposición a carcinogénicos. Los casos reportados tienden a tener un buen pronostico y la gran mayoría son no musculo invasivos al momento del diagnostico. Protocolos de seguimiento no están claramente definidos igual que vías moleculares en la tumorogenésis y marcadores pronósticos

Effect of 125I seeds on T24 transitional cell carcinoma of nude mouse / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To observe the effect of 125I on T24 transitional cell carcinoma of nude mouse. Methods: Totally 40 T24 transplanted tumor nude mice were divided into high, medium, low activity and control groups (each n=10), and 125I seeds with activity of 0.9 mCi (33. 3 MBq), 0.6 mCi (22. 2 MBq), 0.3 mCi (11. 1 MBq) and 0 mCi (nuclide free) were implanted in the tumor center, respectively. The 90% target absorbed dose (D90), tumor inhibition rate (IR), radiation reaction grade (RRG) of HE staining, apoptosis index and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein expression were analyzed and compared among groups 10 days and 20 days after implantation. Results: D90 and IR of nude mice with high, medium and low activity groups decreased gradually 10 and 20 days after 125I seed implantation (all P<0.05). The necrosis was obvious within 5 mm around the tumor, and the higher the seed activity, the longer the time, the wider the ranges of necrosis. RRG of high activity group 10 and 20 days after 125I seed implantation were higher than that in low activity group and control group (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the apoptotic index of high, medium and low activity groups gradually decreased, the expression of Bcl-2 protein gradually increased (all P<0.05). Conclusion: 125I seeds can significantly inhibit the growth of T24 metastatic cell carcinoma in nude mouse. Promoting the apoptosis of tumor cells may be one of the mechanisms.

Trends in cancer incidence in Uruguay: 2002 -2015 / Tendencias de la incidencia de cáncer en Uruguay: 2002-2015

Abstract Background: Uruguay is the south American country which has the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates. The National Cancer Registry collects data on cancer cases nationwide since 1989 and has reached high quality standards in the last decades. This is the first report on incidence trends. Methods: Data from the National Cancer Registry of all new cases of invasive cancer from twelve sites diagnosed in 2002-2015 was analyzed. Age-standardized rates were calculated. Trends of incidence rates were analyzed using joinpoint regression models. Results: For both, men and women, incidence rates trends for all cancer sites, colo-rectal and bladder cancer remained stable. Esophageal and gastric cancers descended while thyroid and kidney cancer incidence increased. In men lung cancer decreased; testicular cancer increased, and prostate cancer increased at the beginning of the period and decreased in the final years. In women, lung cancer increased, breast cancer remained stable and cervical cancer presented a significant decline from 2005 to 2010 and reached a plateau since then. Conclusion: Cancer incidence dynamics are complex and affected not only by Public Health policies such as tobacco control, vaccination and screening programs, but also by environmental and life style changes and the attitude of the medical community towards the application of diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The aim of this paper is to analyze cancer incidence time trends in the country and provide possible explanations to them.

Resumen Introducción: Uruguay es el país de Sudamerica que tiene las mayores tasas de incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer. El Registro Nacional de Cáncer recoge los datos de cáncer de todo el país desde 1989 y en las últimas décadas ha alcanzado los más altos estándares de calidad. Este es el primer reporte de tendencias de incidencia de cáncer de Uruguay. Métodos: Se analizaron los datos de todos los casos de cáncer invasivo diagnosticados entre 2002 y 2015 incluidos en el Registro Nacional de Cáncer y los de once topografías en particular. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia estandarizada y se analizaron las tendencias utilizando los modelos de regresión de Joinpoint. Resultados: Las tasas de incidencia de cáncer colorrectal, vejiga y todos los sitios reunidos se mantuvieron estables tanto en hombres como en mujeres. La tasa de incidencia de cáncer de estómago y esófago disminuyeron mientras que las de tiroides y riñón aumentaron. En los hombres, el cáncer de pulmón disminuyó, el cáncer de testículo aumentó y el de próstata aumentó en un lapso inicial y decreció en los últimos años. En las mujeres el cáncer de pulmón aumentó y el de mama se mantuvo estable mientras que el cáncer de cérvix presentó un descenso significativo entre 2005 y 2010 alcanzando una meseta desde entonces. Conclusión: La dinámica de la incidencia de cáncer es compleja y está afectada no sólo por las políticas de Salud Pública como las campañas de control de tabaco, vacunación y programas de tamizaje sino por los cambios ambientales y de los estilos de vida y la actitud de los médicos respecto a la aplicación de técnicas diagnósticas y terapéuticas. En este trabajo se analizan las tendencias de incidencia en el país y se plantean posibles explicaciones para los cambios.

Nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma: A rare case report with oral involvement

Transitional cell carcinoma also known as nonkeratinizing carcinoma (NKCa) of sinonasal tract comprises 15%–20% of malignant sinonasal carcinoma. We are reporting the case of 48-year-old male with a history of tooth extraction. A computed tomography was done which showed opacity in the right nasal cavity. Incisional biopsy was taken which revealed NKCa (transitional type). Very few reported cases of this type of malignancy were found. A possible reason could be multiple synonyms such as cylindrical cell carcinoma, Schneiderian carcinoma, and transitional cell carcinoma

Role of serum CA 19-9 as a tumor marker in TCC bladder

Background: There is a dearth of reliable blood and urine markers for transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder. CA 19-9 is a well-known marker for gastrointestinal malignancies and is being investigated for other malignancies including carcinoma bladder. In this prospective study, we evaluated the role of serum CA 19-9 as a tumor marker and correlated its level with tumor grade and stage.Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients with transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder and 69 healthy volunteers, as controls were included in the study. Preoperative blood sample was analysed for level of CA 19-9 using ELISA kit (normal - 0 U/ml to 37U/ml) and were correlated with grade and TNM stage of tumor.Results: The range of the control group is 2-38U/ml (mean: 17.67±9.68U/ml); TCC group is 1-94U/ml (mean: 37.12±31.52U/ml) (p=0.304). When CA 19-9 level >37IU/ml was taken as cut-off for a positive test, sensitivity of detecting T3 disease, T4 disease, MIBC, presence of node and high grade tumour were 80%, 75%, 70.3%, 78% and 57.8% respectively. However, there was a statistically significant increase in levels of CA19-9 in relation to higher grade (<0.001), presence of muscle invasion (<0.001), T stage (<0.001) and N stage (<0.001).Conclusions: Serum CA19-9 is almost invariably raised in patients with high grade and invasive disease. Thus, it has a place as a prognostic marker rather than as a diagnostic tool due to its low sensitivity for TCC bladder.

Moderate or severe LUTS is associated with increased recurrence of non - muscle - invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

ABSTRACT Purpose: Non - muscle - invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) can recur despite transurethral resection (TURBT) and adjuvant intravesical therapy. Tobacco products excreted in the urine are hypothesized to cause tumor - promoting effects on urothelial cells through direct contact. We determined if moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (defined as International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] ≥ 8) was associated with increased tumor recurrence. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 70 consecutive men initially diagnosed with NMIBC at our institution from 2010 - 2016. Means were compared with independent T - test and proportions with chi - square analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of recurrence. Results: The majority of patients had Ta disease (58.6%) followed by T1 (28.6%) and Tis (12.9%). Forty - one (58.6%) patients had moderate or severe LUTS upon presentation within 30 days of initial TURBT with mean IPSS of 13.2 vs. 5.2 in the control group (p < 0.01). Biopsy - proven tumor recurrence occurred in 24 (34.3%) patients at mean follow-up of 31.7 months. Mean time to recurrence was 14.6 months. Moderate or severe LUTS was an independent predictor of tumor recurrence (odds ratio [OR]: 19.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.86 - 127; p = 0.002). Voiding or storage symptoms based on the IPSS did not independently correlate with tumor recurrence (p = 0.08 and p = 0.31, respectively) although total mean IPSS score did (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.47, p = 0.005). Conclusions: The presence of moderate or severe LUTS may be an important prognostic factor in NMIBC. Patients with significant urinary symptoms could be monitored more aggressively due to higher recurrence risk.

Transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder with cervical lymph node metastasis: a case report and review of literature

Bladder cancer usually spreads via the lymphatic and hematogenous routes, the common sites of metastases of urinary bladder cancers being the regional lymph nodes, liver, lung, bone, peritoneum, pleura, kidney, adrenal gland and intestines. Metastasis to non-regional lymph nodes especially cervical lymph nodes is extremely rare presentation. Metastasis to head and neck region is associated with poor prognosis and low survival rate. Here-in we report a case of cervical lymph node metastasis in patient with muscle invasive bladder cancer.

The Comparison of Oncologic Outcomes between Open and Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy for the Treatment of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Korean Multicenter Collaborative Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: We compared oncologic outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who underwent open nephroureterectomy (ONU) or laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive cases of ONU and LNU between 2000 and 2012 at five participating institutions were included in this retrospective analysis. Clinical characteristics and pathologic outcomes were compared between the two surgical approaches. The influence of the type of surgical approach on intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences were assessed with the log-rank test. Predictors of IVRFS, PFS, CSS, and OS were also analyzed with a multivariable Cox regression model. RESULTS: A total of 1,521 patients with UTUC were eligible for the present study (ONU, 906; LNU, 615). The estimated 5-year IVRFS (57.8 vs. 51.0%, p=0.010), CSS (80.4 vs. 76.4%, p=0.032), and OS (75.8 vs. 71.4%, p=0.026) rates were significantly different between the two groups in favor of LNU. Moreover, in patients with locally advanced disease (pT3/pT4), the LNU group showed better 5-year IVRFS (62.9 vs. 54.1%, p=0.038), CSS (64.3 vs. 56.9%, p=0.022), and OS (60.4 vs. 53.1%, p=0.018) rates than the ONU group. Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that type of surgical approach was independently associated with IVRFS, but was not related to PFS, CSS, and OS. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that LNU provided better oncologic control of IVRFS, CSS, and OS compared with ONU for the management of patients with UTUC.

The value of detection of circulating tumor cells in predicting lymph node metastasis of urothelial carcinoma / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective@#To discuss the application experience and predictive value of circulating tumor cells for urothelial carcinoma.@*Methods@#The clinical data of 96 patients with urothelial carcinoma treated by Beijing Cancer Hospital Urologic Department between September 2017 and September 2019 were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate relationship between the number of CTCs and pathological outcome. The mean age of the entire cohort was 62(40-87)years, with 74 males and 22 females. There were 13 cases of upper urinary tract tumors (pyelocarcinoma and ureteral carcinoma), 83 cases of bladder carcinoma, and 12 cases of lymph node metastasis. There were 77 cases of primary onset and 19 cases of recurrence. 68 cases in single focus group and 28 cases in multiple group. There were 29 cases in non infiltrative Ta stage, 42 cases in infiltrative lamina propria T1 stage, 16 cases in infiltrative muscle T2 stage, and 9 cases in extra-muscular≥T3 stage. At least 3ml of peripheral blood was collected after fasting for at least 8 hours, After cleavage and centrifugation, immunomagnetic beads were added, folate probe was added, and then amplification was carried out. Then the copy number of CTCs in each ml of blood was calculated. Logistic linear regression was used to analyze the risk factors of lymph node metastasis.@*Results@#The mean CNC of all patients was 12.3±7.3; the mean CNC of ≤62 years old group was 10.8±4.2; the mean CNC of >62 years old group was 13.7±9.2; the mean CNC of initial cases was 11.5±5.3; the mean CNC of recurrent cases was 15.5±12.2. Age (P=0.135) and frequency of onset (P=0.087) had no effect on the number of CTCs. The average CNC of single focus group was 10.5±5.2, multiple focus group was 16.5±9.7, Ta stage group was 8.2±2.3, T1 stage group was 12.0±4.4, T2 stage group was 16.4±6.8, and ≥T3 stage group was 19.5±16.6. The number of lesions (P<0.001) was significantly correlated with pathological T stage (P<0.001) and the number of CTCs. Univariate regression analysis showed that T stage (P<0.001) and the number of CTCs (P=0.02) might be correlated with lymph node metastasis; multivariate analysis showed that only T stage could be used as an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis (P=0.002).@*Conclusions@#CTCs can be used to predict lymph node metastasis of urothelial carcinoma.

The value of detection of circulating tumor cells in predicting lymph node metastasis of urothelial carcinoma / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To discuss the application experience and predictive value of circulating tumor cells for urothelial carcinoma.Methods The clinical data of 96 patients with urothelial carcinoma treated by Beijing Cancer Hospital Urologic Department between September 2017 and September 2019 were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate relationship between the number of CTCs and pathological outcome.The mean age of the entire cohort was 62(40-87)years,with 74 males and 22 females.There were 13 cases of upper urinary tract tumors (pyelocarcinoma and ureteral carcinoma),83 cases of bladder carcinoma,and 12 cases of lymph node metastasis.There were 77 cases of primary onset and 19 cases of recurrence.68 cases in single focus group and 28 cases in multiple group.There were 29 cases in non infiltrative Ta stage,42 cases in infiltrative lamina propria T1 stage,16 cases in infiltrative muscle T2 stage,and 9 cases in extramuscular≥T3 stage.At least 3ml of peripheral blood was collected after fasting for at least 8 hours,After cleavage and centrifugation,immunomagnetic beads were added,folate probe was added,and then amplification was carried out.Then the copy number of CTCs in each ml of blood was calculated.Logistic linear regression was used to analyze the risk factors of lymph node metastasis.Results The mean CNC of all patients was 12.3 ±7.3;the mean CNC of ≤62 years old group was 10.8 ±4.2;the mean CNC of ＞62 years old group was 13.7 ±9.2;the mean CNC of initial cases was 11.5 ±5.3;the mean CNC of recurrent cases was 15.5 ± 12.2.Age (P =0.135) and frequency of onset (P =0.087) had no effect on the number of CTCs.The average CNC of single focus group was 10.5 ± 5.2,multiple focus group was 16.5 ± 9.7,Ta stage group was 8.2 ±2.3,T1 stage group was 12.0 ±4.4,T2 stage group was 16.4 ±6.8,and ≥T3 stage group was 19.5 ± 16.6.The number of lesions (P ＜ 0.001) was significantly correlated with pathological T stage (P ＜ 0.001) and the number of CTCs.Univariate regression analysis showed that T stage (P ＜ 0.001) and the number of CTCs (P =0.02) might be correlated with lymph node metastasis;multivariate analysis showed that only T stage could be used as an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis (P =0.002).Conclusions CTCs can be used to predict lymph node metastasis of urothelial carcinoma.

Prognostic Value of Lymphovascular Invasion in Node-Negative Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Radical Nephroureterectomy

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data from 180 patients who were treated with RNU from 2005 to 2013 at our institution. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: LVI was present in 28 patients (15.6%), which was associated with higher pathological tumor stage (p < 0.001), tumor necrosis (p=0.012), lymph node metastasis (p=0.017) and multifocality (p=0.012). On multivariate analysis, LVI was an independent prognostic factor of recurrence-free survival [RFS: hazard ratio (HR)=2.954; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.539–5.671; p=0.001] and cancer-specific survival (CSS: HR=3.530; 95% CI=1.701–7.325; p=0.001) in all patients. In patients with node-negative UTUC, LVI was also a significant predictor of RFS (HR=3.732; 95% CI 1.866–7.464; p < 0.001) and CSS (HR=3.825; 95% CI=1.777–8.234; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: LVI status was an independent predictor in patients with UTUC who underwent RNU. The estimate of LVI could help physicians identify high-risk patients and make a better medication regimen of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Review of Chinese medicine as adjunct therapy for the bladder urothelial carcinoma / 国际中医中药杂志

This article collects related literatures which is about the Chinese medicine adjuvant treatment of bladder urothelial carcinoma, and sums up the etiology, pathogenesis and TCM auxiliary treatment methods of this disease. Through the analysis, it is believed that the pathogeny of the disease is mainly concentrated in the aspects of damp, heat, blood stasis and poison. The literature on the adjuvant treatment of bladder urothelial carcinoma mainly focuses on the treatment of syndrome differentiation, postoperative recovery, postoperative perfusion, adjuvant chemotherapy and palliative therapy. The progress of its research is summarized as follows.

Update on Current Role of Perioperative Chemotherapy in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has a relatively low prevalence rate of about 1.8 per 100,000 people. According to the recent literature, the development of diagnostic techniques has gradually increased the prevalence and diagnosis rate. In the past, when UTUC was diagnosed, more than 60% of the patients were diagnosed as locally advanced or metastatic cancer. However, since 2010, approximately 70% of the patients have been diagnosed as operable stage. Although radical nephroureterectomy is known as the basis of treatment for UTUC, overall survival is poor in patients with lymph node invasion. Especially, the finding that a localized UTUC is associated with a high risk of cancer metastasis in approximately 50% of patients suggests that these patients may not have sufficient treatment through surgery alone. The European Association of Urology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline 2017 suggested that postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may be considered in patients with advanced UTUC beyond pT2. Also, recent meta-analyses have reported that cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy can be expected to have a synergistic effect of overall survival and disease-free survival. However, many patients with UTUC undergo postoperative renal failure, which may result in failure to perform cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy with adequate dose. For this reason, several researchers have suggested that it is beneficial to apply neoadjuvant chemotherapy when the preoperative renal function is maintained to a certain extent. But, neoadjuvant chemotherapy has not been used by many clinicians because of the lack of studies and the rarity of the disease. We are currently discussing the outcomes and prospects of perioperative chemotherapy.