Prognostic significance of inflammation-based prognostic scoring in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate whether Glasgow Prognostic Score has prognostic significance in patients with upper urinary urothelial carcinoma. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 74 patients with upper urinary urothelial carcinoma. We set the cut-off value for C-reactive protein as 1.0mg/dL, and 3.5mg/dL for albumin as Glasgow Prognostic Score. Their blood data including albumin and C-reactive protein for Glasgow Prognostic Score and cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 as a tumor marker were measured before starting treatment. The patients were stratified into three groups with Glasgow Prognostic Score: The Group-1, albumin ≥3.5g/dL and C-reactive protein < 1.0mg/dL; Group-2, albumin < 3.5g/dL or C-reactive protein ≥1.0mg/dL; Group-3, albumin < 3.5g/dL and C-reactive protein ≥1.0mg/dL. Results: The median follow-up for all patients was 26.9 months (range: 10.9-91.1 months), during which 37 (50%) patients died. There was a significant difference in the estimated survival rate among the 3 groups stratified by Glasgow Prognostic Score. The estimated survival rate in the Group-1 was significantly higher than those in Groups 2 and 3. In the univariate analysis C-reactive protein, serum cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 and Glasgow Prognostic Score were significant predictors of overall survival. On the multivariate analysis, serum cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 and Glasgow Prognostic Score were independently associated with shorter overall survival. Conclusion: Our review suggests Glasgow Prognostic Score may play as a prognostic predictor for upper urinary urothelial carcinoma.

Diagnostic Ureteroscopy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma is Independently Associated with Intravesical Recurrence after Radical Nephroureterectomy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the effect of diagnostic ureteroscopy on intravesical recurrence in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 664 patients who were treated with RNU for UTUC from June 2000 to December 2011, excluding those who had concomitant/prior bladder tumors. Of the 664 patients, 81 underwent diagnostic ureteroscopy (URS). We analyzed the impact of diagnostic ureteroscopy on intravesical recurrence (IVR) using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the independent risk factors. Results: The median follow-up time was 48 months (interquartile range (IQR): 31-77 months). Patients who underwent ureteroscopy were more likely to have a small (p<0.01), early-staged (p=0.019), multifocality (p=0.035) and ureteral tumor (p<0.001). IVR occurred in 223 patients during follow-up within a median of 17 months (IQR: 7-33). Patients without preoperative ureteroscopy have a statistically significant better 2-year (79.3%±0.02 versus 71.4%±0.02, p<0.001) and 5-year intravesical recurrence-free survival rates (64.9%±0.05 versus 44.3%±0.06, p<0.001) than patients who underwent ureteroscopy. In multivariate analysis, the diagnostic ureteroscopy (p=0.006), multiple tumors (p=0.001), tumor size <3cm (p=0.008), low-grade (p=0.022) and pN0 stage tumor (p=0.045) were independent predictors of IVR. Conclusions: Diagnostic ureteroscopy is independently associated with intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy.

The Characteristics of Recurrent Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma after Radical Nephroureterectomy without Bladder Cuff Excision

PURPOSE: To investigate oncological outcomes based on bladder cuff excision (BCE) during radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and to provide clinical evidence of tumor recurrence in patients without BCE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of 372 consecutive patients who underwent RNU at our institution from May 1989 through October 2010. After excluding some data, we reviewed 336 patients for the analysis. RESULTS: Of the patients who underwent RNU with BCE (n=279, 83.0%) and without BCE (n=57, 17.0%), patients without BCE had poorer cancer-specific and overall survival rates. Among 57 patients without BCE, 35 (61.4%) experienced tumor recurrence. Recurrence at the remnant ureter resulted in poor oncological outcomes compared to those in patients with bladder recurrence, but better outcomes were observed compared to recurrence at other sites. No significant predictors for tumor recurrence at the remnant ureter were identified. In patients without BCE, pathological T stage [hazard ratio (HR), 5.73] and lymphovascular invasion (HR, 3.65) were independent predictors of cancer-specific survival, whereas age (HR, 1.04), pathological T stage (HR, 5.11), and positive tumor margin (HR, 6.50) were independent predictors of overall survival. CONCLUSION: Patients without BCE had poorer overall and cancer-specific survival after RNU than those with BCE. Most of these patients experienced tumor recurrence at the remnant ureter and other sites. Patients with non-organ confined UTUC after RNU without BCE may be considered for adjuvant chemotherapy with careful follow-up.

Preoperative serum albumin as a prognostic factor in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Purpose The study evaluated whether preoperative measures of the C-reactive protein-based systemic inflammatory response may predict cancer survival independent of tumor stage in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Materials and Methods Between September 1999 and October 2010, 181 patients submitted to radical nephroureterectomy were available for evaluation. Multivariate survival analyses were performed using Cox’s proportional hazards model and the coefficient for each factor was divided by the highest coefficient, multiplied by 4, and rounded to the nearest integer. Results Multivariate analyses showed that tumor location, pathologic T stage, lymphovascular invasion, margin status, and albumin level were independent contributors. The bootstrap-corrected C statistics of the model were 0.813 for disease-specific survival and 0.755 for overall survival, respectively. For time to disease-specific and overall mortality for patients, integrated area under the curve values were 0.792 and 0.739, respectively. When patients were clustered into three groups according to their model-predicted survival, the 5-year disease-specific survival in the low-, intermediate- and high-risk group was 95.4%, 76.2%, and 36.9%, respectively (p<0.001), and were 87.8%, 54.4%, and 31.8%, respectively, for overall survival (p<0.001). Decision curve analysis revealed that the use of model was associated with net benefit gains relative to the treat-all strategy. Conclusions   Pretreatment albumin is a simple biomarker based on routinely available well-standardized measures, and is not an expensive and time-consuming process. Hypoalbuminemia is an independent marker of poor prognosis in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. .

New head-mounted display system applied to endoscopic management of upper urinary tract carcinomas

Purpose We tested a new head-mounted display (HMD) system for surgery on the upper urinary tract. Surgical Technique Four women and one man with abnormal findings in the renal pelvis on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging underwent surgery using this new system. A high definition HMD (Sony, Tokyo, Japan) is connected to a flexible ureteroscope (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) and the images from the ureteroscope are delivered simultaneously to various participants wearing HMDs. Furthermore, various information in addition to that available through the endoscope, such as the narrow band image, the fluoroscope, input from a video camera mounted on the lead surgeon’s HMD and the vital monitors can be viewed on each HMD. Results Median operative duration and anesthesia time were 53 and 111 minutes, respectively. The ureteroscopic procedures were successfully performed in all cases. There were no notable negative outcomes or incidents (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥1). Conclusion The HMD system offers simultaneous, high-quality magnified imagery in front of the eyes, regardless of head position, to those participating in the endoscopic procedures. This affordable display system also provides various forms of information related to examinations and operations while allowing direct vision and navigated vision. .

Predictors of Intravesical Recurrence After Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: An Inflammation-Based Prognostic Score

PURPOSE: Systemic inflammatory responses, which are defined in terms of the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), have been reported to be independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes in various human cancers. We assessed the utility of the GPS as a predictor of intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in upper urinary tract carcinoma (UTUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data for 147 UTUC patients with no previous history of bladder cancer who underwent RNU from 2004 to 2012. Associations between perioperative clinicopathological variables and intravesical recurrence were analyzed by using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 71 of 147 patients (48%) developed intravesical recurrence, including 21 patients (30%) diagnosed with synchronous bladder tumor. In the univariate analysis, performance status, diabetes mellitus (DM), serum albumin, C-reactive protein, GPS, and synchronous bladder tumor were associated with intravesical recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, performance status (hazard ratio [HR], 2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-3.85; p=0.001), DM (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.21-3.41; p=0.007), cortical thinning (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.08-3.71; p=0.026), and GPS (score of 1: HR, 6.86; 95% CI, 3.69-12.7; p=0.001; score of 2: HR, 5.96; 95% CI, 3.10-11.4; p=0.001) were independent predictors of intravesical recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the GPS as well as performance status, DM, and cortical thinning are associated with intravesical recurrence after RNU. Thus, more careful follow-up, coupled with postoperative intravesical therapy to avoid bladder recurrence, should be considered in these patients.

Radical nephroureterectomy for pathologic T4 upper tract urothelial cancer: can oncologic outcomes be improved with multimodality therapy?

Purpose To report the outcomes of patients with pathologic T4 UTUC and investigate the potential impact of peri-operative chemotherapy combined with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and regional lymph node dissection (LND) on oncologic outcomes. Materials and Methods Patients with pathologic T4 UTUC were identified from the cohort of 1464 patients treated with RNU at 13 academic centers between 1987 and 2007. Oncologic outcomes were stratified according to utilization of perioperative systemic chemotherapy and regional LND as an adjunct to RNU. Results The study included 69 patients, 42 males (61%) with median age 73 (range 43-98). Median follow-up was 17 months (range: 6-88). Lymphovascular invasion was found in 47 (68%) and regional lymph node metastases were found in 31 (45%). Peri-operative chemotherapy was utilized in 29 (42%) patients. Patients treated with peri-operative chemotherapy and RNU with LND demonstrated superior oncologic outcomes compared to those not treated by chemotherapy and/or LND during RNU (3Y-DFS: 35% vs. 10%; P = 0.02 and 3Y-CSS: 28% vs. 14%; P = 0.08). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, administration of peri-operative chemotherapy and utilization of LND during RNU was associated with lower probability of recurrence (HR: 0.4, P = 0.01), and cancer specific mortality (HR: 0.5, P = 0.06). Conclusions Pathological T4 UTUC is associated with poor prognosis. Peri-operative chemotherapy combined with aggressive surgery, including lymph node dissection, may improve oncological outcomes. Our findings support the use of aggressive multimodal treatment in patients with advanced UTUC. .

Utility of p63 immunohistochemical stain in differentiating urothelial carcinomas from adenocarcinomas of prostate.

Background: Prostatic adenocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder are common cancers in men. High grade forms of these tumors may present ambiguous morphologic features that do not permit a definite diagnosis. This distinction between the two tumors has significant staging and therapeutic implications. Hence, an accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal patient care. p63 is a new marker which can be used in this context. It is expressed in most of the urothelial carcinomas and negative in majority of prostatic adenocarcinomas. Aim: To compare the expression of p63 in urothelial carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of prostate. Materials and Methods: Comparative cross--sectional study was carried out at a tertiary cancer hospital from 15 June 2006 to 15 December 2006. Immunohistochemical stain p63 was performed on 50 cases of urothelial carcinoma and 50 prostatic adenocarcinomas. Patients' name, age, histology numbers, grade of tumor, and expression of p63 were recorded. p63 expression was seen in 44 of 50 urothelial carcinomas (88%). None of the prostatic adenocarcinomas expressed p63. The ages of patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma ranged from 49 to 86 years with a median age of 71 years and 41 to 83 years for urothelial carcinomas with a median age of 60.5 years. Conclusion: p63 can be used as a reliable marker to distinguish prostatic adenocarcinomas from urothelial carcinomas in difficult cases in conjunction with other markers like PSA.

Paniculitis mesentérica: ¿predictor de una neoplasia? / Mesenteric panniculitis: predictor of a neoplasm

Introduction: Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare disorder characterized by chronic, non-specific inflammation involving the adipose tissue of the bowel mesentery of unknown aetiology. It has been associated with different processes, including digestive and urothelial malignancies. Case report: A 44-years-old man carne to the Emergency Department complaining of mesogastric pain for the last 24 hours. CT sean showed an increased density of the mesenteric adipoid tissue. Mesenteric paniculitis was diagnosed and antibiotic treatment was instaured. The patient recovered uneventfully. Two months later the patient was diagnosed of an infiltrating urothelial carcinoma. Conclusions: Mesenteric panniculitis may be associated with malignancies and other pathologies. It is advisable to perform tests to dismiss the coexistence of these disorders. In those cases, in which associated diseases could not be demonstrated, a frequent follow-up would be advisable to achieve an early diagnosis if these appear.

Introducción: La paniculitis mesentérica es un trastorno poco frecuente caracterizado por inflamación crónica inespecífica del tejido adiposo del mesenterio intestinal de etiología desconocida. Se ha relacionado con diversas patologías, entre ellas neoplasias digestivas y uroteliales. Caso clínico: Varón de 44 años que acude a Urgencias por un dolor mesogástrico de 24 horas de evolución. En la TC abdominal se objetivó un aumento de densidad de la grasa de la raíz del mesenterio. Se diagnosticó de paniculitis mesentérica y se trató mediante antibioterapia. A los 2 meses el paciente es diagnosticado de un carcinoma urotelial infiltrante. Discusión: La paniculitis mesentérica puede estar relacionada con neoplasias y otras patologías. Es conveniente realizar pruebas para descartar la coexistencia de alguna de las enfermedades asociadas. En aquellos casos en los que no se demuestre, sería recomendable un seguimiento periódico.

Cancers of the urinary system among yemeni patients [Aden cancer center, 1997-2001]

The Purpose of the present paper is to describe the pattern of the cancers of the urinary system registered in Aden Cancer Registry [ACR] as regards age and sex distribution, residency, sub site, histopathological diagnosis and incidence rate. Methodology: The registered cancers in ACR during the period of five years [1st of January 1997 through 31st of December 2001] were analyzed to describe the pattern of urinary system cancers [kidney, bladder and urethra, ICD-0: 64:9-68:9]. Canreg-3 and Epi-Info software were used in the analysis of data. Classification and coding of cancers were carried out according to the ICD-O and ICD-b. A total of 1735 cases were registered during the period of the study. Of them, 56 cases [3.2%] were urinary system cancers. Sex distribution showed male preponderance [76.8%]. More than two-thirds of cases were bladder cancers [67.9%], compared to 30.4% kidney cancers and 1.8% urethral cancers. Transitional cell carcinoma was the most frequent histological type. The median age at diagnosis was 59 years [Range 3-78 years]. The highest age-specific incidence rate of bladder cancer observed at the age 55-<65 years [11.8/100.000 inhabitants for males vs. 6/100.000 inhabitants for females], whereas that of kidney cancers observed at an older age [65-<75 years] [3.1/100.000 inhabitants and 2.6/100.000 inhabitants for males and females respectively]. Conclusion and recommendations: Cancers of the urinary system comprised a minority of the registered cases. However, many of these cancers have predisposing risk factors and produce early warning signs and symptoms, therefore, increasing the awareness of the public about the early warning signs of these cancers and further studies to investigate the community-related risk factors and the survival of patients are mandatory

Importancia pronóstica de la medición del ADN en tumores sólidos: I. Introducción (simposio) / The prognostic importance of ADN measurement in solid tumors (symposia)

Se sabe que en los tumores sólidos ocurren frecuentemente cambios en el contenido de ADN, que reflejan cambios genéticos a nivel cromosómico, los que juegan un papel importante en el desarrollo y progresión de los mismos. El estudio citogenético de los tumores sólidos ha mostrado un cariotipo complejo, que ha dificultado la identificación de los cambios cromosómicos específicos. Sin embargo la genética molecular ha identificado a algunos genes asociados con la carcinogenesis y sus alteraciones en los tumores. La citometría de flujo se ha utilizado ampliamente en el análisis del contenido y distribución del ADN en tumores, tanto experimentalmente como en clínica, y relacionarlo en el pronóstico y su progresión. Su aplicación en oncología ha sido muy vasta, principalmente en ginecología, urología y gastroenterología, y se ha concentrado en la identificación de tumores en su estadio inicial y en su pronóstico. En este simposio se presentan la metodología empleada y los resultados obtenidos en el cáncer mamario, prostático y vesical principalmente

Tumor adenomatoide retroperitoneal gigante: a propósito de un caso / Giant retroperitoneal adenomatoid tumor: to purpose of a case

El tumor adenomatoide es el más común de los tumores de los tejidos paratesticulares, especialmente del epidídimo y túnicas testiculares, rara vez del cordón espermático; siendo su diámetro usual de 0.5 cm. El presente es el reporte de un caso de un varón de 30 años quien presentó retención urinaria por compresión de una masa pélvica gigante, lateralizada a la izquierda y que comprimía la vejiga. El urograma excretor y la ecografía localizaron el tumor retroperitonealmente. En la laparatomía se encontró una masa ovoide de aproximadamente 14 cm. de diámetro mayor, de pared blanquesina lisa, renitente, con áreas sólidas que comprimía sigmoide, grandes vasos y desplazaba la vejiga a la derecha. La anatomía patológica correspondio a tumor adenomatoide variedad angiomatoide. Se presenta el caso a propósito de su gran tamaño, su particular localización y lo infrecuente de esta patología.

Teratomas of rare sites: a review of ten cases.

Out of 267 cases of teratomas diagnosed in the department of pathology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab from January 1980 to December 1989, 10 cases occurred in rare sites ie, 3 cases of teratoma in retroperitoneal space, 3 in the floor of the mouth, one each in mediastinum, thyroid, urinary bladder and kidney. None of these cases was clinically suspected as teratoma. One of the 3 teratomas of the retroperitoneal space and that of kidney were solid. Lesions of mediastinum and urinary bladder were solid as well as cystic. All these teratomas showed foci of immature elements. All other tumours were cystic and contained mature tissues only. Teratomas of the thyroid and kidney were treated with subtotal thyroidectomy and nephrectomy respectively, rest had surgical resection. One patient of immature retroperitoneal teratoma was lost to follow-up. All the others are alive and well for the period of 1 to 8 years. None had recurrence.