Outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare biochemical recurrence, sexual potency and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy). Material and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines were performed. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed. Biochemical recurrence at three and five years; incontinence rate (patients who used one pad or more) and erectile dysfunction rate at 12 and 36 months (patients who did not have sufficient erection to achieve sexual intercourse) were evaluated. The Mantel-Haenszel method was applied to estimate the pooled risk difference (RD) in the individual studies for categorical variables. All results were presented as 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Random effects models were used regardless of the level of heterogeneity (I²). (PROSPERO CRD42022296998). Results: Eight studies comprising 2,677 men with prostate cancer were included. There was no difference in biochemical recurrence between ablative and radical treatments. We observed the same biochemical recurrence between ablative therapy and radical treatment within five years (19.3% vs. 16.8%, respectively; RD 0.07; 95%CI=-0.05, 0.19; I2=68.2%; P=0.08) and continence rate at 12 months (9.2% vs. 31.8%, respectively; RD −0.13; 95%CI, −0.27, 0.01; I2=89%; P=0.32). When focal treatment was analyzed alone, two studies with 582 patients found higher erectile function at 12 months in the ablative therapy group than in the radical treatment (88.9% vs. 30.8%, respectively; RD −0.45; 95%CI −0.84, −0.05; I2=93%; P=0.03). Conclusion: Biochemical recurrence and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment were similar. Ablative therapy appears to have a high rate of sexual potency.

Less qualitative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer can underestimate extraprostatic extension in higher grade tumors

ABSTRACT Background: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is increasingly used for risk stratification and preoperative staging of prostate cancer. It remains unclear how Grade Group (GG) interacts with the ability of mpMRI to determine the presence of extraprostatic extension (EPE) on surgical pathology. Methods: A retrospective review of a robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) database from 2016-2020 was performed. Radiology mpMRI reports by multiple attending radiologists and without clear standardization or quality control were retrospectively assessed for EPE findings and compared with surgical pathology reports. The data were stratified by biopsy-based GG and a multivariable cluster analysis was performed to incorporate additional preoperative variables (age at diagnosis, PSA, etc.). Hazard ratios were calculated to determine how mpMRI findings and radiographic EPE relate to positive surgical margins. Results: Two hundred and eighty nine patients underwent at least one mpMRI prior to RALP. Preoperative mpMRI demonstrated sensitivity of 39.3% and specificity of 88.8% for pathological EPE and had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 49.5%, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 84.0%. Stratification of NPV by GG yielded the following values: GG 1-5 (49.5%), GG 3-5 (40.8%), GG 4-5 (43.4%), and GG 5 (30.4%). Additionally, positive EPE on preoperative mpMRI was associated with a significantly decreased risk of positive surgical margins (RR: 0.655; 95% CI: 0.557-0.771). Conclusions: NPV of prostate mpMRI for EPE may be decreased for higher grade tumors. A detailed reference reading and image quality optimization may improve performance. However, urologists should exercise caution in nerve sparing approaches in these patients.

Antibiotics prophylaxis at the time of catheter removal after radical prostatectomy: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

Purpose: To conduct a systematic literature review with meta-analysis to identify whether antibiotic prophylaxis after removal of the indwelling urinary catheter reduces posterior infections. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in the databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, using the keywords "antibiotics" AND "prostatectomy" AND "urinary catheter." Results: Three articles were identified having the scope of our review, with 1,040 patients, which were subjected to our meta-analysis revealing a marginally significant decrease in the risk of urinary infection after indwelling urinary catheter removal (odds ratio-OR = 0.51; 95% confidence interval-95%CI 0.27-0.98; p = 0.04; I2 = 0%). No difference was found regarding the presence of bacteriuria (OR = 0.39; 95%CI 0.12-1.24; p = 0.11; I2 = 73%). Conclusions: In our meta-analysis, there was a significant decrease in urinary tract infection with antibiotic prophylaxis after indwelling urinary catheter removal following radical prostatectomy.

"Single-Surgeon" versus "Dual-Surgeon" Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph-nodes Dissection: Comparative Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with pelvic lymph-nodes dissection (PLND) when the same surgeon performs RARP and PLND versus one surgeon performs RARP and another surgeon performs PLND. Materials and Methods: From January 2022 to March 2023, data of consecutive patients who underwent RARP with PLND were prospectively collected. The surgeries were performed by two "young" surgeons with detailed profile. Specifically for the study purpose, one surgeon performed RARP, and the other surgeon performed PLND. A set of surgeries performed according to the standard setup (i.e., the same surgeon performing both RARP and PLND) was retrieved from the institutional database and used as comparator arm. To test the study hypothesis, patients were divided into two groups: "dual-surgeon" versus "single-surgeon". Results: Fifty patients underwent RARP and PLND performed according to dual-surgeon setup and were compared to the last 50 procedures performed according to the standard single-surgeon setup. Patients in the groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Dual-surgeon interventions had significantly shorter median total operative (194 [IQR 178-215] versus 174 [IQR 146-195] minutes, p<0.001) and console time (173 [IQR 158-194] versus 154 [IQR 129-170] minutes, p<0.001). No significant differences were found in terms of blood loss, intraoperative complications, postoperative outcomes, and final pathology results. Conclusions: The present analysis found that when RARP and PLND are split onto two surgeons, the operative time is shorter by 20 minutes compared to when a single surgeon performs RARP and PLND. This is an interesting finding that could sponsor further studies.

Outcomes of Salvage Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in the last decade: systematic review and perspectives of referral centers

ABSTRACT Purpose: Salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (S-RARP) has gained prominence in recent years for treating patients with cancer recurrence following non-surgical treatments of Prostate Cancer. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the role and outcomes of S-RARP over the past decade. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted, encompassing articles published between January 1st, 2013, and June 1st, 2023, on S-RARP outcomes. Articles were screened according to PRISMA guidelines, resulting in 33 selected studies. Data were extracted, including patient demographics, operative times, complications, functional outcomes, and oncological outcomes. Results: Among 1,630 patients from 33 studies, radiotherapy was the most common primary treatment (42%). Operative times ranged from 110 to 303 minutes, with estimated blood loss between 50 to 745 mL. Intraoperative complications occurred in 0 to 9% of cases, while postoperative complications ranged from 0 to 90% (Clavien 1-5). Continence rates varied (from 0 to 100%), and potency rates ranged from 0 to 66.7%. Positive surgical margins were reported up to 65.6%, and biochemical recurrence ranged from 0 to 57%. Conclusion: Salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with cancer recurrence after previous prostate cancer treatment is safe and feasible. The literature is based on retrospective studies with inherent limitations describing low rates of intraoperative complications and small blood loss. However, potency and continence rates are largely reduced compared to the primary RARP series, despite the type of the primary treatment. Better-designed studies to assess the long-term outcomes and individually specify each primary therapy impact on the salvage treatment are still needed. Future articles should be more specific and provide more details regarding the previous therapies and S-RARP surgical techniques.

En bloc enucleation of the prostate with early apical release using a high-power (200 W) thulium device: studying a learning curve

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reveal the learning curve of early apical release en bloc laser prostatectomy using a high-power thulium (200 W) laser device. METHODS: We obtained data on the initial 60 patients who had thulium laser enucleation of the prostate by a single surgeon between October 2021 and August 2022 to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia at our clinic. The cases were split into three groups, each consisting of 20 patients. Prostate volumes, prostate-specific antigen and hemoglobin levels, the International Prostate Symptom Score, Quality of Life scores, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores, and uroflowmetry parameters were documented preoperatively. The enucleation weight, the enucleation and morcellation times, as well as the efficiency, hospitalization, and catheterization durations were calculated. The patients were re-evaluated at 6 months postoperatively, examined for functional results, and compared to baseline conditions. RESULTS: Enucleation times, morcellation times, enucleation weight, and enucleation efficiency were significantly different among the groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference in total operative time and morcellation efficiency. In terms of postoperative statistics, the reduction in hemoglobin was significantly greater in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Six months after surgery, all groups had comparable validated ratings (International Prostate Symptom Score, Quality of Life, and the International Index of Erectile Function-5) on postoperative examinations. There were no long-term complications in either group throughout the perioperative period. CONCLUSION: Completing 40 first cases would be sufficient for managing the learning curve for early apical release en bloc thulium laser enucleation of the prostate.

Controversias en radioterapia adyuvante en cáncer de próstata localizado

La elección del momento más adecuado para realizar radioterapia en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata es controversial ya que puede ser realizada inmediatamente posterior a la prostatectomía o como tratamiento de rescate ante una recaída. En este artículo, se realiza una búsqueda del tema, se seleccionan los ensayos clínicos con mayor evidencia y se analizan los resultados. Si bien existe beneficio en la radioterapia adyuvante, este resultado no se encuentra en todos los pacientes y sí se asocia a mayor toxicidad genitourinaria tardía, por lo tanto, la clave está en la selección del tratamiento según el paciente específico.

The choice of the most appropriate time to perform radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer is controversial since it can be performed immediately after prostatectomy or as rescue treatment in case of relapse. In this article, a search for the topic is carried out, the clinical trials with the greatest evidence are selected and the results are analyzed. Although there is benefit in adjuvant radiotherapy, this result is not found in all patients and it is associated with greater late genitoutinary toxicity, therefore, the key is in the selection of treatment according to the specific patient.

Prostatectomía radical citorreductora comparado a no realizar tratamiento local en pacientes con cáncer de próstata metastásico / Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy versus no local treatment in patients with metastatic prostate cancer

Introducción El cáncer de próstata es uno de los cánceres más frecuentes en Chile, con 8157 nuevos casos en 2020. A nivel mundial, 5 a 10% de los hombres presentan metástasis al diagnóstico, y la terapia de deprivación androgénica con o sin quimioterapia es el estándar de cuidado para estos pacientes. El uso de tratamiento local en este contexto tiene una recomendación formal debido a la falta de evi-dencia de alta calidad. Algunos estudios retrospectivos han intentado dilucidar el beneficio de la cirugía sobre el tumor primario en el contexto de la enfermedad metastásica, ya que se ha demostrado que es un tratamiento local eficaz para otras neoplasias metastá-sicas. A pesar de estos esfuerzos, el beneficio de la prostatectomía radical citorreductora como tratamiento local en estos pacientes sigue sin estar claro. Métodos Se realizó una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, que se mantiene mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE y Cochrane, entre otras. Se extrajeron los datos de las revisiones sistemáticas, se volvieron a analizar los datos de los estudios primarios, se realizó un metanálisis y se generó una tabla de resumen de resultados utilizando el enfoque GRADE. Resultados y conclusiones Se identificaron 12 revisiones sistemáticas, que incluían siete estudios primarios en total, ninguno de los cuales era un ensayo alea-torizado controlado. Sólo seis de esos siete estudios primarios se utilizaron en el resumen de resultados. A pesar de la falta de evi-dencia de alta calidad, los resultados de este resumen muestran los beneficios de realizar la cirugía en el tumor primario en términos de mortalidad por cualquier causas, mortalidad específica por cáncer y progresión de la enfermedad. También se observó un bene-ficio potencial en las complicaciones locales relacionadas con la progresión del tumor primario, lo que apoya la realización de esta intervención en pacientes con enfermedad metastásica. La ausencia de recomendaciones formales subraya la necesidad de evaluar los beneficios de la cirugía caso por caso, presentando la evidencia disponibles a los pacientes para un proceso de toma de decisiones compartido, teniendo en cuenta las futuras complicaciones locales que podrían ser difíciles de manejar.

Introduction Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in Chile, with 8157 new cases in 2020. Worldwide, 5 to 10% of men have metastatic disease at diagnosis, and androgen deprivation therapy with or without chemotherapy is the standard of care for these patients. The use of local treatment in this setting has no formal recommendation due to the lack of high- quality evidence. Some retrospective studies have sought to elucidate the benefit of surgery on the primary tumor in the setting of metastatic disease since it has been proven to be an effective local treatment for other metastatic malignant diseases. Despite these efforts, the benefit of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy as local treatment in these patients remains unclear. Methods We searched Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is main-tained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from systematic reviews, reanalyzed data from primary studies, conducted a meta- analysis, and generated a summary results table using the GRADE approach. Results and conclusions We identified 12 systematic reviews, including seven studies in total, none of which was a trial. Only six of those seven primary studies were used in the results summary. Despite the lack of high- quality evidence, the results summary shows the benefits of performing surgery on the primary tumor in terms of all- cause mortality, cancer- specific mortality, and disease progression. There was also a potential benefit in local complications related to the progression of the prima-ry tumor, supporting the implementation of this intervention in patients with metastatic disease. The absence of formal recommendations highlights the need to evaluate the benefits of surgery on a case- by- case basis, presenting the available evidence to patients for a shared decision- making process and considering future local complications that could be difficult to manage.

Implementation and outcomes of HugoTM RAS System in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Background The results and benefits of Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) are already established in the literature. However, new robotic platforms have been released recently in the market and their outcomes are still unknown. In this scenario, our objective is to describe our experience implementing the HugoTM RAS robot and report the clinical data of patients who underwent Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy. Material and Methods We retrospectively analyzed fifteen consecutive patients who underwent RARP with HugoTM RAS System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) from June to October 2021. The patients underwent transperitoneal RARP on lithotomy position, using six trocars (4 robotic trocars and 2 for the assistant). We reported the clinical feasibility and safety of this platform, assessing perioperative data, including complications and early outcomes. Continuous variables were reported as median and interquartile ranges, categorical variables as frequencies and proportions. Results and Limitations All procedures were safe and feasible with no major complications or conversion. Median operative time was 235 minutes (213-271), and median estimated blood loss was 300ml (100-310). Positive surgical margins were reported in 5 patients (33%). The median hospitalization time was 2 days (2-2), and the median time to remove the foley was 7 days (7-7). On the first appointment four weeks after surgery, all patients had undetectable PSA values, and 61% were continent. Conclusions We described preliminary results with safe and feasible procedures performed with HugoTM RAS System robotic platform. The surgeries were successfully executed with acceptable perioperative outcomes, without conversions or major complications. However, as this technology is very recent, further studies with a long-term follow-up are awaited to access postoperative functional and oncological outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on prostate cancer outcomes at an uro-oncology referral center

ABSTRACT Introduction To evaluate the possible effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the oncologic results of patients with prostate cancer regarding clinical staging, presence of adverse pathological outcomes, and perioperative complications. Materials and methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. The time between biopsy and surgery, staging tests, final histopathological evaluation after surgery, lymphadenectomy rate, postoperative complications, and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels (initial and 30 days after surgery) were analyzed and compared in a group of patients before and during the pandemic period. Results We included 226 patients: 88 in the pre-pandemic period and 138 during the pandemic period. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age, body mass index, ASA, pathological locally advanced disease, the proportion of patients who underwent lymphadenectomy, and ISUP grade in the biopsy between the groups. Positive surgical margins, prostatic extracapsular extension, and PSA levels at 30 days were also similar between the groups. The mean time between medical consultation and surgery was longer in the pandemic period than in the pre-pandemic (124 vs. 107 days, p<0.001), and the mean time between biopsy and medical consultation (69.5 days vs. 114 days, p<0.001) and between biopsy and surgery (198.5 days vs. 228 days, p=0.013) was shorter during the pandemic. The incidence of severe early and late perioperative complications was similar between the periods. Conclusions There was no delay between diagnosis and treatment at our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic period. No worsening of the prostate cancer features was observed.

Comparing the outcomes of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy in black and white men: Experience of a high-volume center

ABSTRACT Background: Global cancer incidence ranks Prostate Cancer (CaP) as the second highest overall, with Africa and the Caribbean having the highest mortality. Previous literature suggests disparities in CaP outcomes according to ethnicity, specifically functional and oncological are suboptimal in black men. However, recent data shows black men achieve post radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes equivalent to white men in a universally insured system. Our objective is to compare outcomes of patients who self-identified their ethnicity as black or white undergoing RP at our institution. Materials and methods: From 2008 to 2017, 396 black and 4929 white patients underwent primary robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Exclusion criteria were concomitant surgery and cancer status not available. A propensity score (PS) match was performed with a 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratio without replacement. Primary endpoints were potency, continence recovery, biochemical recurrence (BCR), positive surgical margins (PSM), and post-operative complications. Results: After PS 1:1 matching, 341 black vs. 341 white men with a median follow-up of approximately 8 years were analyzed. The overall potency and continence recovery at 12 months was 52% vs 58% (p=0.3) and 82% vs 89% (p=0.3), respectively. PSM rates was 13.4 % vs 14.4% (p = 0.75). Biochemical recurrence and persistence PSA was 13.8% vs 14.1% and 4.4% vs 3.2% respectively (p=0.75). Clavien-Dindo complications (p=0.4) and 30-day readmission rates (p=0.5) were similar. Conclusion: In our study, comparing two ethnic groups with similar preoperative characteristics and full access to screening and treatment showed compatible RARP results. We could not demonstrate outcomes superiority in one group over the other. However, this data adds to the growing body of evidence that the racial disparity gap in prostate cancer outcomes can be narrowed if patients have appropriate access to prostate cancer management. It also could be used in counseling surgeons and patients on the surgical intervention and prognosis of prostate cancer in patients with full access to gold-standard screening and treatment.

Incidencia de la disfunción sexual eréctil asociada a la prostatectomía radical abierta y laparoscópica

Introducción: la dificultad o imposibilidad de lograr una actividad sexual satisfactoria a pesar de estar presentes las condiciones adecuadas para su desarrollo exitoso, se conoce como disfunción sexual. Si la dificultad consiste en alcanzar y mantener la erección necesaria para una penetración se produce una disfunción eréctil. Objetivo: describir la disfunción eréctil en los pacientes con cáncer de próstata sometidos a prostatectomía radical por vía abierta vs. laparoscópica, en el Hospital Universitario Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas, entre enero de 2010 y enero de 2020. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal retrospectivo en los 40 pacientes que acudieron a la Consulta Provincial de Cáncer de Próstata y les fue realizado cirugía radical, entre enero de 2010 y enero de 2020. Resultados: el 52,5 % de los pacientes tienen un promedio de edad entre 65 y 74 años. Un índice de comorbilidad de Charlson de 3 a 5 puntos predominó en un 75 % de la muestra. En la vía laparoscópica, todos los casos presentaron disfunción eréctil, siendo severa en el 50 % de ellos. El 22,5 % del total no la tuvieron, representando un 30 % de los operados por cirugía abierta. Conclusiones: la prostatectomía radical continúa siendo considerada uno de los tratamientos de elección del cáncer de próstata órgano-confinado. La causa principal de la presencia de disfunción eréctil se atribuye al procedimiento quirúrgico; la edad avanzada puede contribuir a empeorar el pronóstico y las enfermedades coadyuvantes. Son heterogéneos los resultados en la esfera sexual de la prostatectomía radical laparoscópica y la prostatectomía radical abierta, comparados con la bibliografía internacional.

Introduction: the difficulty or impossibility of achieving a successful sexual activity despite being present the adequate conditions for its successful development is known as sexual dysfunction. If the difficulty consists in reaching and maintaining the erection necessary for a penetration, erectile dysfunction occurs. Objective: to describe the erectile dysfunction in patients with prostate cancer undergoing open vs. laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, in the Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez University Hospital, of Matanzas, between January 2010 and January 2020. Materials and methods: a longitudinal retrospective study was carried out in the 40 patients who attended Prostate Cancer Provincial Consultation and underwent radical surgery between January 2010 and January 2020. Results: 52.5% of the patients were aged between 65 and 74 on average. A Charlson comorbidity index of 3 to 5 points prevailed in 75% of the sample. In the laparoscopic pathway all the cases presented erectile dysfunction, being severe in 50% of them. 22.5% of the total did not have it, representing 30% of those operated by open surgery. Conclusions: radical prostatectomy continues to be considered one of the treatments of choice for organ-confined prostate cancer. The main cause of the presence of erectile dysfunction is attributed to the surgical procedure; advanced age can contribute to a worse prognosis and adjuvant diseases. The results in the sexual sphere of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and open radical prostatectomy are heterogeneous compared with the international bibliography.

Propensity-matched analysis comparing the peri- and post-operative outcomes of side-docking versus standard lithotomy docking for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Introduction@#Limited access to the perineum and limited operating room space are just some of the limitations of the standard lithotomy docking for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP-LD). The side-docking technique (RARP-SD) may address these problems.@*Methods@#Thirty cases of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy were matched to 120 cases of RARP-LD cases by propensity scoring using age, body mass index (BMI), clinical T stage, biopsy Gleason score, and ultrasound prostate volume. Operative and docking time, complications were used to compare peri-operative and safety outcomes.@*Results@#Evaluation of 30 RARP-LD and 30 RARP-SD cases was done after propensity matching. Patient age, BMI, clinical T stage, biopsy Gleason score, and prostate volume were similar between the two groups (p>0.050). The mean docking time of RARP-SD is shorter than that of RARP-LD cases (7.56 vs. 4.12, p <0.001), but this did not translate to a shorter operative time. There were less peri-operative complications in the RARP-SD cases.@*Conclusions@#RARP-SD has a docking time and produces less complication than RARP-LD.

Clinical observation on electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" on moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical therapeutic effect between electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" and transurethral Erbium laser in treatment of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.@*METHODS@#A total of 68 patients of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy were divided into an electroacupuncture group (34 cases) and an Erbium laser group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped off) according to the settings. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at "four points of sacral region", i.e. points of 0.5 cun beside bilateral sacrococcygeal joints and bilateral Huiyang (BL 35), with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 60 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week, 12 times as one course of treatment. In the Erbium laser group, transurethral Erbium laser technology was given, once every 4 weeks as one course of treatment. Both groups were treated for 5 courses. The scores of the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICI-Q-SF) and the incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL) were observed before treatment, after each course of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, respectively, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, the ICI-Q-SF scores were decreased while the I-QOL scores were increased after 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1, 2 months of treatment completion in the two groups (P<0.01). The ICI-Q-SF score in follow-up after 2 months of treatment completion were higher than that after 5 courses of treatment in the Erbium laser group (P<0.05). After 3, 4, 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, the ICI-Q-SF scores in the electroacupuncture group were lower than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.05, P<0.01); after 2, 3, 4, 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, the I-QOL scores in the electroacupuncture group were higher than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01). The change ranges of ICI-Q-SF score and I-QOL score between before treatment and after each course of treatment in the electroacupuncture group were lager than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate was 61.8% (21/34) in the electroacupuncture group, which was superior to 19.4 (6/31) in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Both electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" and transurethral Erbium laser can improve the clinical symptoms and the quality of life in patients of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. The short-term efficacy and long-term efficacy of electroacupuncture are superior to the Erbium laser technology.

Value of 18F-PSMA-3Q PET/CT in prostate cancer patients with low prostate specific antigen level after radical prostatectomy / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of 18F-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-3Q PET/CT imaging in prostate cancer patients with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) less than 1.00 μg/L after radical prostatectomy. Methods:From May 2021 to August 2022, 18F-PSMA-3Q PET/CT images and clinical data of 58 patients with prostate cancer (age 52-82 years) after radical prostatectomy with PSA less than 1.00 μg/L in Chinese PLA General Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. According to the level of PSA, patients were divided into three groups (0-0.19 μg/L group, 0.20-0.49 μg/L group, and 0.50-0.99 μg/L group). 18F-PSMA-3Q PET/CT images were analyzed according to the standardized evaluation criteria of molecular imaging, and lesions with the scores of molecular imaging PSMA (miPSMA)≥1 were defined as recurrent or metastatic lesions. The detection rates of 18F-PSMA-3Q PET/CT for patients in different PSA level groups were compared ( χ2 test). The PSA levels of patients with positive and negative scans were compared by using independent-sample t test. Results:Of the 58 patients, 36(62.1%, 36/58) patients and 85 lesions were found by 18F-PSMA-3Q PET/CT. There was 91.7%(33/36) with oligofocal lesions (1≤number of foci≤3) and 8.3%(3/36) with multiple lesions (number of foci>3). According to the location, 5.2%(3/58) of the recurrent lesions were found in the prostatic bed, 39.7%(23/58) in the bone lesions, 37.9%(22/58) in the pelvic lymph nodes, 12.0%(7/58) in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes and 5.2%(3/58) in the left clavicular lymph node metastases. There were 15 cases in 0-0.19 μg/L group, 22 cases in 0.20-0.49 μg/L group, and 21 cases in 0.50-0.99 μg/L group. The detection rates of 18F-PSMA-3Q PET/CT in the above groups were 5/15, 59.1%(13/22) and 85.7%(18/21), respectively ( χ2=10.33, P=0.006). There was significant difference in PSA level between patients with positive ( n=36) and negative ( n=22) 18F-PSMA-3Q PET/CT scans ((0.48±0.28) vs (0.28±0.25) μg/L; t=2.67, P=0.010). Conclusions:18F-PSMA-3Q PET/CT can be used to detect the recurrence or metastasis in prostate cancer patients with PSA level lower than 1.00 μg/L after radical prostatectomy. In this kind of patients, the common sites of lesions are bone, pelvic lymph nodes, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, left clavicular lymph nodes and prostatic bed, and oligofocal patients are more common.

Radical therapy with or without chemotherapy in highly malignant non-metastatic prostate cancer: interim analysis of a prospective non-randomized controlled study / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of standard treatment with or without adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with highly malignant non-metastatic prostate cancer.Methods:In this prospective non-randomized controlled study, consecutive non-metastatic prostate cancer patients with pathologically proven Gleason score of 9-10 or Gleason score of 5 admitted to Peking University First Hospital were enrolled. Four to six cycles of chemotherapy using docetaxel ± carboplatin regimen were added or not after standard radical therapy. The primary end point was 5-year event-free survival (EFS), and the secondary end points were distant metastasis-free survival (MFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method. The differences between two groups were analyzed by log-rank test.Results:A total of 176 patients were consecutively enrolled from November 2019 to January 2022 of which 138 patients received only standard radical therapy (control group), and 38 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy after standard radical therapy (chemotherapy group). The median follow-up time was 13.4 (2.0-34.0) months. All patients survived. The 30-month EFS rates in the chemotherapy and control groups were 100% and 85.6%, respectively ( P=0.064). There were no events in the chemotherapy group, while there were 12 cases of events in the control group, including 6 cases of biochemical recurrence and 6 cases of imaging progression. The 30-month MFS rates in two groups were 100% and 91.9%, respectively ( P=0.205). After the 1 vs. 2 propensity score matching, the EFS and MFS rates in two groups were 100% vs. 85.7% ( P=0.056), and 100% vs. 92.2% ( P=0.209), respectively. The incidence rates of grade 2 and above urinary toxicity in the chemotherapy and control groups were 2.6% and 7.2% ( P=0.354), respectively. The incidence rates of grade 2 and above rectal toxicity were 5.3% and 5.1% ( P=0.711), respectively. Grade 3 and above chemotherapy-related toxicity in the chemotherapy group were leukopenia (31.6%), thrombocytopenia (2.6%) and alopecia (13.2%). Conclusion:The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy after standard radical therapy tends to improve the overall EFS of patients with highly malignant prostate cancer, and the adverse effects are tolerable, which should be confirmed by long-term follow-up results.

Efficacy of modified anterior robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with preservation of Retzius space in 10 cases / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the safety, feasibility and clinical efficacy of modified anterior robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) with preservation of Retzius space. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 10 patients who underwent RALRP using the modified anterior approach to preserve the Retzius space in our hospital during June 2021 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including the preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up data. 【Results】 All operations were successful without conversion to open surgery. The average operation time (robotic arm operation time) was (98.6±47.7) min, blood loss (105.0±57.3) mL, postoperative drainage tube indwelling time (5.3±1.3) d, postoperative urinary catheter indwelling time (7.2±0.8) d, and postoperative hospital stay (9.2±2.2) d. Urinary continence was achieved immediately after removal of the urinary catheter in 6 patients, 2 patients recovered 2 weeks after extubation, and 2 patients recovered 3 months after extubation. Postoperative pathology showed pT2a stage in 1 case, pT2b stage in 2 cases, and pT2c stage in 7 cases; Gleason score was 6-7 points; all postoperative resection margins were negative. During the follow-up of 3-12 months, no tumor recurrence was observed, and no patient was readmitted due to surgical complications. 【Conclusion】 RALRP with modified anterior approach to preserve the Retzius space is safe and feasible, with no serious complications during and after surgery, and the early postoperative urinary continence effect is comparable to that of the posterior approach.

Transvesical robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a report of 13 cases / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To share the technical key points and experience of transvesical robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (TvRARP). 【Methods】 The clinical data of 13 patients with prostate cancer (PCa) receiving TvRARP during Nov.2021 and May 2022 were collected. The operation time, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rate, catheter removal time, postoperative length of hospital stay, immediate urinary continence rate, postoperative IIEF-5 score and perioperative complications were evaluated. 【Results】 The operation time was (142±39) min, estimated intraoperative blood loss was (76±40) mL, and no transfusion was needed. The median postoperative IIEF-5 score was 16 (12-22), hospital stay 3 (2-5)days, and catheter removal time 7(5-14)days. Of all 13 patients, 12(92.3%) achieved immediate urinary continence at the removal of catheter. There were no postoperative complications of Clavien Ⅲ and above. Clavien Ⅰ-Ⅱ complications were observed in 4 patients (30.8%). 【Conclusion】 TvRARP is feasible and safe for selected patients with clinically localized PCa, which can ensure promising postoperative urinary continence and preserve erectile functional.

Research progress of urethral sling in the treatment of male urinary incontinence after prostatectomy / 现代泌尿外科杂志

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following prostatectomy is an important and common problem in male, which can significantly reduce the quality of life. Urethral sling is a promising treatment for male SUI. It is easy to operate and can avoid the insertion of prosthesis, making it highly acceptable to patients. In recent years, with the advancement of technology, several kinds of slings have been put into clinical application and have achieved great outcomes. This article reviews the application of urethral sling in the treatment of SUI after prostatectomy.

Adjustable "paper clip" techniques suturing the dorsal vein complex in radical prostatectomy / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy of the adjustable "paper clip" techniques in the suture of dorsal vein complex (DVC) and retention of urethral function in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP). 【Methods】 A total of 30 cases of prostate cancer treated with RALRP were enrolled, all of which used the adjustable "paper clip" techniques. During operation, the DVC was sewed with barbed suture, and then a reverse suture was made through two sides of the prostatic ligaments. A Hem-o-lock was used to fasten the suture, which would be flexible to control the degree of tightness for the ligature. Perioperative and follow-up data of urinary continence and symptoms were collected and analyzed. 【Results】 All operations were successful. The estimated blood loss was (123.3±80.7) mL, 53.6% patients recovered continence in 1 month, and the continence rate increased to 92.9% and 96.3% at month 3 and 6. 92.9 of patients had no risk of incontinence 3 months after surgery. 【Conclusion】 The adjustable "paper clip" techniques have advantages in reducing blood loss, maintaining clear surgical field, preserving urethral function, and improving urinary continence.