Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Radiation Therapy: Past and Present / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

The incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) is increasing concomitantly with population aging. Accordingly, interest in radiation therapy (RT) and the frequency of RT are also increasing. The types of RT can be broadly divided into external beam RT (EBRT), brachytherapy (BT), and combination therapy (EBRT+BT). Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after RT for the treatment of PCa are common; however, there are few reviews on the relationship between RT and LUTS. Herein, we review the causes and incidence of LUTS, as well as the evaluation and treatment options. Because of the reported risks of RT, patients undergoing RT should be counseled regarding the challenges of treatment and informed that they may have higher failure rates than nonirradiated patients. Moreover, thorough evaluation and treatment strategies are needed to support treatment recommendations. With a review of the existing literature, this narrative article provides an overview to aid urologists in treating patients presenting with complications associated with RT for the treatment of PCa. Further research is required to provide evidence of the effectiveness and feasibility of the management approach to the care of patients with LUTS after RT for the treatment of PCa.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Radiation Therapy: Past and Present / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

The incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) is increasing concomitantly with population aging. Accordingly, interest in radiation therapy (RT) and the frequency of RT are also increasing. The types of RT can be broadly divided into external beam RT (EBRT), brachytherapy (BT), and combination therapy (EBRT+BT). Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after RT for the treatment of PCa are common; however, there are few reviews on the relationship between RT and LUTS. Herein, we review the causes and incidence of LUTS, as well as the evaluation and treatment options. Because of the reported risks of RT, patients undergoing RT should be counseled regarding the challenges of treatment and informed that they may have higher failure rates than nonirradiated patients. Moreover, thorough evaluation and treatment strategies are needed to support treatment recommendations. With a review of the existing literature, this narrative article provides an overview to aid urologists in treating patients presenting with complications associated with RT for the treatment of PCa. Further research is required to provide evidence of the effectiveness and feasibility of the management approach to the care of patients with LUTS after RT for the treatment of PCa.

Can Prostate-Specific Antigen Kinetics before Prostate Biopsy Predict the Malignant Potential of Prostate Cancer?

PURPOSE: To predict the malignant potential of prostate cancer (PCa) according to prostate-specific antigen velocity (PSAV), PSA density (PSAD), free/total PSA ratio (%fPSA), and digital rectal examination (DRE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2012, 548 adult male patients were diagnosed with PCa by prostate biopsy at four hospitals in Korea. We retrospectively analyzed 155 adult male patients with an initial PSA level or =8 (n=21)] and the presence of extracapsular invasion [organ confined (n=129) or extracapsular invasion (n=26)]. Differences between the groups were compared. RESULTS: The group with a Gleason sum > or =8 or extracapsular invasion of PCa showed high PSAV and significantly lower %fPSA. There were no significant differences in PSAD and the presence of an abnormality on DRE between two groups. CONCLUSION: In PCa patients treated with other therapies besides prostatectomy, a high PSA velocity and a low %fPSA may predict high grade PCa with a Gleason sum > or =8 or the presence of extracapsular invasion.

Prostate Cancer in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Low Grade Gleason Score When Diagnosed on Biopsy

PURPOSE: Studies on the relationship of metabolic syndrome (MS) and prostate cancer are controversial. We evaluated the association between MS and prostate cancer characteristics in patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2003 to May 2011, patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value> or =4 ng/ml or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) result underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MS was diagnosed according to the Adult Treatment Panel III. Clinicopathologic factors including PSA, DRE, prostate volume, age, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar level, and MS were considered for analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-four patients were enrolled (mean age, 68.86+/-8.95 years; mean PSA, 13.97+/-20.42 ng/ml). Seventy-five patients (21.2%) had MS and 90 patients (25.4%) were diagnosed as having prostate cancer, including 27 (30%) with MS and 63 (70%) without MS. Total PSA value and prostate volume were significant predictors for prostate cancer. However, MS and BMI were not significantly related to increased cancer risk. Prostate cancer patients with MS had significantly lower Gleason scores (average, 6.63+/-1.92) than did prostate cancer patients without MS (average, 7.54+/-1.71; p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of MS was associated with a significantly decreased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. A larger, prospective, multicenter investigation is mandatory to clarify the relationship between MS and prostate cancer.

Factors Affecting the Improvement of the Initial Peak Urinary Flow Rate after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate for Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the factors that affect the improvement of the initial peak flow rate after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients by using noninvasive tools. METHODS: One hundred and twenty seven BPH patients who had undergone TURP or PVP between January 2005 and May 2009 were evaluated. They were divided into 2 groups: the postoperative initial peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) was less than 10 mL/sec (Group 1; n=37, TURP=11, PVP=26) and more than 10 mL/sec (Group 2; n=90, TURP=41, PVP=49). We confirmed the patients' preoperative check lists. The check list were the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), the quality of life score, a past history of acute urinary retention (AUR), body mass index and/or pyuria, the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and the prostate volume, the prostate transitional zone volume and prostatic calcification. The initial Qmax was measured at the outpatient clinic one week after discharge. RESULTS: The improvement rate was not significant difference between the TURP group (78.8%) and the PVP group (65.3%). The efficacy parameters were the IPSS-storage symptom score, the prostate volume, the PSA level and a past history of AUR. The IPSS-storage symptom scores of Group 1 (12.3+/-3.3) was higher than those of Group 2 (10.5+/-1.7). The prostate volume of Group 2 (42.3+/-16.6 g) was bigger than that of Group 1 (36.6+/-7.8 g). The PSA level of Group 2 (3.8+/-2.6 ng/mL) was higher than that of Group 1 (2.6+/-2.6 ng/mL). A past history of AUR in Group 1 (35.1%) was more prevalent than that of Group 2 (15.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The non-invasive factors affecting the initial Qmax after TURP or PVP were the IPSS-storage symptom score, the prostate volume and a past history of AUR. Accordingly, in patients who have a higher IPSS-storage symptom score, a smaller prostate volume and a history of AUR, there might be a detrimental effect on the initial Qmax after TURP or PVP. These factors might also be used as long-term prognostic factors.

Efficacy and Safety of Tadalafil 5 mg Administered Once Daily in Korean Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective, Multicenter Study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a daily dose of tadalafil 5 mg as well as its safety for the cardiovascular system in men with erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included a total of 162 men who were administered a daily dose of tadalafil 5 mg between April and December of 2009. A total of 127 men completed the 8-week clinical trial. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured before treatment with tadalafil (V1) and 4 (V2) and 8 weeks (V3) after treatment with tadalafil. Adverse effects were assessed at V1, V2, and V3. In cases in which the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was > or =8 at V1, maximal flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR) were measured. RESULTS: The IIEF-5 values were 11.25+/-3.18, 14.56+/-3.79, and 16.91+/-3.56 at V1, V2, and V3, respectively, with significant improvement (V1 vs. V2, p<0.001; V1 vs. V3, p<0.001). The IPSS values were 10.59+/-5.56, 9.07+/-6.06, and 8.15+/-6.10 at V1, V2, and V3, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (V1 vs. V2, p<0.001; V1 vs. V3, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in blood pressure or heart rate. Adverse effects were observed in 7 men (5.51%) at V2 and in 5 men (3.94%) at V3. CONCLUSIONS: Tadalafil 5 mg administered once-a-day may be effective in improving erectile function. Adverse effects on the cardiovascular system may be minimal. In addition, it is believed that this may also be effective in improving voiding symptoms.

Usefulness of the NMP22BladderChek Test for Screening and Follow-up of Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness of the nuclear matrix protein 22 BladderChek (NMP22BC) test for the screening and follow-up of bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2006 to September 2009, we enrolled 1,070 patients who had hematuria or who were being followed up for bladder cancer. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of the NMP22BC test with those of urine cytology. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the NMP22BC test (77.5%) was significantly higher than that of urine cytology (46.3%). The specificity of the NMP22BC test was 88.8%, compared with 97.9% for urine cytology. The sensitivity of the NMP22BC test (81.8%) in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer was higher than that of cytology (36.4%). However, the sensitivity of the NMP22BC test and of urine cytology in invasive bladder cancer were 57.1% and 92.9%, respectively. The sensitivity of the NMP22BC test was higher for low-grade bladder cancer (83.9%) than for high-grade (62.5%), and the sensitivity of cytology was higher for high-grade bladder cancer (66.7%) than for low-grade (37.5%). Follow-up bladder cancer was detected in 262 patients. The sensitivity of the NMP22BC test in that group (72.7%) was decreased and the specificity (91.7%) was increased. The sensitivity of cytology (54.5%) in the follow-up group was increased and the specificity (95.6%) was decreased. The presence of pyuria was significantly associated with the lower specificity of the NMP22BC test. CONCLUSIONS: The greater sensitivity of the NMP22BC test may be more useful for the diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and low-grade bladder cancer than for the diagnosis of invasive or high-grade bladder cancer. If the NMP22BC test is performed in the absence of pyuria, it may play a compensatory role for urine cytology.

The Effect of Posterior Colporrhaphy Performed Concurrently with Midurethral Sling Surgery on the Sexual Function of Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Some women choose to undergo posterior colporrhaphy (PC) concurrently with procedures for SUI to regain sexual confidence and improve sexual function. We determine the effect of PC on sexual function in women requiring a midurethral sling for SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 119 women were retrospectively reviewed 81 women had the midurethral sling alone (Group A), and 38 women voluntarily had PC concurrently with the midurethral sling (Group B). Sexual function was evaluated using the FSFI before and after surgery. RESULTS: The postoperative composite scores were significantly increased in both groups (Group A: p=0.02; Group B: p=0.04), and significant increases were observed in 'desire,' 'arousal' and 'satisfaction'. However, there were no significant differences in the composite score or six domainscores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: PC performed concurrently with midurethral sling for treatment of SUI does not provide any additional benefits towards improving the sexual function.

Effect of Tamsulosin and Dichlozid on the Expected Treatment of Ureteral Calculi

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of tamsulosin and hydrochlorothiazide (Dichlozid) on the expulsion of ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 132 patients with a single ureteral calculi less than 10 mm in diameter were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n=40) received tamsulosin (0.2 mg/day), group 2 (n=35) received Dichlozid (25 mg/day) and tamsulosin (0.2 mg/day), and group 3 (n=57) was the control. Proximal and distal ureteral stones were evaluated separately. Efficacy was evaluated in terms of the rate and duration of expulsion according to stone size ( or =5 mm) for a maximum period of 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean stone diameters were 4.9+/-1.7 mm (group 1), 4.8+/-1.6 mm (group 2), and 5.3+/-1.8 mm (group 3). The overall expulsion rates were 70%, 74.3%, and 52.6%, respectively, and showed statistical significance. The mean durations of expulsion were 14.7+/-1.6, 12.8+/-1.5, and 18.0+/-2.0 days, respectively, and group 2 showed a significant decrease in the duration. There were no significant differences in the expulsion rate of proximal and distal ureteral stones in any group. Distal ureteral stones in groups 1 and 2 showed a significant reduction in the mean expulsion time ( or =5 mm: 15.0+/-1.4, 13.0+/-0.6, and 17.8+/-0.4 days in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The mean expulsion time for smaller proximal stones (<5 mm) in groups 1 and 2 was reduced significantly (17+/-0.6, 15.2+/-0.8, and 19.3+/-0.6 days in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Medical therapy with tamsulosin is time-saving and effective for treating ureteral calculi. In addition, adjunctive treatment with Dichlozid may reduce the duration of expulsion.

Treatment of Upper and Mid Ureter Stones: Comparison of Semirigid Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy with Holmium: YAG Laser and Shock Wave Lithotripsy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the success rates, complications and cost effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) using a Holmium: YAG laser to establish the more effective treatment for upper and mid ureter stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 83 and 286 patients treated with URS and ESWL, respectively, for upper and mid ureter stones. URS was performed with a 7.5Fr semi-rigid ureterorenoscope and Holmium: YAG laser. ESWL was performed with Stonelith V.5 (PCK, Turkey). The stone sizes, success rates, postoperative complications and cost effectiveness were analyzed for each group. RESULTS: The overall success rates of the URS and ESWL were 97.6 and 82.5%, respectively. Success rates of URS were 98.4 and 95.2% when the stones were smaller and larger than 10mm, respectively. In the ESWL group, the success rates after the third session were 86.3 and 65.4% with stones smaller and larger than 10mm, respectively. The complication rates associated with URS and ESWL were 6 and 4.2%, respectively. The average cost of URS was lower than that of ESWL. CONCLISIONS: In our study, URS with Holmium: YAG laser was more efficacious than ESWL. Considering both the success rate and cost effectiveness, URS should remain the recommended first-line treatment for upper and mid ureter stones.