Should obesity be associated with worse urinary continence outcomes after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy? a propensity score matching analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the association between obesity and urinary incontinence rate in men submitted to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in a high-volume cancer center. Materials and Methods: We reported 1.077 men who underwent RARP as the primary treatment for localized prostate cancer from 2013 to 2017. Patients were classified as non-obese (normal BMI or overweight) or obese men (BMI ≥30kg/m2). They were grouped according to the age, PSA level, D'Amico risk group, Gleason score, ASA classification, pathological stage, prostate volume, salvage/adjuvant radiotherapy, perioperative complications, and follow-up time. Urinary continence was defined as the use of no pads. For the analysis of long-term urinary continence recovery, we conducted a 1:1 propensity-score matching to control confounders. Results: Among the obese patients, mean BMI was 32.8kg/m2, ranging 30 - 45.7kg/m2. Only 2% was morbidly obese. Obese presented more comorbidities and larger prostates. Median follow-up time was 15 months for the obese. Complications classified as Clavien ≥3 were reported in 5.6% of the obese and in 4.4% of the non-obese men (p=0.423). Median time for continence recovery was 4 months in both groups. In this analysis, HR was 0.989 for urinary continence recovery in obese (95%CI=0.789 - 1.240; p=0.927). Conclusions: Obese can safely undergo RARP with similar continence outcomes comparing to the non-obese men when performed by surgeons with a standardized operative technique. Future studies should perform a subgroup analysis regarding the association of obesity with other comorbidities, intending to optimize patient counseling.

Prostate Cancer Screening in Brazil: a single center experience in the public health system

ABSTRACT Purpose: Incidence and mortality of prostate cancer (PCa) are still increasing in developing countries. Limited access to the health system or more aggressive disease are potential reasons for this. Ethnic and social differences in developed countries seem to make inappropriate to extrapolate data from other centers. We aim to report the epidemiological profile of a PSA-screened population from a cancer center in Brazil. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively selected 9.692 men enrolled in a PCa prevention program, comprising total PSA level and digital rectal examination at the first appointment, associated with complementary tests when necessary. Men aged over 40 years-old were included after shared decision-making process. Prostate biopsy (TRUS) was performed when clinically suspected for PCa. After the diagnosis, patients underwent appropriate treatment. Results: TRUS was performed in 5.5% of men and PCa incidence was 2.6%. Overall ratio between number of patients who needed to be screened in order to diagnose one cancer was 38.9 patients, with 2.1 biopsies performed to diagnose a cancer. Positive predictive value (PPV) of TRUS biopsy in this strategy was 47.2%, varying from 38.5% (<50 years-old) to 60% (>80 years-old). We evidenced 70 patients (27.9%) classified as low risk tumors, 74 (29.5%) as intermediate risk, and 107 (42.6%) as high-risk disease. Conclusions: PSA-screening remains controversial in literature. In front of a huge miscegenated people and considering the big proportion of high-risk PCa, even in young men diagnosed with the disease, it is imperative to inform patients and health providers about these data particularities in Brazil.

Aplicativos de celular na prevenção do comportamento suicida / Mobile applications in the prevention of suicidal behavior / Aplicaciones de celular en la prevención del comportamiento suicida

OBJETIVO: identificar aplicativos de celulares utilizados na prevenção e/ou apoio à pessoa com comportamento suicida publicados em produções científicas internacionais e suas funcionalidades. MÉTODO: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura que seguiu o método de Ganong. Foi realizada uma adaptação de método em que foram incluídos critérios de inclusão e exclusão para os aplicativos de celular encontrados nas produções. Foram selecionados os aplicativos e os mesmos foram analisados individualmente para serem mapeadas as suas funcionalidades. RESULTADOS: foram estudados sete aplicativos encontrados a partir da revisão de literatura. Foram mapeadas 71 funcionalidades. Pode-se avaliar que ainda não existem métodos específicos e protocolos para o desenvolvimento de aplicativos para a prevenção do comportamento suicida. CONCLUSÃO: foi possível conhecer quais os aplicativos existentes que contribuem na prevenção do comportamento suicida, bem como suas principais funcionalidades. Vê-se a necessidade de que estudos sejam feitos para avaliar o impacto desses aplicativos na prevenção do comportamento suicida, possibilitando o desenvolvimento de pesquisas e dispositivos que previnam o comportamento suicida no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: to identify cell phone applications used in the prevention and/or support of suicidal behavior published in international scientific productions and their functionalities. METHOD: this is an integrative review of the literature that followed the Ganong method. An adaptation of the method was made in which inclusion and exclusion criteria were included for the cellular applications found in the productions. The applications were selected and analyzed individually to map their functionalities. RESULTS: seven applications found from the literature review were studied. 71 functionalities were mapped. It can be evaluated that there are still no specific methods and protocols for the development of applications for the prevention of suicidal behavior. CONCLUSION: it was possible to know which existing applications contribute to the prevention of suicidal behavior, as well as their main functionalities. It is necessary that studies are done to evaluate the impact of these applications in the prevention of suicidal behavior, enabling the development of research and devices that prevent suicidal behavior in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: identificar aplicaciones de celulares utilizados en la prevención y/o apoyo a la persona con comportamiento suicida publicados en producciones científicas internacionales y sus funcionalidades. MÉTODO: se trata de una revisión integrativa de la literatura que siguió el método de Ganong. Se realizó una adaptación de método donde se incluyeron criterios de inclusión y exclusión para las aplicaciones de celular encontradas en las producciones. Se seleccionaron las aplicaciones y los mismos fueron analizados individualmente para asignar sus características. RESULTADOS: se estudiaron 7 aplicaciones encontradas a partir de la revisión de literatura. Se asignaron 71 funcionalidades. Se puede evaluar que aún no existen métodos específicos y protocolos para el desarrollo de aplicaciones para la prevención del comportamiento suicida. CONCLUSIÓN: fue posible conocer cuáles las aplicaciones existentes que contribuyen en la prevención del comportamiento suicida, así como sus principales funcionalidades. Se ve la necesidad de que los estudios se realicen para evaluar el impacto de estas aplicaciones en la prevención del comportamiento suicida. Habilitando el desarrollo de investigaciones y dispositivos que previenen el comportamiento suicida en Brasil.

Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes in Very Elderly Patients (≥75 years) with Renal Cell Carcinoma: Data from the Latin American Renal Cancer Group

Background: The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing globally due to an aging population and widespread use of imaging studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and perioperative outcomes of RCC surgery in very elderly patients (VEP), ≥75 years of age. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study of 3656 patients who underwent the treatment for RCC from 1990 to 2015 in 28 centers from eight Latin American countries. We compared baseline characteristics as well as clinical and perioperative outcomes according to age groups (<75 vs.≥ 75 years). Surgical complications were classified with the Clavien-Dindo score. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with perioperative complications. Results: There were 410 VEP patients (11.2%). On bivariate analysis, VEP had a lower body mass index (p < 0.01) and higher ASA score (ASA >2 in 26.3% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.01). There was no difference in performance status and clinical stage between the study groups. There were no differences in surgical margins, estimated blood loss (EBL), complication, and mortality rates (1.3% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.17). On multivariate regression analysis, age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.33, p < 0.01), EBL ≥ 500 cc (OR 3.34, p < 0.01), and > pT2 stage (OR 1.63, p = 0.04) were independently associated with perioperative complications. Conclusions: Surgical resection of RCC was safe and successful in VEP. Age ≥75 years was independently associated with 30-day perioperative complications. However, the vast majority were low-grade complications. Age alone should not guide decision-making in these patients, and treatment must be tailored according to performance status and severity of comorbidities. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2020;72(5):308-15)

Impacto da quarentena pela COVID-19 no perfil epidemiológico de queimados em Minas Gerais, Brasil / Impact of quarantine due to COVID-19 on the epidemiological profile of burns in Minas Gerais, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Analisar o impacto da quarentena pela COVID-19 no número e no perfil epidemiológico de queimados no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo por meio da análise de dados quantitativos e qualitativos de acidentes por queimaduras registrados pelo Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Minas Gerais entre janeiro de 2019 e abril de 2020. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 285 registros de queimaduras entre janeiro de 2019 e abril de 2020, com redução de 22,25% nos atendimentos, quando comparados os primeiros quatro meses dos dois anos. O tipo de queimadura mais frequente foi a térmica (86,67%) e a água quente representou o agente etiológico mais comum (19,57%), seguido do álcool (18,84%). Pacientes do gênero masculino foram mais acometidos, 60% de janeiro a abril de 2019 e 53% em 2020, e a maioria classificados como pardos (31,93%). A faixa etária com maior incidência foi entre 18 e 64 anos (77,19%) e 61,40% das lesões foram classificadas como leves. O grau de queimadura mais prevalente foi de segundo grau (17,19%) e em 32,28% dos pacientes a superfície corporal total queimada foi menor que 10%. O número de queimaduras provindas de acidente de trabalho reduziu 25% se comparados os primeiros quadrimestres de 2019 e 2020. CONCLUSÕES: Pode-se sugerir que a quarentena pela COVID-19 levou à diminuição do número de pacientes atendidos por queimaduras em Minas Gerais e teve impacto no perfil epidemiológico desses pacientes, como a queda no número de ocorrências no local de trabalho e na faixa etária economicamente ativa. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of quarantine by COVID-19 on the number and epidemiological profile of burnings in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Retrospective study through the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data of burn injuries recorded by the Military Fire Department of Minas Gerais between January 2019 and April 2020. RESULTS: 285 burn records were analyzed between January 2019 and April 2020, with a 22.25% reduction in the number of attendances, when compared to the first four months of the two years. The most frequent type of burn was thermal (86.67%) and hot water represented the most common etiologic agent (19.57%), followed by alcohol (18.84%). Male patients were more affected, 60% from January to April 2019 and 53% in 2020, and the majority classified as brown (31.93%). The age group with the highest incidence was between 18 and 64 years of age (77.19%), and 61.40% of the lesions were classified as mild. The most prevalent burn degree was second degree (17.19%) and in 32.28% of the patients the total body surface burned was less than 10%. The number of burns from accidents at work reduced 25% compared to the first four months of 2019 and 2020. CONCLUSIONS: It can be suggested that the quarantine by COVID-19 led to a decrease in the number of burn patients in Minas Gerais and had an impact on the epidemiological profile of these patients, such as the decrease in the number of occurrences in the workplace and the economically active age group. (AU)

External validation of nomogram to predict inguinal lymph node metastasis in patients with penile cancer and clinically negative lymph nodes

ABSTRACT Introduction Penile cancer (PC) occurs less frequently in Europe and in the United States than in South America and parts of Africa. Lymph node (LN) involvement is the most important prognostic factor, and inguinal LN (ILN) dissection can be curative; however, ILN dissection has high morbidity. A nomogram was previously developed based on clinicopathological features of PC to predict ILN metastases. Our objective was to conduct an external validation of the previously developed nomogram based on our population. Materials and methods We included men with cN0 ILNs who underwent ILN dissection for penile carcinoma between 2000 and 2014. We performed external validation of the nomogram considering three different external validation methods: k-fold, leave-one-out, and bootstrap. We also analyzed prognostic variables. Performance was quantified in terms of calibration and discrimination (receiver operator characteristic curve). A logistic regression model for positive ILNs was developed based on clinicopathological features of PC. Results We analyzed 65 men who underwent ILN dissection (cN0). The mean age was 56.8 years. Of 65 men, 24 (36.9%) presented with positive LNs. A median 21 ILNs were removed. Considering the three different methods used, we concluded that the previously developed nomogram was not suitable for our sample. Conclusions In our study, the previously developed nomogram that was applied to our population had low accuracy and low precision for correctly identifying patients with PC who have positive ILNs.

Long-term results of the implantation of the AMS 800 artificial sphincter for post-prostatectomy incontinence: a single-center experience

ABSTRACT Objectives Report the long-term outcomes of the AMS 800 artificial sphincer (AS) for the treatment post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) in a single center in Brazil. Materials and Methods Clinical data from patients who underwent the procedure were retrieved from the medical records of individuals with more than 1 year of follow-up from May 2001 to January 2016. Continence status (number of pads that was used), complications (erosion or extrusion, urethral atrophy, and infection), malfunctions, and need for secondary implantation were evaluated. The relationship between complications and prior or subsequent radiation therapy (RT) was also examined. Results From May 2001 to January 2016, 121 consecutive patients underwent AS implantation for PPI at an oncological referral center in Brazil. At the last visit, the AS remained implanted in 106 patients (87.6%), who reported adequate continence status (maximum of 1 pad/day). Eight-two subjects (67.8%) claimed not to be using pads on a regular basis at the final visit (completely dry). Revision occurred in 24 patients (19.8%). Radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy was used in 47 patients before or after AS placement. Twelve patients with a history of RT had urethral erosion compared with 3 men without RT (p=0.004). Conclusion Considering our outcomes, we conclude that AS implantation yields satisfactory results for the treatment of PPI and should remain the standard procedure for these patients. Radiation therapy is a risk factor for complication.

Tissue-based molecular markers in upper tract urothelial carcinoma and their prognostic implications

ABSTRACT Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare and aggressive disease that is associated with high rates of recurrence and death. Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with excision of the bladder cuff is considered the standard of care for high-risk UTUC, whereas kidney-sparing techniques can be indicated for select patients with low-risk disease. There is a significant lack of clinical and pathological prognostic factors for stratifying patients with regard to making treatment decisions. Incorporation of tissue-based molecular markers into prognostic tools could help accurately stratify patients for clinical decision-making in this heterogeneous disease. Although the number of studies on tissue-based markers in UTUC has risen dramatically in the past several years—many of which are based on single centers and small cohorts, with a low level of evidence—many discrepancies remain between their results. Nevertheless, certain biomarkers are promising tools, necessitating prospective multi-institution studies to validate their function.

Assessment of suicidal behavior and factors associated with a diagnosis of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of suicide risk in a group of patients who have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (PC) and to identify the factors that affect suicidal behavior. METHODS: Patients from a tertiary care oncology center in São Paulo, Brazil participated in this study and were interviewed after being diagnosed with low-risk or intermediate-risk PC, per the D'Amico risk classification, between September 2015 and March 2016. Patients underwent suicide risk assessment sessions using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the CAGE substance abuse screening tool before they started treatment and surveillance. Psychiatric treatment history, family history of suicidal behavior, and the use of psychotropic drugs were also examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of suicide risk among 250 patients who were recently diagnosed with low-risk or intermediate-risk PC was 4.8%. According to the HADS, 10.8% and 6.8% of patients had a positive score anxiety and for depression, respectively. Alcoholism was suspected in 2.8% of the group. Suicide risk was associated with anxiety (p=0.001); depression (p=0.005); being divorced, separated, widowed, or single (p=0.045); living alone (p=0.028); and prior psychological treatment (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: After being diagnosed with PC, patients who display risk factors for suicide should be monitored by a mental health team.

Efetividade do protocolo de prevenção de lesões de pele em cirurgias urológicas robóticas / Effectiveness of the protocol for the prevention of skin lesions in robotic urological surgeries / Efectividad del protocolo prevención de lesions de piel en cirugías urológicas robóticas

Objetivos: Verificar a efetividade do Protocolo Prevenção de Lesão de Pele, por meio do levantamento de ocorrências causadas pelo posicionamento cirúrgico em pacientes oncológicos submetidos às cirurgias urológicas robóticas e demonstrar a importância da simulação como estratégia educativa no treinamento da equipe de enfermagem. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, retrospectiva, abordagem quantitativa, referente ao ano de 2015. O estudo foi feito no centro cirúrgico de um hospital oncológico que realiza em média 1.000 cirurgias/mês. Resultados: Em 2015, foram realizados 359 procedimentos urológicos robóticos, sendo 298 casos de prostatectomia. Não houve nenhuma lesão de pele por posicionamento no período observado. Conclusão: A ocorrência de lesões de pele em pacientes oncológicos submetidos a cirurgias urológicas robóticas, associada ao posicionamento cirúrgico, neste estudo, foi zero. Esse resultado comprova a efetividade do protocolo institucional demonstrando a importância da simulação como estratégia educativa de melhoria para garantir o sucesso do posicionamento cirúrgico robótico.

Objectives: To verify the effectiveness of the Skin Lesion Prevention Protocol by analyzing the occurrence of lesions caused by surgical positioning in cancer patients undergoing robotic urological surgeries; to demonstrate the importance of simulations as educational strategies for training nursing teams. Method: This study includes a descriptive, retrospective, quantitative approach, and refers to the year of 2015. The study was performed at the surgery center of a cancer hospital that performs on average 1,000 surgeries per month. Results: In 2015, 359 robotic urological procedures were performed, of which 298 cases were prostatectomies. There were no skin lesions caused by positioning in the observed period. Conclusion: In this study, the occurrence of skin lesions associated with the surgical positioning of cancer patients undergoing robotic urological surgeries was zero. This result proves the effectiveness of the institutional protocol and demonstrates the importance of simulation as an educational improvement strategy to guarantee the success of robotic surgical positioning.

Objetivos: Verificar la efectividad del Protocolo Prevención de Lesión de Piel, por medio del levantamiento de ocurrencias causadas por el posicionamiento quirúrgico en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a las cirugías urológicas robóticas e demostrar la importancia de la simulación como estrategia educativa en la capacitación del equipo de enfermería. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, abordaje cuantitativo, referente al año 2015. El estudio fue hecho en el centro quirúrgico de un hospital oncológico que realiza en promedio 1.000 cirugías/mes. Resultados: En 2015, fueron realizados 359 procedimientos urológicos robóticos, siendo 298 casos de prostatectomía. No hubo ninguna lesión de piel por posicionamiento en el período observado. Conclusión: La ocurrencia de lesiones de piel en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a cirugías urológicas robóticas, asociada al posicionamiento quirúrgico, en este estudio, fue cero. Ese resultado comprueba la efectividad del protocolo institucional demostrando la importancia de la simulación como estrategia educativa de mejoría para garantizar el éxito del posicionamiento quirúrgico robótico.

Características Clínicas dos Pacientes Submetidos à Nefrectomia Parcial e Presença de Carcinoma Renal / Clinical Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Partial Nephrectomy and the Occurrence of Renal Carcinoma / Características Clínicas de Pacientes con Nefrectomía Parcial y Presencia de Renal Carcinoma

Introdução: Existem poucos relatos correlacionando dados clínicos com a presença de carcinoma renal após o diagnóstico do tumor no exame de imagem. Objetivos: Analisar as características clínicas de pacientes submetidos à nefrectomia parcial (NP); correlacionar dados clínicos e da evolução no pós-operatório com a presença de carcinomas renais. Método: Estudo clínico observacional, retrospectivo, com 178 pacientes submetidos à NP entre 2009 a 2013. Foram avaliadas as características demográficas; morbidades: diabetes mellitus, hipertensão, doença cardiovascular; complicações do intra e pós-operatório e evolução. Os dados foram descritos em porcentagens, médias e desvio-padrão e significância estatística se p<0,05. Resultados: Foram analisados 178 pacientes de 54,0±13,4 anos, 61,2% do sexo masculino, 18,6% com tumores benignos e 81,4% com carcinomas renais. Entre os carcinomas, 69,7% foram de células claras e, entre os tumores benignos, 72,7% eram oncocitomas. A NP aberta foi realizada em 55,9% das vezes e em 44,1% por via laparoscópica. Após a cirurgia, 31,4 % necessitaram de unidade de terapia intensiva; 13,4 % apresentaram lesão renal aguda; 2,3 % alguma infecção; e 1,8% (n=3) foram a óbito após a alta. Entre as características, somente a obesidade e a redução do ritmo de filtração glomerular estimado (eRFG) em sete dias foi significativamente maior nos pacientes com carcinomas. Conclusões: Pacientes submetidos à NP eram predominantemente do sexo masculino e portadores de carcinomas de células claras. Pacientes com carcinomas eram mais obesos e tiveram maior redução do eRFG em sete dias do pós-operatório

Introduction: There are few reports correlating clinical data with renal carcinoma after the diagnosis of the tumor in the imaging examination. Objectives: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients submitted to partial nephrectomy (PN); to correlate clinical and evolution data in the postoperative period with the presence of renal carcinomas. Method: A retrospective, observational clinical study, with 178 patients undergoing to PN between 2009 and 2013. Demographic characteristics were assessed; Morbidities: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease; intra and postoperative period complications and evolution. Data were described in percentages, means and standard deviation, and statistical significante if p<0.05. Results: 178 patients, 54.0 ± 13.4 years old, 61.2% male, 18.6% with benign tumors and 81.4% with renal carcinomas were analyzed. Among the carcinomas, 69.7% were Clear Cells and among the benign tumors 72.7% were oncocytomas. Open PN was performed in 55.9% and 44.1 laparoscopy. After surgery: 31.4% needed intensive care unit, 13.4% presented acute renal injury; 2.3% some infection and 1.8% (n=3) died after discharge. Among the characteristics only obesity and reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eRFG) in seven days was significantly higher in patients with carcinomas. Conclusion: Patients submitted to PN were predominantly male and had clear cell carcinomas. Patients with carcinomas were more obese and had greater reduction of eRFG within seven days of postoperative period.

Introducción: Hay pocos informes que correlacionan los datos clínicos con la presencia de un carcinoma renal después del diagnóstico de imágenes de tumores. Objetivos: Analizar las características clínicas de los pacientes sometidos a nefrectomía parcial (NP); correlacionar datos clínicos y de la evolución en el postoperatorio con la presencia de carcinomas renales. Método: Estudio observacional clínico, retrospectivo, con 178 pacientes sometidos a NP entre 2009 y 2013. Fueran evaluadas las características demográficas; morbilidades: diabetes mellitus, la hipertensión, enfermedades cardiovasculares; complicaciones de intraoperatorio y postoperatorio. Los datos se presentan en porcentajes, medias y desviaciones estándar, y significancia estadística si p<0,05. Resultados: 178 pacientes analizadas con respecto a 54,0 ± 13,4 años 61,2% varones, 18,6% con tumores benignos y 81,4% con carcinomas renales. Entre los carcinomas, 69,7% eran células claras y entre tumores benignos 72,7% eran oncocitomas. NP abierta se realizó en 55,9% y 44,1% laparoscópica. Después de la cirugía: 31,4% unidad de terapia intensiva es necesario, 13,4% tenían una lesión renal aguda; 2,3% una infección y 1,8% (n=3) murieron después de la descarga. Entre las características, la obesidad y la reducción del ritmo de filtración glomerular estimado (eRFG) en siete días fue mayor significativamente en los pacientes con carcinoma. Conclusión: Los pacientes sometidos a NP, principalmente varones, los pacientes con carcinomas de células claras. Los pacientes con carcinomas eran más obesos y tenían una mayor reducción en eRFG siete días apartado de correos.

Predictive role of Trimprob associated with multiparametric MRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the predictive value of TRIMprob test to detect prostate cancer (PCa) in patients referred to prostate biopsy (PB). Material and Methods Patients with PSA <10ng/mL and rectal exam without findings suggestive of prostate cancer were selected for TRIMprob evaluation. Exam was performed by a single operator through transperineal approach. Patients admitted for the study were submitted to TRIMprob and multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI) and posteriorly to PB. Results In total, 77 patients were included. TRIMprob showed evidences of PCa in 25 (32.5%) and was negative in 52 patients (67.5%). The rate of detection of prostate cancer at biopsy was higher in patients with positive TRIMprob (16/25; 64.0%) than in patients with negative TRIMprob (11/52; 21.1%; p<0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of TRIMprob were respectively 61.5%, 82.0%, 64.0%, 80.3% and 74.0%. ROC curve showed the following areas under the curve values for TRIMprob, mpMRI and combination of TRIMprob + mpMRI: 0.706; 0.662 and 0.741 respectively. At combined analysis, when both TRIMprob and mpMRI were negative for prostate cancer, accuracy was 96.3% or only 1 in 27 PB was positive (3.7%). Conclusions Trimprob had similar predictive value for PCa in patients submitted to PB as mpMRI. Combined TRIMprob and mpMRI showed higher accuracy than when performed singly.

Tumor histologic grade is the most important prognostic factor in patients with penile cancer and clinically negative lymph nodes not submitted to regional lymphadenectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: The presence and extension of inguinal lymph node metastasis are the main prognostic factors in patients with penile cancer. Physical exam and image exams are not adequate to evaluate inguinal lymph nodes and many patients are submitted to non-therapeutic lymphadenectomies. However, it is known that not all patients with clinically or histologically negative inguinal lymph nodes evolve favorably. Casuistic and Methods: the authors evaluated the clinical and pathologic characteristics of 163 patients with penile carcinoma and clinically negative inguinal lymph nodes followed for three or more years and their impact on global survival (GS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in the 10-year follow-up. Primary pathologic tumor stage (p=0.025) and the presence of high grade of tumor differentiation (p=0.018) were predictive of CSS. The presence of high grade tumor was an independent specific prognostic factor of death risk (RR 14.08; p=0.019). Conclusion: high histologic grade was an independent predictive factor of specific death risk in patients with penile carcinoma and clinically negative lymph nodes followed for three or more years.

O composto 11a-N-Tosil-5-deoxi-pterocarpano, LQB-223, modula o microRNA-7 e a via das MAP kinases ERK1/ERK2 em linhagens de glioblastoma com diferentes perfis de radiorresistência / [The compound 11a-N-Tosyl-5-deoxy-pterocarpan, LQB-223, modulates microRNA-7 and the MAP kinases ERK1 / ERK2 pathway in glioblastoma strains with different radioresistance profiles]

O Glioblastoma (GB) é um astrocitoma altamente agressivo, de grau IV, cujos pacientes apresentam média de sobrevida global de 12 meses. O tratamento padrão baseia-se em uma combinação de cirurgia, radioterapia e quimioterapia com temozolamida. O receptor do fator de crescimento epidermal (EGFR) exerce grande contribuição para a carcinogênese, evolução e resposta ao tratamento em pacientes com GB. Por isso, a sua expressão e suas vias de sinalização, como a via das MAP kinases (MAPK) ERK1/ERK2, encontram-se altamente desreguladas no GB. A inibição da expressão gênica do EGFR e Raf1, pelo supressor tumoral miR-7, é capaz de regular essa via de sinalização em múltiplos níveis resultando na sensibilização de linhagens celulares à radiação ionizante. A despeito do papel do miR-7 na sensibilização, os pacientes podem adquirir resistência ao tratamento. Portanto, o estudo de novos compostos capazes de modular a via de sinalização do EGFR torna-se importante. O objetivo do estudo é caracterizar o perfil de radiorresistência, e avaliar o efeito antitumoral e o mecanismo de ação do composto LQB-223 nas linhagens celulares de GB humano: A172 (PTEN mutado), T98G (TP53 e PTEN mutados) e U251 (TP53, EGFR e PTEN mutados). A fim de avaliar o efeito antitumoral do LQB-223 utilizamos os ensaios de viabilidade celular por MTT, de formação de colônias, fragmentação do DNA, perfil do ciclo celular e a exposição de fosfaditilserina por citometria de fluxo...

Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly aggressive grade IV astrocytoma. Patients with GB present 12 months average overall survival. The standard treatment is based on a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and temozolamide combined chemotherapy. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a major role in the carcinogenesis, evolution and response to treatment for patients with GB. Therefore, EGFR and its pathways, like MAP kinases (MAPK) ERK1/ERK2, are highly overexpressed in GB. The tumor suppressor miR-7 is able to inhibit the genic expression of EGFR and Raf1 regulating multiple levels of its signaling cascade resulting in increased sensibility to ionizing radiation in GB cell lines. However, patients acquire resistance to the treatment, which explains the low survival rate for GB. This justifies the need to research new drugs capable of modulating EGFR expression. This project aims at characterizing the radio-resistance, evaluating its effect on tumor and studying LQB-223 mechanism on the GB cell lines: A172 (PTEN mutated), T98G (TP53 and PTEN mutated) and U251 (TP53, EGFR and PTEN mutated). MTT cell viability assay were used to access LQB-223 ability to tumor formation, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle and exposure to fosfatidilserine through flow-cytometry. The cell lines response to radiation was evaluated by DNA fragmentation assay and cell cycle. RT-PCR was used to evaluate miR-7 expression, while Western blotting was used for ERK, p-ERK, Ras, Caspase-3, Caspase-3 cleaved and p-H2AX. T98G and A172 showed an expressive G2/M cell accumulation after exposure to de 8, 16 e 24Gy doses of radiation. These doses induced an increased DNA fragmentation only in U251 and T98G cell lines...

Natural history and surgical treatment of chordoma: a retrospective cohort study / História natural e tratamento cirúrgico de cordoma: um estudo retrospectivo de coorte

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Chordoma is a rare tumor with a high risk of locoregional recurrences. The aim of this study was analyze the long-term results from treating this pathological condition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study in a single hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study on 42 patients with chordoma who were treated at Hospital A. C. Camargo between 1980 and 2006. The hospital records were reviewed and a descriptive analysis was performed on the clinical-pathological variables. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and these were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were men and 23 were women. Twenty-five tumors (59.5%) were located in the sacrum, eleven (26.2%) in the skull base and six (14.3%) in the mobile spine. Surgery was performed on 28 patients (66.7%). The resection was considered to have negative margins in 14 cases and positive margins in 14 cases. The five-year overall survival (OS) was 45.4%. For surgical patients, the five-year OS was 64.3% (82.2% for negative margins and 51.9% for positive margins). In the inoperable group, OS was 37.7% at 24 months and 0% at five years. CONCLUSION: Complete resection is related to local control and definitively has a positive impact on long-term survival. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Cordoma é um tumor raro e com alto risco de recidiva locorregional. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os resultados a longo prazo do tratamento dessa doença. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte realizado em um único hospital em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 42 pacientes com cordoma tratados de 1980 e 2006 no Hospital A. C. Camargo. Os prontuários foram revistos e foi realizada a análise descritiva das variáveis clínicas e patológicas. As curvas de sobrevida foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e a comparação entre elas, pelo teste de log-rank. RESULTADOS: Dezenove pacientes eram homens e 23, mulheres. Vinte e cinco tumores (59,5%) estavam localizados no sacro, 11 (26,2%) na base do crânio e 6 (14,3%), na coluna móvel. A cirurgia foi realizada em 28 pacientes (66,7%). A ressecção foi considerada como tendo margens negativas em 14 casos e margens comprometidas em 14 pacientes. A sobrevida global (SG) em 5 anos foi de 45,4%. Para os pacientes cirúrgicos, a SG em 5 anos foi de 64,3% (82,2% para as margens negativas e 51,9% de margens positivas). No grupo inoperável, a SG em 24 meses foi de 37,7% e 0% em 5 anos. CONCLUSÃO: A ressecção completa está relacionada com o controle local e, definitivamente, tem impacto positivo na sobrevida a longo prazo. .

Análise do gene PTEN por hibridização in situ fluorescente no carcinoma de células renais / Analysis of PTEN gene by fluorescent in situ hybridization in renal cell carcinoma

OBJETIVO: avaliar a frequência de deleção do gene PTEN no carcinoma de células renais e o impacto da deleção nas taxas de sobrevida global e livre de doença. MÉTODOS: foram analisados 110 pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células renais submetidos à nefrectomia radical ou parcial entre os anos de 1980 e 2007. Em 53 casos foi possível a análise do gene PTEN pelo método de hibridização in situ fluorescente através da técnica de "tissue microarray". Para a análise estatística, os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos, de acordo com a presença ou ausência de deleção. RESULTADOS: o tempo médio de seguimento foi de 41,9 meses. Deleção hemizigótica foi identificada em 18 pacientes (33,9%), ao passo que deleção homozigótica esteve presente em três (5,6%). Em aproximadamente 40% dos casos analisados havia deleção. Monossomia e trissomia foram detectadas, respectivamente, em nove (17%) e dois pacientes (3,8%). Em 21 pacientes (39,6%), a análise por hibridização in situ do gene PTEN foi normal. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas taxas de sobrevida global (p=0,468) e livre de doença (p=0,344) entre os pacientes portadores ou não de deleção. Foram fatores independentes para a sobrevida global: estádio clínico TNM, sintomatologia ao diagnóstico, alto grau de Fuhrmann performance status (Ecog) e recorrência tumoral. A livre de doença foi influenciada unicamente pelo estádio clínico TNM. CONCLUSÃO: deleção do gene PTEN no CCR foi detectada com frequência de aproximadamente 40% e sua presença não foi determinante de menores taxas de sobrevida, permanecendo os fatores prognósticos tradicionais como determinantes da evolução dos pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of deletion of the PTEN gene in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its impact on the rates of overall and disease-free survival. METHODS: We analyzed 110 patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy between 1980 and 2007. In 53 cases it was possible to analyse the PTEN gene by the method of fluorescent in situ hybridization using the technique of tissue microarray. For statistical analysis, patients were classified in two groups according to the presence or absence of the deletion. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 41.9 months. Hemizygous deletion was detected in 18 patients (33.9%), while the homozygous one was present in three (5.6%). Deletion was present in approximately 40% of the analyzed cases. Monosomy and trisomy were detected in nine (17%) and two patients (3.8%), respectively. In 21 patients (39.6%) the analysis of the PTEN gene by in situ hybridization was normal. There were no statistically significant differences in overall (p = 0.468) and disease-free (p = 0.344) survival rates between patients with or without deletion. Factors which were independent for overall survival: TNM clinical stage, symptoms at diagnosis, high Fuhrmann grade, performance status (ECoG) and tumor recurrence. Disease-free survival was influenced only by the clinical TNM stage. CONCLUSION: Deletion of the PTEN gene in RCC was detected with a frequency of approximately 40% and its presence was not determinant of lower survival rates, the traditional prognostic factors remaining as determinants of outcome.

Results of preoperative electrical stimulation of pelvic floor muscles in the continence status following radical retropubic prostatectomy

Purpose To evaluate preoperative rectal electrical stimulation in the recovery of urinary continence in patients who undergo radical retropubic prostatectomy. Materials and Methods Patients were divided into 3 randomized groups: control, pelvic exercises, and electrical stimulation. A 1 hour pad-test, the ICIQ-SF, and the SF-36 were performed 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgical procedure. Results Of the 58 patients who were initially included in the study, 9 were excluded due to radiotherapy after surgical intervention, an indwelling urethral catheter for more than 30 days, high surgical risk, loss of follow-up, or incomplete participation in the study routines and spontaneous interruption. Forty-nine patients concluded the study (15 in the control group, 17 in the exercise group, and 17 in the electrical stimulation group). We did not observe any significant difference in the pad test (p > 0.05), the 8 domains of the SF-36, or ICIQ-SF score compared with control groups (control, exercise, and electrical stimulation). Conclusion Preoperative rectal electrical stimulation has no impact on continence status in patients who undergo radical retropubic prostatectomy. There is no difference in the three above mentioned groups with regard to urinary leakage and quality of life. .