Trends of First-Line Targeted Therapy in Korean Patients With Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Sunitinib Versus Pazopanib, a Multicenter Study

Purpose@#There have been few reports on comparison between sunitinib and pazopanib as first-line targeted therapy in Korean metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We sought to analyze the treatment trends of metastatic ccRCC by comparing the effects and adverse events of sunitinib and pazopanib. @*Materials and Methods@#Data of 357 metastatic RCC patients who received the sunitinib or pazopanib as the first-line targeted therapy from the Daegyeong Oncology Study Group database was obtained and analyzed. Among these patients, patients who only clear cell type was confirmed after needle biopsy or nephrectomy were included, and patients who underwent target therapy for less than 3 months were excluded. @*Results@#Of 251 patients who met the inclusion criteria, sunitinib and pazopanib group were identified in 156 (62%) and 95 patients (38%), respectively. Pazopanib group was older (66 years vs. 61 years, p=0.001) and more symptomatic (65% vs. 52%, p=0.037) and had more patients with Karnofsky performance status <80 (20% vs. 11%, p=0.048) and fewer number of organ metastases (p=0.004) compared to sunitinib group. There was no significant difference in disease control rate (88.5% vs. 87.3%, p=0.744), the median progression-free survival (19 months vs. 15 months, p=0.444) and overall survival (25 months vs. 19 months, p=0.721) between sunitinib and pazopanib. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events with sunitinib and pazopanib were anemia (5%) and hand-foot syndrome (3%), respectively. There was no significant difference between sunitinib and pazopanib in number of patients who experienced grade 3/4 adverse events (15% vs. 11%, p=0.275). However, there were more patients who discontinued treatment due to only adverse events in sunitinib group compared to pazopanib group (12% vs. 3%, p=0.020). @*Conclusions@#In Korean metastatic ccRCC, pazopanib tended to be used in patients with poorer health status compared to sunitinib. Sunitinib and pazopanib had no significant difference in treatment effect and survival, but pazopanib had more tolerable adverse events.

Predictive Factors of De Novo Overactive Bladder After Radical Prostatectomy in Patients With Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study

Purpose@#To evaluate the incidence of de novo overactive bladder (OAB) and the factors related to its occurrence following radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). @*Materials and Methods@#We prospectively examined 50 patients without OAB who underwent RP for clinically localized PCa in our institution from August 2019 to February 2020. We performed assessments using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and uroflowmetry before surgery and 3 months after RP. OAB was defined as a score of 1 or more on the urgency components of the OABSS. Three months after RP, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of de novo OAB symptoms. We evaluated the patients’ demographics and outcomes after RP according to their de novo OAB grouping. The predictive factors of de novo OAB after RP were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. @*Results@#Of the 50 patients, 22 (44%) had de novo OAB 3 months after RP. The patients in the de novo OAB group were older, had higher preoperative IPSS storage subscores, and had larger volumes of postvoid residual urine on preoperative uroflowmetry than those in the non-de novo OAB group. Multivariate analysis showed that age and preoperative IPSS storage subscores were predictive factors of de novo OAB after RP. @*Conclusions@#de novo OAB was observed in 44% of the patients 3 months after RP. Age and preoperative IPSS storage subscores were predictive factors of de novo OAB following RP.

Predictive Factors of De Novo Overactive Bladder After Radical Prostatectomy in Patients With Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study

Purpose@#To evaluate the incidence of de novo overactive bladder (OAB) and the factors related to its occurrence following radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). @*Materials and Methods@#We prospectively examined 50 patients without OAB who underwent RP for clinically localized PCa in our institution from August 2019 to February 2020. We performed assessments using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and uroflowmetry before surgery and 3 months after RP. OAB was defined as a score of 1 or more on the urgency components of the OABSS. Three months after RP, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of de novo OAB symptoms. We evaluated the patients’ demographics and outcomes after RP according to their de novo OAB grouping. The predictive factors of de novo OAB after RP were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. @*Results@#Of the 50 patients, 22 (44%) had de novo OAB 3 months after RP. The patients in the de novo OAB group were older, had higher preoperative IPSS storage subscores, and had larger volumes of postvoid residual urine on preoperative uroflowmetry than those in the non-de novo OAB group. Multivariate analysis showed that age and preoperative IPSS storage subscores were predictive factors of de novo OAB after RP. @*Conclusions@#de novo OAB was observed in 44% of the patients 3 months after RP. Age and preoperative IPSS storage subscores were predictive factors of de novo OAB following RP.

Efficacy of Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Receiving Docetaxel-Based Chemotherapy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative effectiveness of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with docetaxel (DTX)-based chemotherapy in Korean and Japanese castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patient cohorts.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Metastatic CRPC patients who underwent more than three DTX-based chemotherapy cycles in Korea and Japan between 2002 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the DTX-only (DTX, n=30) and combination (DTX+ADT, n=46) groups. Progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated as the time from the start of chemotherapy to the occurrence of either disease progression (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] progression or radiographic progression) or death. The primary end point was PFS and the secondary end point was overall survival (OS).RESULTS: In the DTX and DTX+ADT groups, the median PFS was 6.0 and 11.0 months (log-rank p=0.053). The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the significant predicting factors of PFS were ADT administration (hazard ratio [HR], 0.478; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.284–0.804; p=0.005) and number of DTX-based chemotherapy cycles (HR, 0.934; 95% CI, 0.899–0.970; p<0.001). In the DTX and DTX+ADT groups, the median OS was 16.0 and 19.5 months (log-rank p=0.825). Through multiple Cox regression analysis, we found that the significant predicting factors of OS were the PSA nadir level (HR, 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000–1.002; p<0.001) and number of DTX-based chemotherapy cycles (HR, 0.932; 95% CI, 0.876–0.991; p=0.024).CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent DTX-based chemotherapy and ADT may be beneficial compared with DTX-based chemotherapy alone in chemotherapy-naïve metastatic CRPC patients in terms of the PFS, but not the OS.

Serum Testosterone Level Can Be Predictive Factor for Upstaging in Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

Purpose@#To determine an appropriate surgical technique, it is important to predict pathological results for patientswith clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) eligible for nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP). Severalstudies have highlighted that serum testosterone level was associated with aggressive features of PCa. Therefore,we analyzed factors, including serum testosterone, to predict upstaging and upgrading after surgery for patientswith clinically localized PCa eligible for NSRP. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) betweenJanuary 2015 and May 2018 at our institution. Patients with Gleason grade group 1 or 2 on biopsy,prostate-specific antigen<10, and ≤clinical/radiologic stage T2 were included in this study. Upstaging andupgrading were defined as pathological stage≥T3a and Gleason grade group≥3, respectively. We evaluatedthe patients’ demographics and outcomes according to upstaging and upgrading after surgery. Predictive factorsfor upstaging and upgrading were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. @*Results@#Of 108 patients included in the study, upstaging and upgrading after surgery were observed in 24 (22.2%)and 36 (33.3%), respectively. Low serum testosterone level, small prostate size, and positive core number≥3on biopsy were identified as predictive factors for upstaging in multivariate analysis. Although serum testosteronewas associated with upgrading in univariate analysis, only clinical/radiologic stage and biopsy Gleason grade groupwere observed as predictive factors for upgrading in multivariate analysis. @*Conclusions@#Serum testosterone level was identified as a predictive factor for upstaging after RP for clinicallylocalized PCa eligible for NSRP.

Impact of Multiple Prostate Biopsies: Risk of Perioperative Complications and Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to analyze the perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients who underwent multiple prostate biopsies. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 1,112 patients who underwent RP between January 2009 and April 2016 at 4 different centers were included in this study. We divided these patients into 2 groups: patients who underwent only 1st biopsy, and those who underwent 2nd or more repeated biopsies. The association between the number of prior biopsies and perioperative complications and biochemical recurrence (BCR) was analyzed. @*Results@#Of 1,112 patients, 1,046 patients (94.1%) underwent only 1st biopsy, and 66 (5.9%) underwent 2nd or more repeated biopsies. There were no significant differences in preoperative prostate-specific antigen levels, operation times, blood loss volumes, or hospital stay durations (all p＞0.05). Patients who underwent multiple prostate biopsies presented with a localized tumor significantly more often (p＜0.05). The Gleason score and rate of positive surgical margins were significantly lower in patients with multiple biopsies (all p＜0.05). The Cox proportional hazards model analysis indicated that there was no association between the number of prior prostate biopsies and BCR (p＞0.05). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated that BCR-free survival rates between the 2 groups were similar (p＞0.05). @*Conclusions@#Multiple prostate biopsies are not associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications, adverse pathological outcomes, or higher rates of BCR in patients who have undergone RP. (Korean J Urol Oncol 2020;18:24-31)

Oncological and functional outcomes following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at a single institution: a minimum 5-year follow-up / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: To evaluate mid-term oncological and functional outcomes in patients with prostate cancer treated by robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) at our institution.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 128 patients with prostate cancer who underwent RALP at our institution between February 2008 and April 2010. All patients enrolled in this study were followed up for at least 5 years. We analyzed biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and predictive factors for BCR using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Continence recovery rate, defined as no use of urinary pads, was also evaluated.RESULTS: Based on the D'Amico risk classification, there were 30 low-risk patients (23.4%), 47 intermediate-risk patients (38.8%), and 51 high-risk patients (39.8%), preoperatively. Based on pathological findings, 50.0% of patients (64/128) showed non-organ confined disease (≥T3a) and 26.6% (34/128) had high grade disease (Gleason score ≥8). During a median follow-up period of 71 months (range, 66–78 months), the frequency of BCR was 33.6% (43/128) and the median BCR-free survival was 65.9 (0.4–88.0) months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high grade disease (Gleason score ≥8) was an independent predictor for BCR (hazard ratio=4.180, 95% confidence interval=1.02–17.12, p=0.047). In addition, a majority of patients remained continent following the RALP procedure, without the need for additional intervention for post-prostatectomy incontinence.CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated acceptable outcomes following an initial RALP procedure, despite 50% of the patients investigated demonstrating high-risk features associated with non-organ confined disease.

A Higher Ratio of Serum Calcium to Magnesium Is Associated With Aggressive Clinicopathological Characteristics in the Patients Who Underwent Radical Prostatectomy

PURPOSE: Changes in magnesium (Mg) concentration and calcium-to-magnesium ratio (Ca/Mg) play a critical role in cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we evaluated the association between preoperative Ca/Mg ratio and clinicopathological characteristics of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative serum levels of Ca and Mg, as well as the Ca/Mg ratio, were retrospectively analyzed in 319 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution between February 2014 and June 2016. Blood Ca and Mg levels, together with the Ca/Mg ratio, were analyzed in relation to the patients' demographic and clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS: Preoperative Ca/Mg ratio was significantly higher in patients with pathologic Gleason score (pGS)≥8 than in those with pGS≤7 (mean [95% confidence interval]: 4.45 [4.35–4.56] vs. 4.32 [4.27–4.38], p=0.037). The Ca/Mg ratio was positively correlated with preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (r=0.116, p=0.039) and PSA density (r=0.156, p=0.005). Ca/Mg ratio was a preoperative predictor of high pGS (≥8) according to multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 1.752; 95% confidence interval, 1.002–3.064; p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: A high serum Ca/Mg ratio was closely associated with worse clinicopathological parameters (high PSA and PSA density and pGS≥8), suggesting that the Ca/Mg ratio may be a useful serological marker for further characterization of oncologic features in prostate cancer. A multicenter prospective study with long-term follow-up is recommended to further assess the utility of this cost-effective marker as a prognostic indicator of prostate cancer.

Oncological and functional outcomes following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at a single institution: a minimum 5-year follow-up / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND@#To evaluate mid-term oncological and functional outcomes in patients with prostate cancer treated by robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) at our institution.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 128 patients with prostate cancer who underwent RALP at our institution between February 2008 and April 2010. All patients enrolled in this study were followed up for at least 5 years. We analyzed biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and predictive factors for BCR using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Continence recovery rate, defined as no use of urinary pads, was also evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Based on the D'Amico risk classification, there were 30 low-risk patients (23.4%), 47 intermediate-risk patients (38.8%), and 51 high-risk patients (39.8%), preoperatively. Based on pathological findings, 50.0% of patients (64/128) showed non-organ confined disease (≥T3a) and 26.6% (34/128) had high grade disease (Gleason score ≥8). During a median follow-up period of 71 months (range, 66–78 months), the frequency of BCR was 33.6% (43/128) and the median BCR-free survival was 65.9 (0.4–88.0) months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high grade disease (Gleason score ≥8) was an independent predictor for BCR (hazard ratio=4.180, 95% confidence interval=1.02–17.12, p=0.047). In addition, a majority of patients remained continent following the RALP procedure, without the need for additional intervention for post-prostatectomy incontinence.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study demonstrated acceptable outcomes following an initial RALP procedure, despite 50% of the patients investigated demonstrating high-risk features associated with non-organ confined disease.

Visible Angle on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Can Be Considered Indicator of Postoperative Outcome in Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy

PURPOSE: We aimed to measure the visible angle (VA) outside the surgical field of view using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to relate structural data to clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data obtained from 322 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) or radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for prostate cancer from January 2011 to June 2013, with at least 1 year of follow-up. Patients were divided into 4 groups, according to median VA values and surgical approach. VA was defined as the angle between the horizontal line on view, rotated to 90∘ from the midsagittal T2-weighted sequence image, and the tangent line of the highest protruding surface of the symphysis pubis. RESULTS: The larger VA was, the shorter mean operative time (213.2 minutes vs. 174.2 minutes, p=0.002) was significantly and the smaller VA was, the higher complication rate (10.8% vs. 1.6%, p=0.043) was in RRP patients. There were no significant differences in operative outcomes in RALP patients. CONCLUSIONS: VA in midsagittal T2-weighted sequence predict operative time and complication rates in retropubic radical prostatectomy, and thus, the value may be used as surgical indications for retropubic radical prostatectomy.

Human Urine-derived Stem Cells Seeded Surface Modified Composite Scaffold Grafts for Bladder Reconstruction in a Rat Model

We conducted this study to investigate the synergistic effect of human urine-derived stem cells (USCs) and surface modified composite scaffold for bladder reconstruction in a rat model. The composite scaffold (Polycaprolactone/Pluronic F127/3 wt% bladder submucosa matrix) was fabricated using an immersion precipitation method, and heparin was immobilized on the surface via covalent conjugation. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was loaded onto the heparin-immobilized scaffold by a simple dipping method. In maximal bladder capacity and compliance analysis at 8 weeks post operation, the USCs-scaffold(heparin-bFGF) group showed significant functional improvement (2.34 ± 0.25 mL and 55.09 ± 11.81 microL/cm H2O) compared to the other groups (2.60 ± 0.23 mL and 56.14 ± 9.00 microL/cm H2O for the control group, 1.46 ± 0.18 mL and 34.27 ± 4.42 microL/cm H2O for the partial cystectomy group, 1.76 ± 0.22 mL and 35.62 ± 6.69 microL/cm H2O for the scaffold group, and 1.92 ± 0.29 mL and 40.74 ± 7.88 microL/cm H2O for the scaffold(heparin-bFGF) group, respectively). In histological and immunohistochemical analysis, the USC-scaffold(heparin-bFGF) group showed pronounced, well-differentiated, and organized smooth muscle bundle formation, a multi-layered and pan-cytokeratin-positive urothelium, and high condensation of submucosal area. The USCs seeded scaffold(heparin-bFGF) exhibits significantly increased bladder capacity, compliance, regeneration of smooth muscle tissue, multi-layered urothelium, and condensed submucosa layers at the in vivo study.

Advanced Properties of Urine Derived Stem Cells Compared to Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells in Terms of Cell Proliferation, Immune Modulation and Multi Differentiation

Adipose tissue stem cells (ADSCs) would be an attractive autologous cell source. However, ADSCs require invasive procedures, and has potential complications. Recently, urine stem cells (USCs) have been proposed as an alternative stem cell source. In this study, we compared USCs and ADSCs collected from the same patients on stem cell characteristics and capacity to differentiate into various cell lineages to provide a useful guideline for selecting the appropriate type of cell source for use in clinical application. The urine samples were collected via urethral catheterization, and adipose tissue was obtained from subcutaneous fat tissue during elective laparoscopic kidney surgery from the same patient (n = 10). Both cells were plated for primary culture. Cell proliferation, colony formation, cell surface markers, immune modulation, chromosome stability and multi-lineage differentiation were analyzed for each USCs and ADSCs at cell passage 3, 5, and 7. USCs showed high cell proliferation rate, enhanced colony forming ability, strong positive for stem cell markers expression, high efficiency for inhibition of immune cell activation compared to ADSCs at cell passage 3, 5, and 7. In chromosome stability analysis, both cells showed normal karyotype through all passages. In analysis of multi-lineage capability, USCs showed higher myogenic, neurogenic, and endogenic differentiation rate, and lower osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation rate compared to ADSCs. Therefore, we expect that USC can be an alternative autologous stem cell source for muscle, neuron and endothelial tissue reconstruction instead of ADSCs.

Two Different Surgical Approaches for Prostatic Stromal Sarcoma: Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Open Radical Cysto-Prostatectomy With Ileal Conduit

Stromal sarcoma of the prostate is very rare and shows rapid growth, which consequently is related to poor prognosis. Recently, we treated two cases of prostatic stromal sarcoma: one with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and the other with open radical cysto-prostatectomy with an ileal conduit. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a prostatic stromal sarcoma managed by use of a robotic procedure. Here, we report of our experiences in the treatment of prostatic stromal sarcoma by use of two different methods.

Two Different Surgical Approaches for Prostatic Stromal Sarcoma: Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Open Radical Cysto-Prostatectomy With Ileal Conduit

Stromal sarcoma of the prostate is very rare and shows rapid growth, which consequently is related to poor prognosis. Recently, we treated two cases of prostatic stromal sarcoma: one with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and the other with open radical cysto-prostatectomy with an ileal conduit. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a prostatic stromal sarcoma managed by use of a robotic procedure. Here, we report of our experiences in the treatment of prostatic stromal sarcoma by use of two different methods.

Risk Factors for the Development of Urethrocutaneous Fistula after Hypospadias Repair: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for urethrocutaneous fistula development after hypospadias repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and May 2010, 348 patients underwent hypospadias repair. This study included 294 patients who were followed up for more than 6 months. Potential risk factors for the development of fistula after operation included age, location of hypospadias, type of hypospadias repair, suture materials and methods, methods and duration of catheterization, combined congenital urologic disorders, timing of presentation and repair of fistula, and location of fistula. Data were analyzed retrospectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Out of 294 patients, 63 patients (21.4%, 63/294) developed urethrocutaneous fistulas after hypospadias repair. In the univariate analysis, fistula formation was statistically related with type of hypospadias and type of hypospadias repair. In the multivariate analysis with stratification by hypospadias site, however, only the location of hypospadias was a significant independent risk factor in urethrocutaneous fistula development after hypospadias repair (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the risk of developing urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias repair is associated with the location of hypospadias (more proximal-type hypospadias). Type of hypospadias repair, suture materials, suture techniques, and number of other combined urologic disorders were not related to the development of urethrocutaneous fistulas.

Role of Prostate-Specific Antigen Change Ratio at Initial Biopsy as a Novel Decision-Making Marker for Repeat Prostate Biopsy

PURPOSE: Prostate biopsy is used to confirm the prostate cancer. Although first biopsy result was benign, repeat biopsy is recommended for the patient who has higher risk of prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the PSA change ratio (post-biopsy PSA to baseline PSA) whether it could be predictive factor of prostate cancer and helpful when decided to perform repeat biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 151 patients, first diagnosed as benign, but underwent repeat biopsy due to clinical suspicion of prostate cancer were included. Post-biopsy PSA was checked 60 minutes later after biopsy. PSA change ratio was defined as post-biopsy PSA to baseline PSA. According to results of repeat biopsy, patients were divided into benign group (group A) and cancer groups (group B). Between two group baseline PSA, PSA density, post-biopsy PSA and PSA change ratio were compared, and most effective cut-off value was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: 129 men were benign, 22 men were prostate cancer according to results of repeat biopsy. Between two groups, post-biopsy PSA and PSA change ratio were statically significant differences. (p<0.001, <0.001) The effective cut-off value was 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 according to ROC. At ROC curve, PSA change ratio was statistically significant for diagnosis of prostate cancer. (AUC 0.800, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PSA change ratio is thought be a predictive factor for prostate cancer. If the PSA change ratio was less than 3.0-4.0, repeat biopsy should be considered to confirm the diagnosis.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Tamsulosin 0.4 mg in Patients with Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily in Korean patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and investigate whether tamsulosin 0.4 mg can improve symptoms in patients with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who were previously receiving tamsulosin 0.2 mg once daily. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 116 patients from 3 urology centers participated. All study subjects entered a nonblind phase consisting of 8 weeks of tamsulosin 0.2 mg monotherapy followed by an additional 8 weeks of tamsulosin 0.2 mg (0.2 mg group) or 8 weeks of tamsulosin 0.4 mg (0.4 mg group). At week 8, we chose the 0.4 mg group on the basis of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), and adverse effects. At week 16, we compared the efficacy and tolerability of tamsulosin between the 0.2 and 0.4 mg groups. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (22.4%) were escalated to tamsulosin 0.4 mg at week 8. There were significant differences in IPSS, QoL, and Qmax at week 8 in both groups. There were significant differences in improvement in IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and postvoid residual urine volume from baseline to week 16 in both groups. There were no significant differences in efficacy or tolerability between the groups at week 16. CONCLUSIONS: Our trial demonstrated that tamsulosin 0.4 mg has favorable efficacy and tolerability in Korean patients with symptomatic BPH refractory to tamsulosin 0.2 mg. No patients experienced any serious adverse effects when we escalated the dose of tamsulosin to 0.4 mg.

Solitary Testicular Metastasis of Prostate Cancer Mimicking Primary Testicular Cancer

We report a rare case of testicular metastasis from prostate cancer. A 68-year-old patient presented with a right testicular mass with discomfort. He had a history of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and had received adjuvant radiation therapy and had been treated with androgen deprivation therapy continuously at another institution. We performed a right inguinal orchiectomy. The testicular mass was diagnosed as a metastasis from prostate carcinoma.

Obesity Is an Adverse Factor on Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for T2 but Not T1 Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) is more challenging with increases in body mass index (BMI). Several recent studies have shown, however, that LRN can be safely performed even in obese patients. The influence of obesity on the perioperative outcomes of LRN has not been well elucidated for large renal tumors (>7 cm), however. We estimated the impact of obesity on LRN for stage T1 and T2 renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2004 to March 2011, 266 patients underwent LRN (T1: 195, T2: 71). These patients were subdivided into the following two groups according to BMI: the nonobese group (BMI less than 25 kg/m2) and the obese group (BMI greater than 25 kg/m2). Perioperative outcomes were retrospectively compared between these two groups in T1 and T2 RCC patients. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in perioperative outcomes between the obese and nonobese groups of T1 RCC patients. However, in T2 RCC patients, operative time and complication rate were significantly increased in the obese group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that LRN can be safely performed in Korean patients with T1 RCC regardless of obesity. In T2 RCC patients, however, LRN may become more difficult with increasing BMI considering a longer operation time as well as a higher complication rate. We suggest that LRN for obese patients with T2 RCC be carefully considered.

The Significance of Prostate-specific Antigen after Transrectal Prostate Biopsy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Purpose: The serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is increased after needle biopsy (Bx) of the prostate. This study tested the hypothesis that the prostate that harbors malignant lesions demonstrates less leakage of PSA after transrectal prostate Bx, and this phenomenon can be helpful in discriminating benign protrates from cancer ous prostrates. Materials and Methods: Eighty three patients were included in this prospective study because they had an increase PSA level (from 4 to 30ng/ml) and/or an abnormal digital rectal examination, and the serum PSA level was checked 60 minutes later after biopsy. We checked the pre-Bx total serum PSA, the post-Bx total serum PSA and the PSA ratio (post-Bx total serum PSA to pre-Bx total serum PSA), and we analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and the statistical differences. Results: Of the 31 men whose PSA ratio was less than 2.0, 27 (87%) men were proven to have prostate cancer. Of the 52 men whose PSA ratio was greater than 2.0, 49 (94%) were proven to have benign lesions. When setting 2.0 as the cutoff value, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001); the sensitivity was 90.0%, the specificity 92.4%, the positive predictive value (PPV) 87.0% and the negative predictive value (NPV) 94.2%. Conclusions: Evaluating the 1-hour PSA ratio might be helpful for clinicians to diagnosis the high risk patients who might have cancer in their prostate glands. Repeat biopsy should be considered for patients who initially had negative biopsy results with a smaller PSA ratio.