The evolution of tumor enucleation partial nephrectomy: A comparison of perioperative outcomes for sutureless hemostatic bandage as an alternative to standard renorrhaphy.

BACKGROUND: The standard approach to hemostasis during partial nephrectomy (PN) is to perform suture renorrhaphy (SR). Application of a hemostatic bandage (HB) is an alternative to minimize blood loss and devitalized renal parenchyma. We aim to evaluate perioperative outcomes of PN with tumor enucleation (TE) comparing SR to HB. METHODS: We analyzed a retrospective cohort of 195 patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic PN with TE performed at a tertiary referral center (2012-2022). Hemostasis was obtained with SR in 54 patients while 141 patients underwent application of HB consisting of Surgicel®, Gelfoam® soaked in thrombin, and Floseal®. RESULTS: SR patients had tumors of greater complexity by RENAL nephrometry score compared to HB patients (p < 0.001). Operative time (141 vs. 183 min, p < 0.001), warm ischemia time (11.6 vs. 24.2 min, p < 0.001), estimated blood loss (37 vs. 214 mL, p < 0.001), and length of stay (1.2 vs. 1.8 days, p < 0.001) favored HB. There was no significant difference in Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications (p = 0.22). Renal function was comparable with mean estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease of 0.66 and 0.54 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 3 months postoperatively for HB and SR, respectively (p = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Application of an HB is a safe alternative to SR for hemostasis following PN with TE in appropriately selected patients.

A prospective evaluation of the prostate microbiome in malignant and benign tissue using transperineal biopsy.

BACKGROUND: The link between the prostate microbiome and prostate cancer remains unclear. Few studies have analyzed the microbiota of prostate tissue, and these have been limited by potential contamination by transrectal biopsy. Transperineal prostate biopsy offers an alternative and avoids fecal cross-contamination. We aim to characterize the prostate microbiome using transperineal biopsy. METHODS: Patients with clinical suspicion for prostate cancer who were to undergo transperineal prostate biopsy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion guidance were prospectively enrolled from 2022 to 2023. Patients were excluded if they had Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System lesions with scores ≤ 3, a history of prostate biopsy within 1 year, a history of prostate cancer, or antibiotic use within 30 days of biopsy. Tissue was collected from the MRI target lesions and nonneoplastic transitional zone. Bacteria were identified using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Across the 42 patients, 76% were found to have prostate cancer. Beta diversity indices differed significantly between the perineum, voided urine, and prostate tissue. There were no beta diversity differences between cancerous or benign tissue, or between pre- and postbiopsy urines. There appear to be unique genera more abundant in cancerous versus benign tissue. There were no differences in alpha diversity indices relative to clinical findings including cancer status, grade, and risk group. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a rigorous method to better characterize the prostate microbiome using transperineal biopsy and to limit contamination. These findings provide a framework for future large-scale studies of the microbiome of prostate cancer.

Detection of clinically significant prostate cancer following initial omission of biopsy in multiparametric MRI era.

BACKGROUND: Multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) is being increasingly adopted for work-up of prostate cancer. For patients selected to omit biopsy, we identified factors associated with repeat MRI, eventual prostate biopsy, and subsequent detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa, Grade Group ≥2). METHODS: We identified biopsy-naïve men presenting with PSA 2-20 ng/mL (March 2018-June 2021) undergoing initial mpMRI with PIRADS 1-3 lesions who were not selected for biopsy with ≥6 months follow-up. We examined factors associated with repeat mpMRI, progression to biopsy, and subsequent detection of csPCa with univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1494 men, 31% (463/1494) did not pursue biopsy. PSA density (PSAD) ≤ 0.1, prostate health index (PHI) < 55, and PIRADS 1-2 were associated with omission of prostate biopsy. csPCa diagnosis-free survival was 97.6% (326/334) with median follow up of 23.1 months (IQR 15.1-34.6 months). Black race, PSA, PHI, PSA density, and PSA and PHI velocity were significant predictors of undergoing repeat mpMRI (15.6%, 52/334) and subsequent biopsy (8.4%, 28/334). 8 men were subsequently diagnosed with csPCa (N = 7 on prostate biopsy; N = 1 incidentally on holmium enucleation of prostate). All patients diagnosed with csPCa had PIRADS 4-5 on repeat mpMRI. CONCLUSIONS: The subsequent detection rate of csPCa among patients not initially biopsied after mpMRI was low at 2.4%. Decisions to omit biopsy after initial reassuring PHI, PSAD, and mpMRI appear safe with subsequent reassuring serum biomarkers and for cause mpMRI during follow-up.

Variations in germ cell tumor histology by age and implications for cancer-specific survival among pediatric and adult males: A population-based study.

PURPOSE: Few studies have quantified differences in histology and implications for survival between male children and adults with germ cell tumors (GCT). We evaluated these differences and associations with cancer-specific survival (CSS) using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries. METHODS: SEER (1988-2016) was used to identify male patients 0 to 40 years of age diagnosed with seminoma and nonseminomatous GCT (NSGCT). Demographic and tumor characteristics were tabulated with histology distributions compared by age group (0-4, 12-18, 19-40 years old). CSS was evaluated in multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: Among 27,204 patients identified, 1,538 (5.7%) were pediatric (0-18 years). Seminoma (54.3%) predominated in adult patients (ages 19-40). Among 0 to 4 years-old, yolk sac tumor (71.2%) and teratoma (21.5%) were most common. Mixed GCT (52.7%) was most prevalent among 12 to 18 years-old with seminoma, embryonal, and teratoma occurring in 12 to 15% each. Relative to pediatric patients, adult patients had similar CSS for seminoma but worse CSS for NSGCT on Kaplan-Meier curves with 9 years mean follow-up. Choriocarcinoma and yolk sac tumors carried the worst prognosis relative to seminoma for both children (HR 5.7 and HR 11.1, respectively, both P < 0.01) and adults (HR 4.6 and HR 4.6, respectively, both P < 0.01) adjusted for stage. CONCLUSION: Histology of GCTs vary by age with yolk sac tumors and teratoma predominating for male patients 0 to 4 years, mixed GCT for 12 to 18 years, and seminoma for 19 to 40 years. Pediatric patients with NSGCT had higher CSS than their adult counterparts. Mixed GCT represented an increasing proportion of GCT over the study period. Age, stage, and histology impact CSS in both pediatric and adult populations.

MRI at diagnostic versus confirmatory biopsy during MRI-based active surveillance of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Active surveillance (AS) is a management strategy for patients with favorable risk prostate cancer. Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) may impact upgrading rates, but there is mixed evidence on the appropriate timing to introduce mpMRI. We evaluated timing of initial mpMRI use for patients on AS and compared upgrading and intervention rates for AS candidates who received initial mpMRI before diagnostic biopsy vs. confirmatory biopsy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients enrolled in AS captured by the Prospective Loyola Urology mpMRI (PLUM) Prostate Biopsy Cohort which captures men undergoing MRI-fusion prostate biopsy. We included patients enrolled in AS between January 2014 and October 2022. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent MRI-fusion prostate biopsy while on AS at our institution. The cohort was stratified by men who underwent first mpMRI prior to diagnostic biopsy (MRI-DBx), confirmatory biopsy (MRI-CBx), or a subsequent surveillance biopsy. Oncologic outcomes including pathologic reclassification, intervention-free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 346 patients identified on AS, 94 (27.2%) received mpMRI at the time of diagnostic biopsy, 182 (52.6%) at confirmatory biopsy, and 70 (20.2%) at a later biopsy. At confirmatory biopsy (median 14 months), there was no difference in upgrading (HR 0.95, P = 0.78) or intervention rates (HR 0.97, P = 0.88) between MRI-DBx and MRI-CBx. PI-RADS score on initial mpMRI was associated with upgrading during AS follow-up relative to men with negative mpMRI (HR 4.20 (P = 0.04), 3.24 (P < 0.001), and 1.99 (P < 0.001) for PI-RADS 5, 4, and 3, respectively), and PSA density was associated with intervention (HR 1.52, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: mpMRI can serve as a prognostic tool to select and monitor AS patients, but there was no difference in upgrading or intervention rates based on initial timing of MRI.

Contemporary Diagnosis of Very Low-risk Prostate Cancer in a Multihospital Health Care System.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) very low risk (VLR) category for prostate cancer (PCa) represents clinically insignificant disease, and detection of VLR PCa contributes to overdiagnosis. Greater use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biomarkers before patient selection for prostate biopsy (PBx) reduces unnecessary biopsies and may reduce the diagnosis of clinically insignificant PCa. We tested a hypothesis that the proportion of VLR diagnoses has decreased with greater use of MRI-informed PBx using data from our 11-hospital system. From 2018 to 2023, 351/3197 (11%) men diagnosed with PCa met the NCCN VLR criteria. The proportion of VLR diagnoses did not change from 2018 to 2023 (p = 0.8) despite an increase in the use of MRI-informed PBx (from 49% to 82%; p < 0.001). Of patients who underwent combined systematic and targeted PBx and were diagnosed with VLR disease, cancer was found in systematic PBx regions in 79% of cases and in targeted PBx regions in 31% of cases. When performing both systematic and targeted PBx, prebiopsy MRI-based risk calculators could limit VLR diagnosis by 41% using a risk threshold of >5% for Gleason grade group ≥3 PCa to recommend biopsy; the reduction would be 77% if performing targeted PBx only. These findings suggest that VLR disease continues to account for a significant minority of PCa diagnoses and could be limited by targeted PBx and risk stratification calculators. PATIENT SUMMARY: We looked at recent trends for the diagnosis of very low-risk (VLR) prostate cancer. We found that VLR cancer still seems to be frequently diagnosed despite the use of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans before biopsy. The use of risk calculators to identify men who could avoid biopsy and/or biopsy only for lesions that are visible on MRI could reduce the overdiagnosis of VLR prostate cancer.

Ultrasensitive PSA: rethinking post-surgical management for node positive prostate cancer.

Introduction: Clinicians may offer patients with positive lymph nodes (pN1) and undetectable PSA following surgery for prostate cancer either observation or adjuvant therapy based on AUA, EAU, and NCCN guidelines considering standard PSA detection thresholds of <0.1ng/ml. Here we sought to investigate the outcomes of pN1 patients in the era of ultrasensitive PSA testing. Methods: We queried the Northwestern Electronic Data Warehouse for patients with prostate cancer who were pN1 at radical prostatectomy and followed with ultrasensitive PSA. Patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment were excluded. We compared clinical characteristics including age, race, pre-operative PSA, Gleason grade, tumor stage, surgical margins, and nodal specimens to identify factors associated with achievement and maintenance of an undetectable PSA (defined as <0.01 ng/mL). Statistics were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-squared analysis, and logistic regression with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: From 2018-2023, 188 patients were included. Subsequently, 39 (20.7%) had a PSA decline to undetectable levels (<0.01 ng/mL) post-operatively at a median time of 63 days. Seven percent of these men (3/39) were treated with adjuvant RT + ADT with undetectable PSA levels. 13/39 (33.3%) had eventual rises in PSA to ≥0.01 ng/mL for which they underwent salvage RT with ADT. Overall, 23/39 (59%) patients achieved and maintained undetectable PSA levels without subsequent therapy at median follow-up of 24.2 mo. Compared to patients with PSA persistence after surgery or elevations to detectable levels (≥0.01 ng/mL), patients who achieved and maintained undetectable levels had lower Gleason grades (p=0.03), lower tumor stage (p<0.001), fewer positive margins (p=0.02), and fewer involved lymph nodes (p=0.02). On multivariable analysis, only primary tumor (pT) stage was associated with achieving and maintaining an undetectable PSA; pT3b disease was associated with a 6.6-fold increased chance of developing a detectable PSA (p=0.03). Conclusion: Ultrasensitive PSA can aid initiation of early salvage therapy for lymph node positive patients after radical prostatectomy while avoiding overtreatment in a significant subset. 20% of patients achieved an undetectable PSA and over half of this subset remained undetectable after 2 years.

Hypogonadism, frailty, and postoperative outcomes among men undergoing radical nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hypogonadism and frailty may impact postoperative outcomes for men undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN). We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypogonadism in men undergoing RN and whether hypogonadism and frailty are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We identified men undergoing RN between 2012 and 2021 using the IBM Marketscan database. Frailty was determined using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS). Patients were considered to have hypogonadism if diagnosed <5 years before RN. Length of stay (LOS), complications, emergency department (ED) visits, and readmissions were evaluated between men with and without hypogonadism at the time of surgery. Subgroup analysis of men with hypogonadism was performed to determine the effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Among 13 598 men who underwent RN, 972 (7.1%) had hypogonadism. Men with hypogonadism were more frail compared to men without hypogonadism (HFRS: median: 8.2, interquartile range [IQR]: 5.2-11.7 vs. median: 7.0, IQR: 4.3-10.7, p < 0.001) and had increased incidence of postoperative ileus (13.0% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.045), acute kidney injury (25.5% vs. 21.6% p = 0.005), and cardiac arrest (1.2% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.034). Hypogonadism was not associated with LOS, 90-day ED visit or readmission. However, high-risk frailty was associated with increased risk of 90-day ED visit (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.9-2.4, p < 0.001) and 90-day inpatient readmission (HR: 2.6, 95% CI: 2.2-3.1, p < 0.001), compared to low-risk frailty patients. Among men with hypogonadism, TRT was not associated with any postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Hypogonadism and frailty should be considered in the preoperative evaluation for men undergoing RN as risk factors for adverse postoperative outcomes.

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Risk Calculators to Predict Prostate Cancer Risk.

Importance: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based risk calculators can replace or augment traditional prostate cancer (PCa) risk prediction tools. However, few data are available comparing performance of different MRI-based risk calculators in external cohorts across different countries or screening paradigms. Objective: To externally validate and compare MRI-based PCa risk calculators (Prospective Loyola University Multiparametric MRI [PLUM], UCLA [University of California, Los Angeles]-Cornell, Van Leeuwen, and Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator-MRI [RPCRC-MRI]) in cohorts from Europe and North America. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multi-institutional, external validation diagnostic study of 3 unique cohorts was performed from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022. Two cohorts from Europe and North America used MRI before biopsy, while a third cohort used an advanced serum biomarker, the Prostate Health Index (PHI), before MRI or biopsy. Participants included adult men without a PCa diagnosis receiving MRI before prostate biopsy. Interventions: Prostate MRI followed by prostate biopsy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was diagnosis of clinically significant PCa (grade group ≥2). Receiver operating characteristics for area under the curve (AUC) estimates, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis were evaluated. Results: A total of 2181 patients across the 3 cohorts were included, with a median age of 65 (IQR, 58-70) years and a median prostate-specific antigen level of 5.92 (IQR, 4.32-8.94) ng/mL. All models had good diagnostic discrimination in the European cohort, with AUCs of 0.90 for the PLUM (95% CI, 0.86-0.93), UCLA-Cornell (95% CI, 0.86-0.93), Van Leeuwen (95% CI, 0.87-0.93), and RPCRC-MRI (95% CI, 0.86-0.93) models. All models had good discrimination in the North American cohort, with an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.80-0.89) for PLUM and AUCs of 0.83 for the UCLA-Cornell (95% CI, 0.80-0.88), Van Leeuwen (95% CI, 0.79-0.88), and RPCRC-MRI (95% CI, 0.78-0.87) models, with somewhat better calibration for the RPCRC-MRI and PLUM models. In the PHI cohort, all models were prone to underestimate clinically significant PCa risk, with best calibration and discrimination for the UCLA-Cornell (AUC, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.81-0.85]) model, followed by the PLUM model (AUC, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.80-0.84]). The Van Leeuwen model was poorly calibrated in all 3 cohorts. On decision curve analysis, all models provided similar net benefit in the European cohort, with higher benefit for the PLUM and RPCRC-MRI models at a threshold greater than 22% in the North American cohort. The UCLA-Cornell model demonstrated highest net benefit in the PHI cohort. Conclusions and Relevance: In this external validation study of patients receiving MRI and prostate biopsy, the results support the use of the PLUM or RPCRC-MRI models in MRI-based screening pathways regardless of European or North American setting. However, tools specific to screening pathways incorporating advanced biomarkers as reflex tests are needed due to underprediction.

Implementation of PSMA PET/CT and alignment of ordering to SNMMI appropriate use criteria in a large network system.

INTRODUCTION: The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) provides appropriate use criteria (AUC) for prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) which include guidance on imaging in newly diagnosed prostate cancer and in patients with biochemically recurrent (BCR) disease. This study aims to examine trends in PSMA implementation and the prevalence and outcomes of scans ordered in scenarios deemed rarely appropriate or not meeting SNMMI AUC. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients who were diagnosed with presumptive National Comprehensive Cancer Network unfavorable intermediate, high, or very high risk prostate cancer, patients who underwent staging for BCR, and all patients staged with PSMA between July 2021 and March 2023. Positivity was validated by adherence to a predetermined reference standard. RESULTS: The frequency of PSMA use increased in initial staging from 24% to 80% and work-up of BCR from 91% to 99% over our study period. In addition, 5% (17/340) of PSMA scans ordered for initial staging did not meet AUC and 3% (15/557) of posttreatment scans were deemed rarely appropriate. Initial staging orders not meeting SNMMI AUC resulted in no positivity (0/17), while rarely appropriate posttreatment scans were falsely positive in 75% (3/4) of cases. Urologists (53%, 17/32) comprised the largest ordering specialty in rarely appropriate use. CONCLUSION: The frequency of PSMA use rose across the study period. A significant minority of patients received PSMA PET/CT in rarely appropriate scenarios yielding no positivity in initial staging and significant false positivity post-therapy. Further education of providers and electronic medical record-based interventions could help limit the rarely appropriate use of PET imaging.

Robotic transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal approach for anterior renal mass nephron-sparing surgery.

Robotic nephron-sparing surgery is traditionally performed via a transperitoneal (TP) approach. However, the retroperitoneal (RP) approach has gained popularity, particularly for posterolateral renal masses. The RP approach is associated with shorter operative time, less blood loss, and shorter length of stay, while preserving oncologic outcomes in selected masses. Here, we aim to assess the feasibility of the RP approach in excising anterior renal masses. Patients ≥ 18 years of age who underwent robotic nephron-sparing surgery for anterior renal masses were retrospectively identified (2008-2022). Baseline demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative data were collected and characterized based on TP vs RP approaches. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Pearson's Chi-squared test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Two hundred and sixteen patients were included-178 (82.4%) underwent TP approach and 38 (17.6%) underwent RP approach. Baseline demographics, preoperative tumor size, and renal nephrometry scores were similar. The RP approach was associated with shorter operative (150 vs 203 min, p < 0.001) and warm ischemia time (12 vs 21 min, p < 0.001), and less blood loss (20 vs 100 cc, p = 0.002) (Table 1). The RP approach was associated with shorter length of stay (1 vs 2 days, p < 0.001) and less total complications (5.3% vs 19.1%, p = 0.038). Major complication (Clavien-Dindo Grade > 3) rates were similar. There was no difference in positive surgical margin rates or pathologic characteristics. Robotic RP approach for nephron-sparing surgery is feasible for eligible anterior tumors and is associated with favorable perioperative outcomes with preserved negative surgical margin rates. Table 1 Patient baseline demographics Overall Transperitoneal Retroperitoneal p value Median/N IQR/% Median/N IQR/% Median/N IQR/% N 216 178 82.4% 38 17.6% Age (years) 60.5 (52.1-67.7) 60.4 (52.8-67.7) 61.6 (49.1-69.2) 0.393 Sex Male 126 58.3% 100 56.2% 26 68.4% Female 90 41.7% 78 43.8% 12 31.6% 0.165 Race White 162 75.0% 137 77.0% 25 65.8% Asian 4 1.9% 2 1.1% 2 5.3% Black 21 9.7% 18 10.1% 3 7.9% Hispanic 26 12.0% 18 10.1% 8 21.1% Other 2 0.9% 2 1.1% 0 0.0% 0.197 Body mass index (kg/m2) < 25 32 14.8% 25 14.0% 7 18.4% 25-30 68 31.5% 55 30.9% 13 34.2% 30-35 60 27.8% 50 28.1% 10 26.3% 35 + 56 25.9% 48 27.0% 8 21.1% 0.808 Prior abdominal surgery Yes 118 54.6% 104 58.4% 14 36.8% No 98 45.4% 74 41.6% 24 63.2% 0.015 Prior kidney surgery Yes 10 4.6% 9 5.1% 1 2.6% No 206 95.4% 169 94.9% 37 97.4% 0.518 Chronic kidney disease stage ≥ 3 Yes 45 20.8% 38 21.3% 7 18.4% No 171 79.2% 140 78.7% 31 81.6% 0.687 Charlson comorbidity index 0 138 63.9% 116 65.2% 22 57.9% 1 46 21.3% 38 21.4% 8 21.1% 2 19 8.8% 13 7.3% 6 15.8% ≥ 3 13 6.0% 11 6.2% 2 5.3% 0.412 Tumor size (cm) 2.7 (2-3.6) 2.8 (2-3.5) 2.55 (2-3.7) 0.796 Tumor laterality Left 100 46.3% 78 43.8% 22 57.9% Right 116 53.7% 100 56.2% 16 42.1% 0.114 Clinical T stage cT1a 186 86.1% 152 85.4% 34 89.5% cT1b 30 13.9% 26 14.6% 4 10.5% 0.509 RENAL Nephrometry score Low (4 to 6) 94 43.5% 76 42.7% 18 47.4% Intermediate (7 to 9) 112 51.9% 94 52.8% 18 47.4% High (≥ 10) 19 4.6% 8 4.5% 2 5.3% 0.829 TE tumor enucleation, SPN standard margin partial nephrectomy, IQR interquartile range.

Variability in prostate cancer detection among radiologists and urologists using MRI fusion biopsy.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of radiologist and urologist variability on detection of prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion prostate biopsies. Patients and methods: The Prospective Loyola University MRI (PLUM) Prostate Biopsy Cohort (January 2015 to December 2020) was used to identify men receiving their first MRI and MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy for suspected PCa. Clinical, MRI and biopsy data were stratified by radiologist and urologist to evaluate variation in Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) grading, lesion number and cancer detection. Multivariable logistic regression (MVR) models and area under the curve (AUC) comparisons assessed the relative impact of individual radiologists and urologists. Results: A total of 865 patients (469 biopsy-naïve) were included across 5 urologists and 10 radiologists. Radiologists varied with grading 15.4% to 44.8% of patients with MRI lesions as PI-RADS 3. PCa detection varied significantly by radiologist, from 34.5% to 66.7% (p = 0.003) for PCa and 17.2% to 50% (p = 0.001) for csPCa. Urologists' PCa diagnosis rates varied between 29.2% and 55.8% (p = 0.013) and between 24.6% and 39.8% (p = 0.36) for csPCa. After adjustment for case-mix on MVR, a fourfold to fivefold difference in PCa detection was observed between the highest-performing and lowest-performing radiologist (OR 0.22, 95%CI 0.10-0.47, p < 0.001). MVR demonstrated improved AUC for any PCa and csPCa detection when controlling for radiologist variation (p = 0.017 and p = 0.038), but controlling for urologist was not significant (p = 0.22 and p = 0.086). Any PCa detection (OR 1.64, 95%CI 1.06-2.55, p = 0.03) and csPCa detection (OR 1.57, 95%CI 1.00-2.48, p = 0.05) improved over time (2018-2020 vs. 2015-2017). Conclusions: Variability among radiologists in PI-RADS grading is a key area for quality improvement significantly impacting the detection of PCa and csPCa. Variability for performance of MRI-TRUS fusion prostate biopsies exists by urologist but with less impact on overall detection of csPCa.

Risk of pseudoaneurysm and bleeding complications after partial nephrectomy: comparison of tumor enucleation to standard margin technique.

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the gold standard for the resection of amenable small renal masses. Some surgeons have adopted tumor enucleation (TE) over the standard margin PN (SPN) technique based on preservation of healthy renal parenchyma by following the tumor pseudocapsule. However, TE may also confer additional advantages due to avoidance of sharp incision including reduction in perioperative and bleeding complications. Therefore, we evaluated the rate of pseudoaneurysms and other complications following TE vs. SPN. A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing PN (TE and SPN) between 2008 and 2020 was conducted. Baseline characteristics were compared between the TE and SPN cohorts with univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. A total of 534 patients were included, 195 (36.5%) receiving TE and 339 (63.5%) SPN. There were no differences in baseline patient demographics. There was no difference in RENAL nephrometry scores between the two groups (p = 0.47). TE had lower rates of postoperative complications (11.3 vs. 21.5%, p = 0.002). TE had less bleeding complications (2.1 vs. 8.0%, p = 0.002) with no pseudoaneurysm events following TE compared to 12 following SPN (0.0 vs. 3.5%, p = 0.008). Need for interventional radiology largely reflected pseudoaneurysm differences (0 (0.0%) TE vs. 13 (3.8%) SPN, p = 0.006. Readmission occurred less often after TE vs. SPN (4.1 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.07). Patients receiving TE experienced no clinically significant pseudoaneurysm formation and were less likely to have any bleeding complication or major complication postoperatively. TE may be preferred when minimizing morbidity aligns with patient selection and preferences.

Robotic versus open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: evaluation of complications, survival, and opioid prescribing patterns.

We aim to compare complications, readmission, survival, and prescribing patterns of opioids for post-operative pain management for Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) as compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC). Patients that underwent RARC or ORC for bladder cancer at a tertiary care center from 2005 to 2021 were included. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Comparisons of narcotic usage were completed with oral morphine equivalents (OMEQ). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess predictors of OMEQ utilization. A total of 128 RARC and 461 ORC patients were included. There was no difference in rates of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications between RARC and ORC (36.7 vs 30.1%, p = 0.16). After a mean follow up of 3.4 years, RFS (HR 0.96, 95%CI 0.58-1.56) and OS (HR 0.69, 95%CI 0.46-1.05) were comparable between RARC and ORC. There was no difference in the narcotic usage between patients in the RARC and ORC groups during the last 24 h of hospitalization (median OMEQ: 0 vs 0, p = 0.33) and upon discharge (median OMEQ: 178 vs 210, p = 0.36). Predictors of higher OMEQ discharge prescriptions included younger age [(- )3.46, 95%CI (-)5.5-(-)0.34], no epidural during hospitalization [- 95.85, 95%CI (- )144.95-(- )107.36], and early time-period of surgery [(- )151.04, 95%CI (- )194.72-(- )107.36]. RARC has comparable 90-day complication rates and early survival outcomes to ORC and remains a viable option for bladder cancer. RARC results in comparable levels of opioid utilization for pain management as ORC.

Urologist-level variation in the management of T1a renal cell carcinoma: A population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Lack of strict indications in current guidelines have led to significant variation in management patterns of small renal masses. The impact of the urologist on the management approach for patients with small renal masses has not been explored previously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database, patients aged ≥66 years diagnosed with small renal masses from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2013 were identified and assigned to primary urologists. Mixed-effects logistic models were used to evaluate factors associated with different management approaches, estimate urologist-level probabilities of each approach, assess management variation, and determine urologist impact on choice of approach. RESULTS: A total of 12,402 patients with 2,794 corresponding primary urologists were included in the study. At the individual urologist level, the estimated case-adjusted probability of different approaches varied markedly: nonsurgical management (mean, 12.8%; range, 4.9%-36.1%); thermal ablation (mean, 10.8%; range, 2.4%-66.3%); partial nephrectomy (mean, 30.1%; range, 10.1%-66.6%); and radical nephrectomy (mean, 40.4%; range, 17.7%-71.6%). Compared to patient and tumor characteristics, the primary urologist was a more influential measured factor, accounting for 13.6% (vs. 12.9%), 33.8% (vs. 2.1%), 15.1% (vs. 8.4%), and 13.5% (vs. 4.0%) of the variation in management choice for nonsurgical management, thermal ablation, partial nephrectomy, and radical nephrectomy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Significant variation exists in the management of small renal masses and appears to be driven primarily by urologist preference and practice patterns. Our findings emphasize the need for unified guidance regarding management of these masses to reduce unwarranted variation in care.

Transperineal Versus Transrectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging-targeted and Systematic Prostate Biopsy to Prevent Infectious Complications: The PREVENT Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The transrectal biopsy approach is traditionally used to detect prostate cancer. An alternative transperineal approach is historically performed under general anesthesia, but recent advances enable transperineal biopsy to be performed under local anesthesia. We sought to compare infectious complications of transperineal biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis versus transrectal biopsy with targeted prophylaxis. METHODS: We assigned biopsy-naïve participants to undergo transperineal biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis versus transrectal biopsy with targeted prophylaxis (rectal culture screening for fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria and antibiotic targeting to culture and sensitivity results) through a multicenter, randomized trial. The primary outcome was post-biopsy infection captured by a prospective medical review and patient report on a 7-d survey. The secondary outcomes included cancer detection, noninfectious complications, and a numerical rating scale (0-10) for biopsy-related pain and discomfort during and 7-d after biopsy. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 658 participants were randomized, with zero transperineal versus four (1.4%) transrectal biopsy infections (difference -1.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.2%, 0.3%; p = 0.059). The rates of other complications were very low and similar. Importantly, detection of clinically significant cancer was similar (53% transperineal vs 50% transrectal, adjusted difference 2.0%; 95% CI -6.0, 10). Participants in the transperineal arm experienced worse periprocedural pain (0.6 adjusted difference [0-10 scale], 95% CI 0.2, 0.9), but the effect was small and resolved by 7-d. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Office-based transperineal biopsy is tolerable, does not compromise cancer detection, and did not result in infectious complications. Transrectal biopsy with targeted prophylaxis achieved similar infection rates, but requires rectal cultures and careful attention to antibiotic selection and administration. Consideration of these factors and antibiotic stewardship should guide clinical decision-making. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this multicenter randomized trial, we compare prostate biopsy infectious complications for the transperineal versus transrectal approach. The absence of infectious complications with transperineal biopsy without the use of preventative antibiotics is noteworthy, but not significantly different from transrectal biopsy with targeted antibiotic prophylaxis.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Before Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Elective and Eligibility Factors Impacting Utilization.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and etiologies for lack of NAC receipt among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with MIBC undergoing radical cystectomy at a single institution (2005-2021) were included. Patients were categorized by receipt of NAC, and reasons for no NAC were categorized into eligibility and elective factors. Overall survival was analyzed using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models and modeled with Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty patients with MIBC were included; 154 (40.5%) received NAC. Patients were not candidates for NAC due to renal dysfunction (16.6%), clinical contraindications (4.7%), salvage setting (2.1%), and histology (5.3%; total N = 109). Among 271 (71.3%) who were eligible, utilization increased from early (2005-2016) to recent (2016-2021) time periods (34.2% to 85.7% among NAC-eligible, P < .001; 22.8% vs 67.1% among all MIBC, P < .001). Elective factors for not receiving NAC included patient symptoms (7.8%), disease progression concern (7.0%), patient preference/refusal (20.3%) and provider discretion (8.1%) among 271 NAC-eligible patients. Notably, patient preference/refusal decreased from 33.6% to 3.4% in recent years (P < .001). On multivariable analysis, lack of NAC utilization due to renal dysfunction (HR 2.18, P = .002), clinical contraindications (HR 2.62, P = .01), and elective factors (HR 1.88, P = .01) were associated with worse overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: NAC utilization increased over time with 85.7% of eligible patients with MIBC receiving NAC in recent years. Renal dysfunction, patient preference, and clinical contraindications were primary etiologies for lack of NAC. Fewer patients refused NAC in recent years leading to a potential ceiling for NAC utilization.

Urinary comprehensive genomic profiling predicts urothelial carcinoma recurrence and identifies responders to intravesical therapy.

Intravesical therapy (IVT) is the standard of care to decrease risk of recurrence and progression for high-grade nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, post-IVT recurrence remains common and the ability to risk-stratify patients before or after IVT is limited. In this prospectively designed and accrued cohort study, we examine the utility of urinary comprehensive genomic profiling (uCGP) for predicting recurrence risk following transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and evaluating longitudinal IVT response. Urine was collected before and after IVT instillation and uCGP testing was done using the UroAmp™ platform. Baseline uCGP following TURBT identified patients with high (61%) and low (39%) recurrence risk. At 24 months, recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 100% for low-risk and 45% for high-risk patients with a hazard ratio (HR) of 9.3. Longitudinal uCGP classified patients as minimal residual disease (MRD) Negative, IVT Responder, or IVT Refractory with 24-month RFS of 100%, 50%, and 32%, respectively. Compared with MRD Negative patients, IVT Refractory patients had a HR of 10.5. Collectively, uCGP enables noninvasive risk assessment of patients following TURBT and induction IVT. uCGP could inform surveillance cystoscopy schedules and identify high-risk patients in need of additional therapy.