"Seeing Is Believing": Additive Utility of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis.

Widespread adoption of mpMRI has led to a decrease in the number of patients requiring prostate biopsies. 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT has demonstrated added benefits in identifying csPCa. Integrating the use of these imaging techniques may hold promise for predicting the presence of csPCa without invasive biopsy. A retrospective analysis of 42 consecutive patients who underwent mpMRI, 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT, prostatic biopsy, and radical prostatectomy (RP) was carried out. A lesion-based model (n = 122) using prostatectomy histopathology as reference standard was used to analyze the accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT, mpMRI alone, and both in combination to identify ISUP-grade group ≥ 2 lesions. 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT demonstrated greater specificity and positive predictive value (PPV), with values of 73.3% (vs. 40.0%) and 90.1% (vs. 82.2%), while the mpMRI Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 4-5 had better sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV): 90.2% (vs. 78.5%) and 57.1% (vs. 52.4%), respectively. When used in combination, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 74.2%, 83.3%, 93.2%, and 51.0%, respectively. Subgroup analysis of PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 lesions was carried out. For PI-RADS 3 lesions, 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT demonstrated a NPV of 77.8%. For PI-RADS 4-5 lesions, 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT achieved PPV values of 82.1% and 100%, respectively, with an NPV of 100% in PI-RADS 5 lesions. A combination of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and mpMRI improved the radiological diagnosis of csPCa. This suggests that avoidance of prostate biopsy prior to RP may represent a valid option in a selected subgroup of high-risk patients with a high suspicion of csPCa on mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT.

Real-world retrospective study of prostate-specific antigen and safety assessment with darolutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy for metastasis hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Background: ARASENS has demonstrated the efficacy and safety for darolutamide (DARO) with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus docetaxel in metastasis hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). There is a lack of reports for DARO with ADT in mHSPC though the regimen is used in clinical from time to time. Moreover, recent studies have supported the importance of early and rapid prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reduction, which correlates with reduced disease progression and improved survival in patients with mHSPC. This study aims to evaluate PSA reduction as a primary endpoint for DARO with ADT in the treatment of mHSPC and to evaluate the real-world short-term PSA control of DARO with ADT from two leading medical centers in China. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with mHSPC receiving ADT and DARO (600 mg, b.i.d.). The collection of data spanned from March 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. The main observation indicators were PSA level and drug-related adverse events (AE) after medication. PSA levels were closely monitored prior to treatment initiation and at 2-week intervals, as well as at 1, 3, and 6 months after the initiation of treatment. We also conducted an analysis to determine the proportion of patients achieving a PSA reduction of 50% or more (PSA50) and 90% or more (PSA90) as well as the percentage of patients with a notable decrease in PSA level to 0.2 ng/mL and PSA nadir of ≤0.02 ng/mL. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in the study, with a median age of 73 years. At diagnosis of HSPC, the majority of patients had a Gleason score ≥8 (n=40, 78.40%) and a median baseline PSA level of 88 ng/mL. Approximately 45.1% (n=23) of patients had a Charlson Comorbidity Index over 1 and were receiving one or more nontumor-related treatments. The median follow-up time was 9.3 months (range, 1.16-15.8 months). The median reductions in PSA levels compared to baseline were 84.37%, 91.48%, 94.67% and 99.81% at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after administration of DARO with ADT, respectively. The median time to PSA50, PSA90, significant PSA reduction (PSA <0.2 ng/mL), and PSA nadir (PSA <0.02 ng/mL) was 0.97, 1.27, 1.98, and 2.08 months, respectively. AE mainly included fatigue (two patients) and arm pain (one patient), all of which were grade I or II AE. No grade III or AE were observed. Conclusions: For treating prostate cancer, DARO with ADT has good early efficacy, demonstrating prompt and substantial control of PSA levels, with a favorable safety profile.

Surveillance one year post focal cryotherapy for clinically significant prostate cancer using mpMRI and PIRADS v2.1: An initial experience from a prospective phase II mandatory biopsy study.

Objectives: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) surveillance post focal cryotherapy (FT) of prostate cancer is challenging as post treatment artefacts alter mpMRI findings. In this initial experience, we assessed diagnostic performance of mpMRI in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) after FT. Materials and methods: This single-centre phase II prospective clinical trial recruited 28 men with localized csPCa for FT between October 2019 and April 2021. 12-months post FT mpMRI were performed prior to biopsy and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of all mpMRI positive subjects were analysed. Chi square goodness of fit test correlated biopsy positive PIRADS3 (P3) and PIRADS4/5 lesions with histology grade group. One way ANOVA test assessed performance of ADC values in differentiating csPCa, non csPCa and benign lesions. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of mpMRI were 100%, 14.28%, 53.84% and 100% for subjects with histologically proven cancer. Correlation of PIRADS v2.1 scores with histologically proven prostate cancer was statistically significant (p < 0.5). Correlation of P3 lesions with non-csPCa was statistically significant (p < 0.02535). Higher ADC value was associated with benign histology (adjusted odds ratio OR 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.94, 0.99) (p = 0.008). Among the malignant lesions, higher ADC value was associated with non-csPCa (adjusted OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99) (p = 0.032). Conclusion: mpMRI is highly sensitive in detecting residual cancer. ADC values and PIRADS scores may be of value in differentiating csPCa from non-csPCa with a potential for risk stratification of men requiring re-biopsy versus non-invasive surveillance of remnant prostate.

A systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of exercise training on physical condition in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an effective prostate cancer (PCa) treatment strategy that can curb the development or progression of the disease. This review aimed to examine and summarize available systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of exercise training on physical condition of PCa patients undergoing ADT. Methods: A comprehensive search of 8 databases was conducted for relevant literature published before April 25, 2022 with the language restrictions of Chinese and English. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs using a range of evaluation tools, including A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2, Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS), the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), and Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: This review included 8 SRs/MAs which included a total of 94 studies. Ultimately, A total of 51 outcomes was included, regarding 11 different outcome categories. The AMSTAR-2 tool showed that 3 SRs/MAs had moderate methodological quality, 4 SRs/MAs had very low quality, and the remaining 1 had low quality. According to the ROBIS scale, 3 SRs/MAs had a high risk of bias. The PRISMA checklist showed that the primary reporting faults were protocol registration and funding source. The GRADE system was used to analyze the evidence quality of the 51 outcomes, and no high-quality evidence was found. However, moderate-quality evidence indicated that exercise training may improve body composition [by lowering body fat mass (BFM) and body fat rate (BFR)], muscular strength, and quality of life (QoL) in PCa patients undergoing ADT. Low-quality evidence demonstrated that exercise training could improve such symptoms as fatigue, depression, sexual function, and cardiometabolic changes. Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that exercise training may be used as an adjuvant treatment for PCa patients undergoing ADT to improve several aspects of general health. Studies with more rigorous designs and larger sample sizes are needed to support our findings with more robust evidence.

Far from the truth: Real-world treatment patterns among newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer in the era of treatment intensification.

OBJECTIVES: Real-world uptake of treatment intensification (TI) with novel hormonal agents (NHA) or chemotherapy as treatment of metastatic prostate cancer remains low outside of trial settings. We aim to report the prescription patterns and treatment outcomes of de novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in a tertiary institution. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using real-world data from a prospectively maintained prostate cancer registry. We selected patients newly diagnosed with mHSPC from January 2016 to December 2020. Clinicopathological parameters were recorded to determine their impact on prescription patterns. RESULTS: In total, 585 patients with metastatic prostate cancer were identified. Prescription of NHA increased from 10.5% (2016) to 50.4% (2020), but that of chemotherapy declined. Factors associated with TI were (1) baseline health status: Charlson Comorbidity Index 0-2, ECOG 0-1, age ≤ 65, (2) disease burden: PSA (>400, CHAARTED high volume disease, p = 0.004), development of systemic complications and (3) physician factor: primary physician being uro-oncologist and medical oncologist versus general urologist. Patients with TI had a longer mean time to castration-resistant prostate cancer (45.0 vs. 32.5 months, HR 0.567, 95% CI: 0.441-0.730, p < 0.001) and overall survival (55.3 vs. 46.8 months, HR 0.612, 95% CI, 0.447-0.837, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the trend of treatment prescription of mHSPC and factors contributing to the use of TI. TI improved mean time to CRPC and OS.

Priapism mimic: penile metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma.

We describe the case of a metastatic penile tumour of hepatocellular origin treated with surgical resection.

Reducing the number of systematic biopsy cores in the era of MRI targeted biopsy-implications on clinically-significant prostate cancer detection and relevance to focal therapy planning.

BACKGROUND: The optimal number of systematic biopsy cores in the era of multi-parametric MRI targeted biopsy remains unclear, especially on its impact of focal therapy planning. Our objective is to investigate the impact of reducing the number of systematic cores on prostate cancer detection in the era of MRI-US fusion targeted biopsy and as well as its relevance in template planning for focal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 398 consecutive men who underwent both systematic saturation (~24 cores) and MRI-US fusion targeted biopsy was performed. Four reduced-core systematic biopsy strategies (two-thirds, half, one-third and one-quarter systematic cores) were modelled and the detection rates of clinically-significant prostate cancer (csPCa defined as grade group ≥2) were compared to that of a full systematic biopsy using McNemar's test. Focal therapy treatment plans were made based on positive cores on combined (targeted and systematic) biopsy and the various reduced-cores strategies to compare the proportion who had a change in treatment plan. RESULTS: csPCa was detected in 42% (168/398) of this patient cohort. Non-targeted systematic saturation biopsy had a 21% (83/398) csPCa detection rate. Our four strategies reduced the mean number of non-targeted systematic cores from 21.8 to 14.5, 10.9, 7.3 and 5.4 cores and their csPCa detection rates were significantly decreased to 16%, 13%, 9% and 8% respectively (all p < 0.05). Compared to the reduced-core strategies, a full systematic saturation biopsy resulted in change to the focal therapy treatment plan in 12% (2/3 cores), 19% (1/2 cores), 24% (1/3 cores) and 29% (1/4 cores) of the time (p = 0.0434). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the number of systematic biopsies when performing an MRI-targeted biopsy leads to reduced detection of csPCa and alter the treatment plans for focal therapy, possibly limiting its oncological efficacy.

Incorporating artificial intelligence in urology: Supervised machine learning algorithms demonstrate comparative advantage over nomograms in predicting biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: After radical prostatectomy (RP), one-third of patients will experience biochemical recurrence (BCR), which is associated with subsequent metastasis and cancer-specific mortality. We employed machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict BCR after RP, and compare them with traditional regression models and nomograms. METHODS: Utilizing a prospective Uro-oncology registry, 18 clinicopathological parameters of 1130 consecutive patients who underwent RP (2009-2018) were recorded, yielding over 20,000 data points for analysis. The data set was split into a 70:30 ratio for training and validation. Three ML models: Naïve Bayes (NB), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) were studied, and compared with traditional regression models and nomograms (Kattan, CAPSURE, John Hopkins [JHH]) to predict BCR at 1, 3, and 5 years. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 70.0 months, 176 (15.6%) developed BCR, at a median time of 16.0 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 11.0-26.0). Multivariate analyses demonstrated strongest association of BCR with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (p: 0.015), positive surgical margins (p < 0.001), extraprostatic extension (p: 0.002), seminal vesicle invasion (p: 0.004), and grade group (p < 0.001). The 3 ML models demonstrated good prediction of BCR at 1, 3, and 5 years, with the area under curves (AUC) of NB at 0.894, 0.876, and 0.894, RF at 0.846, 0.875, and 0.888, and SVM at 0.835, 0.850, and 0.855, respectively. All models demonstrated (1) robust accuracy (>0.82), (2) good calibration with minimal overfitting, (3) longitudinal consistency across the three time points, and (4) inter-model validity. The ML models were comparable to traditional regression analyses (AUC: 0.797, 0.848, and 0.862) and outperformed the three nomograms: Kattan (AUC: 0.815, 0.798, and 0.799), JHH (AUC: 0.820, 0.757, and 0.750) and CAPSURE nomograms (AUC: 0.706, 0.720, and 0.749) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Supervised ML algorithms can deliver accurate performances and outperform nomograms in predicting BCR after RP. This may facilitate tailored care provisions by identifying high-risk patients who will benefit from multimodal therapy.

A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis of Transabdominal Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion Assessment in Determining Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Unsuccessful Trial Without Catheter.

CONTEXT: Urodynamic study (UDS) provides the most objective assessment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) but is impractical to be recommended routinely in outpatient services. Intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) had been described to obstruct urinary flow by creating an anatomical ball-valve effect, but there remains a lack of pooled evidence that can objectively correlate with BOO in benign prostatic hyperplasia. OBJECTIVE: To update the current evidence on the predictive role of IPP in determining BOO and unsuccessful trial without catheter (TWOC). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies that evaluated IPP in diagnosing UDS-determined BOO and TWOC. The search included the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to January 2021. An updated systemic review and meta-analysis was performed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 18 studies with 4128 patients were examined. Eleven studies with 1478 patients examined the role of IPP in UDS-determined BOO. The pooled area under the curve (AUC) was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-0.86), and at a cut-off of >10 mm, the sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61-0.78) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.68-0.84), respectively. The probability-modifying plot revealed positive and negative likelihood ratios of 3.34 (95% CI: 2.56-4.36) and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.26-0.45), respectively. Seven studies with 2650 patients examined IPP in predicting unsuccessful TWOC, with a pooled AUC of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.70-0.84), with Sn of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.43-0.60) and Sp of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.73-0.84) at an IPP cut-off of >10 mm. Five studies compared prostate volume (PV) and IPP and revealed a lower AUC of PV at 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67-0.75), which was an inferior parameter in diagnosing BOO (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This systemic review provided evidence that IPP is a reliable clinical parameter that correlates strongly with underlying BOO and unsuccessful TWOC. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this review, we comprehensively reviewed all the literature to date on evaluating the clinical utility of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP). We have demonstrated that IPP correlates strongly with urodynamic study (UDS)-determined bladder outlet obstruction and failure of trial without catheter (TWOC). Outpatient IPP measurement is a quick, inexpensive, and reproducible clinical parameter that can determine the severity of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The clinical role of IPP in predicting failure of TWOC selects patients who are best treated with aggressive surgical approaches rather than conservative medical therapies. More importantly, IPP can facilitate the discriminatory use of invasive UDS, reserved for patients with a strong suspicion of concomitant detrusor abnormalities.

Serum testosterone levels and testosterone 'bounce' phenomenon predict response to novel anti-androgen therapies in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The relevance of continuous testosterone (TT) monitoring in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains in question. OBJECTIVE: To determine if TT levels before and during novel anti-androgen therapies (NAAT), and the TT 'bounce' phenomenon may predict treatment response in CRPC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2014 through 2018, we identified 92 CRPC patients treated with either Abiraterone or Enzalutamide from a prospectively maintained cancer registry. The TT levels measured before and during NAAT were correlated with the oncological outcomes, determined by PSA response (% change), PSA progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: At CRPC, 58 (63.0%) and 34 (37.0%) patients opted for Abiraterone and Enzalutamide respectively. Median TT levels at CRPC status before and during NAAT were 10.37 ng/dl and 20.46 ng/dl respectively. PSA response was superior in patients with a higher TT before NAAT (P:0.048, median difference: 18.22%, 95% CI 0.70 - 40.37) and longer time to CRPC (P: 0.041, median difference: 15.31%, 95% CI 1.84 -34.84), with a trend towards lower TT during NAAT (P: 0.062). Over a follow up of 33.0 months, 65 patients (70.7%) developed PSA progression. PSA PFS was longer in patients with higher TT before NAAT (16.3 vs. 10.8 months; P: 0.023), lower TT during NAAT (17.0 vs. 9.1 months; P: 0.001), and longer time to CRPC (13.4 vs. 8.0 months; P: 0.032). Importantly, better OS was observed in lower TT during NAAT (45.0 vs. 33.0 months; P:0.029) and longer time to CRPC (43.0 vs. 31.0 months; P: 0.025). The TT 'bounce' phenomenon was observed in 28 patients (33.3%), and was associated with a poorer PSA response (P: 0.029, median difference: 18.90%, 95% CI 3.83 - 41.45), shorter PSA PFS (8.6 vs 15.2 months, P: 0.002) and shorter OS (29.0 vs. 45.0 months, P: 0.012). CONCLUSION: In CRPC patients, TT behaviors before and during NAAT, and the 'bounce' phenomenon continue to predict treatment response and could guide clinical decisions.

Ambulatory robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with extended recovery by total extraperitoneal approach.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of performing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in an ambulatory with extended recovery setting by using a total extraperitoneal approach. METHODS: Patients with low- to intermediate-risk, prostate cancer were prospectively recruited in the ambulatory robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with extended recovery by total extraperitoneal approach group (n = 30), and a matched-pair inpatient surgery control group by total extraperitoneal approach (n = 20). Objective discharge criteria were based on the postanesthesia discharge scoring system. All patients underwent preoperative counseling on preoperative preparation and postoperative care. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the ambulatory with extended recovery-total extraperitoneal approach and inpatient-total extraperitoneal approach groups in patient factors (age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson Comorbidity Index), disease factors (prostate-specific antigen, clinical T stage, biopsy Gleason score, prostate volume) and peri-operative parameters (operative time, blood loss, Trendelenburg angle). All total extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy patients (ambulatory with extended recovery and inpatient surgery groups) met the postanesthesia discharge scoring system discharge criteria ≤23 h from admission. The mean hospital stays for ambulatory with extended recovery-total extraperitoneal and inpatient-total extraperitoneal groups were 20.3 and 52.4 h, respectively (P < 0.001). A total of 29 of 30 patients (97%) in the ambulatory with extended recovery-total extraperitoneal group were discharged ≤23 h of admission. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective evaluation of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by the total extraperitoneal approach, showing that the short-stay ambulatory with extended recovery approach is safe, feasible and with a high success rate. Total extraperitoneal surgical approach is a critical factor for the success of the ambulatory with extended recovery protocol.

Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma variant predicts worse pathological and oncological outcomes: Insight from over 1000 consecutive patients from a large prospective uro-oncology registry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) independently predicts poorer pathological and oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Utilizing a large prospective uro-oncology registry, clinicopathological parameters of 1027 consecutive patients who underwent RP (2008-2017) were recorded. Oncological outcomes were determined by failure to achieve unrecordable PSA postoperatively and biochemical failure (BCF). RESULTS: PDA was present in 79 (7.7%) patients, whereas 948 (92.3%) patients had conventional prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma (PAA). Patients with PDA were older (mean 64.4 vs. 62.8-years old; p = .045), had higher PSA at diagnosis (mean 12.53 vs. 10.80 ng/ml; p = .034), and a higher percentage of positive biopsy cores (mean 39.34 vs. 30.53%; p = .006). Compared to PAA, PDA exhibited a more aggressive tumor biology: (1) Grade groups 4 or 5 (26.6 vs. 9.4%, p < .001), (2) tumor multifocality (89.9 vs. 83.6%; p = .049), and (3) tumor size (mean 2.97 vs. 2.00 cm; p < .001). On multivariate analysis, PDA was independently associated with locally advanced disease (p = .002, hazard ratio [HR]: 2.786, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.473-5.263), with a trend towards positive surgical margins (p = .055) and nodal involvement (p = .061). Translating the poorer pathological features to oncological outcomes, presence of PDA independently predicted less likelihood of achieving unrecordable PSA (p = .019, HR: 2.368, 95% CI: 1.152-4.868, and higher BCF (p = .028, HR: 1.918, 95% CI: 1.074-3.423). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that a higher ductal component greater than 15% proportionally predicted worse oncological outcomes, with a shorter time to BCF of 14.3 months compared to 19.8 months in patients with ductal component lesser than 15% (p = .040, HR: 2.660, 95% CI: 1.046-6.757). CONCLUSION: PDA is independently associated with adverse pathological and oncological outcomes after RP. A higher proportion of PDA supports a higher BCF rate with a shorter time interval. An aggressive extirpative approach with close monitoring of postoperative serum PSA levels is warranted for these patients.

Benefits of robotic cystectomy compared with open cystectomy in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program: A propensity-matched analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes between robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion versus open cystectomy for bladder cancer in a contemporary Enhanced Recovery After Surgery cohort. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy and managed under an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol, from December 2013 to October 2018, were reviewed. Propensity score adjustment was carried out to reduce biases attributable to covariate imbalances. RESULTS: There were 19 robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion and 21 open cystectomy patients. The robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion cohort was associated with lower estimated blood loss (397 vs 787 mL, P = 0.05), with a trend toward shorter duration of ileus and postoperative opioid administration. These benefits were apparent, despite a longer operative time (581 vs 446 mins, P = 0.03), a higher proportion of orthotopic bladder reconstruction (26.3 vs 9.5%, P = 0.08), a more prevalent use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and a higher number of salvage cystectomies for the robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion group. Comparable perioperative complications and length of hospital stay were observed. The pathological and intermediate oncological outcomes were similar in both groups (locally advanced disease: 52.6 vs 47.6%, P = 0.85; lymph node yield: 29 vs 34, P = 0.23). The mean recurrence-free survival and overall survival in the robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion group was 37.5 and 43.0 months, respectively, compared with 21.4 (P = 0.09) and 35.5 (P = 0.14) months, respectively, in open cystectomy. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion has perioperative benefits of lower estimated blood loss, with a trend toward faster bowel recovery and a shorter duration of opioid analgesia when compared with open cystectomy. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion also achieves similar intermediate-term oncological and survival outcomes.

Comparative study of surgical orchidectomy and medical castration in treatment efficacy, adverse effects and cost based on a large prospective metastatic prostate cancer registry.

INTRODUCTION: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the mainstay of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) but is associated with significant morbidities. Comparisons of medical castration (MC) and surgical orchidectomy (SO) have yielded varied results. We aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes, adverse effect (AE) profiles and costs of MC and SO in patients with mPCa. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We reviewed 523 patients who presented with de novo mPCa from a prospectively maintained prostate cancer database over 15 years (2001-2015). All patients received ADT (either MC or SO) within 3 months of diagnosis. The data were analyzed with chi-square, binary and logistics regression models. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty one (28.9%) patients received SO while 372 (71.1%) patients had MC. The median age of presentation was 73 [67 -79] years old. The median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 280ng/ml [82.4-958]. Three hundred and thirty one patients (66.3%) had high volume bone metastasis and 57 patients (10.9%) had visceral metastasis. Clinical demographics and clinicopathological were similar across both groups. Similar oncological outcomes were observed in both groups. The proportion of PSA response (PSA <1ng/ml) was 65.6% for SO and 67.2% for MC (P = 0.212). Both therapies achieve >95% of effective androgen suppression (testosterone <50ng/dL). Time to castrate-resistance was similar (18 vs 16 months, P = 0.097), with comparative overall survival (42 vs. 38.5 months, P = 0.058) and prostate cancer mortality (80.1 vs. 75.9%, P = 0.328). Similarly, no difference was observed for the 4 AE profiles between SO and MC respectively; change in Haemoglobin (-0.75 vs. -1.0g/dL, P = 0.302), newly diagnosed Diabetes mellitus (4.6 vs. 2.9%, P = 0.281), control measured by HbA1c (0.2 vs. 0.25%, P = 0.769), coronary artery disease events (9.9 vs. 12.9%, P = 0.376) and skeletal-related fractures (9.3 vs. 7.3%, P = 0.476). After adjusting for varying governmental subsidies and inflation rates, the median cost of SO was $5275, compared to MC of $9185.80. CONCLUSION: Both SO and MC have similar oncological outcomes and AE profiles. However, SO remains a much more cost-effective form of ADT for the long-term treatment of mPCa patients.

Are small renal masses all the same?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate variables that can predict synchronous metastasis in patients presenting with small renal masses. METHODS: We reviewed our institution's prospectively maintained database of 565 patients diagnosed with small renal masses (≤4 cm) over a 16-year period. Variables associated with synchronous metastasis and subsequent relapse were analyzed using χ2 and logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients (2.7%) presented with synchronous metastasis. Just three patients with tumor size <3 cm had metastatic disease at presentation. On multivariate analyses, tumor size >3 cm, symptomatic cancer, age >65 years and ipsilateral synchronous tumors were independent predictors of M1 renal cell carcinoma. A weighted predictive model (concordance index 0.786) showed that a score ≥2 significantly increases the risk of synchronous metastasis (7.9% vs <1% for score <2, P < 0.01, hazard ratio 12.56, 95% confidence interval 5.52-22.85). A total of 498 (90.7%) patients underwent nephrectomies, 27 (4.9%) had ablative therapies and 24 (4.4%) continued on active surveillance/watchful waiting. Over a median follow-up period of 62.8 months, 30 patients (6.1%) had disease recurrence. On multivariate analyses, higher Fuhrman grade and lymphovascular invasion were independent predictors of recurrence. A separate predictive model (concordance index 0.723) showed that either pathological outcome increases recurrence risk up to 15% (P < 0.01, hazard ratio 11.83, 95% confidence interval 5.82-18.76). CONCLUSIONS: Several clinical variables can better identify the metastatic potential of small renal masses. The two proposed predictive models can be valuable tools in future clinical practice.

Local and systemic morbidities of de novo metastatic prostate cancer in Singapore: insight from 685 consecutive patients from a large prospective Uro-oncology registry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and management of local and systemic complications afflicting patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) in Singapore. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a large prospective Uro-oncology registry of mPCa. SETTING: This study is carried out in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: We reviewed our institution's prospectively maintained database of 685 patients with mPCa over a 20-year period (1995-2014). Patients with non-mPCa or those progressed to metastatic disease after previous curative local treatments were excluded. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was to evaluate the systemic and local morbidity rates associated with mPCa. Local complication was defined as the need for palliative procedures to relieve urinary obstruction, worsening renal function or refractory haematuria, while systemic complication was related to radiographic evidence of skeletal-related pathological fractures. Secondary outcomes analysed were the management and overall survival patterns over 20 years. RESULTS: 237 (34.6%) patients required local palliative treatments. 88 (12.8%) patients presented with acute urinary retention, 23 patients (9.7%) required repetitive local palliative treatments. On multivariate analyses, prostate-specific antigen >100 (p=0.02) and prostate volume >50 g (p=0.03) were independent prognostic factors for significant obstruction requiring palliative procedures. 118 (17.2%) patients developed skeletal fractures, with poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance (ECOG) status (p=0.01) and high volume bone metastasis (p<0.01) independently predictive of skeletal fractures. Altogether, 653 (95.3%) patients received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), with the median time to castrate resistance of 21.4 months (IQR 7-27). The median overall survival was 45 months (IQR 20-63), with prostate cancer mortality of 81.4%. Improved overall survival was observed from 41.6 months (1995-1999) to 47.8 months (2010-2014) (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Morbidities and complications arising from mPCa are more common and debilitating than we thought, often requiring immediate palliative treatments, while many necessitate repeated interventions with progression.