Difference of oncological efficacy between two immune checkpoint inhibitors following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with unresectable, metastatic, advanced urothelial carcinoma: a multicenter real-world Japanese cohort.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance avelumab is currently recommended for patients with unresectable and/or metastatic (mUC) achieving at least stable disease (SD) on first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (1L-CT). Pembrolizumab is an alternative therapeutic avenue for this patient cohort in clinical practice. We investigated real-world data, focusing on the correlation between response to 1L-CT and oncological efficacy of subsequent immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy with avelumab or pembrolizumab. METHODS: A multicenter database registered 626 patients with mUC diagnosed from 2008-2023; among these, 175 receiving 2-6 cycles of 1L-CT followed by ICI therapy. Patients were categorized based on response to 1L-CT using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (v1.1). Objective response rate on ICI, progression to ICI-free survival (ICI-PFS), and overall survival from start of 1L-CT were compared between avelumab-treated and pembrolizumab-treated patients in each response subgroup. RESULTS: ICI-PFS was significantly longer in patients achieving partial response on 1L-CT and subsequently receiving pembrolizumab compared to those receiving avelumab. Notably, patients achieving SD on 1L-CT and subsequently receiving pembrolizumab manifested significantly higher objective response rate (14% and 41%, respectively) and prolonged ICI-PFS relative to those receiving avelumab. In contrast, overall survival did not delineate difference between patients treated with avelumab versus pembrolizumab. Similar findings were discerned in the subanalysis of patients having favorable SD (tumor shrinkage, from - 29 to 0%) and unfavorable SD (tumor enlargement, from + 1 to + 19%) on 1L-CT. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides real-world evidence regarding difference of oncological efficacy between maintenance avelumab and subsequent pembrolizumab in patients with mUC who achieved partial response or SD on 1L-CT.

Single port (SP) robotic pyeloplasty in a pediatric patient.

We began using the da Vinci single port (SP) robot for pediatric urologic surgeries at our institution due to limited access to the multiport robot. Availability of this technology has allowed us to schedule cases in a timelier fashion and increase access to minimally invasive urologic surgery for children in our area. Here, we report our technique for transperitoneal SP robotic pyeloplasty in the case of a 7 year-old boy with left ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Our technique was refined over a series of 10 patients under the age of 18. Highlights of the SP RALP technique include one 3 cm, concealed incision over the pubic tubercle, gentle frog leg positioning and burping of the boom to create optimal angle for robotic docking, and use of a "floating dock" to obtain 10 cm distance from target anatomy which is essential in smaller pediatric patients. SP pyeloplasty is safe and feasible in children and offers a concealed single incision alternative to the multiport approach.

Enfortumab vedotin following platinum-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced urothelial carcinoma: response, survival and safety analysis from a multicentre real-world Japanese cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Real-world evidence regarding enfortumab vedotin for unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma is scarce, particularly in Japan. We investigated real-world data focusing on patient background, previous treatments, response, survival and adverse events in patients receiving enfortumab vedotin. METHODS: A multicentre database was used to register 556 patients diagnosed with metastatic urothelial carcinoma from 2008 to 2023; 34 patients (6.1%) treated with enfortumab vedotin were included. Best radiographic objective responses were evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (v1.1) during treatments. Overall survival and progression-free survival were estimated (Kaplan-Meier method). Toxicities were reported according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. The relative dose intensity, which could impact oncological outcomes, was calculated. RESULTS: The median number of enfortumab vedotin therapy cycles was 5. The best objective response to enfortumab vedotin was partial response, stable disease and progressive disease in 19 (56%), 5 (15%) and 10 (29%) patients, respectively. The median overall survival and progression-free survival after the first enfortumab vedotin dose were 16 and 9 months, respectively. No significant relationship was observed between survival outcomes after enfortumab vedotin initiation and the enfortumab vedotin relative dose intensity. The median overall survival from first-line platinum-based chemotherapy initiation was 42 months. Twenty-six (76%) patients experienced any grade of enfortumab vedotin-related toxicities; eight (24%) experienced Grades 3-4 toxicities, the most common being skin toxicity (any grade, 47%; Grades 3-4, 12%). CONCLUSIONS: Here, we report real-world evidence for enfortumab vedotin therapy in Japan. Tumour responses and safety profiles were comparable with those of clinical trials on this novel treatment.

Renal pelvis cancer with initial symptoms of malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

Introduction: Gastric outlet obstruction caused by upper tract urothelial carcinoma is rare. Case presentation: A 78-year-old man presented to the hospital with nausea and vomiting. No hematuria was observed. Computed tomography revealed a tumor in the right renal pelvis and duodenal stenosis. Gastrojejunostomy was performed to treat the symptoms of the gastric outlet obstruction so that the patient could resume oral intake and outpatient chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was unsuccessful, and the patient died 9 months after the gastrojejunostomy. Histological assessment of an autopsy specimen revealed plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma with direct infiltration of the duodenal wall, which caused the stenosis. Conclusion: Autopsy revealed a right renal pelvis cancer causing gastric outlet obstruction. Early gastrojejunostomy enabled oral intake and outpatient visits.

Switch-maintenance avelumab immunotherapy following first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced, unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: the first Japanese real-world evidence from a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop the first Japanese real-world evidence of switch-maintenance avelumab in advanced, unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (aUC). METHODS: A multicenter-derived database registered 505 patients diagnosed with aUC between 2008 and 2021. Of these, 204 patients (40%) were selected and stratified according to the type of therapy used: maintenance avelumab group (27 [5.3%]), second-line (2 L) pembrolizumab group (103 [20%]) and 2 L cytotoxic chemotherapy group (74 [15%]). The progression-free survival and overall survival from the initiation of following therapy were compared. Tumor response was evaluated based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guideline v1.1 during the treatment period. A detailed analysis was performed in the maintenance avelumab group to investigate possible factors associated with response to avelumab therapy. RESULTS: The maintenance avelumab group had a longer overall survival, not progression-free survival, compared with the other two treatment groups. The median treatment-free interval between the last dose of first-line (1 L) chemotherapy and the initiation of avelumab therapy was 6 weeks (range, 3-22). Disease control rate of maintenance avelumab therapy in patients with a treatment-free interval of ≤6 weeks was higher than that in patients with a treatment-free interval of >6 weeks (77 vs 40%, P = 0.029). The patients showing objective response to 1 L chemotherapy were less likely to experience tumor relapse (4 of 19) after the initiation of avelumab therapy compared with those showing stable disease (7 of 8). CONCLUSIONS: Objective response to 1 L chemotherapy and early induction of maintenance avelumab therapy may be associated with increased benefit from maintenance avelumab therapy.

Transurethral Renal Pelvic Denervation: A Feasibility Trial in Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular renal denervation reduces blood pressure (BP). We explored an alternative approach to renal denervation using radiofrequency energy delivered across the renal pelvis utilizing the natural orifice of the urethra and the ureters. METHODS: This open-label, single-arm feasibility study enrolled patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite antihypertensive drug therapy. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the change in ambulatory daytime systolic BP (SBP) 2 months following renal pelvic denervation. RESULTS: The 18 patients (mean age 56±12 years) enrolled were taking an average of 2.7 antihypertensive drugs daily. Renal pelvic denervation reduced mean daytime SBP by 19.4 mm Hg (95% CI, -24.9 to -14.0, P<0.001) from its baseline of 148.4±8.7 mm Hg. Mean nighttime (-21.4 mm Hg [95% CI, -29.5 to -13.3]) and 24-hour (-20.3 mm Hg [95% CI, -26.2 to -14.5]) SBP each fell significantly (P<0.001) as did the corresponding diastolic BPs (P<0.001). Office SBP decreased from 156.5±12.3 mm Hg by 22.4 mm Hg (95% CI, -31.5 to -13.3, P<0.001) by 2 months. Office SBP decreased over time (P=0.001 by linear trend test) starting by day 1 with a decrease of 8.3 mm Hg (95% CI, -16.9 to 0.3, P=0.057). There were no serious adverse events. Mild transitory back pain followed the procedure. Serum creatinine decreased by 0.08 mg/dL (P=0.02) and estimated glomerular filtration rate increased by 7.2 mL/min/1.73m2 (P=0.03) 2 months following ablation procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these initial findings, a well-powered, sham-controlled trial of renal pelvic denervation to more fully establish its safety and effectiveness is now justified in patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite drug therapy. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT05440513.

[Primary melanoma of renal pelvis].

A rare case of primary renal pelvis melanoma in 47-year-old man is presented in the article. Before surgery a patient was considered to have metastatic urothelial carcinoma. A diagnosis of malignant melanoma was based on immunophenotyping and detection of intracellular melanin pigment both in pelvis tumor and lung metastasis. The primary localization in the pelvis was proven by the presence of scattered melanocytes within urothelium.The patient had no previous history ofskin or mucosa melanoma. This is the sixth case of renal pelvis melanoma published in PubMed.

An exceptionally rare case of metastatic high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis to the pancreas diagnosed on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration: A diagnostic challenge.

Metastases to the pancreas are rare and can be confused with the primary adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Metastasis of renal pelvis urothelial carcinomas to the pancreas are extremely rare. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy is a very safe and effective diagnostic method. In this study, we present a 65-year-old male patient with a solitary mass in the pancreas. A moderate cellular tumoral lesion was observed in the aspiration cytology performed from the 55-millimeter solid mass invading the head of the pancreas via EUS-FNA. Tumor cells consisted of cells with irregular borders, different shapes and sizes, hyperchromatic, narrow cytoplasm with dark nuclei, and cells with anisonucleosis in focal areas. Cellblock obtained from aspirated was found diffusely positive with high molecular weight cytokeratin, Thrombomodulin, p63, GATA-3, and CK7, and negative with CK20, PAX8, and PSA. Having a primary malignancy in the medical history of the patients is very important in the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary pancreatic cancers. The potential for metastasectomy in pancreatic metastases can be applied in cases with isolated metastatic disease. Primary tumor histopathology may have an impact on the long-term survival of the case. This study aimed to describe the cytomorphological features of solid and solitary pancreatic malignancies and to evaluate the role of immunohistochemistry performed from aspirate cell block in detecting the primary tumor origin.

Antegrade Instillation of UGN-101 (Mitomycin for Pyelocalyceal Solution) for Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Initial Clinical Experience.

PURPOSE: UGN-101 (mitomycin for pyelocalyceal solution) is a recently approved chemoablative treatment for low-grade (LG) upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). While approved for retrograde or antegrade administration, previous reports discuss only patients treated by retrograde approach. We report our techniques for antegrade administration along with early outcomes from our cohort of patients who have undergone UGN-101 administration via nephrostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UGN-101 is administered as 6 weekly instillations in patients who have undergone endoscopic ablation of LG UTUC. We outline our approach in patients thought to have LG UTUC from initial ureteroscopy to nephrostomy placement, UGN-101 administration and eventual nephrostomy removal. We discuss early durability of response along with adverse events with special attention to ureteral strictures. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent antegrade UGN-101 administration during the study period, all of whom underwent followup ureteroscopy with complete response in 4 patients. Three patients reported 5 adverse events-3 grade 1, 1 grade 2 requiring 1 week delay of treatment and 1 asymptomatic ureteral stricture. Median followup was 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: We outline our approach for antegrade administration of UGN-101 and discuss early results along with adverse events. Future studies should evaluate our method's potential to increase patient comfort, improve logistics and decrease risk of adverse events.

Villous adenoma of the renal pelvis: a common entity at an uncommon location.

Villous adenoma is uncommonly seen in the urogenital tract and is even more rarely seen in the upper urinary tract and renal pelvis. Like colorectal adenomas, these neoplasms can transform into adenocarcinoma. The preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to their frequent association with hydronephrosis. Herein, we present the case of a villous adenoma of the renal pelvis in a 62-year-old man presenting with recurrent urinary tract infection. The computed tomography scan showed marked hydronephrosis but no suspicious mass in the right kidney. A laparoscopic right nephrectomy was performed. Gross examination revealed a dilated renal pelvis with an irregular exophytic lesion in the renal pelvis's upper surface. The histopathological examination showed slender, elongated villi with thin fibrovascular cores, consistent with villous adenoma morphology. Isolated villous adenomas have a favorable prognosis. However, the pathologist should undertake a search for an invasive component.

Role of ureterocalicostomy in management of giant hydronephrosis in children in contemporary practice: Indications, outcomes and challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Given the rarity of giant hydronephrosis (GH), ideal surgical approach, assessment of drainage after surgery, expected improvement in renal function and morphological changes in the kidney on follow up have not been studied extensively. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ureterocalicostomy (UC) in unilateral GH with respect to its current indications, outcomes and the challenges associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data of 25 children (up to the age of 18 years) who underwent UC between January 2008 and January 2019 using open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted approach. Preoperative workup included ultrasonography for pelvic anteroposterior diameter (APD) and cortical thickness (CT), and diuretic scan for split renal function (SRF) and drainage. Patients were followed with ultrasonography and diuretic renal scan at 3 months, after further 6 month and then annually. RESULTS: The median age was 7 years and median follow-up was 22 months. Eight children underwent UC as salvage procedure while 17 children underwent UC as an upfront procedure. APD declined significantly (p < 0.001) and CT improved significantly (p = 0.009) after surgery. The drainage as well as SRF did not change significantly after surgery. Four children developed flank pain after stent removal; one required a redo-ureterocalicostomy for anastomotic stricture while another required balloon dilatation of the anastomosis. Two children responded to prolonged stenting for 2 months. DISCUSSION: Ultrasonography (APD, CT), Diuretic renal scan (SRF and drainage pattern) are used to monitor HDN. APD is particularly important in GH because the diuretic renogram invariably shows an obstructive drainage owing to the large volume of the pelvicalyceal system. Similar to previous studies in literature, we too reported a decline in APD. CT improved in our study, however, the drainage pattern as well as SRF did not change significantly (Figure). Diuretic scan in isolation was not sufficient to predict failure. A combination of ultrasonographic and diuretic scan parameters were useful for follow up and for detection of failure. The success rate in our study was 92%. Chief limitations of our study were retrospective nature and lack of comparison with pyeloplasty. Moreover, some cases were performed with minimal invasive techniques, so the study group was heterogenous. CONCLUSIONS: UC offers excellent outcome in children with GH due to primary as well as secondary UPJO. Isolated ultrasonographic or diuretic renogram parameters are not sufficient to predict failure and a combination of them should be used for follow up after UC.

Tumor de vías excretoras urinarias superiores. Presentación de caso / Upper urinary excretory tract tumor. A case report

RESUMEN Los tumores del tracto urinario superior representan menos del 5 % de todas las neoplasias uroteliales, con un porcentaje de recurrencia superior al 90 % y una supervivencia a los 5 años que oscila entre el 30-60 %. Por tales razones se presenta el caso de un paciente de 79 años que fue ingresado en el Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos, con un cuadro clínico caracterizado por hematuria, sin otra sintomatología. Mediante estudios imagenológicos le fue diagnosticado un tumor en la pelvis del riñón derecho. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico, practicándose una nefrectomía total, cuyo resultado histológico fue un carcinoma de células transicionales grado II con infiltración a planos musculares. La evolución clínica fue favorable luego de un año de la cirugía. Podemos concluir que en el diagnóstico precoz tienen un papel fundamental las imágenes tomográficas, pues permitieron identificar un tumor de las vías excretoras urinarias superiores en pelvis renal derecha. Se trazó una estrategia terapéutica inicialmente quirúrgica y a continuación quimioterapia; se logró una evolución satisfactoria y contribuir a la sobrevida de este paciente.

ABSTRACT Upper urinary tract tumors represent less than 5% of all urothelial neoplasms, with a recurrence rate greater than 90% and a 5-year survival that ranges from 30-60%. Therefore a 79-years-old patient was admitted to the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima University General Hospital in Cienfuegos, with a medical history characterized by hematuria, without other symptoms. Through imaging studies, he was diagnosed with a tumor in the pelvis of the right kidney. Surgical treatment was performed and a total nephrectomy was performed, the histological result of which was a grade II transitional cell carcinoma with infiltration to the muscular planes. The clinical evolution was favorable one year after surgery. We conclude that tomographic images play a fundamental role in early diagnosis, since they allowed the identification of a tumor of the upper urinary excretory tract in the right renal pelvis. A therapeutic strategy was initially designed for surgery and then chemotherapy; a satisfactory evolution was achieved and contributes to the survival of this patient.

A retrospective analysis of ureteropelvic junction obstructions in patients with horseshoe kidney.

BACKGROUND: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is often encountered in patients with a horseshoe kidney (HSK) and may require surgical intervention. This study retrospectively investigated obstruction causes in HSK patients with UPJOs to determine the most suitable surgical method. METHODS: Twenty HSK patients with UPJO who underwent pyeloplasty between July 2000 and June 2020 and were followed-up for more than six months in our institution were included in the study. The clinical characteristics, obstruction causes, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age at the time of the operation was 4.1 years [interquartile range (IQR): 1.8-10.6]. Hydronephrosis (HN) was found prenatally in 5 patients (25.0%). Pyeloplasty was performed by open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques in 6, 10, and 4 patients, respectively. Sixteen patients (80.0%) had high ureteral insertion. Twelve patients (60.0%) had crossing vessels, and eight had a high ureteral insertion and crossing vessels. The median follow-up duration was 4.0 years (IQR: 1.8-8.9); no patient required additional surgery. The median differential renal function was 38.0% (IQR: 16.9-43.0%) preoperatively and 38.0% (IQR: 13.3-48.2%) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: UPJOs in HSKs were primarily caused by a high ureteral insertion and crossing vessels. Dismembered pyeloplasty was successfully performed in all surgical modalities such as the open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. Attention must be given to patients with HSKs, even in those without HN, to avoid UPJO development.

Factors Predicting Oncological Outcomes of Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Taiwan is one of the endemic regions where upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for approximately a third of all urothelial tumors. Owing to its high prevalence, extensive experience has been accumulated in minimally invasive radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Although a variety of predictive factors have been explored in numerous studies, most of them were on a single-center or limited institutional basis and data from a domestic cohort are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify significant predicting factors of oncological outcomes, including overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS), following RNU for UTUC in Taiwan. METHODS: A multicenter registry database, Taiwan UTUC Collaboration Group, was utilized to analyze oncological outcomes of 3,333 patients undergoing RNU from 1988 to 2021 among various hospitals in Taiwan. Clinicopathological parameters were recorded according to the principles established by consensus meetings. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was utilized to estimate the survival rates, and the curves were compared using the stratified log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with the Cox proportional hazard model to explore potential predicting factors. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 41.8 months in 1,808 patients with complete information, the 5-year IVRFS, DFS, CSS, and OS probabilities were 66%, 72%, 81%, and 70%, respectively. In total, 482 patients experienced intravesical recurrence, 307 died of UTUC, and 583 died of any cause. Gender predominance was female (57%). A total of 1,531 patients (84.7%) had high-grade tumors; preoperative hydronephrosis presented in 1,094 patients (60.5%). Synchronous bladder UC was identified in 292 patients (16.2%). Minimally invasive procedures accounted for 78.8% of all surgeries, including 768 hand-assisted laparoscopic (42.5%) and 494 laparoscopic (27.3%) approaches. Synchronous bladder UC was the dominant adverse predicting factor for all survival outcomes. Other independent predicting factors for OS, CSS, and DFS included age ≧70, presence of preoperative hydronephrosis, positive surgical margin, LVI, pathological T and N staging, and laparoscopic RNU. CONCLUSION: Synchronous UC of the urinary bladder is an independent adverse prognostic factor for survival in UTUC. The presence of preoperative hydronephrosis was also corroborated as a disadvantageous prognostic factor. Our multivariate analysis suggested that laparoscopic RNU might provide better oncological control.

Villous adenoma of the renal pelvis: a common entity at an uncommon location

Villous adenoma is uncommonly seen in the urogenital tract and is even more rarely seen in the upper urinary tract and renal pelvis. Like colorectal adenomas, these neoplasms can transform into adenocarcinoma. The preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to their frequent association with hydronephrosis. Herein, we present the case of a villous adenoma of the renal pelvis in a 62-year-old man presenting with recurrent urinary tract infection. The computed tomography scan showed marked hydronephrosis but no suspicious mass in the right kidney. A laparoscopic right nephrectomy was performed. Gross examination revealed a dilated renal pelvis with an irregular exophytic lesion in the renal pelvis's upper surface. The histopathological examination showed slender, elongated villi with thin fibrovascular cores, consistent with villous adenoma morphology. Isolated villous adenomas have a favorable prognosis. However, the pathologist should undertake a search for an invasive component.

The pelvis urinary microbiome in patients with kidney stones and clinical associations.

BACKGROUND: The long-held notion that, without urinary tract or circulatory infection, bladder urine and blood are sterile biofluids has been disproven. There have been no previous reports on the kidney pelvis urinary microbiome after bladder disinfection in kidney stone patients. This study aimed to determine whether a kidney pelvis urinary microbiome is present after eliminating the influence of the bladder urinary microbiome, whether the microbiome composition is different in patients with stone kidney pelvis (SKP) and non-stone kidney pelvis (NSKP), and the correlation between SKP and patient clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Comparisons of bacterial diversity and community structure exhibited that urine in bladder was similar to SKP and NSKP. However, the comparisons showed that urine samples were different from blood. The most common operational taxonomic units were shared by all three types of urine samples. Corynebacterium was significantly higher in SKP compared to NSKP. Several bacteria were associated with patient characteristics, including Lactobacillus, which was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, and Prevotella was negatively correlated with BMI. Lactobacillus was significantly higher in SKP compared to blood but not in NSKP compared to blood. CONCLUSIONS: The composition of the kidney pelvis urinary microbiome after disinfection of the bladder and its similarity to the bladder microbiome indicate that bladder urine can be used to replace kidney pelvis urine in microbiome research. Additionally, the comparison of SKP and NSKP and clinical associations suggest that the occurrence of kidney stones is responsible for the SKP urinary microbiome.

Eight-year follow-up of locally advanced lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma at upper urinary tract: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is rarely seen. Although it is termed after lymphoepithelioma at the nasopharynx, it behaves more like high grade urothelial carcinoma by immunohistochemical features. Most published literatures focused on its rarity but few discussed results of long-term follow-ups. As no available guidelines are applicable, we postulated that principles should be similar to that of urothelial carcinoma at urinary tract. As of now, this work features the longest follow-up of this cancer at the upper urinary tract. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old female had a chief complaint of intermittent left flank pain for 2 mo, along with accompanying symptoms including vomiting and body weight loss, about 7 kg over 2 mo. Laboratory data showed normocytic anemia, mildly poor renal function, and hyperparathyroidism. Urine analysis showed mild hematuria. Computed tomography showed a 4.2-cm-width irregular mass over left renal pelvic and enlarged lymph node at the left renal hilum. Whole-body bone scan was negative of active bone lesions. Biopsy from ureteroscopy showed urothelial carcinoma. Specimen from laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection showed lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with muscular invasion (pT3). She took adjuvant chemotherapies of 2 cycles and full courses of radiation therapy. No recurrence was observed with designed investigative programs. CONCLUSION: Locally advanced urinary tract lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma could benefit from nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff excision in terms of recurrence-free survival.

Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis misdiagnosed as calculous pyonephrosis: a case report and literature review.

Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis is a rare malignant disease that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. There are still no characteristic symptoms, radiological features, or standard treatment for this tumor with only ~100 cases reported. The prognosis is poor. We report a case of a 66-year-old man who presented with a 2-month history of fever and right waist pain. He was misdiagnosed with calculous pyonephrosis and underwent percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) at a local hospital. Gelatinous material was drained via a PCN catheter. He was then transferred to our hospital. He had elevated CEA and CA19-9. We performed an open radical nephrectomy and found polypoid, gelatinous material and stones filling the renal pelvis. He was diagnosed with primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis by pathology. He refused adjuvant chemotherapy and there was no sign of recurrence after one year of follow-up. By assessing a literature review of all of the cases reported since 2000, we recommend that careful history taking, serum tumor markers, and CT scans may improve the diagnostic accuracy rates and radical nephrectomy with total ureterectomy accompanied by adjuvant therapy may improve the prognosis.

Characteristics of the urinary microbiome in kidney stone patients with hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Kidney stone disease (KSD) is more common in individuals with hypertension (HTN) than in individuals with normotension (NTN). Urinary dysbiosis is associated with urinary tract disease and systemic diseases. However, the role of the urinary microbiome in KSD complicated with HTN remains unclear. METHODS: This study investigated the relationship between the pelvis urinary microbiome and blood pressure (BP) in patients with KSD co-occurring with HTN (KSD-HTN) and healthy controls (HC) by conducting 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacteria in urine samples. The urine samples were collected (after bladder disinfection) from 50 patients with unilateral kidney calcium stones and NTN (n = 12), prehypertension (pHTN; n = 11), or HTN (n = 27), along with 12 HCs. RESULTS: Principal coordinates analysis showed that there were significant differences in the urinary microbiomes not only between KSD patients and HCs but also between KSD-pHTN or KSD-HTN patients and KSD-NTN patients. Gardnerella dominated in HCs, Staphylococcus dominated in KSD-NTN patients and Sphingomonas dominated in both KSD-pHTN and KSD-HTN patients. The abundance of several genera including Acidovorax, Gardnerella and Lactobacillus was correlated with BP. Adherens junction and nitrogen and nucleotide metabolism pathways, among others, were associated with changes in BP. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that patients with KSD complicated with HTN have a unique urinary microbiome profile and that changes in the microbiome may reflect disease progression and may be useful to monitor response to treatments.