Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal teratoma in nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: Do predictive factors exist? Results from a national multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To identify predictive preoperative factors of the presence of teratoma in retroperitoneal lymph node dissection specimens. METHODS: We performed a 20 years multicenter retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for residual masses after chemotherapy (PC-RPLND). Patients had undergone PC-RPLND after chemotherapy for advanced testicular cancer. The histologic components of the primary tumor were compared with those of the residual masses using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 469 NSGCT patients underwent PC-RPLND (complete data available for 211). By PC-RPLND, necrosis was found in 84 cases, teratoma in 102 cases, and viable tumor in 25 cases. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that teratoma (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively) and yolk sac tumor (P = 0.009 and P = 0.035, respectively) in orchiectomy specimens were statistically significant predictors of the presence of teratoma in retroperitoneal lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: PC-RPLND is the standard treatment for any supracentimetric residual lesion. This procedure is associated with a high morbidity, and almost half patients are overtreated. The presence of teratoma and yolk sac tumor in the orchiectomy specimen were independent significant predictors of teratoma in retroperitoneal masses. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:992-996. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A 20-Year Epidemiological Review of Testis Cancer at a French Military Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the epidemiology of testis cancer in military service has followed worldwide trends and if the end of conscription in 2000 in France marked an epidemiologic turn. METHODS: All of the patients who had an orchiectomy for a testis germ tumor from January 1990 to January 2011 were studied. The patients were divided into two groups: orchiectomy before 2000 and after 2000. RESULTS: 289 patients were included, with a mean age of 30.8. The mean age at diagnosis increased significantly as well as the proportion of stage 1 seminomas, whereas stage 1 nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) slightly decreased. For stage 1 seminomas, there was an increase in the surveillance (10% vs. 31%) and in the number of chemotherapies (19% vs. 22%); for stage 1 NSGCT, surveillance also increased (53% vs. 64%). The specific 5-year survival was 98.3%. CONCLUSIONS: We noted an increase in the number of stage 1 seminomas, the surveillance of located germ tumors, and an excellent survival rate. However, the population was younger with regard to national data, and the number of stage 1 NSGCT decreased in favor of advanced metastatic tumors.

Unusual presentation of testicular cancer with tumor thrombus extending to the inferior vena cava.

A 45-year-old man with a left testis tumor with a 25 mm para-aortic lymph node swelling, multiple bilateral pulmonary metastases, bilateral pulmonary embolism, and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus underwent a radical orchidectomy in our institution. The thrombus extended from the left gonadal vein to the left renal vein to the IVC. The fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (f-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) computerized tomography (CT) demonstrated a hypermetabolic focus in the retroperitoneum and in the IVC thrombus. Before orchidectomy only lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was high but all the serum tumor markers increased postoperatively. The tumor was staged pT1N2M1aS1, which was an intermediate prognosis, based on the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group consensus (IGCCCG). After 4 courses of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy the patient's tumor markers normalized and the thrombus disappeared. There was only one residual retroperitoneal lymph node M1. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed. The pathological examination revealed only necrotic tissues. The patient has been disease-free since surgery.

Prostate cancer: what about reproducibility of decision made at multidisciplinary team management?

PURPOSE: The prostate cancer (PCa) treatment is multimodal. Thus multidisciplinary team management (MDTM) decision-making process appears as a tool to answer all aspects of PCa treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the reproducibility of therapeutic decisions made at MDTM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared therapeutic decisions of PCa by presenting the same file of patient under a fake identity after 6 to 12 months from the first presentation. Forty-nine files of radical prostatectomy (RP) (28 pT2, 21 pT3) performed for clinical localized PCa were represented at MDTM which included urologist, oncologist, pathologist and radiologist. Analysis of therapeutic decisions comprised criteria such as: TNM stage, Gleason score, margin status and comorbidities. The reproducibility was assessed statistically by Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Study subjects included 49 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). The mean age was similar in pT2 and pT3 groups (P = .09). The mean serum PSA value was 8.32 ng/mL (range, 3.56-19.5) in pT2 group and 9.4 ng/mL (range, 3.8-22) in pT3 group. The margin status in pT2 and pT3 groups was positive in 25.0% and 47.6%, respectively. The decisions made at first and second MDTM for pT2 group were the same in 100% of cases with a perfect kappa coefficient (k = 1). In the group of pT3 (n = 21), the decisions were different in 33% at the second MDTM in comparison to the first MDTM. Especially for pT3b only 29% were reproducible decision with a slight agreement (k = 0.1). Concerning pT3a, 86% of the decisions were reproducible with a substantial agreement (k = 0.74). CONCLUSION: We showed a reliability and reproducibility of decision made at MDTM when guidelines are well defined. The therapeutic attitudes were less reproducible in locally advanced PCa but decision concerning those cases should be made in the setting of guidelines.

International Prostate Symptom Score is a predictive factor of lower urinary tract symptoms after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of radical prostatectomy on lower urinary tract symptoms by using the International Prostate Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life. METHODS: The present prospective study comprised 804 patients having localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy. International Prostate Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life were recorded preoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Two study groups were considered: group 1 included patients with International Prostate Symptom Score ≤7 (mild) and group 2 included patients with International Prostate Symptom Score ≥8 (moderate to severe). Student's t-test and logistic regression were carried out to detect a predictive factor of International Prostate Symptom Score ≤7 at 24 months. RESULTS: The mean International Prostate Symptom Score was 5.58 ± 6.6, 11.12 ± 7.1 and 7.62 ± 6 at baseline, 1 month and 3 months, respectively (P <0.0001). The mean quality of life score showed the same evolution with a significant difference at 1 and 3 months. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score was initially 1.57 ± 1.9 in group 1 and 13.51 ± 5.5 in group 2 (P <0.0001), evolving to 3.41 ± 3.1 and 7.69 ± 5.8 at 24 months (P <0.0001), respectively. The mean quality of life score was significantly different between the groups initially, and at 6 and 12 months with P <0.0001, P = 0.005 and P = 0.02, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression showed that age, prostate volume and preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score were independent predictive factors of International Prostate Symptom Score ≤7 at 24 months (P <0.0001). In group 2, 47 patients (17%) had an International Prostate Symptom Score ≥8 at 24 months, 15 of them (32%) having a QoL score ≥3. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows the beneficial impact of radical prostatectomy on lower urinary tract symptoms. However, a proportion of patients with a baseline International Prostate Symptom Score ≥8 maintain the same score at 24 months, with worsening in quality of life score in one-third of them.

Morbidity and functional mid-term outcomes using Prolift pelvic floor repair systems.

INTRODUCTION: We assess midterm morbidity and functional outcomes using the Prolift (Gynecare/Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) system and identify potential related risk factors. The Prolift mesh system to treat genital prolapse was introduced in 2005. It was withdrawn from the market in early 2013 after rising doubts about safety. METHODS: Over a 7-year period, we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 112 consecutive patients who underwent the Prolift procedure since 2006. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, anatomical and functional outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 49.5 months (range: 16-85). The mean age was 64.7 ± 10.9 years (range: 40-86). Of the 112 patients, 74 patients had stage 3 (66.1%) and 8 patients had stage 4 (7.14%) vaginal prolapse. Prolift surgery was performed for pro-lapse recurrence for 26 patients (23.2%). Total mesh was used in 32 patients (29%), an isolated anterior mesh in 57 patients (51%) and an isolated posterior mesh in 23 patients (21%). Concomitant surgical procedures were performed for 44 patients (39.3%). Overall, 72% (18/25) of the complications were managed medically. We reported a failure rate of 8% (n = 9) occurring after a median follow-up of 9.5 months (range: 1-45). Among the 64 patients who had preoperative sexual activity (57.1%), de novo dyspareunia occurred in 9 patients (16.07%). We extracted predictive factors concerning failure, complications and sexuality. CONCLUSION: Despite its market withdrawal, the Prolift system was associated with good midterm anatomic outcomes and few severe complications. Long-term follow-up data are still lacking, but surgeons and patients may be reassured.

Salvage radiotherapy after high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for localized prostate cancer: feasibility, tolerance and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, tolerance and efficacy of salvage external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in persistent or recurrent prostate cancer after failed high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy. METHODS: We reviewed data on tolerance and oncologic outcomes for all patients with biopsy-proven locally recurrent or persistent prostate cancer who underwent salvage EBRT in our department between April 2004 and June 2008. Minimum follow-up for inclusion was 2 years. Failure with EBRT was defined as biochemical relapse (Phoenix definition) or introduction of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Gastrointestinal and urinary toxicity and urinary stress incontinence were scored at 12 and 24 months (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and Ingelman Sundberg rating, respectively). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 68.8 years (range: 60-79). Mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) before EBRT was 5.57 ng/mL (range: 2.5-14.8). Median follow-up was 36.5 ± 10.9 months (range: 24-54). No patient received adjunctive ADT. The EBRT course was well-tolerated and completed by all patients. The mean PSA nadir was 0.62 ng/mL (range: 0.03-2.4) and occurred after a median of 22 months (range: 12-36). One patient experienced biochemical failure and was prescribed ADT 30 months after EBRT. The disease-free survival rate was 83.3% at 36.5 months. There was no major EBRT-related toxicity at 12 or 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our early clinical results confirm the feasibility and good tolerance of salvage radiotherapy after HIFU failure. Oncological outcomes were promising. A prospective study with longer follow-up is needed to identify factors predictive of success for salvage EBRT therapy after HIFU failure.

The risk of upstaged disease increases with body mass index in low-risk prostate cancer patients eligible for active surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Obese patients have a greater risk of adverse pathologic features and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP). The impact of body mass index (BMI) on the risk of reclassification and deferred treatment in active surveillance (AS) programs has not been thoroughly assessed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of BMI on the risk of reclassification for AS eligibility. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We assessed 230 men who underwent an immediate RP and were eligible for AS according to the following criteria: prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤ 10 ng/ml, clinical stage T1c, Gleason score ≤ 6, fewer than three positive cores, extent of cancer in any core <50%, and life expectancy >10 yr. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent a standardised 21-core biopsy and RP at our department between January 2001 and December 2010. MEASUREMENTS: Reclassification was defined as upstaged disease (pathologic stage >pT2) and/or upgraded disease (Gleason score ≥ 7; primary Gleason pattern 4) in RP specimens. PSA outcomes were also recorded. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Mean BMI was 26.4 kg/m(2), and 13% of patients were obese (BMI >30). Mean BMI was the only preoperative factor significantly associated with the risk of upstaged disease. In multivariate analysis, BMI >30 remained an independent predictive factor for upstaged disease (p=0.003; odds ratio: 4.2). The risk of upgraded disease (primary Gleason pattern 4) was significantly decreased 4.5-fold in large prostate glands (>50 ml; p=0.008). The biochemical recurrence-free survival curves were not significantly different between men who were or were not overweight (p=0.950). CONCLUSIONS: Obese men are at higher risk of upstaged disease, with a proportion of 30% of pT3 disease in RP specimens. BMI should be taken into account for inclusion of low-risk prostate cancer patients in AS programs, and our results may help urologists better inform their obese patients eligible for AS about this risk of reclassification and improve treatment decision making.

Six years' experience with high-intensity focused ultrasonography for prostate cancer: oncological outcomes using the new 'Stuttgart' definition for biochemical failure.

OBJECTIVE: • To determine oncological outcomes after high-intensity focused ultrasonography (HIFU) treatment in patients with localized prostate cancer using a new, more accurate, definition ('Stuttgart' definition) of biochemical failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • We performed a retrospective review of all patients in our centre who received first-line treatment with a second-generation Ablatherm™ device (EDAP-TMS, Lyon, France). • Oncological failure was given either by biochemical failure (prostate-specific antigen, PSA, nadir plus 1.2 g/mL) (Stuttgart definition) or the start of salvage therapy because of a persistently positive biopsy after the HIFU procedure. • The 5-year biochemical-free survival rate and 5-year disease-free survival rate were calculated. RESULTS: • In total, 53 patients were included (mean age, 72.5 ± 4.5 years, range 60-79 years; 28 low risk and 25 intermediate risk). None had undergone previous hormonal therapy. Mean ±sd follow-up was 45.4 ± 15.5 months (range 16-71 years). Mean (range) pre-treatment PSA was 8.5 ± 4 (0.29-18) ng/mL. The median (range) PSA nadir value was 1 (0.01-14) ng/mL and occurred after a mean (range) of 5.09 (3-24) months. • Overall, 36 patients (67.9%) experienced oncological failure. • These included 33 cases (62.2%) of biochemical failure. A PSA nadir of ≤0.2, 0.21-1.0 and >1 ng/mL was reached in 20.8%, 30.2% and 49% of patients, respectively, and was associated with biochemical failure in 9.1%, 30.3% and 60.6%, respectively. • The 5-year biochemical-free survival rate and disease-free survival rate were 21.7% and 13.5%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, a PSA nadir of >1 ng/mL was significantly associated with a risk of biochemical and oncological failure (P= 0.002 and P < 0.001). • Oncological failure was not associated with any risk group. • No patient died from prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: • In our experience, Ablatherm™ treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer was associated with a high rate of biochemical failure as determined by the 'Stuttgart' definition, and did not achieve effective cancer control. • The PSA nadir value after HIFU treatment was a significant predictor of treatment failure.