Meta-analysis of prognostic factors related to early urinary incontinence following new transurethral procedures dominated by laser therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

To investigate the predictors of early postoperative UI after new minimally transurethral procedures dominated by laser therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. A literature review of articles published before June 30, 2021 was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Sciences, Cochrane database, and Embase databases. All studies reporting odds ratio (OR) data of prognostic factors in univariable or multivariable analyses were included. The cutoff points of follow-up were within 1 month, at 3 months, and at 6 months. Fourteen studies were identified and assessed for the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis yielded that three prognostic factors related to postoperative urinary incontinence. The pooled OR for age as a continuous variable was 1.066 (95% CI 1.005-1.031) at 3 months, the pooled OR was 3.7 (95% CI 1.276-10.733) for age as a categorical variable within 1 month. The OR for prostate volume was 1.014 (95% CI 1.002-1.026) within 1 month. The pooled OR for prostate volume as a categorical variable was 2.199 (95% CI 1.038-4.659) at 3 months. The OR for resected prostate weight was 1.008 (95% CI 1.001-1.016) within 1 month and the pooled OR for resected prostate weight as a categorical variable was 3.481 (95% CI 1.674-7.239) at 3 months. For patients who have undergone transurethral surgery of prostate using new minimally invasive method, especially laser-based therapy, main factors influencing the development of postoperative UI within 1 month and at 3 months were age, prostate volume, and resected prostate weight.

Ischemic preconditioning-induced protective effect for promoting angiogenesis in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating miR-376c-3p/HIF-1α/VEGF axis in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is defined as a well-established phenomenon in which brief exposure to sublethal episodes of ischemia and reperfusion induces a tolerance to injurious effects of prolonged ischemia by exploiting intrinsic defence mechanisms. The present study was performed to determine the protective effect of IPC on the rat renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) via miR-376c-3p/HIF-1α/VEGF axis. METHODS: In vivo, these male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated by IRI and IPC. Meanwhile, these rats from different treatment groups were also injected subcutaneously with 2 nmol agomir-376c-3p and/or 10 nmol recombinant rat HIF-1α. At 72 h after reperfusion, serum samples were respectively collected for renal function. Besides, kidney tissues were harvested to observe renal morphology changes. Subsequently, the expression levels of CD31, HIF-1α and VEGF in the kidney tissues were measured using immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time PCR, as well as Western blotting analysis at the indicated time points after reperfusion. In vitro, HK-2 cells were used to detect the cell activity by CCK-8 and transfection of mir-376c-3p mimic in Hypoxia/Reoxygenation (H/R) group. RESULTS: In vivo, the pathological changes were significantly relieved in the rats with IPC group, compared to the IRI group. Rats which were treated IPC significantly reduced the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) at 24 h after operation, compared to IRI group. After IPC treatment, the expression level of CD31 was obviously decreased, compared to IRI group. A total of differently expressed microRNAs were screened out by microRNA microarray assay in rat renal ischemia tissue, especially showing that miR-376c-3p was selected as the target miRNA. Compared to IRI group, the expression level of miR-376c-3p were obviously higher in IPC-treated group. Double-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-376c-3p directly targeted HIF-1α. In vitro, IPC significantly increased cell viability of HK-2, and promoted the angiogenesis via up-regulating miR-376c-3p/HIF-1α/VEGF axis. Furthermore, the expression level of HIF-1α was apparently decreased in HK-2 treated with H/R after miR-376c-3p mimic transfection respectively, as well as the increased expression level of VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided a novel insight for investigating the protective effect of IPC on renal IRI. Consequently, miR-376c-3p played an important role in renal IRI by promoting angiogenesis via targeting HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in male rats.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer between ddMVAC and GC regimen.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to compare the pathological response rate and prognosis of the dose dense Methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (ddMVAC) regimen and gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy choices for bladder cancer. METHODS: A literature review of articles published before February 28, 2021, was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Sciences and Embase databases. Data for comparison included pathological response rate and overall survival. RESULTS: Five studies including 1,206 patients were identified and assessed for the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis yielded an odds ratio value of 1.29 (95% CI, 0.86-1.92) with a downstaging rate and an odds ratio value of 1.57 (95% CI, 1.10-2.25) with a complete response rate when comparing ddMVAC with the GC regimen. The pooled analysis yielded a hazard ratio of 0.47 (95% CI, 0.30-0.72) with regard to overall survival between the two regimens. CONCLUSION: Compared with the GC regimen, ddMVAC has a better pathological response rate, especially the complete response rate, and provides longer overall survival as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen for bladder cancer.

Hypermethylation of the SPARC promoter and its prognostic value for prostate cancer.

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a secreted matricellular glycoprotein and plays a key role in the development of many tissues and organ types. However, the role of SPARC in prostate cancer (PCa) is still controversial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the abnormalities in the expression of SPARC and its promoter hypermethylation in prostate cancers and in correlated clinicopathological profiles. We examined the hypermethylation of the SPARC promoter as a potential mechanism for suppressing SPARC in PCa. The clinicopathological correlation between SPARC and its promoter expression and the prognostic significance of the aberrantly expressed genes were evaluated to identify novel biomarkers of PCa. SPARC expression was decreased in PCa cell lines, which correlated with hypermethylation of the SPARC promoter. Treatment with the demethylating agent 5-Aza-Cdr restored SPARC expression. Seventy percent (145 of 207) of the primary tumors exhibited SPARC hypermethylation, while only 2.6% was found in normal prostate mucosa (n=38). In PCa cases, SPARC hypermethylation was correlated with a poorer prognosis (P=0.005; relative risk 2.659, 95% CI, 1.433­4.562). Our findings revealed potential diagnostic markers of PCa based on specific hypermethylated CpG sites and also provided new insights of SPARC as a novel biomarker and/or treatment modality for prostate cancer.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as an independent predictor for survival in patients with localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation: a propensity score matching analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic indicator in patients with localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with radiofrequency ablation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent radiofrequency ablation from 2006 to 2013. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate the survival curves according to different categories of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Relationships between preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio or the change of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and survival were evaluated with multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. A propensity score matching analysis was carried out to avoid confounding bias. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were included in present study. When stratified by preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio cutoff value of 2.79, 5-year recurrence-free survival, 5-year disease-free survival, and 5-year overall survival rates of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio <2.79 versus ≥2.79 were 100, 98.5, and 99.2% versus 80.5, 72.6, and 90.6%, respectively (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.003). In terms of propensity score matching analysis, 5-year recurrence-free survival, 5-year disease-free survival, and 5-year overall survival rates of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio <2.79 versus ≥2.79 were 100, 97.9, and 100% versus 82.3, 73.4, and 89.4%, respectively (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, P = 0.022). When combining preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with the change of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, patients with both preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥2.79 and the change of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥0.40 had the worst disease-free survival. Results of multivariable analysis showed that preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the change of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated with cancer relapse remarkably. CONCLUSIONS: High preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and elevated postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio are associated with significant increase in risk of local recurrence as well as distant metastasis. The combination of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with the other prognostic indicators can be applied in the evaluation of relapse risk in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation.

Comparative efficacy and safety of first-line treatments in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer: a network meta-analysis based on phase 3 RCTs.

It is impossible to conduct head-to-head trials of all the therapies to determine optimal treatment in the rapidly advancing era of therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). In this network meta-analysis,we aimed to compare efficacy and safety of first-line treatments for mRCC. We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and unpublished studies were also sought through "clinicaltrials.gov" from their inception through January 31, 2016. A database search identified 1253 articles, with 11 studies meeting the eligibility criteria. A total of 7597 patients in twelve different treatment arms were assessed. Network meta-analysis showed sunitinib had a significantly longer PFS than IFN-α (SMD=-5.68; 95%CI: -10.76,-0.86; P<0.001) and placebo (SMD=-6.71; 95%CI: -12.65,-0.79; P<0.001), meanwhile, pazopanib had a significantly longer PFS compared with placebo (SMD=5.13; 95%CI: 0.43, 10.09; P<0.001). The cumulative ranking probability curve indicated that sunitinib had the highest probability of being the best treatment modality in terms of PFS and it also had the highest probability of being the safest drugs as the first-line treatment when it came to SAE. Thus, sunitinib might be the best choice of first-line treatment for patients with mRCC because it has the most favorable balance between efficacy and safety.

Prognostic Factors for Long-Term Survival in Patients with Renal-Cell Carcinoma After Radiofrequency Ablation.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term survival and prognostic factors in patients with renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) who were treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the records of all patients who underwent RFA of biopsy-proven RCC from February 2006 to December 2010 was performed in our institution. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic factors for long-term survival after RFA. RESULTS: RFA was performed in 122 patients (102 men, 20 women) with preoperative imaging available. Mean patient age was 58.5 years (standard deviation [SD]: 14.5), and mean tumor size was 3.4 cm (SD: 1.1). Tumor stage was T1a 93 (76.2%) or T1b 29 (23.8%). The mean follow-up period for RFA was 64.9 months (±11.6) (range 9-83 mos). In total, 5-year cancer-specific survival, 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), 5-year metastasis-free survival, and 5-year overall survival (OS) of this cohort was 98.3%, 90.8%, 94.2%, 99.2%, and 98.4%, respectively. In comparison with patients in >3 cm group, patients in ≤3 cm group had better 5-year DFS (P = 0.009), 5-year OS (P = 0.036) and 5-year RFS (P = 0.011). Age and tumor size affected survival rates significantly at univariate analysis (P = 0.031, P = 0.033). Only tumor size was shown to have independent prognostic value in multivariate analysis (P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: In appropriately selected patients, RFA is an effective treatment option that provides comparable long-term survival. With use of RFA, there is a high probability of long-term survival of patients with small tumor size.

Minimal fat renal angiomyolipoma with lymph node involvement: A case report and literature review.

Renal angiomyolipomas (AML), consisting of fatty tissue, blood vessels, and smooth muscular cells in various proportions, is a relatively common benign renal neoplasm. Simultaneous involvement of the kidney and lymph nodes is uncommon and might be confused with an advanced renal cancer. AML is divided into minimal fat AML and fat-predominant AML. However, minimal fat AML with lymph node involvement is extremely rare and difficult to differentiate from RCC on images. We report such a case and review the literature.

The Comparison of R.E.N.A.L., PADUA and Centrality Index Score in Predicting Perioperative Outcomes and Complications after Laparoscopic Radio Frequency Ablation of Renal Tumors.

PURPOSE: We assessed the association between the R.E.N.A.L., PADUA and centrality index scores and perioperative outcomes, and determined the efficacy of each scoring system over the simple parameter of tumor size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the records of patients who underwent laparoscopic radio frequency ablation of renal tumors from February 2006 to April 2014 at our institution. Tumors were categorized using the R.E.N.A.L., PADUA and centrality index score, which were determined by analyzing preoperative imaging. The relationships between each variable and change in glomerular filtration rate, estimated blood loss, operative time and postoperative complications were examined. RESULTS: Laparoscopic radio frequency ablation was performed in 215 selected patients with preoperative imaging available. The interclass correlations coefficient of the 3 observers was 0.87, 0.84 and 0.82 for the C-Index, the R.E.N.A.L. and the PADUA scoring system, respectively. R.E.N.A.L. score, PADUA score and PADUA complexity were significantly associated with postoperative complications (p=0.040, 0.015 and 0.006, respectively). However, major complications were only associated with high PADUA complexity (chi-square 23.851, p <0.05). Each scoring system had a significant association with operative time and estimated blood loss (p <0.05), except that the C-index score had no relationship with estimated blood loss (p=0.083). The accuracy of each scoring system in predicting perioperative outcomes and postoperative complications was superior to that of tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: Each scoring system has an advantage over tumor size in describing tumor complexity and may help with surgical decision making. Further studies are required to validate their efficacy in evaluating the intraoperative and postoperative results after renal laparoscopic radio frequency ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation versus partial nephrectomy for clinical T1a renal-cell carcinoma: long-term clinical and oncologic outcomes based on a propensity score analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes in patients treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and partial nephrectomy (PN) for clinical T1a renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) in a propensity-score matched cohort. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the records of all patients who underwent RFA or nephrectomy between February 2005 and December 2009 in our institution. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate the survival curves that were compared with the log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of survival. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were included in the final study after being matched by propensity scores (RFA 45; PN 45). The 5-year overall survival (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 90.2% (78.6-98.8) vs 93.2% (85.8-98.9); 5-year cancer-specific survival (95% CI) was 95.6% (89.5-98.1) vs 97.7% (93.4-99.3); 5-year disease-free survival (95% CI) was 86.7% (89.5-96.7) and 88.5% (79.1-97.9); 5-year recurrence-free survival (95% CI) was 95.4% (89.3-98.1) vs 97.7% (93.3-99.2); and 5-year metastasis-free survival (95% CI) was 95.5% (89.4-98.0) vs 95.5% (89.4-98.0). Age was the only factor that could predict the disease-free survival (P=0.044). The percentage decrease in the glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in the RFA group at the time of last follow-up (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the propensity-score matched cohort of patients with clinical T1a RCC, we observed that RFA was an effective treatment option that provided comparable 5-year oncologic outcomes and better preservation of renal function than PN.

Salvage cryosurgery for locally recurrent prostate cancer after primary cryotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To report our preliminary experience of salvage cryosurgery (SCS) for locally recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) after primary cryotherapy and determine the efficacy of cryoablation of the prostate in the salvage setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the records of all patients who underwent SCS for locally recurrent PCa after primary cryotherapy between February 2008 and March 2012. Patients were assessed after treatment by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, transrectal ultrasonography, radiologic imaging, and biopsy. Biochemical failure was defined using the Phoenix criteria. RESULTS: Data from 12 patients who had undergone SCS were entered. Median age at SCS was 77.5 year. Before SCS, patients had a median PSA level of 2.5 ng/ml and median Gleason sum of 7. Patients underwent SCS at a median of 7.8 months after primary CS. Median PSA nadir after SCS was 1.32 ng/ml. The mean (range) follow-up was 33.5 months. Three patients were started on hormonal therapy for disease progression at a median post-SCS period of 12 months. Two patients underwent repeat cryoablation. Only one patient developed mild incontinence after SCS. Urethral sloughing occurred in one patient. Only two patients suffered from transient impotence. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible for patients with PCa to adopt SCS when primary cryotherapy has failed. The application of SCS also allows hormonal therapy to be deferred for a sufficient period of time.

Radio frequency ablation versus partial nephrectomy for clinical T1b renal cell carcinoma: long-term clinical and oncologic outcomes.

PURPOSE: We compared outcomes in patients treated with radio frequency ablation or partial nephrectomy for clinical cT1b renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent radio frequency ablation or nephrectomy between February 2006 and December 2010. Radiographic followup with contrast imaging was performed 7 days, 3 and 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter after radio frequency ablation sequentially. The followup protocol for partial nephrectomy was every 6 months in the initial 3 years and annually thereafter. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate survival curves, which were compared with the log rank test. Multivariable regression analysis was done to determine predictors of survival. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients who met selection criteria were included in study. Patients in the radio frequency ablation group had relatively higher mean age and a higher mean ASA® score than those in the partial nephrectomy group. Mean tumor diameter was significantly larger in the partial nephrectomy cohort. For radio frequency ablation vs partial nephrectomy 5-year overall, cancer specific and disease-free survival was 85.5% (95% CI 72.2-98.8) vs 96.6% (95% CI 95.9-97.3), 92.6% (95% CI 82.4-98.1) vs 96.6% (95% CI 95.9-97.3) and 81.0% (95% CI 66.2-95.8) vs 89.7% (95% CI 78.5-97.9), respectively. The percent decrease in the glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in the radio frequency ablation group at early and last followup. CONCLUSIONS: In appropriately selected patients with stage cT1b renal cell carcinoma radio frequency ablation is an effective treatment option that provides 5-year overall, cancer specific and disease-free survival comparable to that of partial nephrectomy as well as better renal function preservation than partial nephrectomy.

Gender disparity of living donor renal transplantation in East China.

Gender disparity among living kidney donors is common world wide, which demonstrates different social and economic problems in different countries. However, few data are available for China. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed all 139 living donor renal transplants performed in our center between 2003 and 2010. The annual number of living donor renal transplants increased from six to 26 cases per year during the observation period. Among them, 69.2% of all kidney donors were females, whereas 79.5% of the recipients were male. The average age of recipients was 34.1 ± 7.6 yr and 94% (110/117) were younger than 44 yr. In contrast, 53% (62/117) of all donors were "middle-aged" (45-59 yr) with an average donor age of 47.8 ± 9.2 yr. The first-degree relatives accounted for the majority of the donor pool, as the most common donor-recipient combination consisted of mother to son. In conclusion, there was a male and young preponderance among recipients, and a female and middle-aged one among donors of living kidney transplants in our transplant center, which might be related to socio-cultural as well as economic factors.

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors: 32-month mean follow-up results of 106 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on patients with renal tumors. RFA has been increasingly applied in the management of small renal tumors. However, it was performed mostly via percutaneous approach, with limited cases and a short follow-up period. METHODS: From February 2006 to March 2008, laparoscopic RFA was performed on 106 renal tumors (size range: 0.9-5.5 cm) in 106 selected patients (74 men and 32 women, age range: 25-81 years). Initial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination was performed seven days after the procedure, with subsequent CT assessment at three months, six months, and every six months thereafter. Serum creatinine measurement was conducted along with each time CT examination. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 32 months (range: 12-48). All 106 tumors were biopsied before RFA, of which 90 were diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (84.90%). There was one incomplete ablation. One case with radiographic local recurrence was then proved by pathologic analysis of the nephrectomy specimen to have no cancer cells. The local tumor control rate was 98.1% (104/106). Of the 90 RCC cases, the disease-free survival rate was 97.8% (88/90); both the cancer-specific and the overall survival rate were 100%. No death or renal failure after the procedure has yet been found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the laparoscopic RFA on small renal mass was safe, with outcomes of patients comparable with those by partial nephrectomy and percutaneous RFA. Further research and a longer follow-up period are needed to confirm our results.

[Inhibitory effect of TRPV6 silencing on prostate cancer cell line LNCaP in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of the TRPV6 gene silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of human prostate cancer LNCaP cells. METHODS: We constructed two siRNA sequences (siTRPV6-1 and siTRPV6-2) targeting the TRPV6 gene and then transfected them into LNCaP cells mediated by liposome. The transcription of TRPV6 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR, and the effects of siRNA on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of the LNCaP cells were determined by MITT and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Both siTRPV6-1 and siTRPV6-2 significantly suppressed the expression of TRPV6 mRNA in the LNCaP cells, and the expression was decreased with the extension of time, by 73 and 77% respectively at 72 h after transcription with siTRPV6-1 and siTRPV6-2 as compared with the blank control group (P < 0.01). The proliferation inhibition rates were the highest (34.53 and 29.32%) at 48 h in comparison with 24 and 72 h (P < 0.05). The number of cells was significantly increased in the GO and G1 phases and decreased in the S phase after siTRPV transfection (P < 0.01). The apoptosis rates of LNCaP cells were 14.45 and 12.73% respectively at 48 h after transfected with siTRPV6-1 and siTRPV6-2, significant higher than in the blank control and negative control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TRPV6-targeted siRNA can effectively inhibit the transcription of TRPV6 mRNA, inhibit the proliferation of LNCaP cells, arrest their cycles in the G0 and G1 phases, and induce their apoptosis.

[Relationship between the intrapelvic perfusion pressure in minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy and postoperative recovery].

OBJECTIVES: To introduce the method to monitor intrapelvic perfusion pressure during minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL), and to observe the effect of high pressure intrapelvic perfusion on recovery. METHODS: The end of F5 ureteral catheter and aseptic transducer were connected by self-made connecter. During the operation, 46 renal calculi cases were monitored, and the early complication, such as fever, pain index, drop of hemoglobin, the stone-free rate and hospital stay were investigated. And the relationship between the variation of pressure and recovery was studied. RESULTS: Intrapelvic perfusion pressure ranged from 3 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to 50 mm Hg during the course of MPCNL. The definition of high pressure was the time of the pressure more than 30 mm Hg not less than 10 min. Postoperative fever rate, pain index, drop of hemoglobin and hospital stay in the high pressure were significantly higher than low pressure group (P< or =0.05). There was no difference of the stone-free rate in two groups. CONCLUSIONS: During the course of MPCNL intrapelvic perfusion pressure should be monitor immediately. It should be careful to maintain the time of pressure more than 30 mm Hg less than 10 min for stable postoperative recovery.

[Detection of DD3 mRNA in the urine of prostate cancer patients and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the differential display code 3 mRNA (DD3 mRNA) in the urine sample of patients with prostate cancer and to evaluate its clinical significance. METHODS: DD3 mRNA in the urine collected from 48 patients with prostate cancer, 23 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and 9 healthy male volunteers was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: DD3 products could not be detected in the urine samples of the BPH patients and healthy male volunteers, but could in 39/48 urine samples of the patients with prostate cancer. Significant difference was found between them (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The detection of DD3 mRNA in the urine promises to be a non-invasive, simple and sensitive method for the early diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring of prostate cancer.