[pT3N0 prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy as sole treatment: Oncological results and predictive factors of recurrence]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate biological free survival in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) as sole treatment, and to analyse predictive factors of recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We retrospectively studied patients treated between 1996 and 2006 for a pT3N0 prostate cancer with RP without any adjuvant treatment. The main endpoint was PSA relapse, defined as two successive elevations of PSA>0.2 ng/mL. An association between PSA free survival and PSA, Gleason score, pathological stage and surgical margins status was statistically assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 147 patients were included. Median preoperative PSA was of 10 ng/mL. Pathological stage was pT3b in 30% of the cases and surgical margins showed cancer involvement in 63% of the cases. Gleason score was ≥3+4 in 74% of the cases. Postoperative PSA was undetectable in 121 (82%) patients. Median follow up following RP was of 5 years. The 5-year-PSA free survival was of 48%. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative and postoperative PSA, as well as Gleason score were predictors of PSA relapse (P<0.05). In patients with undetectable postoperative PSA, 5-year-PSA free survival was of 56%. Seminal vesicle involvement and Gleason score ≥3+4 were the only independent predictors of PSA relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

After RP for pT3N0 prostate cancer, the only predictive factors of recurrence were postoperative PSA and Gleason score. In case of undetectable postoperative PSA, surveillance seems acceptable if Gleason score is <3+4 and in the absence of seminal vesicle involvement.

Multiparametric MRI is helpful to predict tumor focality, stage, and size in patients diagnosed with unilateral low-risk prostate cancer

To study the staging accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients showing unilateral low-risk cancer on prostate biopsy. A total of 58 consecutive patients with low-risk cancer (D'Amico classification) and unilateral cancer involvement on prostate biopsies were included prospectively. All patients underwent multiparametric endorectal MRI before radical prostatectomy, including T2-weighted (T2W), diffusion-weighted (DW) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) sequences. Each gland was divided in eight octants. Tumor foci >0.2 cm(3) identified on pathological analysis were matched with MRI findings. Pathological examination showed tumor foci >0.2 cm(3) in 50/58 glands (86%), and bilateral tumor (pathological stagepT2c) in 20/58 (34%). For tumor detection in the peripheral zone (PZ), T2W+DWI+DCE performed significantly better than T2W+DWI and T2W alone (P<0.001). In the transition zone (TZ), only T2W+DWI performed better than T2W alone (P=0.02). With optimal MR combinations, tumor size was correctly estimated in 77% of tumor foci involving more than one octant. Bilateral tumors were detected in 80% (16/20) of cases. In patients with unilateral low-risk prostate cancer on biopsy, multiparametric MRI can help to predict bilateral involvement. Multiparametric MRI may therefore have a prognostic value and help to determine optimal treatment in such patients.

[New concepts in the management of MIBC in 2010]

The urothelial carcinoma of the prostate is an entity which is necessary to recognize. The infiltration of the prostatic stroma is a major prognostic factor. The 2009 pTNM classification distinguish carcinoma in situ of the urethra with involvement of prostatic acini (pT2) from direct invasion of prostatic stroma through outside involvement (pT4). In case of non metastatic muscle invasive bladder cancer with major lymphatic invasion, the standard treatment remains neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy and extended lymphadenectomy. Only some patients can hope a complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. For these responders, we can sometimes discuss, at an individual level, a bladder conservative strategy with an intensive surveillance.

[Healing and targeted therapies: Management in perioperative period?]

INTRODUCTION

In the era of new-targeted therapies and neoadjuvant strategies, this article highlights the role of angiogenesis in the process of physiological wound healing with a review of literature about parietal complications under anti-angiogenic therapies.

METHODS

Research on Medline was carried out using the terms renal cell carcinoma, angiogenesis, wound healing, targeted therapies, and complications.

RESULTS

The frequency of these complications varies between 5 and 50% in recent series. These results depend on half-lives of each drug and perioperative management (before and after surgical procedure).

CONCLUSION

In the absence of current recommendations, it is advised to stop bevacizumab at least five weeks before a surgical intervention and to take it back 4 weeks later. For the tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the treatment can be stopped 24-48 hours before the surgery and taken back 3-4 weeks later. Finally, for the mTOR inhibitors, it is advised to stop the treatment 7-10 days before and to take back it at least 3 weeks later.

[Hybrid renal tumors: a report of two patients]

PURPOSE

Renal hybrid tumors (HT) are characterized by the association of both oncocytes- and chromophobe-cells within the same tumor. They have been reported in patients with Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome. The aim of this report was to describe two cases of HT and summarize recent literature.

PATIENT AND METHOD

Case study was summarized from the patient's medical chart. Review of literature was performed using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.

RESULTS

Two patients were diagnosed with multiple but small tumors of the kidney, and were treated with partial nephrectomy. Pathological analysis of these tumors showed oncocytoma-like and chromophobe-like cells intermixed in the same stroma.

CONCLUSIONS

HT may constitute a spectrum of tumors between renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. From a pragmatic management perspective, it would be appropriate to consider such tumors as chromophobe carcinoma. In case of HT, a genetic study for BHD syndrome can be proposed to family relatives.

[New perspectives in prostate cancer management]

The treatment of prostate cancer is experiencing important innovations. Hormone therapy includes a new class of drugs: LHRH antagonists, which induce a rapid, fast and sustained reduction of testosterone levels. Active surveillance enables to avoid an aggressive treatment without decreasing survival, provided that strict eligibility and follow-up criteria are applied. New imaging techniques and laboratory assays lead to early diagnosis of small size tumors. Lastly, focal therapy has the potential to target localized cancers without deterioration of surrounding structures. These concomitant improvements offer the clinician and the patient attractive options for prostate cancer management. However, they are not devoid of limitations and constraints. Thus, it is crucial to define the most appropriate patient's profile for each therapeutic option, taking into account the objective characteristics of the tumor and the psychological features of the patient.

[Primary metastatic urethral melanoma: a case study]

PURPOSE

Primary urethral melanoma is a rare pathology for which treatment strategies are controversial. The aim of this work was to report a case of metastatic primary urethral melanoma, and to discuss recent data available from literature.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Case study was summarized from the patient's medical chart. Review of literature was performed using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.

RESULTS

We reported the case of an 89-year-old woman who died from a primary metastatic melanoma of the urethra. This pathology encounters for less than 1% of melanomas and has an adverse prognosis. In case of metastasis, specific survival is only of a few months. When localized to the urethra, treatment relies on radical urethrectomy, followed by adjuvant chemo- and immunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The modalities of treatment of primary urethral melanoma rely only on reported case studies. When diagnosed at the metastatic stage, reported specific survival does not exceed a few months.

[First line indications for hormonal therapy in prostate cancer]

The utilization of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer has evolved over time. Unquestionably considered first line treatment in metastatic cancers or in case of lymph node involvement, it is increasingly used in locally advanced and high-risk cancers, combined with radiation therapy. However, the practical modalities of treatment are still controversial (neoadjuvant, concomitant/adjuvant) and should be discussed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account tumor stage and risk level, which depends mainly on Gleason score and PSA levels and kinetics. Hormone therapy is also indicated in case of systemic relapse, especially if PSA doubling time is less than 12 months. LHRH agonists have become the standard care; antiandrogens can be added at the beginning of the LHRH agonist therapy to obtain a complete androgen blockade. Intermittent androgen deprivation therapy has recently proved efficacious and might be more widely used in the future, provided that strict prescription and follow-up recommendations are clearly established.

[Prostate cancer: medicoeconomic aspects]

Prostate cancer is the first cancer in men. Its incidence is constantly increasing. The significant evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic means during the two last decades contrasts with the scarcity of medicoeconomic studies. The aim of this review is to present a synthesis of the different studies published and to respond to questions about the economic aspects of this disease, with the evaluation of its direct and indirect costs. The cost-effectiveness and the benefits of the prevention and the screening are still being studied. The costs of the surgery and the radiotherapy are roughly similar. The new surgical techniques, especially the laparoscopic and the robotic surgeries, are not necessarily associated with higher costs, in condition of a high-volume laparoscopic surgery program and a faster discharge. The indirect costs of prostate cancer concern the loss of economic production associated with the disease and death and are more difficult to determine.

[Use of double J ureteral stent as an alternative to prevent ureteroileal anastomosis stricture in orthotopic bladder substitution]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare ureteroileal anastomosis strictures rates in patients receiving either double J stent or open-ended ureteral stent, after bladder replacement for cancer.

METHODS

Medical charts from 75 patients who underwent cystectomy and Z pouch bladder substitution for bladder cancer, between 2001 and 2005, were retrospectively reviewed. Ureteroileal anastomosis was direct, spatulated end-to-side fashioned in all patients. Double J stents were used in 39 patients (group A) and open-ended ureteral stent were used in 36 patients (group B). Mean hospital stay, early and late complications were also observed.

RESULTS

Seventeen anastomotic strictures have been documented during the follow-up: 5.2% in group A versus 18.3% in group B (p=0.012). Mean catheterization period was six weeks in group A and 12 days in group B. No significant differences were found in mean hospital stay, early and late complications.

CONCLUSION

The use of internal double J ureteral stent is now a feasible option and can decrease the rate of anastomotic stricture. The fact that the double J stent is removed after the anastomosis healing period may be a possible explanation.

[Management of rising PSA after total prostatectomy]

Rising PSA after radical prostatectomy corresponds to a biochemical recurrence, i.e., a new rise in PSA levels. Several definitions of biochemical recurrence exist. Predictive factors can differentiate Local recurrence and distant metastasis. Depending on the case, the therapeutic options for managing these recurrences are radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

[Contribution of LHRH analogs in prostate cancer treatment]

The contribution of LHRH analogs is enormous in prostate cancer management at nearly all stages of the disease, the Leading cancer in males over 50 years of age. They make it possible to use hormone therapy reliably, with Little morbidity, and can be reversed. Their use can be immediate or delayed, continuous or intermittent, whether or not they are associated with an antiandrogen, and can be associated with chemotherapy for patients who have reached the stage of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

[Risk factors for positive surgical margins following radical prostatectomy: review]

The presence of positive surgical margins on radical prostatectomy specimen is an adverse prognostic factor. Parameters supposed to influence surgical margin status includes pathology method analysis, surgical technique, tumoral and non tumoral patient parameters, and neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. Regarding the surgical technique, surgeon's experience and neuro-vascular bundles preservation are the most important factors of margin status, whereas surgical approach, bladder neck conservation, intraoperative frozen analysis, and bleeding are minor factors. Non tumoural patient parameters influencing surgical margin status include patient's age and weight, and prostate gland weight. For tumoural parameters, pathological stage and tumour volume are more important factors than the tumor grade and PSA. Five preoperative tumoral risk factors of positive surgical margins are particularly important, including abnormal digital rectal examination, preoperative PSA 10 ng/mL, biopsy Gleason score >7, number of positive biopsy cores > or = 2, and suspicion of extraprostatic extension on radical prostatectomy specimen.

[Difficult clinical cases in prostate cancer: multidisciplinary staff, the rational principles of adjuvant therapy and other therapeutic options]

Difficult clinical cases of locally advanced prostate cancer at high-risk of progression should be discussed during a collegial decision-making process with different clinical specialists (surgeon, radiotherapist, oncologist, chemotherapist). Scientific consensus exists to give an adjuvant therapy after initial curative local treatment in patients with unfavourable prognostic features. For patients with locally advanced prostate cancer extending beyond the capsule (pT3) or with positive surgical margins, studies have shown that immediate postoperative radiotherapy is to eradicate the microscopic disease left in the surgical bed. Studies have shown the potential benefit of cytotoxic chemotherapy in terms of overall survival and median time to progression in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Active clinical research is underway to study neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy before radical prostatectomy. There are also currently several clinical trials that are investigating the addition of chemotherapy in patients at high-risk of progression in the postprostatectomy setting. Antiandrogen therapy after radical prostatectomy has been shown in randomised studies to significantly reduce the risk of objective clinical progression in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer. Immediate hormonal therapy with bicalutamide is a valuable therapeutic option in men having prostate cancer with such clinicopathological features.

Mutations in BHD and TP53 genes, but not in HNF1beta gene, in a large series of sporadic chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

BHD, TP53, and HNF1β on chromosome 17 were studied in 92 cases of renal cell carcinoma (46 chromophobe, 19 clear cell, 18 oncocytoma, and nine papillary). Six, thirteen, and zero cases had, respectively BHD, TP53, and HNF1β mutations, (84% mutations involved chromophobe), suggesting a role for BHD and TP53 in chromophobe subtype.

[Intermittent hormone therapy for prostate cancer]

Intermittent hormone therapy in prostate cancer consists in disrupting treatment after the nadir PSA has been reached, and reinitiating treatment when the PSA increases over a certain threshold. Theoretical advantages of intermittent hormone therapy are to delay the occurrence of hormone-independence and to decrease treatment-related side effects. Some phase II trials have demonstrated the feasibility of intermittent hormone therapy. The percent time without treatment varies between 40 and 50%. Oncologic results of intermittent hormone therapy are, at least, equivalent to those of continuous therapy. Moreover, the side effects of treatment are decreased and the quality of life is improved during off treatment phases. Due to the lack of comparative studies, the superiority of intermittent upon continuous treatment has not been established at long-term follow-up. Prospective comparative trials are ongoing; they will determine the true benefit of intermittent hormone therapy in prostate cancer.

T1G3 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: recurrence, progression and survival

OBJECTIVES

To report our experience with T1G3 bladder tumours over the last 10 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed the outcome of 74 consecutive patients treated for a T1G3 bladder cancer between 1991 and 2001. Fifty-seven patients (77%) were treated with transurethral resection (TUR) plus six weekly instillations of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy. Ten patients (13.5%) with contraindications to BCG or with a small T1a tumour were treated with TUR plus mitomycin-C, and seven (9.5%) were treated with TUR alone because of their age. Patients treated with BCG had systematic biopsies taken at the end of the first course. Patients with residual tumour received a second course of six weekly instillations. Patients with negative biopsies received maintenance BCG therapy consisting of intravesical instillations each week for 3 weeks given 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months after the first course.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 53 months. The overall recurrence rate was 46% and the overall progression rate 19%. The rate of delayed cystectomy was 8% and that of disease-specific survival 91%. In patients who received BCG therapy, the recurrence and progression rates were 42% and 23%, respectively. In this group the rate of disease-specific survival was 88%.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that maintenance BCG therapy is an effective treatment for T1G3 bladder tumours, with an acceptable rate of bladder preservation.

Complications urologiques de la radiothérapieUrologic complications of radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is commonly used to treat pelvic or retroperitoneal cancers but has some impact on genito-urinary system: short-term side effects are frequent with usually a completed regression. However, the incidence of major complications is about 12% and is probably underestimated due to a long delay between radiation therapy and diagnosis of some adverse events such as ureteral strictures or fistula. Clinical follow-up must absolutely include an early diagnosis and treatment of radiation therapy complications such as renal dysfunction, ureteral stricture, ureteral fistula, chronic bladder injury, bladder fistula, urethral stricture, infertility or erectile dysfunction.

Intermittent androgen suppression in patients with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate intermittent androgen suppression (IAS) in patients with prostate cancer and to try to define predictive factors for biochemical progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1989 to 2001, 146 patients received IAS as a primary treatment for localized, advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (72 men) or as a treatment for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) and/or radiation therapy (74 men). Androgen-deprivation treatment (ADT) was continued up to 6 months after PSA became undetectable or a nadir PSA level was reached. ADT was then re-instituted when the PSA level was> 4 ng/mL for patients who had RP or> 10 ng/mL for the others.

RESULTS

After a mean (range) follow-up of 45.6 (12-196.9) months, 24 patients had biochemical progression. These patients were younger than those with no biochemical progression (67 vs 72 years, P = 0.004) and had a statistically higher Gleason score (7.21 vs 6.52, P = 0.01) and PSA level (111.1 vs 32.1 ng/mL, P = 0.05), and a shorter first phase without treatment (7.6 vs 11.2 months, P = 0.05). Overall 5-year metastatic disease free survival of 91.3%. The overall 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival was 68%. Using multivariate analysis, a Gleason score of >or= 8 (P = 0.021), first-phase duration with no treatment of < 1 year (P = 0.044), positive lymph nodes or metastatic disease at the time of starting IAS (P = 0.023) and age < 70 years (P = 0.037) were the strongest predictors of biochemical progression.

CONCLUSION

IAS appeared to be a feasible treatment; the best candidates being those aged> 70 years with localized prostate cancer and a Gleason score of <or= 7.

Predictive factors of radiation therapy for patients with prostate specific antigen recurrence after radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of salvage/adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2001, 52 patients were treated in our institution with RT for PSA recurrence after RP. The mean (range) delay between RP and RT was 30.5 (0.16-105.6) months. Eighteen patients received no hormonal therapy before RT. The failure of RT was defined as three consecutive increases in PSA levels with intervals of > or = 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Within a mean (range) follow-up of 27.7 (6-69) months, 18 patients presented with biochemical progression. The 3-year biochemical progression-free survival was 51%. Using univariate analysis, an age < 65 years (P = 0.0262), a Gleason score on the RP specimen of > or = 8 (P = 0.0024), stage pT3 (P = 0.02), a detectable nadir PSA after RT (P < 0.001) and the absence of hormonal therapy (P = 0.0359) were associated with a lower biochemical progression-free survival. However, only the Gleason score (P = 0.0395) and nadir serum PSA after RT (P = 0.028) remained independent predictive factors on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Half of the present patients treated with RT for an isolated high serum PSA level after RP were free of biochemical relapse at 3 years of follow-up. RT may be proposed to selected patients with mild morbidity. However, definitive evidence of the beneficial effect of adjuvant RT for patients with PSA recurrence after RP awaits the conclusion of randomized clinical trials.

Bone sialoprotein, bone morphogenetic protein 6 and thymidine phosphorylase expression in localized human prostatic adenocarcinoma as predictors of clinical outcome: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 43 cases

PURPOSE

Skeletal metastases are the hallmark of advanced prostate cancer and recurrence after local surgery is common. Currently to our knowledge no biological markers predict the risk of disease progression in individuals with localized prostate cancer. In a search for predictive markers we evaluated the expression of bone sialoprotein and bone morphogenetic protein 6, 2 bone related proteins, and the angiogenic factor thymidine phosphorylase.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population included 43 men who presented with localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy. Bone sialoprotein, bone morphogenetic protein 6 and thymidine phosphorylase expression was assessed by immunohistochemical testing. Results were analyzed in relation to pathological disease stage, Gleason score and clinical outcome. Clinical followup was 4.3 to 11.4 years after surgery (median 7.9).

RESULTS

Disease did not progress in 17 of the 43 cases, while recurrence and/or metastasis developed in the other 26 at a median of 6.5 and 6.9 years, respectively. Bone sialoprotein and bone morphogenetic protein 6 expression detected in 28 (65%) and 29 (67%) of the 43 samples, respectively, was significantly associated (p = 0.0001). Thymidine phosphorylase detected in 26 samples (60%) was not related to bone sialoprotein and/or bone morphogenetic protein 6 positivity. Bone sialoprotein and/or bone morphogenetic protein 6 expression correlated with bone metastasis, while thymidine phosphorylase expression was related to local recurrence (p = 0.002 and/or 0.007, and 0.00007, respectively). On multivariate analysis only the correlation of thymidine phosphorylase expression with recurrence remained statistically significant (p = 0.002). Co-expression of the 3 markers was observed in the samples of 10 of the 11 patients (90%) with bone metastases and only in 5 of the 17 (29%) who were disease-free.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that the expression of bone sialoprotein, bone morphogenetic protein 6 and thymidine phosphorylase determined at a clinically early stage of disease by a simple immunohistochemical technique would enable subgroups of patients to be identified that are at different risks of bone metastasis or recurrence. Detection of such markers would provide additional prognostic information that would be useful for patients with intermediate or low Gleason score or stage disease. These patients would benefit from a more adapted clinical follow-up.

[Stage T1a prostatic cancer: long-term retrospective study of 27 patients]

OBJECTIVE

The natural history of stage T1a prostate cancer is generally favourable, but is nevertheless associated with a considerable progression rate of 7% to 27% depending on the study. The objective of this study was to identify possible predictive criteria of tumour progression to improve patient surveillance and early treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

27 patients with stage T1a prostate cancer according to the TNM 97 classification, were followed for a mean duration of 79 months (range: 24-132, median: 68). A complementary assessment was performed in patients under the age of 70 years, and a strict clinical (DRE) and laboratory (PSA) surveillance protocol was performed in all patients. The initial mean PSA was 7 ng/ml and the mean Gleason score was 4.8.

RESULTS

20 patients (75%) did not present any clinical and/or laboratory signs of progression and were therefore not treated. Seven patients (25%) received treatment with a mean follow-up of 63 months (radical prostatectomy in 2 cases, external beam radiotherapy in 1 case, endocrine therapy in 4 cases). All patients are alive and in complete remission at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results and a review of the literature, conservative management based on strict, long-term surveillance, is a frequent approach to stage T1a prostate cancer confirmed by negative biopsies of the residual capsule. The PSA velocity is the key to surveillance, and the only factor of predictive of tumour progression that can be really used in routine clinical practice. However, our study showed tumour progression in 25% of cases, raising the question of curative treatment, especially in young patients.

[Chromophobe cell renal cancer, a distinct entity. Report of a series of 35 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and histological characteristics and natural history of clear cell renal carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The case files of 35 patients (22 men and 13 women, with a mean age of 58 +/- 13.8 years) operated for clear cell renal carcinoma were reviewed. The circumstances of diagnosis and the histological features of the tumour were analysed. The outcome of the patients was studied with a mean follow-up of 70 +/- 20.2 months.

RESULTS

The diagnosis was incidental in 66% of cases. The macroscopic appearance of the tumour was characteristic: homogeneous and beige or white colour. On light microscopy, tumours were composed of variable proportions of clear cells and eosinophilic cells. The were classified as 15 predominantly eosinophilic tumours (43%), 9 predominantly clear cell tumours (26%) and 11 tumours composed of equal number of clear cells and eosinophilic cells (31%). Nuclei were irregular and indented. Hale stain was positive in every case. The majority of tumours were confined to the kidney (T1: 65% and T2: 29%) with a low nuclear grade (91% of grades 1 and 2). No patient developed local recurrence or metastasis during follow-up. The overall 5-year survival rate was 92%. No death related to the disease was reported.

CONCLUSION

The histological diagnosis of clear cell renal cancer is now easy and can be suggested even on macroscopic examination of the operative specimen. This tumour appears to have a good prognosis, as it is usually confined to the kidney with a low nuclear grade.

[In vitro study of the modulation of human ureteral tonus by nitric oxide and zaprinast, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor]

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the role of nitric oxide (NO) and its second messenger, cGMP, on the mechanisms underlying human ureteral smooth muscle relaxation.

METHODS

Proximal segments of ureter were dissected from nephrectomy, then cut into rings and suspended in organ chambers. Isometric tone was recorded at baseline and after preincubation with KCl (120 mumol). The Increasing concentration (10-8-10-4 M) of NO donors, Sodium nitroprusside, (SNP) and molsidomine (SIN-1) and a type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Zaprinast were added to the organ chambers and a dose response curve was constructed from each experiment.

RESULTS

Dose-dependent relaxation was seen with all compounds. This was, however, more pronounced with SNP as compared with SIN-1. Zaprinast alone had marginal relaxant effect but markedly potentiated the relaxing effect of the NO donor SNP (p < 0.05). Inhibition of NO synthesis by the arginine analogue L-NA increased electrical-induced contraction (98 +/- 4% vs 122 +/- 3%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Activation of the soluble guanylate cyclase by NO donors markedly relaxed significantly human ureteral smooth muscle but inhibition of phosphodiesterase did not affect the in vitro relaxation. Our results suggest that cGMP is an important second messenger in the transduction signalling pathway leading to relaxation of human ureteral smooth muscle. By contrast, basal activity of phosphodiesterase seems to be marginal under physiological condition.

[Cystine lithiasis: study of a series of 116 cases]

INTRODUCTION

Cystine stones is a rare disease, related to a genetic metabolic disease. Its management must treat both the stones and their complications, and prevent recurrences by controlling cystinuria.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to define the natural history of cystine stones, identify reliable diagnostic criteria and propose a simple treatment regimen.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The authors studied the clinical, biochemical and radiological data of a retrospective series of 116 cases, treated by the same urologist between 1953 and 1999.

RESULTS

Cystinuria is often diagnosed in young adults on the basis of urine biochemistry (Brand's reaction, urinary cystine assay) or spectrophotometric analysis of the stones or urinary crystals. This assessment, not performed routinely, must be guided by a family history, recurrent stones or following failure of lithotripsy. The appearance of the stones, macroscopically a waxy yellow, radiologically only slightly opaque with a large component in the renal pelvis associated with a small round caliceal stones, is highly suggestive. Radiological assessment by IVU is generally sufficient. Treatment of the disease is medical and surgical: dietary measures, alkalinization of the urine and possibly drug treatments, are associated with extracorporeal lithotripsy or surgical treatment. These modalities eliminate cystine stones in 70% of cases. Recurrent stones are observed in 42% of cases followed for more than 5 years, mainly due to the presence of residual fragments (60% of recurrences). Surveillance and dietary measures must be maintained for life. Surveillance is based on biannual radiographic follow-up (plain x-rays +/- ultrasound) to detect and consequently treat small stones. A test for cystinuria must be proposed to all relatives of affected patients.

CONCLUSION

This disease presents very polymorphic clinical features and clinical course. It can be responsible for impaired renal function and must therefore be investigated in the presence of suggestive clinical signs or history to avoid a delayed diagnosis, as treatment modalities are available to decrease the frequency of recurrence and which can potentiate treatment by surgical or lithotripsy. However, there are no predictive factors of deterioration of the disease, and biannual surveillance, for life, is essential to detect and treat small stones.

[Methods and results of radical prostatectomy for localized cancer of the prostate]

A radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer is indicated after evaluation of the disease (initial PSA, clinical stage, biopsy mapping, results of radiologic explorations with an endorectal MRI) and the patient (age, morbidity, life expectancy and wishes of potency conservation). The surgical approaches, retropubic or laparoscopic, depend on the surgeon's experience. Radical prostatectomy provides good disease-free survival for organ-confined disease close to the natural life expectancy. Post-radical prostatectomy morbidity is essentially represented by orthostatic incontinence (up to 6.8%), stress incontinence (up to 27%) and impotence (30 to 95%), depending on the published series and patient age.

Computerized artifact detection and correction of uroflow curves: towards a more consistent quantitative assessment of maximum flow

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate a computerized method of artifact detection and correction of uroflow and compare the quantitative assessment of maximum flow obtained by the computer with visual correction by experts.

METHODS

A total of 90 randomly chosen flows was scanned into the computer whereafter automated artifact detection and correction was performed according to pre-established rules implemented in the software. Three experts visually corrected the flows using the same artifact detection and correction specifications as the computer. Measuring agreement between different methods of assessment of maximum flow was evaluated by calculating the difference and the standard deviation (SD) of the differences. The repeatability of assessing the maximum flow value by the computer and by expert 1 was assessed by calculating the difference between 2 readings and the coefficient of repeatability.

RESULTS

The coefficient of repeatability of maximum flow after detection and correction of artifacts by the computer (0.38 ml/s) was slightly better when compared with the coefficient of repeatability between 2 observations by 1 expert (1.12 ml/s). The interobserver variation for the quantitative assessment of maximum flow appeared to be great. A total of 51% of the maximum flow values assessed by expert 2 was 1 ml/s or more greater than those assessed by expert 1. When comparing the results of the computer with those of the experts, the mean value of maximum flow from expert 1 was 0.71 ml/s smaller than the computer value (p < 0.01), the mean value from expert 2 was 0.53 ml/s greater (p < 0.01) and the mean value from expert 3 was not significantly different (0.25 ml/s greater). The SD of maximum flow after correction by the computer was 0.3 ml/s smaller than the SD of the raw data from the flowmeter and the corrected values by 2 experts.

CONCLUSIONS

Computerized artifact detection and correction eliminates an important fraction of the variability of manually corrected maximum flow values. This may lead to smaller sample size requirements, especially in studies where the primary objective is to assess a small (+/- 1 ml/s) difference in mean maximum flow between groups.

High incidence of brain metastases in patients treated with an M-VAC regimen for advanced bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

We report on central nervous system metastases from urothelial bladder carcinoma in patients treated with M-VAC chemotherapy.

METHODS

50 patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were treated with the M-VAC regimen at the Hôpital Cochin (Paris, France) between December 1989 and February 1995. Brain relapses were diagnosed by CT scanning.

RESULTS

We observed a surprising increase in the number of central nervous system relapses (8/50) in patients treated consecutively at the same institution. The mean time to metastatic recurrence in the brain from the initiation of first chemotherapy was 21 months (range 7-38). Six patients had single and 2 patients had multiple central nervous system metastases. Treatment consisted of radiotherapy alone (n = 5) or both surgery and radiotherapy (n = 3). Median survival time from the appearance of cerebral metastases was 3 months (range 1-10).

CONCLUSION

The prolonged duration of remissions which are achieved following M-VAC chemotherapy may explain the greater likelihood of the detection of cerebral involvement.

Corporeal plication for surgical correction of penile curvature. Experience with 60 patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of tunica albuginea plication without excision in patients with congenital and acquired penile curvature.

METHODS

Results were retrospectively analyzed in 60 consecutive patients treated from 1982 to 1996. Mean age was 42.8 years (range 16-77). 25 patients had congenital curvature and 35 patients had acquired curvature (29 Peyronie's disease, 5 postoperative and 1 posttrauma). All patients had penile curvature with angulation over 30 degrees and major intercourse difficulties.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, 52 patients (87%) had satisfactory cosmetic results and 49 (82%) had satisfactory functional results. All patients (100%) with congenital or postoperative curvature had satisfactory cosmetic results and satisfactory functional results. Patients with Peyronie's disease had a lower success rate with 81% satisfactory cosmetic results and 62% satisfactory functional results.

CONCLUSION

Tunica albuginea plication is a more simple procedure than tunica albuginea resection (Nesbit procedure) with a comparable success rate and minimal morbidity.

[Tissue reactions to wear debris of joint prostheses. Diagnostic problems. Apropos of 2 cases]

We report two cases of tissue reactions to wear debris after large joint prostheses. In the first case, a septic loosening of a hip arthroplasty was suspected after emergence of an inguinal mass. In the second case, a patient with loose hip prosthesis had surgery for a prostatic adenocarcinoma and pelvic lymph nodes were discovered during surgery. They were first suspected to be metastatic carcinoma. These two diagnostic problems were resolved by histology which revealed sinusal histiocytic reaction to wear debris. The peculiar sign of this reaction is the presence of birefringent components such as polyethylene seen with polarized light. These problems will become more frequent in the future because of the increasing number of elderly patients who have had hip replacement and will undergo surgery for pelvic cancer. A close medico-surgical collaboration should help pathologists in such cases.

[Risk of accidental contamination by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): review and management]

In surgery practice, everyone must know what to do in case of injury with exposure to body fluids. The chimioprophylactic treatment has to be easy to take in case of high risk of VIH transmission. To prevent these accident, surgery on infected people must always be done by surgeon who have experience.

[Severe algoneurodystrophy of the right foot associated with prostatic cancer]

The authors report 1 case of particularly severe reflex neurovascular dystrophy whose clinical course was marked by the discovery of a carcinoma of the prostate. There was improvement in the reflex neurovascular dystrophy despite hormonal therapy of the cancer. Reflex neurovascular dystrophy cannot be considered as a form of a paraneoplastic syndrome.