Do patients with Stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease benefit from ischaemia-sparing techniques during partial nephrectomy?

OBJECTIVE

To analyse whether selective arterial clamping (SAC) and off-clamp (OC) techniques during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) are associated with a renal functional benefit in patients with Stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time was compared between 462 patients with baseline CKD 3-5 that underwent RPN with main arterial clamping (MAC) (n = 375, 81.2%), SAC (n = 48, 10.4%) or OC (n = 39, 8.4%) using a multivariable linear mixed-effects model. All follow-up eGFRs, including baseline and follow-up between 3 and 24 months, were included in the model for analysis. The median follow-up was 12.0 months (interquartile range 6.7-16.5; range 3.0-24.0 months).

RESULTS

In the multivariable linear mixed-effects model adjusting for characteristics including tumour size and the R.E.N.A.L. (Radius; Exophytic/Endophytic; Nearness; Anterior/Posterior; Location) Nephrometry Score, the change in eGFR over time was not significantly different between SAC and MAC RPN (β = -1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] -5.45, 3.06; P = 0.582) and OC and MAC RPN (β = -1.57, 95% CI -5.21, 2.08; P = 0.400). Only 20 (15 MAC, two SAC, three OC) patients overall had progression of their CKD stage at last follow-up. The mean ischaemia time was 17 min for MAC and 15 min for SAC. There was no benefit to SAC or OC in terms of blood loss, perioperative complications, length of stay, or surgical margins.

CONCLUSION

SAC and OC techniques during RPN were not associated with benefit in preservation of eGFR in patients with baseline CKD.

A Single Overnight Stay After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Does Not Increase Complications

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of postoperative day 1 (POD1) discharge after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) and to determine whether a protocol targeting a shorter length of stay (LOS) is associated with any difference in the rate of postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: We reviewed a prospectively maintained, multi-institutional database of patients who underwent RPN from September 2013 to September 2016. Three of the six participating surgeons used a protocol that targeted discharge on POD1, whereas three surgeons did not. Patient characteristics and postoperative complication rates between the two groups were compared. Results: A total of 665 patients were included, 455 of whom were treated by surgeons utilizing a POD1 discharge protocol, whereas 210 were not. The mean LOS for those in the POD1 protocol group was 1.13 days vs 2.02 days in the non-protocol group. Between groups, there were no differences in age (p = 0.098), body mass index (p = 0.164), tumor size (p = 0.502), or R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry score (p = 0.974), but POD1 discharge protocol patients had higher age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score (4 vs 2, p = 0.033), were less likely to have a hilar tumor (15.9% vs 23.1%, p = 0.03), and had a larger percent decrease in discharge estimated glomerular filtration rate (-15.9% vs -7.1%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in the rates of overall (p = 0.715), major (p = 0.164), medical (p = 0.089), or surgical complications (p = 0.301) or in complications by the Clavien-Dindo category (p = 0.13). Conclusion: Discharge on POD1 after RPN is feasible, reproducible by different surgeons, and not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications.

Effect of 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality Models for Surgical Planning of Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy on Surgical Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Planning complex operations such as robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy requires surgeons to review 2-dimensional computed tomography or magnetic resonance images to understand 3-dimensional (3-D), patient-specific anatomy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine surgical outcomes for robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy when surgeons reviewed 3-D virtual reality (VR) models during operative planning.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed. Ninety-two patients undergoing robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy performed by 1 of 11 surgeons at 6 large teaching hospitals were prospectively enrolled and randomized. Enrollment and data collection occurred from October 2017 through December 2018, and data analysis was performed from December 2018 through March 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were assigned to either a control group undergoing usual preoperative planning with computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging only or an intervention group where imaging was supplemented with a 3-D VR model. This model was viewed on the surgeon's smartphone in regular 3-D format and in VR using a VR headset.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was operative time. It was hypothesized that the operations performed using the 3-D VR models would have shorter operative time than those performed without the models. Secondary outcomes included clamp time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients (58 men [63%]) with a mean (SD) age of 60.9 (11.6) years were analyzed. The analysis included 48 patients randomized to the control group and 44 randomized to the intervention group. When controlling for case complexity and other covariates, patients whose surgical planning involved 3-D VR models showed differences in operative time (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.37-2.70; estimated OR, 2.47), estimated blood loss (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.04-3.78; estimated OR, 4.56), clamp time (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 0.79-3.23; estimated OR, 11.22), and length of hospital stay (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.59-5.14; estimated OR, 5.43). Estimated ORs were calculated using the parameter estimates from the generalized estimating equation model. Referent group values for each covariate and the corresponding nephrometry score were summed across the covariates and nephrometry score, and the sum was exponentiated to obtain the OR. A mean of the estimated OR weighted by sample size for each nephrometry score strata was then calculated.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This large, randomized clinical trial demonstrated that patients whose surgical planning involved 3-D VR models had reduced operative time, estimated blood loss, clamp time, and length of hospital stay.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers (1 registration per site): NCT03334344, NCT03421418, NCT03534206, NCT03542565, NCT03556943, and NCT03666104.

Defining Risk Categories for a Significant Decline in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Implications for Patient Follow-up

Following partial nephrectomy (PN), it is important to prevent any deterioration in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). At present there are no evidence-based recommendations on when a nephrology consultation should be requested and how to adjust postoperative management when the risk of renal function decline is high. In an effort to address this void, we used our previously published nomogram to define risk groups for a significant decline in eGFR at 3-15 mo after PN. We used the nomogram-derived probability as the independent variable for the classification and regression tree and identified four risk groups: low (0-10%), intermediate (10-21%), high (21-65%), and very high (65-100%). Overall, 336 (34%), 386 (39%), 243 (24%), and 34 (4%) patients fell in the low, intermediate, high, and very high risk groups, respectively. The rates of significant eGFR decline across the low, intermediate, high, and very high risk groups were 4%, 14%, 29%, and 79%. With the low risk category as a reference, the hazard ratio for eGFR decline was 3.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83-5.64) for the intermediate, 7.80 (95% CI 4.52-13.48) for the high, and 27.24 (95% CI 13.8-53.8) for the very high risk group (all p<0.001). These prognostic risk categories can be used to design postoperative follow-up schedules. A multidisciplinary approach can be considered for patients at high and very high risk of eGFR decline. PATIENT SUMMARY: We propose a new stratification system to identify individuals at high risk of a decline in renal function after robotic partial nephrectomy.

Identifying tumor-related risk factors for simultaneous adrenalectomy in patients with cT1-cT2 kidney cancer during robotic assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

BACKGROUND

In some cases, preservation of adrenal gland could be at risk in patients with cT1 and cT2 RCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate tumor-related factors that can potentially increase the risk of simultaneous adrenalectomy during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (RALRN) in patients with cT1-cT2 disease and the impact of performing such procedure on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and complication rates.

METHODS

We used a multi-institutional kidney cancer database where we identified patients who underwent RALRN with or without adrenalectomy. We evaluated the tumor-related characteristics that could potentially increase the risk of adrenal gland resection of these patients. We also reported RFS at 12-24 months of follow-up, which was compared with an inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) multivariable cox proportional hazards regression model and postoperative complications, which was compared with an IPTW multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Tumor size, cT stage, pT stage, histologic subtype, sarcomatoid differentiation, BMI, lymph node involvement, metastatic disease, Fuhrman grade do not increase the risk of simultaneous adrenalectomy during RALRN. Moreover, RALRN with adrenalectomy had no significant benefit in RFS. No differences in post-operative complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our evaluated tumor-related characteristics did not show to impact the incidence of simultaneous adrenalectomy. Adrenal gland resection T does not provide significant benefit in recurrence-free survival. We consider that RALRN with adrenalectomy should be reserved only for patients with adrenal compromise as stated previously regardless that it has shown to be a safe procedure.

Identifying tumor-related risk factors for simultaneous adrenalectomy in patients with cT1-cT2 kidney cancer during robotic assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

BACKGROUND

In some cases, preservation of adrenal gland could be at risk in patients with cT1 and cT2 RCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate tumor-related factors that can potentially increase the risk of simultaneous adrenalectomy during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (RALRN) in patients with cT1-cT2 disease and the impact of performing such procedure on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and complication rates.

METHODS

We used a multi-institutional kidney cancer database where we identified patients who underwent RALRN with or without adrenalectomy. We evaluated the tumor-related characteristics that could potentially increase the risk of adrenal gland resection of these patients. We also reported RFS at 12-24 months of follow-up, which was compared with an inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) multivariable cox proportional hazards regression model and postoperative complications, which was compared with an IPTW multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Tumor size, cT stage, pT stage, histologic subtype, sarcomatoid differentiation, BMI, lymph node involvement, metastatic disease, Fuhrman grade do not increase the risk of simultaneous adrenalectomy during RALRN. Moreover, RALRN with adrenalectomy had no significant benefit in RFS. No differences in post-operative complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our evaluated tumor-related characteristics did not show to impact the incidence of simultaneous adrenalectomy. Adrenal gland resection T does not provide significant benefit in recurrence-free survival. We consider that RALRN with adrenalectomy should be reserved only for patients with adrenal compromise as stated previously regardless that it has shown to be a safe procedure.

Prospective implementation of a nonopioid protocol for patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a nonopioid (NOP) perioperative pain management protocol for patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively included 52 consecutive patients undergoing RARC at our institution for bladder cancer. Patients received a multimodal pain management protocol, including a combination of nonopioid pain medications and regional anesthesia. For comparison, we retrospectively included 41 consecutive patients who received the same procedure before implementation of the NOP protocol.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in demographic and perioperative characteristics between the two groups. Patients included in the NOP protocol received a much lower dose of postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (2.5 [IQR: 0-23] vs. 44 [14.5-128], P < 0.001), with no difference in pain scores. In the NOP protocol, the median time to regular diet was significantly shorter (4days [IQR: 3-5] vs. 5days [IQR: 4-8], P = 0.002) and the length of stay was 2days shorter compared to the control group (5days [IQR: 4-7] vs. 7days [IQR: 6-11], P < 0.001). When evaluating the direct costs within 30days after initial surgery, the NOP protocol was associated with an 8.6% reduction as compared to the control group (P = 0.032). In multivariate analysis, the receipt of the NOP protocol was a significant predictor of a length of stay <7days after RARC (OR: 12.09; 95% CI: 1.70-140; P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

The prospective implementation of a NOP protocol for patients undergoing RARC is feasible, allowing for minimal narcotic usage and provides benefits to patients, institutions, and population.

Clinicopathologic and Genomic Factors Associated With Oncologic Outcome in Patients With Stage III to IV Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) is known as an indolent tumor; however, mortality still occurs. We sought to determine the clinicopathologic and genomic factors associated with aggressive chRCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two different datasets were used to identify patients with clinical stage III and IV chRCC. Eighteen patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and 1693 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Cancer Database (NCDB) were used for analysis. From the TCGA, RNA-Seq expression analysis of 18,745 genes was conducted between the recurrent (n = 5; 27.8%) and nonrecurrent patients (n = 13; 72.2%). Biological significance was identified via pathway enrichment and gene function analyses. From the NCDB, Cox proportion hazards regression models were used to identify variables associated with overall survival (OS) at a median follow-up of 41.4 months.

RESULTS

Between the 2 groups, 2182 genes were differentially expressed. The most commonly overexpressed pathways were neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions. The most activated gene functions were cellular, metabolic, and multicellular organismal processes. In the NCDB, multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.05; P < .001), TNM stage IV versus III (HR, 3.86; 95% CI, 2.98-5.00; P < .001), and positive surgical margin (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.45-1.96; P < .001) were associated with worse OS at a median follow-up of 41.4 months. Five-year OS was significantly lower for stage IV patients compared with stage III patients (80.0% vs. 29.9%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with recurrent chRCC demonstrated a differential gene expression of specific biochemical pathways. Clinical parameters associated with worse OS included age, stage, and positive surgical margin.

Comparison of overall survival and unplanned hospital readmissions between partial and radical nephrectomy for cT1a and cT1b renal masses

Background:

The aim of the study was to compare overall survival (OS) and unplanned hospital readmissions (UHRs) within 30 days between partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinically localized T1 renal tumors.

Methods:

The National Cancer Database was queried to identify 51,018 patients who had undergone RN (n = 23,904; 46.9%) or PN (n = 27,114; 53.1%) for a cT1N0M0 renal mass from 2004 to 2013. OS and UHRs were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW)-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results:

For patients with a cT1a tumor, IPTW-adjusted analysis showed PN compared with RN was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56, 0.67; p < 0.001) with a 5-year and 10-year IPTW-adjusted OS of 93.0% versus 88.2% and 78.1% versus 71.7%, respectively with no difference in UHR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.90, 1.16; p = 0.727). For patients with a cT1b tumor, IPTW-adjusted analysis showed PN compared with RN to be associated with marginally improved OS (HR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.82, 0.99; p = 0.025) with a 5-year and 10-year IPTW-adjusted OS of 85.3% versus 84.3% and 70.8% versus 63.6%, respectively, with more UHRs for PN (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.19, 1.72; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

PN compared with RN was associated with a significant survival benefit for patients with a cT1a renal mass and a modest survival benefit for patients with a cT1b renal mass. PN should be offered over RN when feasible despite a marginal increase in UHRs for PN of cT1b tumors. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

A multi-institutional report of peri-operative and functional outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in patients with a solitary kidney

To evaluate peri- and post-operative outcomes after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in patients with a solitary kidney. A multi-institutional database of 1868 patients was used to identify 35 patients with a solitary kidney who underwent RPN at six different centers from 2007 to 2016. Peri-operative outcomes were summarized with descriptive statistics. We assessed the change in eGFR over time with a linear mixed-effects model. Median operative time, ischemia time, and estimated blood loss were 172 min, 16 min, and 113 mL, respectively. There were no positive surgical margins. The median length of stay was 1 day (range 1-7), and over half (54.3%) of patients were discharged one post-operative day 1. Seven post-operative complications occurred in six patients (17.1%); of which four were Clavien I, two were Clavien II, and one was Clavien III. The linear decline in eGFR up to 24 month post-RPN was marginal and not significant (ß = - 0.14; 95% CI = - 0.51, 0.23; p = 0.453), with predicted mean eGFR decreasing from 59.2 to 55.8 mL/min/1.73 m² at 24 months. These results suggest that, in patients with a solitary kidney, RPN is a safe and feasible treatment option. In patients with a solitary kidney, RPN did not significantly compromise renal function for up to 2 years after surgery.

A Nomogram to Predict Significant Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Reduction After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

BACKGROUND

Decreased functional outcome after partial nephrectomy is associated with overall mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To create a model that predicts ≥25% reduction from baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and to investigate the role of acute kidney injury (AKI) in this patient population.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 999 patients were identified from a multi-institutional database. Renal function was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines for chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI was defined as >25% reduction in eGFR from pre-RAPN period to discharge.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

A nomogram to predict significant eGFR reduction (≥25% from baseline) in the time-frame between 3 and 15mo after RAPN was built based on the coefficients of Cox survival function that ultimately included age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, baseline eGFR, RENAL nephrometry score, AKI in patients with normal baseline renal function, and AKI on CKD. Such landmark analysis was chosen in order to account for eGFR fluctuations occurring within the first 3mo of RAPN. The proportional hazard assumption was evaluated through the Schönfeld test. Internal validation was performed using the leave-one-out cross validation. Calibration was graphically investigated. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the net clinical benefit.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at surgery was 61yr (51, 68). Overall, 146 patients experienced significant eGFR reduction; median follow-up for survivors was 12.4mo. The 15-mo probability of significant eGFR reduction was 19%. All variables fitted into the model, including AKI in patients with normal renal function (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.12, 6.60; p<0.001) and AKI on CKD (HR: 4.90; 95% CI: 2.17, 11.1; p<0.001), emerged as predictors of significant eGFR reduction (all p≤0.048) and were considered to build a nomogram. The internally validated c index was 73%. The model demonstrated excellent calibration and a net benefit at the DCA with probabilities ≥4%.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a nomogram that accurately predicts significant eGFR reduction after RAPN. This model may serve as a tool for early identification of patients at high risk for significant renal function decline after surgery.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We have developed a model for the prediction of renal function loss after partial nephrectomy for renal cancer.

A Multi-Institutional Propensity Score Matched Comparison of Transperitoneal and Retroperitoneal Partial Nephrectomy for cT1 Posterior Tumors

OBJECTIVE

To compare the perioperative and renal functional outcome between transperitoneal and retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy (TP-RPN and RP-RPN) in the largest cohort to date of RP-RPN for posterior tumors.

METHODS

We identified 519 patients who met eligibility criteria and underwent TP-RPN (n = 357, 68.8%) or RP-RPN (n = 162, 31.2%) for a posteriorly located cT1 tumor. Patients were propensity score (PS) matched on preoperative and tumor-specific characteristics. Perioperative outcome and renal function outcome at median follow-up 22 months were compared.

RESULTS

Between the PS matched TP-RPN (n = 157, 50%) and RP-RPN (n = 157, 50%) patients, operative time (OT) (185.0 versus 157.0, P < .001) was longer in TP-RPN versus RP-RPN patients. No significant differences in ischemia time (P = .618), blood loss (P = .178), positive surgical margins (P = .501), overall postoperative complications (P = .861), or progression of chronic kidney disease stage at median 22 months (P = .599) were identified. Length of stay (LOS) was reduced in RP-RPN patients (P = .017), but was not different once an institution used a postoperative day (POD)-1 discharge protocol (P = .579). Operative times were similar between groups in patients with obesity (P = .293) or a cT1b renal mass (P = 908).

CONCLUSION

RP-RPN for posterior tumors resulted in reduced OT and a shorter LOS compared to TP-RPN. When surgeons aimed to routinely discharge patients on POD-1, the surgical approach did not influence LOS. Operative time was similar between RP and TP-RPN among patients with obesity or a cT1b renal mass. All other measures, including ischemia time, blood loss, margin rates, complications, and renal function, did not differ between the two approaches.

Lymph node yield during radical prostatectomy does not impact rate of biochemical recurrence in patients with seminal vesicle invasion and node-negative disease

OBJECTIVES

Seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) is a risk factor for poor oncologic outcome in patients with prostate cancer. Modifications to the pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical prostatectomy (RP) have been reported to have a therapeutic benefit. The present study is the first to determine if lymph node yield (LNY) is associated with a lower risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) for men with SVI.

METHODS

A total of 220 patients from 2 high-volume institutions who underwent RP without adjuvant treatment between 1990 and 2015 and had prostate cancer with SVI (i.e., pT3b) were identified, and 21 patients did not undergo lymph node dissection. BCR was defined as a postoperative PSA>0.2ng/mL, or use of salvage androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or radiation. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine whether LNY was predictive of BCR, controlling for PSA, pathologic Gleason Score, pathologic lymph node status, NCCN risk category, etc. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine 3-year freedom from BCR.

RESULTS

Median number of lymph nodes sampled were 7 (IQR: 3-12; range: 0-35) and 90.5% underwent PLND. The estimated 3-year BCR rate was 43.9%. Results from multivariable analysis demonstrated that LNY was not significantly associated with risk of BCR overall (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98-1.03; P = 0.848) for pN0 (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.03; P = 0.916) or pN1 patients (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.88-1.06; P = 0.468). Overall, PSA (HR = 1.02, P<0.001) and biopsy Gleason sum ≥ 8 (HR = 1.81, P = 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of BCR, and increasing LNY increased the likelihood of detecting>2 positive lymph nodes (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.65, P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Seminal vesicle invasion is associated with an increased risk of BCR at 3 years, primarily due to pathologic Gleason score and PSA. Although greater lymph node yield is diagnostic and facilitates more accurate pathologic staging, our data do not show a therapeutic benefit in reducing BCR.

Demographic and socioeconomic predictors of treatment delays, pathologic stage, and survival among patients with penile cancer: A report from the National Cancer Database

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether socioeconomic factors affect pathologic stage, treatment delays, pathologic upstaging, and overall survival (OS) in patients with penile cancer (PC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 13,283 eligible patients diagnosed with PC from 1998 to 2012 were identified from the National Cancer Database. Socioeconomic, demographic and pathologic variables were used in multivariable regression models to identify predictors of pathologic T stage ≥2, pathologic lymph node positivity, cT to pT upstaging, treatment delays, and OS.

RESULTS

A 5-year OS was 61.5% with a median follow-up of 41.7 months. Pathologic T stage ≥2 was identified in 3,521 patients (27.2%), 1,173 (9.2%) had ≥pN1 and 388 (7.9%) experienced cT to pT upstaging. Variables associated with a higher likelihood of pathologic T stage ≥2 included no insurance (OR = 1.79, P<0.001), lower higher education based on zip code (OR = 1.13, P = 0.027), black race (OR = 1.17, P = 0.046) and Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 1.66, P<0.001). Patients with Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 1.46; P<0.001) or living in nonmetropolitan areas were more likely to have ≥pN1 (P = 0.001). Lack of insurance was associated with cT to pT upstaging (OR = 2.05, P = 0.001) as was living in an urban vs. metropolitan area (OR = 1.35, P = 0.031). In addition to TNM stage, black vs. white race (HR = 1.56, P<0.001), living in an urban vs. metropolitan area (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.18, P = 0.022), age (HR = 1.04, P<0.001) and Charlson score (HR = 1.49, P<0.001) were associated with lower OS.

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic variables including no insurance, lower education, race, Hispanic ethnicity, and nonmetropolitan residence were found to be poor prognostic factors. Increased educational awareness of this rare disease may help reduce delays in diagnosis, improve prognosis and ultimately prevent deaths among socioeconomically disadvantaged men with PC.