Accuracy of clinical nodal staging and factors associated with receipt of lymph node dissection at the time of surgery for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

The benefit of lymph node dissection (LND) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains poorly defined. Despite this uncertainty, the American Urological Association (AUA) guideline on localized renal cancer recommends that LND be performed for staging purposes when there is suspicion of regional lymphadenopathy on imaging. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we sought to determine how much of a departure the new AUA guideline is from current practice. We hypothesized that practice patterns would reflect the "Expert Opinion" recommendation and that patients who are clinical lymph node (cLN) positive would receive a LND more often than those who are cLN negative. Additionally, we sought to determine factors that would trigger a LND as well the accuracy of clinical staging by examining the relationship between cLN and pathologic lymph node (pLN) status of patients who received a LND.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The NCDB was queried for patients with nonmetastatic RCC who underwent partial nephrectomy or nephrectomy from 2010 to 2014. Patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were extracted. Frequency distributions were calculated for patients with both cLN and pLN status available. Of patients who received a LND, sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) of cLN status for pLN positivity were calculated. Logistic regression models were used to examine association between clinical and socioeconomic factors and receipt of LND. Propensity score matching was used in sensitivity analyses to examine potential for reporting bias in NCDB data.

RESULTS

We identified 110,963 patients who underwent surgery for RCC, of whom 11,867 (11%) had LND performed at the time of surgery. cLN and pLN information were available in 11,300 patients, of which 1,725 were preoperatively staged as having positive cLN. More LNDs were performed per year for patients who were cLN negative than cLN positive. Of patients who received a LND, the majority of patients were cLN negative across all clinical T (cT) stages. Multivariable analysis showed that all patients who had care at an academic/research institution (odds ratio [OR]: 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-1.74) and had to travel >12.5 to 31.0 miles and >31.0 miles to a treatment center (OR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.15 and OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.20-1.36, respectively) were more likely to get a LND. As cT stage increased from cT2-4, the risk of LND increased (OR range: 4.7-7.90, respectively). Patients who were cLN positive were more likely to receive a LND at the time of surgery (OR: 18.68, 95%CI: 16.62-21.00). Of the patients who received a LND, clinical staging was more specific than sensitive.

CONCLUSION

More patients received a LND who were cLN negative compared to patients who were cLN positive. Patients who were cLN positive were more likely to receive a LND. Treatment center type, distance to treatment center, cT stage, and cLN positivity were factors associated with LND receipt.

Trends and outcomes of lymphadenectomy for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma: A propensity score-weighted analysis of the National Cancer Database

PURPOSE

Lymph node (LN) involvement in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with a poor prognosis. While lymph node dissection (LND) may provide diagnostic information, its therapeutic benefit remains controversial. Thus, the aim of our study is to analyze survival outcomes after LND for nonmetastatic RCC and to characterize contemporary practice patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with nonmetastatic RCC who underwent either partial or radical nephrectomy from 2010 to 2014. A total of 11,867 underwent surgery and LND. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences in patient demographics. To minimize selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to select one control for each LND case (n = 19,500). Cox regression analyses were conducted to examine overall survival (OS) in patients who received LND compared to those who did not.

RESULTS

Of all patients undergoing LND for RCC (n = 11,867), 5%, 23%, 31%, 47% were performed for tumors of clinical T stage 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Proportions of LND have not significantly changed from 2010 to 2014. No significant improvement in median OS for patients undergoing LND compared to no LND was shown (34.7 vs. 34.9 months, respectively; P = 0.98). Similarly, no significant improvement in median OS was found for clinically LN positive patients undergoing LND compared to no LND (P = 0.90). On Cox regression analysis, LND dissection was not associated with an OS benefit (hazard ratio: 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.97 to 1.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Among all RCC patients, LNDs are often performed for low stage disease, suggesting a potential overutilization of LND. No OS benefit was seen in any subgroup of patients undergoing LND. Further investigation is needed to determine which patient populations may benefit most from LND.

Results of Phase 1 study on cytoreductive radical prostatectomy in men with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer

Background

Preclinical and retrospective data suggest that cytoreductive radical prostatectomy may benefit a subset of men who present with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). Herein, we report the results of the first planned Phase 1 study on cytoreductive surgery.

Methods

From four institutions, 36 patients consented to the study. However, four did not complete surgery because of rapid disease progression (n = 3) and another because of an intraoperatively discovered pericolonic abscess. Men with newly diagnosed clinical mPCa to lymph nodes or bones were eligible. The primary endpoint was the rate of major perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade 3 or higher) occurring within 90 days of surgery.

Results

The mean age at surgery was 64.0 years. The 90-day overall complication rate was 31.2% (n = 10), of which two (6.25%) were considered major complications: one acute tubular necrosis requiring temporary dialysis and one death. In men with more than 6 months of follow-up, 67.9% had prostate specific antigen nadir ≤0.2 ng/mL, while one patient experienced a rapid rise in prostate specific antigen and another a widely disseminated disease that resulted in death 5 months after surgery. Altogether, these results demonstrate that cytoreductive radical prostatectomy is safe and surgically feasible in selected patients who present with mPCa . Yet, there may be a small subset of patients in whom surgery may cause a significant harm.

Conclusion

Therefore, cytoreductive surgery in men with mPCa should be limited to clinical trials until robust data are available.

Comparative effectiveness of radical prostatectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy versus radiotherapy plus androgen deprivation therapy for men with advanced prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Men with locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPCa) or regionally advanced prostate cancer (RAPCa) are at high risk for death from their disease. Clinical guidelines support multimodal approaches, which include radical prostatectomy (RP) followed by radiotherapy (XRT) and XRT plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, there are limited data comparing these substantially different treatment approaches. Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data, this study compared survival outcomes and adverse effects associated with RP plus XRT versus XRT plus ADT in these men.

METHODS

SEER-Medicare data were queried for men with cT3-T4N0M0 (LAPCa) or cT3-T4N1M0 (RAPCa) prostate cancer. Propensity score methods were used to balance cohort characteristics between the treatment arms. Survival analyses were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

From 1992 to 2009, 13,856 men (≥65 years old) were diagnosed with LAPCa or RAPCa: 6.1% received RP plus XRT, and 23.6% received XRT plus ADT. At a median follow-up of 14.6 years, there were 2189 deaths in the cohort, of which 702 were secondary to prostate cancer. Regardless of the tumor stage or the Gleason score, the adjusted 10-year prostate cancer-specific survival and 10-year overall survival favored men who underwent RP plus XRT over men who underwent XRT plus ADT. However, RP plus XRT versus XRT plus ADT was associated with higher rates of erectile dysfunction (28% vs 20%; P = .0212) and urinary incontinence (49% vs 19%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Men with LAPCa or RAPCa treated initially with RP plus XRT had a lower risk of prostate cancer-specific death and improved overall survival in comparison with those men treated with XRT plus ADT, but they experienced higher rates of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

Effect of alvimopan on gastrointestinal recovery and length of hospital stay after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer

Objective

Alvimopan use has reduced the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries and radical cystectomy. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer may be associated with delayed gastrointestinal recovery prolonging hospital length of stay. We evaluate whether alvimopan is associated with enhanced gastrointestinal recovery and shorter hospital length of stay in men undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer.

Materials and methods

From 2010 to 2016, 29 patients underwent open, transperitoneal bilateral template retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Data for patients who received alvimopan were prospectively collected and compared to a historical cohort of patients who did not receive alvimopan. Primary outcome measures were length of stay and recovery of gastrointestinal function. Descriptive statistics were reported. Time-to-event outcomes were evaluated using cumulative incidence curves and log rank test. Factors associated with length of stay were analyzed for correlation using multiple linear regression.

Results

Of 29 men undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, eight received alvimopan and 21 did not. The two cohorts were well matched, with no significant differences. In the alvimopan cohort compared with those who did not receive alvimopan median time to return of flatus was 2 versus 4 days (p=0.0002), and median time to first bowel movement was 2.5 versus 5 days (p=0.046), respectively. Median length of stay in the alvimopan cohort was 4 days versus 6 days in those who did not receive alvimopan (p=0.074). In adjusted analyses, receipt of alvimopan did not influence length of stay.

Conclusion

Alvimopan may facilitate gastrointestinal recovery after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer. Whether this translates into reduced length of stay needs to be determined by randomized controlled trials using larger cohorts.

Level of evidence

3b.

Disparities in the Use of Continent Urinary Diversions after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

Background:

Radical cystectomy (RC) with ileal conduit (IC) or continent diversion (CD) is standard treatment for high-risk non-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Objective:

Our aim is to study contemporary trends in the utilization of ICs and CDs in patients undergoing RC.

Methods:

Using the National Inpatient Sample 2001–2012, we identified all patients diagnosed with a malignant bladder neoplasm who underwent RC followed by IC or CD. Patient demographics, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital complications, mortality, and costs were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, Chi square, and t-tests were used for analysis.

Results:

Between 2001–2012, approximately 69,049 ICs and 6,991 CDs were performed. CDs increased from 2001 to 2008, but declined after 2008 (p < 0.0001). Patients of all ages received ICs at a higher rate than CDs (40–59 years: 79.5% vs. 20.5%; 60–69 years: 88.0% vs. 12.0%; p < 0.0001). There was a difference in males vs. females (10.2% vs. 4.0%; OR 2.36) and Caucasians vs. African Americans (9.0% vs. 6.7%; OR 1.49) when comparing CD rates. CD rates were highest in the West, urban teaching centers, and large hospitals (p < 0.001). ICs were associated with higher rates of overall postoperative complications (p = 0.0185) including infection (p = 0.002) and mortality (p < 0.0001). In-hospital costs were greater for the CD group.

Conclusions:

The number of CDs has declined recently. Patients of all ages are more likely to receive ICs than CDs. Gender, racial, and geographic disparities exist among those receiving CDs. CDs are associated with lower rates of in-hospital complications and mortality, but higher in-hospital costs.

Performing all major surgical procedures robotically will prolong wait times for surgery

This article aimed to assess the burden of scheduling major urologic oncology procedures if all cases were performed robotically and to determine whether this would increase the time a patient would have to wait for surgery. We retrospectively determined the number of prostatectomies, radical nephrectomies, partial nephrectomies, and cystectomies at a single institution for one calendar year. A hypothetical situation was then constructed where all procedures were performed robotically. Using the allotted number of days that each surgeon was able to schedule robotic procedures, we analyzed the amount of time it would take to schedule and complete all cases. Five fellowship-trained surgeons were included in the study and accounted for 317 surgical cases. Three of the surgeons had dedicated robotic surgery (RS) time (block time), while two surgeons scheduled when there was non-dedicated RS time (open time) available. If all cases were performed robotically an additional 32 days would be needed, which could significantly increase the wait time to surgery. The limited number of robotic systems available in most hospitals creates a bottleneck effect; whereby increasing the number of cases would considerably lengthen the waiting time patients have for surgery. As RS becomes increasingly more commonplace in urology and other surgical fields, this could create a significant problem for health care systems.

Surgical Management of Advanced and Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Multidisciplinary Approach

The past decade has seen a rapid proliferation in the number and types of systemic therapies available for renal cell carcinoma. However, surgery remains an integral component of the therapeutic armamentarium for advanced and metastatic kidney cancer. Cytoreductive surgery followed by adjuvant cytokine-based immunotherapy (predominantly high-dose interleukin 2) has largely given way to systemic-targeted therapies. Metastasectomy also has a role in carefully selected patients. Additionally, neoadjuvant systemic therapy may increase the feasibility of resecting the primary tumor, which may be beneficial for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Several prospective trials examining the role of adjuvant therapy are underway. Lastly, the first immune checkpoint inhibitor was approved for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in 2015, providing a new treatment mechanism and new opportunities for combining systemic therapy with surgery. This review discusses current and historical literature regarding the surgical management of patients with advanced and mRCC and explores approaches for optimizing patient selection.

Performance of partial cystectomy in the United States from 2001 to 2010: trends and comparative outcomes

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the trends in the performance of radical cystectomy (RC) versus partial cystectomy (PC) in the United States over the past 10 years and compare postoperative outcomes between two procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data was captured from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2001-2010 using the appropriate ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes. Patient sociodemographics, comorbidities and in-hospital complications after PC and RC were compared, taking into account some hospital characteristics. A chi-square analysis including a Cochran-Armitage trend test and a multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed.

RESULTS

RC rate increased from 84.8% in 2001 to 90.3% in 2010, while PC decreased from 15.2% to 9.7% (p < 0.0001). PC patients were older than their RC counterparts (72.1 ± 11.3 versus 68.6 ± 10.1 years; p < 0.0001), had higher prevalence of major comorbidities, but decreased rate of postoperative complications overall (21.3% versus 38.6%; p < 0.001). The greatest rates of PC utilization were found in the Northeast and South (12.8% and 12.7%). The frequency of PC was 18.9% in non-teaching hospitals compared to 9.0% in teaching hospitals (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, females, octogenarians, patients with hypertension and obesity, and patients in non-teaching and rural hospitals were more likely to receive PC.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the potential advantages in cancer control offered by RC, PC is being performed more frequently on the elderly, female patients, patients with hypertension and obesity, in non-teaching and rural hospitals, and in certain United States geographic regions, which can be partially explained by disparities in access to high volume cancer centers.

Fracture after androgen deprivation therapy among men with a high baseline risk of skeletal complications

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: Receipt of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been associated with an increased risk of skeletal-associated complications, such as a decrease in bone mineral density and an increase in fracture risk. Many men with pre-existing health conditions receive ADT as their primary treatment because they are considered to be inappropriate candidates for attempted curative treatments. However, several chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid disease and chronic liver disease, are strong predictors for osteoporosis and fractures. We undertook the present study aiming to quantify the impact of treating men with ADT who carry known risk factors for skeletal complications. Among these high-risk men, more than 58% develop at least one fracture after ADT within the 12 years of follow-up. Men who sustained a fracture within 48 months experienced an almost 40% higher risk of mortality than those who did not. Our findings suggest that treating men with a high fracture risk at baseline with long-term ADT may have serious adverse consequences.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the impact of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with a high baseline risk of skeletal complications and evaluate the risk of mortality after a fracture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 75994 men, aged ≥ 66 years, with localized prostate cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare linked data. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to evaluate the risk.

RESULTS

Men with a high baseline risk of skeletal complications have a higher probability of receiving ADT than those with a low risk (52.1% vs 38.2%, P < 0.001). During the 12-year follow-up, more than 58% of men with a high risk and 38% of men with a low risk developed at least one fracture after ADT. The dose effect of ADT is stronger among men who received ADT only compared to those who received ADT with other treatments. In the high-risk group, the fracture rate increased by 19.9 per 1000 person-years (from 52.9 to 73.0 person-years) for men who did not receive ADT compared to those who received 18 or more doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist among men who received ADT only, and by 14.2 per 1000 person-years (from 45.2 to 59.4 person-years) among men who received ADT and other treatments. Men experiencing a fracture had a 1.38-fold higher overall mortality risk than those who did not (95% CI, 1.34-1.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Men with a high baseline risk of skeletal complications developed more fractures after ADT. The mortality risk is 40% higher after experiencing a fracture. Consideration of patient risk before prescribing ADT for long-term use may reduce both fracture risk and fracture-associated mortality.

Treatment profile and complications associated with cryotherapy for localized prostate cancer: a population-based study

The aim of this study was to assess the treatment patterns and 3-12-month complication rates associated with receiving prostate cryotherapy in a population-based study. Men >65 years diagnosed with incident localized prostate cancer in Surveillance Epidemiology End Results (SEER)-Medicare-linked database from 2004 to 2005 were identified. A total of 21,344 men were included in the study, of which 380 were treated initially with cryotherapy. Recipients of cryotherapy versus aggressive forms of prostate therapy (ie, radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy) were more likely to be older, have one co-morbidity, low income, live in the South and be diagnosed with indolent cancer. Complication rates increased from 3 to 12 months following cryotherapy. By the twelfth month, the rates for urinary incontinence, lower urinary tract obstruction, erectile dysfunction and bowel bleeding reached 9.8, 28.7, 20.1 and 3.3%, respectively. Diagnoses of hydronephrosis, urinary fistula or bowel fistula were not evident. The rates of corrective invasive procedures for lower urinary tract obstruction and erectile dysfunction were both <2.9% by the twelfth month. Overall, complications post-cryotherapy were modest; however, diagnoses for lower urinary tract obstruction and erectile dysfunction were common.

TGF-β regulates DNA methyltransferase expression in prostate cancer, correlates with aggressive capabilities, and predicts disease recurrence

BACKGROUND

DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) is one of the major factors mediating the methylation of cancer related genes such as TGF-β receptors (TβRs). This in turn may result in a loss of sensitivity to physiologic levels of TGF-β in aggressive prostate cancer (CaP). The specific mechanisms of DNMT's role in CaP remain undetermined. In this study, we describe the mechanism of TGF-β-mediated DNMT in CaP and its association with clinical outcomes following radical prostatectomy.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We used human CaP cell lines with varying degrees of invasive capability to describe how TGF-β mediates the expression of DNMT in CaP, and its effects on methylation status of TGF-β receptors and the invasive capability of CaP in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we determined the association between DNMT expression and clinical outcome after radical prostatectomy. We found that more aggressive CaP cells had significantly higher TGF-β levels, increased expression of DNMT, but reduced TβRs when compared to benign prostate cells and less aggressive prostate cancer cells. Blockade of TGF-β signaling or ERK activation (p-ERK) was associated with a dramatic decrease in the expression of DNMT, which results in a coincident increase in the expression of TβRs. Blockade of either TGF-β signaling or DNMT dramatically decreased the invasive capabilities of CaP. Inhibition of TGF-β in an TRAMP-C2 CaP model in C57BL/6 mice using 1D11 was associated with downregulation of DNMTs and p-ERK and impairment in tumor growth. Finally, independent of Gleason grade, increased DNMT1 expression was associated with biochemical recurrence following surgical treatment for prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings demonstrate that CaP derived TGF-β may induce the expression of DNMTs in CaP which is associated with methylation of its receptors and the aggressive potential of CaP. In addition, DNMTs is an independent predictor for disease recurrence after prostatectomy, and may have clinical implications for CaP prognostication and therapy.

Using large institutional or national databases to evaluate prostate cancer outcomes and patterns of care: possibilities and limitations

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin-related cancer in men. With advances in technology, the care and treatment for men with this disease continues to become more complex. Large databases offer researchers a unique opportunity to conduct prostate cancer research in various areas, and provide important information that helps patients and providers determine prognosis after treatment. Furthermore, the studies using these databases may provide information on how side effects from various treatments can affect one's quality of life. Finally, information from these datasets can help to identify factors that determine why patients receive the treatments they do. Despite this, these databases are not without limitations. In this review, we discuss various available, national, multicenter, and institutional databases in the context of prostate cancer research, citing numerous important studies that have impacted on our understanding of prostate cancer outcomes.

Using large institutional or national databases to evaluate prostate cancer outcomes and patterns of care: possibilities and limitations

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin-related cancer in men. With advances in technology, the care and treatment for men with this disease continues to become more complex. Large databases offer researchers a unique opportunity to conduct prostate cancer research in various areas, and provide important information that helps patients and providers determine prognosis after treatment. Furthermore, the studies using these databases may provide information on how side effects from various treatments can affect one's quality of life. Finally, information from these datasets can help to identify factors that determine why patients receive the treatments they do. Despite this, these databases are not without limitations. In this review, we discuss various available, national, multicenter, and institutional databases in the context of prostate cancer research, citing numerous important studies that have impacted on our understanding of prostate cancer outcomes.

Partial nephrectomy for selected renal cortical tumours of ≥ 7 cm

OBJECTIVE

To examine our institutional experience in patients treated with partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cortical tumours (RCTs) of ≥ 7 cm, as PN is an accepted surgical approach for appropriate RCTs of < 7 cm but there are limited data on the use of PN for larger tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval, we examined our prospectively collected surgical database for patients treated with PN for RCTs of ≥ 7 cm between 1989 and 2008. Pertinent demographic, clinical, surgical and pathological data were reviewed.

RESULTS

In all, 34 patients (37 renal units) were identified for analysis with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 63 (52-71) years, median (IQR) tumour size of 7.5 (7.2-9.0) cm with the largest tumour being 19 cm. In 31 renal units (28 patients, 84%) carcinoma was evident, with 16 renal units (43%) having conventional clear cell carcinoma, followed by papillary in eight renal units (21%). Currently, 20 of these 28 patients (71%) are disease free, three are alive with metastatic disease (two had known preoperative metastatic disease), three died from disease and two died from other causes. The median (IQR) preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was 65 (55-73) mL/min/1.73 m(2) , compared with 55 (47-74) mL/min/1.73 m(2) after PN (P= 0.003, paired Student's t-test).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that PN for RCTs of ≥ 7 cm can be safely performed and provide effective tumour control for selected patients. PN should be considered for patients with appropriate tumours, solitary kidneys or pre-existing renal insufficiency.

Physician visits prior to treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The 2 primary therapeutic interventions for localized prostate cancer are delivered by different types of physicians, urologists, and radiation oncologists. We evaluated how visits to specialists and primary care physicians (PCPs) by men with localized prostate cancer are related to treatment choice.

METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database, we identified 85 088 men with clinically localized prostate cancer diagnosed at age 65 years or older, between 1994 and 2002. Men were categorized by primary treatment received within 9 months of diagnosis: radical prostatectomy (n = 18 201 [21%]), radiotherapy (n = 35 925 [42%]), androgen deprivation (n = 14 021 [17%]), or expectant management (n = 16 941 [20%]). Visits to specialists and PCPs were analyzed by patient characteristics and primary therapies received and were identified using Medicare claims and the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile.

RESULTS

Overall, 42 309 men (50%) were seen exclusively by urologists, 37 540 (44%) by urologists and radiation oncologists, 2329 (3%) by urologists and medical oncologists, and 2910 (3%) by all 3 specialists. There was a strong association between the type of specialist seen and primary therapy received. Visits to PCPs were infrequent between diagnosis and receipt of therapy (22% of patients visited any PCP and 17% visited an established PCP) and were not associated with a greater likelihood of specialist visits. Irrespective of age, comorbidity status, or specialist visits, men seen by PCPs were more likely to be treated expectantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Specialist visits relate strongly to prostate cancer treatment choices. In light of these findings, prior evidence that specialists prefer the modality they themselves deliver and the lack of conclusive comparative studies demonstrating superiority of one modality over another, it is essential to ensure that men have access to balanced information before choosing a particular therapy for prostate cancer.

Comparative effectiveness of prostate cancer surgical treatments: a population based analysis of postoperative outcomes

PURPOSE

Enthusiasm for laparoscopic surgical approaches to prostate cancer treatment has grown despite limited evidence of improved outcomes compared with open radical prostatectomy. We compared laparoscopic prostatectomy with or without robotic assistance vs open radical prostatectomy in terms of postoperative outcomes and subsequent cancer directed therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a population based cancer registry linked with Medicare claims we identified men 66 years old or older with localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy from 2003 to 2005. Outcome measures were general medical/surgical complications and mortality within 90 days after surgery, genitourinary/bowel complications within 365 days, radiation therapy and/or androgen deprivation therapy within 365 days and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Of the 5,923 men 18% underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics, there were no differences in the rate of general medical/surgical complications (OR 0.93 95% CI 0.77-1.14) or genitourinary/bowel complications (OR 0.96 95% CI 0.76-1.22), or in postoperative radiation and/or androgen deprivation (OR 0.80 95% CI 0.60-1.08). Laparoscopic prostatectomy was associated with a 35% shorter hospital stay (p <0.0001) and a lower bladder neck/urethral obstruction rate (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.94). In laparoscopic cases surgeon volume was inversely associated with hospital stay and the odds of any genitourinary/bowel complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic prostatectomy and open radical prostatectomy have similar rates of postoperative morbidity and additional treatment. Men considering prostate cancer surgery should understand the expected benefits and risks of each technique to facilitate decision making and set realistic expectations.

Nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated transforming growth factor-beta-induced expression of vimentin is an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to occur in some cancers; however, the pathway remains controversial and varies with different cancers. In addition, the mechanisms by which TGF-beta and the EMT contribute to prostate cancer recurrence are largely unknown. In this study, we elucidated TGF-beta-mediated EMT as a predictor of disease recurrence after therapy for prostate cancer, which has not been reported before.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We analyzed TGF-beta-induced EMT using nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) as an intermediate mediator in prostate cancer cell lines. A total of 287 radical prostatectomy specimens were evaluated using immunohistochemistry in a high-throughput tissue microarray analysis. Levels of TGF-beta signaling components and EMT-related factors were analyzed using specific antibodies. Results were expressed as the percentage of cancer cells that stained positive for a given antibody and were correlated with disease recurrence rates at a mean of 7 years following radical prostatectomy.

RESULTS

In prostate cancer cell lines, TGF-beta-induced EMT was mediated by NF-kappaB signaling. Blockade of NF-kappaB or TGF-beta signaling resulted in abrogation of vimentin expression and inhibition of the invasive capability of these cells. There was high risk of biochemical recurrence associated with tumors that displayed high levels of expression of TGF-beta1, vimentin, and NF-kappaB and low level of cytokeratin 18. This was particularly true for vimentin, which is independent of patients' Gleason score.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of NF-kappaB-mediated TGF-beta-induced EMT in primary tumors predicts disease recurrence in prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy. The changes in TGF-beta signaling and EMT-related factors provide novel molecular markers that may predict prostate cancer outcomes following treatment.