Recommandations françaises du Comité de Cancérologie de l’AFU – Actualisation 2018–2020 : cancer de la prostate

Relevance of blood tumor markers in inpatients with significant involuntary weight loss and elevated levels of inflammation biomarkers

PURPOSE

To assess the diagnostic performance of a panel of standard tumor markers (TMs) in patients hospitalized with significant involuntary weight loss (IWL) and elevated levels of inflammation biomarkers, and a combination of the TM panel and the finding of the computed tomography (CT) scan.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study in the internal medicine department at Amiens-Picardie University Medical Center (Amiens, France) between January 1st, 2015, and November 1st, 2021. The inclusion criteria were age 18 or over, significant IWL (≥ 5 kg over 6 months), elevated inflammation biomarkers (e.g. C-reactive protein), and assay data on two or more standard TMs (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19 - 9, CA 15 - 3, CA 125, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), calcitonin, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)). The result of each TM assay was interpreted qualitatively (as positive or negative), according to our central laboratory's usual thresholds.

RESULTS

Cancer was diagnosed in 50 (37.0%) of the 135 patients included. Positivity for one or more TMs had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.55 [0.43-0.66], and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.84 [0.75-0.93] for cancer diagnosis. When combined with the presence of suspicious CT findings (e.g. a mass, enlarged lymph nodes and/or effusion), positivity for one or more TMs had a PPV of 0.92 [0.08-0.30]. In the absence of suspicious CT findings, a fully negative TM panel had an NPV of 0.96 [0.89-1.00].

CONCLUSION

A negative TM panel argues against the presence of a cancer, especially in the absence of suspicious CT findings.

["Connected device for monitoring patients treated by prostatectomy: Implementation and qualitative assessment"]

INTRODUCTION

Support care aims to improve the experience of patients. m-health is one of the tools recently developed to promote patient empowerment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appreciation of an m-health application to enhance prostatectomy path for patients suffering from prostate cancer.

METHOD

A prospective monocentric study was conducted in the urology department of the University Hospital of Rennes from February to April 2023. MyCHU application was optimized by integrating information sheets in the postoperative period after prostatectomy on sphincter rehabilitation exercises, erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. The questionnaire used to evaluate the usability of "MyCHU" application was the System Usability Scale (SUS). Semi-structured interviews explored the patients' feelings about the content of the information sheets and the impact on their empowerment regarding sexual disorders.

RESULTS

Twelve patients participated in this study and 7 agreed to complete an interview The average SUS score was 75.58, which indicate an high usability. Patients appreciated the fact that the application structured their healthcare pathway by centralizing information. The information sheets were clear and accurate. The impact on their empowerment was positive, with a gain in their ability to take ownership of the therapies.

CONCLUSION

The role of digital technology in health care has been growing in recent years. Our study has shown the interest that mobile application can bring to the patient who undergoes prostatectomy. It increases his empowerment and favor the dialogue with his surgeon.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Automatic segmentation of prostate zonal anatomy on MRI: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Accurate zonal segmentation of prostate boundaries on MRI is a critical prerequisite for automated prostate cancer detection based on PI-RADS. Many articles have been published describing deep learning methods offering great promise for fast and accurate segmentation of prostate zonal anatomy. The objective of this review was to provide a detailed analysis and comparison of applicability and efficiency of the published methods for automatic segmentation of prostate zonal anatomy by systematically reviewing the current literature.

METHODS

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was conducted until June 30, 2021, using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and EMBase databases. Risk of bias and applicability based on Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) criteria adjusted with Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging (CLAIM) were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 458 articles were identified, and 33 were included and reviewed. Only 2 articles had a low risk of bias for all four QUADAS-2 domains. In the remaining, insufficient details about database constitution and segmentation protocol provided sources of bias (inclusion criteria, MRI acquisition, ground truth). Eighteen different types of terminology for prostate zone segmentation were found, while 4 anatomic zones are described on MRI. Only 2 authors used a blinded reading, and 4 assessed inter-observer variability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review identified numerous methodological flaws and underlined biases precluding us from performing quantitative analysis for this review. This implies low robustness and low applicability in clinical practice of the evaluated methods. Actually, there is not yet consensus on quality criteria for database constitution and zonal segmentation methodology.

Prediction of prostate cancer recurrence after radiation therapy using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy: assessment of prognostic factors on pretreatment imaging

BACKGROUND

To assess whether data from pre-therapeutic multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) combined with three-dimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (3D MRS) provide prognostic factors of biochemical relapse in patients with localized prostate cancer treated by external radiotherapy or brachytherapy.

METHODS

In our single institution observational retrospective study we included a cohort of 230 patients treated by external radiotherapy or brachytherapy who had an initial mpMRI with 3D MRS from January 2008 to December 2015 for newly diagnosed localized prostatic cancer, proven histologically. Three trained radiologists recorded tumor characteristics, MRI T-stage and metabolic abnormalities from 3D MRS data. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyzes explored the relationship between clinical and imaging variables to highlight prognostic factors for recurrence, using biochemical relapse as the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

mpMRI data analysis allowed to reclassify 21.7% of the patients in a MRI National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) group higher than their initial clinical T-stage, but also to detect a lesion in 78% of the patients considered as clinically T1c. After a median of follow-up of 8.7 years (IQR, 6.6-10.1) following cancer diagnosis, 36 (16%) patients developed a biochemical relapse. The multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated the existence of 3 independent factors for prediction of biochemical recurrence: extracapsular extension (ECE) (HR =3.33; 95% CI: 1.93-5.73; P<0.01), choline/citrate ratio in healthy tissue in the transition zone (TZ) (HR =2.96; 95% CI: 1.06-8.28; P=0.04) and the NCCN Magnetic Resonance Imaging classification (intermediate versus low-risk, HR =3.06; 95% CI: 1.13-8.30; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of mpMRI and 3DMRS could aid in the prognostic stratification of localized prostate cancer treated by radiotherapy or brachytherapy, by combining accurate evaluation of tumor extension, and quantification of prostate metabolism.

[High risk localized and locally advanced prostate cancer: Long-term oncological outcomes after prostatectomy]

INTRODUCTION

High risk localized and locally advanced forms are responsible for the vast majority of specific deaths from prostate cancer among non-metastatic diseases at diagnosis. No randomized study has yet been published to establish the best local treatment in terms of survival.

AIM

Conduct a large-volume cohort study with long-term follow-up to analyze specific and overall survival outcomes after surgery.

METHOD

A single-center retrospective study of all patients operated on for localized high-risk and locally advanced prostate cancer was performed. Actuarial survival analyses and multivariate analyses were performed to discern predictive risk factors.

RESULTS

Five hundred patients were included. MRI stage was≥iT3a in 40.7% of cases and 50.2% of patients had a Gleason score≥8 on biopsy. The mean follow-up was 63.1 months. The overall, specific and biological recurrence-free survival were respectively 77.6%, 93.9% and 26.8% at 10 years. A PSA level≥20, a Gleason score on biopsy≥9 and a MRI stage≥iT3a were significantly associated with the 10-years biological recurrence risk.

CONCLUSION

This study shows very good long-term oncological results. In the absence of a randomized controlled trial, these results suggest the primary role of surgery in this indication and support the evolution of current practices. We pointed out very pejorative features that might help selection of the best candidates for surgical treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Narrative review of PET/CT performances at biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy and impact on patient disease management: Revue narrative à propos des performances de la TEP/TDM en cas de récidive biochimique après prostatectomie radicale dans le cancer de la prostate et impact sur la prise en charge des patients

Patients treated by radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer (PCa) may experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) in approximately 30% of cases. Recently, advances in imaging modalities and in particular Positron-Emission Tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging allow for better detection and characterization of lesions outside the prostatic bed at recurrence. Thus, treatment at BCR can be significantly improved by a tailored strategy based on new generation imaging. A more precise and accurate staging of the disease at recurrence paves the way to more appropriate treatment, potentially translating into better survival outcomes of these patients. This review therefore highlights the interest of PET/CT at the time of BCR, its superiority over standard imaging in terms of staging, and its impact on guiding the different therapeutic possibilities depending on the site, number, and volumes of recurrence. Indeed, we will discuss below about different strategies and their indications: salvage radiotherapy of the prostate bed, systemic therapies, stereotactic body radiotherapy and others therapeutical strategies. The various innovative approaches based on PET/CT implementation are partly underway within protocol trials to prove their benefits on clinically meaningful endpoints. © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Prostate cancer brachytherapy: SFRO guidelines 2021

Prostate brachytherapy techniques are described, concerning both permanent seed implant and high dose rate brachytherapy. The following guidelines are presented: brachytherapy indications, implant procedure for permanent low dose rate implants and high dose rate with source projector, as well as dose and dose-constraints objectives, immediate postoperative management, post-treatment evaluation, and long-term follow-up.

[Place of molecular imaging in the management of prostate cancer]

In the management of prostate cancer in recent years, innovative therapies have appeared requiring precise and reliable disease detection. In 2021, new generation imaging (PET/CT, multiparametric MRI, PET/MRI) have their place at all stages of the prostate cancer natural history to help target the lesion(s) and guide therapy and improve the results obtained. PSMA PET/CT is currently the leader in this type of imaging with a complete offer during the disease: both from diagnosis, to recurrence or in the oligo-metastatic and metastatic stage resistant to castration with a pivotal role in the PSMA theranostic approach. However, multiparametric MRI also has many detection advantages when the prostate is left in place, which suggests the potential major benefit of hybrid PSMA PET/MRI imaging.

[Impact of positive surgical margins on prostate cancer prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of positive surgical margins (PSM) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer on oncological results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a study where all patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between January 2004 and December 2018 for prostate cancer were included. The preoperative, postoperative data and the carcinological results collected were analyzed. Data were analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

A total of 319 patients with a median age of 65 years (IQR : 62-69) were included. The median follow-up was 43.6 months (IQR: 19.4-79.3). The overall rate of PSM was 33.5%. PSM was associated with biochemical recurrence (P<0.001). Overall mortality was not associated with positive margins. A clinical stage> T1c was an independent predictor of PSM on multivariate analysis (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

PSM would increase the risk of biochemical recurrence with no impact on survival. Clinical stage>T1c was an adverse predictor for PSM.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Urethro-vesical anastomosis reconstruction using extra-peritoneal robot-assisted laparoscopy for anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy]

INTRODUCTION

Urethro-vesical anastomosis stenosis following radical prostatectomy is a rare complication but represents a challenging situation. While the first-line treatment is endoscopic, recurrences after urethrotomies require a radical approach. We present the updated results of our patient's cohort treated by pure robotic anastomosis refection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective, single-center study focusing on one surgeon's experience. Patients presented an urethro-vesical stricture following a radical prostatectomy. Each patient received at least one endoscopic treatment. The procedure consisted of a circumferential resection of the stenosis, followed by a re-anastomosis with well-vascularized tissue. We reviewed the outcomes in terms of symptomatic recurrences and continence after the reconstructive surgery.

RESULTS

From April 2013 to May 2020, 8 patients underwent this procedure. Half of the patients had previously been treated with salvage radio-hormonotherapy. The median age was 70 years (64-76). The mean operative time was 109minutes (60-180) and blood loss was 120cc (50-250). One patient had an early postoperative complication, with vesico-pubic fistula. The average length of stay was 4.6 days (3-8). Mean follow-up was 24.25 months (1-66). Half of the patients experienced a recurrence at a median time of 8.25 months (6-11) after surgery. Five patients experienced incontinence of which 3 required an artificial urinary sphincter implantation.

CONCLUSION

Extra-peritoneal robot-assisted urethro-vesical reconstruction is feasible and safe to manage bladder neck stricture after radical prostatectomy. The risk of postoperative incontinence is high, justifying preoperative information.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

[Localized Prostate cancer in candidates for renal transplantation and recipients of a kidney transplant: The French Guidelines from CTAFU]

OBJECTIVE

To define guidelines for the management of localized prostate cancer (PCa) in kidney transplant (KTx) candidates and recipients.

METHOD

A systematic review (Medline) of the literature was conducted by the CTAFU to report prostate cancer epidemiology, screening, diagnosis and management in KTx candidates and recipients with the corresponding level of evidence.

RESULTS

KTx recipients are at similar risk for PCa as general population. Thus, PCa screening in this setting is defined according to global French guidelines from CCAFU. Systematic screening is proposed in candidates for renal transplant over 50 y-o. PCa diagnosis is based on prostate biopsies performed after multiparametric MRI and preventive antibiotics. CCAFU guidelines remain applicable for PCa treatment in KTx recipients with some specificities, especially regarding lymph nodes management. Treatment options in candidates for KTx need to integrate waiting time and access to transplantation. Current data allows the CTAFU to propose mandatory waiting times after PCa treatment in KTx candidates with a weak level of evidence.

CONCLUSION

These French recommendations should contribute to improve PCa management in KTx recipients and candidates, integrating oncological objectives with access to transplantation.

[Telemedicine for prostate cancer during long-term radiotherapy follow-up: An opportunity for digital innovation in oncology]

PURPOSE

The annual follow-up in radiotherapy for prostate cancer consists of an oral interview with a radiation oncologist. The present study aimed at surveying the target population on their knowledge and perceptions of telemedicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted at the Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute (France) that included patients with prostate cancer undergoing treatment or in follow-up, during spring 2019 (n=158). A specific questionnaire was designed for the study. Patient's self-evaluation of satisfaction and enthusiasm was assessed through visual analog scale (VAS) (0/10 to 10/10).

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-eight patients completed the survey. The vast majority of the population commonly used phone for communication and 56% of patients owned internet connexion. Around 56% of patients declared telemedicine knowledge without having ever experienced telemedicine. If 60.8% of patients would not be against telemedicine with a median enthusiasm VAS of 6/10, patients' opinions were divergent: 48.7% of patients would like to keep a classical follow-up and 48.7% of patients would envision to alternate classical consultation with telemedicine.

CONCLUSION

This feasibility study with an aged cohort showed that telemedicine is a valuable option for long-term radiotherapy follow-up, even if therapeutic education and information will be necessary to supervise this novel approach.

[Short recommendations from the CIAFU: Interest of the urine bacterial culture performed before endo-rectal prostate biopsy]

Prostate biopsy is sometimes complicated by infection which can lead to death. The risk factors remain controversial, notably the urine bacterial culture carried out before a prostate biopsy. The increase in resistance induces an increase in the number of complications and the need to define new antibiotic prophylaxis strategies. The urine bacterial culture remains widely discussed in cases with post-prostate biopsy infections and urologists or experts await clear recommendations on this subject. The Infectiology Committee of the French Association of Urology has therefore set up a literature analysis work in order to reach a consensus within the committee.

METHOD

A literature search was performed on Pubmed and Medline. We selected randomized studies or meta-analyzes using the keywords "prostate biopsy" and "infection" or "infectious complications". All abstracts and articles have been analyzed. The summary of the analysis was reviewed by all the members of the committee proposing the most consensual recommendation possible.

RESULTS

The literature on the subject remains poor, but no evidence of a link between prebiopsy bacteriuria and post-biopsy infection has been demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from a clinical situation which could evoke a male urinary tract infection, and moreover having to prefer the postponement of biopsies, it is not recommended to perform a routine urine culture before endo-rectal prostate biopsies (expert opinion).

[RHESOU (Registry in HErault Specialized in Onco-Urology) : the first French Registry specialized in Onco-Urology. One-year experience]

PURPOSE

In 2016, the Herault tumor registry collected 1961cancers in urology (21.4 % from all Herault cancers this year). RHESOU was created to complete RTH' data with specific parameters in onco-urology. The aim of this study is to describe RHESOU and to give some examples with our first results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In November 2018, RHESOU (Registry HErault Specialised in Onco-Urology) was founded with the same registry recommendations. It collects specific oncologic parameters and also complete RTH's data. For each urological cancer, a specific survey with different choices was performed to collect a maximum of data which could be present in patients' file. These surveys were used for urological cancers cases that live in Herault in 2017.

RESULTS

In 2017, we collected 970 prostate cancers, 581 bladder cancers, 212 kidney cancers, 51 upper excretory tract cancers, 28 testicle cancers and 9 penil cancers. Our urological data collection gives many possibilities to create many requests for detailed analysis in urological cancers. In this article, we reported data from kidney, bladder and prostate cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

RHESOU is a new tool opened to the different urologic corporations (urologists, pathologists, oncologists, radiotherapists, radiologists) that permits an overview in urological cancers in Herault. Finally, one important aim is that this tool will be adapted when new treatments or new important parameters appear in the years ahead.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[The role of the urology nurse in prehabilitation and same-day discharge robot-assited radical prostatectomy programs]

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this article is to explain the role of urology nurse in prehabilitation and same-day discharge programs for robotic radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

This article is based on the analysis of the literature and the experience of our center.

RESULTS

In order to prepare patients for outpatient surgery, urology nurse plays a key role during prehabilitation journeys. Two weeks before the operation, the healthcare teams (nurses, anesthetists, physiotherapists, etc.) organize workshops to explain to patients the operation course and post-operative care in order to allay any anxieties. Individual and group interviews, in specific workshops (compression stockings, urinary catheter, sexology) are organized in particular with urology nurse to answer all patients' questions. In association with enhanced recovery after surgery pathway, these programs improve the patient experience and satisfaction as well as peri-operative outcomes, and allows the development of an outpatient surgery program which currently represents approximately one third of surgeries.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of perioperative protocols including prehabilitation improves the early results of robotic total prostatectomy, but also the patient experience. The urology nurse has a key role to play during these patient education days and in the preparation, information, support and follow-up of the patient, since the prehabilitation journey until the patient leaves the outpatient clinic.

Over-diagnosed prostate cancer in solid organ recipients: lessons from the last 3 decades

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common neoplasia in men. With aging of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR), its incidence is likely to increase. The aim of this study was to analyze PC screening results retrospectively in renal transplant recipients (RTR), hepatic transplant recipients (HTR) and cardiac transplant recipients (CTR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective monocentric study of PC diagnosed in renal, hepatic or cardiac transplanted patients since 1989 was performed. All the patients were followed annually by digital rectal examination and prostate serum antigen (PSA) dosage.

RESULTS

57 PC were diagnosed in 1565 SOTR male patients (3.6%): 35 RTR, 15 HTR, and 7 CTR. Standard incidence ratio (SIR) was 41.9. Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 64.5 (60.5-69.2). Mean time between transplantation and PC diagnosis was 95.7 (39.0-139.5) months. Median PSA rate was 7.0 (6.2-13) ng/mL. Clinical stages were T1, T2, and T3, respectively, for 29, 22 and 6 patients. Diagnosis was done by screening in 52 patients, after prostatitis in 1 and bone pain in another. Three PC were discovered on prostate chips after transurethral resection. Two patients were treated by active surveillance. 39 (68%) patients (25 RTR, 11 HTR and 3 CTR) were treated by radical prostatectomy. Histological results were 30 pT2 and 9 pT3 tumors, with 7 positive surgical margins. Gleason score was 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in, respectively, in 2, 24, 11, 1 and 1 patients. One patient with positive pelvic nodes was treated with hormonal therapy (HT). One had a biochemical relapse at 10 months and underwent salvage radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 85.2 months (46.1-115.0). 23 (40.4%) patients died. Two (3.6%) RTR and 1 (1.8%) CTR died from their PC. Standard incidence ratio were, respectively, 42.4, 48.2 and 39 in RTR, HTR and CTR.

CONCLUSION

Systematic screening in male SOTR after 50 years old could not be recommended. In the last 3 decades, we diagnosed too many low-risk prostate cancers strongly increasing the SIR but failing to decrease prostate cancer related mortality. SOTR should undergo individual screening with prior MRI when PSA rates are high. Management should not be different from that of the general population.

Minimal channel GreenLight photovaporization before permanent implant prostate brachytherapy for patients with obstructive symptoms: Technically feasible and safe

PURPOSE

Brachytherapy (BrT) is a standard treatment for low-risk to favorable-intermediate-risk prostate cancer but is a relative contraindication for patients with obstructive symptoms. We aimed to assess the feasibility and urinary toxicity of a minimal photovaporization (mPVP) before implantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 04/2009 and 08/2016, 50 patients candidates for BrT but with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)>15, uroflowmetry <15 mL/s, obstructive prostate or large median lobe underwent a mPVP (GreenLight Laser) at least 6 weeks (median 8.5) before permanent seed implantation (loose seeds, ¹²⁵I, 160 Gy).

RESULTS

Two patients (4%) did not have sufficient improvement and did not undergo BrT, although it would have been possible at 3 months. For the 48 (96%) other patients, at the baseline, mean IPSS was 15.5 (±5.3), vs. 8.6 (±4.4) after mPVP (p = 1 × 10^-6), and uroflowmetry 11.7 mL/s (±4), vs. 17.4 (±5.4) (p = 1.4 × 10^-5). We did not experience any difficulty for BrT. Mean IPSS did not significantly increase 1, 3, or 6 months after BrT. With a median followup of 60 months [30-120], (92% assessed at last followup), only 4 patients (4/48 = 8.3%) experienced urinary retention and 5 (10.4%) needed surgery for urinary toxicity. In addition, only 2 patients (4%) needed medical treatment at last followup. Considering the 8 patients with de novo incontinence at 1 year, only 2 (4%) had persistent mild symptoms at last followup (36 months) (ICS1-2).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that a two-step approach with an mPVP at least 6 weeks before BrT is feasible, with no excessive urinary toxicity, and may be a good strategy for obstructive patients seeking BrT.

Radiation enteritis: Diagnostic and therapeutic issues

Abdominal pelvic radiation therapy can induce acute or chronic lesions in the small bowel wall, called radiation enteritis. Treatment of acute radiation enteritis is essentially symptomatic; symptoms regress when radiation is discontinued. Conversely, late toxicity can occur up to 30 years after discontinuation of radiation therapy, posing diagnostic problems. Approximately one out of five patients treated by radiation therapy will present clinical signs of radiation enteritis, including obstruction, malabsorption, malnutrition and/or other complications. Management should be multidisciplinary, centered mainly on correction of malnutrition. Surgery is indicated in case of complications (i.e., abscess, perforation, fistula) and/or resistance to medical treatment; intestinal resection should be preferred over internal bypass. The main risk in case of iterative resections is the short bowel syndrome and the need for definitive nutritional assistance.

[Health democracy: Patient partnership]

In 2019, the scientific committee of the French society of radiation oncology (SFRO) created an ethics committee. Its mission is to provide our professional community with food for thought on ethical issues, and to identify its specificities within the radiation oncology departments. For the 2020 annual conference, the commission looked into the evolution of the patient-carer relationship, and more particularly to the strong idea of patient partnership. Indeed, the writing of the White Book of Cancer gave voice to sick people and stressed the need for new devices, such as the Caregiving Time. Patients can no longer be considered as objects of care but as people whose dignity and autonomy must be imperatively respected. The acquisition of knowledge allows a bilateral exchange, prerequisite of a dynamic collaboration. Patients can be partners in their own care, partners in training and research (expert patient), but also partners in health institutions and policies. It is this notion of partnership and involvement of the person in their path of care in radiation oncology that we will analyse here. It will be about defining it, by developing the concept of autonomy, and bringing out its complexity and ambivalence through two examples from our clinical practice: the shared decision-making process for patients with localized prostate cancer and the patient's involvement in the success of his radiotherapy.

[Predictive factors of active surveillance interruption for prostate cancer after 5years of follow-up]

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

The objective of this work was to identify the risk factors (RFs) of active surveillance (AS) interruption in a prostate cancer (PCa) single-center retrospective cohort of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

All patients in AS between January 2011 and October 2019 were retrospectively included in a computerized database. The group of patients who had an AS interruption was compared to the one still under AS, in order to identify potential risk factors for the interruption of the surveillance protocol.

RESULTS

Two hundred and two patients have been included in the AS cohort with a median follow-up of 32months. At the time of analysis, 72 patients (36%) were not under the AS protocol anymore, 118 (58%) were still under AS and 12 (6%) were lost of follow-up. Sixty-six patients (92%) had left SA due to PCa progression, 4 (5%) by personal choice and 2 (3%) switched to watchful waiting. A PSA doubling Time<3years (PSADT<3years) has been identified as the only statistically significant RF for AS interruption, both in the unvaried (P<0.001) and multivariate (OR=5.403, P<0.01) analysis. It was also the only RF of AS interruption in the early analysis in the first three years of AS, in the unvaried analysis (P=0.021) and the multivariate analysis (OR=3.612, P=0.018).

CONCLUSION

PSADT was the only RF of AS early and late interruption in our study. It represents a major inclusion criterion in AS protocol during the initial assessment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Androgen deprivation therapy prescription, blood and bone-density testing in a French population-based study exploring adherence to the French prostate cancer guidelines

The safety profile of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is well known, and cardiovascular and osteoporosis risk factors should be assessed before ADT initiation. In order to examine whether the French Committee of Urologic Oncology Prostate Cancer (PCa) Guidelines were properly followed by clinicians, including urologists, oncologists and radiotherapists, we used a nationwide comprehensive cohort of prostate cancer patients, who were new ADT users in 2011 and were followed-up to 2013. Reimbursements for biological examinations and prescribers were identified, as well as PCa specialist consultations at drug initiation. Our results in this French cohort showed that the proportions of patients resorting to specialized care between one year and 3 months before ADT initiation and in the 6 months following was around 40% for fasting glucose and 30% for lipid assessments. Bone densitometry was performed in approximately 1% of patients. In the 12 months after ADT initiation, 75% of the patients were seen by a urologist and about 47% by an oncologist or a radiotherapist. Overall, there is still room for improvement in terms of ADT monitoring by clinicians and in the information provided to general practitioners and patients regarding the expected adverse effects of this treatment.

[Recommendations CCAFU on the management of cancers of the urogenital system during an epidemic with Coronavirus COVID-19]

Objectif

La population française est confrontée à la pandémie de COVID-19 et le système de santé a été réorienté en urgence pour la prise en charge des patients atteints du coronavirus. La prise en charge des cancers de l’appareil urinaire et génital masculin doit être adaptée à ce contexte.

Matériel et méthode

Un avis d’experts documenté par une revue de la littérature a été formulé par le Comité de Cancérologie de l’Association Française d’Urologie (CCAFU).

Résultats

La prise en charge médicale et chirurgicale des patients atteints de cancers de l’appareil urinaire et génital masculin doit être adaptée en modifiant les modalités de consultation, en priorisant les interventions en fonction du pronostic intrinsèque des cancers en tenant compte des comorbidités du patient. La protection des urologues vis-à-vis du COVID-19 doit être prise en considération.

Conclusion

Le CCAFU émet un avis d’experts quant aux mesures à prendre pour adapter la prise en charge des cancers de l’appareil urinaire et génital masculin au contexte de pandémie par COVID-19.

[Indications and outlooks of radiohormonal therapy of high-risk prostate cancers]

Prostate cancer is a sensitive adenocarcinoma, in more than 80% of cases, to chemical castration, due to its hormone dependence. Locally advanced and/or high-risk cancer is defined based on clinical stage, initial prostate specific antigen serum concentration value or high Gleason score. Hormone therapy associated with radiation therapy is the standard of management and improves local control, reduces the risk of distant metastasis and improves specific and overall survival. Duration of hormone therapy, dose level of radiation therapy alone or associated with brachytherapy are controversial data in the literature. The therapeutic choice, multidisciplinary, depends on the age and comorbidity of the patient, the prognostic criteria of the pathology and the urinary function of the patient. Current research focuses on optimizing local and distant control of these aggressive forms and incorporates neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and also new hormone therapies.

[Docetaxel for octogerian metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patient: A multicentric ten years' experience]

INTRODUCTION

There is very few data about the management of elderly patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The aim of this study was to analyze the management of patients aged 80 and over treated with docetaxel for a mCRPC.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Clinical and pathological characteristics of octogerians treated with docetaxel were collected retrospectively from 3 French centers from 2009 to 2019. Patient's outcome, treatments administered before and/or after docetaxel were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Data of 89 patients could be analyzed. A total of 20.2 % of patients received the standard regimen and 79.8 % received an adapted one. Patients in the adapted group were significantly older than in standard one. Other patient's characteristics - including the geriatric scales - were similar. Dose reductions for toxicity were more frequent in the standard group (P=0.04). The median overall survival of the total population was 13.3 months. It was longer in the standard group than in the adapted group (26.1 months vs 12.4 months=0.01). In multivariate analysis, the type of docetaxel regimen (standard versus adapted) was an independent predictor of survival.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests the benefit of the standard management even in oldest patients. A geriatric evaluation should certainly be processed in patients with poor oncogeriatric scale in order to select the sub-population able to receive the full dose standard docetaxel regimen.

[Radiotherapy and immune suppression: A short review]

The management of patients undergoing immunosuppressive agents is really challenging. Based on precaution principle, it seems mandatory to stop immunosuppressive (or immunomodulating) agents during radiation. Yet, it is impossible in grafted patients. It is possible in patients with autoimmune disease, but in this case, the autoimmune disease might modify patient's radio-sensitivity. We provide a short review about the safety of radiotherapy in grafted/auto-immune patients. The literature is limited with data coming from outdated case-report or case-control studies. It seems that radiotherapy is feasible in grafted patients, but special dose-constraints limitations must probably be considered for the transplant and the other organs at risk. There is very little data about the safety of radiotherapy, when associated with immunomodulating agents. The most studied drug is the methotrexate but only its prescription as a chemotherapy (high doses for a short period of time) was reported. When used as an immunomodulator, it should probably be stopped 4 months before and after radiation. Apart from rheumatoid arthritis, it seems that collagen vascular diseases and especially systemic scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematous feature increased radio-sensitivity with increased severe late toxicities. Transplanted patients and collagen vascular disease patients should be informed that there is very little data about safety of radiation in their case.