Transurethral ethanol injection for prostatic obstruction: an excellent treatment strategy for persistent urinary retention

[Treatment of bladder outlet obstruction in locally advanced prostate cancer]

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is one of the major complication of the locally advanced prostate cancer. Its impact on prostate cancer prognosis is low and remains controversial but its impact on patient quality of life is real. We performed a systematic search to find relevant publications from Medline and wrote a mini-review on the different therapeutic approaches to relieve obstructive symptoms.

Injection therapy for prostatic disease: A renaissance concept

Purpose:

Initially conceived as an intervention for prostatic infection, injection therapy has been used to alleviate urinary retention, and is now primarily investigated for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For over a century, intraprostatic injection has been used as a minimally invasive surgical therapy (MIST), and is on the verge of a rebirth. This review will familiarize the reader with the origins and history of intraprostatic injection, and its evolution using transperineal, transrectal and transurethral routes with multiple injectants.

Materials and Methods:

A MEDLINE review of the literature on intraprostatic injections published between 1966 and 2007 was performed, augmented with articles and documents dating back to 1832.

Results:

Transperineal and transurethral injections have the most systematic evaluation in patients. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each route. Most injectants consistently produce localized coagulative necrosis and gland volume reduction with varying degrees of LUTS relief. Anhydrous ethanol (AE) is the most extensively studied injected agent to date.

Conclusions:

Injection therapy is a promising minimally invasive treatment option for various prostatic conditions and has been examined for over 100 years. Further experience in systematic laboratory research and completion of currently ongoing clinical trials is necessary before widespread clinical application.

[Treatment of specific complications of locally advanced prostate cancer]

Despite improved screening methods and earlier detection of prostate carcinoma, the complications of locally advanced disease remain a challenge for urologists. The spectrum of possible complications includes subvesical obstruction, hydronephrosis, hematuria, pain, and local invasion of adjacent organs. Urinary diversion, palliative transurethral resection of the prostate, and endoscopic diathermy are classic procedures. Urethral stenting, laser evaporation, and selective arterial embolization are alternate approaches for treating these complex cases. Cystoprostatectomy and pelvic exenteration are ultimate options for patients with chronic pain and debilitating local symptoms.

Initial clinical experience with real-time transrectal ultrasonography-magnetic resonance imaging fusion-guided prostate biopsy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and utility of registration and fusion of real-time transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and previously acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide prostate biopsies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two National Cancer Institute trials allowed MRI-guided (with or with no US fusion) prostate biopsies during placement of fiducial markers. Fiducial markers were used to guide patient set-up for daily external beam radiation therapy. The eligible patients had biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer that was visible on MRI. A high-field (3T) MRI was performed with an endorectal coil in place. After moving to an US suite, the patient then underwent TRUS to visualize the prostate. The US transducer was equipped with a commercial needle guide and custom modified with two embedded miniature orthogonal five-degrees of freedom sensors to enable spatial tracking and registration with MR images in six degrees of freedom. The MRI sequence of choice was registered manually to the US using custom software for real-time navigation and feedback. The interface displayed the actual and projected needle pathways superimposed upon the real-time US blended with the prior MR images, with position data updating in real time at 10 frames per second. The registered MRI information blended to the real-time US was available to the physician who performed targeted biopsies of highly suspicious areas.

RESULTS

Five patients underwent limited focal biopsy and fiducial marker placement with real-time TRUS-MRI fusion. The Gleason scores at the time of enrollment on study were 8, 7, 9, 9, and 6. Of the 11 targeted biopsies, eight showed prostate cancer. Positive biopsies were found in all patients. The entire TRUS procedure, with fusion, took approximately 10 min.

CONCLUSION

The fusion of real-time TRUS and prior MR images of the prostate is feasible and enables MRI-guided interventions (like prostate biopsy) outside of the MRI suite. The technique allows for navigation within dynamic contrast-enhanced maps, or T2-weighted or MR spectroscopy images. This technique is a rapid way to facilitate MRI-guided prostate therapies such as external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, or direct injection of agents, without the cost, throughput, or equipment compatibility issues that might arise with MRI-guided interventions inside the MRI suite.

Managing the local complications of locally advanced prostate cancer

Complications of locally advanced prostate cancer are often overlooked in the overall treatment of prostate cancer, can have significant morbidity, and can provide a challenge for the treating urologist. Despite advances in early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, as many as 10% of patients present with or develop symptomatic locally advanced prostate cancer. Prostate cancer locally invading the urethra can be effectively managed with transurethral resection or ablation procedures or urethral stenting. Obstruction of one or both ureters is managed with either ureteral stenting or nephrostomy drainage. Bulky pelvic recurrence resulting in significant hematuria, rectal involvement, or severe pelvic pain can be difficult to manage, with some advocating cystoprostatectomy or pelvic exenteration to provide palliation. Surgical intervention for locally advanced prostate cancer can provide significant improvement in quality of life and should not be restricted to patients who have curable disease.