Risk-adapted strategy for the kidney-sparing management of upper tract tumours

[The metastatic and advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma-a separate entity or bladder cancer's younger sibling?]

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a cancer that is often already in an advanced stage at the time of initial diagnosis. Although urothelial carcinoma of the upper and lower urinary tracts both originate from the urothelium and have similar genetic alterations, there are significant differences in their distribution. In localized high-risk UTUC, radical nephroureterectomy is the gold standard therapy. In metastatic UTUC, major changes are emerging in sequential therapy due to the investigation of new classes of drugs. In addition to platinum-based combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy, new substances such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and FGFR inhibitors are used.

Urothelial cancer: state of art in Ukraine and improvement pathways

Aim

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of urothelial cancer treatment in Ukraine, utilizing population-based data from the National Cancer Registry. The primary goal is to evaluate trends and approaches to therapy, with a focus on overall survival rates in patients with urothelial tumors.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted based on the National Cancer Registry, involving 12 698 patients (2008-2020) with urothelial tumors of the upper urinary tract (UTUC) and bladder cancer (BC) who underwent surgical treatment. Demographic indicators, surgical interventions, complications, and survival rates were analyzed.

Results

The average age for all patients was 70 years. The number of patients undergoing radical treatment was 1820 (15%) among BC and 573 (59%) among UTUC. The 30-day readmission rate was low for both, with a slightly higher preference for UTUC (2.3 vs. 4.6%). Whereas grade III or higher Cl-Dindo complications were seen in only 0.2% of cases. Notable findings include low frequency of neoadjuvant (7%) and adjuvant chemotherapy (28%) among patients with invasive urothelial carcinomas. Median eGFR for invasive UTUC before and after surgery was 63.2 and 51.4 ml/min, respectively (P=0.00054). The directly opposite trend was seen in BC-61.2 and 68.7 ml/min, respectively (P=0.0026).For BC, the overall survival rates by stages were: I-73%, II-49%, III-18%, and IV-11% (χ2=1807.207; P=0.000001). As for UTUC, the 5-year overall survival rates corresponded to the literature data, but there was a pronounced negative trend towards a decrease in this indicator after a 10-year period for all stages (χ2=146.298; P=0.000003).

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the importance of effective systemic treatments, adherence to treatment guidelines, and the need for multidisciplinary consultations among Ukrainian patients with urothelial cancer.

Impact of surgical management of upper tract urothelial cancer in octogenarians: A population-based study

Background

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is an aggressive disease with a high progression rate. The standardmanagement for this disease is nephroureterectomy. Nephron sparing nonradical surgery is an alternative therapeutic approach. In men with limited life expectancy, the potential harm of UTUC progression must be weighed against surgical morbidity and mortality, and thus, more conservative approaches may be selected. This study aims to investigate the comparative benefits of radical and conservative surgical management in patients older than 80 years with localized UTUC.

Materials and methods

A search was conducted in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for patients older than 80 years who were diagnosed with localized (T1-2N0M0) cancer in the renal pelvis or ureter as the only malignancy from 2004 to 2015. Patients were divided into 3 therapeutic groups: no surgery, local intervention (ie, local tumor excision or segmented ureterectomy), and radical surgery (nephroureterectomy). Demographic and cancer-related parameter data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate predictors for surgical treatment. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to analyze survival outcomes.

Results

Data from 774 patients were analyzed, including 205 in the no-surgery group, 181 in the local intervention group, and 388 in the radical surgery group. Older, African American patients with T1 stage disease were less likely to receive surgical treatment. Among surgically treated patients, renal pelvic tumors, and high-grade and T2 stage disease were associated with radical resection. Surgically treated patients had a longer median overall survival (OS) than in those treated nonsurgically (13, 35, and 47 months in no-surgery, local intervention, and radical surgery groups, respectively; p < 0.001). Although surgically treated patients demonstrated higher 5-year OS (8.8% [no surgery], 23.2% [local intervention], and 23.5% [radical surgery], p < 0.001) and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) (41.0%[no surgery], 69.1%[local intervention], and 72.9%[radical surgery]; p < 0.001) than in those treated nonsurgically, no significant differences were found between the local intervention and radical surgery groups (p > 0.05). Based on multivariate Cox regression analysis, surgical treatments, including both nonradical and radical resection, were independently associated with improved OS and DSS after controlling for age, marital status, tumor grade, and radiation status.

Conclusions

Patients older than 80 years with localized UTUC who undergo surgery demonstrate longer survival. Radical and nonradical resections seemto have similar OS and DSS outcomes. Thus, when clinically indicated in this population, a more conservative surgical approach may be reasonable.

Endoscopic intervention versus radical nephroureterectomy for the management of localized upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

OBJECTIVE

Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is an uncommon cancer typically detected at an advanced stage. Currently, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision is the standard treatment for high-risk UTUC. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival and bladder recurrence rates in studies comparing endoscopic kidney-sparing surgeries (E-KSS) with RNU in localized UTUC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a literature search on 20th April 2023 through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The PICOS model was used for study inclusion: P: adult patients with localized UTUC; I: E-KSS. C: RNU; O: primary: overall survival (OS); secondary: cancer-specific survival (CSS), bladder recurrence rate, and metastasis-free survival (MFS). S: retrospective, prospective, and randomized studies.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 11 studies involving 2284 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis, 737 in the E-KSS group and 1547 in the RNU group. E-KSS showed a similar overall 5-year OS between E-KSS and RNU, and for low-grade tumors, while 5-year OS favored RNU for high-grade tumors (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.69, p = 0.002). No difference emerged for 5-year CSS between the two groups, even when the results were stratified for low- and high grade tumors. Bladder recurrence rate and 5-year MFS were also similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review showed that E-KSS is a viable option for patients with localized UTUC with non-inferior oncological outcomes as compared with RNU, except for 5-year OS in high-grade tumors which favoured RNU.

Endoscopic Cryoablation Versus Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cryoablation is a traditional antitumor therapy with good prospects for development. The efficacy of endoscopic management as a kidney-sparing surgery for high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of endoscopic cryoablation (ECA) versus radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) on survival outcomes, renal function, and complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data for 116 patients with newly diagnosed high-risk UTUC who underwent either ECA (n = 13) or RNU (n = 103) from March 25, 2019 to December 8, 2021. Propensity score matching (1:4) using the nearest neighbor method was performed before analysis. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), intravesical recurrence-free survival (RFS), the change in renal function, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

At median follow-up of 28.2 mo for the ECA group and 27.6 mo for the RNU group, 2-yr OS (82% vs 84%), PFS (73% vs 71%), and intravesical RFS (81% vs 83%) rates after matching did not significantly differ. A decline in renal function was observed after RNU, but not after ECA. Five (41.7%) patients in the ECA group reported six TEAEs, and 17 patients (35.4%) in the RNU group reported 20 TEAEs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

In comparison to RNU, ECA for UTUC resulted in noninferior oncological outcomes and superior preservation of renal function.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our study suggests that a treatment called endoscopic cryoablation for high-risk cancer in the upper urinary tract can help in preserving kidney function, with similar survival outcomes to those after more extensive surgery. This option can be considered for selected patients with a strong preference for kidney preservation.

The clinical impact of ureteroscopy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND

With the development of kidney-sparing surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, ureteroscopic biopsy (URSBx) has become important for the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 744 patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), stratified into no ureteroscopy (URS), URS alone, and URSBx groups. Intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS) was examined using the Kaplan-Meier method. We conducted Cox regression analyses to identify risk factors for IVR. We investigated differences between clinical and pathological staging to assess the ability to predict the pathological tumor stage and grade of RNU specimens.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression revealed significantly more IVR and inferior IVRFS in patients who underwent URS and URSBx. Superficial, but not invasive, bladder cancer recurrence was more frequent in the URS and URSBx groups than in the no URS group. Clinical and pathological staging agreed for 55 (32.4%) patients. Downstaging occurred for 48 (28.2%) patients and clinical understaging occurred for 67 (39.4%) patients. Upstaging to muscle-invasive disease occurred for 39 (35.8%) of 109 patients with ≤cT1 disease. Clinical and pathological grading were similar for 72 (42.3%) patients. Downgrading occurred for 5 (2.9%) patients, and clinical undergrading occurred for 93 (54.7%) patients.

CONCLUSION

URS and URSBx instrumentation will be risk factors for superficial, but not invasive, bladder cancer recurrence. Clinical understaging/undergrading and upstaging to muscle-invasive disease occurred for a large proportion of patients with UTUC who underwent RNU. These data emphasize the challenges involved in accurate UTUC staging and grading.

Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma in a Double Collecting System Kidney

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in a duplex collecting system (DCS) is a relatively uncommon presentation with unclear management guidelines. Herein, we retrospectively reviewed all published cases of DCS with UTUC aiming to suggest personalized clinical care options for future cases. We conducted a systematic search for all cases of UTUC in DCS from published literature using the following keywords: UTUC, urothelial carcinoma (UC), collecting duct carcinoma, and DCS. The cases were summarized based on demographics, clinical presentation, predisposing risk factors, tumor location, management, and follow-up. We present an additional case based on our experience with a 69-year-old female with high-grade (HG) UTUC of the upper moiety in complete DCS. The patient underwent a robotic upper pole hemi-nephroureterectomy (hemi-NU) with a common sheath distal ureterectomy and a bladder cuff, followed by lower pole ureteral reimplantation. Overall, 34 patients with 35 renal units of UTUC in DCS were included and analyzed. To conclude, UTUC of DCS is rare and underreported. Hence, it is difficult to define a standard treatment. Although hemi-NU has been previously described, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of robot-assisted hemi-NU for complete DCS with single-moiety UC.

Overview, Diagnosis, and Perioperative Systemic Therapy of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma comprises 5-10% of all urothelial carcinoma cases. This disease tends to have a more aggressive course than its lower urinary tract counterpart, with 60% of patients presenting with invasive disease and 30% of patients presenting with metastatic disease at diagnosis. The diagnostic workup of UTUC involves imaging with CT urogram, urine cytology, and direct visualization and biopsy of suspected lesions via ureteroscopy. Standard treatment of high-grade UTUC involves radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and excision of the ipsilateral bladder cuff. Both the NCCN and EAU Guidelines include neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a treatment option for select patients with UTUC; however, there are no strict guidelines. Much of the rationale for neoadjuvant chemotherapy is based on extrapolation from data from muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which has demonstrated a 5-year OS benefit of 5-8%. Retrospective studies evaluating the use of NACT in urothelial carcinoma have yielded pathologic objective response rates of 48% in UTUC cohorts. The randomized Phase III POUT study noted a DFS advantage with adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy, compared with surveillance in UTUC, of 70% vs. 51% at 2 years. Though not the standard of care, multiple studies have explored the use of perioperative immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy in the management of invasive urothelial carcinoma. The PURE-02 study explored the use of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab in patients with high-risk UTUC. A small study of 10 patients, it showed no significant signals of activity with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab. Another Phase II study of neoadjuvant ipilimumab and nivolumab in cisplatin-ineligible UTUC yielded more promising findings, with 3/9 patients attaining a pathologic CR and the remaining six pathologically downstaged. The ABACUS trial found a 31% pathologic complete response rate amongst cisplatin-ineligible MIBC patients treated with neoadjuvant atezolizumab. The use of adjuvant immunotherapy has been explored over three phase III trials. The CheckMate-274 trial found a DFS benefit with the addition of one year of adjuvant nivolumab in patients with high-risk urothelial carcinoma. The IMvigor-010 study of adjuvant atezolizumab was a negative study. The AMBASSADOR trial of adjuvant pembrolizumab is pending results. With the FDA approval of erdafitinib in metastatic urothelial carcinoma, similar targets have been explored for use in perioperative use in invasive urothelial carcinoma, as with adjuvant infigratinib in the PROOF-302 trial. As the treatment paradigm for urothelial carcinoma evolves, further prospective studies are needed to expand the perioperative treatment landscape of UTUC.

Learning from the past and present to change the future: Endoscopic management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Current guidelines recommend endoscopic management (EM) for patients with low-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, as well as those with an imperative indication. However, regardless of the tumor risk, radical nephroureterectomy is still mainly performed worldwide despite the benefits of EM, such as renal function maintenance, no hemodialysis requirement, and treatment cost reduction. This might be explained by the association of EM with a high risk of local recurrence and progression. Furthermore, the need for rigorous patient selection and close surveillance following EM may be relevant. Nevertheless, recent developments in diagnostic modalities, pathological evaluation, surgical devices and techniques, and intracavitary regimens have been reported, which may contribute to improved risk stratification and treatments with superior oncological outcomes. In this review, considering recent advances in endourology and oncology, we propose novel treatment strategies for optimal EM.

[Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract]

Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (upper tract urothelial carcinoma, UTUC) is less common than bladder carcinoma with nearly identical risk factors and has a poorer prognosis. The standard diagnostic procedure is imaging of the upper urinary tract by computed tomography urography. In cases of diagnostic uncertainty, a diagnostic ureterorenoscopy with biopsy sampling can be performed in addition to urine cytology. Treatment depends primarily on the stage and grading of the tumor. Depending on the extent and localization, organ-preserving treatment or radical nephroureterectomy is indicated. Perioperative systemic treatment in high-risk UTUC can be performed in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings, although the current data on neoadjuvant chemo- and immunotherapy do not yet allow standard application. For metastatic disease, a multimodal treatment approach consisting of cisplatin-based or carboplatin-based chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and treatment with enfortumab vedotin can be considered. Salvage surgery, radiotherapy and metastasectomy are available for rare individual cases.

The Role of Local Agents for the Treatment of Localized Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Review of the Current Evidence

Kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a promising alternative to radical nephroureterectomy, especially for low-risk cases. However, due to the established risk of ipsilateral UTUC recurrence caused by the implantation of floating neoplastic cells after endoscopic resection, adjuvant endocavitary (endoureteral) instillations have been proposed. Instillation therapy may be also used as primary treatment for UTUC. The two most studied drugs that have been evaluated in both the adjuvant and primary setting of endocavitary instillation are mitomycin C and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. The current paper provides an overview of the endocavitary treatments for UTUC, focusing on methods of administration, novel formulations, oncologic outcomes (in terms of endocavitary recurrence and progression), as well as on complications. In particular, the role of UGN-101 as a primary chemoablative treatment of primary noninvasive, endoscopically unresectable, low-grade, UTUC has been analysed. The drug achieved a complete response rate of 58% after the induction cycle, with a durable response independently of the maintenance cycle. The cumulative experience on the role of UUT instillation therapy appears encouraging; however, no definitive conclusions can be drawn about its therapeutic benefit. Given the current state of the art, any decision to administer adjuvant endoureteral therapy for UTUC should be carefully weighed against the potential adverse events. Nevertheless, newer investigations that improve visualization during ureteroscopy, genomic characterization, novel drugs and innovative strategies of improved drug delivery are under evaluation. The landscape of KSS for the treatment of the UTUC is evolving and seems promising.

Optimization of postoperative surveillance protocols in upper tract urothelial cancer: A retrospective cohort study

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is an aggressive disease that is managed by radical or organ-sparing surgery. High recurrence rates require early detection and strict follow-up (FU) protocols. Recommendations are assigned to a low level of evidence. Our aim was to identify time-to-tumor recurrence, analyze the temporal relation to recommended FU regimens, and provide a critical proposal for further surveillance. This retrospective study included 54 patients receiving radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in high-risk UTUC and 14 patients assigned to kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) with low-risk disease. FU surveillance protocols consisted of close intervals irrespective of the received type of surgery. In total, 68 patients were included with a median FU of 23 months. Mean overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter in RNU compared to KSS (P = .027). Recurrence in the bladder and/or upper urinary tract (UUT) was 57.1% in KSS and 38.9% after RNU (P = .241). Mean recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly shorter in RNU patients compared to KSS (22.4 vs. 47.9 months, P = .013), and 76.2% of the recurrences in the RNU group occurred in the first postoperative year. UUT recurrence was diagnosed after a median of 3.0 (RNU) and 25.0 (KSS) months. There was a frequent onset of metastases in the RNU group, with 85.7% in the first year compared to the KSS group with 50%. Multivariable regression analysis showed that the tumor stage was the parameter independently related to OS (P = .002), RFS (P = .008), and metastasis-free survival (MFS, P = .002). In conclusion, surveillance of UTUC should be adapted to real-time occurrence patterns. Strict imaging protocols are recommended in the first two years irrespective of the method of surgery. As recurrence is equally distributed over the years after KSS, cystoscopy should be offered regularly for five years and diagnostic URS for three years. After RNU, cystoscopies should be decreased to yearly intervals after year three. Contralateral UUT should also be examined after RNU.

Is Segmental Ureterectomy Associated with Inferior Survival for Localized Upper-Tract Urothelial Carcinoma of the Ureter Compared to Radical Nephroureterectomy?

Segmental ureterectomy (SU) is an alternative to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in the treatment of upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) of the ureter. SU generally preserves renal function, at the expense of less intensive cancer control. We aim to assess whether SU is associated with inferior survival compared to RNU. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we identified patients diagnosed with localized UTUC of the ureter between 2004-2015. We used a propensity-score-overlap-weighted (PSOW) multivariable survival model to compare survival following SU vs. RNU. PSOW-adjusted Kaplan-Meier curves were generated and we performed a non-inferiority test of overall survival. A population of 13,061 individuals with UTUC of the ureter receiving either SU or RNU was identified; of these, 9016 underwent RNU and 4045 SU. Factors associated with decreased likelihood of receiving SU were female gender (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75-0.88; p < 0.001), advanced clinical T stage (cT4) (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.30-0.88; p = 0.015), and high-grade tumor (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67-0.86; p < 0.001). Age greater than 79 years was associated with increased probability of undergoing SU (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.00-1.38; p = 0.047). There was no statistically significant difference in OS between SU and RNU (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.93-1.04; p = 0.538). SU was not inferior to RNU in PSOW-adjusted Cox regression analysis (p < 0.001 for non-inferiority). In weighted cohorts of individuals with UTUC of the ureter, the use of SU was not associated with inferior survival compared to RNU. Urologists should continue to utilize SU in appropriately selected patients.

Bladder Recurrence Following Upper Tract Surgery for Urothelial Carcinoma: A Contemporary Review of Risk Factors and Management Strategies

Context

Bladder recurrences have been reported in 22-47% of patients after surgery for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). This collaborative review focuses on risk factors for and treatment strategies to reduce bladder recurrences after upper tract surgery for UTUC.

Objective

To review the current evidence on risk factors and treatment strategies for intravesical recurrence (IVR) after upper tract surgery for UTUC.

Evidence acquisition

This collaborative review is based on a literature search of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and currently available guidelines on UTUC. Relevant papers on bladder recurrence (etiology, risk factors, and management) after upper tract surgery were selected. Special attention has been paid to (1) the genetic background of bladder recurrences, (2) bladder recurrences after ureterorenoscopy (URS) with or without a biopsy, and (3) postoperative or adjuvant intravesical instillations. The literature search was performed in September 2022.

Evidence synthesis

Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that bladder recurrences after upper tract surgery for UTUC are often clonally related. Clinicopathologic risk factors (patient, tumor, and treatment related) have been identified for bladder recurrences after UTUC diagnosis. Specifically, the use of diagnostic ureteroscopy before radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is associated with an increased risk of bladder recurrences. Further, a recent retrospective study suggests that performing a biopsy during ureteroscopy may further worsen IVR (no URS: 15.0%; URS without biopsy: 18.4%; URS with biopsy: 21.9%). Meanwhile, a single postoperative instillation of intravesical chemotherapy has been shown to be associated with a reduced bladder recurrence risk after RNU compared with no instillation (hazard ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.32-0.82). Currently, there are no data on the value of a single postoperative intravesical instillation after ureteroscopy.

Conclusions

Although based on limited retrospective data, performing URS seems to be associated with a higher risk of bladder recurrences. Future studies are warranted to assess the influence of other surgical factors as well as the role of URS biopsy or immediate postoperative intravesical chemotherapy after URS for UTUC.

Patient summary

In this paper, we review recent findings on bladder recurrences after upper tract surgery for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

Preoperative hydronephrosis is an independent protective factor of renal function decline after nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Objectives

To evaluate the predictive role of pre-nephroureterectomy (NU) hydronephrosis on post-NU renal function (RF) change and preserved eligibility rate for adjuvant therapy in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Patients and methods

This retrospective study collected data of 1018 patients from the Taiwan UTUC Collaboration Group registry of 26 institutions. The patients were divided into two groups based on the absence or presence of pre-NU hydronephrosis. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated pre- and post-NU respectively. The one month post-NU RF change, chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, and the preserved eligibility rate for adjuvant therapy were compared for each CKD stage.

Results

404 (39.2%) patients without and 614 (60.8%) patients with pre-NU hydronephrosis were enrolled. The median post-NU change in the eGFR was significantly lower in the hydronephrosis group (-3.84 versus -12.88, p<0.001). Pre-NU hydronephrosis was associated with a lower post-NU CKD progression rate (33.1% versus 50.7%, p< 0.001) and was an independent protective factor for RF decline after covariate adjustment (OR=0.46, p<0.001). Patients with pre-NU hydronephrosis had a higher preserved eligibility rate for either adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy (OR=3.09, 95%CI 1.95-4.69) or immune-oncology therapy (OR=2.31, 95%CI 1.23-4.34).

Conclusion

Pre-NU hydronephrosis is an independent protective predictor for post-NU RF decline, CKD progression, and eligibility for adjuvant therapy. With cautious selection for those unfavorably prognostic, non-metastatic UTUC patients with preoperative hydronephrosis, adjuvant rather than neoadjuvant therapy could be considered due to higher chance of preserving eligibility.

Case Report: Step-by-step procedures for total intracorporeal laparoscopic kidney autotransplantation in a patient with distal high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma

A 47-year-old man presented to the emergency department with right abdominal pain and a new onset of painless haematuria two weeks earlier. Urine cytology test results suggested urothelial carcinoma. Computed tomography urography (CTU) showed a filling defect in the lower right ureter with right hydronephrosis. Lymphadenopathy and any signs of metastatic disease were absent on CTU. Cystoscopy appeared normal. Creatinine level was also normal before surgery. After the treatment options were discussed, the patient chose to undergo 3D total intracorporeal laparoscopic kidney autotransplantation, bladder cuff excision, and segmental resection of the proximal two-thirds of the ureter based on the membrane anatomy concept. After more than one year of follow-up, the patient was in good health and showed no signs of haematuria. Surveillance cystoscopy and CTU examination showed no evidence of disease recurrence. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that kidney-sparing surgery may be considered for carefully selected patients with high-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Intravesical Recurrence after Radical Nephroureterectomy in Patients with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Is Associated with Flexible Diagnostic Ureteroscopy, but Not with Rigid Diagnostic Ureteroscopy

(1) Background: We assessed the impact of diagnostic ureteroscopy (URS) on intravesical recurrence (IVR) following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma according to the type of URS. (2) Methods: Data on 491 consecutive patients who underwent RNU at two institutions between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The study population was classified according to the type of URS performed before RNU as follows: non-URS, rigid URS, and flexible URS. The study outcome was IVR occurring within 1 year of RNU. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risk of IVR. (3) Results: Altogether, 396 patients were included for analysis. Rigid and flexible URS were performed in 178 (45%) and 111 (28%) patients, respectively, while 107 (27%) patients did not undergo URS. IVR was identified in 99 (25%) patients. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the flexible URS group was significantly associated with increased IVR, compared to the non-URS group (HR = 1.807, p = 0.0416). No significant difference in IVR was observed between the non-URS and rigid URS groups (HR = 1.301, p = 0.3388). (4) Conclusions: In patients with UTUC undergoing RNU, rigid URS may not increase the risk of IVR, whereas flexible URS appears to be associated with a higher risk of IVR.

Risk Factors for Unfavorable Pathological Types of Intravesical Recurrence in Patients With Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Following Radical Nephroureterectomy

Background

Numerous studies have investigated the risk factors of intravesical recurrence (IVR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, few studies explore the predictors for unfavorable pathological types of IVR following RNU.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 155 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer (BC) following RNU. Binary logistic regression was used for the univariable and multivariable analyses. Nomograms were developed based on the multivariable analysis. The concordance index (C-index) was used to assess the performance of the nomograms. We performed internal validation by generating calibration plots.

Results

Muscle-invasive BC (MIBC) was significantly correlated with operation interval (p = 0.004) and UTUC T-stage (p = 0.016). Operation interval (p = 0.002) and UTUC T-stage (p = 0.028) were also risk factors for BC > 3 cm. UTUC grade (p = 0.015), operation interval (p = 0.003), and hydronephrosis (p = 0.049) were independent predictors for high-grade BC (HGBC). MIBC (p = 0.018) and surgical approach (p = 0.003) were associated with multifocal IVR. Besides, MIBC and HGBC were associated with UTUC grade (p = 0.009), operation interval (p = 0.001), and hydronephrosis (p = 0.023). Moreover, only operation interval (p = 0.036) was a predictor for BC with at least one unfavorable pathological type. We developed nomograms for MIBC, HGBC, BC > 3 cm, and MIBC and/or HGBC. The calibration curves of the nomograms showed good agreement between the observation and prediction cases. The C-indexes of the nomograms were 0.820 (95% CI, 0.747–0.894), 0.728 (95% CI, 0.649–0.809), 0.770 (95% CI, 0.679–0.861), and 0.749 (95% CI, 0.671–0.827), respectively.

Conclusions

The current study found that operation interval, UTUC T-stage, UTUC grade, surgical approach, and hydronephrosis are independent predictors for unfavorable pathological types of IVR following RNU. Nomograms based on these predictors were developed and internally validated to assess the risk of developing unfavorable pathological types of IVR. Furthermore, patients at high risk of developing unfavorable pathological types BC may benefit from more active follow-up 1 year after RNU by early detection of IVR.

Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), with a distinction between the different risk groups.

RECENT FINDINGS

Endoscopic treatment with laser ablation of tumors has an evolving role in treating low-grade UTUC including select large and multifocal tumors, along with complementary topical chemotherapeutic treatment that can reach difficult intrarenal locations. Template lymphadenectomy is recommended in patients undergoing nephroureterectomy. A recent randomized control trial showed benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical nephroureterectomy for locally advanced disease. Advances in immunologic therapy have shown promise in treating metastatic UTUC, and immunologic-based therapies have been incorporated into treatment regimens. Notable progress has been made in both the surgical and medical treatment arms for UTUC, thus extending the reach of nephron-sparing therapy for those with localized disease and increasing overall survival for those with locally advanced disease.

Intraoperative Mitomycin C Bladder Instillation During Radical Nephroureterectomy Is Feasible and Safe

Background

Bladder recurrence after radical treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) is frequent, and patients are required to undergo surveillance cystoscopies following surgery. The use of intravesical adjuvant chemotherapy is an accepted method to prevent bladder recurrence, but the timing of this method is not standardized and the concept of intraoperative use is unexplored.

Objective

The objective of the study is to examine the feasibility and safety of intraoperative intravesical mitomycin C (MMC) instillation using a closed-circuit system following bladder cuff excision and bladder closure.

Design setting and participants

All patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UTUC at the Department of Urology of Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark from 2017 to 2020 were identified. Patient complications within 30 d and data regarding oncological outcome were registered.

Outcome measurements and statistical ana lysis

Clavien-Dindo grade for complications and descriptive statistics were used.

Results

During the study period, 64 patients underwent RNU. Of these patients, 49 received bladder instillation of MMC during RNU. Complications were observed in 11 patients (21.4%), where four patients (8.2%) had Clavien-Dindo complication grade (CD) I, four patients (8.2%) had CD II, one patient (2%) had CD III, and one patient (2%) had CD IIIa. None of the complications were suspected to be related to MMC. Five of the 15 patients (33%) who did not receive MMC experienced complications. There were no significant differences in complication rates between patients who received MMC and those who did not. Study limitations include a small sample size and a single-center study.

Conclusions

Intraoperative vesical instillation of MMC is feasible and was, in the present study, not associated with an increased complication rate.

Patient summary

Bladder recurrence after radical treatment of upper urinary tract cancer is frequent. The present study findings indicate that intraoperative bladder irrigation with the chemotherapeutic mitomycin C during surgery does not lead to excessive complications and could be a method to reduce the risk of bladder recurrence.

Pretreatment Risk Stratification for Endoscopic Kidney-sparing Surgery in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: An International Collaborative Study

BACKGROUND

Several groups have proposed features to identify low-risk patients who may benefit from endoscopic kidney-sparing surgery in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate standard risk stratification features, develop an optimal model to identify ≥pT2/N+ stage at radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), and compare it with the existing unvalidated models.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a collaborative retrospective study that included 1214 patients who underwent ureterorenoscopy with biopsy followed by RNU for nonmetastatic UTUC between 2000 and 2017.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We performed multiple imputation of chained equations for missing data and multivariable logistic regression analysis with a stepwise selection algorithm to create the optimal predictive model. The area under the curve and a decision curve analysis were used to compare the models.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 659 (54.3%) and 555 (45.7%) patients had ≤pT1N0/Nx and ≥pT2/N+ disease, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis of our model, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.03, p = 0.013), high-grade biopsy (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.37-2.40, p < 0.001), biopsy cT1+ staging (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.93-5.41, p < 0.001), preoperative hydronephrosis (OR 1.37 95% CI 1.04-1.80, p = 0.024), tumor size (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.17, p = 0.029), invasion on imaging (OR 5.10, 95% CI 3.32-7.81, p < 0.001), and sessile architecture (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.58-3.36, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with ≥pT2/pN+ disease. Compared with the existing models, our model had the highest performance accuracy (75% vs 66-71%) and an additional clinical net reduction (four per 100 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Our proposed risk-stratification model predicts the risk of harboring ≥pT2/N+ UTUC with reliable accuracy and a clinical net benefit outperforming the current risk-stratification models.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We developed a risk stratification model to better identify patients for endoscopic kidney-sparing surgery in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Surgery for Bladder and Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer

The cornerstone for diagnosis and treatment of bladder and upper tract urothelial carcinoma involves surgery. Transurethral resection of bladder tumors forms the basis of further management. Radical cystectomy for invasive bladder carcinoma provides good oncologic outcomes. However, it can be a morbid procedure, and advances such as minimally invasive surgery and early recovery after surgery need to be incorporated into routine practice. Diagnostic ureteroscopy for upper tract carcinoma is needed in cases of doubt after cytology and imaging studies. Low-risk cancers can be managed with conservative endoscopic surgery without compromising oncological outcomes; however, high-risk disease necessitates radical nephroureterectomy.

Nephron-sparing management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is uncommon and presents unique challenges for diagnosis and management. Nephroureterectomy has been the preferred management option, but it is associated with significant morbidity. Nephron-sparing treatments are a valuable alternative and provide similar efficacy in select cases. A PubMed literature review was performed in English language publications using the following search terms: urothelial carcinoma, upper tract, nephron-sparing, intraluminal and systemic therapy. Contemporary papers published within the last 10 years were primarily included. Where encountered, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were given priority, as were randomized controlled trials for newer treatments. Core guidelines were referenced and citations reviewed for inclusion. A summary of epidemiological data, clinical diagnosis, staging, and treatments focusing on nephron-sparing approaches to upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) are outlined. Nephron-sparing management strategies are viable options to consider in patients with favorable features of UTUC. Adjunctive therapies are being investigated but the data remains mixed. Protocol variability and dosage differences limit statistical interpretation. New mechanisms to improve treatment dwell times in the upper tracts are being designed with promising preliminary results. Studies investigating systemic therapies are ongoing but implications for nephron-sparing management are uncertain. Nephron-sparing management is an acceptable treatment modality best suited for favorable disease. More work is needed to determine if intraluminal and/or systemic therapies can further optimize treatment outcomes beyond resection alone.

Risk stratification for upper tract urinary carcinoma

Upper tract urinary carcinoma (UTUC) is a heterogeneous group of rare tumors. The aim of this article is to critically review current therapeutic strategies and to propose a change in the risk-stratification of the disease. A non-systematic review of the literature was performed using the Medline database with the search terms: “upper tract urothelial carcinoma” together with “prognostic factor”, “risk stratification”, “risk factor”, “recurrence”, “predictive tool”, “nomograms” and “treatment”. Preoperative risk factors can be viewed as patient-related risk factors (gender, age, ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, or genetic factors), or tumor-related risk factors (stage, grade, size, architecture, multifocality, ureteric obstruction). Several biomarkers, available either in blood, urine, or the tumor itself have also been proposed. However, many of these prognostic factors lack accuracy and validation in predicting oncological outcomes, despite their use in predictive tools. After risk stratification, kidney-sparing strategies should be considered (endoscopic management and segmental ureterectomy) and could benefit from new diagnostic tools and technical improvements in in situ adjuvant endocavitary instillations. Radical nephroureterectomy remains the first choice therapy for high-grade disease and will probably be associated with other treatments in the future (lymphadenectomy, perioperative chemotherapy, or immunotherapy). In view of the major recent improvements in UTUC treatment strategies, a new classification should be proposed, including low-, intermediate-, high- and very high-risk disease. Subgroup analysis of good quality trials and better understanding of UTUC risk factors will help validate this new approach toward more personalized medicine.

[Upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma]

Upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare entity. The incidence in Germany is approximately 2/100,000 with a ratio between women and men of 1:2.5. Most clinical signs are nonspecific, which is why early diagnosis is rarely successful. Computed tomography urography in combination with diagnostic ureterorenoscopy is currently the gold standard in the diagnostics of UTUC. Regarding surgical treatment, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with resection of a bladder cuff remains the method of choice, although the radical approach is developing towards laparoscopic/robotic or endourological procedures with preservation of kidney tissue. Due to the high recurrence rate (22-47%) of urothelial carcinoma inside the bladder, close follow-up after RNU is mandatory.

Importance of long-term follow-up after endoscopic management for upper tract urothelial carcinoma and factors leading to surgical management

PURPOSE

Patients undergoing endoscopic management for upper tract urothelial carcinoma often progress to definitive therapy with radical nephroureterectomy. This study examined the rate of progression as well as risk factors for transitions in treatment over time.

METHODS

Retrospective review at two institutions identified patients undergoing endoscopic management for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Patients were assessed for progression to radical nephroureterectomy. Baseline characteristics were compared using Chi square analysis. Kaplan-Meier method analyzed the probability of patients not progressing to radical nephroureterectomy. Cox proportional hazards identified factors associated with progression to radical nephroureterectomy.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients had endoscopic management alone and 89 progressed to radical nephroureterectomy. The two groups had similar age, histories of bladder cancer, and Charlson comorbidity index. Positive urinary cytology, ureteroscopic visualization, and biopsy grade were higher in those progressing to RNU (p < 0.001). Hazard modeling demonstrated higher rates of progression to radical nephroureterectomy with positive biopsy (HR 11.8, 95% CI 2.4-59.5, p = 0.003) or visible lesion on ureteroscopy (HR 8.4, 95% CI 3.0-23.9, p < 0.001). Patients with a higher Charlson comorbidity index were less likely to have radical nephroureterectomy. On Kaplan-Meier modeling, the probability of not undergoing radical nephroureterectomy at 2 years and 5 years was 50% and 20%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who progress to radical nephroureterectomy after endoscopic management have fewer comorbid conditions and changes in disease status including visible lesions on ureteroscopy and positive biopsies. The high rate of progression to radical nephroureterectomy reinforces the need for long-term follow-up of these patients.

Utility of Preoperative Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio as a New Objective Prognostic Tool in Endoscopically Treated Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Retrospective Evaluation

Introduction: This exploratory retrospective analysis examined any potential prognostic role of preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for progression-free survival (PFS) and time to endoscopically verified upper tract or bladder recurrence-free survival (RFS) in upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) patients selected for endoscopic treatment with subsequent endosurveillance. Patients and Methods: Eligibility criteria were natural orifice endoscopically retrogradely treated low-risk and imperative UTUC patients treated between 2005 and 2019, with biopsy confirmed diagnosis and 12 months minimum follow-up. For PFS, optimal NLR cutoff value was derived by log-rank test. Subsequently, both PFS and RFS were assessed for differences using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test. Multivariate proportional Cox regression analysis adjusted for clinicopathologic variables was performed to examine end points for NLR-independent prognostic significance. Results: There were 100 eligible patients (63 truly low risk and 37 imperative cases). The optimal PFS log-rank test NLR cutoff value was 2.7. NLR ≥2.7 was significantly associated with shorter PFS (p = 0.01), and shorter upper tract RFS (p = 0.03), but not with bladder RFS (p = 0.90). Only positive high-grade cytology (hazard ratio [HR] 5.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.140-16.35, p = 0.002) and NLR ≥2.7 (HR 4.28, 95% CI 1.34-13.72, p = 0.014) independently predicted PFS in multivariate analysis. Recurrence and progression were not significantly linked in the low-risk subset. Conclusions: This exploratory analysis showed that baseline NLR evaluation before first endoscopic UTUC treatment may be a valuable predictor and prognosticator of defined disease progression and of upper tract recurrence risk. In conjunction with high-grade urine cytology, NLR may improve risk stratification to optimize future individualized management.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: 2020 Update

CONTEXT

The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines Panel on Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) has prepared updated guidelines to aid clinicians in the current evidence-based management of UTUC and to incorporate recommendations into clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the EAU guidelines on UTUC as an aid to clinicians.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The recommendations provided in the current guidelines are based on a thorough review of available UTUC guidelines and articles identified following a systematic search of Medline. Data on urothelial malignancies and UTUC were searched using the following keywords: urinary tract cancer, urothelial carcinomas, upper urinary tract carcinoma, renal pelvis, ureter, bladder cancer, chemotherapy, ureteroscopy, nephroureterectomy, neoplasm, adjuvant treatment, instillation, recurrence, risk factors, and survival. References were weighted by a panel of experts.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Owing to the rarity of UTUC, there are insufficient data to provide strong recommendations. The 2017 tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification is recommended. Recommendations are given for diagnosis and risk stratification as well as for radical and conservative treatment, and prognostic factors are discussed. A single postoperative dose of intravesical mitomycin after nephroureterectomy reduces the risk of bladder tumour recurrence. Kidney-sparing management should be offered as a primary treatment option to patients with low-risk tumour and two functional kidneys. After radical nephroureterectomy, cisplatin-based chemotherapy is indicated in locally advanced UTUC.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines contain information on the management of individual patients according to a current standardised approach. Urologists should take into account the specific clinical characteristics of each patient when determining the optimal treatment regimen, based on the proposed risk stratification of these tumours.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is rare, but because 60% of these tumours are invasive at diagnosis, an appropriate diagnosis is most important. A number of known risk factors exist.

Organ-sparing procedures in GU cancer: part 3-organ-sparing procedures in urothelial cancer of upper tract, bladder and urethra

PURPOSE

The impact of radical surgery for urothelial carcinoma is significant on patient's quality of life. Organ-sparing surgery (OSS) can provide comparable oncological outcomes and with improved quality of life. In this review, we summarize the indications, techniques and outcomes of OSS for these tumors.

METHODS

PubMed^® was searched for relevant articles. Keywords used were: for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC): endoscopic, ureteroscopic/percutaneous management, laser ablation; for urothelial bladder cancer: bladder preservation, trimodal therapy, muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC); for urethral cancer: urethra/penile-sparing, urethral carcinoma.

RESULTS

Kidney-sparing surgery is an option in patients with low-risk UTUC with better renal function preservation and comparable oncological control to radical nephroureterectomy. In select patients with MIBC, trimodal therapy has better quality of life and comparable oncological control to radical cystectomy. In distal male urethral cancer, penile conserving surgery is feasible and offers acceptable survival outcomes. In female urethral cancer, organ preservation can be achieved, in addition to OSS, through radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

In the appropriately selected patient, OSS in upper tract, bladder and urethral carcinoma has comparable oncological outcomes to radical surgery and with the additional benefit of improved quality of life.

Consultation on UTUC, Stockholm 2018 aspects of risk stratification: long-term results and follow-up

Purpose

To summarize current knowledge on upper urinary tract carcinoma (UTUC) regarding risk stratification, long-term results, and follow-up.

Methods

A scoping review approach was applied to search literature in Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase. Consensus was reached through discussions at Consultation on UTUC, September 2018, Stockholm.

Results

To optimize oncological outcome considering both cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS), it is essential to identify pre- and postoperative prognostic factors. In low-risk UTUC, kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) offer equivalent CSS, whereas RNU may result in poorer OS due to nephron loss. For more aggressive tumours, undergrading can lead to insufficient treatment. The strongest prognostic factors are tumour stage and grade. Determining grade is best achieved by ureterorenoscopy (URS) with focal samples, biopsy and cytology. Staging is more difficult but can be indirectly achieved by multiphase computed tomography urography (CTU) or tumour grade determined by cytology and histopathology. Patients treated with KSS should be monitored closely with regular follow-ups (URS and CTU).

Conclusion

KSS should be offered in low-risk UTUC when feasible, whereas RNU is the treatment of choice in organ-confined high-risk UTUC. Intravesical recurrence (IVR) is common after RNU, but a single postoperative dose of mitomycin instillation decreases IVR. Endourological management has high local and bladder recurrence rates; however, its effect on CSS or overall survival OS is unclear. RNU is associated with significant risk of chronic kidney disease. Careful selection of patients and risk stratification are mandatory, and patients should be followed according to strict protocols.

Gradiently degraded electrospun polyester scaffolds with cytostatic for urothelial carcinoma therapy

Gradiently degraded cytostatic-loaded electrospun polyester scaffolds as potential self-removing ureteral stents prevent the recurrence of urothelial carcinoma.

Comparison of Radical Nephroureterectomy and Partial Ureterectomy for the Treatment of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

This study aimed to compare the oncological and renal outcomes of partial ureterectomy (PU) versus radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). UTUC patients' clinical information was reviewed, and progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and kidney function were collected. The mean follow-up period was 59 (6-135) months in the RNU group and 34.5 (5-135) months in the PU group. The mean operation time in the PU group was 141 (64-340) min, which is significantly shorter than the RNU group (P < 0.01). Regarding kidney function at one year or two years after operation, the PU group had significantly improved mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels and a remarkably decreased constitution of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) III or higher group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in PFS and OS between the RNU group and the PU group (P > 0.05). Multifactor Cox regression analysis indicated that age and the preoperative CKD stages were independent risk factors for poor kidney functions of UTUC patients. Compared to patients in RNU group, patients in PU have no significant difference in survival time but have shorter operation time, shorter hospital stay, and improved kidney functions.

Risk factors for bladder cancer recurrence survival in patients with upper-tract urothelial carcinoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this work was to investigate the predictive factors for bladder cancer recurrence survival (BCRS) in patients with upper-tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

We selected patients with UTUC who underwent segmental ureterectomy (Su) or nephroureterectomy (Nu) from 2004 to 2013 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients with a history of intravesical therapy for bladder cancer and bladder cancer prior to the diagnosis of UTUC were excluded. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards model to compare overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and BCRS.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 1,454 patients, 169 (11.6%) had low-grade tumors and 1,285 (88.4%) had high-grade tumors; 239 (16.4%) underwent Su and 1,215 (83.6%) underwent Nu. We found that T4 grade (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.216; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.197-12.087) and ureteral tumors (HR = 1.764; 95% CI, 1.173-2.652) were predictors of shorter BCRS, whereas Nu (HR = 0.608; 95% CI, 0.388-0.953) predicted longer BCRS. Five-year BCRS rates were low-grade tumors: 94.1%, high-grade tumors: 85.4% (p = 0.038); plus Su: 82.9%, and Nu: 87.6% (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of Su should be more selective for high-grade tumors, as it correlates with shorter BCRS. Tumors located in the ureter are associated with shorter BCRS than those located in the renal pelvis.

Segmental Ureterectomy is Acceptable for High-risk Ureteral Carcinoma Comparing to Radical Nephroureterectomy

Purpose: To determine if segmental ureterectomy (SU) could be chosen for wider oncological indications than low-risk ureteral carcinoma, given the difficulties in accurate preoperative risk stratification determination and kidney-sparing needs for successive therapy. Methods: Data from ureteral carcinoma patients who underwent open SU or laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) between 2011 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model with patients' baseline characteristics (age, bladder cancer history, hydronephrosis), procedure type, and tumor characteristics (site, size, pathological features) as covariates were used to evaluate oncological outcomes. Life quality parameters including preoperative renal function, Karnofsky performance status, pain score, and surgical complications were set as second endpoints. Results: Sixty-three patients (24 in SU group, 39 in RNU group) who had at least one high-risk factor were enrolled. In the mean follow-up time of 24.67 months, no significant difference was found in recurrence-free survival (66.7% and 69.2%, p = 0.798), overall survival (79.2% and 84.6%, p = 0.453), and cancer-specific survival (83.3% and 89.7%, p = 0.405) between SU and RNU groups. The Cox regression demonstrated that procedure type was not associated with oncological outcomes. Patients in SU group experienced significant mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increase by 4.60 ml/(min·1.73 m²) (p < 0.001). Proportion of patients having poor eGFR also decreased postoperatively in SU group. Mere tendency in physical performance status improvement and serious complications reduction was detected in SU group. Conclusion: SU is acceptable for high-risk ureteral carcinoma comparing to RNU with satisfying tumor control efficacy and advantage in renal function preservation.

Revisiting the Prognostic Heterogeneity of AJCC Stage IV Carcinomas of the Upper Urinary Tract

BACKGROUND

Current staging paradigms from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for upper urinary tract carcinomas treat locoregionally advanced (T4 and N+) and metastatic (M1) patients as a single entity (stage IV). The current study proposes a modification of the AJCC staging system where these 2 entities are separated.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2014) was accessed through SEER*Stat program. Overall survival (OS) analyses according to AJCC and modified staging systems were conducted through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Moreover, cancer-specific survival analysis was conducted through a Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

OS was compared according to AJCC and modified AJCC staging systems. The P value for OS trend for both staging systems was < .0001. This was also found when OS was stratified by the site of the primary (renal pelvis vs. ureter) as well as when stratified by the staging approach (pathologic vs. clinical) (P < .0001). Cancer-specific Cox proportional hazard analysis (adjusted for age, grade, histology, and surgical treatment) was conducted for both staging systems. Pairwise hazard ratio comparisons between different stage categories for both staging systems were significant (P < .0001). The c index for cancer-specific survival for the AJCC staging system was 0.706 with standard error 0.006 (95% confidence interval, 0.695-0.717), while the c index for cancer-specific survival for the modified AJCC staging system was 0.714 with standard error 0.006 (95% confidence interval, 0.702-0.725).

CONCLUSION

Dividing stage IV upper urinary tract carcinomas into locoregionally advanced and metastatic disease subcategories improves the prognostic utility of the staging system compared to the current AJCC staging system. Given the limitations of a SEER-based study, this concept needs to be externally validated in various settings.

Endoscopic Approaches to Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

A select group of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) may meet indications for endoscopic management. Strategies for disease management are provided, based on a comprehensive review of the data using PubMed and Medline databases and marrying this with our experience with endoscopic management of UTUC. Endoscopic management of UTUC via retrograde or antegrade approaches is a viable treatment option for appropriately selected patients with low-risk UTUC, including those with low-grade, low-volume, and solitary tumors. However, recurrence risk limits these procedures to compliant patients under a vigilant surveillance program. Efficacious adjuvant therapies are needed to reduce local recurrences.