Template-based lymphadenectomy in urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis: A prospective study

Perioperative management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in the Nordic countries

BACKGROUND

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare malignancy, with typically only few new cases annually per urological department. Adherence to European association of urology (EAU) guidelines on UTUC in the Nordic countries is unknown. The objective of this survey was to examine the implementation of EAU guidelines, the perioperative management and organization of the treatment of UTUC in the Nordic countries.

METHODS

The electronic survey was distributed to 93 hospitals in the Nordic countries performing radical nephroureterectomy (NU). The survey consisted of 57 main questions and data was collected between December 1st, 2021 and April 23rd, 2022.

RESULTS

Overall response rate was 47/93 (67%) with a completion rate of 98%. Five out of the 6 examined subjects on diagnostic practice are applied by ≥ 72% of the participating centers. NU as treatment for high-risk UTUC is performed by 37/47 (79%), and 91% include a bladder cuff excision.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to EAU guidelines is high on diagnostic practice in the Nordic countries, whereas disease management is less coherent.

Contemporary Role of Lymph Node Dissection in Genitourinary Cancers: Where Are We in 2023?

CONTEXT

Lymphadenectomy during surgery for genitourinary malignancies has varying benefits.

OBJECTIVE

To review contemporary evidence on lymph node dissection in genitourinary cancers.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a collaborative review to summarize current evidence supporting lymph node dissection in urothelial, prostate, kidney, penile, and testis cancers. We present the evidence on patient selection and recommended dissection templates, and highlight knowledge gaps and ongoing areas of investigation.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Lymph node dissection remains the reference standard for lymph node staging. Pathologic nodal stage informs prognosis and guides adjuvant treatment. Appropriate template and patient selection are paramount to optimize outcomes and capitalize on the selective therapeutic benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate staging with lymphadenectomy is contingent on appropriate template selection. The cumulative benefit will depend on judicious patient selection.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We performed a collaborative review by a diverse group of experts in urology. We reviewed current evidence on lymph node dissection.

Lymph Node Dissection in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Current Status and Future Perspectives

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review aims to evaluate the role of lymph node dissection (LND) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and its implications for staging and management outcomes, as well as future perspectives.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple studies have demonstrated the limitations of conventional imaging techniques in accurately localizing lymph node metastasis (LNM) in UTUC. While 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (18FDG-PET/CT) shows promise for preoperative LNM detection, its specificity is low. Alternative methods such as choline PET/CT and sentinel lymph node detection are under consideration but require further investigation. Additionally, various preoperative factors associated with LNM hold potential for predicting nodal involvement, thereby improving nodal staging and oncologic outcomes of LND. Several surgical approaches, including segmental ureterectomy and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy, provide a possibility for LND, while minimizing morbidity. LND remains the primary nodal staging tool for UTUC, but its therapeutic benefit is still uncertain. Advances in imaging techniques and preoperative risk assessment show promise in improving LNM detection. Further research and multi-center studies are needed to comprehensively assess the advantages and limitations of LND in UTUC, as well as the long-term outcomes of alternative staging and treatment strategies.

Location of Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Metastases in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Results from a Prospective Lymph Node Mapping Study

Background

There is limited information on the distribution of retroperitoneal lymph node metastases (LNMs) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Objective

To investigate the location of LNMs in UTUC of the renal pelvis or proximal ureter and short-term complications after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with lymph node dissection (LND).

Design setting and participants

This was a prospective Nordic multicenter study (four university hospitals, two county hospitals). Patients with clinically suspected locally advanced UTUC (stage >T1) and/or clinical lymph node-positive (cN+) disease were invited to participate. Participants underwent RNU and fractionated retroperitoneal LND using predefined side-specific templates.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The location of LNMs in the LND specimen and retroperitoneal lymph node recurrences during follow-up was recorded. Postoperative complications within 90 d of surgery were ascertained from patient charts. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results and limitations

LNMs were present in the LND specimen in 23/100 patients, and nine of 100 patients experienced a retroperitoneal recurrence. Distribution per side revealed LNMs in the LND specimen in 11/38 (29%) patients with right-sided tumors, for whom the anatomically larger, right-sided template was used, in comparison to 12/62 (19%) patients with left-sided tumors, for whom a more limited template was used. High-grade complications (Clavien grade ≥3) within 90 d of surgery were registered for 13/100 patients. The study is limited in size and not powered to assess survival estimates.

Conclusions

The suggested templates that we prospectively applied for right-sided and left-sided LND in patients with advanced UTUC included the majority of LNMs. High-grade complications directly related to the LND part of the surgery were limited.

Patient summary

This study describes the location of lymph node metastases in patients with cancer in the upper urinary tract who underwent surgery to remove the affected kidney and ureter. The results show that most metastases occur within the template maps for lymph node surgery that we investigated, and that this surgery can be performed with few severe complications.

Oncological and Renal Function Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Simultaneous Radical Cystectomy and Nephroureterectomy for Synchronous or Metachronous Panurothelial Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical outcomes of patients who underwent simultaneous radical cystectomy (RC) and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for panurothelial carcinoma (PanUC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 67 patients who underwent simultaneous RC and unilateral RNU for PanUC, from 1996 to 2017. Kaplan-Meier estimates for remnant urothelium recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were performed. Cox multivariate models were constructed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 38 months, 29.8% of patients had a recurrence, 34.3% had metastasis, 67.2% of patients died from any cause, and 37.3% died from urothelial carcinoma. Overall survival and CSS rates at 5 years were 44% and 61%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer before surgery, presence of muscle-invasive stages at RC and/or RNU, and prostatic urethra involvement were predictors for worse metastasis-free survival and CSS. Forty-one patients (61.2%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min before surgery and the number rose to 56 (83.5%) after surgery; 29.8% patients needed renal function replacement therapy after surgery (16 haemodialysis and 4 renal transplant).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PanUC who undergo simultaneous surgery have adverse oncological (only 4 out of every 10 remain alive at 5 years) and functional outcomes (1 out of 3 will need renal function replacement therapy after surgery). Up to a third of the patients had a recurrence (urethra or contralateral kidney) within 18 months, justifying close surveillance or considering prophylactic urethrectomy. These data should help in counsel on morbidity and life expectancy.

Optimizing Lymph Node Dissection at the Time of Nephroureterectomy for High-risk Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Lymph node dissection (LND) has prognostic and possible therapeutic benefits in the management of high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma. However, LND use is low and difficult to monitor, so it is not easy to study LND outcomes and the true rate of use. Prespecified templates for complete node dissection and detailed reporting are imperative to critically assess the benefits of LND in future studies. Barriers to LND use may include fear of complications and difficulty in predicting which patients have high-risk disease. Methods to improve LND implementation include the use of strict templates with descriptive pathology reporting, nomograms for preoperative risk stratification, and LND as a quality indicator to monitor rates of use and guideline concordance. PATIENT SUMMARY: For patients with high-risk cancer of the upper urinary tract, removal of lymph nodes during surgery improves identification of the cancer stage and may have a therapeutic effect too. Further studies are needed to confirm potential therapeutic benefits.

Oncological outcomes of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection during retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for renal pelvic or upper ureteral tumors: Matched-pair analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the oncological outcomes and recurrence patterns of clinically node-negative patients with renal pelvic and/or upper or middle ureteral tumors after a template-based retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in conjunction with retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LRNU).

METHODS

A total of 283 patients who received LRNU with and without RPLND at three Japanese institutions were enrolled. The template of RPLND included the renal hilar and paraaortic lymph nodes (LNs) (left side) and renal hilar, paracaval, retrocaval, and intra-aortocaval LNs (right side). The LNs and kidneys were removed en bloc. The primary endpoint was set as recurrence-free survival. All RPLND cases were matched one-to-one with no RPLND cases using a propensity score matching approach, and 47 matched pairs were included in analyses.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, significant differences were not observed in the RPLND group in terms of operation time, blood loss, postoperative complication rate, and pathological findings. The estimated five-year recurrence-free survival was significantly higher in the RPLND group (86.8%) compared to the group without RPLND (64.2%) (p = 0.014). The estimated five-year cancer-specific survival showed a similar tendency; however, it did not reach a statistically significant difference (87.5% vs 71.3%, respectively; p = 0.168). As for the first recurrence site, the RPLND group showed a lower incidence of distant recurrence, while a significant difference was not observed in the rate of regional LN recurrence.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that a template-based RPLND in conjunction with retroperitoneal LRNU efficiently improves the recurrence-free survival by reducing distant recurrences.

Prospective Clinical Trial of the Oncologic Outcomes and Safety of Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Extended Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection at Time of Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Purpose

To determine the safety and feasibility of extraperitoneal laparoscopic extended lymph node dissection (LND) at the time of extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Materials and Methods

Between May 2018 and March 2019, 39 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) received extraperitoneal laparoscopic RNU and concomitant extraperitoneal laparoscopic extended LND. All patients were followed for at least 90 days. Perioperative and pathological data including nodal status and perioperative complications were collected.

Results

Among all 39 patients, 12 patients had pT1, 6 had pT2, 20 had pT3 disease, and 1 had T4 disease. The median (range) lymph node count was 10 (5–22), with 8 patients having pathologically proven lymph node metastasis. The median (range) operating time was 225 (165–430) min, and the median estimated blood loss was 200 (60–800) ml. The median postoperative hemoglobin loss was 1.6 (0–4.2) g/dl. The median (range) postoperative hospital stays were 6 (3–26) days. Overall, 7 patients experienced minor (Clavien Grade I–II) postoperative complications with five patients having Clavien Grade I complications and two patients having Clavien Grade II complications. No major complication (Clavien grade III–IV) occurred. With a median follow-up of 38 months, a total of 8 patients (20.5%) developed local or distant recurrence and no regional LNs where extended LND were performed had recurrence.

Conclusions

The present prospective study demonstrated that extraperitoneal laparoscopic extended LND during extraperitoneal laparoscopic RNU for UTUC is a feasible and safe procedure which provides minimal invasion, rapid recovery, and potentially lower risk of regional LN recurrence. Larger prospective clinical trials with survival endpoints are needed to further determine its potential therapeutic benefits.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT 03544437 www.clinicaltrials.gov

Prognostic assessments in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical nephroureterectomy and systematic regional lymph node dissection

OBJECTIVES

Systematic regional lymph node dissection (LND) combined with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) has been reported to improve the outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients. The objective of the present study was to assess the prognostic outcomes of UTUC patients undergoing systematic regional LND combined with RNU.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective evaluation of prognostic outcomes of 68 consecutive UTUC patients treated with RUN and systematic regional LND.

RESULTS

The median durations of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 45 and 166 months, respectively. Univariate analyses of several parameters showed that despite the lack of a significant predictor for RFS, the presence of lymph node metastasis correlated with poor OS.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that comparatively favorable outcomes are achievable in UTUC patients by RNU and systematic regional LND; however, special attention is needed for patients with nodal involvement even after systematic regional LND due to the adverse impact of this factor on OS.

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.

Does multidetector computed tomographic urography (MDCTU) T staging classification correspond with pathologic T staging in upper tract urothelial carcinoma?

PURPOSE

Multidetector computed tomographic urography (MDCTU) is not yet sufficient to be used in the clinical staging of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MDCTU T stage classification and pathologic T staging for UTUC.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 125 patients with UTUC who underwent preoperative MDCTU. A single radiologist classified the MDCTU pattern of the tumors as either low or advanced T stage for localized or locally advanced tumors, respectively. The diagnostic values of MDCTU for locally advanced tumors and the kappa agreement between MDCTU and pathologic T stage were investigated.

RESULTS

Among 85 pathologic low T stage (Ta-T2) tumors, 71 low T stage tumors were correctly detected by MDCTU, while 30 out of 40 advanced T stage (T3-T4) tumors were correctly diagnosed by MDCTU. MDCTU led to under-staging in 8% (10/125) tumors and over-staging in 11.2% (14/125) tumors. Therefore, the overall accuracy of MDCTU in the diagnosis of low and advanced T stage tumors was 80.8% (101/125 patients). The sensitivity for advanced T stage tumors was 75% (30/40), the specificity was 83.5% (71/85), and the positive and negative predictive values were 68.1% (30/44) and 87.6% (71/81), respectively. The kappa agreement value between the MDCTU T stage and pathologic T stage was 0.57 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.72), which was statistically significant (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MDCTU T stage classification may be relatively accurate for the detection and staging of UTUC correspondence with a pathologic stage.

Lymph node dissection for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A systematic review

Objective

To perform a systematic review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, investigating the role of lymph node dissection (LND) during nephroureterectomy (NU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC); focussing on survival and complication outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic search was completed using a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords related to UTUC and LND on multiple databases. Meta-analyses were performed when outcomes were reported under the same definition in two or more studies. Where meta-analysis was not possible, outcomes were reviewed in a narrative manner.

Results

A total of 21 studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 11 cohort studies in the quantitative analysis. Our review did not detect significant improvement in recurrence-free survival (RFS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–1.92), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.54–1.46) and overall survival (OS) (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.93–1.30). However, when focussing on studies only including patients with pT2/pT3 UTUC, not performing LND significantly worsened RFS (HR 2.83, 95% CI 1.72–4.66). Reports of removing more than eight lymph nodes may also provide prognostic benefits in pN0 patients. The performance of LND was not associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications (risk ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.13).

Conclusion

Overall, LND did not provide additional benefit in RFS, CSS and OS. However, there was a potential benefit in RFS in patients with muscle-invasive and advanced UTUC. LND was also not associated with increased risks of postoperative complications.

Abbreviations: CIS: carcinoma in situ; CSS: cancer-specific survival; HR: hazard ratio; LND: lymph node dissection; NU: nephroureterectomy; OS: overall survival; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; RFS: recurrence-free survival; RoB, risk of bias; RR: risk ratio; (UT)UC: (upper tract) urothelial carcinoma

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.

Lymph node dissection during nephroureterectomy: Establishing the existing evidence based on a review of the literature

Abstract Objective: To determine the role of lymph node dissection (LND) in the treatment of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (UTTCC), as the role of LND along with nephroureterectomy in treating UTTCC is unclear and several retrospective studies have been published on this topic with conflicting results.

Methods: The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database (CENTRAL), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, and individual urological journals, were searched for all studies investigating the role of LND in the treatment of UTTCC. Of the studies identified, those that met inclusion criteria were included in this review.

Results: In all, 27 studies were included in this review, with 9303 patients who underwent LND. No randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. Tumours were located in the renal pelvis in 62% of patients, in the ureter in 35.5%, and multifocal in 2.3%. In total: 77.1% were LN-negative and 22.9% had LN metastasis. For all patients undergoing LND, the 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were 27–65.4% and 32.3–95%, respectively. For patients who underwent a LND in accordance with a standardised anatomical template, the 5-year RFS and CSS rates were 84.3–93% and 83.5–94%, respectively.

Conclusion: LND may provide a survival benefit in patients undergoing nephroureterectomy for UTTCC, particularly if following a standardised anatomical template and in those patients with muscle-invasive disease; however, a prospective RCT is required to confirm this.

Abbreviations: CSS: cancer-specific survival; LN(D): lymph node (dissection); MeSH: Medical Subject Headings; OS: overall survival; pT: pathological T stage; RCT: randomised controlled trial; RFS: recurrence-free survival; UTTCC: upper tract TCC

Comparative study of lymph node dissection, and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic and open radical nephroureterectomy for patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract undergoing regional lymph node dissection

Objective

To assess the number of lymph nodes removed as a surrogate marker of the extent of lymph node dissection, and compare survival outcomes between laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LRNU) and open radical nephroureterectomy (ORNU) in patients undergoing standardized lymph node dissection.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 214 cTanyN0M0 patients undergoing radical NU with regional lymph node dissection according to the tumor location. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox hazards model were utilized for survival analyses, including recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 114 patients underwent LRNU and 100 underwent ORNU. There was no significant difference in the pT stage, pN stage, or tumor grade, but distal ureteral tumors were more frequent in the LRNU group. The number of lymph nodes removed did not differ between the two groups [LRNU: 12 (median), ORNU: 11.5, P = 0.3852]. Lymph node metastasis was pathologically identified in 19 patients (8.9%). The 5-year RFS (ORNU: 71.7%, LRNU: 74%, P = 0.7829), CSS (77.8 and, 80%, P = 0.8441) and OS (72.8, and 75.9%, P = 0.3456) did not differ between the two groups. In the sub-analysis of pT3/4 patients (n = 83), there were no significant differences in RFS, CSS, or OS between the two groups, although Kaplan–Meier survival curves were slightly better for those receiving ORNU. In the multivariate model, LRNU was not significantly correlated with a poorer RFS, CSS or OS.

Conclusion

Our data support the feasibility of lymph node dissection with a laparoscopic approach and the equivalent oncological outcome of LRNU compared with ORNU when regional lymph node dissection is performed. However, LRNU should be performed after careful patient selection for advanced disease.

Therapeutic strategies for upper tract urothelial carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Many controversies exist regarding the appropriate management of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), including staging, surgical management, use of systemic therapy, and prevention of bladder recurrence. Due to the rarity of this condition, high-level evidence is often lacking and in many cases guidelines are extrapolated from existing evidence on urothelial bladder cancer. Areas covered: This review paper summarizes the evidence on proper diagnosis and staging, surgical techniques, prevention of bladder recurrences, the use of local or systemic treatments in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings as well as special consideration for hereditary UTUC. Expert commentary: UTUC is a rare malignancy and slow progress is being made in the acquisition of high-quality evidence in this field. Treatments that facilitate preservation of the kidney are being explored such as advanced endoscopic techniques or partial resection of ureteral disease with seemingly acceptable oncological results. Further prospective evidence is needed.

Role of lymph node dissection in the management of upper tract urothelial carcinomas: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lymph node dissection (LND) is not routinely performed during radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUC) and the role of LND has been controversial. We aim to investigate whether patients with LND had improved survival in UTUC patients.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library for citations published prior to January 2016, describing LND performed among UTUC patients and conducted a standard meta-analysis of survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Eleven eligible studies containing 7516 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Pooled HRs for cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 1.17 (P = 0.18) and 1.33 (P = 0.19) respectively. However, the patients in the LND group had more advanced tumour stages and grades (P < 0.001). Further subgroup analysis showed that among muscle-invasive UTUC patients, the pooled HR for CSS and RFS were 1.10 (P = 0.42) and 0.92 (P = 0.72) respectively. Besides, no difference was found in CSS and RFS between pN0 and pNx individuals in overall populations and in patients with muscle-invasive UTUC, while pN+ patients had significantly worse prognosis when compared to pN0 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

LND during RNU allows more accurate staging and prediction of survival, but it remains uncertain whether LND independently improves survival in patients with UTUC. However, standard use of LND should be further investigated in a multi-center, prospective evaluation to obtain a definitive statement regarding this matter.

Lymphadenectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer and Upper Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma

There are currently no reported randomized trials that characterize the staging or therapeutic benefit of performing a lymph node dissection in either bladder cancer or upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Several unanswered questions remain in this domain focused on the indications and patient selection for pelvic lymph node dissection, extent of dissection, its impact on outcome, and potential risks. However, the results of observational studies suggest that the burden of metastasis is high in both diseases when muscle invasive and performing a lymphadenectomy can provide prognostic information and yield therapeutic benefit.

Preoperative controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score as a novel predictive biomarker of survival in patients with localized urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract treated with radical nephroureterectomy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and survival of patients with localized urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively enrolled 107 patients. CONUT score was calculated based on the serum albumin concentration, lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol concentration. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on CONUT score. Relapse-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) after RNU were compared between the 2 groups, and predictors of survival were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

For CONUT score, the area under the curve was 0.588 and the optimal cutoff value was 3. Twenty-four patients (22.4%) had high CONUT scores. The patients with high CONUT scores had significantly shorter 5-year RFS, CSS, and OS than did those with low CONUT scores (RFS: 50.1% vs. 66.0%; CSS: 28.1% vs. 71.7%; OS: 26.4% vs. 66.8%; all P<0.05). Results of the multivariable analysis, after adjustment for factors such as pT stage, pN stage, tumor grade, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and C-reactive protein level, revealed that CONUT score was an independent predictor of CSS (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.44, P = 0.0016) and OS (HR = 2.90, P = 0.0214) and showed marginal significance for predicting RFS (HR = 2.26, P = 0.0581).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative CONUT score helps predict survival in patients with localized urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract treated with RNU.

Effect of Lymphadenectomy During Radical Nephroureterectomy in Locally Advanced Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The role of lymph node dissection (LND) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LND on clinical outcomes during radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and to determine prognostic factors of survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1985 to 2013, 404 patients with UTUC underwent RNU; 5 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. Among them, 182 (46%) were pathologically negative for lymph node metastasis (pN0), 177 (44%) were non-LND (pNx), and 40 (10%) were positive for lymph nodes metastasis (pN1/2).

RESULTS

The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate were higher in pN0 patients than in pNx patients and in pN1/2 patients. According to multivariate analysis, non-LND was an independent predictive factor of DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.91; P = .004) and CSS (HR, 2.28; P = .003). In the subgroup with muscle-invasive UTUC, the 5-year DFS and CSS rates were higher in pN0 patients than in pNx patients. However, there was no statistical difference between pN0 and pNx groups in terms of DFS and CSS in the pT2 cases. DFS and CSS times were significantly prolonged in the pN0 group in the locally advanced UTUC patients (≥pT3).

CONCLUSION

In the ≥pT3 subgroup, the 5-year DFS and CSS were significantly prolonged in the pN0 group, but there were no statistical differences between pN0 and pNx groups in terms of DFS and CSS in the pT2 subgroup. LND for patients with locally advanced UTUC might improve disease prognosis.

Anatomical templates of lymph node dissection for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Indications and techniques of lymph node dissection (LND) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) are still controversial. Areas covered: In this study, a systematic review of the English-language literature was performed up to 1 July 2016 using the Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Sciences databases to provide a detailed overview of the most commonly dissected surgical templates of LND for UTUC according to laterality and location of the tumor. Overall, sixteen studies were analyzed. Based on the shared experiences in the scientific literature, the LND template typically included: for right-sided tumors of the renal pelvis, upper third and middle third of the ureter, the renal hilar, paracaval, precaval and retrocaval nodes, while for left-sided tumors the renal hilar, paraaortic and preaortic nodes. For tumors of the lower ureter, an extended pelvic LND was performed in most cases; however, the paracaval, paraaortic or presacral nodes were dissected in selected series. Expert commentary: LND is not routinely performed at the time of surgery for UTUC and both indication and extent of LND vary among surgeons and institutions. Future high-quality studies are needed to define the most accurate LND templates and to assess their oncological efficacy and surgical morbidity.

Association between lymph node yield and survival among patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the upper tract

BACKGROUND

Prior studies examining the value of lymph node (LN) dissection (LND) in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UTUC) have produced conflicting results. The objective of the current study was to assess the relationship between LN yield and survival among patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was used to identify patients with non-metastatic UTUC who were treated with RNU between 2004 and 2012. The association between LN yield and overall survival (OS) was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression, with adjustment for patient, tumor, and facility characteristics.

RESULTS

Of the 14,472 patients, 2926 (20%) underwent LND. The median yield was 2 LNs (interquartile range 1-6 LNs). Among the entire cohort and the LN-negative (pN0) subgroup, a higher LN yield was associated with lower all-cause mortality (multivariable hazard ratio [HR] 0.94 per 5 LNs removed, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.89-1.00 [P = .034] for the entire cohort and HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.94 [P = .001] for the pN0 subgroup). Among patients with positive LNs (pN+), there was no association noted between LN yield and OS; however, positive and negative LN counts were found to be independent predictors of OS (HR 1.27 per 5 positive LNs, 95% CI 1.16-1.39 [P<.001] and HR 0.90 per 5 negative LNs, 95% CI 0.82-1.00 [P = .049]).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large, contemporary cohort of patients with UTUC, LND was found to be used infrequently despite evidence that a higher LN yield is associated with lower all-cause mortality. Cancer 2017;123:1741-1750. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Prognostic value of lymph node yield during nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Lymph node dissection (LND) performed during radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains controversial and difficult to evaluate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether removal of more lymph nodes during RNU is safe and improves oncologic outcomes.

METHODS

We evaluated 422 patients who underwent RNU with concomitant LND for upper tract urothelial carcinoma between 1976 and 2015, assessing for an association between total nodes removed, recurrence-free survival, and cancer-specific survival using Cox proportional hazards models. We also investigated the relationship between nodal yield and perioperative metrics and intersurgeon variability using linear regression.

RESULTS

In our cohort of 442 patients, 239 developed recurrences and 94 patients died of disease. Median follow-up among survivors was 3.7 years (interquartile range: 1.2, 7.4). The median nodal yield was 9 (interquartile range: 4, 16). Among patients with node-positive disease (pN1), we observed a significant improvement in recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.84 per 5 nodes removed, P = 0.039) and a nonsignificant improvement in cancer-specific survival with an increase in the nodal yield (hazard ratio = 0.90 per 5 nodes removed, P = 0.2). There was no evidence of an association between node yield and operative time, estimated blood loss, or 30-day complications on multivariable analysis. There was significant heterogeneity among surgeons regarding the extent of LND (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that a more extensive node dissection may improve oncologic outcomes in a subset of high-risk patients without significantly increasing operative time or serious complications. Additionally, we identified considerable intersurgeon heterogeneity regarding the extent of LND furthering the notion of surgeon variability as a nonstandardized factor.

Changes in oncological outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated in the last two decades: a retrospective analysis based on a multicenter collaborative study

OBJECTIVE

We investigated chronological changes in the outcomes of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma treated in the past two decades, during which there was an important change in treatment paradigm.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 1180 urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy in multicenter collaborative institutions between 1996 and 2015. The patients were divided into four groups according to the year when radical nephroureterectomy was performed, as follows: 1996-2000 (period 1; P1), 2001-05 (P2), 2006-10 (P3) and 2011-15 (P4). Variables including tumor grade, T and N categories, administration of perioperative chemotherapy and treatment outcomes were compared among the four groups.

RESULTS

There were 146 (12%), 312 (27%), 459 (39%) and 263 (22%) patients in the P1, P2, P3 and P4 groups, respectively. The proportion of patients harboring pT2/3 and Grade 3 tumors increased gradually from 42% (P1) to 58% (P4) and from 49% (P1) to 65% (P4), respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 74%, 74%, 73% and 75%, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 74%, 65%, 67% and 72% for the P1, P2, P3, and P4 groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis with adjustment for possible confounding factors revealed no significant differences in disease-specific survival, overall survival or intravesical recurrence-free survival among the four groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advances in diagnostic instruments, surgery and systemic chemotherapy, the clinical outcome of urinary tract urothelial carcinoma after radical surgery has not significantly improved over the last two decades, and further research is therefore required.

Lymph node yield and tumor location in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy affects survival: A U.S. population-based analysis (2004-2012)

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to characterize the contemporary trends in lymphadenectomy for the treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in a population-based cohort and to determine if number of lymph nodes removed and tumor location are predictors of cancer-specific survival in patients undergoing nephroureterectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individuals with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program from 2004 to 2012 were identified. Linear regression was used to assess trends in lymphadenectomy. Patients were stratified based on nodal status, quartiles of nodes removed, and tumor location. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare cancer-specific survival and overall survival among groups.

RESULTS

In the cohort, 25% (721/2,862) of all patients and 27% (566/2,079) of grade 3/4 patients underwent lymphadenectomy. The percentage of patients undergoing lymphadenectomy increased from 20% (60/295) in 2004 to 33% (106/320) in 2012 (P = 0.02). Patients with the highest quartile of lymph nodes removed had improved the 5-year cancer-specific survival of 78% (95% CI: 69%-85%) compared to the second quartile (60%; 95% CI: 51%-67%; P = 0.003) and the third quartile (60%; 95% CI: 51%-68%; P = 0.002) of nodes removed. This trend held for node-negative and node-positive patients. In multivariable modeling, a lower number of lymph nodes dissected (hazard ratio = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.98) and ureteral tumors (hazard ratio = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.07-1.56) were predictors of worse cancer-specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy, rates of lymphadenectomy have increased from 2004 to 2012 in the United States. In this contemporary cohort, an increase in the number of nodes removed and renal pelvis tumors are associated with improved cancer-specific survival, which highlights the importance of intentional lymph node dissection with adequate lymph node yield in these patients.

Contemporary Evaluation and Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer

Radical nephroureterectomy with en bloc bladder cuff excision and regional lymphadenectomy is the gold standard for the management of high-grade and high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinomas. There are a few prospective randomized controlled studies in this uncommon and often aggressive disease to support level-1 management guidelines. However, recent developments in imaging, minimally invasive techniques, lymphatic dissemination, and bladder cancer prevention raise the hope for improved risk stratification and treatments without compromising, and hopefully improving, oncological outcomes. Multimodality approaches in terms of neoadjuvant, adjuvant topical, and systemic chemotherapeutic regimens are promising, with 2 prospective trials either open or in development.

Contemporary role of lymph node dissection at the time of radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma

PURPOSE

To review the contemporary data on the role of lymph node dissection (LND) at the time of radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

A computerized bibliographic search using the following protocol ("Nephroureterectomy") AND ("Lymphadenectomy" OR "Lymph node" OR "Lymphatic") was performed in MEDLINE to identify all original and review articles that addressed the role of LND for UTUC.

RESULTS

Regional lymph node (LN) boundaries of UTUC have been recently investigated in mapping studies to propose anatomic templates of LND according to the laterality and location of primary tumor. Although these anatomic templates remained poorly described, most reports supported the staging benefit of LND that allowed for risk stratification of patients with (pN+) or without (pN0) LN metastases from those who did not undergo such a procedure (pNx). In addition, the therapeutic benefit of LND at the time of RNU was supported by better oncological outcomes obtained after complete LND when compared to incomplete or no LND, especially in the group of patients with advanced disease. The number of LNs removed was also correlated with both, more accurate staging and greater cancer-specific survival after LND, whose feasibility and safety have been validated in prospective studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite mostly based on data with level of evidence 3, our comprehensive review of the literature supports the staging and therapeutic benefits of LND at the time of RNU for UTUC, which are particularly significant for patients with muscle-invasive or locally advanced disease.

Patterns of Lymphatic Metastases in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma and Proposed Dissection Templates

PURPOSE

Information on patterns of lymph node metastases for upper tract urothelial carcinoma is sparse. We investigated patterns of lymph node metastases in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective multi-institutional study of 73 patients with N+M0 upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent template lymphadenectomy during nephroureterectomy. Anatomical locations of tumor, and number of lymph nodes removed and positive lymph nodes were analyzed and descriptive statistics were performed.

RESULTS

On the right side the 20 renal pelvis tumors had lymph node metastases to the hilum in 22.1% of cases, and to paracaval, retrocaval and interaortocaval regions in 44.1%, 10.3% and 20.6%, respectively. The 10 proximal ureter tumors had lymph node metastases to the hilum in 46.2% of cases, and to paracaval and retrocaval regions in 46.2% and 7.7%, respectively. The 2 distal ureter tumors had lymph node metastases equally to the paracaval and pelvic regions. On the left side the 24 renal pelvis tumors had lymph node metastases to the hilum region in 50.0% of cases and to the para-aortic region in 30.0%. The 8 proximal ureter tumors had lymph node metastases to the hilum region in 36.4% of cases and the para-aortic region in 63.6%. The 5 mid ureter tumors had lymph node metastases to the para-aortic, common iliac and internal iliac regions in 40%, 40% and 20% of cases, respectively. The 4 distal ureter tumors had lymph node metastases to the para-aortic, common iliac, external iliac and internal iliac regions in 33.3%, 33.3%, 16.7% and 16.7% of cases, respectively. Interaortocaval involvement from both sides as well as out of field lymph node metastases appeared to occur secondarily. Consolidated templates were constructed based on the available data.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma has characteristic patterns of lymph node metastases depending on the side and anatomical location of the primary tumor, including right-to-left migration and involvement of interaortocaval nodes in the setting of proximal disease. Standardized dissection templates should be prospectively evaluated in multicenter trials to assess morbidity and potential clinical benefit.

Lymphadenectomy for testicular, penile, upper tract urothelial and urethral cancers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The lymph node dissection (LND) is an integral component of many oncologic surgeries. Better understanding of each cancer's behaviour and improvements in surgical techniques necessitate a critical analysis of lymph node disease and the optimal LND template. This review will focus on updates in managing lymph node disease in testicular, penile, upper tract urothelial and urethral cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

For testicular and penile cancer, advances have focused on reducing the morbidity associated with the standard templates of dissection while maintaining oncologic efficacy. For upper tract urothelial carcinoma, data continue to be mixed regarding the need for a LND, though it does seem to benefit patients with advanced tumours. Little is known regarding the optimal LND template for urethral cancer.

SUMMARY

A thorough LND has an established diagnostic and therapeutic role in testicular and penile cancer. For upper tract urothelial carcinoma, the role of an LND remains controversial, though emerging evidence points to an association with improved outcomes. Due to the rarity of urethral cancer, there are no standard LND templates, though excising clinically positive nodes is recommended. For all these cancers, more sophisticated risk stratification based upon clinical and pathologic factors has helped determine which patients require an LND and how to best manage these patients after surgery.

Possible role of template-based lymphadenectomy in reducing the risk of regional node recurrence after nephroureterectomy in patients with renal pelvic cancer

OBJECTIVE

It remains unclear whether lymphadenectomy alters regional node recurrence after nephroureterectomy in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The predictive factors for regional node recurrence are still unclear. In this study, we retrospectively examined how the extent of lymphadenectomy influences regional node recurrence in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis.

METHODS

From January 1988 through July 2013, we performed nephroureterectomy in 180 patients with non-metastatic (cN0M0) urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis at two Japanese institutes. Regional nodes were determined according to our previous mapping study: complete lymphadenectomy designates that all regional sites were dissected; incomplete lymphadenectomy that all sites were not dissected. A third group included those without lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

The 5-year cancer-specific and recurrence-free survival was significantly higher in the complete lymphadenectomy group than in the incomplete lymphadenectomy or without lymphadenectomy groups (P = 0.03). The incidence of regional node recurrence was significantly lower in the complete lymphadenectomy group at 2.9% (2/67) than in the incomplete lymphadenectomy at 18.1% (4/22) or without lymphadenectomy at 10.9% (10/91) groups (P = 0.03). In patients with incomplete lymphadenectomy, 75% of regional node recurrence occurred outside of the dissected sites. Complete lymphadenectomy is shown to be a likely predictive factor of reduced risk of recurrence at the regional nodes by multivariate analysis, after adjusting for patient age, pathological T stage, and pathological nodal metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that template-based lymphadenectomy reduced the risk of regional node recurrence in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis and appears to result in improved survival.

Robot-assisted surgery for the treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is increasingly used in urologic oncologic surgery. Robotic nephroureterectomy is still a relatively new technique. As upper tract urothelial carcinoma is a rare disease, intermediate- and long-term outcome data are scarce. However, robotic nephroureterectomy does seem to offer advantages to open and laparoscopic counterparts, with comparable short-term oncologic and functional outcomes. Here the authors review the robotic surgical management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, with a review of the steps and tips on making this approach more widely adoptable.