Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Mining and validation of prognosis of various visceral metastasis in renal cell carcinoma: a study based on SEER database

Our study was aimed to analyze a substantial of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, research the high-risk factors and prognostic factors of metastasis, and thoroughly examine the effects of primary site surgery, lymph node dissection (LND), and chemotherapy on the prognosis of different visceral metastases. The baseline characteristics were characterized, and logistic regression was used to predict the risk factors for metastasis. Prognostic factors of metastatic RCC were assessed using batch univariate and multivariate Cox regression, with adjustments made through PSM. Next, the Kaplan-Meier method was employed to assess OS and create the survival curve. Logistic regression identified risk factors for metastasis: male gender [OR, 1.223; P < 0.001], Hist clear (OR, 9.37; P < 0.001), Hist papillary (OR, 2.49; P < 0.001), and TTX (OR, 23.33; P < 0.001). We found several independent prognostic variables: among which chemotherapy (HR, 0.64), local LND (HR, 0.67), and primary site surgery (HR, 0.97) were associated with better OS. Further study results demonstrated that all kinds of visceral metastasis except for liver metastasis in the operation group had substantially better prognoses than those in the non-operation group (P < 0.05). Regional LND had no discernible impact on survival. Patients with liver, lung, and distant lymph node (LN) metastasis benefited from chemotherapy (P < 0.05), but the bone and brain metastasis did not significantly benefit from treatment (P > 0.05). We recommend primary surgery for different types of visceral metastases except liver metastasis. Routine regional LND is not recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered for patients with lung, distant LN, and liver metastases, but not for those with bone and brain metastases.

Comparison of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed with AirSeal® system vs. standard insufflator: results from a referral center

Objective

To compare perioperative and oncologic surgical outcomes during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) performed by standard carbon dioxide insufflation, with those from surgeries in which the AirSeal® intelligent insufflation system was used for renal tumors.

Materials and methods

A total of 27 patients with renal tumor were identified, 14 underwent LPN with AirSeal® (group A) and 13 LPN with standard insufflator (group B), respectively. Demographic baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups.

Results

The size of the tumor was largest in group B (29.64 vs. 32.1 mm). The mean operative time was shorter in the AirSeal® group [group A: mean 109.0 min, median 107.5 min, interquartile range (IQR) 85; group B: mean 121.0 min, median 120.0 min, IQR 50.0]. Positive margin rates were absent in the two groups. Estimated blood loss presented a difference in the perioperative period (group A: mean 1.5 g/dL, median 1.45 g/dL; group B: mean 2.15 g/dL, median 2.2 g/dL). Time to ischemia was found to be shorter in group A with a median of 18 min compared to a median of 20 min in group B. No subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum cases occurred in either group. A postoperative complication developed in one patient requiring superselective embolization.

Conclusion

In selected patients, our preliminary surgical experience has shown that the LPN procedure performed with the aid of the AirSeal® intelligent insufflation system can be used to treat even medium-/high-complexity kidney lesions, with a reduction in operating times, lower rates of complications, and perioperative blood loss.

Clinical trial registration

AirSealV1.

SLC14A1 is a new biomarker in renal cancer

BACKGROUND

Renal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the urinary tract, prone to distant metastasis and drug resistance, with a poor clinical prognosis. SLC14A1 belongs to the solute transporter family, which plays a role in urinary concentration and urea nitrogen recycling in the renal, and is closely associated with the development of a variety of tumors.

METHODS

Transcription data for renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) were obtained from the public databases Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and we investigated the differences in SLC14A1 expression in cancerous and normal tissues of renal cancer, its correlation with the clinicopathological features of renal cancer patients. Then, we verified the expression levels of SLC14A1 in renal cancer tissues and their Paracancerous tissues using RT-PCR, Western-blotting and immunohistochemistry. Finally, we used renal endothelial cell line HEK-293 and renal cancer cell lines 786-O and ACHN to explore the effects of SLC14A1 on the biological behaviors of renal cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis using EDU, MTT proliferation assay, Transwell invasion assay and scratch healing assay.

RESULTS

SLC14A1 was lowly expressed in renal cancer tissues and this was further validated by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in our clinical samples. Analysis of KIRC single-cell data suggested that SLC14A1 was mainly expressed in endothelial cells. Survival analysis showed that low levels of SLC14A1 expression were associated with a better clinical prognosis. In biological behavioral studies, we found that upregulation of SLC14A1 expression levels inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastatic ability of renal cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

SLC14A1 plays an important role in the progression of renal cancer and has the potential to become a new biomarker for renal cancer.

Comparative Analysis for the Distinction of Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma from Renal Oncocytoma in Computed Tomography Imaging Using Machine Learning Radiomics Analysis

Background: ChRCC and RO are two types of rarely occurring renal tumors that are difficult to distinguish from one another based on morphological features alone. They differ in prognosis, with ChRCC capable of progressing and metastasizing, but RO is benign. This means discrimination of the two tumors is of crucial importance. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to develop and comprehensively evaluate predictive models that can discriminate between ChRCC and RO tumors using Computed Tomography (CT) scans and ML-Radiomics texture analysis methods. Methods: Data were obtained from 78 pathologically confirmed renal masses, scanned at two institutions. Data from the two institutions were combined to form a third set resulting in three data cohorts, i.e., cohort 1, 2 and combined. Contrast-enhanced scans were used and the axial cross-sectional slices of each tumor were extracted from the 3D data using a semi-automatic segmentation technique for both 2D and 3D scans. Radiomics features were extracted before and after applying filters and the dimensions of the radiomic features reduced using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. Synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was applied to avoid class imbalance. Five ML algorithms were used to train models for predictive classification and evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation. Results: The number of selected features with good model performance was 20, 40 and 6 for cohorts 1, 2 and combined, respectively. The best model performance in cohorts 1, 2 and combined had an excellent Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 1.00 ± 0.000, 1.00 ± 0.000 and 0.87 ± 0.073, respectively. Conclusions: ML-based radiomics signatures are potentially useful for distinguishing ChRCC and RO tumors, with a reliable level of performance for both 2D and 3D scanning.

Precision Medicine: An Optimal Approach to Patient Care in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is a heterogeneous tumor that shows both intra- and inter-heterogeneity. Heterogeneity is displayed not only in different patients but also among RCC cells in the same tumor, which makes treatment difficult because of varying degrees of responses generated in RCC heterogeneous tumor cells even with targeted treatment. In that context, precision medicine (PM), in terms of individualized treatment catered for a specific patient or groups of patients, can shift the paradigm of treatment in the clinical management of RCC. Recent progress in the biochemical, molecular, and histological characteristics of RCC has thrown light on many deregulated pathways involved in the pathogenesis of RCC. As PM-based therapies are rapidly evolving and few are already in current clinical practice in oncology, one can expect that PM will expand its way toward the robust treatment of patients with RCC. This article provides a comprehensive background on recent strategies and breakthroughs of PM in oncology and provides an overview of the potential applicability of PM in RCC. The article also highlights the drawbacks of PM and provides a holistic approach that goes beyond the involvement of clinicians and encompasses appropriate legislative and administrative care imparted by the healthcare system and insurance providers. It is anticipated that combined efforts from all sectors involved will make PM accessible to RCC and other patients with cancer, making a tremendous positive leap on individualized treatment strategies. This will subsequently enhance the quality of life of patients.

Dual-targeting vaccine of FGL1/CAIX exhibits potent anti-tumor activity by activating DC-mediated multi-functional CD8 T cell immunity

Tumor DNA vaccine as an effective therapeutic approach can induce systemic immunity against malignant tumors, but its therapeutic effect is still not satisfactory in advanced renal cancer. Herein, a novel DNA vaccine containing dual antigens of fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) was developed and intramuscularly delivered by PLGA/PEI nanoparticles for renal cancer therapy. Compared with PLGA/PEI-pCAIX immunization, PLGA/PEI-pFGL1/pCAIX co-immunization significantly inhibited the subcutaneous tumor growth and promoted the differentiation and maturation of CD11c⁺ DCs and CD11c⁺CD11b⁺ DCs subset. Likewise, the increased capabilities of CD8 T cell proliferation, CTL responses, and multi-functional CD8⁺ T cell immune responses were observed in PLGA/PEI-pFGL1/pCAIX vaccine group. Interestingly, depletion of CD8⁺ T cells by using CD8 mAb resulted in a loss of anti-tumor function of PLGA/PEI-pFGL1/pCAIX vaccine, suggesting that the anti-tumor activity of the vaccine was dependent on CD8⁺ T cell immune responses. Furthermore, PLGA/PEI-pFGL1/pCAIX co-immunization also suppressed the lung metastasis of tumor mice by enhancing the multi-functional CD8⁺ T cell responses. Therefore, these results indicate that PLGA/PEI-pFGL1/pCAIX vaccine could provide an effective protective effect for renal cancer by enhanced DC-mediated multi-functional CD8⁺ T cell immune responses. This vaccine strategy offers a potential approach for solid or metastatic tumor treatment.

Splenic metastasis from recurrent chromophobe renal cell carcinoma 12 years post-nephrectomy: a case report

Background

Renal cell carcinoma metastases to the spleen are rare. At the time of this report, only 20 cases of splenic metastases from RCC have been published in the literature. To our knowledge, our report is the first splenic metastasis from a chromophobe RCC.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old woman presented with clinical and radiological features of splenic metastasis from RCC, 12 years after radical nephrectomy for chromophobe RCC. Computed tomography, laparotomy and splenectomy revealed metastases to the spleen and retroperitoneal lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Splenic metastasis from RCC is uncommon, and rarer still from a chromophobe subtype of RCC. Surgical management of the metastasis is recommended.

[Dignity of Small Renal Masses: Implications for Diagnostics and Therapy]

Dignity of Small Renal Masses: Implications for Diagnostics and Therapy Abstract. The ubiquitous availability of radiological imaging has increased the diagnosis of renal incidentalomas with a diameter ≤4 cm. If malignancy is suspected, these are often treated surgically without prior biopsy. However, several studies demonstrate a relevant proportion of benign tumors, equating to a degree of overtreatment. There are no Swiss data available. Renal tumors resected in our center between 2006 and 2014 (n = 404) were retrospectively examined for size on cross-sectional imaging and their respective histology, identifying 221 (54.7 %) small renal masses with a diameter ≤4 cm. Of these, 62 (28 %) were benign and three (1.4 %) were of unclear or low malignant potential. Among the remaining 156 malignancies, 116 (74.4 %) were classified as prognostically favorable, allowing for active surveillance, if the patient's clinical context allows.

Renal Cell Cancer: Clinicopathological Profile and Survival Outcomes

Background: The incidence of renal cell cancer (RCC) is increasing worldwide. However, scant information is available from the Indian subcontinent regarding its clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed data of patients suffering from RCC at our center over the last one decade (2004–2013) to generate information on these aspects. Materials and Methods: Case records of 423 patients treated between 2004 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline characteristics, histopathological information, and survival outcomes were assessed. Overall survival was calculated from the time of diagnosis to death due to any cause. Results: The median age was 52 years (range: 18–87 years). Male: female ratio was 3.5:1. The median duration of symptoms was 3 months (range: 0–24 months). Thirty-five patients (8.3%) were detected in asymptomatic state. The most common symptom was hematuria (53.2%) followed by flank pain (46.3%). The most common histology was clear cell subtype (71.4%). Two hundred and ninety-three (69.3%) patients presented with nonmetastatic disease whereas 130 (30.7%) had upfront metastatic disease. Five-year survival in Stages 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 92.7%, 72.9%, 54.6%, and 11.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Younger age, higher male–female ratio, lower proportion of asymptomatic patients, higher proportion of advanced stage at diagnosis, and lower stage-wise survival were some of the key findings.

Radiation Risks for the Incidence of Kidney, Bladder and Other Urinary Tract Cancers: 1958-2009

As part of the recent series of articles to create a comprehensive description of the radiation risks of solid cancer incidence after ionizing radiation exposure, based on the atomic bomb survivors' Life Span Study (LSS), this work focuses on the risks of urinary tract cancer (UTC) and kidney cancer. Analyses covered a 52-year period of follow-up, through 2009, among 105,444 eligible survivors who were alive and cancer free in 1958. This represents an additional 11 years of follow-up since the last comprehensive report, with a total of 3,079,502 person-years. We observed 790 UTC and 218 kidney cancer cases. Adjusted for smoking, there was a strong linear radiation dose response for UTC. The sex-averaged excess relative risk per 1 Gy (ERR/Gy) was 1.4 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.82 to 2.1). Both males and females showed significantly increased ERRs/Gy with female point estimates at a factor of 3.4 (95% CI: 1.4 to 8.6) greater than male estimates. UTC radiation risks were largely unmodified by age at exposure or attained age. The attributable fraction of UTC to radiation exposure was approximately 18% while that attributed to smoking was 48%. Kidney cancer showed an increased ERR due to smoking (0.56 per 50 pack-years; 95% CI -0.007 to 1.6; P = 0.054), but we did not observe any strong associations of kidney cancer with radiation exposure, although sex-specific dose responses were found to be statistically different.

Enhanced Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics Signature Combined With Clinical Features in Evaluating Nuclear Grading of Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to explore the value of enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics signature combined with clinical features in evaluating nuclear grading of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

METHODS

One hundred one patients with ccRCC were classified into low- and high-grade group, and the data were divided into training set and verification set. Radiomics signatures were constructed in the training set in enhanced 3 stages and the combination of them. The predictive nomogram was constructed. The classification efficiency and the clinical practicability of the integrated radiomics model were evaluated.

RESULTS

The classification efficiency of enhanced 3-stage integrated histology model was higher than that of each single-phase model. The predictive nomogram incorporated the best radiomics signature, and the independent clinical risk factors showed good performance. A decision curve analysis curve shows that the net benefit of the combined model.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to evaluate the nuclear grading of ccRCC based on enhanced CT radiomics signature combined with clinical features.

Discrimination of papillary renal cell carcinoma from benign proteinaceous cyst based on iodine and water content on rapid kV-switching dual-energy CT

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate whether rapid kV-switching dual energy CT (rsDECT) can discriminate between papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and benign proteinaceous cysts (BPCs) based on iodine and water content.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with histopathologically proven papillary RCC and 38 patients with 41 BPCs were retrospectively included. Patients with BPCs were eligible for inclusion when the cysts were stable in size and appearance for at least 2 years or proved to be a cyst on ultrasound or MRI. All patients underwent delayed phase (70-90 s) rsDECT. Iodine and water content of each lesion was measured on the workstation.

RESULTS

Of papillary RCC patients, 4 (16%) were female and 20 (84%) were male. Mean tumor size was 39±20 mm. Mean iodine and water content was 2.08±0.7 mg/mL and 1021±14 mg/mL, respectively. Of BPC patients, 9 were female and 29 were male. Mean cyst size was 20±7 mm. Mean iodine and water content was 0.82±0.4 mg/mL and 1012±14 mg/mL, respectively. There were significant differences between iodine and water contents of papillary RCCs and BPCs (P < 0.001). The best cutoff of iodine content for differentiating papillary RCC from BPC was 1.21 mg/mL (area under the curve [AUC]=0.97, P < 0.001, sensitivity 96%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value [PPV] 82%, negative predictive value [NPV] 97%, accuracy 91%,); the best cutoff of water content was 1015.5 mg/mL (AUC=0.68, P = 0.016, sensitivity 83%, specificity 56%, PPV 52%, NPV 85%, accuracy 66%).

CONCLUSION

An iodine content threshold of 1.21 mg/mL accurately differentiates papillary RCC from BPCs on a single postcontrast rsDECT. Despite having a high sensitivity, water content has inferior diagnostic accuracy.

Establishment of predictive model for patients with kidney cancer bone metastasis: a study based on SEER database

Background

Bone is a common metastatic tissue of kidney cancer. Accurate prediction of the prognosis of patients with kidney cancer bone metastasis (KCBM) can help doctors and patients choose a further appropriate treatment.

Methods

During the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2015, screening patients with kidney cancer diagnosed with bone metastases from the SEER database. Summary of demographic, pathology, number of other metastatic organs, and treatment for KCBM patients. All prognostic factors were plotted for Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test. Prognostic factors of P<0.001 in the log-rank test were chosen and used to establish nomograms of OS and KCSS. We used C-index, ROC curve, and calibration plot to test the prediction accuracy of two nomograms.

Results

A total of 4,234 KCBM patients were included in the study, and patients were diagnosed between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. The model establishment group included 2,966 KCBM patients and the validation group included 1,268 KCBM patients. We have established nomograms for OS and KCSS respectively. These two nomograms included factors such as age, marital status, insurance status, histological type, grade, T stage, N stage, number of extra-bone metastatic organs, surgery, RT, and CT. The C-index of nomograms of OS and KCSS was 0.733 and 0.752, respectively. In all ROC curves, all AUC values were greater than 0.7, proving that the nomograms of both OS and KCSS have achieved medium prediction accuracy. The calibration plots of the model establishment group and the validation group showed good consistency between the predicted nomograms of OS and KCSS.

Conclusions

In this study, nomograms of OS and KCSS were established based on the published data of KCBM patients in the SEER database, and the model was validated internally and externally. The prediction accuracy of nomograms of OS and KCSS achieved satisfactory results. At present, this model has the ability to predict the prognosis of KCBM patients and can be used in clinical work.

The effect of renal function change on renal cell carcinoma patients with tumor thrombus after nephrectomy and thrombectomy: a large Chinese center experience

Background

To explore the influencing factors of perioperative renal function change and their relationship with prognosis on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with tumor thrombus after nephrectomy and thrombectomy.

Methods

The clinical and pathological data of 135 patients with RCC and tumor thrombus, who underwent nephrectomy and thrombectomy at Peking University Third Hospital from May 2015 to July 2018, was retrospectively analyzed. Absolute change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (ACE) and percent change in eGFR (PCE) were calculated by preoperative and postoperative renal function. Linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of ACE and PCE, and logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of worse postoperative renal function [eGFR≤60 mL/(min × 1.73 m^2)]. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression, which were used to explore the effect of ACE and PCE on prognosis.

Results

Of all the 135 patients, 101 patients (74.8%) were male and 34 patients (25.2%) were female. The mean preoperative eGFR was 73.9 ± 21.8 mL/(min × 1.73 m^2) and postoperative eGFR was 69.5 ± 25.2 mL/(min × 1.73 m^2). In multivariate linear regression analysis, preoperative eGFR (P < 0.001) and pathological type (P = 0.038) were significant predictive factors of ACE. In aspect of PCE, preoperative eGFR (P < 0.001) and pathological type (P = 0.002) were significant predictors. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative eGFR (P = 0.016) was the only risk factor of predicting worse postoperative renal function. During follow-up, 22 patients (16.3%) were dead due to RCC. According to ROC analysis, the cut off value of ACE and PCE was 13.9 and 0.16, respectively. ACE> 13.9 and PCE > 0.16 indicated worse CSS (P = 0.006 and P = 0.047, respectively). However, in multivariate Cox regression analysis of several related factors, perinephric tissues invasion (P = 0.001), sarcomatoid differentiation (P = 0.001) and ACE> 13.9 (P = 0.002) were significant prognostic factors for CSS. PCE > 0.16 seemed to be not (P = 0.055).

Conclusion

We explored several clinicopathological risk factors of predicting renal function change and their relationship with prognosis of RCC patients with tumor thrombus after nephrectomy and thrombectomy. The renal function change, which was associated with preoperative eGFR and pathological type, was prognostic risk factor for CSS and ACE> 13.9 indicated the worse prognosis.

[Epidemiology and diagnostic assessment of small renal masses]

BACKGROUND

The incidence of small renal masses has been rising over the last few decades. At the same time, mortality of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is decreasing. These trends can be explained by the availability of improved therapeutic measures and the good prognosis of small renal masses (SRM) turning out to be histopathologically benign or of low malignancy in many cases.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to present epidemiology and diagnostic assessment of SRM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Statistics, basic research, guidelines.

RESULTS

The incidence of SRM is rising due to the widespread use of imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Sensitivity is excellent for CEUS and for CECT in the characterization of SRM, while good specificity values can be reached by MRI. For characterization of complex cystic renal masses, CEUS has good diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to improved diagnostic possibilities, SRMs can be diagnosed in early asymptomatic stages. As SRM have a good prognosis and often are of low malignancy therapy, options should be carefully considered; especially in older patients, active surveillance should considered.

Frequency, incidence and survival outcomes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma in the United States from 1973 to 2014: A SEER-based analysis

The epidemiological and prognostic data focusing on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are rarely presented. This study was aimed to define the frequency, incidence, and survival outcomes of ccRCC in the United States.The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was searched for patients with ccRCC from 1973 to 2014. Two patient cohorts were utilized: patient cohorts of SEER 18 registries and 9 registries. Overall survival was determined with Kaplan-Meier method and compared across groups with log-rank test.The incidence rate of ccRCC increased with advancing age, peaked in individuals aged 60 to 79 years, and declined in individuals aged ≥80 years. The incidence rate of ccRCC was significantly higher in males than females (1.94: 1, P < .0001), in Whites than Blacks or others (1:0.79:0.91, P < .0001). The incidence rate of ccRCC with right side as primary origin was slightly but significantly higher than that with left side as primary origin (1:0.96, P = .0006). The incidence rate of ccRCC in Grade II was higher than other grades. Generally, the incidence rates of ccRCC in most circumstances started to surge in the middle 1990s. Survival outcomes of ccRCC worsened with advancing age at diagnosis, tumor grade, and stage. A better prognosis was observed in females than males, in Whites than Blacks, and in individuals diagnosed in 2006 to 2014 than 1973 to 2005.To the best of our knowledge, the present study firstly presented long-term and updated epidemiological and prognostic data concerning ccRCC in the United States. Significant differences in incidence rates and survival outcomes stratified by different variables were identified.

Who is dying after nephrectomy for cancer? Study of risk factors and causes of death after analyzing morbidity and mortality reviews (UroCCR-33 study)

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

Nephrectomy is the treatment for renal cell cancer from T1-4 tumors but remains at risk. To determine the thirty-day mortality rate after nephrectomy for cancer and to identify causes and risk factors of death in order to find clinical applications. From 2014 to 2017, we performed a retrospective multicentric analysis of prospectively collected data study involving the French network for research on kidney cancer (UroCCR). All patients who died after nephrectomy for cancer during the first thirty days were identified. Patients' characteristics, causes of death and morbidity and mortality reviews reports were analyzed for each death.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In total, 2578 patients underwent nephrectomy and 35 deaths occurred. The thirty-day mortality rate was 1.4%. In univariate analysis, symptoms at diagnosis (P=0.006, OR=2.56 IC (1.3-5.03)), c stage superior to cT1 (P<0.0001, OR=6.13 IC (2.8-13.2)), cT stage superior to cT2 (P<0.0001, OR=8.8 IC (4.39-17.8)), nodal invasion (P<0.0001, OR=4.6 IC (1.9-10.7)), distant metastasis (P=0.001, OR=4.01 IC (1.7-8.9)), open surgery (P<0.0001, OR=0.272 IC (0.13-0.54)) and radical nephrectomy (P=0.007, OR=2.737 IC (1.3-5.7)) were risk factors of thirty-day mortality. In a multivariable model, only cT stage superior to T2 (P=0.015, OR=3.55 IC (1.27-10.01)) was a risk factor of thirty-day mortality. The main cause of postoperative death was pulmonary (n=15; 43%). The second cause was postoperative digestive sepsis for 7 patients (20%). Only 2 morbidity and mortality reviews had been done for the 35 deaths. Limitations are related to the thirty-day mortality criteria and descriptive study design.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic patients, stage cTNM and type and techniques of surgery are determinants of thirty-day mortality after nephrectomy for cancer. The first cause of postoperative death is pulmonary. Morbidity and mortality reviews should be considered to better understand causes of death and to reduce early mortality after nephrectomy for cancer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Foley catheter-assisted six-step thrombectomy technique in the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma with Mayo level II to IV tumor thrombus

OBJECTIVE

To simplify Foley catheter-assisted thrombectomy to a six-step approach and determine the feasibility and results of this technique for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with a Mayo level II to IV tumor thrombus (TT).

METHODS

The surgical records of patients with RCC with a Mayo level II to IV TT treated in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen patients who underwent radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy with a Foley catheter-assisted procedure were included. Epidemiological and clinicopathological features, operation-related variables, and outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The TTs in all 15 patients were successfully retracted by the Foley catheter. The mean operation time was 420.1 ± 108.9 minutes. The mean intraoperative blood loss and perioperative red blood cell transfusion volumes were 1846.7 ± 1467.8 and 1288.7 ± 1060.6 mL, respectively. Five patients had perioperative complications. The median follow-up time was 9 (range, 0-34) months, and four patients died of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Simplification of Foley catheter-assisted thrombectomy to a six-step approach results in the probability of avoiding thoracotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass to a certain degree and is associated with fewer complications, less blood loss, and less perioperative red blood cell transfusion. However, experienced surgeons and multidisciplinary cooperation are still needed.

Key miRNAs and target genes played roles in the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) is the most aggressive form of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs and target genes in CCRCC.

METHODS

The miRNA and mRNA next-generation sequencing data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Differential expression analysis was performed, followed by correlation analysis of miRNA-mRNA. Functional enrichment and survival analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and eighty-seven patients with CCRCC from TCGA data portal were included in this study. A total of 52 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in CCRCC. Then 2361 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Prediction analysis and correlation analysis revealed that 89 miRNA-mRNA pairs were not only predicted by algorithms but also had a significant inverse relationship. Several differentially expressed miRNAs such as hsa-mir-501 and their target genes including AK1, SLC25A15 and PCDHGC3 had a significant prognostic value for CCRCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Alterations of differentially expressed miRNAs and target genes may be involved in the development of CCRCC and can be considered as the prognostic markers for CCRCC.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) is Underexpressed in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Tissue and Transfection and Overexpression in Caki-1 Cells Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Increases Apoptosis

Background

The aims of this study were to investigate the expression of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1) in human tissue containing clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) compared with normal renal tissue, and the effects of upregulating the expression of MTHFD1 in the human CCRCC cell line, Caki-1.

Material/Methods

Tumor and adjacent normal renal tissue were obtained from 44 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for CCRCC. Caki-1 human CCRCC cells were divided into the control group, the empty vector (EV) group, and the plasmid-treated group that overexpressed MTHFD1. MTHFD1 mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay measured cell viability. Flow cytometry evaluated apoptosis and the cell cycle. Western blot measured the protein levels of MTHFD1, Bax, Bcl-2, Akt, p53, and cyclin D1, and qRT-PCR determined the gene expression profiles.

Results

MTHFD1 mRNA and protein levels in CCRCC tumor tissues were significantly lower compared with adjacent normal renal tissue. MTHFD1 over-expression in Caki-1 cells inhibited cell proliferation, arrested cells in the G1 phase, increased cell apoptosis, and upregulated gene and protein expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and p53, and inhibited p-Akt, and cyclin D1.

Conclusions

MTHFD1 was underexpressed in CCRCC tissue when compared with normal renal tissue. MTHFD1 transfection of human CCRCC Caki-1 cells in vitro inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, associated with reduced expression of cyclin D1, reduced Akt phosphorylation, and increased expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and p53.

Non-ischemic laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using 1318-nm diode laser for small exophytic renal tumors

Purpose

Warm ischemia (WI) and bleeding constitute the main challenges for surgeons during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Current literature on the use of lasers for cutting and coagulation remains scarce and with small cohorts. We present the largest case series to date of non-ischemic LPN using a diode laser for small exophytic renal tumors.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 29 patients with clinically localized exophytic renal tumors who underwent non-ischemic laser–assisted LPN with a 1318-nm wavelength diode laser. We started applying the laser 5 mm beyond the visible tumor margin, 5 mm away from the tissue in a non-contact fashion for coagulation and in direct contact with the parenchymal tissue for cutting. 

Results

The renal vessels were not clamped, resulting in a WIT (warm ischaemic time) of 0 min, except for one case that required warm ischemia for 12 min and parenchymal sutures. No transfusion was needed, with a mean Hemoglobin drop of 1,4 mg/dl and no postoperative complications. The eGFR did not significantly change by 6 months. Histologically, the majority of lesions (n = 22/29) were renal-cell carcinoma stage pT1a. The majority of malignant lesions (n = 13/22) had a negative margin. However, margin interpretation was difficult in 9 cases due to charring of the tumor base. A mean follow-up of 1.8 years revealed no tumor recurrence. The mean tumor diameter was 19.4 mm.

Conclusion

The 1318-nm diode laser has the advantages of excellent cutting and sealing properties when applied to small vessels in the renal parenchyma, reducing the need for parenchymal sutures. However, excessive smoke, charring of the surgical margin, and inability to seal large blood vessels are encountered with this technique.

Differences in Urinary Amino Acid Patterns in Individuals with Different Types of Urological Tumor Urinary Amino Acid Patterns as Markers of Urological Tumors

BACKGROUND

Insufficient specificity and invasiveness of currently used diagnostic methods raises the need for new markers of urological tumors. The aim of this study was to find a link between the urinary excretion of amino acids and the presence of urological tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using ion-exchange chromatography, we tested urine samples of patients with prostate cancer (n=30), urinary bladder cancer (n=28), renal cell carcinoma (n=16) and healthy volunteers (control group; n=21).

RESULTS

In each category, we found a group of amino acids which differed in concentration compared to the control group. These differences were most significant in sarcosine in patients with prostate cancer; leucine, phenylalanine and arginine in those with bladder cancer; and sarcosine, glutamic acid, glycine, tyrosine and arginine in the those with renal cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Results of our research imply a possible connection between the occurrence of specific types of amino acids in the urine and the presence of urological tumors.

The incidence of kidney cancer in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The incidence of kidney cancer from different areas of Iran was reported. Nevertheless, there is no available systematic reviews in this regard. Therefore, the present systematic review carried out to estimate the incidence rate of kidney cancer among Iranian people.

Method: This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) in September 2017. A search was concluded using Medline/ PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google scholar for international papers and four national databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc) for Persian papers. The incidence rate of kidney cancer was calculated using random effect model.

Result: An aggregate of 159 papers were retrieved in the primary search of the databases. Further screening and advanced refinement of the retrieved studies produced 15 studies totally. The age-standardized rate (ASR) of kidney cancer was 1.94, 95% CI (1.62-2.55) and 1.36, 95 % CI (1.09-1.62) in males and females, respectively.

Conclusion: In comparison to other parts of the world, the incidence of kidney cancer was lower in Iran. Afterwards, further studies are necessary to outline the exact incidence rate and the trend of kidney cancer in Iran.

Role of Active Surveillance for Localized Small Renal Masses

CONTEXT

Stage migration of organ-confined renal masses is occurring as a result of incidental diagnosis, especially in the elderly. Active surveillance (AS) is gaining clinical traction as a treatment alternative to surgery and focal therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess contemporary data and evaluate AS risk trade-offs in the treatment of organ-confined kidney cancer.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive search of the Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases was carried out. A systematic review of the role of AS for organ-confined renal masses was performed. A total of 28 studies were included in the systematic review.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The median linear tumor growth rate for clinically localized renal masses (CLRMs) was 0.37cm/yr (interquartile range 0.15-0.7), with 0.22cm/yr in the cT1a subgroup and 0.45cm/yr in the cT1b--2 subgroup. The metastatic progression rate was 1-6% and was similar for cT1a (1-6%) and cT1b (0-5%); other-cause mortality for patients with CLRMs was 0-45% (1-25% for cT1a vs 11-13% for cT1b-2); cancer-specific mortality ranged between 0% and 18%. According to the 2011 Oxford scale, AS as a treatment option for CLRMs remains supported by level 3 evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Although no randomized clinical data are available, current data support oncologic safety for AS in the management of CLRMs, particularly for small renal masses and among elderly and/or comorbid patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this review we looked at the outcomes for patients with small kidney masses managed with surveillance. We found that surveillance is a safe initial option for tumors of less than 2cm, especially in elderly and sick patients.

Histopathologic analysis of stage pT1b kidney neoplasms for optimal surgical margins of nephron-sparing surgery

Objective

To evaluate the pathological features and define the optimal surgical margins (SM) of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for kidney neoplasms 4–7 cm (stage pT1b) on preoperative imaging.

Materials and methods

The retrospective study included 748 patients who were diagnosed stage pT1b renal tumors and underwent either radical nephrectomy (RN, n = 475) or NSS (n = 273) from January 2004 to March 2017. The tumor size, pathological subtype, Fuhrman grade, status of peritumoral pseudocapsule (PC) and tumor multifocality were recorded. The relationship between peritumoral PC and positive SM was calculated statistically by Fisher’s exact probability test.

Results

The mean tumor diameter was 5.4 cm (range: 4.1–7.0 cm), 65 (8.7%) cases were discovered with multifocal lesions and 686 (91.7%) were surrounded with peritumoral PC in all 748 specimens. 57 (8.3%) of 686 cases were proved with tumor infiltrated beyond PC [infiltration (+)], and the presence of PC infiltration (+) was significantly correlated with positive SM (p = 0.016). The infiltrative depth of tumor cells into renal parenchyma beyond PC was all limited in 3 mm and the proportion of ≤ 1, 1–2 and 2–3 mm was 21.1% (12/57), 59.6% (34/57) and 19.3% (11/57), respectively.

Conclusions

Our report indicates a 3 mm excisional margin is acceptable to ensure negative SM when operating NSS on stage pT1b kidney neoplasms.

Atypical metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the uvula: case report and review of literature

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignancy with high metastatic potential, primarily due to its extensive vascularity. Common sites of metastasis include lungs, bone, lymph nodes, liver, and brain. However, rare cases of metastasis to other sites including inguinal lymph nodes, peritoneum/mesentery, and orbit have been published in the literature. Herein, a unique case involving metastasis of RCC to the uvula is presented. The patient is a 55-year-old White female with a past medical history of stage 3 (T3aN0M0) RCC s/p nephrectomy 3 years prior to presentation. She had symptoms of a foreign body sensation at the back of her throat, and oropharyngeal examination revealed uvular erythematous mass with vascularity. Uvular biopsy and complete excision were performed, which revealed metastatic RCC. Palate biopsy was negative and revealed only squamous mucosa with mild chronic inflammation. To our knowledge, there is only one other documented case of RCC metastasis to the uvula in the literature.

Increased expression of MUC3A is associated with poor prognosis in localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

MUC3A is a membrane-associated mucin that recent evidence reveals the role of MUC3A in pathogenesis and progression of cancers. To evaluate the association between MUC3A expression with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), we retrospectively detected MUC3A expression in samples of 384 postoperative localized ccRCC patients by immunohistochemistry. Median follow-up was 73 months (range: 42 – 74 mo). Overall, 41 patients died, 47 experienced recurrence. High MUC3A expression occurred in 45.8% of localized ccRCC cases, which was significantly associated with high pT-stage, high Fuhrman grade, high frequency of necrosis and LVI, and increased risk of recurrence and death (Logrank test P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). By multivariate analysis, MUC3A expression was confirmed as an adverse independent prognostic factor for OS and RFS. The prognostic accuracy of UISS, SSIGN, Leibovich models was significantly increased when MUC3A expression was integrated. Meanwhile, MUC3A was enrolled into a newly built nomogram with other factors selected by multivariate analysis. Calibration curves revealed optimal consistency between observations and prognosis. In conclusion, high MUC3A expression is an adverse prognostic biomarker for OS and RFS in postoperative localized ccRCC patients.

Sternal resection of a solitary renal cell carcinoma metastasis: a case report and a literature review

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may be metastatic, although solitary sternal metastasis of RCC is a rare medical condition. Here we report an unusual case of a 63-year-old male with a solitary sternal metastasis as an initial presentation of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 63-year-old male presented with a small sternal mass. Chest computer tomography (CT) and a biopsy from the sternal tumour were performed. Histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis of renal clear cell carcinoma metastasis to the sternal bone. On the basis of a subsequently performed abdominal CT the patient was confirmed with a suspicion of a left renal lower pole tumour. Treatment with sunitinib was initiated. Due to the limited response and a growing sternal mass, the patient was admitted to the National Cancer Institute after two cycles of sunitinib therapy. Open left partial nephrectomy was performed followed by the resection of the sternal metastasis two months later. The chest wall was reconstructed with polypropylene mesh combined with transversal rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.

RESULTS

The postoperative course after the partial nephrectomy was uneventful. The postoperative course of metastasectomy complicated with the right pneumothorax which was successfully treated by insertion of a chest tube. Bleeding from the upper digestive tract also occurred on the seventh postoperative day but was successfully controlled by haemostasis with three 20 ml endoscopic injections of 1:10,000 solution of epinephrine. The patient had been followed up after the surgery for 30 months with biannual chest and abdominal CT scans that showed neither local nor distant recurrence of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical surgical treatment of a solitary renal clear cell carcinoma metastasis may offer the best cancer-specific outcomes and improve the quality of life in some patients.

Can preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio predict malignancy in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy because of renal mass?

Purpose:

To evaluate the importance of preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicting malignancy in patients who undergo partial nephrectomy due to renal mass.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy nine patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy for renal masses were included in this retrospective study. In preoperative routine blood tests, renal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography were performed for all patients. Preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio were compared in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (Group1, 65 patients) and benign lesions (Group 2, 14 patients). The predictive ability of NLR was analyzed by ROC curves and Youden Index method was used to identify the cut-off value for NLR.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 59.8±11.7 years in Group1 and 57.4±12.6 years in Group 2 (p=0.493). The mean tumor size was 3.8±1.2 cm in Group 1 and 3.3±1.0 cm in Group 2 (p=0.07). The median NLR was 2.48 (1.04) in Group 1 and 1.63 (0.96) in Group 2 (p<0.001). The area under a ROC curve was 0.799 (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

Preoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio may predict renal masses that can not be distinguished radiologically. Our results must be confirmed by large and properly designed prospective, randomized trials.

p53-expression in patients with renal cell carcinoma correlates with a higher probability of disease progression and increased cancer-specific mortality after surgery but does not enhance the predictive accuracy of robust outcome models

OBJECTIVE

Due to lacking external validation, molecular biomarkers are currently not applied for risk-stratification of patients with localized renal cell carcinoma. The objective of this study was to externally validate a molecular multi-marker panel included in a previously proposed prognostic nomogram for the prediction of postoperative disease-free survival.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Besides pathologic tumor stage (pT) and ECOG-Performance Status, the nomogram includes 5 molecular markers (Ki-67, p53, VEGFR-1 endothelial or epithelial, and VEGF-D epithelial). The validation cohort comprised 343 renal cell carcinoma patients treated by radical nephrectomy or nephron-sparing surgery from 1999 to 2004 at a single academic center (median follow-up: 100 months). By multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression models, the impact of clinical and molecular markers included in the nomogram on disease progression (DP) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) was assessed; in addition, it was evaluated to what extent molecular markers added to the models' predictive accuracy (PA).

RESULTS

Of all parameters included in the nomogram, ECOG-PS and pT-stage only revealed a significant impact on both endpoints. p53 (per 10% measures) showed a significant impact on DP (HR = 1.31; P = 0.008), albeit not on CSM, while all other molecular markers did not impact study endpoints. Using Martingale residuals, a cut-off value for p53-expression<20% (negative) vs. ≥20% (positive) yielded the highest impact on DP and CSM. In outcome-models including further well-established histo-pathological factors, p53-expression dichotomized at 20% independently impacted DP (HR = 4.13; P = 0.004) and CSM (HR = 3.74; P = 0.033), while no significant PA gain was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

p53 showed a statistically significant impact on DP, albeit not on CSM, when applying the 10% expression cut-off as used in the original nomogram, while the prognostic value of all other examined markers included in the nomogram could not be confirmed. When an alternative cut-off of 20% was applied in multivariable models, p53 independently impacted DP and CSM, while the PA was not significantly enhanced. Hence, the clinical significance of p53 is still to be determined. Based on the results of this study it is not recommendable to use p53-expression and the Klatte nomogram in routine clinical decision-making.

Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor-β in renal cell carcinoma

Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor-β (ARHGDIB) is an important mediator of cell signaling. The expression of ARHGDIB is associated with tumor growth and metastasis in a variety of non-genitourinary cancers; however, the role of ARHGDIB in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not yet been evaluated. In the present study, tissue samples from 105 patients undergoing surgery for RCC were obtained. The expression levels of ARHGDIB mRNA in normal kidney tissues and in corresponding cancer tissues were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Differences in relative mRNA expression levels were assessed using paired two-sample t-tests. Expression levels were analyzed with respect to various clinical parameters, and associations were tested using a bivariate logistic regression model. Relative mRNA expression levels in healthy renal tissues compared with cancerous tissues from the same kidney were assessed using paired t-tests. Expression data were compared with respect to survival data by the Kaplan-Meier method/Cox regression analysis. The results revealed that the relative mRNA expression level of ARHGDIB was significantly higher in the lysates of RCC tumor tissues (P<0.001) when compared with healthy renal tissues in a paired analysis of 74 samples; this finding was consistent with the analysis of ARHGDIB mRNA expression levels in all RCC samples, as well as in the subset of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) samples. The relative mRNA expression level of ARHGDIB was also increased in ccRCC tissues compared with papillary RCC tissues (P<0.001). On univariate Cox regression analysis, recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly associated with metastasis, locally advanced disease and tumor grade (P=0.018, P=0.002 and P<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, in the subgroup of patients with ccRCC, increased ARHGDIB mRNA expression was significantly associated with a longer RFS time (P=0.001). In summary, the results indicate that ARHGDIB mRNA is highly expressed in RCC tissues in general and is positively associated with RFS in ccRCC. As ARHGDIB has a known effect on angiogenesis and immune modulation, the present study suggests that the functional analysis of ARHGDIB should be performed in the future.

Incidence and mortality of kidney cancer and its relationship with HDI (Human Development Index) in the world in 2012

Background and aims

Kidney cancer is among the cancers that have the highest growth rate in all age and racial groups in the world and is as the most deadly type of urinary tract cancer. Since awareness about this cancer incidence status and mortality is essential for better planning, this study aimed to investigate the incidence and mortality rate of kidney cancer and its relationship with the development index in the world in 2012.

Method

This study was an ecological study conducted based on GLOBOCAN project of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the countries in the world. The correlation between Standardized Incidence Rates (SIRs) and Standardized Mortality Rates (SMRs) of kidney cancer with HDI and its components was assessed using SPSS18.

Results

In total, 337,860 incidence cases (213,924 were men and 123,936 women) and 143,406 deaths (90,802 cases in men and 52,604 in women) of kidney cancer were recorded in 2012. A positive correlation of 0.731 was seen between SIR of kidney cancer and HDI (p≤0.001). Also, a negative correlation of 0.627 was seen between SMR of kidney cancer and HDI (p≤0.001).

Conclusion

The incidence and mortality rate of kidney cancer is higher in developed countries. A significant positive correlation has been seen between the standardized incidence and mortality rate of kidney cancer with the Human Development Index and its components. We need more studies to examine variation in incidence and mortality of kidney cancer and its related factors in the world.

Recurrence in Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Systematic Review of Contemporary Data

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are at risk of recurrence. The purpose of this review was to characterize the literature on recurrence rates and risk factors after diagnosis of localized RCC.

RECENT FINDINGS

Our search revealed that existing data examining the prevalence of recurrence rates predominantly originates from cohorts of patients diagnosed and treated in the 1980s to 1990s, and may therefore not be as useful for counseling for current patients today. Many nomograms including the Cindolo Recurrence Risk Formula, the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Integrated Scoring System (UISS), the SSIGN score, the Kattan nomogram, and the Karakiewicz nomogram have shown value in identifying patients at higher risk for recurrence. Biomarkers and gene assays have shown promise in augmenting the predictive accuracy of some of the aforementioned predictive models, especially when multiple gene markers are used in combination. However, more work is needed in not only developing a model but also validating it in other settings prior to clinical use. Adjuvant therapy is a promising new treatment strategy for patients with high-risk disease. Importantly, too many surveillance strategies exist. This may stem from the lack of a consensus in the urological community in how to follow these patients, as well as the variable guideline recommendations. In conclusion, contemporary recurrence rates are needed. Recurrence risk prediction models should be developed based on a series of more contemporary patients, and externally validated prior to routine clinical practice. Surveillance strategies following treatment of localized RCC need to be identified and standardized. Finally, there is a trend toward personalizing surveillance regimens to more appropriately screen patients at higher risk of recurrence.

Can the multiphasic computed tomography be useful in the clinical management of small renal masses?

Background Small renal masses (SRMs; ≤4 cm) represent a challenging issue. Computed tomography (CT) is widely used for investigating renal tumors even if its ability to differentiate among the different subtypes has not yet been definitively established. Purpose To assess the potential role of the morphological features and angiodynamic behavior on multiphasic CT in the preoperative evaluation of SRMs. Material and Methods The CT images of 80 patients with SRMs who underwent surgical resection at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The morphological features, the pattern, and the quantitative analysis of enhancement were assessed for each lesion and were correlated with the histological subtypes. Results Overall, 81 SRMs were evaluated. Final pathological examination showed 30 (37%) oncocytomas, 22 (27.2%) clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs), 16 (19.8%) papillary RCCs (pRCCs), and 13 (16%) chromophobe RCCs (chRCCs). Of the morphological features, only necrosis was significantly associated with ccRCC ( P = 0.047). The analysis of enhancement allowed the identification of two groups of lesions, based on arterial behavior: hypervascular (oncocytomas/ccRCC) and hypovascular (chRCC/pRCC) lesions. A significant difference between the two groups in terms of degree of enhancement on CT phases was found ( P < 0.05); this was also confirmed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Conclusion Except for necrosis, the morphological features are not useful in making a correct diagnosis in the case of SRMs. The angiodynamic behavior on multiphasic CT showed high accuracy in differentiating between hypovascular and hypervascular tumors; this differentiation could be useful for deciding on the most appropriate clinical management of SRMs.

Impact of preoperative thrombocytosis on prognosis after surgical treatment in pathological T1 and T2 renal cell carcinoma: results of a multi-institutional comprehensive study

Background

The prognostic significance of preoperative thrombocytosis (TC) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not without some debate. The aim of the present multi-institutional study was to determine the association of preoperative TC with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of localized RCC patients who underwent surgery in a large cohort.

Methods

A study involving 8 institutions, and 4,376 patients with pT1 and pT2 RCC from the Korean renal cell carcinoma (KORCC) database, was conducted. TC was defined as a platelet count ≥400,000/μL. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of preoperative TC. Clinicopathological variables and survival rates were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Out of the 4,376 patients in the study, 106 (2.4%) had preoperative TC. Compared to patients without TC, these patients had a lower body mass index. Additionally, these patients had more advanced stage tumors with a higher Fuhrman grade, and higher incidence of symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that patients with TC had a significantly lower rate of recurrence-free survival (RFS). Furthermore, a lower rate of overall survival (OS) was exhibited amongst patients with TC. Multivariate analysis revealed that TC was an independent prognostic factor in terms of the RFS and OS.

Conclusions

TC appeared to be an important prognostic determinant in localized RCC. Furthermore, preoperative platelet count may be clinically useful for risk stratification of patients with surgically treated localized RCC.

A Three-Variable Model Predicts Short Survival in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have variable survival outcomes. When discussing management approaches and providing information to patients and caregivers, it is important to have realistic perspectives, especially if the expected prognosis is very unfavorable. In the present study, factors predicting this endpoint were analyzed.

Methods

Data from 60 patients treated in routine clinical practice were evaluated. Unfavorable prognosis was defined as death within approximately 3 months from diagnosis of mRCC (maximum 3.5 months). Baseline factors including laboratory values and management approach were compared between the groups with short and longer survival.

Results

A total of 48 patients (80%) experienced ≥ 4 months survival (4+MS) and 10 (16.7%) experienced shorter survival (3MS). The others had short follow-up. Adverse prognostic factors that were significantly more frequent in the 3MS group were low hemoglobin, high lactate dehydrogenase and lack of systemic therapy. We used these three items to create a prognostic model: score 0 = no adverse factors, score 1 = one adverse factor, score 2 = two adverse factors, score 3 = three adverse factors. In the score 0 group, one out of 20 patients experienced 3MS (5%). In score 1, two out of 21 patients belonged to the 3MS group (9.5%). For score 2, the corresponding figure was four out of 14 patients (29%). In the score 3 group, three out of three patients experienced 3MS (100%) (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

A simple model with three prognostic factors predicted survival of patients with newly diagnosed mRCC. Additional validation in other databases is warranted.

Bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde (BioGlue®) tissue adhesive versus standard renorrhaphy following renal mass enucleation: a retrospective comparison

BACKGROUND

To present the operative and post-operative comparison between patients who underwent tumor-bed closure with sutures compared with bovine serum albumin-glutaraldehyde (BioGlue^®) tissue sealant only.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from our ongoing database of 507 eligible patients who underwent open NSS nephron-sparing surgery in our department between January 1995 and May 2014. Patients had tumor-bed closure with sealant adhesive (255 patients) or standard suture technique (252 patients). Demographic, clinical and perioperative data were compared between the two groups, by Chi-square test or by Fisher-Irwin exact test for categorical variables, and by t test for differences in means or by Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. A multivariate analysis was also done.

RESULTS

Patients' baseline characteristics showed similar distribution of the analyzed parameters among both groups, with few differences: younger age in the sealant group (65.4 versus 68.4 years, p = 0.01) and slightly larger mass size in the suture group (4.0 versus 3.9 cm, p = 0.03). Ischemia time was significantly shorter in the sealant group (21.8 versus 27.0 minutes, p = 0001). Blood loss and transfusion rate (0.8% versus 11.9%, p = 0.0001) were significantly less in the sealant group. A multivariate analysis showed date of surgery and blood loss as the major parameters affecting transfusion rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Closing the tumor bed with BioGlue^® tissue adhesive is feasible, safe, can shorten ischemia time and potentially reduce transfusion rate.

The Application of Hem-O-Lok Clips Tied with Threads to Improve Surgical View in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Surgery for Renal Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of Hem-o-lok clips tied with threads to improve surgical view in retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for renal cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Laparoscopic radical and partial nephrectomies performed by a single surgeon from May 2013 to April 2015 were reviewed. If Hem-o-lok clips tied with threads were applied to improve surgical view, the patient was recruited to the Hem-o-lok group. The other patients were recruited to the control group. Patient information, time of exposure procedure, number of clips used, number of trocars, exposure satisfaction, operation time, estimated blood loss, and perioperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight laparoscopic radical/partial nephrectomies were performed by a single surgeon. For 31 cases, Hem-o-lok clips were tied with threads to improve surgical view. For the other 37 cases, no Hem-o-lok clips were used. All cases were successfully performed. It took 30 to 178 seconds to finish the exposure procedure. In the Hem-o-lok group, less trocar usage, shorter operation time, and better exposure satisfaction were observed than control group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This new technique is feasible and easy to improve surgical view in retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for renal cell carcinoma. This technique may be helpful to shorten operation time and avoid the use of the fourth trocar in certain cases. Large scale randomized controlled studies are needed to further prove its efficiency.

Clinical significance of preoperative thrombocytosis in patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the association of preoperative thrombocytosis with the prognosis of patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 187 patients who underwent a radical nephrectomy for nonmetastatic RCC between July 1997 and June 2009. Thrombocytosis was defined as a platelet count≥400,000 µL, and patients were divided into 2 groups according to presence of preoperative thrombocytosis, and the cancer-specific survival rates and overall survival rates of the 2 groups after radical nephrectomy were compared.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56.0±11.7 years and the mean follow-up period was 59.3±42.1 months; there were 20 patients with preoperative thrombocytosis. Thirty patients developed metastases and 9 patients died during the follow-up period. In Kaplan-Meier analysis using a univariate log-rank test, both cancer-specific survival rate (p=0.013) and overall survival rate (p=0.012) showed significant association with preoperative thrombocytosis. Controlling for pathological TNM stage, Fuhrman grade and tumor diameter, the Cox proportional hazards model for cancer-specific survival rates showed that preoperative thrombocytosis was an independent prognostic factor (p=0.025).

Conclusions

Preoperative thrombocytosis was associated with poorer prognosis in patients with nonmetastatic RCC. Thus, preoperative platelet count may be clinically useful for risk stratification of patients undergoing surgery for nonmetastatic RCC.

Incidence and mortality of kidney cancers, and human development index in Asia; a matter of concern

Background

The incidence and mortality of kidney cancer have steadily increased by 2%- 3% per decade worldwide, and an increased risk of kidney cancer has been observed in many Asian countries. The information on the incidence and mortality of a disease and its distribution is essential for better planning for prevention and further studies.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the incidence and mortality of kidney cancer and their correlation with the human development index (HDI) in Asia.

Materials and Methods

This ecological study was based on GLOBOCAN data Asia for assessment the correlation between age-specific incidence rate (ASIR) and age-specific mortality rate (ASMR) with HDI and its details that include life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling and gross national income (GNI) per capita. We use of correlation bivariate method for assessment the correlation between ASIR and ASMR with HDI and its components.

Results

A total of 121 099 kidney cancer cases were recorded in Asian countries in 2012.Overall, 80 080 cases (66.12%) were males. Sex ratio was 1.95. The three countries with the highest number of new patients were china (66 466 cases), Japan (16 830 cases), India(9658 cases), respectively. Positive correlation were seen between HDI and ASIR of kidney cancer 0.655 (P = 0.001), and HDI and ASMR of kidney cancer 0.285 (P = 0.055).

Conclusions

A positive relationship between ASIR and the HDI was seen. The relationship is due to risk factors in countries with high development such as older age, smoking, hypertension, obesity, and diet. However, ASMR showed no significant relationship with HDI.

Association between pesticide exposure and risk of kidney cancer: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the correlation between pesticide exposure and kidney cancer. We conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Medline (updated to March 1, 2015) to identify all relevant studies. References of the retrieved articles were also identified. Fixed- or random-effect models were used to summarize the estimates of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval for the association between exposure of pesticide and risk of kidney cancer. The pooled RR estimate indicated that pesticide exposure might have an elevated risk for kidney cancer (RR =1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.19). In a subgroup analysis of high quality articles, we detected that pesticide exposure is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer in a subgroup analysis of case-control studies, (Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale score >6) (RR =1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.51). North America studies, odds ratio studies, and studies with effect estimate adjusted for more than two confounder studies. In conclusion, pesticide exposure may be a risk factor for kidney cancer.

Expression and clinicopathological correlations of retinoid acid receptor responder protein 1 in renal cell carcinomas

AIM

To evaluate the expression and prognostic value of RARRES1 at protein level in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

MATERIALS & METHODS

Expression profile of RARRES1 was analyzed in 903 documented RCC followed by clinicopathological correlations and survival analysis.

RESULTS

RARRES1 expression was seen in 72.5% of RCC. A stronger RARRES1 expression was seen in high grade compared with low grade RCC (p < 0.001). Logrank tests revealed shorter overall survival in RARRES1 positive RCC (p = 0.006) and in pT1/2 tumors with RARRES1 expression (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The variable expression profile in low and high grade RCC may reflect and confirm the differences of previous gene expression analysis. There was a significant prognostic value of RARRES1 expression in patients with RCC, especially in pT1/2 tumors.

[Indications for nephron-sparing surgery. Analysis over a 13-year period in the context of changing guidelines]

BACKGROUND

The indications for nephron-sparing surgery have been considerably extended by guideline recommendations in recent years. It remains unclear whether clinical practice still reflects these new guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

In this retrospective, monocentric analysis at a tertiary referral center the indications for partial nephrectomy over a 13-year period were evaluated.

METHODS

In a retrospective database analysis all cases of surgically treated renal masses from 2001 to 2013 were evaluated. Besides demographic, tumor-specific and perioperative variables the development of the surgical technique depending on the tumor stage was evaluated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The proportion of nephron-sparing surgery cases increased from below 20 % in 2001 to 35 % in 2013 in the entire cohort. For stage T1a tumors, partial nephrectomy increased from approximately 50 % to over 90 % and for T1b tumors it rose from 10 % to 50 %. Logistic regression revealed stage 1 tumors to be predictive of partial nephrectomy over the complete evaluation period. Extending the indications for partial nephrectomy even to higher stages is under discussion but not yet supported by data from prospective, controlled studies.

First-line treatment in the management of advanced renal cell carcinoma: systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess effectiveness of first-line treatments for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

Database searches were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting results for eligible treatments. A fixed-effect Bayesian NMA was conducted to assess the relative effectiveness of treatments, with progression-free survival (PFS) reported as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs).

RESULTS

Eleven unique RCTs were suitable for inclusion in the NMA. In the base case, in terms of PFS, sunitinib was superior compared with bevacizumab + IFN-α (HR = 0.79, 95% CrI: 0.64 - 0.96), everolimus (HR = 0.70, 95% CrI: 0.56 - 0.87), sorafenib (HR = 0.56, 95% CrI: 0.40 - 0.77) and temsirolimus + bevacizumab (HR = 0.74, 95% CrI: 0.56 - 0.96). Although, the point values for the mean and median HRs were < 1.0, there was no significant difference in PFS between sunitinib and axitinib, pazopanib or tivozanib. Although sensitivity analyses impacted the results of the NMA, no treatment was significantly more efficacious than sunitinib.

CONCLUSION

Results from this analysis suggest that there is no treatment superior to the current benchmark treatment, sunitinib, in the management of advanced RCC in the first-line setting.

High expression of Solute Carrier Family 1, member 5 (SLC1A5) is associated with poor prognosis in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Solute Carrier Family 1, member 5 (SLC1A5), also named as ASCT2, a major glutamine transporter, is highly expressed in various malignancies and plays a critical role in the transformation, growth and survival of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of SLC1A5 in patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). SLC1A5 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to compare survival curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were applied to assess the impact of prognostic factors on overall survival (OS). A nomogram was then constructed on the basis of the independent prognosticators identified on multivariate analysis. The predictive ability of the models was compared using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Our data indicated that high expression of SLC1A5 was significantly associated with advanced TNM stage, higher Fuhrman grade and shorter OS in ccRCC patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that SLC1A5 was an independent prognosticator for OS. A nomogram integrating SLC1A5 and other independent prognosticators was constructed, which showed a better prognostic value for OS than TNM staging system. In conclusion, high SLC1A5 expression is an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcome in ccRCC patients after surgery.