Prognostic value of programmed death ligand-1 and programmed death-1 expression in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective multicentre study was conducted in 283 patients with UTUC treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) between 2000 and 2015 at 10 French hospitals. Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed using 2 mm-core tissue microarrays with NAT105® and 28.8® antibodies at a 5% cut-off for positivity on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes to evaluate PD-L1 and PD-1 expression, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the independent predictors of recurrence-free (RFS), cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Overall, 63 (22.3%) and 220 (77.7%) patients with UTUC had PD-L1-positive and -negative disease, respectively, while 91 (32.2%) and 192 (67.8%) had PD-1-positive and -negative disease, respectively. Patients who expressed PD-L1 or PD-1 were more likely to have pathological tumour stage ≥pT2 (68.3% vs 49.5%, P = 0.009; and 69.2% vs 46.4%, P < 0.001, respectively) and high-grade (90.5% vs 70.0%, P = 0.001; and 91.2% vs 66.7%, P < 0.001, respectively) disease with lymphovascular invasion (52.4% vs 17.3%, P < 0.001; and 39.6% vs 18.2%, P < 0.001, respectively) as compared to those who did not. In multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusting for each other, PD-L1 and PD-1 expression were significantly associated with decreased RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-3.08, P = 0.023; and HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.01-2.54, P = 0.049; respectively), CSS (HR 2.73, 95% CI 1.48-5.04, P = 0.001; and HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.12-3.45, P = 0.019; respectively) and OS (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.23-3.53, P = 0.006; and HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.05-2.78, P = 0.031; respectively). In addition, multivariable Cox regression analyses evaluating the four-tier combination of PD-L1 and PD-1 expression showed that only PD-L1/PD-1-positive patients (n = 38 [13.4%]) had significantly decreased RFS (HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.70-5.52; P < 0.001), CSS (HR 5.23, 95% CI 2.62-10.43; P < 0.001) and OS (HR 3.82, 95% CI 2.13-6.85; P < 0.001) as compared to those with PD-L1/PD-1-negative disease (n = 167 [59.0%]).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that PD-L1 and PD-1 expression were both associated with adverse pathological features that translated into an independent and cumulative adverse prognostic value in UTUC patients treated with RNU.

[Outpatient surgery for penile hypospadias in pediatric urology: A monocentric experience with a mean follow-up of 3 years]

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital anomalies in men. Outpatient surgery has been proposed but is not widespread. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience of outpatient surgery for penile hypospadias repair and to specify the constraints for a result similar to a conventional inpatient procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Observational, retrospective and single-center study, including all the patients operated on hypospadias for the first time by one of the 3 senior surgeons, between January 2011 and March 2018. Peno-scrotal and perineal hypospadias were excluded because systematically hospitalized.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-six patients were included. 67 patients (40,4%) were treated on an outpatient basis. The mean age at the time of procedure was 15.6 (6-51) months. Forms with curvature were almost exclusively hospitalized (1 vs. 25, P<0.001). There was no significant difference for anterior penile forms (60 vs. 81, P=0.06). Middle and posterior hypospadias were more often hospitalized, although outpatient experience exists. There were no more complications in the outpatient group.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient hypospadias surgery seems to be achievable in most of the cases, provided that medical care is standardized and multidisciplinary, the staff is trained and involved and a specific organization is put in place in the department. Evaluation of the socio-family environment is therefore fundamental.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

A study of the immunohistochemical profile of bladder cancer in neuro-urological patients by the French Association of Urology

PURPOSE

To establish whether the expression of markers of cell differentiation (CK7, CK14, CK20, GATA3), apoptosis (p53), proliferation (Ki67, STAG2) and peri-tumoural lymphocytes (CD3, CD8), provides specific information about urothelial carcinogenesis in neuro-urological patients with bladder cancer (NBC).

METHODS

Tissue samples from NBC were retrieved from 15 centres in France and compared to control samples from non neuro-urological patients with bladder cancer (NNBC) and from neuro-urological patients without bladder cancer (NB). The expression of CK7, CK14, CK20, GATA3, p53, Ki67, STAG2, CD3 and CD8 markers was analysed using immunohistochemistry of tissue microarray sections.

RESULTS

Overall, tissue samples from 124 patients were included in the study (n = 72 NBC, n = 26 NNBC and n = 26 NB). Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) was found in 52 NBC patients (72.2%) and squamous cell differentiation in 9 (12.5%). In NBC samples, the expression of CK20 and GATA3 was significantly more frequent in NMIBC compared to MIBC (p = 0.015 and p = 0.004, respectively). CK20 and GATA3 were significantly more expressed in NBC compared to NNBC (p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). The expression of CK14, Ki67, CD3 and CD8 was significantly more frequent in NBC than in NNBC samples (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The expression of CD3 and CD8 was similar in NBC and NB samples.

CONCLUSION

In NBC, markers of basal differentiation, proliferation and peri-tumoural lymphocytes were significantly more expressed compared to NNBC controls. These results suggest the aggressiveness of NBC and the role of chronic inflammation in the carcinogenesis of bladder cancer in neuro-urological patients.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on functional urology procedures in France: a prospective study

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on functional urology procedures in France.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted within 11 secondary and tertiary referral centers in France. Patients aged > 18 years who were diagnosed with a functional urology disease before the national lockdown (March 17th, 2020) and who required a surgery were included. Study period went from March 17th to September 30th 2020. The included interventions were listed according to the guidelines for functional urology enacted by the French Association of Urology and delay of reoperation was compared to the guidelines’ delay. The primary outcome was the number of procedures left unscheduled at the end of the study period. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

From March 17th 2020 to September 3 rd 2020, 1246 patients with a previous diagnosis of a functional urological disease requiring a surgery were included. The mean follow-up was 140.4 days (± 53.4). Overall, 316 interventions (25.4%) were maintained whereas 74 (5.9%) were canceled, 848 (68.1%) postponed and 8 patients (0.6%) died. At the end of the follow-up, 184 patients (21.7%) were still not rescheduled. If the intervention was postponed, the mean delay between the initial and final date was 85.7 days (± 64.4).

Conclusion

Overall, more than two thirds of interventions had to be postponed and the mean delay between the initial and final date was about three months.

[Evolution of the USP and IPSS score after continuous positive airway pressure sleep apnea therapy at night]

INTRODUCTION

To assess the impact of nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on lower urinary tract (LUTS) symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, monocentric study was conducted between June 2018 and August 2019. Patients with moderate to severe OSA with an indication for treatment with nocturnal CPAP in combination with SBAU were included. SBAUs and their impact were evaluated by completing two self-administered questionnaires (Urinary Symptom Profile (USP) and International Prostate Score Symptom (IPSS)) filled out during the night-time ventilatory polygraph or diagnostic polysomnography for OSA and after 4 months of CPAP treatment.

RESULTS

In 79 patients, after four months of CPAP treatment, USP scores for stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder were significantly improved, respectively 0.65±1.38 vs 1.13±2.10 ; p<0.0001 and 3.24±2.58 vs 5.43±3.66 ; p<0.0001, IPSS and IPSS-Qdv were significantly improved, respectively 5.20±3.78 vs. 7.44±5.05 ; p<0.0001 and 1.93±1.26 vs. 2.27±1.56 ; p=0.002 as well as IPSS score items on pollakiuria, urgency and nocturia.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with CPAP significantly improved SBAU in four months. Testing urology patients for symptoms of OSA in urology patients seeking SBAU would allow referral of patients suspected of OSA to a specialist for diagnosis and management if necessary.

[Impact of positive surgical margins on prostate cancer prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

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

PATIENTS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Impact of antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatments on bleeding complications in patients treated with HoLEP]

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to assess the impact of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy for patients undergoing HoLEP.

METHODS

We performed a study during the learning curve on a consecutive series of patients who underwent HoLEP surgery from 2015 to 2018. The patients were divided into 3 groups: a control group, patients with antiplatelet therapy and patients with anticoagulation therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients underwent HoLEP surgery during this period: 124 in the control group, 63 in the antiplatelet group and 36 in the anticoagulant group. In the anticoagulant group, we observe significant differences with the control group for the catheterization time (2.05 days vs 5.17 days; P<0.001), the hospital length of stay (1.5 nights vs 4.49 nights; P<0.001) and complications (8.9% vs 58%; P<0.001). No difference between the control and antiplatelet groups in terms of catheterization time, hospital length of stay and complications (2.05 days vs 2.68 days; 1.5 nights vs 1.6 nights) but variation in terms of complications and bleeding complications (8.9% vs 21%; P<0,001; 8.1% vs 19%; P<0,001) CONCLUSION: Our study shows that HoLEP is therefore associated with a higher risk of bleeding for patients treated with anticoagulation therapy. Complications increase morbidity with longer catheterization time, hospitalization times and higher transfusion's rates, revision surgery and readmission.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Interest of reTURB for pTa high grade bladder urothelial carcinoma]

INTRODUCTION

Second look TURB (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) is recommended for high-risk pT1 tumors. It is well acquired for tumors classified pT1 high grade but its interest is still discussed for high-grade pTa tumors in the absence of high level of evidence. We evaluated the impact of second-look resection for the high-grade pTa bladder tumor.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in 2 centers from 2007 to 2016. We included all urothelial tumors classified pTa high grade. We studied the anatomopathological findings of reTURB and its consequences on survival without recurrence and progression.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were included. Thirty-five patients (41.7%) had reTURB and residual tumor was found in 42.9% of cases. The anatomopathology of reTURB was in 20% of cases high grade pTa, in 14.3% of cases pTis, and in 8.6% of cases pT1. Forty-three patients had recurrence, 13 reTURB patients (30.2%). In the patients who had a reTURB, 12 had recurrence (34.3%) against 31 without reTURB, (63.3%). After the first TURB, 45 patients (53.6%) had bladder instillation: 38 received BCG (45.2%) and 7 ametycin (8.3%). The main factor decreasing recurrence was BCG adjuvant therapy (HR=0.4 [0.2-0.9], P=0.02). The absence of reRTUV appeared to be a recurrence factor, but the result was not statistically significant (HR=1.4 [0.7-3], P=0.3).

CONCLUSION

reTURB confirms that residual tumor is often found. His interest in survival without recurrence remains to be proved by a prospective study with a larger number of patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Factors affecting guideline adherence in the initial treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: Retrospective study in a French peripheral hospital

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the initial treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) was performed according to the guidelines, and to determine the reasons why initial treatment was not provided in nonadherence cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with NMIBC who underwent their first transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) at a peripheral hospital, between 2007 and 2016. The treatment offered to the patient was compared to the European Association of Urology guidelines according to risk stratification. For each patient who did not receive the treatment according to the guidelines, one of the following reasons was identified: poor patient compliance, poor patient general health status, urologist's decision, lack of resources.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-nine patients were included with a mean age of 72.2 years at the time of NMIBC diagnosis. The low-risk patients were strictly treated according to the guidelines. Among the intermediate-risk patients, 14% received mitomycin C. Among the high-risk patients, 39% received intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. In the nonadherence cases (61%), the reasons were related to the patient in 44% of cases (poor compliance, 21%; poor patient general health status, 23%), urologist's decision in 54% of cases, and lack of resources in 2% of cases. Thirty-seven percent of the high-risk patients underwent re-resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, adherence to NMIBC guidelines was low in all treatment types (intravesical therapy, re-resection, or cystectomy for very high-risk patients), but this finding was similar to that in previous studies. Reasons were mainly related to the urologist's decision or to the patient condition (poor compliance or poor general health status).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Long-term functional outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty in adult spina bifida patients: A single-center experience in a multidisciplinary team

AIM

To report the very long-term functional outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty (AC) in adult spina bifida patients.

METHODS

All consecutive adult spina bifida patients who underwent AC between 1991 and 2008 were enrolled. Early postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) and long-term outcomes (voiding modalities, urodynamic parameters, renal function, continence, and quality of life) were assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with a median age of 20 years (IQR 17-25) were included. They all underwent AC with a supratrigonal cystectomy (SC). The median follow-up was 13.6 years (IQR 6-16.5). Thirteen early postoperative complications (12 grade I-II, 1 grade III) were observed in 11 patients (39%). Eight patients (29%) had upper urinary tract infections managed with antibiotics, with 2 patients requiring ureteral stents. Bladder stones occurred in 2 patients (7%) and were managed with endoscopy and cystostomy. One bladder perforation was reported. One bladder cancer was observed 26 years after surgery. Creatinine clearance and all urodynamic parameters were significantly improved post-operatively. The overall complication and reoperation rates were 57% and 14%, respectively. At last follow up, the continence rate was 71% (n = 20), with 93% (n = 26) performing intermittent self-catheterization. Quality of life was improved for 71% of patients.

CONCLUSION

In adult spina bifida population, AC is a high-risk procedure with an overall complication rate of 57% and a reoperation rate of 14%. However, AC is beneficial to the overall health of the patients since it provides a satisfying continence rate, an improvement of quality of life, and long-term protection of the upper urinary tract.

[Male neurogenic stress urinary incontinence treated by artificial urinary sphincter AMS 800™ (Boston Scientific, Boston, USA): Very long-term results (>25 years)]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to report the very long-term functional outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) in male neurological patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male neurological patients diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence due to sphincter deficiency and undergoing AUS (AMS 800^®) implantation between 1985 and 1992 were enrolled. Continence, defined by no pad/condom usage, explantation and revision rates were reported.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients with a median age of 27.3 years (IQR: 27.3-40.8) were included: four had a spinal cord injury and ten a spina bifida. Prior continence surgery was reported by 6 patients (42.9 %). Artificial urinary sphincter was implanted in a peribulbar (n=4) or periprostatic position (n=10). Median follow-up was 18.3 years (IQR: 10.1-20.3). At last follow-up, all patients were alive. Three native devices were still in place, eight were revised (four of them were secondarily explanted) and three were explanted due to erosion or infection. The 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-year explantation-free survival rates were respectively 85.7, 62.3, 52.0, 39.0 %. The 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-year revision-free survival rates were respectively 78.6, 42.9, 28.6, 7.1 %. At last follow-up, 50 % patients were continent.

CONCLUSION

In the very long run, AUS provided a 50 % continence rate in male neurological patients but the revision rates were important.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

[Correlation of genetic and cytogenetic alterations in pathological aggressiveness urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: Performance of BCA-1, a mini-array comparative genomic hybridisation-based test]

INTRODUCTION

Urothelial carcinomas are the fourth leading cause of cancer in humans. Their incidence is increasing by more than 50% in 25 years. The superficial forms (70% cases) require a close active surveillance to identify frequent recurrences and progression to invasive stage. Our main goal was to identify prognostic molecular markers for bladder cancer that could be used alone or in combination in routine clinical practice. In this aim, we evaluated the capability of the BCA-oligo test based on a CGH array to correctly classify tumoral grade/stage.

METHOD

Urinary DNA was extracted from 81 patients with superficial bladder cancer and has been hybridized on the BCA-oligo array. The results from the molecular analysis were correlated with the tumoral grade and stage.

RESULTS

Several chromosomal alterations were significantly more frequent in tumors of higher grade and more advanced stage. A significant association was observed between a high grade and the presence of one of these alterations: loss on 6p, gain on 8q or 13q, loss or gain on 9q or 11q, with an odds ratio of 6.91 (95% CI=2.20-21.64; P=0.0009). Moreover, a significant association was found between a more advanced stage (pT1) and the presence of one of these alterations: loss on 6p, gain on 8q, loss or gain on 5p, with an odds ratio of 15.2 (95% CI=3.71-62.58; P=0.0002).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that molecular analyses of superficial bladder cancers based on urinary DNA and the BCA-oligo test could be used as prognostic factor for the tumor evolution, allowing then a more adapted clinical management.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Postoperative Pathology but Misses Aggressive Prostate Cancers as Assessed by Cell Cycle Progression Score

PURPOSE

We identified prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer by a radiogenomics strategy that integrates gene expression using the cell cycle progression score and medical images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We obtained institutional review board approval and written informed consent from 106 men with prostate cancer, including 60% at low risk, who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before radical prostatectomy was done and a cell cycle progression score was determined. The correlation between the results of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and Gleason grade or cell cycle progression score was assessed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Patients with primary Gleason grade greater than 3 had a longer median maximal tumor diameter (13 vs 10 mm) and a lower median apparent diffusion coefficient (0.745 vs 0.88×10(-3) mm2 per second, each p=0.0001) than those with primary Gleason grade 3 or less. Maximal diameter 10 mm or greater (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 14.0, p=0.0012) and apparent diffusion coefficient 0.80×10(-3) mm2 per second or less (OR 7.5, 95% CI 3.0 to 18.7, p<0.0001) were significantly associated with primary Gleason grade greater than 3. The combined measure of maximal diameter less than 10 mm and apparent diffusion coefficient greater than 0.80×10(-3) mm2 per second identified only index lesions harboring primary Gleason grade 3. However, 7 of those lesions showed a molecular pattern of high risk lethal prostate cancer (cell cycle progression score greater than 0).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is able to predict low and high risk Gleason scores in the tumor. However, the cell cycle progression score did not completely match the imaging result. These findings suggest that management of early stages prostate cancer could strongly benefit by performing magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy coupled with molecular analysis.

Accuracy of the prostate health index versus the urinary prostate cancer antigen 3 score to predict overall and significant prostate cancer at initial biopsy

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether the Prostate Health Index (PHI) or the urinary Prostate-Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA-3) score is more accurate at screening for prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the accuracy of PHI and PCA-3 scores to predict overall and significant PCa in men undergoing an initial prostate biopsy.

METHODS

Double-blind assessments of PHI and PCA-3 were conducted by referent physicians in 138 patients who subsequently underwent trans-rectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy according to a 12-core scheme. Predictive accuracies of PHI and PCA-3 were assessed using AUC and compared according to the DeLong method. Diagnostic performances with usual cut-off values for positivity (i.e., PHI >40 and PCA-3 >35) were calculated, and odds ratios associated with predicting PCa overall and significant PCa as defined by pathological updated Epstein criteria (i.e., Gleason score ≥7, more than three positive cores, or >50% cancer involvement in any core) were estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Prevalences of overall and significant PCa were 44.9% and 28.3%, respectively. PCA-3 (AUC = 0.71) was the most accurate predictor of PCa overall, and significantly outperformed PHI (AUC = 0.65; P = 0.03). However, PHI (AUC = 0.80) remained the most accurate predictor when screening exclusively for significant PCa and significantly outperformed PCA-3 (AUC = 0.55; P = 0.03). Furthermore, PCA-3 >35 had the best accuracy, and positive or negative predictive values when screening for PCa overall whereas these diagnostic performances were greater for PHI >40 when exclusively screening for significant PCa. PHI > 40 combined with PCA-3 > 35 was more specific in both cases. In multivariate analyses, PCA-3 >35 (OR = 5.68; 95%CI = [2.21-14.59]; P < 0.001) was significantly correlated with the presence of PCa overall, but PHI >40 (OR = 9.60; 95%CI = [1.72-91.32]; P = 0.001) was the only independent predictor for detecting significant PCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PCA-3 score is the best predictor for PCa overall at initial biopsy, our findings strongly indicate that PHI should be used for population-based screening to avoid over-diagnosis of indolent tumors that are unlikely to cause death.

Long-term functional outcomes after artificial urinary sphincter implantation in men with stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long-term functional outcomes of artificial urinary sphincters (AUSs) and to determine how many men required explantation because of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) caused by sphincter deficiency after prostate surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men who had undergone placement of an AUS (American Medical Systems AMS 800®) between 1984 and 1992 to relieve SUI caused by sphincter deficiency after prostate surgery were included. Continence, defined as no need for pads, was assessed at the end of the follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curves estimated the survival rate of the device without needing explantation or revision.

RESULTS

In all, 57 consecutive patients were included with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 69 (64-72) years. The median (IQR) duration of follow-up was 15 (8.25-19.75) years. At the end of follow-up, 25 patients (43.8%) still had their primary AUS. The AUS was explanted in nine men because of erosion (seven) and infection (two). Survival rates, without AUS explantation, were 87%, 87%, 80%, and 80% at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively. Survival rates, without AUS revision, were 59%, 28%, 15%, and 5% at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively. At the end of the follow-up, in intention-to-treat analysis, 77.2% of patients were continent.

CONCLUSION

In the long term (>10 years) the AMS 800 can offer a high rate of continence to men with SUI caused by sphincter deficiency, with a tolerable rate of explantation and revision.

Botulinum toxin injections in the management of non-neurogenic overactive bladders in children

INTRODUCTION

Non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children leads to varying degrees of functional impairments (urinary urgency, pollakiuria, urge incontinence, nocturia). Botulinum toxin has shown its effectiveness in the management of detrusor overactivity in neurological patients.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relevance of intravesical Botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladders in children. These pediatric patients were resistant to all the usual therapeutics (e.g. bladder/bowel rehabilitation, anticholinergic drugs, management of diet/hygiene habits and constipation, percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

8 children (mean age: 12.5years), 5 girls, 3 boys with daytime and/or nighttime incontinence and non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity validated by urodynamic testing. Urodynamic testing was conducted before the injections as well as 6weeks and 1year post injections. We used Dysport® 8 Speywood Units/kg injected via cystoscopy into 25 different sites.

RESULTS

We noted improvements without any complaints during bladder voiding for all patients, in 6 patients the overactivity disappeared after 1 injection. Compliance was improved early-on in half the cases and at 1year for all cases (from 12% to 61%, p=0.01). Noninhibited contractions decreased constantly in both frequency and intensity. Clinical symptoms improved: mean of 7.75 daytime urinary incontinence episodes (IE) per week before the injection vs. 3 after the procedure (p=0.04). For nighttime IE the improvement was even more noticeable with 7.38 nighttime IE episodes per week before the injection vs. 2.06 after the procedure (p=0,02).

CONCLUSION

Intradetrusor Botulinum toxin injections are a potential therapeutic option for the management of non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children resistant to the usual treatments.

[Influence of plasmatic testosterone during natural history of prostate cancer: a review]

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common disease in male patients and it has the particularity to be androgen dependent. The aim of the current study was to provide an overview about the interest of testosterone dosage during the management of PCa regardless of the stage of the disease. PATIENTS ET METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was done from the PubMed database by searching the following key words alone or in combination: prostate cancer; testosterone; risk; aggressiveness; hormonotherapy; active surveillance; prognosis; androgen; cardiovascular risk; biochemical recurrence.

RESULTS

The level of plasmatic testosterone depends on the moment of the day with a peak between the end of the night and in the morning. We can test either the whole testosterone level, the free testosterone level or the bioavailable testosterone. The bioavailable testosterone is more representative of the presence of androgen in tissues but a specialized laboratory is mandatory. The testosterone plasmatic rate is potentially useful during several steps of the PCa management: in localized prostate cancer cases, men with low testosterone levels are more likely to have an aggressive disease and are therefore not good candidates for active surveillance. An extensive radical prostatectomy should be considered in case of young men since these patients are more likely to recur subsequently; in advanced prostate cancer cases, a testosterone level has to be less or equal to 0.2 ng/mL to guarantee an appropriate castration when a patient is undergoing an androgen deprivation treatment. A dissociation between the trend of PSA and testosterone levels can be the starting point of the castration-resistant period of the disease.

CONCLUSION

The testosterone level can bring useful information regarding the profile of PCa and its ability to evolve during the whole natural history of the disease.

Andropause (androgen deficiency of the aging male): diagnosis and management

Androgen deficiency of the aging male is a pathological syndrome and should not be viewed simply as a stage in physiological aging. It is often overlooked despite evidence for a deleterious impact on many physiological processes and on quality of life. Its identification should be part of the routine practice of physicians in charge of this population, in particular general practitioners and specialists treating associated comorbidities (e.g. metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders) or sexual dysfunction. The consultant urologist has a key role to play in prostate surveillance before and during treatment. Treatment is often simple with few side-effects. However, long-term benefits and side effects need to be investigated in prospective studies.

Relationship between the size and position of substituents on 7H-pyrido[4,3-c]carbazole monomers and dimers and their DNA binding and anti-tumor properties

Among the various DNA intercalating molecules prepared in our laboratory, ditercalinium, made up of two 7H-pyrido[4,3-c]carbazole rings linked by a rigid bis-ethylbipiperidine chain (NSC 366241) displays high anti-tumor properties. This dimeric molecule elicits its cytotoxicity through an original mechanism of action. At the molecular level, interaction of ditercalinium with the self-complementary d(CpGpCpG)2 nucleotide has been studied by 1H n.m.r. and the geometry of the bis-intercalating complex has been elucidated. Ditercalinium bis-intercalates through the major groove with the convex face of the 7H-pyrido[4,3-c]carbazole ring oriented toward the sugar moiety. Previous studies have shown the strong modulating effect brought about by substitution of the intercalating ring by methyl groups on both the DNA binding and anti-tumor potency of 7H-pyridocarbazole monomers and dimers. In order to further investigate structure activity relationships in the ditercalinium and related monomers series, a new family of monomeric and dimeric 7H-pyrido[4,3-c]carbazoles was prepared with ethyl, isopropyl or hydroxyethyl substitution on position 6 or 7 of the aromatic ring. DNA binding and anti-tumor potency of these compounds are reported. In contrast to their methylated analogs, none of the 6- or 7-substituted monomers studied here are active although most of them remain able to intercalate into DNA. Substitution of dimeric molecules by substituents of increasing size induces a progressive decrease in the anti-tumor potency, concomitantly with a disappearance of bis-intercalative properties. The modulating effect of the size of substituents on the DNA binding and anti-tumor properties of dimers is more pronounced in the 7-substituted series. These results are discussed in relation to the geometry of intercalation of ditercalinium and its related monomer into d(CpGpCpG)2.

Asymmetrical bisintercalators as potential antitumor agents

Ditercalinium and its analogues are dimeric molecules made up of two identical 7H-pyrido[4,3-c]carbazole rings linked by symmetrical linking chains. These dimers elicit antitumor properties through a new mechanism of action. Recently, a relationship was found between their antitumor properties and their cytotoxic effect on the polA Escherichia coli mutant strain, suggesting that 7H-pyrido[4,3-c]carbazole dimers might induce a DNA deformation that could be recognized by the E. coli SOS repair system. Thus, the role of symmetry in ditercalinium analogues for their DNA binding, antitumor properties, and bacterial toxicity is investigated in the present study, by introducing asymmetric parameters in their structures. Dimers were either synthesized with an asymmetrical rigid linking chain or made up of two chemically different chromophores, i.e., acridine and 7H-pyrido[4,3-c]carbazole. The asymmetrical dimers remain able to bisintercalate into DNA with high affinities, but a dramatic loss in their antitumor potency is observed. On the other hand, these asymmetrical dimers are cytotoxic for polA E. coli mutants, like their symmetrical analogues. These results show that the symmetry plays a crucial role for the antitumor potency in the 7H-pyrido[4,3-c]carbazole dimers series.