Impact of Variant Histology on Oncological Outcomes in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Results From the ROBUUST Collaborative Group

INTRODUCTION

Oncologic implications of variant histology (VH) have been extensively studied in bladder cancer; however, further investigation is needed in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Our study aims to evaluate the impact of VH on oncological outcomes in UTUC patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent a robotic or laparoscopic RNU for UTUC using the ROBUUST database, a multi-institutional collaborative including 17 centers worldwide. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of VH on urothelial recurrence (bladder, contralateral upper tract), metastasis, and survival following RNU.

RESULTS

A total of 687 patients were included in this study. Median (IQR) age was 71 (64-78) years and 470 (68%) had organ confined disease. VH was present in 70 (10.2%) patients. In a median follow-up of 16 months, the incidence of urothelial recurrence, metastasis, and mortality was 26.8%, 15.3%, and 11.8%, respectively. VH was associated with increased risk of metastasis (HR 4.3, P <.0001) and death (HR 2.0, P =.046). In multivariable analysis, VH was noted to be an independent risk factor for metastasis (HR 1.8, P =.03) but not for urothelial recurrence (HR 0.99, P =.97) or death (HR 1.4, P =.2).

CONCLUSION

Variant histology can be found in 10% of patients with UTUC and is an independent risk factor for metastasis following RNU. Overall survival rates and the risk of urothelial recurrence in the bladder or contralateral kidney are not affected by the presence of VH.

Perioperative mortality for radical cystectomy in the modern Era: experience from a tertiary referral center

PURPOSE

To evaluate the perioperative mortality and contributing variables among patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer in recent decades, with comparison between modern (after 2010) and premodern (before 2010) eras.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using our institutional review board-approved database, we reviewed the records of patients who underwent RC for primary urothelial bladder carcinoma with curative intent from January 2003 to December 2019. The primary and secondary outcomes were 90- and 30-day mortality. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the impact of perioperative variables on 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 2047 patients with a mean±SD age of 69.6±10.6 years were included. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 1.3% and 4.9%, respectively, and consistent during the past two decades. Among 100 deaths within 90 days, 18 occurred during index hospitalization. Infectious, pulmonary, and cardiac complications were the leading mortality causes. Multivariable analysis showed that age (Odds Ratio: OR 1.05), Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2 (OR 1.82), blood transfusion (OR 1.95), and pathological node disease (OR 2.85) were independently associated with 90-day mortality. Nevertheless, the surgical approach and enhanced recovery protocols had no significant effect on 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

The 90-day mortality for RC is approaching five percent, with infectious, pulmonary, and cardiac complications as the leading mortality causes. Older age, higher comorbidity, blood transfusion, and pathological lymph node involvement are independently associated with 90-day mortality.

Risk of residual cancer after complete response following first-line chemotherapy in men with metastatic non-seminomatous germ cell tumour and International Germ Cell Cancer Cooperative Group intermediate/poor prognosis: A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Current guidelines recommend surveillance in metastatic non-seminomatous germ cell tumour patients treated with first-line-chemotherapy and a complete clinical response (normalisation of serum tumour markers and residual masses <1 cm). However, this recommendation is based on a series including patients with good prognosis according to International Germ Cell Cancer Cooperative Group prognostic group (IGCCCG-PG). The aim of this study was to analyse the proportion of residual teratoma and survival among patients with intermediate/poor IGCCCG-PG and a complete clinical response after first-line-chemotherapy.

MATERIAL & METHODS

This is a retrospective study of men with intermediate/poor IGCCCG-PG, who had a complete clinical response after first-line chemotherapy. Patients were either followed by surveillance or treated with post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND).

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2018, 143 men with intermediate (n = 83) or poor (n = 60) IGCCCG-PG were treated at 11 international centres. Among 33 patients treated with pcRPLND, the specimen showed teratoma and viable cancer in 16 (48%) and 4 (12%). During a median a 7-year follow-up, 20/110 (18%) patients managed with surveillance relapsed, of whom seven (6%) had a retroperitoneal-only relapse versus 2/33 patients managed with pcRPLND relapsed. No difference was observed regarding overall survival (OS) among men treated with pcRPLND or surveillance (5-year OS, 93% and 89%, p-value = 0.35). The median time-to-recurrence among men on surveillance was 1.3 years (range: 0.3-9.1), and the most common sites of relapses included retroperitoneum (11%), chest (5%), and bones (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

While most men with intermediate/poor IGCCCG-PG harbour teratoma/cancer in the retroperitoneum despite a complete response to first-line-chemotherapy, only 6% managed with surveillance relapsed in the retroperitoneum. There was no significant difference in OS between the two groups.

Primary Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Patients With Pathologic Stage II Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumor-N1, N2, and N3 Disease: Is Adjuvant Chemotherapy Necessary?

PURPOSE

According to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) has been advocated after primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) to reduce the risk of relapse in pathologic nodal (pN) stage pN2 or pN3, whereas surveillance is preferred for pN1. We sought to explore the oncologic efficacy of primary RPLND alone for pathologic stage II in nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) to reduce overtreatment with chemotherapy.

METHODS

Patients with pathologic stage II NSGCT after primary RPLND between 2007 and 2017 were identified. Patients were excluded for elevated preoperative serum tumor markers, receipt of AC, or if pure teratoma or primitive neuroectodermal tumor elements were found in the retroperitoneal pathology.

RESULTS

We identified 117 patients with active NSGCT in the retroperitoneum after primary RPLND. We excluded seven patients who lacked meaningful follow-up and 13 patients who received AC. There were 97 patients treated with RPLND alone: 41 pN1, 46 pN2, and 10 pN3. In total, 77 of 97 patients had not recurred after a median follow-up time of 52 months. The 2-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 80.3%, and the 5-year RFS was 79%. No differences in RFS were noted among nodal stage-pN1, pN2, and pN3-on Kaplan-Meier analysis. Lymphovascular invasion in the orchiectomy specimen, a high-risk pathologic feature, was also predictive of recurrence after primary RPLND. All 20 patients who recurred were treated with first-line chemotherapy and remained continuously disease free.

CONCLUSION

Most men with pathologic stage II disease treated with surgery alone in our series never experienced a recurrence. We did not observe a difference in recurrences between patients with pN1 and pN2. The recommendation for AC for pN2 disease may be overtreatment in most patients.

Distal ureter and bladder cuff excision using the "Keyhole Technique" during Robotic Radical Nephroureterectomy

Introduction:

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5-10% of all urothelial tumors (1). Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains the standard treatment for high, and low-grade UTUC (2). Although the open approach has been considered the gold standard, robotic techniques have shown comparable oncological outcomes with potential advantages in terms of peri-operative morbidity (3).

Materials and Methods:

We present a novel “Keyhole” technique for management of distal ureter and bladder cuff during robotic RNU. This technique allows the surgeon to directly visualize the ureteric orifices, delineate resection borders, and maintain oncologic principles of en-bloc excision without necessitating secondary cystotomy incision or concomitant endoscopic procedure. Descriptive demographic characteristics, surgical, pathological, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. Complications were reported using the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

Results:

Between 2015 and 2020, ten patients underwent robotic RNU with bladder cuff excision using the Keyhole technique (single-dock, single-position). Median age was 75 years. Eight patients underwent surgery for right-sided tumors. Median operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 287 min, 100 mL, and 3 days, respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred, and one grade II complication occurred during the 90-day postoperative period. All patients had high-grade UTUC, being 90% pure urothelial. Bladder recurrences occurred in 30% of patients with an overall median follow-up of 11.2 months.

Conclusions:

Keyhole technique for the management of distal ureter and bladder cuff during RNU represents a feasible approach with minimal 90-day complications and low bladder recurrence rate at centers of experience.

Incidence and outcomes of nodal metastasis in clinically nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer

577

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) is recommended in NMIBC patients with high risk of progression or persistent disease despite intravesical therapy. The role and extent of lymphadenectomy is controversial and not universally performed in this population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence and pattern of nodal metastasis in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for treatment of clinically non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Methods: Prospectively collected data of patients who underwent RC and ‘super-extended’ LND with intent-to-cure for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder between 2002 and 2019 were examined. Inclusion criteria were(a) clinical stage Ta, Tis,or T1, (b) muscle present and not involved,(c) no prior diagnosis of T2 disease, (d) no prior neoadjuvant therapy, and (e) super-extended lymphadenectomy performed to level of IMA with mapping information available. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate for predictors of node metastasis. Results: A total of 223 patients met inclusion criteria with a median follow up of 8.2 years (IQR 4.1-10.7). Lymph node metastasis was identified in 8.1% (18/223) of the cohort. Nodal metastasis was present in 0 patients with cTis, 0 patients with cTa, and 11.6% (18/155) of patients with cT1 disease. Of the 18 patients with LNM in cT1 disease, 61% (11/18) had positive nodes below the common ileac vessel bifurcation, 6% (1/18) had positive nodes below the level of aortic bifurcation, and 33% (6/18) had distant metastasis to lymph nodes beyond aortic bifurcation. No skip metastasis were identified. After RC, 89% of cT1 with nodal metastasis had muscle invasive disease. On logistic regression analysis, presence of LVI on TURBT specimen was a significant predictor of LNM (OR 6.8, CI 2.2-20.9). Five-year RFS was 91%, 82%, and 61% in patients with pNMIBC, cNMIBC, and pMIBC, respectively. Conclusions: Routine lymph node dissection is necessary in patients undergoing RC for cT1 disease due to risk of upstaging and LNMs. Presence of LVI in TURBT specimen of cNMIBC is a predictor of nodal metastasis. In patients with nodal disease, metastasis beyond the limits of a standard lymph node template occurred in two-thirds of patients, however a standard pelvic node dissection would have identified all patients with node positive disease.

Recurrence patterns in bladder cancer patients with no residual disease (pT0N0) at radical cystectomy

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Background: Bladder cancer patients can achieve no residual disease status at the time of radical cystectomy (RC) following transurethral resection (TURBT) alone (pT0) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) (ypT0). This population has favorable survival potential, yet limited data is available on their oncological outcomes. We examined the recurrence patterns in these patients and the implications for post-operative surveillance. Methods: A retrospective review of our IRB-approved bladder cancer database identified patients who underwent RC between 2000 - 2019 and were found to have no residual disease (pT0N0). The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: A total of 234 patients with a median age of 67 years were included. NAC was used in 89 (38%) patients and 145 (62%) cases were rendered pT0 following TURBT alone. After a median follow up of 44 months, 6/145 (4%) pT0 patients and 10/89 (11.2%) ypT0 cases developed a recurrence. None of the pT0 patients with previous history of clinical Ta/Tis disease had a recurrence after RC. The median time to recurrence was 9 months. All but one of the recurrences in the ypT0 group were within 2 years of cystectomy, while half of the recurrences in the pT0 group occurred after 2 years. Patients with ypT0 had worse 2- and 5-year RFS compared to the pT0 group (85% and 84% vs. 99% and 95%, respectively; p=0.003). Variant histology was noted in 49 (21%) patients and the recurrence rate was higher in this subgroup compared to those with pure urothelial carcinoma (12.2% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.02). Lung metastasis and involvement of distant organs, while rare, was noted at similar rates in both groups (Table). On univariate Cox regression analysis of RFS, clinical T stage > 3 (HR: 6.5, 95%CI: 2.4 – 17.3, p<0.001) and NAC (HR: 4.3, 95%CI: 1.5 – 12.5, p = 0.007) were associated with increased risk of recurrence. Conclusions: Most patients with pT0N0 pathology at the time of cystectomy are cured however metastasis can still develop up to 4 years after surgery. Patients achieving ypT0 after NAC exhibit worse prognosis and shorter times to recurrence, and closer follow-up may be considered.[Table: see text]

A Preoperative Nomogram to Predict Renal Function Insufficiency for Cisplatin-based Adjuvant Chemotherapy Following Minimally Invasive Radical Nephroureterectomy (ROBUUST Collaborative Group)

BACKGROUND

Postoperative renal function impairment represents a main limitation for delivering adjuvant chemotherapy after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

OBJECTIVE

To create a model predicting renal function decline after minimally invasive RNU.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 490 patients with nonmetastatic UTUC who underwent minimally invasive RNU were identified from a collaborative database including 17 institutions worldwide (February 2006 to March 2020). Renal function insufficiency for cisplatin-based regimen was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <50 ml/min/1.73 m² at 3 mo after RNU. Patients with baseline eGFR >50 ml/min/1.73 m² (n = 361) were geographically divided into a training set (n = 226) and an independent external validation set (n = 135) for further analysis.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Using transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines, a nomogram to predict postoperative eGFR <50 ml/min/1.73 m² was built based on the coefficients of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operation (LASSO) logistic regression. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical use of the nomogram were investigated.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The model that incorporated age, body mass index, preoperative eGFR, and hydroureteronephrosis was developed with an area under the curve of 0.771, which was confirmed to be 0.773 in the external validation set. The calibration curve demonstrated good agreement. Besides, the model was converted into a risk score with a cutoff value of 0.583, and the difference between the low- and high-risk groups both in overall death risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.59, p < 0.001) and cancer-specific death risk (HR: 5.19, p < 0.001) was statistically significant. The limitation mainly lies in its retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS

A nomogram incorporating immediately available clinical variables can accurately predict renal insufficiency for cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy after minimally invasive RNU and may serve as a tool facilitating patient selection.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We have developed a model for the prediction of renal function loss after radical nephroureterectomy to facilitate patient selection for perioperative chemotherapy.

Bladder Recurrence Following Diagnostic Ureteroscopy in Patients Undergoing Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer: Is Ureteral Access Sheath Protective?

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of diagnostic ureteroscopy (URS) and ureteral access sheath usage on bladder recurrence following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent RNU between 2005-2019. Patients with a history of bladder cancer and those without a bladder cuff resection were excluded. Bladder recurrence was the primary outcome and cox regression modeling was used to assess the impact of URS adjusting for other factors.

RESULTS

Out of 271 RNU cases, 143 were included with a median age of 73 years (IQR 65-80). URS was performed in 104 cases (73%) and a ureteral access sheath was used in 26 (25%). With a median follow-up of 27 months, there were 36 (25%) bladder recurrences. The bladder recurrence rate (median time to recurrence) for patients who had URS vs. no URS was 30.8% (9.0 months) and 7.7% (12.1 months), respectively (p=0.02). A lower recurrence rate was noted in patients whom a ureteral access sheath was utilized (11.5%) vs. those with no access sheath (39.7%, p=0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed a significant increase in bladder recurrence if URS was performed prior to RNU (HR 5.6 [1.7-18.5], p<0.004), however, this effect was mitigated if a ureteral access sheath was used (HR 1.3, [0.3-6.4], p=0.76). Ureteral stent usage and performing a ureteroscopic biopsy had no significant effect on bladder recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic URS in patients undergoing RNU for UTUC significantly increases the risk of bladder recurrence. This effect may be mitigated by using a ureteral access sheath.

Risk factors and natural history of parastomal hernia after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence, risk factors and natural history of parastomal hernia (PSH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) and ileal conduit (IC) procedure between 2007 and 2020. Patients who had available follow-up computed tomography (CT) imaging were included in this study. All CT scans were re-reviewed for detection of PSH according to Moreno-Matias classification. Patients who developed hernia were followed up and classified into stable or progressive (defined as radiological upgrading and/or need for surgical intervention) groups. Multivariable Cox regression was performed to identify independent predictors of hernia development and progression.

RESULTS

A total of 361 patients were included in this study. The incidence of radiological PSH was 30%, graded as I (56.5%), II (12%) and III (31.5%). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to radiological hernia was 8 (5-15) months. During the median (IQR) follow-up of 27 (13-47) months in 108 patients with a hernia, 26% patients progressed. The median (IQR) time to progression was 12 (6-21) months. On multivariable analysis, female gender (hazard ratio [HR] 1.86), diabetes (HR 1.81), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; HR 1.78) and higher body mass index (BMI; HR 1.07 for each unit) were independent predictors for radiological PSH development. No significant factor was found to be associated with hernia progression.

CONCLUSION

Radiological PSH after RC and IC occurred in 30% of patients, a quarter of whom progressed in a median time of 12 months. Female gender, diabetes, COPD and high BMI were independent predictors for radiological hernia development.

Safety and feasibility of urological procedures in Jehovah's Witness patients

OBJECTIVES

To describe the safety and feasibility of urological transfusion-free surgeries in Jehovah's Witness patients.

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved, retrospective review of Jehovah's Witness patients who underwent urological transfusion-free surgeries between 2003 and 2019 was carried out. Surgeries were stratified into low, intermediate and high risk based on complexity, invasiveness and bleeding potential. Patient demographics, perioperative data and clinical outcomes are reported.

RESULTS

A total of 161 Jehovah's Witness patients (median age 63.4 years) underwent 171 transfusion-free surgeries, including 57 (33.3%) in low-, 82 (47.9%) in intermediate- and 32 (18.8%) in high-risk categories. The mean estimated blood loss increased with risk category at 48 mL (range 10-50 mL), 150 mL (range 50-200 mL) and 388 mL (range 137-500 mL), respectively (P < 0.001). Implementing blood augmentation and conservation techniques increased with each risk category (3.5% vs 29% vs 69%, respectively; P < 0.001). Average length of stay increased concordantly at 1.6 days (range 0-12 days), 2.9 days (range 1-13 days) and 5.6 days (range 2-12 days), respectively (P ≤ 0.001). However, there was no increase in complication rates and readmission rates attributed to bleeding among the risk categories at 30 days (P = 0.9 and 0.4, respectively) and 90 days (P = 0.7 and 0.7, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusion free urological surgery can be safely carried out on Jehovah's Witness patients using contemporary perioperative optimization. Additionally, these techniques can be expanded for use in the general patient population to avoid short- and long-term consequences of perioperative blood transfusion.

Updates on the epidemiology and risk factors for penile cancer

Penile cancer is a rare neoplasm representing less than 1% of all malignancies in the USA and Europe but is a significant public health hazard in the developing world. Male neonatal circumcision has been associated with a dramatic decrease in penile cancer rates with countries such as Israel, where circumcision is widely performed, having the lowest incidence in the world at <0.1% of malignancies. Many risk factors have been identified for penile cancer including phimosis, lack of circumcision, obesity, lichen sclerosis, chronic inflammation, smoking, UVA phototherapy, socioeconomic status, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and immune compromised states. The relationship between these factors and invasive disease varies and continues to be investigated. Our objective was to present a contemporary overview of the epidemiology and risk factors for invasive penile cancer.