Transurethral En Bloc Resection Versus Standard Resection of Bladder Tumour: A Randomised, Multicentre, Phase 3 Trial

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, standard resection (SR) is performed by resecting the bladder tumour in a piecemeal manner. En bloc resection of the bladder tumour (ERBT) has been proposed as an alternative technique in treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether ERBT could improve the 1-yr recurrence rate of NMIBC, as compared with SR.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial was conducted in Hong Kong. Adults with bladder tumour(s) of ≤3 cm were enrolled from April 2017 to December 2020, and followed up until 1 yr after surgery.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomly assigned to receive either ERBT or SR in a 1:1 ratio.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary outcome was 1-yr recurrence rate. A modified intention-to-treat analysis on patients with histologically confirmed NMIBC was performed. The main secondary outcomes included detrusor muscle sampling rate, operative time, hospital stay, 30-d complications, any residual or upstaging of disease upon second-look transurethral resection, and 1-yr progression rate.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 350 patients underwent randomisation, and 276 patients were histologically confirmed to have NMIBC. At 1 yr, 31 patients in the ERBT group and 46 in the SR group developed recurrence; the Kaplan-Meier estimate of 1-yr recurrence rates were 29% (95% confidence interval, 18-37) in the ERBT group and 38% (95% confidence interval, 28-46) in the SR group (p = 0.007). Upon a subgroup analysis, patients with 1-3 cm tumour, single tumour, Ta disease, or intermediate-risk NMIBC had a significant benefit from ERBT. None of the patients in the ERBT group and three patients in the SR group developed progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer; the Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1-yr progression rates were 0% in the ERBT group and 2.6% (95% confidence interval, 0-5.5) in the SR group (p = 0.065). The median operative time was 28 min (interquartile range, 20-45) in the ERBT group and 22 min (interquartile range, 15-30) in the SR group (p < 0.001). All other secondary outcomes were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with NMIBC of ≤3 cm, ERBT resulted in a significant reduction in the 1-yr recurrence rate when compared with SR (funded by GRF/ECS, RGC, reference no.: 24116518; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02993211).

PATIENT SUMMARY

Conventionally, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is treated by resecting the bladder tumour in a piecemeal manner. In this study, we found that en bloc resection, that is, removal of the bladder tumour in one piece, could reduce the 1-yr recurrence rate of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Patient Preference of Apalutamide Versus Enzalutamide for Recurrent or Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer: An Open-label, Randomized, Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Treatment preference regarding apalutamide versus enzalutamide in prostate cancer (PCa) and the factors influencing decisions are largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate the preference for apalutamide versus enzalutamide among prostate cancer patients and their physicians and caregivers, and factors influencing their decision.

METHODS

This was a prospective, open-label, randomized, crossover trial. Patients with recurrence of localized PCa or with metastatic disease not considered as high-risk or high-volume and on continued androgen deprivation therapy were recruited. All subjects received a trial of two agents, apalutamide (A) and enzalutamide (E), for 12 wk each, with a 5-wk washout period in between. The sequencing of the drugs was randomized. The primary outcome was patient preference for one the drugs, assessed at the end of the study. Other outcomes included factors influencing patient preference, a comparison of side-effect profiles, and patients' quality of life (QoL). Physician and caregiver preferences for the drugs and factors affecting their choice were also assessed.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 74 patients met the eligibility criteria and were randomized to the A → E or E → A arm. Of these, 66 patients (89.1%; 32 A → E, 34 E → A) completed the study. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, and ∼90% of the patients had low-volume metastatic disease. After completion of both treatments for 12 wk each, the difference in preference for A over E was 17.8%, with similar trends for preference of A over E among physicians (18.2%) and caregivers (22.4%). Fewer side effect was the most critical factor influencing the preference of patients. Among the side effects, less fatigue was the benefit of A over E most frequently reported. No notable difference in QoL was observed between the two drugs. However, the study was terminated on interim analysis and the results might not be conclusive.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a trend for preference of A over E among patients with predominantly low-volume recurrent or metastatic PCa and their physicians and caregivers. Fewer side effects was the most critical factor influencing their choice.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Patients with low-volume recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer tended to prefer treatment with apalutamide over enzalutamide. Side effects were the most critical factor influencing treatment preference.

Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment in Prostate Cancer Patient Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Real-World Experience in the READT Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Asian men with all stages of prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

READT (real-life evaluation of the effect of ADT in prostate cancer patients in Asia) was a multi-center, prospective observational study involving six sites across four Asian populations. We enrolled eligible prostate cancer patients, who opted for ADT alone or in combination without prior neoadjuvant or adjuvant ADT within 12 months. The EuroQoL-5 dimensions, 5 level scale (EQ-5D-5L) utility index scores and visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated at baseline, month 6 and month 12.

RESULTS

A total of 504 patients were recruited into READT between September 2016 and May 2020 with 52.9% diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. The EQ-5D-5L was evaluable in 442/504 (87.7%) of patients. Overall baseline EQ-5D-5L utility index score was 0.924 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.876-1.000). We observed a statistically significant difference in baseline EQ-5D-5L utility index score among different populations with a median EQ-5D-5L utility index score of 1 for Taiwan & Hong Kong, 0.897 for China and 0.838 for Malaysia. Similar trend was observed throughout multiple treatment time-points. Stage IV prostate cancer were significantly associated with a lower baseline EQ-5D-5L utility index score compared to stage I-III prostate cancer, producing a median disutility value of -0.080. Participants had a high median VAS (80, IQR 70-90), indicating good overall health on average during ADT initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the differences in health state utility index scores among various Asian prostate cancer patients receiving ADT at real-world setting. Our findings will be informative and useful in cost-effectiveness evaluation and policy decision making.

Transperineal Targeted Microwave Ablation (TMA) of localized prostate cancer guided by MRI-Ultrasound fusion and organ-based tracking: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the efficacy of transperineal targeted microwave ablation (TMA) in treating localized prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

This is a single-centre prospective phase 2 trial recruiting men with low to intermediate-risk localized PCa to undergo transperineal TMA. TMA was performed with MRI-Ultrasound fusion guidance and organ-based tracking. A per-protocol 6-month MRI and biopsy were performed for all patients. The primary outcome was any cancer detected on biopsy of each ablated area. Secondary outcomes included per-patient analysis of positive biopsy, complications, urinary symptom score, erectile function and quality of life (QOL) scores.

RESULTS

In the first 15 men, 23 areas were being treated. The median age was 70 years, number of TMA ablations were 5 (range 2-8), and the total ablation time and operating time was 22 (IQR 14-28) and 75 (IQR 65-85) minutes, respectively. PSA level dropped from a median of 7.7 to 2.4 ng/mL. For the primary outcome, 91.3% (21/23) ablated area had no cancer in 6-month biopsy. In per-patient analysis, 33.3% (5/15) had in or out-of-field positive biopsy at 6 months. Among these five cases, four of them were amenable to active surveillance and 1 (6.7%) case with out-of-field ISUP grade group 2 cancer received radiotherapy. The urinary symptoms, uroflowmetry, erectile function, and QOL scores had no significant difference at 6 months. One patient (out of five patients with normal erection) in the cohort complained of significant worsening of erectile function after TMA. Grade 1 complications including hematuria (33.3%), dysuria (6.7%), and perineal discomfort (13.4%) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this first pilot study, transperineal TMA guided by MRI-Ultrasound fusion guidance and organ-based tracking was shown to be effective, safe, and easily applicable in men with localized PCa.

Time for change? Feasibility of introducing micromodules into medical student education: a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Didactic lectures have been the foundation of learning for many medical students. However, in recent years, the flipped classroom model has become increasingly popular in medical education. This approach enhances pre-class learning, allowing the limited contact time between clinicians and medical students to be focused on practical issues. This study evaluated the effectiveness and non-inferiority of online micromodule teaching in terms of knowledge transfer concerning specific urology topics.

METHODS

Medical students without prior exposure to the urology subspecialty were enrolled in the study, then randomised to a traditional didactic lecture group or an online micromodule group. Knowledge transfer was assessed by pre-intervention and post-intervention multiple-choice questions and objective structured clinical examinations that involved the acquisition of medical histories from real patients.

RESULTS

In total, 45 medical students were enrolled (22 in the traditional didactic group and 23 in the online micromodule group). In terms of knowledge transfer (assessed by objective structured clinical examinations), the efficacy of online micromodules was comparable to traditional didactic lectures, although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.823). There were no significant differences in terms of knowledge acquisition, retention, or clinical application between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In terms of acquiring, retaining, and applying foundational urological knowledge, online micromodules can help medical students to achieve outcomes comparable with the outcomes of didactic lectures. Online micromodules may be a viable alternative to traditional didactic lectures in urology education.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of ketamine-associated uropathy

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the literature regarding ketamine-associated uropathy to summarise its clinical manifestations, the results of urological assessments, and current management.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using keywords and MeSH terms related to ketamine abuse, urinary tracts, and urological examinations. Databases including Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to 26 June 2020.

RESULTS

In total, 1365 articles were retrieved; 45 articles (4921 patients) were included in the analysis of patient demographics, clinical manifestations, examination results, and treatments. Frequency was the most common manifestation (pooled prevalence 77.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]=56.9%-92.2%), followed by urgency (69.9%, 95% CI=48.8%-87.3%) and suprapubic pain (60.4%, 95% CI=35.3%-82.9%). Upper urinary tract involvement was less common; the pooled prevalence of hydronephrosis was 30.2% (95% CI=22.0%-39.2%). Further workup revealed a pooled functional bladder capacity of 95.23 mL (95% CI=63.57-126.88 mL), pooled voided volume of 113.31 mL (95% CI=59.44- 167.19 mL), and pooled maximum urine flow rate of 8.69 mL/s (95% CI=5.54-11.83 mL/s). Cystoscopic examinations and bladder biopsy revealed frequent urothelial denudation, inflammatory changes, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Treatments included oral medications for symptomatic relief, intravesical therapy, and surgery (eg, hydrodistension and bladder reconstruction), but ketamine abstinence was necessary for improvement.

CONCLUSION

Ketamine-associated uropathy frequently involves frequency, urgency, and suprapubic pain; upper urinary tract involvement is less common. Affected patients showed reductions in bladder capacity and urine flow rate. Endoscopic and histological analyses often revealed cystitis. Despite variations in treatment, ketamine abstinence is important for all patients with ketamine-associated uropathy.

Predictive Values of Nocturia and Its Voiding Frequency on the Aging Males' Symptoms

BACKGROUND

The link between nocturia and aging male symptoms (AMS) has not been scientifically established. This study aimed to measure the degree of severity of AMS that impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult males living with nocturia and to determine the predictive values of nocturnal factors on AMS.

METHODS

This is an extended analysis of new data collected by using the Hong Kong Traditional AMS (HK-AMS) scale and the Cantonese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in a recently published cross-sectional population-based survey.

RESULTS

Of the 781 respondents that completed the set of questionnaires, 68% and 61% of men living with nocturia reported clinically significant (at moderate-to-severe levels) somato-vegetative and sexual AMS; the prevalence and severity were increased with advancing nighttime voiding frequency. Age, the Global PSQI score, certain metabolic diseases, the nocturia-specific QoL (NQoL) score and bedtime voiding frequency were found to be significant predictive factors for composite somato-vegetative and sexual AMS.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings suggested the inclusion of nocturia when measuring male-specific HRQoL related to aging.

Initial Prostate Health Index (phi) and phi density predicts future risk of clinically significant prostate cancer in men with initial negative prostate biopsy: a 6-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Men with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and initial negative prostate biopsy may have risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in the future. The role of Prostate Health Index (phi) in determining future PCa risk has not been studied before. This study aims to investigate the role of initial phi and phi density in predicting future PCa risk in men with initial negative biopsy.

METHODS

Five hundred sixty nine men with PSA 4-10 ng/mL were recruited between 2008 and 2015 for prostate biopsy with prior phi. Electronic clinical record of men with initial negative biopsy was reviewed. Patients and follow-up doctors were blinded to phi. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the PCa-free survival in different baseline phi and phi density groups.

RESULTS

Four hundred sixty-one men with complete follow-up data were included. Median follow-up is 77 months. PCa and HGPCa was diagnosed in 8.2% (38/461) and 4.8% (22/461) of cohort respectively. A higher baseline phi value was associated with PCa (p = 0.003) and HGPCa (p < 0.001). HGPCa was diagnosed in 0.6% (1/163) of phi < 25, 4.6% (9/195) of phi 25-34.9, and 11.7% (12/103) of phi ≥ 35 (p < 0.001). HGPCa was diagnosed in 0% (0/109) and 21.0% (13/62) with phi density of <0.4 and ≥1.2, respectively, (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed phi and phi density predicted PCa and HGPCa diagnoses (log-rank test, all p ≤ 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Initial phi or phi density predicted 6-year risk of PCa in men with initial negative prostate biopsy. Men with higher phi (≥35) or phi density (≥1.2) need closer follow-up and repeated investigation, while men with lower phi (<25) or phi density (<0.4) could have less frequent follow-up.

Risks of metabolic diseases and androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer in a Chinese population: a prospective multi-centre cohort study

PURPOSE

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use in prostate cancer (PCa) has seen a rising trend. We are looking into the relationship between ADT and development of metabolic diseases in Chinese patients.

METHODS

This is a prospective multi-centre cohort yielded from the READT database (Real-life experience of ADT in Asia), in which patients diagnosed of PCa and offered ADT were prospectively recruited since 2016. Chinese patients recruited from Hong Kong were selected and compared to another cohort of newly diagnosed PCa patients in Hong Kong (HK-Cap database), which was collected prospectively and retrieved retrospectively for this study. Patient outcomes are followed through for 2 years. We compared between the groups the new diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes and hyper-lipidaemia, as well as the initiation of related medication for these conditions. Baseline characteristics including pre-treatment comorbidities, medications and tumour characteristics are documented.

RESULTS

151 patients receiving ADT (from READT database) and 447 patients not receiving ADT (from HK-Cap database) were analysed. ADT is related to higher risks of developing any of concerned medical co-morbidities (23.8% vs 13.0*, p = 0.001) and new-onset DM (16.6% vs 4.4%, p < 0.001). Initiation of new medications is also more common in ADT patients. New anti-hypertensives (37.8% vs 12.5%, p < 0.001), oral hypoglycemic agents (12.6% vs 4.9%, p = 0.001), insulin (4.0% vs 0.05%, p = 0.001) and statin (23.7% vs 12.8%, p = 0.023) are more commonly added in ADT cohort.

CONCLUSION

Chinese receiving ADT are exposed to increased risks of new-onset hypertension, diabetes and hyper-lipidaemia, and a higher likelihood of stepping up pharmaceutical control for pre-existing comorbidities. This highlights physicians' role to monitor metabolic profiles in at-risk men upon offering ADT.

A systematic review on COVID-19: urological manifestations, viral RNA detection and special considerations in urological conditions

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review on COVID-19 and its potential urological manifestations.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using combination of keywords (MeSH terms and free text words) relating to COVID-19, urology, faeces and stool on multiple databases. Primary outcomes were the urological manifestations of COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA detection in urine and stool samples. Meta-analyses were performed when there were two or more studies reporting on the same outcome. Special considerations in urological conditions that were relevant in the pandemic of COVID-19 were reported in a narrative manner.

RESULTS

There were a total of 21 studies with 3714 COVID-19 patients, and urinary symptoms were absent in all of them. In patients with COVID-19, 7.58% (95% CI 3.30-13.54%) developed acute kidney injury with a mortality rate of 93.27% (95% CI 81.46-100%) amongst them. 5.74% (95% CI 2.88-9.44%) of COVID-19 patients had positive viral RNA in urine samples, but the duration of viral shedding in urine was unknown. 65.82% (95% CI 45.71-83.51%) of COVID-19 patients had positive viral RNA in stool samples, which were detected from 2 to 47 days from symptom onset. 31.6% of renal transplant recipients with COVID-19 required non-invasive ventilation, and the overall mortality rate was 15.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute kidney injury leading to mortality is common amongst COVID-19 patients, likely as a result of direct viral toxicity. Viral RNA positivity was detected in both urine and stool samples, so precautions are needed when we perform transurethral or transrectal procedures.

Effect of SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks on urology practice and training

INTRODUCTION

The objective was to investigate the changes in urology practice during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with a perspective from our experience with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003.

METHODS

Institutional data from all urology centres in the Hong Kong public sector during the COVID-19 pandemic (1 Feb 2020-31 Mar 2020) and a non-COVID-19 control period (1 Feb 2019-31 Mar 2019) were acquired. An online anonymous questionnaire was used to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on resident training. The clinical output of tertiary centres was compared with data from the SARS period.

RESULTS

The numbers of operating sessions, clinic attendance, cystoscopy sessions, prostate biopsy, and shockwave lithotripsy sessions were reduced by 40.5%, 28.5%, 49.6%, 44.8%, and 38.5%, respectively, across all the centres reviewed. The mean numbers of operating sessions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were 85.1±30.3 and 50.6±25.7, respectively (P=0.005). All centres gave priority to cancer-related surgeries. Benign prostatic hyperplasia-related surgery (39.1%) and ureteric stone surgery (25.5%) were the most commonly delayed surgeries. The degree of reduction in urology services was less than that during SARS (47.2%, 55.3%, and 70.5% for operating sessions, cystoscopy, and biopsy, respectively). The mean numbers of operations performed by residents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were 75.4±48.0 and 34.9±17.2, respectively (P=0.002).

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive review of urology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed changes in every aspect of practice.

Effect of androgen deprivation therapy on cardiovascular function in Chinese patients with advanced prostate cancer: a prospective cohort study

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer, but its effect on cardiovascular and metabolic function in Asian patients is still inconclusive. We prospectively assess the effects of ADT on 36 patients with advanced prostate cancer, with reference to another 24 prostate cancer patients not requiring ADT, for 2 years. Patients’ anthropometric, metabolic and vascular parameters were assessed every six-monthly. The baseline parameters of the two groups were comparable. There was a significant negative effect of the usage of ADT on the changes in BMI (p = 0.020), waist to hip ratio (p = 0.005), body fat percentage (p = 0.012), and high-density-lipoprotein (p = 0.012). ADT-patients were 4.9 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome at 24 months. (CI 0.889–27.193, p = 0.068). The Framingham risk score (p = 0.018) and pulse-wave-velocity (p = 0.024) for ADT-group were also significantly higher than controls, which signified increase in cardiovascular risk. Although there was no statistically significant difference in ischemic cardiovascular events between two groups, a trend for more events in ADT-group was observed. Therefore, Asian patients have increased cardiovascular and metabolic risks after being treated with ADT for two years. Appropriate counselling and monitoring of associated complications with ADT are essential.

Transurethral resection of prostate for acute urinary retention is linked to shorter survival in younger men

It is largely unknown whether lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or acute retention of urine (AROU) is linked to shorter life expectancy in men. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective database analysis of patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) to study their relationships. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier analysis with stratification to age and indication of TURP were performed. We further performed an age- and sex-matched survival analysis with the general population using data from the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong, China). From January 2002 to December 2012, 3496 patients undergoing TURP were included in our study, with 1764 patients in the LUTS group and 1732 patients in the AROU group. Old age, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, and AROU were risk factors of mortality. Patients aged <70 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.09, P = 0.010) and 70–80 years (adjusted HR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.15–1.70, P = 0.001) in the AROU group had worse survival than those in the LUTS group, but such difference was not demonstrated in patients aged >80 years. Compared to the general population, younger patients in the LUTS group appeared to have better survival (<70 years, P = 0.091; 70–80 years, P = 0.011), but younger patients in the AROU group had worse survival (<70 years, P = 0.021; 70–80 years, P = 0.003). For patients aged >80 years, survival was similar with the general population in both the LUTS and AROU groups. In conclusion, AROU at young age was associated with mortality, while early detection and management of LUTS may improve survival.

Clinical and Surgical Assistance in Prostate Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implementation of assistance protocols

PURPOSE

Propose an approach of prostate cancer (PCa) patients during COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a review of current literature related to surgical and clinical management of patients during COVID-19 crisis paying special attention to oncological ones and especially those suffering from PCa. Based on these publications and current urological guidelines, a manual to manage PCa patients is suggested.

RESULTS

Patients suffering from cancer are likely to develop serious complications from COVID-19 disease together with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the management of oncological patients should be taken into special consideration and most of the treatments postponed. In case the procedure is not deferrable, it should be adapted to the current situation. While the shortest radiotherapy (RT) regimens should be applied, surgical procedures must undergo the following recommendations proposed by main surgical associations. PCa prognosis is generally favourable and therefore one can safely delay most of the biopsies up to 6 months without interfering with survival outcomes in the vast majority of cases. In the same way, most of the localised PCa patients are suitable for active surveillance (AS) or hormonal therapy until local definitive treatment could be reconsidered. In metastatic as well as castration resistant PCa stages, adding androgen receptor targeted agents (abiraterone, apalutamide, darolutamide or enzalutamide) to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) could be considered in high risk patients. On the contrary, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and Radium-223 must be avoided with regard to the consequence of hematologic toxicity and risk of COVID-19 infection because of immunodepression.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the biopsies should be delayed while AS is advised in those patients with low risk PCa. ADT allows us to defer definitive local treatment in many cases of intermediate and high risk PCa. In regard to metastatic and castration resistant PCa, combination therapies with abiraterone, apalutamide, darolutamide or enzalutamide could be considered. Chemotherapy, Radium-223 and immunotherapy are discouraged.

The cost-effectiveness of prostate health index for prostate cancer detection in Chinese men

BACKGROUND

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate health index (PHI) have been used as biomarkers for prostate cancer detection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of PHI for prostate cancer detection in Chinese men.

METHOD

We developed a Markov model for Chinese male patient aged 50-75 years old. The PSA strategy was to offer TRUS-PB for all patients with elevated PSA of 4-10 ng/mL. The PHI strategy was to offer PHI for patients with elevated PSA of 4-10 ng/mL. TRUS-PB would only be offered for patients with PHI >35.0. Model inputs were extracted from local data when available. The cost per quality-adjusted life years gained for both strategies were calculated. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios in relation to the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold were compared. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were also constructed.

RESULTS

With a Markov model of 25 screening cycles from age 50 to 75 years, the mean total costs per man were estimated to be USD 27,439 in the PSA strategy and USD 22,877 in the PHI strategy. The estimated effects were estimated to be 15.70 in the PSA strategy and 16.05 in the PHI strategy. The PHI strategy was associated with an expected decrease in cost of USD 4562 and an expected gain of 0.35 QALY, resulting in an ICER of USD -13056.56. The results were shown to be robust upon one-way sensitivity analysis. Upon Monte Carlo simulation, the PHI strategy was more cost-effective for 100% of the iterations. The PHI strategy demonstrated dominance over the PSA strategy regardless of what WTP threshold we use.

CONCLUSIONS

A PHI-based screening strategy may be more cost-effective than a PSA-based strategy for prostate cancer detection in Chinese men. These results support consideration of a PHI-based approach for prostate cancer in Hong Kong.

A systematic review on COVID-19: urological manifestations, viral RNA detection and special considerations in urological conditions

Purpose and objective

We performed a systematic review on COVID-19 and its potential urological manifestations.

Methods

A literature search was performed using combination of keywords (MeSH terms and free text words) relating to COVID-19, urology, faeces and stool on multiple databases. Primary outcomes were the urological manifestations of COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA detection in urine and stool samples. Meta-analyses were performed when there were two or more studies reporting on the same outcome. Special considerations in urological conditions that were relevant in the pandemic of COVID-19 were reported in a narrative manner.

Results

There were a total of 21 studies with 3714 COVID-19 patients, and urinary symptoms were absent in all of them. In patients with COVID-19, 7.58% (95% CI 3.30–13.54%) developed acute kidney injury with a mortality rate of 93.27% (95% CI 81.46–100%) amongst them. 5.74% (95% CI 2.88–9.44%) of COVID-19 patients had positive viral RNA in urine samples, but the duration of viral shedding in urine was unknown. 65.82% (95% CI 45.71–83.51%) of COVID-19 patients had positive viral RNA in stool samples, which were detected from 2 to 47 days from symptom onset. 31.6% of renal transplant recipients with COVID-19 required non-invasive ventilation, and the overall mortality rate was 15.4%.

Conclusions

Acute kidney injury leading to mortality is common amongst COVID-19 patients, likely as a result of direct viral toxicity. Viral RNA positivity was detected in both urine and stool samples, so precautions are needed when we perform transurethral or transrectal procedures.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00345-020-03246-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Attitudes, acceptance, and registration in relation to organ donation in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to investigate the discrepancy between individuals with positive attitudes towards organ donation and the actual number of registered organ donors in Hong Kong, and to investigate the best modalities for promoting more organ donor registrations.

METHODS

This cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong. Telephone numbers were selected randomly. Upon successful contact with a household, the eligible household member who had the most recent birthday was selected to participate in the telephone interview.

RESULTS

A total of 1000 Hong Kong Chinese residents were interviewed successfully. The response rate was 53.8%. The majority of the respondents were female (68.3%) and were aged 51 to 60 years (24%) or ≥61 years (43.6%). Among the respondents, 31.3% were willing to donate their organs after death; 43.3% were indecisive, and 25.4% refused. Among those who were willing to donate organs after death, only 34.2% had registered with the Centralised Organ Donation Register (CODR). Among those who were willing to donate organs after death but had not yet registered on CODR, 52.2% said they were not determined enough to take action, 47.8% said they were too busy, 37.8% said they were too lazy, and 20.4% said they were always forgetful about registering. In all, 32.8% of the interviewees were not aware of the ways to register as a prospective organ donor. Among non-messenger social media platforms, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram were the most commonly used. Most participants believed that Facebook and YouTube were effective for engaging audiences.

CONCLUSIONS

More effort should be made to facilitate organ donor registration in face-to-face settings via promotional booths and in online settings via appropriate social media platforms.

Patient-reported outcomes after surgery or radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer: a retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

To compare the intermediate-term outcomes and patient-reported outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) and radical external beam radiotherapy (RT) in Chinese patients with localised prostate cancer.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with localised prostate cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2011 and treated with either RALP or RT. Baseline patient and disease characteristics, post-treatment complications, and latest disease status were retrospectively collected from hospital records. For assessment of patient-reported outcomes, the Chinese version of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaire was completed by the patients.

RESULTS

Ninety three patients aged 58 to 84 years were recruited. Thirty patients were treated by RALP (32.3%), whereas 63 received RT (67.7%). The RALP group had significantly lower baseline prostate-specific antigen levels than the RT group (P<0.001). More patients who underwent RALP reported urinary incontinence (70.0% vs 3.2%, P<0.001), whereas more patients who underwent RT reported other voiding symptoms (87.3% vs 50.0%, P<0.001) and perirectal bleeding (36.5% vs 0%, P<0.001) during follow-up. Of the 85 patients who were still alive at the time of the study, 52 (61.2%) returned completed questionnaires. Patients who underwent RALP had poorer median (interquartile range) EPIC urinary summary scores than patients who underwent RT [81.5 (18.3) vs 88.9 (17.9), P=0.016]. Urinary function [75.9 (20.4) vs 93.6 (16.2), P<0.001] and incontinence [60.5 (31.8) vs 91.8 (14.5), P<0.001] were also significantly worse in the RALP group. The bowel and sexual domain scores were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that RALP and RT were associated with different patterns of complications and patient-reported outcomes. Urinary incontinence was much more prevalent in the patients treated surgically. This may significantly affect patients' quality of life.

Substance abuse effects on urinary tract: methamphetamine and ketamine

INTRODUCTION

Ketamine is known to cause urinary tract dysfunction. Recently, methamphetamine (MA) abuse has become a growing problem in Asia. We investigated the symptomatology and voiding function in patients who abused MA and ketamine and compared their urinary tract toxicity profiles.

METHODS

In the period of 23 months from 1 October 2016, all consecutive new cases of patients presenting with MA- or ketamine-related urological disorder were recruited into a prospective cohort. Polysubstance abuse patients were excluded. Data were analysed by comparison between patients with ketamine abuse and MA abuse. Basic demographic data and initial symptomatology were recorded, and questionnaires on urinary symptoms and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used as assessment tools.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were included for analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in mean age between patients with MA and ketamine abuse (27.2 ± 7.2 years and 31.6 ± 4.8 years, respectively, P=0.011). Urinary frequency was the most common urological symptom in our cohort of patients. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of dysuria (ketamine 43.5%, MA 6.7%, P=0.026) and a significant trend in the difference in hesitancy (ketamine 4.3%, MA 26.7%, P=0.069). Overall, questionnaires assessing urinary storage symptoms and voiding symptoms did not find a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The MoCA revealed that both groups had cognitive impairment (ketamine 24.8 ± 2.5, MA 23.6 ± 2.9, P=0.298). CONCLUCSIONS. Abuse of MA caused urinary tract dysfunction, predominantly storage symptoms. Compared with ketamine abuse, MA abuse was not commonly associated with dysuria or pelvic pain.

Survey on prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in an Asian population

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have a strong effect on socio-economic and individual quality of life. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of LUTS in an Asian population.

METHODS

A telephone survey of individuals aged ≥40 years and of Chinese ethnicity was conducted. The survey included basic demographics, medical and health history, drinking habits, International Prostate Symptom Score, overactive bladder symptom score, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score, and Short Form (SF)-12v2 score.

RESULTS

From March to May 2017, 18 881 calls were made, of which 1543 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the end, 1000 successful respondents were recruited (302 men and 698 women). Age-adjusted prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome was 15.1%. The older the respondent, the more prevalent the storage symptoms and voiding symptoms (storage symptoms: r=0.434, P<0.001; voiding symptom: r=0.190, P<0.001). Presence of hypertension and diabetes were found to be significantly and positively correlated with storage and voiding symptoms. Storage and voiding symptoms were found to affect PHQ-9 scores (storage symptoms: r=0.257, P<0.001; voiding symptoms: r=0.275, P<0.001) and SF-12v2 scores (storage symptoms: r=0.467, P<0.001; voiding symptoms: r=0.335; P<0.001). Nocturia was the most prominent symptom among patients who sought medical help for their LUTS.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower urinary tract symptoms are common in Asian populations. Both storage and voiding symptoms have a negative impact on mental health and general well-being of individuals.

The cardiovascular risk factors in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

OBJECTIVE

It has been hypothesized that endothelial dysfunction and pelvic atherosclerosis may contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We assessed the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and LUTS severity in male patients presented to urology clinic.

METHODS

It is a cross-sectional study on patients who presented between 2013 and 2015 with LUTS. A total of 1176 male patients were encountered, and 966 were included for analysis after excluding patients with urinary tract malignancy, urethral stricture, bladder stone and history of urinary tract surgery. Cardiovascular risk factors including components of Framingham risk score, body mass index, uroflowmetry, International Prostate Symptoms Score, fasting blood glucose and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were assessed. Correlation between Framingham risk score, cardiovascular risk factors and severity of LUTS was investigated.

RESULTS

Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that severe LUTS significantly associated with Framingham score (P = 0.008) and its components of total cholesterol (OR = 1.318; P = 0.010) and age (OR = 1.032; P = 0.006) compare with mild symptoms. Framingham risk score was found to correlate with storage symptoms (CC = 0.083; P < 0.0001) but not voiding symptoms (CC = - 0.029; P = 0.185).

CONCLUSIONS

Severity of LUTS and storage symptom significantly increases Framingham risk score, particularly with the components of total cholesterol level and age.

Management of complications of ketamine abuse: 10 years' experience in Hong Kong

Ketamine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, a dissociative anaesthetic agent and a treatment option for major depression, treatment-resistant depression, and bipolar disorder. Its strong psychostimulant properties and easy absorption make it a favourable candidate for substance abuse. Ketamine entered Hong Kong as a club drug in 2000 and the first local report of ketamine-associated urinary cystitis was published in 2007. Ketamine-associated lower-urinary tract symptoms include frequency, urgency, nocturia, dysuria, urge incontinence, and occasionally painful haematuria. The exact prevalence of ketamine-associated urinary cystitis is difficult to assess because the abuse itself and many of the associated symptoms often go unnoticed until a very late stage. Additionally, upper-urinary tract pathology, such as hydronephrosis, and other complications involving neuropsychiatric, hepatobiliary, and gastrointestinal systems have also been reported. Gradual improvement can be expected after abstinence from ketamine use. Sustained abstinence is the key to recovery, as relapse usually leads to recurrence of symptoms. Both medical and surgical management can be used. The Youth Urological Treatment Centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, has developed a four-tier treatment protocol with initial non-invasive investigation and management for these patients. Multidisciplinary care is essential given the complex and diverse psychological factors and sociological background that underlie ketamine abuse and abstinence status.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy Could Lead to a Prolonged Increase in the Renal Fibrotic Process of Up to 2 Years

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of ramping and pause protocols on renal fibrosis, blood pressure control, and renal function in patients receiving extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study prospectively recruited 320 patients with solitary radiopaque renal stones <15 mm in size. Patients were randomized to receive one of four shockwave protocols: (1) standard protocol (no ramping or pause); (2) ramping protocol alone; (3) ramping and pause protocols; or (4) pause protocol alone. Spot urine samples were collected before and for 2 years after treatment to monitor the levels of the renal fibrosis marker procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide (PIIINP) by blinded research staffs. Blood pressure and serum creatinine levels were also monitored during follow-up.

RESULTS

The four groups had comparable baseline data and treatment parameters. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in the urinary PIIINP levels from 6 weeks until 18 months after SWL were observed among all patients and in individual groups. PIIINP levels peaked at 1 year after SWL and gradually decreased to the baseline at 2 years. At the 2-year follow-up point, the overall serum creatinine levels remained significantly elevated (76.21-80.01 μmol/L, p < 0.001). Twenty (9.95%) patients developed new-onset hypertension and another 43 (36.4%) experienced worsening blood pressure control. However, no differences were observed among the four treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SWL led to significant increases in renal fibrosis marker levels for up to 18 months after treatment. However, no differences in changes in renal fibrosis marker and serum creatinine levels and worsening of blood pressure control were observed with respect to the use of either ramping or pause treatment protocols.

Characteristics and clinical outcomes of living renal donors in Hong Kong

INTRODUCTION

In Asia, few reports are available on the outcomes for living renal donors. We report the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of individuals following living donor nephrectomy in Hong Kong.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the characteristics and clinical outcomes of all living renal donors who underwent surgery from January 1990 to December 2015 at a teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Information was obtained from hospital records and territory-wide electronic patient records.

RESULTS

During the study period, 83 individuals underwent donor nephrectomy. The mean (± standard deviation) follow-up time was 12.0 ± 8.3 years, and the mean age at nephrectomy was 37.3 ± 10.0 years. A total of 44 (53.0%), four (4.8%), and 35 (42.2%) donors underwent living donor nephrectomy via an open, hand-port assisted laparoscopic, and laparoscopic approach, respectively. The overall incidence of complications was 36.6%, with most being grade 1 or 2. There were three (9.4%) grade 3a complications; all were related to open donor nephrectomy. The mean glomerular filtration rate was 96.0 ± 17.5 mL/min/1.73 m² at baseline and significantly lower at 66.8 ± 13.5 mL/min/1.73 m² at first annual follow-up (P<0.01). The latest mean glomerular filtration rate was 75.6% ± 15.1% of baseline. No donor died or developed renal failure. Of the donors, 14 (18.2%) developed hypertension, two (2.6%) had diabetes mellitus, and three (4.0%) had experienced proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

The overall perioperative outcomes are good, with very few serious complications. The introduction of a laparoscopic approach has decreased perioperative blood loss and also shortened hospital stay. Long-term kidney function is satisfactory and no patients developed end-stage renal disease. The incidences of new-onset medical diseases and pregnancy-related complications were also low.

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing the Effect of Different Kidney Protection Treatment Protocols on Acute Renal Injury After Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy

OBJECTIVES

To perform a prospective study to evaluate the renal protective effects of ramping protocol and pause protocol for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in human subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred twenty patients with solitary renal stone <15 mm were randomized to receive one of four protocols: (1) 80% power from beginning until the end of treatment; (2) the first 100 shockwaves (SWs) at 40% power, and then 80% power until the end of treatment; (3) the first 100 shocks at 40% power, followed by a 3-minute pause, and then further SWs at 80% power until the end of treatment; and (4) the first 100 shocks at 80% power, followed by a 3-minute pause, and then further SWs at 80% power until the end of treatment. The primary endpoint was the incidence of renal hematoma assessed by imaging on day 2. Spot urine samples were also collected before and after treatment for acute renal injury marker measurement.

RESULTS

The baseline information and treatment parameters of the four groups were comparable. The overall incidence of hematoma formation was 7.69% (24 patients). The number of patients developing hematoma in the four groups was 8 (10.26%), 7 (8.97%), 6 (7.59%), and 3 (3.90%), respectively, and the incidence of hematoma among the four groups was not significantly different. Only patient's body mass index and mean blood pressure during treatment were predictors for hematoma formation. There was also no significant difference in changes in the levels of all markers and complication and hospitalization rates between the four groups.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive assessment of clinical parameters, imaging results, and urinary markers showed no obvious improvement in post-SWL renal insult by either protocol.

Differences in cancer characteristics of Chinese patients with prostate cancer who present with different symptoms

INTRODUCTION

Currently there is no structured prostate cancer screening programme in Asia. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer in Asia is by an opportunistic case-finding approach, that is, offering prostate-specific antigen testing to an individual without obvious symptoms of prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the mode of presentation and the characteristics of prostate cancers diagnosed in our hospital.

METHODS

We recruited 120 consecutive Chinese patients with prostate cancer newly diagnosed from September 2011 to February 2013 in a regional hospital in Hong Kong. Patient demographics, symptoms, presentation, staging, and risk profiles were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

The number of subjects diagnosed during a health check (group 1), investigated for symptoms with no/low suspicion of prostate cancer (group 2), investigated for symptoms where prostate cancer was suspected (group 3), or who had undergone transurethral prostatectomy (group 4) were 12 (10.0%), 53 (44.2%), 46 (38.3%), and nine (7.5%), respectively. Overall mean age was 71.0 (range, 54-90) years, and patients in group 3 were significantly older than those in groups 1 and 2 (P<0.001). Patients in group 3 had a significantly higher level of serum prostate-specific antigen, higher incidence of abnormal digital rectal examination, and more metastatic disease at presentation than the other groups. Nonetheless, more than 50% of the prostate cancers in groups 1 and 2 were of intermediate risk or higher staging at presentation. After a median follow-up of 32 months, cancer-specific survival was 100% for each of groups 1, 2, and 4 but was only 76.8% for group 3 (P=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with prostate cancer who presented with prostate cancer-related symptoms had more metastatic disease and poorer survival than patients diagnosed by a case-finding approach. Moreover, more than half of those patients diagnosed by case finding belonged to intermediate- or higher-risk groups for which active treatment was recommended.

Comparison of Detrusor Muscle Sampling Rate in Monopolar and Bipolar Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor: A Randomized Trial

PURPOSE

Our aim was to investigate the detrusor muscle sampling rate after monopolar versus bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

METHODS

This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, phase III trial on monopolar versus bipolar TURBT. Baseline patient characteristics, disease characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared, with the primary outcome being the detrusor muscle sampling rate in the TURBT specimen. Multivariate logistic regression analyses on detrusor muscle sampling were performed.

RESULTS

From May 2012 to December 2015, a total of 160 patients with similar baseline characteristics were randomized to receive monopolar or bipolar TURBT. Fewer patients in the bipolar TURBT group required postoperative irrigation than patients in the monopolar TURBT group (18.7 vs. 43%; p = 0.001). In the whole cohort, no significant difference in the detrusor muscle sampling rates was observed between the bipolar and monopolar TURBT groups (77.3 vs. 63.3%; p = 0.057). In patients with urothelial carcinoma, bipolar TURBT achieved a higher detrusor muscle sampling rate than monopolar TURBT (84.6 vs. 67.7%; p = 0.025). On multivariate analyses, bipolar TURBT (odds ratio [OR] 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-4.81; p = 0.042) and larger tumor size (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08; p = 0.022) were significantly associated with detrusor muscle sampling in the whole cohort. In addition, bipolar TURBT (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.10-7.53; p = 0.031), larger tumor size (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10; p = 0.035), and female sex (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.10-9.59; p = 0.033) were significantly associated with detrusor muscle sampling in patients with urothelial carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a trend towards a superior detrusor muscle sampling rate after bipolar TURBT. Further studies are needed to determine its implications on disease recurrence and progression.

Extended use of Prostate Health Index and percentage of [-2]pro-prostate-specific antigen in Chinese men with prostate specific antigen 10-20 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination

PURPOSE

We investigated the extended use of Prostate Health Index (PHI) and percentage of [-2]pro-prostate-specific antigen (%p2PSA) in Chinese men with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 10-20 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination (DRE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All consecutive Chinese men with PSA 10-20 ng/mL and normal DRE who agreed for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided 10-core prostate biopsy were recruited. Blood samples were taken immediately before TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. The performances of total PSA (tPSA), %free-to-total PSA (%fPSA), %p2PSA, and PHI were compared using logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic, and decision curve analyses (DCA).

RESULTS

From 2008 to 2015, 312 consecutive Chinese men were included. Among them, 53 out of 312 (17.0%) men were diagnosed to have prostate cancer on biopsy. The proportions of men with positive biopsies were 6.7% in PHI<35, 22.8% in PHI 35-55, and 54.5% in PHI>55 (chi-square test, p<0.001). The area under curves (AUC) of the base model including age, tPSA and status of initial/repeated biopsy was 0.64. Adding %p2PSA and PHI to the base model improved the AUC to 0.79 (p<0.001) and 0.78 (p<0.001), respectively, and provided net clinical benefit in DCA. The positive biopsy rates of Gleason 7 or above prostate cancers were 2.2% for PHI<35, 7.9% for PHI 35-55, and 36.4% for PHI>55 (chi-square test, p<0.001). By utilizing the PHI cutoff of 35 to men with PSA 10-20 ng/mL and normal DRE, 57.1% (178 of 312) biopsies could be avoided.

CONCLUSIONS

Both PHI and %p2PSA performed well in predicting prostate cancer and high grade prostate cancer. The use of PHI and %p2PSA should be extended to Chinese men with PSA 10-20 ng/mL and normal DRE.

"Aging males" symptoms and general health of adult males: a cross-sectional study

A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the prevalence and severity of health-related complaints perceived by adult males of Hong Kong by using the Hong Kong Traditional Chinese versions of the Aging males' symptoms (AMS) scale and the 5-dimensional and 3-level European Quality of life (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire. A total of 825 adult males aged 40 years or above were surveyed, and observed that 80% of the population was living with little-to-mild levels of aging symptoms with mean total scores ranged between 26.02 ± 7.91 and 32.99 ± 7.91 in different age groups. Such symptoms were correlated with age, especially for the somato-vegetative and sexual symptoms. The most severe AMS symptoms were observed in the oldest age group at 70 years or above, with 76%, 34% and 70% living with moderate-to-severe levels of somato-vegetative, psychological and sexual symptoms, respectively. The result was highly correlated with the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Secondly, the Hong Kong Aging males' symptoms (AMS) scale was shown to have good reliability with test-retest coefficient at 0.79 (ranged 0.66-0.87) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient at 0.88 (ranged 0.70-0.84). In summary, the population of Hong Kong male adults was commonly living with little-to-mild levels of aging symptoms, whereas their severity was correlated with age.

Prostate Health Index and %p2PSA Predict Aggressive Prostate Cancer Pathology in Chinese Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy

PURPOSE

To investigate the performance of prostate health index (PHI) and percentage prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoform [-2]proPSA (%p2PSA) in predicting pathologic outcomes at radical prostatectomy (RP) in a Chinese population.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of 135 prostate cancer patients with RP. The accuracy of preoperative %p2PSA (= p2PSA/free PSA) and PHI [= (p2PSA/free PSA) × √PSA] in predicting pathologic outcomes of RP including pT3 disease, pathologic Gleason score (pGS) ≥7, Gleason score (GS) upgrade at RP, tumor volume >0.5 ml, and Epstein criteria for significant tumor were calculated using multivariate analyses and area under the curve. The base model in multivariate analysis included age, PSA, abnormal digital rectal examination, and biopsy GS.

RESULTS

PHI was significantly higher in patients with pT3 or pGS ≥ 7 (p < 0.001), pT3 disease (p = 0.001), pGS ≥ 7 (p < 0.001), GS upgrade (p < 0.001), tumor volume >0.5 ml (p < 0.001), and Epstein criteria for significant tumor (p = 0.001). %p2PSA was also significantly higher in all the above outcomes. The risk of pT3 or pGS ≥ 7 was 16.1 % for PHI < 35 and 60.8 % for PHI > 35 (sensitivity 84.2 %, specificity of 60.3 %), and the risk of tumor volume >0.5 ml was 25.5 % for PHI < 35 and 72.6 % for PHI > 35 (sensitivity 79.1 %, specificity 67.2 %). In multivariate analysis, adding %p2PSA or PHI to the base model significantly improved the accuracy (area under the curve) in predicting pT3 or pGS ≥ 7 (by 7.2-7.9 %), tumor volume >0.5 ml (by 10.3-12.8 %), and Epstein criteria for significant tumor (by 13.9-15.9 %). Net clinical benefit was observed in decision curve analyses for prediction of both tumor volume >0.5 ml, and pT3 or pGS ≥ 7.

CONCLUSIONS

Both PHI and %p2PSA predict aggressive and significant pathologies in RP in Chinese men. This enabled identification of nonaggressive cancers for better counseling on active surveillance or treatment.

Secondary hemorrhage after bipolar transurethral resection and vaporization of prostate

Introduction:

We evaluated the factors associated with secondary hemorrhage after bipolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and vaporization of prostate.

Materials and Methods:

The perioperative data of patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were prospectively collected. Procedures involved included bipolar TURP, bipolar vaporization of prostate, and hybrid bipolar TURP/vaporization of prostate. Secondary hemorrhage was defined as bleeding between 48 h and 30 days postsurgery requiring hospital attendance with or without admission. Risk factors for secondary hemorrhage were analyzed.

Results:

From 2010 to 2013, 316 patients underwent bipolar surgery for BPH. Bipolar TURP accounted for 48.1% of the procedures, bipolar vaporization accounted for 20.3% of the procedures, and the rest were hybrid TURP/vaporization of prostate. Among this cohort of patients, fifty patients had secondary hemorrhage with hospital attendance. Consumption of platelet aggregation inhibitors (PAIs) was found to be associated with secondary hemorrhage (P < 0.0005). Age, prostate volume, operation type, the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and being with a urethral catheter before operation were not found to be statistically significant risk factors for secondary hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

Secondary hemorrhage after bipolar surgery for BPH is a common event. Consumption of PAI is a risk factor for such complication.

Urological malignancy in Hong Kong: the trend and the practice

In Hong Kong, urological malignancy accounted for 9.55% of all the new cases of cancer in 2012. In the male population, prostate cancer was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the fifth leading cause of cancer death. Age-standardized rate of prostate cancer incidence rose from 11.5 per 100 000 men in 1992 to 28.5 per 100 000 men in 2012. On the other hand, age-standardized rate of bladder cancer incidence dropped from 6.4 per 100 000 in 2003 to 3.0 per 100 000 in 2012. The incidence of kidney cancer remained stable in recent years, with an age-standardized rate of 4.8 per 100 000 in 2012. The introduction of the robotic surgical system has made robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy the most common mode of surgical treatment for prostate cancer in Hong Kong. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy and robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy have been gaining popularity in the locality. Minimal-invasive surgical techniques as well as different systemic therapies have led to revolutionary changes in the urology community in Hong Kong. The existing territory-wide surveillance of cancer incidence and mortality trends continue to provide us with clues to aetiology and the effects of improved diagnostic and treatment techniques.

Effect of weight reduction on the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms in obese male patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

We assessed whether weight reduction is an effective intervention for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and investigated the relationship between obesity and LUTS.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial that enrolled obese men older than 50 years with LUTS. The study period was 52 weeks. All patients received standardized alpha-adrenergic blocker therapy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) during the run-in period. Patients were randomized to receive either a standardized prerecorded video program on the general principle of weight reduction or a comprehensive weight reduction program. Patients were assessed at different time points with symptom assessment, uroflowmetry, transrectal ultrasound, and metabolic assessment.

Results

Sixty-five patients were allocated to each study arm. After the study period, no significant difference in weight reduction was found between the two arms. When the pre- and postintervention parameters were compared, none were statistically different between the 2 arms, namely nocturia, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life assessment, and uroflowmetry parameters. When the whole study population was taken as a single cohort, these parameters were also not significantly different between the group with a body mass index of 25 to <30 kg/m² and the group with a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m².

Conclusions

We found no association between obesity and LUTS. This could have been due to the less marked weight difference in our cohort. Whereas weight reduction may be an effective measure to improve LUTS, the implementation of a successful program remains a challenge.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

This was a double-blinded, single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. After a 2-week phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor washout period, patients were assessed with Sexual Health Inventory for Men, International Index of Erectile Function-ED domain scores and Erection Hardness Score. Randomization into either the low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy group or the sham group took place. After the 9-week treatment period, patients were followed up 4 weeks later. Follow-up assessment was in the form of International Index of Erectile Function-ED domain score and Erection Hardness Score.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients were recruited into the study, 58 patients completed the study. A total of 28 patients were randomized into the sham therapy arm, and 30 patients were randomized into the low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy arm. There was no significant difference between these two groups in baseline International Index of Erectile Function-ED domain score and Erection Hardness Score. The mean International Index of Erectile Function-ED domain score of the low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy arm and sham arm in week 13 were 17.8 ± 4.8 and 15.8 ± 6.1, respectively (P = 0.156). The mean Erection Hardness Scores in week 13 were 2.7 ± 0.5 and 2.4 ± 0.9, respectively (P = 0.163). When patients were stratified into different baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men subgroups, the pre-intervention and post-intervention difference in low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy was found to be significant in the subgroup with severe erectile dysfunction (low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy International Index of Erectile Function-ED domain improvement: 10.1 ± 4.1 vs sham therapy International Index of Erectile Function-ED domain improvement: 3.2 ± 3.3; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The present trial shows the tolerability and clinical efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in a subgroup of patients with erectile dysfunction.