Correlation Between Tumor-Associated Collagen Signature and Fibroblast Activation Protein Expression With Prognosis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patient

Background

Despite recent promising findings from immunotherapy and other targeted medicines, individuals with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mCCRCC) still have a poor prognosis. Biomarkers associated with metastatic status in CCRCC are important for early detection and for the identification of new therapeutic targets. The expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is associated with the development of early metastases and worse cancer-specific survival. Tumor-associated collagen signature (TACS) is a type of collagen that develops during tumor growth and is associated with tumor invasion.

Methods

Twenty-six mCCRCC patients that underwent nephrectomy were admitted to this study. Data regarding age, sex, Fuhrman's grade, tumor diameter, staging, FAP expression, and TACS grading were collected. Spearman rho test was used to correlate FAP expression and TACS grading in both primary tumors and metastases and with the patient's age and sex.

Results

FAP manifestation correlated positively with TACS degree (Spearman rho test r = 0.51; P = 0.0001). FAP was positive in 25 (96%) of all intratumor samples and positive in 22 (84%) of all stromal samples.

Conclusions

FAP can be used as a prognostic factor in mCCRCC; its presence can predict the aggressiveness of mCRCC and poorer outcome in the patient. Furthermore, TACS can also be used for the prediction of aggressiveness and metastasis due to the changes necessary for a tumor to invade other organs.

The efficacy and safety of prostatic urethral lift as a minimally invasive therapeutic modality to treat lower urinary tract symptoms while maintaining sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prevalent among elderly men, necessitating focused attention. The Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) procedure, a minimally invasive intervention, has emerged as a promising option for BPH management. It has shown remarkable results in ameliorating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), enhancing quality of life, and preserving sexual function. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PUL in BPH patients.

METHODS

Key databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Google Scholar) were systematically searched using pertinent terms related to PUL and BPH. Following the PRISMA checklist, we considered only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2013 to 2023. The assessment focused on LUTS, quality of life, sexual function, and adverse events within three months. Follow-up post-treatment mean values compared with controls (Sham) and the improvement from baseline to post-treatment follow-up duration were considered. Statistical analysis and risk of bias evaluation were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1, presenting results as difference of mean values (MD) and risk ratios (RR).

RESULTS

A meta-analysis with a Random Effects Model of 7 RCTs involving 378 confirmed BPH patients demonstrated significant improvements in the PUL arm including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (MD 5.51, p<0.0001), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) (MD 2.13, p=0.0001), BPH Impact Index (BPHII) (MD 2.14, p=0.0001), and IPSS-QoL (MD 1.50, p<0.0001), without significant increase of adverse events (RR 1.51; p=0.50). Positive outcomes were observed in sexual function variables and post-void residual measurements when post-treatment values were compared to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

PUL holds advantages over control interventions, providing encouraging prospects for BPH management. This study underscores the need for further exploration of PUL's efficacy and safety in BPH patients.

Role of ureteral stent material and coating to prevent ureteral stent related issue: A systematic review and meta analysis

INTRODUCTION

Ureteral stents require materials that balance bulk and surface properties. Achieving both can be challenging, as ideal bulk properties may not align with optimal surface properties. Thus, researching coatings and biomanufacturing methods for ideal materials is essential.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA Guidelines, involved literature searches across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ClinicalKey, and Cochrane. From 417 screened articles, eight studies were deemed eligible for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The selected articles underwent bias assessment using ROB Tools 2.

RESULTS

The systematic review analyzed 1.356 participants. Findings revealed that firm ureteral stents significantly increased risk of infection, hematuria, and lower body pain. On the contrary, soft stents reduced infection (OR: 0.62; p=0.004), hematuria (OR: 0.60; p<0.001), and lower body pain (OR: 0.63; p=0.0002). However, infection reduction effect was uncertain due to heterogeneity. Coated vs non-coated material analysis found no difference in encrustation (OR: 1.26; p=0.52) or infection (OR: 1.67; p=0.99). Stent firmness did not affect encrustation on double J stent (OR: 0.97; p=0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Softer materials like silicone are preferred for ureteral stents to reduce symptoms like hematuria and lower body pain. Coatings like silver nanoparticles and triclosan, while enhancing antimicrobial properties, did not effectively lower infection risk.