Prostate Health Index Density Outperforms Prostate-specific Antigen Density in the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Equivocal Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate: A Multicenter Evaluation

PURPOSE

We compare Prostate Health Index, Prostate Health Index density, and PSA density in predicting clinically significant prostate cancer in MRI-guided prostate biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a multicenter evaluation of prospectively maintained prostate biopsy databases at 10 urology centers. Men with Prostate Health Index and MRI-guided targeted and systematic prostate biopsy performed and without prior prostate cancer diagnosis were included. The additional value of PSA density, Prostate Health Index, and Prostate Health Index density to MRI PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System) score was evaluated with multivariable analyses, area under the curve, and decision curve analyses. The proportion of unnecessary biopsies that can be avoided are estimated for clinically significant prostate cancer (International Society of Urological Pathology group ≥2 prostate cancer).

RESULTS

A total of 1,215 men were analyzed. Prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer were diagnosed in 51% (617/1,215) and 35% (422/1,215) of men, respectively. Clinically significant prostate cancer was diagnosed in 4.4% (3/68), 15% (72/470), 39% (176/446), and 74% (171/231) of highest PI-RADS score of 2, 3, 4, and 5 lesions, respectively. In multivariable analyses, independent predictors for clinically significant prostate cancer detection included Prostate Health Index (OR 1.04), prostate volume (OR 0.97), and PI-RADS score 4 (OR 2.81) and 5 (OR 8.34). Area under the curve for clinically significant prostate cancer of PI-RADS + Prostate Health Index density (0.85) was superior to PI-RADS + PSA density (0.81), Prostate Health Index density (0.81), Prostate Health Index (0.78), PI-RADS (0.76), PSA density (0.72), and PSA (0.60) in the whole cohort, and the superiority of Prostate Health Index density was also observed in PI-RADS 3 lesions. Decision curve analysis showed Prostate Health Index density achieving the best net clinical benefit in PI-RADS 3 or 4 cases. Among PI-RADS 3 lesions, using cutoffs of PSA density 0.15, Prostate Health Index 38.0, and Prostate Health Index density 0.83 could reduce 58%, 67%, and 72% of unnecessary biopsies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate Health Index density outperformed Prostate Health Index or PSA density in clinically significant prostate cancer detection in men with multiparametric MRI performed, and further reduced unnecessary biopsies in PI-RADS 3 lesions.

The Promise of Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapies for Renal Cancer

Because metachronous metastatic disease will develop in 20% to 40% of patients with presumed localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated surgically, research is focused on neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic therapy, to improve disease-free and overall survival. Neoadjuvant therapies trialed include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) agents, or combination therapies (immunotherapy with TKI), and aim to improve resectability of locoregional RCC. Adjuvant therapies trialed include cytokines, anti-VEGF TKI agents, or immunotherapy. These therapeutics can facilitate the surgical extirpation of the primary kidney tumor in the neoadjuvant setting and improve disease-free survival in the adjuvant setting.

Testicular self-examination for early detection of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer (TCa) commonly presents as a painless scrotal mass. It has been suggested that testicular self-examination (TSE) can help in early detection and thus potentially improve treatment outcomes and prognosis. While TSE is more well established in guideline recommendations for patients with a known history of TCa, its role in healthy young men is less established and controversial. In this paper, we review contemporary data to provide an updated recommendation.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on delaying surgery for urothelial carcinoma of bladder and upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Implications for the COVID19 pandemic and beyond

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to competing strains on hospital resources and healthcare personnel. Patients with newly diagnosed invasive urothelial carcinomas of bladder (UCB) upper tract (UTUC) may experience delays to definitive radical cystectomy (RC) or radical nephro-ureterectomy (RNU) respectively. We evaluate the impact of delaying definitive surgery on survival outcomes for invasive UCB and UTUC.

Methods

We searched for all studies investigating delayed urologic cancer surgery in Medline and Embase up to June 2020. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed.

Results

We identified a total of 30 studies with 32,591 patients. Across 13 studies (n = 12,201), a delay from diagnosis of bladder cancer/TURBT to RC was associated with poorer overall survival (HR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.09–1.45, p = 0.002). For patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy before RC, across the 5 studies (n = 4,316 patients), a delay between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy was not found to be significantly associated with overall survival (pooled HR 1.37, 95% CI: 0.96–1.94, p = 0.08). For UTUC, 6 studies (n = 4,629) found that delay between diagnosis of UTUC to RNU was associated with poorer overall survival (pooled HR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.19–2.02, p = 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (pooled HR of 2.56, 95% CI: 1.50–4.37, p = 0.001). Limitations included between-study heterogeneity, particularly in the definitions of delay cut-off periods between diagnosis to surgery.

Conclusions

A delay from diagnosis of UCB or UTUC to definitive RC or RNU was associated with poorer survival outcomes. This was not the case for patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Contemporary management of inguinal lymph nodes in squamous cell carcinoma of the scrotum: A case report and literature review

Due to the rarity of scrotal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), management of inguinal lymph nodes in scrotal SCC is largely extrapolated from management guidelines for penile SCC. This case report aims to enhance clarity on the management of inguinal lymph nodes in scrotal SCC. We recommend that for clinically node-negative patients, invasive techniques for lymph node sampling should be strongly considered and followed up with a radical inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) where positive for lymph node metastasis. In the setting of clinically palpable lymph nodes which appear suspicious for metastasis on imaging, upfront radical ILND should be considered.

Can we omit systematic biopsies in patients undergoing MRI fusion-targeted prostate biopsies?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted prostate biopsy is the recommended investigation in men with suspicious lesion(s) on MRI. The role of concurrent systematic in addition to targeted biopsies is currently unclear. Using our prospectively maintained database, we identified men with at least one Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) ≥3 lesion who underwent targeted and/or systematic biopsies from May 2016 to May 2020. Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) was defined as any Gleason grade group ≥2 cancer. Of 545 patients who underwent MRI fusion-targeted biopsy, 222 (40.7%) were biopsy naïve, 247 (45.3%) had previous prostate biopsy(s), and 76 (13.9%) had known prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance. Prostate cancer was more commonly found in biopsy-naïve men (63.5%) and those on active surveillance (68.4%) compared to those who had previous biopsies (35.2%; both P < 0.001). Systematic biopsies provided an incremental 10.4% detection of csPCa among biopsy-naïve patients, versus an incremental 2.4% among those who had prior negative biopsies. Multivariable regression found age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, P = 0.03), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density ≥0.15 ng ml^-2 (OR = 3.24, P < 0.001), prostate health index (PHI) ≥35 (OR = 2.43, P = 0.006), higher PI-RADS score (vs PI-RADS 3; OR = 4.59 for PI-RADS 4, and OR = 9.91 for PI-RADS 5; both P < 0.001) and target lesion volume-to-prostate volume ratio ≥0.10 (OR = 5.26, P = 0.013) were significantly associated with csPCa detection on targeted biopsy. In conclusion, for men undergoing MRI fusion-targeted prostate biopsies, systematic biopsies should not be omitted given its incremental value to targeted biopsies alone. The factors such as PSA density ≥0.15 ng ml^-2, PHI ≥35, higher PI-RADS score, and target lesion volume-to-prostate volume ratio ≥0.10 can help identify men at higher risk of csPCa.

Defining Factors Associated with High-quality Surgery Following Radical Cystectomy: Analysis of the British Association of Urological Surgeons Cystectomy Audit

Background

Radical cystectomy (RC) is associated with high morbidity.

Objective

To evaluate healthcare and surgical factors associated with high-quality RC surgery.

Design setting and participants

Patients within the prospective British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) registry between 2014 and 2017 were included in this study.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

High-quality surgery was defined using pathological (absence of positive surgical margins and a minimum of a level I lymph node dissection template with a minimum yield of ten or more lymph nodes), recovery (length of stay ≤10 d), and technical (intraoperative blood loss <500 ml for open and <300 ml for minimally invasive RC) variables. A multilevel hierarchical mixed-effect logistic regression model was utilised to determine the factors associated with the receipt of high-quality surgery and index admission mortality.

Results and limitations

A total of 4654 patients with a median age of 70.0 yr underwent RC by 152 surgeons at 78 UK hospitals. The median surgeon and hospital operating volumes were 23.0 and 47.0 cases, respectively. A total of 914 patients (19.6%) received high-quality surgery. The minimum annual surgeon volume and hospital volume of ≥20 RCs/surgeon/yr and ≥68 RCs/hospital/yr, respectively, were the thresholds determined to achieve better rates of high-quality RC. The mixed-effect logistic regression model found that recent surgery (odds ratio [OR]: 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.34, p < 0.001), laparoscopic/robotic RC (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.45-2.37, p < 0.001), and higher annual surgeon operating volume (23.1-33.0 cases [OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.16-2.05, p = 0.003]; ≥33.1 cases [OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.18-2.29, p = 0.003]) were independently associated with high-quality surgery. High-quality surgery was an independent predictor of lower index admission mortality (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16-0.87, p = 0.021).

Conclusions

We report that annual surgeon operating volume and use of minimally invasive RC were predictors of high-quality surgery. Patients receiving high-quality surgery were independently associated with lower index admission mortality. Our results support the role of centralisation of complex oncology and implementation of a quality assurance programme to improve the delivery of care.

Patient summary

In this registry study of patients treated with surgical excision of the urinary bladder for bladder cancer, we report that patients treated by a surgeon with a higher annual operative volume and a minimally invasive approach were associated with the receipt of high-quality surgery. Patients treated with high-quality surgery were more likely to be discharged alive following surgery.

Delayed surgery for localised and metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis for the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation or deferment of many elective cancer surgeries. We performed a systematic review on the oncological effects of delayed surgery for patients with localised or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the targeted therapy (TT) era.

Method

The protocol of this review is registered on PROSPERO(CRD42020190882). A comprehensive literature search was performed on Medline, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL using MeSH terms and keywords for randomised controlled trials and observational studies on the topic. Risks of biases were assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. For localised RCC, immediate surgery [including partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN)] and delayed surgery [including active surveillance (AS) and delayed intervention (DI)] were compared. For metastatic RCC, upfront versus deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) were compared.

Results

Eleven studies were included for quantitative analysis. Delayed surgery was significantly associated with worse cancer-specific survival (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.23–2.27, p < 0.01) in T1a RCC, but no significant difference was noted for overall survival. For localised ≥ T1b RCC, there were insufficient data for meta-analysis and the results from the individual reports were contradictory. For metastatic RCC, upfront TT followed by deferred CN was associated with better overall survival when compared to upfront CN followed by deferred TT (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.86, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Noting potential selection bias, there is insufficient evidence to support the notion that delayed surgery is safe in localised RCC. For metastatic RCC, upfront TT followed by deferred CN should be considered.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00345-021-03734-1.

Contemporary trends in percutaneous renal mass biopsy utilization in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Patients with a renal mass traditionally proceed directly to surgery without a preoperative tissue diagnosis confirming malignancy. Many surgically treated renal masses represent benign tumors or indolent malignancies on final pathology. This has led to a growing body of literature supporting an expanded role for percutaneous renal mass biopsy (RMB). This study aims to characterize national trends in RMB utilization.

METHODS

Patients undergoing renal biopsy during a 12-year period (2006-2017) in the Premier Hospital Database were captured using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision codes. We restricted our analysis to patients with a concurrent diagnosis of a renal mass. We determined utilization rate, subsequent interventions within 90 days of biopsy, predictors of RMB, and 30-day RMB complication rates. We applied sampling weights and adjusted for hospital clustering to achieve a nationally representative analysis.

RESULTS

Among 115,511 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the annual number of RMB rose from 7,196 in 2006 to 11,528 in 2017; during this period, more than 3 times as many patients proceeded directly to surgery without a prior RMB. After RMB, 85,848 (74.32%) patients were not treated within 90 days. Of those treated, thermal ablation was more common than surgery (17,269 vs. 12,394). Trend analysis showed that patients with metastatic disease represented a decreasing proportion of patients receiving RMB (27.0%-21.8%; P < 0.001). Compared to patients who proceeded directly to surgery, RMB was more commonly performed in patients in the highest age group (80 years and older, 15.9% vs. 9.2%), unmarried (50% vs. 45.9%), with more medical comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index ≥4, 30.9% vs. 17.4%), or with metastatic disease (24.5% vs. 10.4%). Multivariable regression analysis determined the primary predictor of RMB was the presence of metastatic disease. Hematuria was the most common complication present in 5.18% of patients followed by pneumothorax in 1.75%. All other complications were rare (<0.4%).

CONCLUSION

Although there has been progressive adoption of RMB for the management of renal masses in the United States, utilization remains relatively limited and differentially employed across the population based on both clinical and nonclinical patient factors. More research is needed to understand which factors are considered when determining whether to utilize RMB in the evaluation of a renal mass.

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A 2020 Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, and Future Perspectives on Systemic Therapy

CONTEXT

To improve the prognosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), clinicians have used neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) or adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) before or after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Despite some new data, the evidence remains mixed on their efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

To update the current evidence on the role of NAC and AC for UTUC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We searched for all studies investigating NAC or AC for UTUC in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology meetings up to February 2020. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

For NAC, the pooled pathologic complete response rate (≤ypT0N0M0) was 11% (n = 811) and pathologic partial response rate (≤ypT1N0M0) was 43% (n = 869), both across 14 studies. Across six studies, the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-0.59, p <  0.001) for overall survival (OS) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.24-0.61, p <  0.001) for cancer-specific survival (CSS) in favor of NAC. The evidence for NAC is at best level 2. As for AC, there was a benefit in OS (pooled HR 0.77; 95% CI: 0.64-0.92, p =  0.004 across 14 studies and 7983 patients), CSS (pooled HR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.69-0.91, p =  0.001 across 18 studies and 5659 patients), and disease-free survival (DFS; pooled HR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.38-0.70 across four studies and 602 patients). While most studies were retrospective (level 2 evidence), there were two prospective randomized trials providing level 1 evidence. There are currently four phase 2 trials on neoadjuvant immunotherapy and three phase 2 trials on adjuvant immunotherapy for UTUC.

CONCLUSIONS

NAC for UTUC confers a favorable pathologic response and tumor downstaging rate, and an OS and CSS benefit compared with RNU alone. AC confers an OS, CSS, and DFS benefit compared with RNU alone. Currently, the evidence for AC appears stronger (with positive level 1 evidence) than that for NAC (at best level 2 evidence). Limited data are available for chemoimmunotherapy approaches, but preliminary data support an active research investment.

PATIENT SUMMARY

After a comprehensive search of the latest studies examining the role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for upper tract urothelial cancer, the pooled evidence shows that perioperative chemotherapy was beneficial for prolonging survival; however, the evidence for adjuvant chemotherapy was stronger than that for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Quality Indicators for Bladder Cancer Services: A Collaborative Review

CONTEXT

There is a lack of accepted consensus on what should constitute appropriate quality-of-care indicators for bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the optimal management of bladder cancer and propose quality indicators (QIs).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review was performed to identify literature on current optimal management and potential quality indicators for both non-muscle-invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive (MIBC) bladder cancer. A panel of experts was convened to select a recommended list of QIs.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

For NMIBC, preoperative QIs include tobacco cessation counselling and appropriate imaging before initial transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT). Intraoperative QIs include administration of antibiotics, proper safe conduct of TURBT using a checklist, and performing restaging TURBT with biopsy of the prostatic urethra in appropriate cases. Postoperative QIs include appropriate receipt of perioperative adjuvant therapy, risk-stratified surveillance, and appropriate decision to change therapy when indicated (eg, bacillus Calmette-Guerin [BCG] unresponsive). For MIBC, preoperative QIs include multidisciplinary care, selection for candidates for continent urinary diversion, receipt of neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy, time to commencing radical treatment, consideration of trimodal therapy as a bladder-sparing alternative in select patients, preoperative counselling with stoma marking, surgical volume of radical cystectomy, and enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. Intraoperative QIs include adequacy of lymphadenectomy, blood loss, and operative time. Postoperative QIs include prospective standardised monitoring of morbidity and mortality, negative surgical margins for pT2 disease, appropriate surveillance after primary treatment, and adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in appropriate cases. Participation in clinical trials was highlighted as an important component indicating high quality of care.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a set of QIs for both NMIBC and MIBC based on established clinical guidelines and the available literature. Although there is currently a lack of level 1 evidence for the benefit of implementing these QIs, we believe that the measurement of these QIs could aid in the improvement and benchmarking of optimal care for bladder cancer.

PATIENT SUMMARY

After a systematic review of existing guidelines and literature, a panel of experts has recommended a set of quality indicators that can help providers and patients measure and strive towards optimal outcomes for bladder cancer care.

Autologous Pubovaginal Sling for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in a Patient With High Risk of Mesh Erosion

OBJECTIVE

Autologous pubovaginal sling is a surgical option for patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), either as primary treatment, or in those who have failed synthetic sling placement.^1,2 It is also favorable for patients at high risk of mesh erosion, for example, in those who are immunocompromised or postradiation.^3-5 This video reviews the technical considerations in performing an autologous pubovaginal sling fashioned from rectus fascia in an immunocompromised patient with multiple previous abdominal surgeries.

METHODS

The patient is a 63-year-old woman with SUI refractory to conservative management, with a background of Behcet's disease on long-term steroids. First, a 12  ×  2 cm rectus sheath graft was harvested through a Pfannenstiel incision. Stay sutures were placed to aid in subsequent sling placement. A vertical incision was made in the anterior vaginal wall after hydro-dissection with lignocaine/adrenaline solution and the plane was developed with a combination of blunt and sharp dissection. The trocars with the attached fascial sling were passed retropubically. Sling tensioning was assessed with a Q-tip test. An inadvertent bladder perforation was noted during the passage of the left trocar on intraoperative cystoscopy, which was managed conservatively with urinary catheterization for one week postoperatively.

RESULTS

The patient was discharged well on postoperative day 2 and underwent a successful trial off catheter on postoperative day 7. At 1-month follow-up, the patient reported complete resolution of her SUI with no de-novo urgency or voiding dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Autologous pubovaginal slings are an effective treatment option for SUI with minimal morbidity especially in patients with high risk of mesh erosion.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound guided fusion biopsy of prostate for cancer detection-Comparing transrectal with transperineal approaches

Targeted biopsy using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging increases the detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (csCaP). In this meta-analysis, we compare the diagnostic accuracy of transrectal (TR) vs transperineal (TP) approaches for MRI-guided software fusion biopsy (FB) in the detection of csCaP. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane and Embase electronic databases up until July 2019 following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis system. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of either approach was evaluated using radical prostatectomy or systematic biopsies with ≥24 biopsy cores to be the reference standard. Fourteen papers with a total of 2002 patients were selected. Seven hundred and sixty-five patients underwent TR FB, while 1,387 underwent TP FB. One hundred and fifty of the patients underwent both TR and TP approaches. Both approaches were similar in terms of sensitivity (TR vs. TP: 0.81 vs 0.80) and specificity (TR vs. TP: 0.99 vs 0.95). In terms of likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratio, TR performed better than TP approach. The area under the receiving operator curve for both approaches was similar (0.91 vs 0.88 respectively). However, there was substantial heterogeneity across the studies for both approaches. TP and TR approaches to software-based FB yield similar diagnostic performance for the detection of csCaP. When deciding on the approach, physicians should consider other inherent features of either technique that suit their practice.

Wunderlich syndrome secondary to cyst rupture and concurrent anticoagulation

Wunderlich syndrome (WS) is a rare triad of flank pain, flank mass and hypovolemic shock and is classically attributed to angiomyolipomata or neoplasms. Treatment is guided by clinical severity: conservative, selective arterial embolization, or nephrectomy. We report an atypical case of a 69-year old man with a pre-existing 9 cm left renal tumor who developed WS secondary to anticoagulation and simple cyst rupture from his contralateral kidney, complicated by abdominal compartment syndrome with hemodynamic instability despite inotropic support and robust resuscitation. Early recognition and source control via radical nephrectomy were essential in securing a positive outcome.

Optimal Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Current Perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a relatively uncommon urologic malignancy for which there has not been significant improvement in survival over the past few decades, highlighting the need for optimal multi-modality management.

METHODS

A non-systematic review of the latest literature was performed to include relevant articles up to June 2019. It summarizes the epidemiologic risk factors associated with UTUC, including smoking, carcinogenic aromatic amines, arsenic, aristolochic acid, and Lynch syndrome. Molecular pathways underlying UTUC and potential druggable targets are outlined.

RESULTS

Surgical management for UTUC includes kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) for low-risk disease and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for high-risk disease. Endoscopic management of UTUC may include ureteroscopic or percutaneous resection. Topical instillation therapy post-KSS aims to reduce recurrence, progression and to treat carcinoma-in-situ; this may be achieved retrogradely (via ureteric catheterization), antegradely (via percutaneous nephrostomy) or via reflux through double-J stent. RNU, which may be performed via open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted approaches, is the gold standard treatment for high-risk UTUC. The distal cuff may be dealt with extravesical, transvesical or endoscopic techniques. Peri-operative chemotherapy and immunotherapy are increasingly utilized; level 1 evidence exists for adjuvant chemotherapy, but neoadjuvant chemotherapy is favored as kidney function is better prior to RNU. Immunotherapy is primarily reserved for metastatic UTUC but is currently being investigated in the perioperative setting.

CONCLUSION

The optimal management of UTUC includes a firm understanding of the epidemiological factors and molecular pathways. Surgical management includes KSS for low-risk disease and RNU for high-risk disease. Peri-operative immunotherapy and chemotherapy may be considered as evidence mounts.

Acute idiopathic scrotal edema in the adult: A case report

Acute idiopathic scrotal edema (AISE) is a self-limiting disease of uncertain etiology, more common in children. It is characterized by the rapid onset and progression of edema and erythema of the scrotal skin and dartos. Although AISE does not involve the underlying testis and paratesticular structures, on initial presentation it is challenging to differentiate from other causes of acute scrotum. It is a difficult but important diagnosis, as correct identification avoids unnecessary surgical scrotal exploration. We discuss a case of AISE in a 23-year-old patient, and highlight the clinical and sonographic features which, in retrospect, were indicative of the diagnosis.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy vs Observation for Patients With Adverse Pathologic Features at Radical Cystectomy Previously Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Importance

Despite existing evidence of a benefit associated with cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) after radical cystectomy (RC) for chemotherapy-naive patients with pT3/T4 and/or pN+ urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB), to our knowledge, no studies have addressed the effectiveness of AC in those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) before surgery.

Objective

To assess the comparative effectiveness of AC vs observation for patients with pT3/T4 and/or pN+ UCB previously treated with NAC and RC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This observational cohort study used the National Cancer Data Base (January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2012) to identify individuals who received NAC and RC followed by AC or observation for pT3/T4 and/or pN+ UCB.

Main Outcomes and Measures

After multiple imputation was used to handle missing data, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed with a 6-month conditional landmark to compare overall survival (OS) among patients who received NAC and RC followed by AC vs observation. In addition, exploratory analyses were conducted to examine the heterogeneity of the treatment effect according to age (continuous), sex (female vs male), Charlson comorbidity index (≥1 vs 0), pT/N stage (pT3/T4N0 vs pTanyN+), and surgical margin status (positive vs negative) by testing interaction terms within the IPTW-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

Of the 788 patients with pT3/T4 and/or pN+ UCB (mean [SD] age, 65.3 [9.4] years; 603 [76.5%] male and 185 [23.5%] female), 184 (23.4%) received NAC and RC followed by AC and 604 (76.6%) received NAC and RC followed by observation. The 6-month conditional landmark, IPTW-adjusted Kaplan-Meier curves showed that median OS was significantly longer for NAC and RC followed by AC (29.9 months; interquartile range, 15.1-85.4 months) vs NAC and RC followed by observation (24.2 months; interquartile range, 12.9-58.9 months) (P = .046). The 5-year IPTW-adjusted rates of OS were 36.8% for NAC and RC followed by AC vs 24.7% for NAC and RC followed by observation. In the IPTW-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, NAC and RC followed by AC was associated with a significant OS benefit (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61-0.99; P = .046). Interaction term analyses indicated that the OS benefit of NAC and RC followed by AC decreased significantly with age (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; P = .02), whereas no significant interaction was observed with sex (P = .82), Charlson comorbidity index (P = .51), pT/N stage (P = .95), and surgical margin status (P = .29).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that AC after NAC and RC may be associated with an OS benefit for patients with pT3/T4 and/or pN+ UCB. The present findings should be considered as preliminary evidence to conduct a randomized clinical trial to address this association.

Trends in penile prosthesis implantation and analysis of predictive factors for removal

PURPOSE

This study aims to analyze patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and clinical risk factors which predict penile prosthesis removal. We also examine costs of penile prosthesis removal and trends in inflatable versus non-inflatable penile prostheses implantation in the USA from 2003 to 2015.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis from Premier Perspective Database was completed using data from 2003 to 2015. We compared the relative proportion of inflatable versus non-inflatable penile prostheses implanted. We separated the prosthesis removal group based on indication for removal-Group 1 (infection), Group 2 (mechanical complication), and Group 3 (all explants). All groups were compared to a control group of patients with penile implants who were never subsequently explanted. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze patient and hospital factors which predicted removal. Cost comparison was performed between the explant groups.

RESULTS

There were 5085 penile prostheses implanted with a stable relative proportion of inflatable versus non-inflatable prosthesis over the 13-year study period. There were 3317 explantations. Patient factors associated with prosthesis removal were non-black race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, diabetes, and HIV status. Hospital factors associated with removal included non-teaching status, hospital region, year of removal, and annual surgeon volume. Median hospitalization costs of all explantations were $10,878. Explantations due to infection cost $11,252 versus $8602 for mechanical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This large population-based study demonstrates a stable trend in inflatable versus non-inflatable prosthesis implantation. We also identify patient and hospital factors that predict penile prosthesis removal which has clinical utility for patient risk stratification and counseling.

Comparison of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between ileal conduit diversion and orthotopic neobladder based on validated questionnaires: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The question of whether orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction is superior to ileal conduit diversion (ICD) with respect to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains controversial. The goal of this study is to perform a meta-analysis to compare post-ICD and post-ONB HRQoL in patients with bladder cancer.

METHODS

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the annual congress abstracts of the European Association of Urology (EAU), the American Urological Association (AUA) and the Société Internationale d'Urologie (SIU) up to June 2017 was conducted to identify all relevant clinical trials using validated questionnaires to assess HRQoL. A systematic review and meta-analysis were then performed.

RESULTS

A total of 2507 patients from 26 eligible studies were included. Meta-analyses showed significant differences favouring ONB patients in global health status (WMD + 9.13, p = 0.004), physical functioning (WMD + 11.57, p = 0.0001), role functioning (WMD + 9.64, p = 0.002), and social functioning (WMD + 6.81, p = 0.03) based on the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire and in the total score of FACT questionnaire (WMD + 6.80, p = 0.001). However, ONB patients were more likely to have postoperative urinary symptoms than ICD patients (WMD - 22.19, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

ONB patients are more likely to have a better global health status than ICD patients. Regardless of the type of urinary diversion (UD) surgery, a gradual improvement in HRQoL over preoperative status tended to stabilise after 12 months postoperatively.

Costs variations for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the U.S. from 2003-2015: A contemporary analysis of an all-payer discharge database

INTRODUCTION

We sought to evaluate population-based costs variations and predictors of outlier costs for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the U.S.

METHODS

Using the Premier Healthcare Database, we identified all patients diagnosed with kidney/ureter calculus who underwent PCNL from 2003-2015. We evaluated 90-day direct hospital costs, defining high- and low-cost surgery as those >90th and <10th percentile, respectively. We constructed a multilevel, hierarchical regression model and calculated the pseudo-R² of each variable, which translates to the percentage variability contributed by that variable on 90-day direct hospital costs.

RESULTS

A total of 114 581 patients underwent PCNL during the 12-year study period. Mean cost in the low-cost group was $5787 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5716-5856) vs. $38 590(95% CI 37 357-39 923) in the high-cost group. Cost variations were substantially impacted by patient (63.7%) and surgical (18.5%) characteristics and less so by hospital characteristics (3.9%). Significant predictors of high costs included more comorbidities (≥2 vs. 0: odds ratio [OR] 1.81; p=0.01) and hospital region (Northeast vs. Midwest: OR 2.04; p=0.03). Predictors of low cost were hospital bed size of 300-499 beds (OR 1.35; p<0.01) and urban hospitals (OR 2.77; p=0.01). Factors less likely to be associated with low-cost PCNL were more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] ≥2: OR 0.69; p<0.0001), larger hospitals (OR 0.61; p=0.01), and teaching hospitals (OR 0.33; p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our contemporary analysis demonstrates that patient and surgical characteristics had a significant effect on costs associated with PCNL. Poor comorbidity status contributed to high costs, highlighting the importance of patient selection.

Peri-operative chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: status-quo in 2017

The role of perioperative chemotherapy associated with radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer has been analyzed in several landmark randomized controlled trials (RCTs) over the past decades. With regard to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), a meta-analysis of level 1 evidence and long-term results from the largest RCTs support its use, which is currently advocated as the standard of care by most of the clinical guidelines worldwide. However, with regard to the delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC), evidence is more contentious. Specifically, several meta-analyses demonstrated a survival benefit associated with the use of cisplatin-based regimen but investigators identified multiple methodological limitations in most of included RCTs. Nonetheless, AC is currently considered for fit patients with adverse pathological features at RC. It is noteworthy that the delivery of such cytotoxic treatment after surgery may maintain significant anti-tumor activity even in those patients who previously received NAC. Finally, given its greater response rate, the methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin plus cisplatin combination remains preferentially considered in the neoadjuvant setting, while the gemcitabine plus cisplatin combination is more commonly delivered in the adjuvant setting because of its better toxicity profile. However, no prospective evidence comparing efficacy of both regimens for NAC or AC is currently available.

Effect of Nonurothelial Histologic Variants on the Outcomes of Radical Cystectomy for Nonmetastatic Muscle-invasive Urinary Bladder Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Knowledge of the comparative oncologic outcomes of histologic variants after radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) relies on small case series. We compared the effect of pure squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and neuroendocrine carcinoma compared with pure urothelial carcinoma (PUC) on overall survival (OS) and pathologic tumor, lymph node, and surgical margin status after RC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the National Cancer Database, we retrospectively examined patients undergoing RC for MIBC from 2003 to 2011. Our cohort was stratified according to histologic type and included only pure variants: squamous cell, adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine, and PUC. Inverse probability weighting-adjusted and facility-clustered Cox and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of histologic variants versus PUC on OS and pathologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 475 (4.4%), 224 (2.1%), 155 (1.4%), and 10,033 (92.2%) patients underwent RC for MIBC with pure squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and PUC, respectively. In inverse probability weighting-adjusted analyses, squamous cell (hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.49; P = .006) and neuroendocrine (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.21-1.95; P < .001) types were associated with worse OS relative to PUC. Squamous cell carcinoma (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% CI, 1.23-2.04; P < .001), adenocarcinoma (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.04-2.14; P = .030), and neuroendocrine carcinoma (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.58-3.55; P < .001) at diagnosis were associated with greater odds of ≥ pT3 disease. The squamous cell and neuroendocrine variants were associated with decreased (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.91; P = .012) and increased (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.06-2.37; P = .026) odds of pN+ disease, respectively. Adenocarcinoma was associated with greater odds of positive margins (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.39-3.30; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Pure squamous cell and neuroendocrine carcinoma histologic types were associated with worse OS relative to PUC. However, no difference was found between adenocarcinoma and PUC. All histologic variants were associated with higher tumor stage at surgery compared with PUC.

Contemporary Trends in Utilization and Perioperative Outcomes of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the United States from 2003 to 2014

PURPOSE

To investigate the contemporary trends and perioperative outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) by using a population-based cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Premier Healthcare Database, we identified 225,321 patients in whom kidney/ureteral calculi were diagnosed and who underwent PCNL at 447 different hospitals across the United States from 2003 to 2014. Outcomes included 90-day postoperative complications (as classified by the Clavien-Dindo system), prolonged hospital length of stay, operating room time, blood transfusions, and direct hospital costs. Temporal trends were quantified by estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) by using least-squares linear regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of outcomes.

RESULTS

PCNL utilization rates initially increased from 6.7% (2003) to 8.9% (2008) (EAPC: +5.60%, p = 0.02), before plateauing at 9.0% (2008-2011), and finally declining to 7.2% in 2014 (EAPC: -4.37%, p = 0.02). Overall (Clavien ≥1) and major complication (Clavien ≥3) rates rose significantly (EAPC: +12.2% and +16.4%, respectively, both p < 0.001). Overall/major complication and blood transfusion rates were 23.1%/4.8% and 3.3%, respectively. Median operating room time and 90-day costs were 221 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 4) and $12,734 (IQR $9419), respectively. Significant predictors of overall complications include higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (CCI ≥2: odds ratio [OR] 2.08, p < 0.001) and more recent year of surgery (2007-2010: OR 3.20, 2011-2014: OR 4.39, both p < 0.001). Higher surgeon volume was significantly associated with decreased overall (OR 0.992, p < 0.001) and major (OR 0.991, p = 0.01) complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our contemporary analysis shows a decrease in the utilization of PCNL in recent years, along with an increase in complication rates. Numerous patient, hospital, and surgical characteristics affect complication rates.

Patient driven care in the management of prostate cancer: analysis of the United States military healthcare system

Background

Patient preferences are assumed to impact healthcare resource utilization, especially treatment options. There is limited data exploring this phenomenon. We sought to identify factors associated with patients transferring care for prostatectomy, from military to civilian facilities, and the receipt of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP).

Methods

Retrospective review of 2006-2010 TRICARE data identified men diagnosed with prostate cancer (ICD-9 185) receiving open radical prostatectomy (ORP; ICD-9: 60.5) or MIRP (ICD-9 60.5 + 54.21/17.42). Patients diagnosed at military facilities but underwent surgery at civilian facilities were defined as “transferring care”. Logistic regression models identified predictors of transferring care for patients diagnosed at military facilities. A secondary analysis identified the predictors of MIRP receipt at civilian facilities.

Results

Of 1420 patients, 247 (17.4%) transferred care. These patients were more likely to undergo MIRP (OR = 7.83, p < 0.01), and get diagnosed at low-volume military facilities (OR = 6.10, p < 0.01). Our secondary analysis demonstrated that transferring care was strongly associated with undergoing MIRP (OR = 1.51, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Patient preferences induced a demand for greater utilization of MIRP and civilian facilities. Further work exploring factors driving these preferences and interventions tailoring them, based on evidence and cost considerations, is required.

Radical prostatectomy innovation and outcomes at military and civilian institutions

OBJECTIVES

Limited data are available regarding the impact of the type of healthcare delivery system on technology diffusion and associated clinical outcomes. We assessed the adoption of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP), a recent clinical innovation, and whether this adoption altered surgical morbidity for prostate cancer surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of administrative data from TRICARE, the healthcare program of the United States Military Health System. Surgery occurred at military hospitals, supported by federal appropriations, or civilian hospitals, supported by hospital revenue.

METHODS

We evaluated TRICARE beneficiaries with prostate cancer (International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code: 185) who received a radical prostatectomy (60.5) between 2005 and 2009. MIRP was identified based on minimally invasive surgery codes (54.21, 17.42). We assessed yearly MIRP utilization, 30-day postoperative complications (Clavien classification system), length of stay, blood transfusion, and long-term urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

RESULTS

A total of 3366 men underwent radical prostatectomy at military hospitals compared with 1716 at civilian hospitals, with minimal clinic-demographic differences. MIRP adoption was 30% greater at civilian hospitals. There were fewer blood transfusions (odds ratio, 0.44; P <.0001) and shorter lengths of stay (incidence risk ratio, 0.85; P <.0001) among civilian hospitals, while 30-day postoperative complications, as well as long-term urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction rates, were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with military hospitals, civilian hospitals had a greater MIRP adoption during this timeframe, but had comparable surgical morbidity.

Systematic Review of the Volume-Outcome Relationship for Radical Prostatectomy

CONTEXT

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is one of the most complex urological procedures performed. Higher surgical volume has been found previously to be associated with better patient outcomes and reduced costs to the health care system. This has resulted in some regionalization of care toward high-volume facilities and providers; however, the preponderance of RPs is still performed at low-volume institutions.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an updated systematic review of the association of hospital and surgeon volume on patient and system outcomes after RP, including robot-assisted RP.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of literature was undertaken, searching PubMed (1959-2016) for original articles. Selection criteria included RP, hospital and/or surgeon volumes as predictor variables, categorization of hospital and/or surgeon volumes, and measurable end points.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall 49 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies demonstrated that higher-volume surgeries are associated with better outcomes including reduced mortality, morbidity, postoperative complications, length of stay, readmission, and cost-associated factors. The volume-outcome relationship is maintained in robotic surgery. Eleven studies assessed hospital and surgeon volume simultaneously, and findings reflect that neither is an independent predictor variable affecting outcomes. The studies varied in how volume cutoffs were categorized as well as how the volume-outcome relationship was methodologically evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary evidence continues to support the relationship between high-volume surgeries with improved RP outcomes. Recent studies demonstrate that the volume-outcome relationship applies to robot-assisted RP and may be applied for potential cost savings in health care. An increase in the number of international studies suggests reproducibility of the association. Although regionalization of surgical care remains a contentious issue, there is an increasing body of evidence that short-term outcomes are improved at high-volume centers for RP.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This systematic review of the latest literature found that higher surgical volume was associated with improved outcomes for radical prostatectomy.