Opioid-Limiting Pain Control After Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a multimodal opioid-limiting protocol and patient education intervention can reduce postoperative opioid use following transurethral resection of the prostate.

METHODS

This prospective, non-blinded, single-institution, randomized controlled trial (NCT04102566) assigned 50 patients undergoing a transurethral resection of the prostate to either a standard of care control (SOC) or multimodal experimental group (MMG). The intervention included adding ibuprofen to the postoperative pain regimen, promoting appropriate opioid use while hospitalized, an educational intervention, and discharging without opioid prescription. Data regarding demographics, operative data, opioid use, pain scores, and patient satisfaction were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients were included, n = 23 (MMG) and n = 24 (SOC). Demographic and operative findings were similar. Statistical analysis for noninferiority demonstrated non-inferior inpatient pain control (mean pain score 2.5 MMG vs 2.4 SOC, P = 0.0003). The multimodal group used significantly fewer morphine milligram equivalents after discharge (0 vs 4.1, P = 0.04). Inpatient use was reduced but did not reach statistical significance (6.0 vs 9.8, P = 0.2). Mean satisfaction scores with pain control were similar (9.6 MMG vs 9.2 SOC, P = 0.32). No opioid prescriptions were requested after discharge. Adverse events and medication side effects were infrequent and largely similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of an opioid-limiting postoperative pain protocol and patient education resulted in no outpatient opioid use while maintaining patient satisfaction with pain control. Eliminating opioids following a common urologic procedure will decrease risk of opioid-related adverse events and have a positive downstream impact.

Feasibility of injected indocyanine green for ureteral identification during robotic left-sided colorectal resections

BACKGROUND

Ureteral identification is essential to performing safe colorectal surgery. Injected immunofluorescence may aid with ureteral identification, but feasibility without ureteral catheterization is not well described.

METHODS

Case series of robotic colorectal resections where indocyanine green (ICG) injection with or without ureteral catheter placement was performed. Imaging protocol, time to ureteral identification, and factors impacting visualization are reported.

RESULTS

From 2019 to 2020, 83 patients underwent ureteral ICG injection, 20 with catheterization and 63 with injection only. Main indications were diverticulitis (52%) and cancer (36%). Median time to instill ICG was faster with injection alone than with catheter placement (4min vs 13.5min, p < 0.001). Median time [IQR] to right ureter (0.3 [0.01-1.2] min after robot docking) and left ureter (5.5 [3.1-8.8] min after beginning dissection) visualization was not different between injection alone and catheterization.

CONCLUSION

ICG injection alone is faster than with indwelling catheter placement and equally reliable at intraoperative ureteral identification.

Evolution of the Ureteral Stent: The Pivotal Role of the Gibbons Ureteral Catheter

OBJECTIVE

To review the pioneering contributions of Dr. Robert Gibbons of Virginia Mason Medical Center to the evolution and development of the modern ureteral stent.

METHODS

We reviewed Dr. Gibbons' extensive work through primary sources, including interviews, projector slides, radiology images, stent prototypes, his personal writings, and archived documents. In addition, we performed a review of historical texts and manuscripts describing important innovations in the development of the ureteral stent.

RESULTS

In 1972, motivated by a desire to provide his patients with a long-term alternative to open nephrostomy and inspired by Drs. David Davis and Paul Zimskind, who in 1967 had described the use of indwelling ureteral silicone tubing, Dr. Gibbons began to experiment with modifications to improve upon existing stents. To address distal migration, Dr. Gibbons added "wings" that collapsed as the stent was advanced and expanded once in proper position to secure the stent in place. Barium was embedded into the proximal tip to facilitate radiographic visualization. A flange was added to the distal end, preventing proximal migration and minimizing trigonal irritation, and a tail was attached to aid in stent removal. The result was the original Gibbons stent, the first commercially available ureteral stent, and the establishment of Current Procedural Terminology code 52332, still used today.

CONCLUSION

The ureteral stent is a fundamental component of urologic practice. In developing the Gibbons stent, Dr. Gibbons played a pivotal role in addressing the challenge of internal urinary diversion particularly for those who needed long-term management. Urologists and the patients they serve owe Dr. Gibbons and other surgeon-inventors a debt of gratitude for their innovative work.

Overall survival and immune responses with sipuleucel-T and enzalutamide: STRIDE study

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Background: STRIDE (NCT01981122) is the first study comparing concurrent (con) vs sequential (seq) enzalutamide (enz) with sipuleucel-T (sip-T) in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Pts were followed until death or for 3 years. Methods: Fifty-two pts were randomized 1:1 to 3 sip-T infusions and enz started 2 wks before (n = 25, con) or 10 wks after (n = 27, seq) sip-T. Enz was continued for 52 wks or until disease progression (DP)/toxicity. Time to clinical outcomes was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Median age (years): con 66; seq 72 (p = 0.01). Baseline characteristics and laboratory values were similar between arms. K-M estimated median follow up: 40.2 months. Clinical trial information: NCT01981122. Conclusions: Long-term follow-up suggests sip-T+enz is well-tolerated with no new safety concerns. Though not powered for such, con vs seq rx did not result in differences in OS or DP; differences in PSA responses cannot be excluded. Larger studies could better evaluate the clinical impact of combining immunotherapy with hormonal agents.[Table: see text]

A decision aid versus shared decision making for prostate cancer screening: results of a randomized, controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Shared decision making (SDM) is widely encouraged by both the American Urological Association and Choosing Wisely for prostate cancer screening. Implementation of SDM is challenging secondary to time constraints and competing patient priorities. One strategy to mitigate the difficulties in implementing SDM is to utilize a decision aid (DA). Here we evaluate whether a DA improves a patient's prostate cancer knowledge and affects prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized to usual care (UC), DA, or DA + SDM. Perception of quality of care was measured using the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey. Outcomes were stratified by long term provider relationship (LTPR, > 3 years) versus short term provider relationship (STPR, < 3 years). Knowledge of prostate cancer screening and the decision regarding screening were assessed. Groups were compared using ANOVA and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 329 patients were randomized. Patients in the DA + SDM arm were significantly more likely to report discussing the implication of screening (33% DA + SDM, 22% UC, 16% DA, p = 0.0292) and answered significantly more knowledge questions correctly compared to the UC arm (5.03 versus 4.46, p = 0.046). However, those in the DA arm were significantly less likely to report that they always felt encouraged to discuss all health concerns (72% DA, 78% DA + SDM, 87% UC, p = 0.0285). Interestingly, STPR patients in the DA arm were significantly more likely to undergo PSA-based prostate cancer screening (41%) than the UC arm (8%, p = 0.019). This effect was not observed in the LTPR group.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing patients a DA without a personal interaction resulted in a greater chance of undergoing PSA-based screening without improving knowledge about screening or understanding of the consequences of this decision. This effect was exacerbated by a shorter term provider relationship. With complex issues such as the decision to pursue PSA-based prostate cancer screening, tools cannot substitute for direct interaction with a trusted provider.

Rate of occult metastases in patients (pts) with biochemically-recurrent prostate cancer (BRPC) from a phase 2 trial of sipuleucel-T and androgen deprivation therapy (STAND)

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Background: Identifying occult metastases in men with BRPC is critical, as treatment depends on disease state (biochemical recurrence vs oligometastatic disease). It is prudent to investigate pts for metastases, even men with low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, to select appropriate salvage, local or systemic treatments. We evaluated baseline parameters of BRPC pts with occult metastases identified during screening for STAND (phase 2, NCT01431391). Methods: STAND eligibility criteria included prostate cancer primary therapy and PSA doubling time (PSADT) ≤12 months. Pts with metastases were excluded. We compared pts with and without metastases. Results: Of 99 screened pts, 68 entered STAND with non-metastatic BRPC, 11 (11%) failed screening due to metastases and 20 (20%) due to other reasons. In this small sample, no baseline parameters were identified that clearly distinguished between pts with or without metastases. For pts with metastases vs STAND pts, median age was similar (66 vs 65 y); all were Caucasian. Baseline median (range) PSA levels were numerically higher (4.3 [1.7–141.7] vs 2.4 [0.3–47.8] ng/mL) and PSADT values were numerically shorter (3.5 [1.1–7.6] vs 5.1 [1.0–16.4] months) for pts with metastases vs STAND pts, respectively. The proportion of pts with PSA > 10 ng/dL was 29% vs 19%, or PSADT < 6 months was 80% vs 59% for pts with metastases vs STAND pts, respectively. Baseline lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and hemoglobin levels were similar between groups. Conclusions: A substantial proportion (11%) of BRPC pts with presumed non-metastatic disease had undiagnosed occult metastases at low PSA levels. Such pts may benefit from closer monitoring with improved imaging technology, continuous androgen deprivation therapy or potentially docetaxel. While more rigorous screening (even at low PSA levels) may be advantageous, identifying such pts is challenging as their baseline parameters may not differ significantly vs BRPC pts with no metastases. In the future, detection of oligometastatic disease is likely to increase due to more sensitive imaging modalities, thus, the BRPC state will be reduced. Clinical trial information: NCT01431391.

Long-term follow-up from STAMP, a phase II trial, evaluating sipuleucel-T and concurrent (CON) vs sequential (SEQ) abiraterone acetate + prednisone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients (pts)

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Background: The optimal sequence and combination of life-extending anticancer therapies in mCRPC pts remains unknown. Sipuleucel-T (sip-T), an autologous cellular immunotherapy approved for the therapy of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) pts, was evaluated in combination with abiraterone acetate and prednisone (abi) in the phase II STAMP trial (NCT01487863), with pts randomly assigned to receive CON sip-T + abi or SEQ sip-T followed by abi. The combination was well-tolerated and did not alter the immune response parameters that correlate with overall survival (OS) (Small Clin Can Res 2015). Here, we present long-term follow-up of clinical outcomes, including OS. Methods: mCRPC pts were randomized 1:1 to CON or SEQ therapy with sip-T and abi. Abi began 1 day after (CON) or at wk 10 (SEQ) after the first sip-T infusion and continued for 26 wk of therapy, after which continued abi therapy was permitted. Long-term clinical outcomes included OS, disease-specific death (DSS), progressive disease (PD), time to first anticancer intervention (tACI), and safety. Results: 69 pts were enrolled (35 CON; 34 SEQ). Median OS was 34.0 mo (95% CI, 24.4-not estimable [NE]; 30.0 mo CON; 34.2 mo SEQ; p = 0.921), and median time to DSS was not reached (CON vs SEQ; p = 0.733). Median time to PD was 17.3 mo (95% CI, 9.7–NE; 17.7 mo CON vs 13.9 mo SEQ; p = 0.914; consistent with higher rates of abi discontinuation due to PD in SEQ [26.5% vs 14.3% in CON]). tACI was similar between arms at 15.4 mo (95% CI, 11.0–19.9). No new safety signals were observed with the combination, and no discernable difference in clinical outcomes was observed with CON or SEQ treatments. Conclusions: Long-term follow-up data confirm that sip-T + CON or SEQ abi is well-tolerated, with no new safety signals. No clear differences were observed in clinical outcomes between arms, although the study was not powered to detect these differences. Future and more appropriately powered studies on the effect of sip-T + continuous abi for responding pts may provide further insights on the benefit of combination therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT01487863.

Sequencing of Sipuleucel-T and Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Men with Hormone-Sensitive Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer: A Phase II Randomized Trial

Purpose: STAND, a randomized, phase II, open-label trial (NCT01431391), assessed sequencing of sipuleucel-T (an autologous cellular immunotherapy) with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (BRPC) patients at high risk for metastasis.Experimental Design: Men with BRPC following prostatectomy and/or radiotherapy, a PSA doubling time ≤12 months, and no metastasis were enrolled. Patients were randomized (34/arm) to sipuleucel-T followed by ADT (started 2 weeks after sipuleucel-T completion), or ADT followed by sipuleucel-T (started 12 weeks after ADT initiation); ADT continued for 12 months in both arms. The primary endpoint was PA2024-specific T-cell response [enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT)] over time.Results: PA2024-specific ELISPOT responses over time were similar between groups, except at week 6, where responses were higher with sipuleucel-T→ADT versus ADT→sipuleucel-T (P = 0.013). PA2024-specific T-cell proliferation responses, averaged across time points, were approximately 2-fold higher with sipuleucel-T→ADT versus ADT→sipuleucel-T (P = 0.001). PA2024-specific cellular and humoral responses and prostatic acid phosphatase-specific humoral responses increased significantly versus baseline (P < 0.001) and were maintained for 24 months (both arms). Median time-to-PSA recurrence was similar between arms (21.8 vs. 22.6 months, P = 0.357). Development of a PA2024-specific humoral response correlated with prolonged time-to-PSA progression (HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08-0.67; P = 0.007). Sipuleucel-T with ADT was generally well tolerated.Conclusions: Sipuleucel-T→ADT appears to induce greater antitumor immune responses than the reverse sequence. These results warrant further investigation to determine whether this sequence leads to improved clinical outcomes, as well as the independent contribution of ADT alone in terms of immune activation. Clin Cancer Res; 23(10); 2451-9. ©2016 AACR.

Cytologic persistence of malignant cells after transurethral resection of bladder tumors: Implications for concomitant manipulation of the urinary tract at the time of endoscopic resection

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to determine the feasibility of cytologically clearing the bladder of tumor cells after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and aggressive serial bladder washing.

METHODS

A prospective pilot sample of 20 patients with known bladder masses was enrolled before undergoing TURBT. Preoperative cytology and 4 postoperative cytology specimens were assessed for malignant cells between serial bladder washes. Surgeons assessed tumor grade visually at the time of TURBT.

RESULTS

Surgeons were able to differentiate high-grade disease with limited accuracy (75% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 85% negative predictive value, and 86% positive predictive value). For patients with low-grade disease (12 patients), cytology was atypical in 25% of patients immediately before TURBT and was negative after serial washings in all patients. In patients with high-grade disease (8 patients), approximately 75% had cytology consistent with high-grade urothelial carcinoma immediately before TURBT and only 1 patient was cleared cytologically after serial bladder washings.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with high-grade disease, serial bladder washing after TURBT does not appear to clear malignant cells as detected by cytology. This theoretical oncologic risk should be weighed when considering concomitant upper tract procedures such as retrograde pyelography. Future work is needed to quantify risk. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:114-119. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Endoscopic Management of Bladder Diverticula

A 50-year-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary retention had a very large diverticulum on the posterior wall of the bladder. The patient was managed with transurethral resection of the prostate and endoscopic fulguration of the bladder diverticulum mucosa using the Orandi technique. There was near-complete resolution of the bladder diverticulum following endoscopic management, obviating the need for bladder diverticulectomy. The patient now empties his bladder, with a postvoid residual < 50 mL and the absence of urinary tract infection after 6-month follow-up. We report the successful treatment of a large bladder diverticulum with endoscopic fulguration to near-complete resolution. This minimally invasive technique is a useful alternative in patients unfit for a more extensive surgical approach.

Functional reprogramming of human prostate cancer to promote local attraction of effector CD8(+) T cells

BACKGROUND

Local infiltration of CD8(+) T cells (CTLs) in tumor lesions predicts overall clinical outcomes and the clinical benefit of cancer patients from immune checkpoint blockade. In the current study, we evaluated local production of different classes of chemokines in prostate cancer lesions, and the feasibility of their modulation to promote selective entry of CTLs into prostate tumors.

METHODS

Chemokine expression in prostate cancer lesion was analyzed by TaqMan-based quantitative PCR, confocal fluorescence microscopy and ELISA. For ex vivo chemokine modulation analysis, prostate tumor explants from patients undergoing primary prostate cancer resections were cultured for 24 hr, in the absence or presence of the combination of poly-I:C, IFNα, and celecoxib (PAC). The numbers of cells producing defined chemokines in the tissues were analyzed by confocal microscopy. Chemotaxis of effector CD8(+) T cells towards the untreated and PAC-treated tumor explant supernatants were evaluated in a standard in vitro migration assays, using 24 well trans-well plates. The number of effector cells that migrated was enumerated by flow cytometry. Pearson (r) correlation was used for analyzing correlations between chemokines and immune filtrate, while paired two tailed students t-test was used for comparison between treatment groups.

RESULTS

Prostate tumors showed uniformly low levels of CTL/NK/Th1-recruiting chemokines (CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10) but expressed high levels of chemokines implicated in the attraction of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg ): CCL2, CCL22, and CXCL12. Strong positive correlations were observed between CXCL9 and CXCL10 and local CD8 expression. Tumor expression levels of CCL2, CCL22, and CXCL12 were correlated with intratumoral expression of MDSC/Treg markers: FOXP3, CD33, and NCF2. Treatment with PAC suppressed intratumoral production of the Treg -attractant CCL22 and Treg /MDSC-attractant, CXCL12, while increasing the production of the CTL attractant, CXCL10. These changes in local chemokine production were accompanied by the reduced ability of the ex vivo-treated tumors to attract CD4(+) FOXP3(+) Treg cells, and strongly enhanced attraction of the CD8(+) Granzyme B(+) CTLs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that the chemokine environment in prostate cancer can be reprogrammed to selectively enhance the attraction of type-1 effector immune cells and reduce local attraction of MDSCs and Tregs . Prostate 76:1095-1105, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Regional initiative to use data transparency to improve cancer care

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Background: In the context of many initiatives aimed at measuring quality and value in cancer care, the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR) has adopted a multi-stakeholder approach to characterize oncology care, prioritize areas for improvement, design programs, and evaluate outcomes. Beginning in 2014, HICOR initiated a process to move towards data transparency in the reporting of regional quality and value metrics. Methods: The HICOR team constructed clinic-level adherence reports for community-prioritized metrics and the 2012 ASCO Choosing Wisely recommendations using a registry-claims linked database. In the fall of 2014, a national external advisory board reviewed methodology for measuring adherence. De-identified regional results were presented at a provider meeting in late 2014 to elicit provider feedback on methodology and on strategies for reporting clinic-identified adherence. Clinics were privately given their own adherence data. In 2015, revised de-identified regional reports were presented at a Value in Cancer Care Summit poster session and made available through HICOR IQ, a regional oncology informatics platform, for further discussion. Results: Results show that no clinic was also the best or worst performing clinic. The table shows the performance by clinic for the 5 Choosing Wisely recommendations. There is now increased demand by clinics to view their own adherence benchmarked with the region as a next step in moving towards full data transparency. Additionally, there is support from provider members in the community to re-identify clinics in order to compare results against their peers. Conclusions: Using an iterative, transparent, multi-stakeholder process, it is feasible build regional consensus towards releasing clinic-level adherence to quality and value metrics. By consulting trusted experts in the field and allowing multiple opportunities to provide feedback, providers are requesting even more transparency in order use the oncology measures to improve care in their practice and the region. [Table: see text]

Value in cancer care: Regional initiative to improve care through data reporting and interventions

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Background: In the context of many initiatives aimed at measuring quality and value in cancer care, the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR), partnered with community members to launch a regional, stakeholder-driven initiative to define and report value metrics for cancer care for Washington State. Region-wide Summits were held in 2014 and 2015. Participants included local healthcare delivery organizations, patient advocacy groups, payers, and policymakers. The 2014 Summit identified priority metrics; these metrics were reported at the 2015 Summit. Methods: For the 2015 Summit, HICOR staff developed algorithms to measure adherence to the community-prioritized metrics using a claims-registry linked database. Metrics spanned diagnosis, treatment, continuing, and end-of-life (EOL) phases of care. After reviewing adherence at the clinic-level and for the region, attendees were invited to attend break-out sessions for metrics where there was the largest variation: hospital and ED use during treatment, hospital and ED use at EOL, and breast cancer surveillance. Within the breakout sessions, participants were asked to identify barriers to adherence and possible interventions to improve care. After discussion, participants individually ranked the top 3 interventions and estimated expected improvement to be gained by successful implementation of the intervention Results: Table. Working groups were formed to develop detailed protocols for implementable interventions. Conclusions: Using an iterative, transparent, multi-stakeholder process, it is feasible build regional consensus to identify and prioritize value metrics in cancer care, and to develop consensus regarding approaches to improve adherence to those metrics. [Table: see text]

Antigen-specific immune responses through 24 months in the STAND trial: A randomized phase 2 study evaluating optimal sequencing of sipuleucel-T (sip-T) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in biochemically-recurrent prostate cancer (BRPC)

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Background: Sip-T is an autologous cellular immunotherapy targeting prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), approved for treatment of asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. STAND evaluates sequencing of sip-T and ADT in men with BRPC at high risk of metastases. Here we report interim assessments of cellular and humoral responses through 24 mos. Methods: Men (n=68)were randomized 1:1 to sip-T followed by ADT (2 wks after 3rd infusion; Arm 1) or ADT (3-mo lead-in) followed by sip-T (Arm 2). Product parameters (total nucleated cell [TNC] count, antigen presenting cell [APC] count, APC activation) were determined with each product manufacture. Cellular and humoral immune responses were analyzed through 24 mos with a repeated measures statistical model. Results: Sample size ranged 8–28 for cellular responses and 34–64 for humoral responses. PA2024 ELISPOT count increased vs baseline at most timepoints (p<0.05) and was lower in Arm 2 vs Arm 1 (p=0.015). PA2024 antigen-specific T-cell proliferation increased from baseline at all timepoints (p≤0.001) and was lower in Arm 2 vs Arm 1 (p<0.001). PA2024 antibody titers were similar between treatment arms (p=0.976). PA2024 antibody titer was significantly higher at the 3rd sip-T infusion visit and remained elevated at 24 mos (23 times higher on average vs baseline; p<0.001). A similar antibody titer profile was reported for PAP but of lesser magnitude. The number of immune responders (post-baseline antibody titer ≥25,600) was similar at any timepoint between arms (Arm 1: 30/34, 88.1%; Arm 2: 32/34, 94.1%; p=0.673). Higher cumulative TNC and baseline hemoglobin positively correlated with maximum PA2024 antibody titer response (p<0.05). Conclusions: Sip-T induced a robust immune response sustained to 24 mos in men with BRPC. Cellular response appeared to differ according to treatment sequence; humoral response was similar between treatment arms. Given its consistent association with the humoral response, cumulative TNC count may be a potential biomarker of response to sip-T. Clinical trial information: NCT01431391.

Regional initiative to define, collect, and report value metrics in cancer care

25

Background: In the context of numerous national initiatives aimed at measuring quality and value in cancer care, the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, in partnership with local healthcare delivery organizations, patient advocacy groups, payers, and policymakers launched a regional, stakeholder-driven initiative to define 3-5 “value-based metrics” for cancer care for Washington State. Methods: Representatives from major cancer care delivery organizations, patient advocacy groups, payers, and policymakers were invited to participate in a day-long Value Summit. Attendees were tasked with identifying metrics that considered both costs and outcomes. Trained facilitators helped participants identify metrics for 9 domains: appropriate use of effective therapies, adherence to best practices, survival, comprehensive disease management, efficiency of care, hospice/palliative care, patient and family satisfaction with care, patient reported outcomes/preferences and safety. After the initial list was generated, attendees were then asked to rank the metrics on the basis of feasibility to collect, clinical relevance, ability to act on, meaningfulness to multiple stakeholders, and willingness to report statewide. Attendees were then asked to participate in 3 domain-specific facilitated breakout sessions to prioritize the top metrics for each domain. Breakout sessions reported top metrics for a final group prioritization exercise. Following the Summit, attendees provided feedback on the final rankings. The metrics were then presented at a Town Hall style meeting for public comment. Results: Over 70 participants, representing 20 different organizations, identified 750 unique metrics from 9 domains. The prioritization process yielded 3 areas of interest, with 2 specific metrics within each: end of life and palliative care (metric 1, metric 2); adherence to best practices (metric 3, metric 4); and coordinated and efficient care (metric 5, metric 6). Follow-up surveys of Summit attendees and the Town Hall forum showed widespread support for these metrics Conclusions: Using an iterative, transparent, multi-stakeholder process, it is feasible build regional consensus around value metrics in cancer care.

Quality improvement opportunities in prostatectomy care in a regional hospital-based urologic quality collaborative

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Background: Prostate cancer care is susceptible to regional variation in treatment and outcomes. Recent national recommendations have highlighted the harms of prostate cancer treatment including urinary incontinence and impotence. We prospectively evaluated radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes at participating Washington-state hospitals to identify quality improvement opportunities in RP care. Methods: A local clinician advisory group developed a chart abstraction tool that captures potential quality concerns in RP care. The abstraction tool was implemented at nine regional hospitals with data consolidated for review quarterly. The research team and clinician advisory group were blinded to hospital identities in feedback reports. Data were analyzed as aggregate rates and hospital-specific rates without risk adjustment using descriptive statistics. Results: We identified 461 patients undergoing RP at nine area hospitals from 2011 to 2013. The majority (74%) were robot-assisted minimally invasive RPs, Participating hospitals report as many as 97% or as few as 12% robot-assisted procedures. 26.3% of cases were pathologic non-organ-confined prostate cancer (pT3 or higher); pathologic stage was not further classified beyond "T2" or "T3" in 31% of RPs. Surgical margins were positive in 18% of cases overall; hospital-specific positive margin rates ranged from 12 to 25% among organ-confined cases and 0 to 75% among stage pT3 or higher prostate cancer. Length of stay exceeded three days post-prostatectomy in more than 10% of cases at 4 hospitals including one hospital where 36% of cases had prolonged lengths of stay. Conclusions: We identified several quality improvement opportunities that may improve health outcomes among men undergoing RP for prostate cancer. Positive margin rates were excessive at some hospitals and may represent uncertainty in the surgical approach to higher risk cases. Variation in lengths of stay may represent provider variability in post-prostatectomy clinical care algorithms. Survey of provider practices may inform development of quality improvement initiatives such as clinical pathways that may address the variations in RP care identified.

Quality of life after sipuleucel-T therapy: results from a randomized, double-blind study in patients with androgen-dependent prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To collect and analyze quality-of-life (QOL) data from PROvenge Treatment and Early Cancer Treatment trial (PROTECT, NCT00779402), a phase III, randomized controlled trial of sipuleucel-T in patients with asymptomatic androgen-dependent prostate cancer.

METHODS

Patients experiencing prostate-specific antigen relapse after radical prostatectomy entered a 3- to 4-month run-in phase of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), followed by 2:1 randomization to sipuleucel-T or control. QOL was assessed throughout the run-in and 26-week post-randomization phases using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Linear Analog Self-Assessment (LASA) scale, Global Rating of Change (GRoC) scale, and an elicited symptoms list.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-six patients were randomized into 2 groups, the sipuleucel-T group (n = 117) or the control group (n = 59). The sample provided 80% power to detect a difference in fatigue interference score between treatment arms of 0.9 points. QOL declined predictably during ADT. At week 26, 26.2% of sipuleucel-T-treated patients and 21.6% of control-treated patients (P = .68) reported fatigue in the previous week, and the mean score for fatigue interference in the past 24 hours was 0.9 for both arms (P = .88). Results were comparable for usual fatigue (P = .91) and worst fatigue (P >.99). Mean LASA scores decreased in both groups (P = .26). The proportion of patients reporting better overall QOL on GRoC was similar (P = .62).

CONCLUSION

There is no clinically significant negative impact on QOL after sipuleucel-T treatment compared with control after a period of ADT in patients with asymptomatic androgen-dependent prostate cancer.

Phase II trial of neoadjuvant docetaxel and CG1940/CG8711 followed by radical prostatectomy in patients with high-risk clinically localized prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most commonly diagnosed noncutaneous malignancy in American men. PC, which exhibits a slow growth rate and multiple potential target epitopes, is an ideal candidate for immunotherapy. GVAX for prostate cancer is a cellular immunotherapy, composed of PC-3 cells (CG1940) and LNCaP cells (CG8711). Each of the components is a prostate adenocarcinoma cell line that has been genetically modified to secrete granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Hypothesizing that GVAX for prostate cancer could be effective in a neoadjuvant setting in patients with locally advanced disease, we initiated a phase II trial of neoadjuvant docetaxel and GVAX. For the trial, the clinical effects of GVAX were assessed in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

METHODS

Patients received docetaxel administered at a dose of 75 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. GVAX was administered 2-3 days after chemotherapy preoperatively for four courses of immunotherapy. The first dose of GVAX was a prime immunotherapy of 5×10(8) cells. The subsequent boost immunotherapies consisted of 3×10(8) cells. After RP, patients received an additional six courses of immunotherapy. Pathologic complete response, toxicity, and clinical response were assessed. The primary endpoint of the trial was a pathologic state of pT0, which is defined as no evidence of cancer in the prostate.

RESULTS

Six patients completed neoadjuvant docetaxel and GVAX therapy. No serious drug-related adverse events were observed. Median change in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following neoadjuvant therapy was 1.47 ng/ml. One patient did not undergo RP due to the discovery of positive lymph nodes during exploration. Of the five patients completing RP, four had a downstaging of their Gleason score. Undetectable PSA was achieved in three patients at 2 months after RP and in two patients at 3 years after RP.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant docetaxel/GVAX is safe and well tolerated in patients with high-risk locally advanced PC. No evidence of increased intraoperative hemorrhage or increased length of hospital stay postoperatively was noted. These results justify further study of neoadjuvant immunotherapy.

Open-label, multicenter study of sipuleucel-T in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) previously treated with sipuleucel-T: Evaluation of antigen presenting cell (APC) activation and ELISPOT data

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Background: P10-1 (NCT01338012) is a study of sipuleucel-T, an autologous cellular immunotherapy, in men with mCRPC previously treated with sipuleucel-T in PROTECT (NCT00779402). This preliminary analysis of P10-1 evaluates APC activation (a measure of product potency) and immune responses in men retreated with sipuleucelET. Methods: Men who received ≥1 infusion of sipuleucel-T in PROTECT and progressed to mCRPC were retreated with 3 infusions of sipuleucel-T. APC activation was assessed by CD54 upregulation. T cell responses to prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and PA2024 (PAP-GM-CSF) antigens were assessed by IFN-γELISPOT assay. Results: As of October 23, 2012, 7 men were enrolled and received ≥1 infusion. Median time between the third PROTECT infusion and first P10-1 infusion was 9.2 (range: 7.8–10.0) years. APC activation was greater at the first P10-1 treatment vs the last PROTECT treatment (Table). PA2024 and PAP ELISPOT responses were present prior to retreatment, indicating long-term memory (Table 1); based on other studies of sipuleucel-T, ELISPOT responses are not generally present prior to the first treatment (Beer. Clin Cancer Res 2011; Sheikh. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013). Conclusions: This is the first trial to report the feasibility of sipuleucel-T retreatment following treatment in an earlier stage of prostate cancer. These data indicate the presence of existing immunological memory to the immunizing antigen several years after initial treatment. In addition, retreatment with sipuleucel-T appeared to boost product potency compared with prior treatment. Clinical trial information: NCT01338012. [Table: see text]

A randomized phase II study evaluating the optimal sequencing of sipuleucel-T and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (BRPC): Immune results

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Background: ADT is a standard treatment for men with BRPC after failure of local therapy, and has immunomodulatory effects. Sipuleucel-T is an autologous cellular immunotherapy approved for asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer. The STAND trial (NCT01431391) aimed to evaluate optimal sequencing of sipuleucel-T and ADT in men with BRPC at high risk for metastases (ie PSA doubling time ≤12 mo). Methods: Men were randomized (1:1) to Arm 1: sipuleucel-T followed by ADT (2 wks after 3rd infusion); or Arm 2: ADT (3 mo lead in) followed by sipuleucel-T. All men had 3 doses of sipuleucel-T and 12 mo of ADT (45 mg leuprolide SQ at 6 mo intervals). The primary endpoint is cellular immune response (ELISPOT to PA2024 [PAP-GMCSF]). Secondary endpoints are humoral and cytokine responses, product parameters and safety. Results: 68 men were randomized. Preliminary data show higher levels of serum cytokines in Arm 2 vs Arm 1, with a pattern suggesting a mixed TH1/TH2 cellular immune response; elevations were seen in TH1 (IFNγ, IL 12), TH2 (IL 4, 5, 10, 13) and TH17 (IL 17) subsets (all P<.05). The increase in TH1 cytokines was consistent with a trend toward higher PA2024-specific ELISPOT responses 2 wk after the 3rd sipuleucel-T infusion in Arm 2 vs Arm 1 (40.5 vs 12.8 spots; P=.086), suggesting increased T cell activation in Arm 2. Antigen-specific humoral responses were induced in both arms with no differences yet observed between arms. Sipuleucel-T product parameters were roughly equivalent in both arms with APC activation data indicating a robust prime-boost effect. Conclusions: While confirmation is required, these preliminary data suggest that tumor-specific T cell responses and broad based immune responses are augmented when sipuleucel-T is given after rather than before ADT initiation. These data are consistent with preclinical studies showing that ADT enhances T cell activity, and provide preliminary evidence that combining ADT with sipuleucel-T may augment adaptive immunity. Further follow up will determine whether augmented immune responses correlate with clinical parameters (eg PSA recurrence). Clinical trial information: NCT01431391.

Response of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system to IGF-IR inhibition and androgen deprivation in a neoadjuvant prostate cancer trial: effects of obesity and androgen deprivation

CONTEXT

Prostate cancer patients at increased risk for relapse after prostatectomy were treated in a neoadjuvant study with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in combination with cixutumumab, an inhibitory fully human monoclonal antibody against IGF receptor 1 (IGF-IR).

OBJECTIVE

A clinical trial with prospective collection of serum and tissue was designed to test the potential clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant IGF-IR blockade combined with ADT in these patients. The effect of body mass index (BMI) on response of IGF-IR/insulin components to IGF-IR blockade was also examined.

DESIGN

Eligibility for the trial required the presence of high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma. Treatment consisted of bicalutamide, goserelin, and cixutumumab for 13 weeks before prostatectomy. Here we report on an analysis of serum samples from 29 enrolled patients. Changes in IGF and glucose homeostasis pathways were compared to control samples from patients in a concurrent clinical trial of neoadjuvant ADT alone.

RESULTS

Significant increases were seen in GH (P = .001), IGF-I (P < .0001), IGF-II (P = .003), IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 (P < .0001), C-peptide (P = .0038), and insulin (P = .05) compared to patients treated with ADT alone. IGFBP-1 levels were significantly lower in the cixutumumab plus ADT cohort (P = .001). No significant changes in blood glucose were evident. Patients with BMIs in the normal range had significantly higher GH (P < .05) and IGFBP-1 (P < 0.5) levels compared to overweight and obese patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IGF-IR blockade in combination with ADT demonstrated significant changes in IGF and glucose homeostasis pathway factors compared to patients receiving ADT alone. In the patients receiving combination therapy, patients with normal BMI had serum levels of glucose homeostasis components similar to individuals in the ADT-alone cohort, whereas patients with overweight and obese BMIs had serum levels that differed from the ADT cohort.

Development and clinical validation of a real-time PCR assay for PITX2 DNA methylation to predict prostate-specific antigen recurrence in prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. The prospective discrimination of aggressive and clinically insignificant tumors still poses a significant and, as yet, unsolved problem. PITX2 DNA methylation is a strong prognostic biomarker in prostate cancer. Recently, a diagnostic microarray for prostate cancer prognosis based on PITX2 methylation has been developed and validated. Because this microarray requires nonstandard laboratory equipment, its use in a diagnostic setting is limited. This study aimed to develop and validate an alternative quantitative real-time PCR assay for measuring PITX2 methylation that can easily be established in clinical laboratories, thereby facilitating the implementation of this biomarker in clinical practice. A methylation cut-off for patient stratification was established in a training cohort (n = 157) and validated in an independent test set (n = 523) of men treated with radical prostatectomy. In univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, PITX2 hypermethylation was a significant predictor for biochemical recurrence (P < 0.001, hazard ratio = 2.614). Moreover, PITX2 hypermethylation added significant prognostic information (P = 0.003, hazard ratio = 1.814) to the Gleason score, pathological T stage, prostate-specific antigen, and surgical margins in a multivariate analysis. The clinical performance was particularly high in patients at intermediate risk (Gleason score of 7) and in samples containing high tumor cell content. This assay might aid in risk stratification and support the decision-making process when determining whether a patient might benefit from adjuvant treatment after radical prostatectomy.

Immune response with sipuleucel-T in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Phase II ProACT study

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Background: Sipuleucel-T is an autologous cellular immunotherapy for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic mCRPC. Sipuleucel-T prepared using 10μg/mL PA2024 (PAP-GM-CSF antigen) stimulates immune responses and prolongs overall survival (OS). ProACT is an ongoing phase 2 study to evaluate immune responses and OS of sipuleucel-T when manufactured using 3 different concentrations of PA2024. Here we report data from the FDA-approved concentration, 10μg/mL PA2024 (n=40). Methods: Pts with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic mCRPC (n=120) received sipuleucel-T manufactured using 2, 5 or 10μg/mL PA2024 for a total of 3 infusions with 2-wk intervals. Peripheral immune responses were evaluated 2, 4 and 6 mo after 1st infusion by serum ELISA (n=40), and B cell activation phenotype was characterized during the manufacture of the product by flow cytometry (n=19). Results: During product manufacture both mature and memory B cells were activated; the percentage of B cells that had a mature phenotype (defined as CD20+ IgD+ CD27+ CD86+) was increased only after culture of each successive treatment. Activated memory B cells (defined as CD20+ IgD- CD27+ CD86+) were also increased after culture of each successive treatment and in pre-culture cells at the 3rd treatment. At mo 2, median serum anti-PA2024 and anti-PAP titers (IgG and IgM combined) were 128 and 32-fold higher vs baseline respectively, compared to median serum anti-GM-CSF titers, which were 16-fold higher vs baseline. Median serum anti-PA2024 titers (IgG and IgM combined) were significantly higher than those for anti-GM-CSF (p<0.001) at all timepoints and correlated with anti-PAP titers (r=0.840). PA2024 and PAP responder frequencies (IgG and IgM titers combined >12,800) were 79% and 47% of pts, respectively. Anti-tetanus titers were predominantly IgG and did not differ between timepoints. Conclusions: These data indicate that sipuleucel-T induces an activated memory phenotype, evident after each culture in vivo after the first two treatments. Sipuleucel-T also appears to generate robust, long lasting anti-PA2024 and anti-PAP responses. Analyses comparing the 3 dosing cohorts will be reported in future publications. Clinical trial information: NCT00715078.

P10-1 open-label, multicenter study of sipuleucel-T in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients (pts) previously treated with sipuleucel-T: Evaluation of antigen-presenting cell (APC) activation

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Background: Sipuleucel-T is an autologous cellular immunotherapy that has demonstrated an improvement in survival among men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic mCRPC. P10-1 (NCT01338012) is an open-label, multicenter study of sipuleucel-T in men with mCRPC previously treated with sipuleucel-T in the androgen-dependent setting on the PROTECT trial (a prospective, randomized, controlled Phase III study of sipuleucel-T in men with prostate-specific antigen recurrence following radical prostatectomy; NCT00779402). This preliminary analysis of P10-1 evaluates the pattern of APC activation in pts re-treated with sipuleucel-T after progression to mCRPC. Methods: Eligible pts include those previously treated with at least one infusion of sipuleucel-T on PROTECT and who progressed to the mCRPC state. Pts receive up to three additional infusions of sipuleucel-T. APC activation is assessed by CD54 upregulation expressed as the ratio of the average number of CD54 molecules on post-culture vs. pre-culture cells. Results: As of September 14, 2012, 7 pts have been enrolled and have received an infusion of sipuleucel-T. The median interval between the last infusion in PROTECT and the first infusion in P10-1 was 8.6 years. The Table shows a higher fold change in CD54 expression in the first P10-1 treatment compared with the initial infusion in PROTECT. Conclusions: This is the first report of pts re-treated with sipuleucel-T after prior treatment in an earlier disease setting. These preliminary data are consistent with the presence of an immunological memory response to the immunizing antigen several years following initial treatment. Clinical trial information: NCT01338012. [Table: see text]

An analysis of leukapheresis and central venous catheter use in the randomized, placebo controlled, phase 3 IMPACT trial of Sipuleucel-T for metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Sipuleucel-T is an autologous cellular immunotherapy. We review the safety of the leukapheresis procedure required for sipuleucel-T preparation and complications related to venous catheter use in the randomized, placebo controlled phase 3 IMPACT (IMmunotherapy for ProstAte Cancer Trial) study (NCT 00065442).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 512 patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer were enrolled in the study. All patients were scheduled to undergo 3 standard 1.5 to 2.0 blood volume leukapheresis procedures at 2-week intervals. Leukapheresis related adverse events and those related to venous catheter use were reviewed. Immune cell counts were examined throughout the treatment course.

RESULTS

Of 512 enrolled patients 506 underwent 1 or more leukapheresis procedures and were included in this analysis. Adverse events were comparable between the sipuleucel-T and control arms. Leukapheresis related adverse events were primarily associated with transient hypocalcemia (39.3%). Most leukapheresis related adverse events (97%) were of mild/moderate intensity. Median white blood cell count and absolute monocyte and lymphocyte counts were stable and within normal ranges throughout the treatment course. Of all patients 23.3% had a central venous catheter placed primarily for leukapheresis. Patients with vs without a central venous catheter had a higher risk of infection potentially related to catheter use (11.9% vs 1.3%, p <0.0001) and a trend toward a higher incidence of venous vascular events potentially related to catheter use, excluding the central nervous system (5.9% vs 2.1%, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse events related to leukapheresis are manageable and quickly reversible. The majority of patients can undergo leukapheresis without a central venous catheter. Central venous catheters are associated with an increased risk of infections and venous vascular events. Peripheral intravenous access should be used when feasible.

Neoadjuvant sipuleucel-T in localized prostate cancer: Effects on immune cells within the prostate tumor microenvironment

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Background: Sipuleucel-T is an FDA-approved autologous cellular immunotherapy for patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To date, studies of sipuleucel-T in patients with mCRPC have studied immune response in peripheral blood. The effects of sipuleucel-T on prostate tumors are unknown. Methods: NeoACT (P07-1; NCT00715104) is an open-label, phase 2 study of patients with localized prostate cancer who received sipuleucel-T prior to radical prostatectomy (RP) to examine the immunologic effects of treatment on prostate tissue. Patients received 3 infusions of sipuleucel-T at approximately 2-week intervals, beginning 6-7 weeks prior to RP. The primary endpoint was the change in the frequency of lymphocytes between prostate biopsies (pre-treatment) and RP tissue (post-treatment), as assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: The median age of the 42 enrolled patients was 61 years, and all had an ECOG performance status of 0. Thirty-eight patients received all 3 pre-RP sipuleucel-T infusions. To date, tissue IHC analysis has been completed on 32 patients. Treatment-related AEs were manageable and transient. Sipuleucel-T did not appear to impact surgery, as judged by operative complications, procedure time, and estimated blood loss. Frequent events that occurred ≤1 day after infusion (>10% of patients) were fatigue, headache, and myalgia. Significant increases (≥3 fold) in CD3+ and CD4+ T cell populations were observed at the tumor interface (where benign and malignant glands interface), compared with the pre-treatment biopsy, benign RP tissue, and tumor RP tissue (ANOVA post hoc Newman-Keuls test: p<0.0001 for each comparison). FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells were also increased (p=0.0005) at the tumor interface, but represented a small fraction of the observed CD4+ T cells. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant sipuleucel-T treatment is associated with an increased frequency of T cells in prostate cancer tissue at the interface of the benign and malignant glands. These data suggest that sipuleucel-T can modulate the presence of lymphocytes at the prostate tumor site. Work is ongoing to more fully characterize the immune response.

Immune responses in prostate tumor tissue following neoadjuvant sipuleucel-T in patients with localized prostate cancer

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Background: Sipuleucel-T is an FDA-approved autologous cellular therapy that has been demonstrated to prolong overall survival in patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To better understand the immunologic effects of sipuleucel-T, an open-label Phase 2 study (P07‐1; NCT00715104 ) of sipuleucel-T prior to radical prostatectomy (RP) was undertaken in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Methods: Patients received 3 infusions of sipuleucel-T at approximately 2-week intervals, beginning 6–7 weeks prior to RP. Prostate biopsies (pre-treatment) and tissue from RP (post-treatment) were assessed for the presence of lymphocytes by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results: The median age of the 42 enrolled patients was 61 years, and all had an ECOG performance status of 0. Thirty-eight patients received all 3 pre-RP infusions of sipuleucel-T. To date, tissue IHC analysis has been completed in 19 patients. Treatment-related AEs were manageable and reversible. Sipuleucel-T did not appear to impact surgery, as judged by operative complications, procedure time, and estimated blood loss. Frequent events that occurred ≤1 day after infusion (>10% of patients) were fatigue, headache, and myalgia. Significant increases (>2‐fold) in CD3+ and CD4+ T cells populations were observed at the tumor rim (where benign and malignant glands interface), compared with the pre-treatment biopsy (ANOVA post hoc Newman-Keuls test: p=0.0002, 0.0002, respectively). CD8+ T cells or CD56+ cells were not significantly increased at the tumor rim compared with benign biopsy regions.

Conclusions: Neoadjuvant sipuleucel-T treatment appears to result in an increased frequency of T cells in prostate cancer tissue at the rim between the benign and malignant glands. These data suggest that sipuleucel-T may modulate the presence of lymphocytes at the prostate tumor site. Work is ongoing to more fully characterize the immune response within the prostate tumor tissue and in the peripheral blood.

Randomized trial of autologous cellular immunotherapy with sipuleucel-T in androgen-dependent prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Sipuleucel-T, an autologous cellular immunotherapy, was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to determine its biologic activity in androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients with prostate cancer detectable by serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following radical prostatectomy received 3 to 4 months of androgen suppression therapy, and were then randomized (2:1) to receive sipuleucel-T (n = 117) or control (n = 59). The primary endpoint was time to biochemical failure (BF) defined as serum PSA ≥ 3.0 ng/mL. PSA doubling time (PSADT), time to distant failure, immune response, and safety were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Median time to BF was 18.0 months for sipuleucel-T and 15.4 months for control (HR = 0.936, P = 0.737). Sipuleucel-T patients had a 48% increase in PSADT following testosterone recovery (155 vs. 105 days, P = 0.038). With only 16% of patients having developed distant failure, the treatment effect favored sipuleucel-T (HR = 0.728, P = 0.421). The most frequent adverse events in sipuleucel-T patients were fatigue, chills, and pyrexia. Immune responses to the immunizing antigen were greater in sipuleucel-T patients at Weeks 4 and 13 (P < 0.001, all) and were sustained prior to boosting as measured in a subset of patients a median of 22.6 months (range: 14.3-67.3 months) following randomization.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in time to BF could be shown. The finding of increased PSADT in the sipuleucel-T arm is consistent with its biologic activity in ADPC. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to determine if clinically important events, such as distant failure, are affected by therapy. Treatment was generally well tolerated.

Does a perioperative belladonna and opium suppository improve postoperative pain following robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy? Results of a single institution randomized study

INTRODUCTION

Robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a common treatment for localized prostate cancer. Despite a primary advantage of improved postoperative pain, patients undergoing RALP still experience discomfort. Belladonna, containing the muscarinic receptor antagonists atropine and scopolamine, in combination with opium as a rectal suppository (B & O) may improve post-RALP pain. This study evaluates whether a single preoperative B & O results in decreased postoperative patient-reported pain and analgesic requirements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing RALP at Virginia Mason Medical Center between November 2008 and July 2009 were offered the opportunity to enter a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Exclusion criteria included: glaucoma, bronchial asthma, convulsive disorders, chronic pain, chronic use of analgesics, or a history of alcohol or opioid dependency. Surgeons were blinded to suppository placement which was administered after induction of anesthesia. All patients underwent a standardized anesthesia regimen. Postoperative pain was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) and postoperative narcotic use was calculated in intravenous morphine equivalents.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients were included in the analysis. The B & O and control groups were not significantly different in terms of age, body mass index, operative time, nerve sparing status or prostatic volume. Postoperative pain was significantly improved during the first two postoperative hours in the B & O group. Similarly, 24-hour morphine consumption was significantly lower in patients who received a B & O. No adverse effects secondary to suppository placement were identified.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative administration of B & O suppository results in significantly decreased postoperative pain and 24-hour morphine consumption in patients undergoing RALP.

The role of immunotherapy in prostate cancer: an overview of current approaches in development

Ongoing clinical trials provide promise for the introduction of immunotherapy into the armamentarium against prostate cancer, but the precise role for immunotherapy remains to be determined. Combinations of immunotherapies may be needed to improve the response rates and the duration of response. Investigators have begun to examine the effect of immunotherapy in combination with other standard treatment, including as an adjuvant to chemotherapy or radiotherapy and as a neoadjuvant agent before prostatectomy. Although many studies examine efficacy in men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer, there is some evidence for improved responses at earlier stages of disease: the ability of the tumor to evade the immune system may be lessened with lower tumor burden, or the immune system may already be weakened in men with later stages of disease.

Phase 1/2 dose-escalation study of a GM-CSF-secreting, allogeneic, cellular immunotherapy for metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

This open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation study evaluated multiple dose levels of immunotherapy in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). The immunotherapy, based on the GVAX platform, consisted of 2 allogeneic prostate-carcinoma cell lines modified to secrete granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).

METHODS

Dose levels ranged from 100 x 10(6) cells q28d x 6 to 500 x 10(6) cells prime/300 x 10(6) cells boost q14d x 11. Endpoints included safety, immunogenicity, overall survival, radiologic response, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics, and serum GM-CSF pharmacokinetics.

RESULTS

Eighty men, median age 69 years (range, 49-90 years), were treated. The most common adverse effect was injection-site erythema. Overall, the immunotherapy was well tolerated. A maximal tolerated dose was not established. The median survival time was 35.0 months in the high-dose group, 20.0 months in the mid-dose, group, and 23.1 months in the low-dose group. PSA stabilization occurred in 15 (19%) patients, and a >50% decline in PSA was seen in 1 patient. The proportion of patients who generated an antibody response to 1 or both cell lines increased with dose and included 10 of 23 (43%) in the low-dose group, 13 of 18 (72%) in the mid-dose group, and 16 of 18 (89%) in the high-dose group (P = .002; Cochran-Armitage trend test).

CONCLUSIONS

This immunotherapy was well tolerated. Immunogenicity and overall survival varied by dose. Two phase 3 trials in patients with metastatic HRPC are underway.

Erectile function following unilateral cavernosal nerve replacement

INTRODUCTION

With nerve-sparing techniques, patients undergoing a radical prostatectomy may avoid the morbidity of erectile dysfunction. Certain patients who are not candidates for nerve-sparing procedures may be eligible for nerve interposition grafts. While bilateral cavernosal nerve grafting after radical prostatectomy has shown efficacy, the effect of unilateral nerve grafting following prostatectomy remains unclear. We evaluate a large group of patients who underwent a unilateral cavernosal nerve replacement.

METHODS

Forty patients underwent unilateral nerve sparing surgery with concomitant contralateral cavernosal nerve replacement. Patients were selected for this procedure based upon preoperative nomogram risk assessment, endorectal MRI evidence of extra capsular disease (ECE) or intraoperative histology demonstrating margin positivity. Age, demographic data, Gleason score, clinical and pathologic stage and pre and post operative IIEF data was collected and prospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 19 months. Median change in IIEF scores was 7.5. Twenty-one of 29 patients (72%) report being able to penetrate after prostatectomy. Sixteen of those 21 (76%) continue to require PDE-5 inhibitors to facilitate penetration. Four of the 6 patients (67%) who were unable to have intercourse following cavernosal nerve replacement received adjuvant hormonal and/or radiation therapy. Twenty-eight patients (97%) reported numbness at the graft harvest site. One patient experienced a graft site infection. Two of 29 (7%) patients reported pain at the harvest site.

CONCLUSION

Unilateral sural nerve grafting is a feasible and well-tolerated approach for patients who must undergo wide resection of a NVB. While men do show a decrease in their IIEF score, 76% are able to achieve penetration following surgery. The majority of men continue to require PDE-5 inhibitors to facilitate intercourse.

Conservative management of iatrogenic bladder injury with foreign body

Iatrogenic bladder injury is a recognized complication of gynecologic surgery and may result in significant morbidity when associated with intraperitoneal perforation. Accordingly, open surgical repair is commonly required. We present a case of delayed iatrogenic bladder injury involving a foreign body and describe an innovative technique for conservative management.

Rate of delivery of hyperbaric oxygen treatments does not affect response in soft tissue radionecrosis

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue radiation necrosis (STRN) is effectively treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO,), believed to result from stimulation ofangiogenesis in radiation-injured tissue. Thirty to forty HBO2 treatments are usually recommended for STRN. For various reasons, different hyperbaric facilities offer these treatments once or twice daily and from 5-7 days weekly. It is not known whether the clinical response differs as a result of the rate of administration of HBO2 treatments.

METHODS

Details of hyperbaric treatment courses of patients treated for radiation enteritis/proctitis (n = 65) and cystitis (n = 94) at a single institution were reviewed. Outcomes were compared with the total number of HBO2 treatments administered and also rate of treatment administration.

RESULTS

Responses were similar for both forms of STRN whether the patient averaged fewer or greater than 5 treatments per week, or even < or = 3 versus > or = 7 treatments weekly. Outcome did differ, however, dependant on the total number of treatments administered. Response was better in patients receiving 30 or more total treatments, as compared with fewer.

CONCLUSIONS

Soft tissue radionecrosis of the gastrointestinal tract or bladder is (1) effectively treated with hyperbaric oxygen, (2) has a higher response rate if at least 30 treatments are administered, and (3) is equally responsive to rates of hyperbaric treatment ranging from 3 or fewer to 7 or more treatments per week.

Post-operative drain output as a predictor of bladder neck contracture following radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

Bladder neck contracture (BNC) following prostatectomy has been reported in 0.5-32% of cases. While the etiology of a BNC is unclear, several factors have been associated with this complication, including blood loss, devascularization of bladder neck tissue, poor mucosal apposition and urinary extravasation. To study the impact of urinary extravasation on BNC formation, we used postoperative drain output as a surrogate measure for anastomotic leakage.

METHODS

All patients undergoing a radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) or a robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) from January 2000 to April 2006 have been entered into a prospective review board-approved database. All RRP patients had their anastomosis performed in an interrupted fashion using six monofilament 2-0 sutures. All robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy anastomoses were performed in a running fashion using 2-0 monofilament sutures. A single, closed suction Jackson Pratt drain was placed over the surgical bed at the conclusion of the case. Post-operative drain outputs were recorded. All patients were evaluated at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. All patients who reported a diminished urinary stream or incontinence were evaluated by office cystoscopy. The inability to navigate an 18 French cystoscope through the bladder neck was defined as a bladder neck contracture.

RESULTS

A total of 576 patients underwent a radical prostatectomy over this time span. Complete records were available for 535 (93%) of these patients. There were 21 bladder neck contractures (3.9%) overall. The post-operative drain output ranged from 5-5,465 ml (median 119 ml). Eight patients who had drain outputs less than 119 ml developed a BNC while 13 BNC developed in patients with Jackson Pratt drain output > 119 ml (P = 0.343). In patients who underwent an open RRP, 19/424 (4.5%) developed contractures while 2/108 (1.9%) RARP patients developed a BNC (P = 0.105).

CONCLUSION

The amount of post-operative drain output is not statistically associated with the development of a bladder neck contracture.

Mechanical failure rate of da Vinci robotic system

INTRODUCTION

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) is playing an increasing role in the surgical management of prostate cancer. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery, enhanced surgeon familiarity with the instrumentation, and increased patient demand has led to the popularity of this surgical technique. There are, however, shortcomings specifically associated with this technology. Notably, instrumentation failure associated with robotic procedures represents a new and unique problem in urological surgery. We examine the rate of mechanical failure of the da Vinci robotic system and its impact on our prostate cancer program.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed our prospective, institutional review board-approved database of the first 350 RLRP procedures that were scheduled for surgery at our institution. We identified all cases in which mechanical failure of the da Vinci robotic system resulted in surgery being cancelled, postponed, or converted to a conventional laparoscopic or an open radical prostatectomy.

RESULTS

Nine of the 350 (2.6%) scheduled RLRPs were unable to be completed robotically secondary to device malfunction. Six of the malfunctions were detected prior to anesthesia induction and surgery was rescheduled. Three other malfunctions occurred intraoperatively and were converted either to a conventional laparoscopic (1 case) or an open surgical approach (2 cases). The etiology of the malfunctions included the following: set-up joint malfunction (2), arm malfunction (2), power error (1), monocular monitor loss (1), camera malfunction (1), metal fatigue/ break of surgeon's console hand piece (1) and software incompatibility (1).

CONCLUSIONS

Although uncommon, malfunction of the da Vinci robotic system does occur and may lead to psychological, financial, and logistical burdens for patients, physicians, and hospitals. Patients should be carefully counseled preoperatively regarding the possibility of robotic mechanical failure.

Experience improves staging accuracy of endorectal magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer: what is the learning curve?

INTRODUCTION

Accurate clinical staging is critical in guiding treatment for patients with prostate adenocarcinoma. Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been advocated to improve staging accuracy. In order to assess the learning curve for endorectal MRI interpretation, we compared two cohorts of patients with high-risk prostate who underwent endorectal MRI at a center with limited prior exposure to this imaging modality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data for all patients who received a preoperative endorectal MRI followed by radical prostatectomy were prospectively collected. MRI was performed in patients with a high level of suspicion for extracapsular disease based on biopsy Gleason score, prostate specific antigen level, and digital rectal examination or if the Memorial Sloan-Kettering nomogram predicted a greater than 30% likelihood of extracapsular disease. The MRI results of our first 40 patients (group 1) and our second 40 patients (group 2) were compared to assess for improvement.

RESULTS

Between October 2003 and September 2005, 80 patients underwent an endorectal MRI followed by radical prostatectomy. Mean age and median PSA were 58.4 (range 43 - 74) and 6.4 (range 0.048 -115.0), respectively. MRI findings were compared to the pathological findings from the radical prostatectomy specimen. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for detection of extracapsular disease were 31.3% versus 64.7%, 70.8% versus 78.3%, 41.7% versus 68.8%, and 60.7% versus 75.0%, respectively in group 1 versus group 2. The accuracy of MRI for detecting extracapsular extension was 52.5% in group 1 compared to 72.5% in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, endorectal MRI initially did not accurately predict tumor stage in patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma. With further experience, the accuracy of MRI substantially improved and approached the results from centers with significant experience in the interpretation of endorectal prostate MRI.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation induced proctopathy in men treated for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Radiation proctitis is a common complication following external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy for prostate cancer. While 95% percent of radiation induced proctitis is temporary and self-limiting, up to 5% of patients experience toxicities that are refractory to conservative management. Hyperbaric oxygen has a well-defined role in treating chronic wounds, osteomyelitis, hemorrhagic cystitis and necrotizing fasciitis. We reviewed our experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation induced proctitis in patients undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 1998 to December 2003, 27 patients with radiation induced proctitis secondary to brachytherapy (4), external beam radiation therapy (16) or combined modality (7) for prostate cancer were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. In all patients primary medical or endoscopic management had failed. Patients received 100% oxygen in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber at a pressure of 2.4 atmospheres absolute for 90 minutes 5 to 7 days weekly for an average of 36 sessions (range 29 to 60). Data were collected from a retrospective review of medical records following approval by the Institutional Review Board at Virginia Mason Medical Center.

RESULTS

All 27 men completed the planned course of therapy. Of patients with bleeding 48% showed complete resolution after therapy, while 28% reported significantly fewer bleeding episodes. Of patients 50% noted complete resolution of fecal urgency. Six of the 8 patients (75%) with pain noticed some improvement after therapy, although no patients reported complete resolution of rectal pain. Of patients with rectal ulceration 21% showed complete resolution of the ulcer on posttreatment endoscopy, while 29% showed evidence of improvement. Six patients (43%) had no change or worsening of rectal ulcers. Overall 67% of patients had a partial to good response, while 33% showed no response or disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

This series of patients showed a good overall response rate to hyperbaric oxygen for radiation induced proctopathy after other attempts at management had failed. Hyperbaric oxygen is generally well tolerated and it remains an important treatment option for managing this common and difficult disease.

Adenocarcinoma of the testicular adnexa presenting with metastatic disease

Primary epididymal adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy with fewer than 30 documented cases. We report a case of a 57-year-old patient with a paratesticular mass in the presence of retroperitoneal metastatic disease. Histology confirmed the presence of primary paratesticular adenocarcinoma. In this report we review the index case, the pertinent literature and discuss adjuvant therapy.

Increasing the number of biopsy cores improves the concordance of biopsy Gleason score to prostatectomy Gleason score

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate taking more biopsy cores for predicting the radical prostatectomy (RP) Gleason score compared with the biopsy Gleason score, as although random sextant biopsies are the standard for a tissue diagnosis of prostate cancer, and taking more biopsies increases the detection rate, it is uncertain whether taking more cores improves the prediction of the RP Gleason score.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed retrospectively 404 patients from three centres (Seattle 162, Washington 107 and Chicago 135) who had RP for prostate cancer. Six, eight or 10 biopsies were taken based on the physician's preference and the patient's characteristics.

RESULTS

Before RP, 158 (39%) patients had six, 65 (16%) had eight and 181 (45%) had 10 biopsy cores taken. The accuracy of the Gleason sum of the three groups was 65/158 (41%), 26/65 (40%) and 104/181 (57.5%), respectively (P < 0.004, 10-core vs six-core). However, when comparing the Gleason score separately (i.e. 4 + 3 is not equal to 3 + 4), the accuracy of the three groups was 48/158 (30%), 20/65 (31%), and 95/181 (52.5%), respectively (P < 0.001, 10-core vs six core).

CONCLUSIONS

Taking more biopsy cores improves the accuracy of the biopsy Gleason score in predicting the final Gleason score at RP; the predictive accuracy of the final Gleason score may be increased from 41% to 58% by increasing the number of biopsies from six to 10.