Toeama B, Perlis N, Grootendorst P
… +2 more, Orovan W, Papadimitropoulos E
Can J Urol
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39217521
INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian men. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel approach for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. Little is...INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian men. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel approach for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. Little is known, however, about its costs. We aimed to collect the direct costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data of HIFU in primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer in Ontario. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected direct costs and HRQoL data of 20 patients with localized low or intermediate risk prostate cancer who received whole-gland HIFU at a privately owned clinic in Ontario. We compared the direct costs of HIFU, open radical prostatectomy (ORP), robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), and external beam radiation therapy (RT) in primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer. RESULTS: The average direct costs of HIFU, ORP, RARP, and RT per case in 2023 are $14,886.78, $14,192.26, $21,794.55, and $17,377.51, respectively. The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the study participants' age and HRQoL data prior to the HIFU procedure were 64.5 (11.25) years, 94.5 (8.65), 38.5 (4), 6.0 (4.46), and 22.5 (8.32), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our healthcare payer's perspective costing study revealed median direct costs per case of HIFU and favorable HRQoL outcomes compared to other treatment options for primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer in Ontario. A health economic model is warranted to analyze the cost-effectiveness of HIFU compared to other treatment options in primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer.
Dekalo S, Mazliah O, Barkai E
… +9 more, Bar-Yosef Y, Herzberg H, Bashi T, Fahoum I, Barnes S, Sofer M, Yossepowitch O, Keren-Paz G, Mano R
Can J Urol
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39217520
INTRODUCTION: Most men diagnosed with very-low and low-risk prostate cancer are candidates for active surveillance; however, there is still a misclassification risk. We examined whether PI-RADS category 4 or 5 combined w...INTRODUCTION: Most men diagnosed with very-low and low-risk prostate cancer are candidates for active surveillance; however, there is still a misclassification risk. We examined whether PI-RADS category 4 or 5 combined with ISUP 1 on prostate biopsy predicts upgrading and/or adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 127 patients had ISUP 1 cancer on biopsy after multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and then underwent radical prostatectomy. We then evaluated them for ISUP upgrading and/or adverse pathology on radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: Eight-nine patients (70%) were diagnosed with PI-RADS 4 or 5 lesions. ISUP upgrading was significantly higher among patients with PI-RADS 4-5 lesions (84%) compared to patients with equivocal or non-suspicious mpMRI findings (26%, p < 0.001). Both PI-RADS 4-5 lesions (OR 24.3, 95% CI 7.3, 80.5, p < 0.001) and stage T2 on DRE (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.2, 29.4, p = 0.03) were independent predictors of upgrading on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Men with PI-RADS 4-5 lesions also had significantly more extra-prostatic extension (51% vs. 3%, p < 0.001) and positive surgical margins (16% vs. 3%. p = 0.03). The only independent predictor of adverse pathology was PI-RADS 4-5 (OR 21.7, 95% CI 4.8, 99, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PI-RADS 4 or 5 lesions on mpMRI were strong independent predictors of upgrading and adverse pathology. Incorporating mpMRI findings when selecting patients for active surveillance must be further evaluated in future studies.
Ogbeide H, Oamen E, Wilmore TH
… +4 more, Peck JD, Doolittle JP, Bradley NA, Heinlen JE
Can J Urol
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39217519
INTRODUCTION: In May 2022, lawmakers in Oklahoma passed House Bill 4327, which outlawed abortion after fertilization. The governor signed the bill on May 25, 2022. It is uncertain whether these changes will motivate more...INTRODUCTION: In May 2022, lawmakers in Oklahoma passed House Bill 4327, which outlawed abortion after fertilization. The governor signed the bill on May 25, 2022. It is uncertain whether these changes will motivate more men in Oklahoma to undergo vasectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Males seeking vasectomy were informed of the study and asked to participate. Participants filled out a survey regarding their marital status, number of children, fertility treatment history, and their influences in making the decision to pursue vasectomy. We removed the identifying information from the survey. After collection, the data was imported to a database. Medical records were investigated to confirm patients underwent the procedure. RESULTS: Of the 126 participants, 116 underwent vasectomy. Patients who did not undergo vasectomy tended to be older (38.4 vs. 34.2, p = 0.03). Participants who underwent vasectomy and were concerned about abortion laws tended to be married (69.7 vs. 30.3%, p = 0.04) with fewer children (1.2 vs. 2.3, p < 0.0001). When correlating specifically "concern about abortion laws" and going through with vasectomy, the risk ratio of 1.12 (95% CI 1.04, 1.20) indicates that patients concerned about abortion laws were slightly more likely to undergo vasectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Over 26% of men said that their decisions were somewhat impacted by abortion law changes. The concern about abortion law changes seemed to be predictive of patients undergoing vasectomy. Continued data collection will help determine whether there is a time-sensitive nature regarding the impact of abortion law changes on motivation to vasectomy.
Ferreira R, Alwashmi E, Otis-Chapados S
… +4 more, Bhojani N, Zorn KC, Chughtai B, Elterman DS
Can J Urol
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39217518
INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing body of literature on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes, research focusing on male patients remains limited and often represented by small cohorts nested within a larger study of mos...INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing body of literature on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes, research focusing on male patients remains limited and often represented by small cohorts nested within a larger study of mostly women. Herein, we evaluated the outcomes of SNM in a male-only cohort with overactive bladder (OAB), fecal incontinence (FI), chronic bladder pain, and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 64 male patients who underwent SNM insertion between 2013 and 2021 at a high-volume tertiary center. Indications for SNM therapy included OAB, FI, chronic pelvic pain, and NLUTD. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's and t-test were used in analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.7 ± 13.4 years, and the most frequent reason for SNM insertion was idiopathic OAB (72%), FI (16%), pelvic pain (11%), and NLUTD (11%). A majority (84%) of men received treatment prior to SNM insertion. 84% reported satisfaction and 92% symptom improvement within the first year, and these improvements persisted beyond 1 year in 73% of patients. Mean follow up was 52.7 ± 21.0 months. The complication rate was 23%, and the need for adjunct treatments was significantly reduced (73% to 27%, p < 0.001). Treatment outcomes did not differ significantly between various indications for SNM therapy or the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). CONCLUSION: SNM is an effective and safe procedure for male patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic OAB, pelvic pain, and FI. Over 70% of patients experienced symptomatic improvement and remained satisfied in the mid to long term follow up. BPH does not seem to hinder treatment outcomes.
Melão BVLA, Faria STDR, Leite KRM
… +3 more, Pimenta RCA, Srougi M, Antunes AA
Can J Urol
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39217516
INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer has a variable natural history and, despite the existence of biochemical recurrence (BCR) predictors, they are still limited in predicting outcomes. The role of testosterone in advanced p...INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer has a variable natural history and, despite the existence of biochemical recurrence (BCR) predictors, they are still limited in predicting outcomes. The role of testosterone in advanced prostate cancer is well known, however its role in localized prostate cancer is still uncertain. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship of testosterone levels and androgen receptor (AR) expression with oncological and functional outcomes, in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through a retrospective study, patients who underwent RRP, who had at least two preoperative total testosterone dosages, were analyzed and compared according to testosterone levels, oncological and functional outcomes. After analyzing data, tissue samples were selected in a biorepository to carry out the AR and the AR-V7 expression. RESULTS: After applying exclusion criteria, 212 patients were included in the analysis. Thirty-two patients (15.1%) had low testosterone levels and, in this group, a lower rates of erectile function recovery were observed at 24 months (53.1% vs. 71.7%; p = 0.037), a higher rate of BCR (21.9% vs. 9.4%; p = 0.041) and higher International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade in biopsy products. The AR expression was higher in patients with low testosterone, but there was no difference in relapse rates. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of testosterone were related to lower rates of erectile function recovery at the end of 24 months after RRP, in addition to conferring higher rates of BCR and higher ISUP grades in biopsy. Furthermore, patients with total testosterone < 300 ng/dL had higher expression of AR, but no difference in BCR rates.
INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinoma is as the most prevalent form of kidney cancer, with the clear cell subtype comprising approximately 75% of cases. The identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers has emerged...INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinoma is as the most prevalent form of kidney cancer, with the clear cell subtype comprising approximately 75% of cases. The identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers has emerged as a crucial area of research within the field. Despite advancements in treatment, metastatic renal cell carcinoma presents formidable challenges, with survival rates heavily dependent upon the optimal choice of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review summarizes the current literature regarding the prognostic and predictive value of biomarkers in patients with renal cell carcinoma. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify studies that reference biomarkers of interest in this domain. We selected studies based on their relevance, publication date, and the quality of the research. Data from these selected papers were compiled and analyzed to provide an overview of the current understanding and advancements in the field. The findings were then synthesized into a concise discussion highlighting the state of biomarker research in renal cell carcinoma today. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: While various nucleic acid and protein biomarkers have shown promise in other malignancies, their application in renal cell carcinoma remains limited by the lack of validated predictors. This review aims to highlight the pressing need for robust predictive and prognostic biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma to guide clinicians in tailoring optimal therapeutic strategies. The discussion encompasses the limitations of existing markers and underscores the significance of the most recent advancements within the field. Despite these strides, the clinical application of renal cell carcinoma biomarkers requires further study and validation.
Drug-induced nephrolithiasis represents only 1%-2% of stone cases. Here we focus on drugs capable of crystallizing and forming stone, specifically phenazopyridine (Pyridium/Azo). This is a case of a patient who presented...Drug-induced nephrolithiasis represents only 1%-2% of stone cases. Here we focus on drugs capable of crystallizing and forming stone, specifically phenazopyridine (Pyridium/Azo). This is a case of a patient who presented with a stone conglomerate in the right proximal ureter and underwent definitive treatment. Interestingly, the stone had a purple hue with FTIR spectroscopy showing stone composition of calcium oxalate (monohydrate and dihydrate) and a material resembling phenazopyridine. We retrospectively learned that she used multiple extended courses of phenazopyridine over 3 months.
Urethral injuries are rare among the pediatric population, and the majority occur after trauma. This is the case of an eight-year-old female with complete proximal urethral disruption and ruptured bladder neck without pe...Urethral injuries are rare among the pediatric population, and the majority occur after trauma. This is the case of an eight-year-old female with complete proximal urethral disruption and ruptured bladder neck without pelvic fracture after a motor vehicle crash. After the accident, her bladder neck was reapproximated and a suprapubic tube was placed. Three months later, she underwent reconstruction for a bladder neck closure and appendicovesicostomy. In managing these patients, focus should first be directed at achieving a safe means of urinary drainage, and next to repair the lower urinary tract to maximize continence and minimize complications.
Gao BM, Saadat S, Choi EJH
… +2 more, Jiang J, Das AK
Can J Urol
· 2024 Jun · PMID 38912945
Holmium enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a gold-standard, size-independent surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) distinguished for its efficacy in tissue removal, shorter catheterization duratio...Holmium enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a gold-standard, size-independent surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) distinguished for its efficacy in tissue removal, shorter catheterization durations, lower transfusion rates, and decreased hospital stays when compared to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The objective of this article is to demonstrate the step-by-step procedure of holmium laser cystolitholapaxy and enucleation of the prostate for BPH, emphasizing a top-down modified two-lobe technique with early apical release which enhances visualization and irrigation flow during the enucleation process.
Considine J, O'Hollaren K, Radoiu C
… +3 more, Madan R, Liaw A, Dhar N
Can J Urol
· 2024 Jun · PMID 38912944
INTRODUCTION: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is characterized by chronic pelvic pain and usually accompanies lower urinary tract symptoms. We have previously reported that amniotic bladder therapy (...INTRODUCTION: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is characterized by chronic pelvic pain and usually accompanies lower urinary tract symptoms. We have previously reported that amniotic bladder therapy (ABT) provides symptomatic improvement in refractory IC/BPS patients for up to 3 months. Herein, we evaluated the durability of ABT up to 6 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive IC/BPS patients received intra-detrusor injections of 100 mg micronized amniotic membrane. Clinical evaluation and patient-reported outcome measurements including Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), Bladder Pain/ Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS) and Overactive Bladder Assessment Tool (OAB) were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-five consecutive recalcitrant IC/BPS patients were included in the study with an average age of 47.4 ± 14.4 years (29-67 years). After ABT, the IC/BPS symptoms improved gradually up to 3 months in all patients with an average improvement in ICSI, ICPI, BPIC-SS and OAB score of 72.8%, 71.9%, and 66.6%, (p < 0.001) respectively, at 3 months. At 4 months after ABT, 7 patients experienced a rebound in symptoms and requested another injection which resulted in a significant improvement in IC/BPS symptoms after 2, 4, and 8 weeks (p < 0.01). For the 18 patients who received only one injection, the IC/BPS symptoms were still significantly lower at 5 and 6 months compared to baseline (p < 0.01), suggesting a possible durable effect based on the ICSI, ICPI, BPIC-SS, and OAB questionnaire scores. CONCLUSIONS: ABT provided an improvement in pain and lower urinary tract symptoms up to 6 months post-treatment in some refractory IC/BPS patients.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men across the world. Prior to PSA testing, men usually presented with locally advanced disease detected on digital rectal exam or with metastatic disease. PSA ushered...Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men across the world. Prior to PSA testing, men usually presented with locally advanced disease detected on digital rectal exam or with metastatic disease. PSA ushered in the era of serum biomarkers for prostate cancer. It has taken over three decades to refine the role of PSA in prostate cancer detection. The lack of specificity has spurred research into finding better, readily obtainable biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. The trick is to find the prostate cancers that are a threat, not the ones that aren't. Over the last decade and more, many biomarkers have been proposed and tested (HK-2, Pro-PSA, PCA3, TMPRSS2:ERG fusion transcripts, miRNA, just to name a few) but we still await that magical combination of a readily available, reproducible, and hopefully inexpensive biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity. The authors describe the use of a peptide labeled fluorophore for the VPAC1 receptors that are expressed on malignant prostate cancer cells shed in the urine. After initial feasibility work, the authors collected urine from 318 men with lower urinary tract symptoms and a PSA > 4. The patients underwent prostate biopsy yielding Grade Group 2 or higher prostate cancer in 158 patients. One hundred fifty-four or those patients with cancer had a positive result for the biomarker. The sensitivity of the test was 100%, the specificity was 97.56%, positive predictive value was 97.47%, and negative predictive value was 100%.1 These are impressive numbers for a urine biomarker (or any biomarker). This work is certainly promising, BUT, we have seen promising early data on many biomarkers. In this study, the mean PSA in the cancer group was 34.53 ng/mL versus 9.41 in the control (negative) group. Since patients with infection were excluded, the significantly different PSA levels seemed to be selecting the cancers as well. Time and follow up will determine if the "negative biopsy" controls were truly negative. Can the technique and these results be reproduced? The true test will be how this biomarker consistently performs across a broader population of men with a lower, more homogenous PSA elevation. I will eagerly await results of continued study of this promising biomarker for prostate cancer.
INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men worldwide. Genomic VPAC receptors are expressed on malignant prostate cancer cells and can be targeted and imaged optically by a peptide labeled f...INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men worldwide. Genomic VPAC receptors are expressed on malignant prostate cancer cells and can be targeted and imaged optically by a peptide labeled fluorophore. The objective of our study was to assess the feasibility of detecting cancer of the prostate using a voided urine sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients ≥ 40 years old, with lower urinary tract symptoms and serum PSA > 4 ng/mL formed the study group. The first 50 mL of voided urine sample was collected and processed. The cells that were shed in the voided urine were fixed and stained with a peptide TP4303 and incubated. The slide was then stained with DAPI which binds with the DNA in the nucleus. All patients underwent a standard 12-core TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 318 patients were included in the study, of these 158 were histologically confirmed cancers. Voided urine samples were positive for VPAC receptors in 154 (97.46%) of these. The remaining 160 patients had no cancer on the HPR examination and none of these patients were positive for VPAC receptors. CONCLUSIONS: This study validates our belief that patients with prostate cancer shed malignant cells in the urine that can be identified by targeting the VPAC receptors. If these results are further validated by multicentric studies, then this could form the basis for indications for a preliminary prostate biopsy in patients with elevated serum PSA but normal digital examination or in patients needing a repeat biopsy.
INTRODUCTION: To define the smallest prostate needle biopsy (PNB) template necessary for accurate tissue diagnosis in men with markedly elevated PSA while decreasing procedural morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We perfor...INTRODUCTION: To define the smallest prostate needle biopsy (PNB) template necessary for accurate tissue diagnosis in men with markedly elevated PSA while decreasing procedural morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a chart review of 80 men presenting with a newly elevated PSA > 100 ng/mL who underwent biopsy (PNB or metastatic site). For patients who underwent a full 12-core biopsy, simulated templates of 2- to 10-cores were generated by randomly drawing subsets of biopsies from their full-template findings. Templates were iterated to randomize core location and generate theoretical smaller template outcomes. Simulated biopsy results were compared to full-template findings to determine accuracy to maximal Grade Group (GG) diagnosis. RESULTS: Amongst those that underwent PNB, 93% had GG 4 or 5 disease. Twenty-two (40%) underwent a full 12-core biopsy, 20 (37%) a 6-core biopsy, and only 8 (15%) had fewer than six biopsy cores sampled at our hospital. Simulated templates with 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-cores correctly diagnosed prostate cancer in all patients, and accurately identified the maximal GG in 82%, 91%, 95%, and 97% of patients, respectively. The biopsy locations most likely to detect maximal GG were medial mid and base sites bilaterally. A 4-core template of these sites would have accurately detected the maximal GG in 95% of patients relative to a full 12-core template. CONCLUSIONS: In men presenting with PSA > 100 ng/mL, decreasing from a 12-core to a 4-core prostate biopsy template results in universal cancer detection and minimal under-grading while theoretically decreasing procedural morbidity and cost.
INTRODUCTION: The evolving landscape of healthcare information dissemination has been dramatically influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) driven chatbots, providing patients with accessible and interactiv...INTRODUCTION: The evolving landscape of healthcare information dissemination has been dramatically influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) driven chatbots, providing patients with accessible and interactive platforms to obtain knowledge about medical procedures and conditions. Among the various surgical interventions in urology, inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is a common treatment for men with erectile dysfunction. As patients increasingly seek comprehensive resources to understand what this procedure entails, AI-based chat technologies, such as ChatGPT, have become more prominent. This study aimed to assess the capacity of ChatGPT to provide accurate and easily understandable responses to common questions regarding the IPP procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the IPP procedure were presented to the ChatGPT chatbot in separate conversational sessions without follow up questions or repetitions. An evidence-based approach was employed to assess the accuracy of the chatbot's responses. Responses were categorized as "excellent response not requiring clarification," "satisfactory requiring minimal clarification," "satisfactory requiring moderate clarification," or "unsatisfactory requiring substantial clarification." RESULTS: Upon review, 70% of ChatGPT's answers to questions regarding the IPP procedure were rated as "excellent," not necessitating further clarification. Twenty percent were considered "satisfactory," requiring minimal clarification, notably on the omission of statistical data and the depth of discussion on certain topics. Ten percent of the responses were "unsatisfactory," requiring substantial clarification, including a failure to provide a definitive answer when necessary. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that ChatGPT has a substantial capability to produce evidence-based, understandable responses to a majority of common questions related to the IPP procedure. While there is room for improvement, ChatGPT can serve as an advantageous tool for patient education, enhancing preoperative understanding and contributing to informed decision-making during urological consultations for IPP.
Vlachou E, Johnson Ⅲ BA, Guancial E
… +2 more, Lombardo KA, Hoffman-Censits J
Can J Urol
· 2024 Jun · PMID 38912939
INTRODUCTION: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are approved for advanced urothelial cancer alone and as first-line in combination with enfortumab vedotin. Platinum based chemotherapy which is another frontline choice...INTRODUCTION: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are approved for advanced urothelial cancer alone and as first-line in combination with enfortumab vedotin. Platinum based chemotherapy which is another frontline choice is often not a treatment option for older patients due to comorbidities that increase with age. Despite ICIs being better tolerated compared to traditional chemotherapy little is known about their efficacy and toxicity in patients ≥ 90 years due to the rarity of this population in clinical trials. Our objective was to analyze the efficacy and toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients ≥ 90 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single center retrospective review of patients ≥ 90 years treated between July 2019 and September 2023 with standard of care ICIs for advanced urothelial cancer. RESULTS: Six patients treated with pembrolizumab were identified. Four (66.7%) were male and mean age was 93.5 years at the time of treatment initiation. Response rate was 66.7% (4 patients) with 3 complete responses, which were durable off therapy. Median follow up was 18.2 months. Median progression free survival (PFS) was 10.2 months [95%confidence interval (95%CI): 1.77, not reached (NR)] and median overall survival (OS) was 18.2 months (95%CI: 12.1, NR). Side effects presented in 4 (66.7%) patients and included hypothyroidism, diarrhea, anemia, thrombocytopenia, rash, and bullous dermatitis. One patient developed grade 3 anemia and no patients experienced grade 4 events or required hospitalization due to treatment side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience in a small cohort of patients ≥ 90 years indicate that ICIs are well tolerated and effective for the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma in this patient population.