Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of prostate radiotherapy in high-risk and node-positive disease comparing moderate and extreme hypofractionation (PRIME TRIAL)

INTRODUCTION

There has been an interest in studying the efficacy of extreme hypofractionation in low and intermediate risk prostate cancer utilising the low alpha/beta ratio of prostate. Its role in high-risk and node-positive prostate cancer, however, is unknown. We hypothesise that a five-fraction schedule of extreme hypofractionation will be non-inferior to a moderately hypofractionated regimen over 5 weeks in efficacy and will have acceptable toxicity and quality of life while reducing the cost implications during treatment.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is an ongoing, non-inferiority, multicentre, randomised trial (NCT03561961) of two schedules for National Cancer Control Network high-risk and/or node-positive non-metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. The standard arm will be a schedule of 68 Gy/25# over 5 weeks while the test arm will be extremely hypofractionated radiotherapy with stereotactic body radiation therapy to 36.25 Gy/5# (7 to 10 days). The block randomisation will be stratified by nodal status (N0/N+), hormonal therapy (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone therapy/orchiectomy) and centre. All patients will receive daily image-guided radiotherapy.The primary end point is 4-year biochemical failure free survival (BFFS). The power calculations assume 4-year BFFS of 80% in the moderate hypofractionation arm. With a 5% one-sided significance and 80% power, a total of 434 patients will be randomised to both arms equally (217 in each arm). The secondary end points include overall survival, prostate cancer specific survival, acute and late toxicities, quality of life and out-of-pocket expenditure.

DISCUSSION

The trial aims to establish a therapeutically efficacious and cost-efficient modality for high-risk and node-positive prostate cancer with an acceptable toxicity profile. Presently, this is the only trial evaluating and answering such a question in this cohort.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial has been approved by IEC-III of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Registered with CTRI/2018/05/014054 (http://ctri.nic.in) on 24 May 2018.

Clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with testicular tumors in cryptorchid testis

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Background: Undescended testis which occurs in 2-4% of all boys confers a natural risk for development of testicular cancer. Cryptorchidism accounts for 10% of all testicular germ cell tumours. The presentation, natural history and outcomes of testicular tumours occurring in cryptorchid testis has not been described in literature so far. Methods: Case records of patients enlisted in the prospectively maintained ‘ testicular cancer database’ at our tertiary cancer care hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Any patient who presented with testicular germ cell tumour with the testis being absent in the scrotum was considered as ‘undescended testis’. Results: From our database of 490 patients with testicular tumours presenting from the year 2014 -2018, 42 patients had testicular cancer in cryptorchid testis. The mean age was 32.9 years (Range:17-56). 24(57.14%) had seminoma and 18(42.86%) had non seminomatous tumors. Orchidopexy was done in 22(52.3%) patients at median age of 30 yrs (Range 2-33). 23 patients had prior undescended testis underwent high inguinal orchidectomy, 13 patients had testis located in pelvis and 6 patient had testis located in the upper abdomen. The average maximum size of tumours presenting with after orchidopexy was 7.34cm (4-10.5cm), in those presenting with pelvic tumours was 9.86cm (7-12.6cm) and in those with intraabdominal tumours was 14.3cm (9-20cm). The median follow-up for these patients was 36 months (3-64 months). There were 6 patients who relapsed after front line therapy whom 3 were salvaged with second line chemotherapy and 2 patients had residual disease at their last follow up. There was one death due to disseminated tumour with brain metastasis. The disease free survival for the whole cohort was 92.85%. Conclusions: The tumours developing in intraabdominal location of testis presented with a larger size and orchiopexy apart from its role in prevention of testicular cancer also helps in surveillance and early detection leading to effective treatment of these highly curable cancers. In the first of its series on testicular tumours in the cryptorchid, we show that they are also as curable as the germ cell tumours developing in the descended testis.

Late toxicity and quality of life with prostate only or whole pelvic radiation therapy in high risk prostate cancer (POP-RT): A randomised trial

AIM

To report toxicity and quality of life (QOL) outcomes from a randomised trial of prostate only versus whole pelvic radiotherapy in high risk, node negative prostate cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with localised prostate adenocarcinoma and nodal involvement risk > 20%, were randomised to prostate only (PORT, 68 Gy/25# to prostate) and whole pelvis (WPRT, 68 Gy/25# to prostate and 50 Gy/25# to pelvis) arms with stratification for TURP, Gleason score, baseline PSA, and type of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Image guided intensity modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) and two years of ADT were mandatory. Acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were graded using RTOG grading. QOL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and PR-25 questionnaire pre-treatment and every 3-6 months post RT.

RESULTS

Total 224 patients were randomised (PORT 114, WPRT 110) from November 2011 to August 2017. Median follow up was 44.5 months. No RTOG grade IV toxicity was observed. Acute GI and GU toxicities were similar between both the arms. Cumulative ≥ grade II late GI toxicity was similar for WPRT and PORT (6.5% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.39) but GU toxicity was higher (17.7% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.03). Dosimetric analysis showed higher bladder volume receiving 30-40 Gy in the WPRT arm (V30, 60% vs. 36%, p < 0.001; V40, 41% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in QOL scores of any domain between both arms.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic irradiation using hypofractionated IG-IMRT resulted in increased grade II or higher late genitourinary toxicity as compared to prostate only RT, but the difference was not reflected in patient reported QOL. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV NCT02302105: Prostate Only or Whole Pelvic Radiation Therapy in High Risk Prostate Cancer (POP-RT).

Management of clinically node-negative groin in patients with penile cancer

Malignant penile neoplasms are commonly squamous etiology, with the inguinal nodes being the first echelon of spread. The disease spreads to the pelvic lymph nodes only after metastases to the groin nodes, and this is the most important prognostic factor in penile carcinoma. While treatment of penile carcinoma with proven metastases to the inguinal lymph nodes mandates ilioinguinal lymph node dissection, the treatment of patients with impalpable nodes is more controversial. Overtreatment leads to excessive treatment-related morbidity in these patients, while a wait-and-see policy runs the risk of patients presenting with inguinal and distant metastases, which would have been curable at presentation. Unfortunately, no single imaging modality has been proved to be convincingly superior in the staging, and hence, management of the clinically negative groin has been subject to debate. While some high volume centers have promoted the use of dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy, others advocate the use of the modified inguinal lymph node template to stage the groin adequately. Newer techniques such as video endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection have been introduced as an alternative to the original radical inguinal lymphadenectomy to reduce morbidity.

Therapeutic efficacy, prognostic variables and clinical outcome of 177Lu-PSMA-617 PRLT in progressive mCRPC following multiple lines of treatment: prognostic implications of high FDG uptake on dual tracer PET-CT vis-à-vis Gleason score in such cohort

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the therapeutic response, progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and clinical toxicity of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 PSMA targeted radioligand therapy (PRLT) in the setting of heavily pre-treated metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCPRC) patients and also examine the association of prognostic variables with therapeutic outcome in such patient cohort.

METHODS

We examined the medical records of mCRPC patients who had undergone ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 PRLT from March 2017 to February 2019 in our institute. Patients receiving equal to or more than two cycles were included and analyzed in this retroprospective study.The ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 PET-CT and 18-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (¹⁸FDG PET)-CT scan findings, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) change, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scales (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group/Karnofsky score) and Gleason score were assessed for their implications on the outcome of therapy. The treatment response was evaluated under three categories: (a) symptomatic (b) biochemical and (c) imaging response.The PFS and OS following first PRLT were determined and the association of various variables with PSA doubling time (DT) and FDG uptake in the lesions were analyzed. Toxicity assessment was undertaken objectively by National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scale v. 5.0 for haematological and nephrotoxicity, and salivary gland toxicity assessed by xerostomia inventory score.

RESULTS

A total of 40 mCRPC patients (age range: 46-84 years; median 63 years), who had undergone ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 PRLT, of at least two cycles was identified and selected for the analysis. FDG uptake was noted in 87.5% of patients (n = 35). Out of 40 cases, 21 were responders (CR, PR and SD) and 19 were non-responders (PD) on symptomatic and biochemical scales while on molecular imaging response, 16 (43%) were responders and remaining 21 (57%) were non-responders. Lesion-wise, ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 avid metastatic nodal disease responded well with ¹⁷⁷Lu PSMA-617 PRLT, as compared to hepatic and skeletal lesions. The median OS and PFS was 12 and 7 months respectively following first PRLT. Patients with negative serum PSA-DT demonstrated superior 1 year PFS as compared to those with positive serum PSA-DT (52.5 vs 47.5%) (p = 0.029). Patients receiving greater than two cycles PRLT demonstrated a higher negative PSA-DT as compared to those receiving two cycles (p-value = 0.03). Grade 1 xerostomia was observed in two patients (5%) (mean xerostomia score of 23), haematotoxicity in seven patients [Grade I (n = 2, 5%) and Grade II (n = 5, 14%)].

CONCLUSION

¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 PRLT was well-tolerated and able to produce disease control with good symptomatic and biochemical responses in the context of heavily pre-treated mCRPC with progressive disease, with low toxicity profile. Evident association of high FDG uptake was observed with aggressive disease biology coupled with increasing Gleason score and poorer 12 months PFS. Negative PSA-DT following therapy demonstrated longer PFS. The results demonstrate important future role of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 PRLT in the treatment of mCRPC.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The present work explored in a large teriary cancer care setting, the efficacy of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 PRLT, in an aggressive and unselected subset of mCRPC. The response and outcome was correlated with a number of prognostic variables, including molecular imaging findings (FDG uptake in the metastatic lesions), PSA DT and Gleason score.

Human SP-D Acts as an Innate Immune Surveillance Molecule Against Androgen-Responsive and Androgen-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells

Surfactant Protein D (SP-D), a pattern recognition innate immune molecule, has been implicated in the immune surveillance against cancer. A recent report showed an association of decreased SP-D expression in human prostate adenocarcinoma with an increased Gleason score and severity. In the present study, the SP-D expression was evaluated in primary prostate epithelial cells (PrEC) and prostate cancer cell lines. LNCaP, an androgen dependent prostate cancer cell line, exhibited significantly lower mRNA and protein levels of SP-D than PrEC and the androgen independent cell lines (PC3 and DU145). A recombinant fragment of human SP-D, rfhSP-D, showed a dose and time dependent binding to prostate cancer cells via its carbohydrate recognition domain. This study, for the first time, provides evidence of significant and specific cell death of tumor cells in rfhSP-D treated explants as well as primary tumor cells isolated from tissue biopsies of metatstatic prostate cancer patients. Viability of PrEC was not altered by rfhSP-D. Treated LNCaP (p53+/+) and PC3 (p53 -/-) cells exhibited reduced cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner and were arrested in G2/M and G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle, respectively. rfhSP-D treated LNCaP cells showed a significant upregulation of p53 whereas a significant downregulation of pAkt was observed in both PC3 and LNCaP cell lines. The rfhSP-D-induced apoptosis signaling cascade involved upregulation of Bax:Bcl2 ratio, cytochrome c and cleaved products of caspase 7. The study concludes that rfhSP-D induces apoptosis in prostate tumor explants as well as in androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer cells via p53 and pAkt pathways.

Adaptive Radiotherapy for Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder: Long-term Outcomes With Dose Escalation

AIMS

To report long-term outcomes with dose-escalated, image-guided adaptive radiotherapy (ART) for bladder preservation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All MIBC patients receiving bladder-preserving ART at our institute from 2009 to 2018 were analysed. For ART, three anisotropic planning target volumes (PTV) were concentrically grown around the simulation bladder volume. A library of intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans was created for each patient. A total dose of 64 Gy in 32 fractions to the entire bladder and 55 Gy to pelvic nodes was planned, with 68 Gy to the tumour bed (2 Gy equivalent dose = 68.7 Gy, α/β = 10) as simultaneous integrated boost for solitary tumours. The most appropriate PTV encompassing the bladder ('plan-of-the-day') was chosen daily using on-board megavoltage imaging. Neoadjuvant and concurrent chemotherapy was prescribed for medically fit patients.

RESULTS

Of a total of 106 patients, most had T2 (68%) or T3 (19%) disease. Ninety-two patients (87%) completed 64 Gy to the whole bladder. Sixty-three patients (59%) received 68 Gy as tumour bed boost. Seventy-six per cent received concurrent weekly chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 26 months, 3-year locoregional control, disease-free survival and overall survival were 74.3, 62.9 and 67.7%, respectively. Eighty-two per cent of patients retained disease-free bladder. Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade III/IV acute genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicities were 7.5% and 0%, respectively, and late genitourinary/gastrointestinal toxicities were 6.5% and 3.8%, respectively. Overall survival, disease-free survival, locoregional control and grade III/IV genitourinary/gastrointestinal toxicities did not differ significantly with dose escalation.

CONCLUSION

Plan-of-the-day ART is clinically safe and effective for bladder preservation and can be implemented in routine clinical practice. A high bladder preservation rate is achievable without compromising on survival or toxicities. Dose escalation does not seem to affect outcomes.

Radiological differentiation of phaeochromocytoma from other malignant adrenal masses: importance of wash-in characteristics on multiphase CECT

RATIONALE AND INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the computerised tomography (CT) characteristics of phaeochromocytoma (PCC) that differentiate them from other non-benign adrenal masses such as adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) and adrenal metastases (AM).

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary health care institute from Western India. Patients presented between January 2013 and August 2016 with histological diagnosis of PCC or other non-benign adrenal mass having adequate reviewable imaging data comprising all four CECT phases were included.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 72 adrenal masses from 66 patients (33 PCC, 22 ACC, 4 PAL, 13 AM). Unlike other masses, majority of PCC (25/33) showed peak enhancement in early arterial phase (EAP). PCC had significantly higher attenuation in EAP and early venous phase (EVP), and higher calculated percentage arterial enhancement (PAE) and percentage venous enhancement (PVE) than other adrenal masses (P < 0.001). For diagnosis of PCC with 100% specificity, PAE value ≥100% and EAP attenuation ≥100 HU had 78.8 and 63.6% sensitivity respectively. ACC were significantly larger in size as compared to PCC and metastasis. The adreniform shape was exclusively found in PAL (two out of four) and AM (4 out of 13). None of the enhancement, wash-in or washout characteristics were discriminatory among ACC, PAL and AM.

CONCLUSION

Peak enhancement in EAP, PAE value ≥100% and EAP attenuation ≥100 HU differentiate PCC from other malignant adrenal masses with high specificity.

Safety of Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy after Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP): A Propensity Score Matched Pair Analysis

PURPOSE

To determine the genitourinary (GU) toxicity outcomes in prostate cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) who have undergone a prior transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and compare it to a similar non-TURP cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty prostate cancer patients who had undergone a single TURP, had a good baseline urinary function, and had been subsequently treated with SBRT were chosen from a prospectively maintained database. These were propensity score matched to a similar non-TURP cohort treated during the same period. Matching was done for diabetes mellitus and volume of radiation therapy. Acute GU and late GU toxicity were scored using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Stricture and incontinence were scored using Common Terminology for Common Adverse Events version 4.0.

RESULTS

Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 26 months (non-TURP vs TURP, 30 months vs 22 months, P = .34). The median duration between TURP and start of SBRT was 10 months. There was no significant difference between non-TURP versus TURP cohort in terms of RTOG acute GU toxicities grade ≥2 (8% vs 6%, P = .45), RTOG late GU toxicities grade ≥2 (8% vs 12%, P = .10), stricture rates (4% vs 6%, P = .64), and incontinence rates (0% vs 4%, P = .15). The median duration of time to late toxicity was 16 months vs 10 months (P = .12) in non-TURP and TURP cohort, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although modestly increased as compared with non-TURP patients, GU toxicities remains low with SBRT in post-TURP patients. SBRT can be safely performed in carefully selected post-TURP prostate cancer patients.

Bladder cancer demographics and outcome data from 2013 at a tertiary cancer hospital in India

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the ninth most common cancer accounting for 3.9% of all cancer cases as per the Indian Cancer Registry data. There is a scarcity of data on urinary Bca from India.

AIM

The aim of this study was to know demographic background, stage distribution, utilization of various treatment modalities, and oncological outcome in Indian patients presenting with bladder cancer to a tertiary care cancer center in Mumbai.

METHODOLOGY

We performed a retrospective audit of all patients registered as urinary BCa in our hospital from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Electronic medical records of these patients were checked for most of the information gathered.

RESULTS

Median age of patients at presentation was 59 years with a range of 18-88 years. There were 84% male and 16% female patients. Forty seven percent of patients had nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), 36% had muscle invasive bladder cancer and locally advanced disease, and 17% had metastatic disease. Eight patients were treated with trimodality bladder preservation protocol. Recurrence was seen in 38 (22.6%) patients with NMIBC. Out of them. 44.7% and 55.3% were in low- and high-grade tumors, respectively. Overall survival and disease-free survival estimated for 3 years were 63% and 57%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Bladder cancer has a varied spectrum of presentation. Bladder cancer patients presenting to our hospital generally have a higher stage and grade of disease compared with that in the west.

Initial experience of Ga-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging in evaluation of biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients

Gallium-68 labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (Ga-68 PSMA) ligand (HBED-CC) is a novel tracer used for prostate cancer imaging. The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of Ga-68 PSMA positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after definitive treatment. Scans of 96 consecutive patients were analyzed. Sixty-two patients received external beam radiotherapy, 34 underwent radical prostatectomy (RP), and 20 patients were on androgen deprivation therapy. Patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ≥>0.2 ng/mL following RP and PSA rise by 2 ng/mL or more above the nadir PSA following RT (Phoenix criteria) was considered as BCR, respectively. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced PET/CT after injection of 67–111 MBq Ga-68 PSMA ligand. Detection rates were correlated with serum PSA level. Detection rate for nodal metastases was compared with CT. Results of the scan were validated by using either biopsy or follow-up imaging or clinical follow-up. Seventy-four (77%) patients showed abnormal finding in Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT. The median serum PSA level of the population was 5.5 ng/ml (range 0.2–123 ng/ml). The median PSA of the positive scans was higher than that of the negative scans (6 vs. 1.7 ng/ml) and was statistically significant (P = 0.001 by Mann–Whitney U-test). In post-RP group, the detection rates were 23%, 50%, and 82% for PSA <1, 1–2, and >2 ng/ml, respectively. For post-RT, the detection was 86%, 85%, and 95% for PSA 2–5, 5.1–10, and >10 ng/ml, respectively. PSMA PET/CT revealed nodal metastases in 52 (54%) patients while CT showed pathological nodes only in 27 (28%) patients. Overall PSMA PET/CT revealed more number of nodes than CT (111 vs. 48 nodal station). PSMA PET/CT showed relapse in prostate/prostatic bed in 26 (27%) patients, nodal metastases in 50 (52%), skeletal metastases in 20 (21%), and other sites in 4 (4%) patients. Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT has high detection rate for localizing the site of recurrence in patients with biochemical failure and is superior to CT scan in the detection of nodal disease.

Kidney cancer demographics and outcome data from 2013 at a tertiary cancer hospital in India

INTRODUCTION

The stage at diagnosis of renal cell cancer (RCC) in developed countries is lower due to increased utilization of routine health checkups by patients compared to developed countries. This study aims to determine the sociodemographic and clinical distribution of RCC in patients presenting to Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective audit of all patients presenting to TMH with a diagnosis of RCC. Data were retrieved from our electronic medical record system from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. The survival analysis was done by Kaplan-Meir analysis method of estimating survival. Log-rank test of comparison was applied to estimate the difference in the survival among the different stages of renal cancer.

RESULTS

Of the 35,197 new registered patients at TMH, 338 were diagnosed with RCC. Most patients were in the 50-60 years age group, with 56.6 years being the median age at presentation. Among patients treated at TMH, 84 underwent surgery and tyrosine kinase inhibitor was given in 55 (16%) patients. The patients' characteristics, clinical characteristics of RCC, treatment modalities offered, and survival of patients treated for RCC are presented in this paper.

CONCLUSION

In the absence of robust Indian data on RCC, this audit provides baseline information on epidemiology, stage at presentation, and outcomes of RCC at our center compared with the West.

Early Results of Extreme Hypofractionation Using Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for High-risk, Very High-risk and Node-positive Prostate Cancer

AIMS

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer has shown encouraging results. However, its use in high-risk patients is limited due to lack of data regarding adequate radiotherapy dose, need for pelvic nodal treatment and androgen deprivation therapy. Herein we report our experience of SBRT in this subgroup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 68 consecutive patients of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) high-risk, very high-risk and node-positive adenocarcinoma prostate treated with SBRT was undertaken. All patients were treated with rotational intensity-modulated radiotherapy with daily image guidance. The dose delivered to the prostate and gross node was 35-37.5 Gy in 5 alternate day fractions. Node-positive patients received 25 Gy to pelvic nodal regions until the common iliac nodes. Treatment was delivered in 7-10 days. All patients received long-term androgen deprivation therapy (79% medical and 21% surgical).

RESULTS

Most patients (65%) had a Gleason score ≥ 8. The median prostate-specific antigen was 42. Twenty patients were high risk (30%), 11 (16%) very high risk and 37 (54%) node positive. No acute Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade ≥ 3 genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicity was noted. Acute grade 2 genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity were 12% and 3%, respectively. Late grade 3 genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity was 3% and 0%, respectively. There was no increase in acute or late gastrointestinal toxicity with prophylactic pelvic nodal radiotherapy. Prior transurethral resection of prostate (n = 11) did not increase toxicity. At a median follow-up of 18 months, 97% patients were alive and 94% were biochemically controlled.

CONCLUSION

SBRT is safe in the treatment of high-risk, very high-risk and node-positive prostate cancer, even with prophylactic pelvic radiotherapy or prior transurethral resection of prostate. Longer follow-up is required to determine efficacy.

Current evidence and the evolving role of sunitinib in the management of renal cell carcinoma

The development of targeted agents has expanded the anticancer arsenal available to oncologists and revolutionized the field of cancer treatment. In patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), small molecule targeted therapies have improved clinical outcomes compared with cytokine-based treatments. Sunitinib malate is one such drug that has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This oral, multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor is approved for use in multiple countries for the treatment of advanced RCC and gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients who have progressed on imatinib therapy. In patients with advanced RCC, sunitinib significantly improves clinical outcomes with a favorable safety profile compared with conventional treatment with interferon-a. The clinically proven treatment and safety outcomes have led investigators to evaluate the merits of sunitinib therapy in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting in patients with mRCC. In the neoadjuvant setting, preliminary data suggest that sunitinib can effectively reduce the primary tumor and facilitate surgical resection in patients with locally advanced and mRCC. Post-operative complications were observed in some patients, but the overall safety profile and efficacy suggests that mRCC patients with surgically inoperable tumors may benefit from neoadjuvant sunitinib therapy. Ongoing clinical trials should provide insight into the value of sunitinib as adjuvant therapy.

Epidemiology of male seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors and response to first-line chemotherapy from a tertiary cancer center in India

INTRODUCTION

Unlike the developed countries, there is a lack of good epidemiologic data for testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) in India with majority presenting in advanced stage. This study aims to elaborate on the epidemiology of testicular GCTs and response to standard first-line chemotherapy (CT).

METHODS

GCTs treated at our center from January 2013 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients underwent orchidectomy either outside or at our hospital. Based on stage and risk group, standard CT (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin/etoposide and cisplatin/carboplatin AUC7) and radiotherapy were given as appropriate. Response was calculated based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18 software.

RESULTS

Fifty nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) and 36 of SGCT cases were studied. 30%, 46%, and 64% of NSGCT and 11%, 28%, and 22% of SGCT had N2, N3, and M1 diseases, respectively. The mean nodal size was 7 cm (1.5-19) in NSGCT and 5.5 cm (1.3-11) in SGCT. As per the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group classification, in patients with metastatic disease, 9% of NSGCT were good, 53% were intermediate, and 38% were poor risk whereas 75% of SGCT were good and 25% were intermediate risk. Following CT among NSGCT, 5% and 71% had radiologic complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), respectively. Among SGCT, 46% and 38% had radiologic CR and PR, respectively. 22%, 53%, and 13% of NSGCT and 12%, 24%, and 20% of SGCT developed febrile neutropenia, Grade 3 or 4 hematological and nonhematological toxicities, respectively, after standard chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

GCTs in India present with high nodal and high-risk diseases wherein the standard first-line CT may not be adequate as curative therapy; however, significant chemotoxicity is also a hindrance.

Predictors of malignancy in patients with pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas: Asian Indian experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Malignant transformation of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PCC/PGL) is a rare occurrence, and predictive factors for the same are not well understood. This study aims to identify the predictors of malignancy in patients with PCC/PGL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 142 patients with either PCC or PGL registered at our institute between 2000 and 2015. Records were evaluated for clinical parameters like age, gender, familial/syndromic presentation, symptomatic presentation, biochemistry, size, number and location of tumours and presence of metastases and mode of its diagnosis.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were found to have metastases; 13 had metastases at diagnosis and seven during follow-up. Metastases were detected by radiology (CT-neck to pelvis) in 11/20 patients (5/13 synchronous and 6/7 metachronous), ¹³¹I-metaiodobenzylguanidine in five (2/12 synchronous and 3/6 metachronous) patients and ¹⁸F-flurodeoxyglucose PET/CT in 15 (12/12 synchronous and 3/3 metachronous) patients. Malignant tumours were significantly larger than benign tumours (8.3 ± 4.1 cm, range: 3-22 cm vs 5.7 ± 2.3 cm, range: 2-14 cm, P = 0.0001) and less frequently metanephrine secreting. On linear regression analysis, tumour size and lack of metanephrine secretion were the independent predictors of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with primary tumour size >5.7 cm and lack of metanephrine secretory status should be evaluated for possible malignancy not only at diagnosis but also in the postoperative period. As compared to CT and ¹³¹I-MIBG scan, ¹⁸F-flurodeoxyglucose PET/CT analyses are better (sensitivity: 100%) for the diagnosis of metastases in our study.

Germline mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation in Asian Indian patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

BACKGROUND

Genetic aetiology of pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL) is increasingly being studied; however, Asian Indian data on this aspect are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of germline mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation in Asian Indian PCC/PGL patients.

DESIGN

In this study, 150 index patients (M:F, 73:77) with PCC/PGL were evaluated. Phenotypic data were collected. Germline mutations in five susceptibility genes (RET, VHL, SDHB, SDHD and SDHC) were tested by sequencing and NF1 was diagnosed according to phenotype.

RESULT

Of the total population, 49 (32.7%) PCC/PGL patients had germline mutations (VHL: 23 (15.3%), RET: 13 (8.7%), SDHB: 9 (6%), SDHD: 2 (1.3%) and NF1: 2 (1.3%)). Amongst the 30 patients with familial and/or syndromic presentation, all had germline mutations (VHL: 14 (46.7%), RET: 13 (43.3%), SDHB: 1 (3.3%) and NF1: 2 (6.7%)). Out of 120 patients with apparently sporadic presentation, 19 (15.8%) had a germline mutation (VHL: 9 (7.5%), SDHB: 8 (6.7%) and SDHD: 2 (1.7%)). Mutation carriers were younger (29.9 ± 14.5 years vs 36.8 ± 14.9; P = 0.01) and had a higher prevalence of bilateral PCC (26.5% vs 2.9%, P < 0.001) and multifocal tumours (12.2% vs 0.96%, P = 0.06). Based on syndromic features, metastasis, location and number of tumours, around 96% mutations in our cohort could be detected by appropriately selected single gene testing.

CONCLUSION

Asian Indians with PCC/PGL differ from Western cohorts in having preponderance of VHL mutations in multifocal tumours and apparently sporadic unilateral PCC. Syndromic presentation, metastasis, location and number of PCC/PGL can be effectively used for guiding genetic prioritisation.

Genitourinary cancers: Summary of Indian data

Tumors of the genitourinary system are one of the most common tumors encountered in clinical practice. The associated morbidity and mortality and the significant proportion of affected middle-age individuals have a major bearing on the death-adjusted life years compared to other malignancies. Genitourinary system tumors encompass a very broad spectrum with regard to age, location, histology, and clinical outcomes. Advances in diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, radiotherapy equipment, and generation of newer chemotherapeutic and targeted agents over the past few years have helped improving treatment outcome. Several focused groups within India have been working on a range of topics related to genitourinary system tumors, and a significant body of work from India in the recent years is being increasingly recognized throughout the world. The present article summarizes the key published work related to the epidemiology of genitourinary system tumors in the Indian setting. A PubMed search was made for locating and selecting articles relevant to the topic.

Pseudopapillary prostatic adenocarcinoma: A diagnostic pitfall for pathologists

Prostatic adenocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma are common tumours seen in elderly patients. They both act as a close differential diagnosis for each other clinically as well as histologically. Various morphological patterns have been described in prostatic adenocarcinomas. However, pseudopapillary pattern was not described until recently a paper which described seven such cases. These tumours mimic urothelial carcinoma as the papillary pattern is usually seen in urothelial carcinoma and may act as a pitfall for the diagnosing pathologists. As both the tumours are treated with different therapeutic protocol it is necessary to differentiate the two and hence the pathologist should be aware of this morphological variant of prostatic carcinoma. Critical histological review and immunohistochemical examination is helpful to make the diagnosis. Here we discuss one such case of pseudopapillary prostatic adenocarcinoma mimicking urothelial carcinoma with a brief review of histological and immunohistochemical examination useful to distinguish the two tumours.

Development of Booklet on Male Sexual Dysfunction, its Measures and Assessing its Impact on Knowledge of Patients with Urological Cancers

Objective:

Urological cancer and its surgeries have great impact on male sexuality which could have physical or emotional consequences. In India, speaking openly about the sexual matter is a taboo and an aspect considered forbidden. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to develop an information booklet about male sexual dysfunction and assess its impact on knowledge of patients with urological cancers.

Methods:

Information booklet was developed after literature review, and its content validity was established. Reliability of the questionnaire was 0.95. A randomized control trail using pre- and post-test design was used for 30 male urological cancer patients and was assigned to experimental group (15) who received information booklet and control group (15) who received standard treatment. Subjects in the experimental group were provided with opinionnaire during posttest. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

In experimental group, 40% of the subjects were ≤ 40 years, whereas 27% in the control group (P = 0.699). The pre- and post-mean difference score was significantly higher in experimental group (mean difference - 5) than control group (mean difference - 0.4). All subjects (100%) opined that the information booklet was useful, adequate, self-explanatory, sequential, and clear.

Conclusions:

Information in the booklet will help subjects to understand the common sexual problems after urological surgeries and help them to cope with the problems, thereby improving their quality of life.

Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) detected in azoospermic testicular biopsies of adult survivors of childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a known side-effect of oncotherapy in cancer survivors, and often compromises the quality of life. The present study was undertaken to detect very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) in testicular biopsies from young adult survivors of childhood cancer who had azoospermia. VSELs have been earlier reported in human and mouse testes. They resist busulphan treatment in mice and potentially restore spermatogenesis when the somatic niche is restored by transplanting Sertoli or mesenchymal cells. VSELs also have the potential to differentiate into sperm in vitro.

METHODS

The study had clearance from Institutional review board (IRB). Seven azoospermic survivors of childhood cancer were included in the study after obtaining their informed consent. Semen analysis was done to confirm azoospermia prior to inclusion in the study. Testicular biopsies were performed at the Uro-oncology Unit of the hospital and then used for various studies to detect VSELs.

RESULTS

Hematoxylin and Eosin stained tubular sections confirmed azoospermia and smears revealed the presence of very small, spherical VSELs with high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, in addition to the Sertoli cells. Immuno-localization studies on testicular smears showed that the VSELs were CD133+/CD45-/LIN-, expressed nuclear OCT-4, STELLA and cell surface SSEA-4. Pluripotent transcripts Oct-4A, Nanog and Sox-2 were detected in azoospermic samples whereas marked reduction was observed in germ cell markers Oct-4 and Boule.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates the presence of pluripotent VSELs in the testicular biopsy of azoospermic adult survivors of childhood cancer. It is likely that these persisting VSELs can restore spermatogenesis as demonstrated in mice studies. Therefore, pilot studies need to be undertaken using autologous mesenchymal cells with a hope to restore testicular function and fertility in cancer survivors. The results of this study assume a great significance in the current era, where cryopreservation of testicular tissue in young pre-pubertal boys for restoring spermatogenesis in adulthood is still in experimental stages.

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder: a clinicopathologic spectrum of a series of 14 cases emphasizing diagnostic dilemmas

BACKGROUND

Paraganglioma (PG) of the urinary bladder is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm, accounting for < 0.1% of all bladder tumours. Distinction from urothelial carcinoma is imperative as management and prognosis vary markedly. In this report, we describe our experience with the histopathology of paragangliomas of the urinary bladder with emphasis on the histologic features that have led to their being misdiagnosed as conventional urothelial cancer and, most importantly, those that will help pathologists recognize this rare tumor of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cases of PG of urinary bladder diagnosed at our institute from 2002-2012 were retrieved and diagnosis confirmed in accordance with WHO classification. Clinical and treatment details were obtained from hospital medical records.

RESULTS

Fourteen cases of PG of urinary bladder including 5 consult cases were analysed. These included 11 transurethral resections ± partial cystectomies, 2 partial cystectomies and 1 radical cystectomy. Two out of the 5 consult cases had been submitted with a diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma and 1 with that of a rhabdomyosarcoma. Age ranged from 15-84 years (median, 43 years) with a male to female ratio of 1:2.5. Presenting symptoms were haematuria, dysuria and flank pain; only 1 case had antecedent hypertension. Histologically, typical 'zellballen' (72%), diffuse (21%) and ribbon-like (7%) growth patterns amidst a richly vascularised stroma were seen. Muscularis propria invasion and necrosis was present in 72% and 21%, respectively. Substantial cautery artifacts led to misdiagnosis in the 3 erroneous cases. Tumour cells were positive for chromogranin, synaptophysin; sustentacular cells were S-100 positive. Follow up was available in 6 patients; median follow-up was 29 months (8-120 months). One patient developed distant metastasis in cervical lymph node 10 years after diagnosis; remaining were alive without evidence of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumor and may be misdiagnosed as urothelial cancer especially on TURBT, but a high index of suspicion, careful search for the characteristic histological features and supportive immunohistochemical studies should lead to a correct diagnosis.

PRIMARY ADRENAL LYMPHOMA: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical presentation, biochemistry, imaging features, and treatment outcome of patients with primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) presenting to a single tertiary care center.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of case records of 7 patients diagnosed with PAL between January 2011 and May 2014 at our institution in Mumbai, India.

RESULTS

Median age of presentation in our series was 48 years (range, 41 to 60 years), with a male to female ratio of 6:1. Bilateral adrenal involvement was seen in 4 of 7 patients (58%). Adrenal insufficiency (AI) was seen in 3 of the 4 patients with bilateral involvement (75%). Computed tomography showed slight to moderate contrast enhancement of adrenal masses in 4 of 5 patients (80%). Diffuse, large, B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most common immunophenotype (85%). One patient died due to rapid disease progression even before starting chemotherapy. Six patients were treated with chemotherapy and/or external beam radiotherapy. After 1 year, 2 more patients had died, whereas 4 patients were in remission.

CONCLUSION

PAL should always be considered in differential diagnosis of bilateral adrenal mass with AI. DLBCL is the most common histologic subtype of PAL. Despite treatment, long-term prognosis of PAL remains poor.

Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma in multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome: Case report with review literature

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has gained favour as a preferred surgical approach in the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2 patients. Currently, there is limited literature on bilateral simultaneous laparoscopic adrenalectomy in MEN 2 syndrome. We reported two cases of bilateral pheochromocytoma associated with MEN 2 syndrome cured by simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

First patient presented with big lips since childhood and episodic abdominal pain. On investigations, he was diagnosed with features of MEN 2B syndrome. Second patient was hypertensive and presented with abdominal pain. On evaluation she had features of MEN 2A syndrome.

DISCUSSION

Minimally invasive approach was preferred in both cases. Bilateral simultaneous adrenalectomies were uneventfully done with acceptable operative time and blood loss with rapid perioperative recovery. These cases highlighted the feasibility of laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas in MEN 2 syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy is a safe feasible and preferable technique for pheochromocytomas associated with MEN 2 syndrome.

Palliative chemotherapy in carcinoma penis: Does platinum and taxane combination holds a promise?

Aim:

To report safety and efficacy of chemotherapy incorporating the combination of paclitaxel and platinum in patients with advanced penile carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patient with advanced penile carcinoma undergoing palliative chemotherapy with paclitaxel and platinum combination. The demographic profile, indication of treatment, chemotherapy details, toxicity and survival outcome were noted. Statistical analysis was done for estimation of progression free survival and overall survival. Factors affecting these outcomes were sought for.

Results:

Eighteen patients with a median age of 47.5 years (31-68 years) were offered palliative intent chemotherapy over a period of 2.5 years. ECOG performance was 1 in 12 patients (66.7%) and 2 in 6 patients (33.3%). The grade of tumor was poorly differentiated in 8 patients (44.4%), moderately differentiated in 5 (27.8%) and we1l differentiated in 5 patients (27.8%). Twelve patients had previous surgical treatment (66.7%), with 2 of them having received groin radiation in past. The indication for treatment was metastatic disease in 7 patients (38.9%) and locally advanced disease in 11 patients (61.1%). Out of 18 patients 13 received chemotherapy. Paclitaxel and carboplatin combination was given in 10 patients (76.9%) while paclitaxel and cisplatin was received by 3 patients (23.1%). The median numbers of cycles received were 3 (1-6 cycles). Response rate was 30.8%. The median estimated progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients receiving atleast one cycle of chemotherapy (n = 13) were 96 days and 246 days respectively. Among tested variables the median OS in patients who had received 2 or more cycles was 351 days versus 55 days in those who received less than 2 cycles (P = 0.025). However, after applying Bonferroni correction, the difference was no longer significant. There was no toxicity related death or life threatening complication.

Conclusion:

Our institutional protocol of platinum-based doublet with paclitaxel is effective, well-tolerated and has the advantage being delivered on an outpatient basis alone. Overall, we believe that paclitaxel-platinum is an effective regimen that needs to be investigated further in larger studies.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of kidney with heterotopic bone formation: An unusual case mimicking a renal malignancy

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMFT) or pseudotumor is a rare tumor that can be seen in various organs. It is an enigmatic tumor of unknown etiology and difficult to differentiate from malignancy, clinically as well as radiologically. Histologically, it is composed of variable proportions of proliferating spindle myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, extracellular collagen, lymphocytes and plasma cells. This mainly affects the urinary bladder or prostate. Renal involvement is extremely rare and may pose diagnostic difficulty to the clinician. We describe a renal IMFT, mimicking renal malignancy, having unusual histological features.

Quiescent very small embryonic-like stem cells resist oncotherapy and can restore spermatogenesis in germ cell depleted mammalian testis

Adult mouse and human testes harbor relatively quiescent, pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), in addition to actively dividing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Here we report that various oncotherapy regimens in human cancer patients (n=7) and busulphan treatment (25mg/Kg body weight) in eight weeks old male mice (n=15) selectively affects actively dividing SSCs, spermatogonia, haploid germ cells and somatic microenvironment resulting in germ cell aplasia, whereas VSELs are unaffected and persist in otherwise germ cell depleted testis. Testicular VSELs are 2-5 µm in size, have high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, SCA-1+/CD45-/LIN- (mice), CD133+/CD45-/LIN- (human survivors of childhood cancer) and express various pluripotent transcripts including OCT-4A. SCA-1 sorted cells from busulphan treated mice testes in vitro formed small clusters suggestive of self-renewal and differentiation into progenitors, which divide rapidly. Inter-tubular random injections of syngeneic Sertoli cells (105 cells per testis, n=14) or bone marrow derived mesenchymal cells (104 cells per testis, n=16) into the germ cell depleted busulphan treated mice testes, were able to restore spermatogenesis from persisting VSELs. Transplanted Sertoli or mesenchymal cells possibly were a source of growth factors essential for VSELs differentiation. Since sperm formation occurred in situ, various epigenetic concerns associated with the 'synthetic gametes' may be eliminated in our approach. Ability of mesenchymal cells to restore spermatogenesis may benefit existing azoospermic survivors of childhood cancer who were otherwise deprived of testicular tissue cryopreservation prior to oncotherapy. Further studies are warranted to delineate the underlying mechanisms and to study quality and potential of sperm generated by this approach.

Resistant metastatic penile carcinoma and response to biochemotherapy with paclitaxel and epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody, nimotuzumab

Carcinoma penis is one of the common malignancies in developing world especially among rural population. Multimodality treatment with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy for advanced penile carcinoma with groin nodal metastasis is crucial to optimise the outcome. Cisplatin, fluorouracil, methotrexate, vinorelbine, bleomycin and paclitaxel are the common chemotherapeutic agents used along with local therapy. Paucity of data to show superiority of one chemotherapeutic regime over another and only modest response to any combination chemotherapy. Progression of disease after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is associated with poor outcome and quality of life. Nimotuzumab, Anti EGFR monoclonal antibody, along with paclitaxel in our case of resistant metastatic penile carcinoma has shown good symptomatic palliation and clinical response.

Pelvic periprostatic symplastic leiomyoma: an unusual case necessitating a radical surgery

Most pelvic smooth muscle tumors are believed to be malignant, leiomyomas are extremely rare; more so in male patients. Very few cases of symplastic leiomyomas have been described in males. We report an extremely unusual case of a soft tissue mass of periprostatic and periseminal vesicle region in a young adult, which necessitated a radical surgery. Histologically, tumor comprised of smooth muscle bundles with numerous bizarre tumor cells which were immunoreactive with smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin and h-caldesmon. The diagnostic and treatment dilemmas of these unusual tumors are discussed.

Role of paclitaxel and platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk penile cancer

Aim:

To study the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel and platinum doublet chemotherapy in penile cancer patients with high-risk features of local failure.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective analysis was done of patients with 19 carcinoma of the penis who were offered adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and platinum combination. The data regarding the surgical details, high-risk features for which chemotherapy was offered, chemotherapy toxicity details (in accordance with CTCAE vs 3), failure pattern, and survival data were noted. SPSS version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results:

Median age of patients was 48 years. Fifteen patients received paclitaxel in combination with cisplatin and four received paclitaxel with carboplatin in view of their low serum creatinine clearance. The treatment was completed by 12 patients (63.2%). Of 79 planned cycles, 50 were taken. The treatment was well tolerated with grade 3-4 gastrointestinal toxicity was seen in 1 patient, grade 3 neurological toxicity in one and grade 5 neutropenia in one patient. Treatment related death occured in one patient. The median follow-up was 15.33 months and 6 loco-regional relapsed had taken place. The estimated median DFS was 16.2 months and the estimated median OS was not reached. The estimated DFS for treatment completed patients was 23.13 months as against 2.16 months for patients not completing treatment.

Conclusion:

The platinum and taxane doublet chemotherapy was found to be safe and effective.

Treatment of Stage I Seminoma testis with extended field adjuvant radiation

With an aim to analyze and document the outcome of Stage I Seminoma patients we undertook a retrospective analysis of patients treated between January 1990 and December 1998. The treatment charts of patients treated between January 1990 and December 1998 were reviewed. Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment details, relapse rates, late toxicities, or occurrence of second primary was noted. Royal Marsden Staging System was utilized because of its simplicity and wide-use in the above period. Out of 137 patients, 41 (30%) patients did not receive any further treatment, 96 (70%) patients received prophylactic radiotherapy to para-aortic and pelvic nodes. The observation group patients had a median follow-up 20 months, 9 patients had nodal relapse with 7 in retroperitoneal nodes and 2 patients in inguinal nodes. Of these, 7 patients received BEP chemotherapy and 2 patients Chemoradiation. Four patients had complete remission while remaining 5 patients had partial response. The histopathologies of all the 5 patients with partial response were reviewed to reconfirm the diagnosis. Patients of prophylactic radiotherapy group had a follow-up of 33 months, 6 patients relapsed, RP nodal disease in 5 patients and distant metastasis in 1 patient. All these patients received BEP chemotherapy. One had complete response and remaining 5 patients had partial response. The group of patients under observation had a significantly higher relapse rate and lower disease free compared to the adjuvant radiotherapy group (73.5% vs. 91% at five years, p value 0.004). Disease specific survivals for the two groups were however similar (89% vs. 93%) at five years, p value 0.18). We conclude that Stage I Seminoma patients treated with prophylactic radiation to paraaortic and pelvic region had better outcome.

A rare case of plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma of bladder: Diagnostic dilemmas and clinical implications

Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma is an uncommon and aggressive variant of urothelial carcinoma associated with late presentation and poor prognosis. We discuss here the first reported case from India of a 54-year-old male who presented with hematuria. Cystoscopy showed edematous and ulcerated mucosa throughout the bladder. A transurethral biopsy revealed urothelial carcinoma with plasmacytoid appearance. He underwent a radial cystectomy which on histopathology showed plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma of the bladder of high stage with involvement up to bladder serosa and adventitial walls of the ureter. The diagnostic dilemmas of this unusual variant of urothelial malignancy and its clinical impact are discussed.