Biocarbon device for cutaneous ureterostomy

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase genes might predict the risk of side-effects of estramustine phosphate sodium in prostate cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Estramustine phosphate sodium (EMP) frequently causes side-effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and edema in extremities. We analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B) genes, which are involved in the metabolism of EMP, to predict the risk of EMP side-effects in prostate cancer patients.

METHODS

We performed genotyping of SNP in the HSD17B genes of 44 Japanese patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. The association of SNP and individual EMP side-effects was evaluated.

RESULTS

Peripheral edema occurred more frequently in patients with C/C genotype of IMS-JST123219 than in those with C/G genotype (OR: 5.47, 95% CI: 1.27-23.64). Haplotype analysis showed that appetite loss was associated with the G allele of IMS-JST123219 and the T allele of IMS-JST123218 (OR: 9.13, 95% CI: 1.15-72.76).

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary data demonstrated that analyses of SNP in the HSD17B genes might predict the occurrence of side-effects from EMP.

Biocarbon ureterostomy device for urinary diversion. Multicenter clinical trial

The bioCarbon ureterostomy device is a stomal prosthesis for upper tract urinary diversion that has had preliminary successes in animal and human trials in Europe and Peru. Implantation of a pure carbon stomal prosthesis offers the potential advantages of high biocompatibility, lack of encrustation, and elimination of stomal stenosis which is frequently associated with cutaneous ureterostomy. Nine bioCarbon ureterostomy devices were implanted from August, 1984 through July, 1985. Although successful implantation was achieved in 2 patients, the complication rate was high. The bioCarbon ureterostomy device has potential as an alternative form of urinary diversion. However, significant problems need to be remedied before it can be recommended for routine clinical application.

Clinical experience with an alloplastic stoma prosthesis (Biocarbon) for urinary conduits and cutaneous ureterostomy

An alloplastic stoma prosthesis, Biocarbon, composed of 99.9% pure carbon in vitreous form, was used in six patients with conduit urinary diversion and in seven with cutaneous ureterostomy. The patients were thereafter observed for 2-86 months. Complications were subcutaneous infection, urinary fistula and ureteral stenosis, which necessitated removal of the prosthesis in most cases. The permanent stoma, without need for adhesive collecting device, was appreciated by the patients. Problems relating to biocompatibility remain to be solved before the place of the stoma prosthesis in urinary diversion can be determined.