Patient-reported outcome measures compared to clinician reported outcomes regarding incontinence and erectile dysfunction in localized prostate carcinoma after robot assisted radical prostatectomy: Impact on management

PURPOSE/ BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely used after robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in order to evaluate the impact/burden of the treatment. The most bothersome side effects of RARP are urine incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). During the follow up consultations, clinicians report these side effects in interviewing patients. Our study examined the discrepancy between the PROMs and clinician report outcomes (CROs) and hypothesized that the disagreement could have an impact on the management of UI and ED.

METHODS

Up to 1 year after RARP, UI and ED recovery of 312 men with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer were assessed using the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) and CROs by interview. Discrepancies between PROs and CROs were studied in light of treatment offered and management.

RESULTS

The ICIQ-SF Score matched with CROs in all sum score categories except in ICIQ sum score 6 to 12; here the UI was underreported by clinicians in 58% and 59% of patients at 8 and 12 months (P < 0.001). Furthermore, at 8 and 12 months postoperatively, clinicians underreported UI in 29% and 23% of patients with ICIQ score 13-18 (P < 0.001). The clinician significantly over-reported the recovery of erectile function ("normal erection") (P < 0.001), especially in men with IIEF-EF sum score 6 to 16. Independently of ICIQ-SF/IIEF-EF scores, discrepancy between PROs and CROs did not affect rate of health care offered to patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This is to our knowledge the first study that compared the PROs with clinician reported functional outcomes and the impact of discrepancies on the management of side effects of RARP in prostate cancer. Observed discrepancies between the PROs and CROs did not affect offered management and counseling of UI and ED.

Histopathological concordance between prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomy specimens-implications of transrectal and transperineal biopsy approaches

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological concordance rates between prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomy specimens according to the applied biopsy approach (transrectal or transperineal).

METHODS

We studied patients who had been newly diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer and who underwent a radical prostatectomy between 2018 and 2022. Patients were included if they underwent a prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging and if they had not been previously treated for prostate cancer. Histopathological grading on prostate biopsies was compared with that on radical prostatectomy specimens. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the effect of the applied biopsy approach on histopathological concordance. Additional analyses were performed to assess the effect of the applied biopsy approach on American Urological Association risk group migration, defined as any change in risk group after radical prostatectomy.

RESULTS

In total, 1058 men were studied, of whom 49.3% (522/1058) and 50.7% (536/1058) underwent transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsies, respectively. Histopathological disconcordance was observed in 37.8% (400/1058) of men while American Urological Association risk group migration was observed in 30.2% (320/1058) of men. A transperineal biopsy approach was found to be independently associated with higher histopathological concordance rates (OR 1.33 [95% CI 1.01-1.75], p = 0.04) and less American Urological Association risk group migration (OR 0.70 [95% CI 0.52-0.93], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a transperineal biopsy approach improved histopathological concordance rates compared to the use of a transrectal biopsy approach. A transperineal biopsy approach may provide more accurate risk stratification for clinical decision-making. Despite recent improvements, histopathologic concordance remains suboptimal and should be considered before initiating management.

Effects of and Lessons Learned from an Internet-Based Physical Activity Support Program (with and without Physiotherapist Telephone Counselling) on Physical Activity Levels of Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors: The PABLO Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

We developed an Internet-based physical activity (PA) support program (IPAS), which is embedded in a patient portal. We evaluated the effectiveness and costs of IPAS alone (online only) or IPAS combined with physiotherapist telephone counselling (blended care), compared to a control group.

METHODS

Breast or prostate cancer survivors, 3-36 months after completing primary treatment, were randomized to 6-months access to online only, blended care, or a control group. At baseline and 6-month post-baseline, minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were measured by accelerometers. Secondary outcomes were self-reported PA, fatigue, mood, health-related quality of life, attitude toward PA, and costs. (Generalized) linear models were used to compare the outcomes between groups.

RESULTS

We recruited 137 survivors (participation rate 11%). We did not observe any significant between-group differences in MVPA or secondary outcomes. Adherence was rather low and satisfaction scores were low to moderate, with better scores for blended care. Costs for both interventions were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Recruitment to the study was challenging and the interventions were less efficacious than anticipated, which led to lessons learned for future trials. Suggestions for future research are as follows: improved accessibility of the support program, increased frequency of support, and use of activity trackers.

Functional outcomes rather than complications predict poor health-related quality of life at 6 months after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

The objective is to evaluate the effect of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)-related postoperative complications on the 6-month postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A total of 1008 patients underwent a RARP with or without pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) between 2012 and 2020 and were invited to complete questionnaires about HRQoL and functional outcomes (urinary incontinence (UI), erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary complaints (UC)) before and 6 months after RARP. Patient characteristics and postoperative complications up to 90 days after surgery were prospectively recorded. Associations between complications and HRQoL/functional outcomes were assessed by multivariate linear regression analyses. In total, 528 patients (52.4%) were included in the analyses. Complications occurred in 165/528 (31.3%) patients, of which 30/165 (18.2%) had a Clavien-Dindo ≥ III complication. In multivariate regression analyses, postoperative complications were not significantly associated with postoperative HRQoL, UI and ED (p = 0.73, p = 0.72 and p = 0.95, respectively), but were significantly associated with a minor increase in UC (β = 1.7, p < 0.001). More specifically, infectious and urological complications were significantly associated with an increase in UC (β = 1.9, p < 0.001 and β = 0.9, p = 0.004, respectively). The presence of UTI, in particular, was significantly associated with this minor increase (β = 1.5, p = 0.002). Functional outcomes were all significantly associated with the HRQoL at 6 months postoperatively. No significant associations were found between postoperative complications and HRQoL at 6 months after RARP. However, worse functional outcomes were associated with a worse HRQoL at 6 months postoperatively. In addition, postoperative infectious and urological complications were significantly associated with a minor increase in UC.

Nodal recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RTOG-based nodal radiotherapy for prostate cancer

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Recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RT for PC_N+ were correlated with nodal fields.

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In-field nodal recurrences were uncommon.

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Out-field nodal recurrences occurred mostly just above the elective nodal field.

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Expanding elective fields to the aorta bifurcation may prolong disease-free survival.

Purpose

Biochemical failure after external beam radiotherapy (RT) for node-positive prostate cancer (PC_N+) frequently involves nodal recurrences, in most cases out of field. This raises the question if current RTOG-based elective nodal fields can still be considered optimal. Modern diagnostic tools like PSMA PET/CT and choline PET/CT can visualize nodal recurrences with unprecedented accuracy. We evaluated recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RT for PC_N+, with the aim to explore options for improved nodal target definition.

Methods and materials

Data of all patients treated with curative intent EBRT for PC_N+ in NKI-AVL from 2008 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. EBRT comprised 70 Gy to the prostate or 66–70 Gy to the prostate bed, 60 Gy to involved nodes, and 52,5–56 Gy (46 Gy EQD2) to RTOG-based elective nodal fields, in 35 fractions. Locations of recurrences on PET/CT were noted, and nodal locations were correlated with the applied EBRT fields.

Results

42 patients received PSMA (28) or choline (14) PET/CT at biochemical recurrence. 35 patients (83%) had a positive scan. At their first positive scan 17 patients had nodal metastasis, in some cases together with a local recurrence or distant disease. In-field nodal recurrences were uncommon (n = 3). Out-field nodal recurrences occurred more frequently (n = 14), with the majority (n = 12) just above the elective nodal field. These nodes were the single area of detectable failure in 6 patients (14%).

Conclusions

Current RT with RTOG-based nodal fields for PC_N+ provides good in-field tumour control, but frequent out-field nodal recurrences suggest missed microscopic locations. Expanding elective fields to include the aorta bifurcation may prolong recurrence-free survival. Future research must address whether the potential benefits of this strategy outbalance additional toxicity.

(Cost-)effectiveness of an internet-based physical activity support program (with and without physiotherapy counselling) on physical activity levels of breast and prostate cancer survivors: design of the PABLO trial

BACKGROUND

Higher levels of physical activity (PA) after treatment are associated with beneficial effects on physical and psychosocial functioning of cancer survivors. However, survivors often do not meet the recommended levels of PA. In order to promote PA, we developed a closed internet-based program. The aim of the study is to evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness of an internet-based PA-promotion program, alone or combined with physiotherapy counselling, compared to usual care, on PA-levels of breast or prostate cancer survivors. In this multicenter randomised controlled trial (RCT), breast or prostate cancer survivors who completed their primary treatment 3-12 months earlier, will be randomised to either 6-months access to a fully-automated internet-based intervention alone, an internet-based intervention plus remote support by a physiotherapist, or a control group. The intervention is based on the Transtheoretical Model and includes personalized feedback, information, video's and assignments. Additionally, in a second arm, physiotherapy counselling is provided through monthly scheduled and on-demand telephone calls. The control group will receive usual care and a leaflet with PA guidelines.

METHODS

At baseline, 6 and 12 months, the primary outcome (PA) will be measured during 7 consecutive days by accelerometers. Secondary outcomes are self-reported PA, fatigue, mood, health-related quality of life, and costs. The group differences for primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed using linear mixed models.

DISCUSSION

If proven to be (cost)effective, this internet-based intervention, either alone or in combination with telephone support, will be a welcome addition to previous RCT's.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands trial register (NTR6911), Date of trial registration: December 21, 2017.

A prediction model relating the extent of intraoperative fascia preservation to erectile dysfunction after nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is performed in patients with prostate cancer. Unfortunately, 10-46% of patients may still suffer from limited erectile function (EF) after RARP. This study aimed to develop a prediction model based on the extent of fascia preservation (FP) and postoperative EF after RARP. A previously developed FP score quantizing the extent and regions of nerve-preservation was determined in a cohort of 1241 patients who underwent RARP. The predictive value of the FP score for post-prostatectomy EF (following the international index erectile function (IIEF) score, EF domain) was analyzed. To increase the predictive value of the scoring system, the FP regions were related to postoperative EF, nerve distribution and co-morbidity factors. Finally, a prediction model for EF was developed based on the studied cohort. When corrected for the preoperative IIEF-EF, the FP score was shown to be a significant denominator for IIEF (p = 2.5 × 10^- 15) with an R² of 35%. Variable selection performed using the Akaike information criterion led to a final prediction model for postoperative IIEF after nerve-preservation based on the FP score. Furthermore, patient's age, preoperative IIEF score, CCIS and use of clips for nerve sparing were significantly associated with postoperative IIEF-EF. More anterior fascia preservation was correlated with better EF outcome and age was a strong independent predictor of EF outcome. In older men, the relative benefit of more extensive fascia preservation was at least similar to younger men, despite a lower baseline IIEF-EF score. Quantitative nerve-sparing FP scoring could be related to the postoperative IIEF-EF and integrated into a multivariate prediction model, which includes with age, use of surgical clips, the Charlson Comorbidity Index Score (CCIS), and preoperative IIEF-EF. When further validated the prediction model could provide patients and care-givers a qualitative estimation of EF outcome after RARP.

The best of both worlds: a hybrid approach for optimal pre- and intraoperative identification of sentinel lymph nodes

Purpose

Hybrid image-guided surgery technologies such as combined radio- and fluorescence-guidance are increasingly gaining interest, but their added value still needs to be proven. In order to evaluate if and how fluorescence-guidance can help realize improvements beyond the current state-of-the-art in sentinel node (SN) biopsy procedures, use of the hybrid tracer indocyanine green (ICG)-^99mTc-nancolloid was evaluated in a large cohort of patients.

Patients and methods

A prospective trial was conducted (n = 501 procedures) in a heterogeneous cohort of 495 patients with different malignancies (skin malignancies, oral cavity cancer, penile cancer, prostate cancer and vulva cancer). After injection of ICG-^99mTc-nanocolloid, SNs were preoperatively identified based on lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT. Intraoperatively, SNs were pursued via gamma tracing, visual identification (blue dye) and/or near-infrared fluorescence imaging during either open surgical procedures (head and neck, penile, vulvar cancer and melanoma) or robot assisted laparoscopic surgery (prostate cancer). As the patients acted as their own control, use of hybrid guidance could be compared to conventional radioguidance and the use of blue dye (n = 300). This was based on reported surgical complications, overall survival, LN recurrence free survival, and false negative rates (FNR).

Results

A total of 1,327 SN-related hotspots were identified on 501 preoperative SPECT/CT scans. Intraoperatively, a total number of 1,643 SNs were identified based on the combination of gamma-tracing (>98%) and fluorescence-guidance (>95%). In patients wherein blue dye was used (n = 300) fluorescence-based SN detection was superior over visual blue dye-based detection (22–78%). No adverse effects related to the use of the hybrid tracer or the fluorescence-guidance procedure were found and outcome values were not negatively influenced.

Conclusion

With ICG-^99mTc-nanocolloid, the SN biopsy procedure has become more accurate and independent of the use of blue dye. With that, the procedure has evolved to be universal for different malignancies and anatomical locations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00259-018-4028-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sentinel node biopsy and lymphatic mapping in penile and prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Nodal metastases are linked to poor outcome in men with penile or prostate cancer. Early detection and resection are important for staging and for the prognosis. However, lymphadenectomy is associated with morbidity and may miss metastases when performed solely on the basis of anatomical templates.

METHODS

In this article we describe the technique and benefits of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and provide a review of the literature.

RESULTS

Dynamic sentinel node techniques using both radioactive and optical (hybrid) tracers have been proven effective in penile cancer. For prostate cancer, SNB added to extended nodal dissection may further tailor dissection to the highly variable lymphatic drainage patterns in the pelvis. The sensitivity of SNB was found to be superior to conventional imaging methods; however, false-negative SNB procedures can occur and a complementary extensive lymphadenectomy is required to remove additional positive nodes that were not detected in the SNB template.

CONCLUSION

SNB is a standard method for early detection of nodal metastases in penile cancer and provides superior diagnostic accuracy to conventional imaging modalities in prostate cancer.

Vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) evaluation of short- and long-term outcome after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP): selective cystogram to improve outcome

The role of a cystogram to assess the vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been debated. Early catheter removal without cystogram was reported to be associated with a trend towards an increased risk of acute urinary retention (AUR). In two cohorts we studied the effects of VUA leakage on cystogram and functional outcome after RARP. Cohort A contained 1390 consecutive men that routinely underwent a cystogram after RARP. Transurethral catheter (TUC) was removed in the absence of VUA leakage or minimal leakage on subsequent repeat cystogram. Outcome was compared to a group of 120 men that underwent cystography 7-10 days after RARP but had the TUC removed independent of cystography findings (cohort B). Outcome was assessed by early clinical follow-up and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires at 6 months. Men in cohort B had an increased risk of AUR and 6 months voiding complaints when compared to cohort A. The incidence of AUR and voiding complaints was associated with grade 2-3 leakage on cystography in cohort B but not in cohort A. Grade 2-3 leakage on cystogram was more likely in men with larger prostates larger and preoperative voiding complaints. Selective cystogram in men with larger prostates and preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may prevent early AUR and voiding complaints after RARP when prolonged TUC use is applied.

Beyond penile cancer, is there a role for sentinel node biopsy in urological malignancies?

This review aims to discuss the current state-of-the-art of sentinel node (SN) mapping in urological malignancies. The principles and methodological aspects of lymphatic mapping and SN biopsy in urological malignancies are reviewed. Literature search was restricted to English language. The references of the retrieved articles were examined to identify additional articles. The review also includes meta-analyses published in the past 5 years. SN biopsy for penile cancer is recommended by the European Association of Urology as the preferred staging tool for clinically node-negative patients with at least T1G2 tumours (level of evidence 2a, Grade B). The feasibility of SN biopsy in prostate cancer has been repeatedly demonstrated and its potential value is increasingly being recognised. However, conclusive prospective clinical data as well as consensus on methodology and patient selection are still lacking. For bladder, renal and testicular cancer, only few studies have been published, and concerns around high false-negative rates remain. Throughout the years, the uro-oncological field has portrayed a pivotal role in the development of the SN concept. Recent advances such as hybrid tracers and novel intraoperative detection tools such as fluorescence and portable gamma imaging will hopefully encourage prospectively designed clinical trials which can further substantiate the potential of the SN approach in becoming an integral part of staging in urological malignancies beyond penile cancer.

Differences in histopathological evaluation of standard lymph node dissections result in differences in nodal count but not in survival

OBJECTIVE

To analyse whether the reported differences in nodal yield at pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for bladder cancer, between two hospitals, are reflected in the survival rates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed follow-up data of all 174 patients (mean age: 62.7, median follow-up: 3 years) who underwent PLND between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009 at two different hospitals. PLND was performed according to a standardized template by the same urologists for comparable bladder cancer patients. Mean number of reported lymph nodes was 16 at hospital A versus 28 at hospital B. We compared the overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between both cohorts and performed a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The cumulative probability for 2-year OS, DSS and RFS for hospital A are 61, 64 and 54 %, versus 58, 58 and 53 % for hospital B, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves did not reveal statistically significant differences between both groups (OS: p log-rank = 0.75, DSS: p log-rank = 0.56, and RFS: p log-rank = 0.80). Also after adjustment for pT stage and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, survival was not significantly different between hospital A and hospital B.

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in lymph node yield in PLND specimens, this study reveals no significant differences in survival outcomes between both hospitals. Standardized histopathological methods should be agreed upon by pathologists before integrating nodal yield and subsequent lymph node density as indicators of the quality of surgery and as prognostic factors.

Standard lymph node dissection for bladder cancer: significant variability in the number of reported lymph nodes

PURPOSE

We compared the nodal yield after histopathological examination of extended bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection specimens for bladder cancer at 2 hospitals. Surgery at each hospital was done by the same 4 staff urologists using a standardized extended bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection template.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All consecutive patients with bladder cancer who underwent extended bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009 were included in this study. Specimens were sent for pathological evaluation in a minimum of 2 packages per side. At the 2 pathology departments specimens were processed according to institutional protocols.

RESULTS

A total of 174 patients with a mean age of 62.7 years were included in analysis. At hospital 1 a mean of 16 lymph nodes were found after dissection vs a mean of 28 reported at hospital 2 (p <0.001). No significant differences were found in the number of tumor positive lymph nodes (p = 0.65). Mean lymph node density at hospitals 1 and 2 was 9.3% and 3.9%, respectively (p = 0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite equal anatomical clearance by the same experienced surgeons we report a statistically significant difference between 2 pathology departments where the number of lymph nodes was evaluated after extended bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection for bladder cancer. Unless standardized methods are agreed on by pathologists, the number of reported lymph nodes as an indicator of surgical quality and lymph node density as a prognostic factor should be used cautiously.

Serum Hemoglobin Levels Predict Response to Strontium-89 and Rhenium-186-HEDP Radionuclide Treatment for Painful Osseous Metastases in Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Retrospective comparative analysis of strontium-89 chloride (Sr89) and rhenium-186-hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate (Re186-HEDP) radionuclide treatment to find predictors of response in patients with painful metastases from hormone refractory prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data from 60 hormone refractory PCA patients (i.e. rising PSA at castrate testosterone serum levels) was obtained. Twenty-nine were treated with Sr89, 31 were treated with Re186-HEDP for painful osseous metastasis. Response was defined as a patient-reported decrease in pain and/or reduction in pain medication with stable pain level. Hematological parameters and serum levels of PSA, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were assessed prior to and at 4-week intervals after treatment.

RESULTS

Median survival of all patients was 7 months (95% CI: 6-9 months). Overall, 33/60 (55%) patients reported a decrease in pain after the first radionuclide treatment. This percentage was similar for patients treated with Re168-HEDP and Sr89. Mean duration of reported pain response was 75 days (+/- 68 days) for Sr89 and 61 days (+/- 56 days) for Re186-HEDP, which was not significantly different. A lower blood hemoglobin concentration was associated with a lower pain response rate. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, pain response to radionuclide treatment predicted longer survival after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain response was present in 55% of patients. Serum hemoglobin concentration prior to radionuclide treatment predicted pain response for both Re186-HEDP and Sr89. A reduction in pain upon radionuclide treatment was associated with a longer survival after treatment.

New experimental markers for early detection of high-risk prostate cancer: role of cell-cell adhesion and cell migration

Today's treatment and diagnosis of prostate cancer still exhibit major limitations. The search for new and additional prognostic markers is therefore still an actual field of interest. Potential markers involved in numerous biological processes in the tumor cell have been investigated intensively. For therapeutic interventions it is important to distinguish between harmless and aggressive disease in an early stage. Therefore the subject of this review is limited to markers associated with those functional processes, which discriminate early stage aggressive, metastatic cancer from harmless disease. Important processes in this respect are: altered cell adhesion and cellular migration. E-cadherin, N-cadherin, beta-catenin, integrins, focal adhesion kinase, connexins and matrix metalloproteinases all appear promising biological markers associated with the early stage metastatic process in prostate cancer. Here we discuss their potential to become valid biological markers based on literature data. Thus far, none of these markers proved to be a valid individual marker by itself due to prostate cancer heterogeneity and transient expression. Analyzing a combination of the potential markers discussed in this review is expected to be a better approach toward discriminating high- from low-risk tumors in an early stage of prostate cancer.

Molecular markers in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

The genetic alterations leading to prostate cancer are gradually being discovered. A wide variety of genes have been associated with prostate cancer development as well as tumor progression. Knowledge of gene polymorphisms associated with disease aid in the understanding of important pathways involved in this process and may result in the near future in clinical applications. Urinary molecular markers will soon be available to aid in the decision of repeat prostate biopsies. Recent findings suggest the importance of androgen signaling in disease development and progression. The further understanding of interaction of inflammation, diet, and genetic predisposition will improve risk stratification in the near future.

Androgen Receptor and TGFbeta1/Smad Signaling are Mutually Inhibitory in Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

The androgen receptor (AR) has been reported to modulate TGFbeta1/Smad signaling and is, like transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFbeta1) often overexpressed in hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). In human prostate cancer cell lines the role of AR in the response to TGFbeta1 is evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PC3 cells grow hormone independently, lack AR expression, and have a functioning TGFbeta1/Smad signaling cascade whereas LNCaP cells express (a mutated) AR, and lack TGFbeta receptor (TGFbetaR2) expression. Luciferase reporter assays for AR signaling, TGFbeta1/Smad signaling, and E2F transcriptional activity were performed. PC3 cells and TGFbetaR2 stably-transfected LNCaP cells (LNCaP-R2) were incubated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or TGFbeta1. Wst-1 assay and flowcytometric evaluation of annexin-V staining were applied to quantify cell growth and apoptosis. Immunoblot analysis was performed to evaluate c-Myc expression.

RESULTS

Luciferase reporter assays showed mutual transcriptional inhibition of AR and TGFbeta/Smad signaling in AR transfected PC3 and LNCaP-R2 cells. AR expression reduced the TGFbeta1/Smad transcriptional activity and the growth inhibitory effects of TGFbeta1 also in the absence of DHT in PC3 cells. TGFbeta1 reduced the E2F transcriptional activity of AR activation by DHT. This was associated with a reduced c-Myc expression in PC3 cells. AR expression in PC3 cells prevented TGFbeta1 induced growth inhibition and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

AR overexpression is an effective way of hormone refractory prostate cancer cells to overcome the growth inhibitory effects of elevated serum TGFbeta1 levels even in the absence of DHT. These findings provide an explanation for how AR overexpression favors growth in HRPC.

Upper Urinary Tract Cancer: Location is Correlated with Prognosis

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate prognostic information of anatomical location in patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (UTTCC).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 149 upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (UTTCC) patients from a single institute treated surgically between 1988 and 2003.

RESULTS

Transmural tumor growth (pT3 or pT4) was less common in distally located tumors (33%) compared to mid (44%), proximal ureter (75%) or pyelum tumors (41%). Tumor stage was the best predictor of disease specific survival. Distally located tumors had a significantly better survival than proximally located cancers (median survival 53 months versus 16 months for tumors in the proximal ureter). Bladder cancer was found in 73 (49%) patients. Invasive UTTCC were less likely to be associated bladder cancer (RR 0.66, 95%CI 0.43-0.98). In a multivariate analysis both tumor stage and location in the upper tract were predictive of disease specific survival after UTTCC diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Tumor location in the proximal upper tract predicts stage-independent poor prognosis in patients with UTTCC.

Mammalian target of rapamycin and 3-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway inhibition enhances growth inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta1 in prostate cancer cells

PURPOSE

Serum transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 is elevated in patients with metatatic prostate cancer. Although growth inhibitory in normal prostate epithelial cells, cancer cells are often resistant to TGF-beta1. The role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in TGF-beta1 resistance was studied in prostate cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PC3 and LNCaP human prostate cancer cell lines were exposed for 72 hours to rapamycin (mTOR inhibition), LY294002 (PI3K/AKT inhibition) and TGF-beta1 in a proliferation (WST-1) assay. A TGF-beta1 receptor II, stably transfected LNCaP cell line was used (LNCaP-RII). TGF-beta1/SMAD (Sma and MAD [mothers-against-decapentaplegic]homologue) signaling was assessed using the pGL3-SBE4-luc (SBE4) reporter plasmid. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry were applied to evaluate phosphorylated Smad and E-cadherin expression in relation to mTOR inhibition and TGF-beta1 exposure.

RESULTS

In PC3 and LNCaP-RII cells mTOR and PI3K/AKT inhibition caused TGF-beta1 to become inhibitory for growth. The synergistic effect was associated with the increased expression of phosphorylated Smad and induction of SBE4 reporter plasmid expression. E-cadherin in PC3 cells increased upon mTOR inhibition and TGF-beta1 exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of growth signaling through PI3K/AKT/mTOR renders prostate cancer cells sensitive to TGF-beta1 induced growth inhibition.

Smart drugs in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

Growth signaling is instrumental in tumor development. Insight into signaling pathways by molecular and cellular biology has changed the development of new anticancer agents. Outside the field of urology specifically targeted drugs such as imatinib mesylate and gefitinib showed impressive anticancer activity in chronic myeloid leukemia and non-small cell lung cancer, respectively.

METHODS

Literature search of PubMed documented publications and abstracts from meetings.

RESULTS

Preclinical data in prostate cancer shows upregulation of a wide variety of growth factors and their receptors such as PDGF, EGF, IGF, FGF, and VEGF suggesting efficacy of agents targeting these pathways. Here the preclinical evidence and first clinical data on the use of growth signal targeting in prostate cancer is reviewed. Although some anticancer efficacy of signal transduction inhibition monotherapy was reported, combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy seemed most promising in prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

So-called smart drugs are small molecules targeted at specific growth signaling pathways. These new drugs will dominate clinical trials in the years to come either as single-drug modality, but more likely as combination treatment.

Rapamycin induces Smad activity in prostate cancer cell lines

Rapamycin inhibits the FK506-binding protein 12 (FKBP12)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex and causes cell cycle arrest in G1. The precise mechanism of growth inhibition by rapamycin is only partly understood. Rapamycin led to growth inhibition in the human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC3 cells after 72 h, ID50: 93 and 50 nM, respectively. Filter cDNA array analysis showed down-regulation by more than 0.75x by rapamycin in PC3 cells and LNCaP cells of the following genes: follistatin, eukaryotic initiation factor-4E (eIF4E), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-A, ATP synthase, heat shock protein (HSP)-1. Upregulation by more than 1.5x was found for: bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4, FKBP12, carcinoma embryonic antigen (CEA) precursor, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-3 p36 subunit, latent transforming growth factor (TGF) beta binding protein (LTBP)1. Rapamycin induced BMP4 and reduced follistatin expression in PC3 cells. This resulted in a dose-dependent nuclear expression of Smad4 and activated the SBE4 Smad-reporter, indicating activation of TGFbeta/BMP signaling. Combining rapamycin with PI3K inhibition (LY294002) increased growth inhibition. These findings illustrate that Smad signaling plays a role in the anticancer effects of rapamycin and show that combination with PI3K inhibition improves growth inhibition.

Epidermal growth factor receptor targeting of replication competent adenovirus enhances cytotoxicity in bladder cancer

PURPOSE

We evaluated the delivery and oncolytic potential of targeted replication competent adenoviruses in bladder cancer lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven established human bladder cancer tumor lines (5637, SW800, TCCsup, J82, Scaber, T24 and 253J) were studied for the expression of integrins alpha(v)beta3, alpha(v)beta5, Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule antigens using flow cytometry analysis. Bispecific single chain Fv fragments were used to target replication deficient luciferase reporter adenovirus to EGF-R (425-s11) or to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (C28-s11) antigens. Moreover, a fiber modified adenovirus targeting alpha(v)-integrins was studied. Replication competent serotype-5 adenoviruses attenuated to replicate specifically in retinoblastoma pRb (Ad5-d24) or p53 deficient (Ad5-d55K) cells were tested in vitro for oncolytic properties.

RESULTS

Low to absent Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor expression was found in 5 of the 7 tumor lines (SW800, J82, T24, 5637 and Scaber). EGF-R expression was found in all cell lines, whereas elevated epithelial cell adhesion molecule expression was seen in 3 (5637, Scaber and TCCsup), alpha(v)beta3-integrin was found in 1 (Scaber) and alpha(v)beta5-integrin was found in 3 (TCCsup, 253J and T24). EGF-R targeting using 425-s11 improved transgene expression in all cell lines from 2.1 to 12.5 times over nontargeted viruses. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule and integrin targeting was inferior to EGF-R targeting with a maximal increase in transgene expression of 2 times for epithelial cell adhesion molecule in 5637cells and 1.6 times for integrin targeting in T24 cells. Comparison of the wild-type replication competent virus with conditionally replicating adenoviruses (Ad5-d55K and Ad5-d24) showed superior oncolytic activity for the latter 2 in all lines. Furthermore, improved cytotoxicity (29% to 33%) was obtained in 4 of the 7 lines after pre-incubation of Ad5-d24 with 425-s11.

CONCLUSIONS

EGF-R directed bispecific single chain antibodies enhance adenovirus mediated transgene expression and oncolysis in bladder cancer lines.

Epidermal growth factor receptor targeting of replication competent adenovirus enhances cytotoxicity in bladder cancer

PURPOSE

We evaluated the delivery and oncolytic potential of targeted replication competent adenoviruses in bladder cancer lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven established human bladder cancer tumor lines (5637, SW800, TCCsup, J82, Scaber, T24 and 253J) were studied for the expression of integrins alpha(v)beta3, alpha(v)beta5, Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule antigens using flow cytometry analysis. Bispecific single chain Fv fragments were used to target replication deficient luciferase reporter adenovirus to EGF-R (425-s11) or to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (C28-s11) antigens. Moreover, a fiber modified adenovirus targeting alpha(v)-integrins was studied. Replication competent serotype-5 adenoviruses attenuated to replicate specifically in retinoblastoma pRb (Ad5-d24) or p53 deficient (Ad5-d55K) cells were tested in vitro for oncolytic properties.

RESULTS

Low to absent Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor expression was found in 5 of the 7 tumor lines (SW800, J82, T24, 5637 and Scaber). EGF-R expression was found in all cell lines, whereas elevated epithelial cell adhesion molecule expression was seen in 3 (5637, Scaber and TCCsup), alpha(v)beta3-integrin was found in 1 (Scaber) and alpha(v)beta5-integrin was found in 3 (TCCsup, 253J and T24). EGF-R targeting using 425-s11 improved transgene expression in all cell lines from 2.1 to 12.5 times over nontargeted viruses. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule and integrin targeting was inferior to EGF-R targeting with a maximal increase in transgene expression of 2 times for epithelial cell adhesion molecule in 5637cells and 1.6 times for integrin targeting in T24 cells. Comparison of the wild-type replication competent virus with conditionally replicating adenoviruses (Ad5-d55K and Ad5-d24) showed superior oncolytic activity for the latter 2 in all lines. Furthermore, improved cytotoxicity (29% to 33%) was obtained in 4 of the 7 lines after pre-incubation of Ad5-d24 with 425-s11.

CONCLUSIONS

EGF-R directed bispecific single chain antibodies enhance adenovirus mediated transgene expression and oncolysis in bladder cancer lines.

Comparison of surveillance and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors

OBJECTIVES

To compare retrospectively the treatment results of surveillance and primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) of patients with clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis (NSGCT) in two institutions in The Netherlands.

METHODS

From 1982 to 1994, 90 consecutive patients with clinical Stage I NSGCT were prospectively entered in a surveillance protocol in Amsterdam (group 1). In the same period, 101 patients with clinical Stage I NSGCT underwent primary RPLND in Nijmegen (group 2). Both patient populations were comparable for patient age, presence of vascular invasion, and embryonal cell components in the primary tumor. All patients in group 1 with relapse, except for 2, were treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. All patients in group 2 with vital tumor in the RPLND specimen were treated with two adjuvant courses of combined chemotherapy (cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin).

RESULTS

In group 1, at a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 23 patients (26%) had relapse. The median time to relapse was 12 months. Relapses were located retroperitoneally (n = 18, 78%), in the lung (n = 3, 13%), scrotally (n = 1, 4%), and combined in the liver, lung, and pleura (n = 1, 4%). After treatment of relapses (chemotherapy in 21 and/or surgery in 11), only 1 patient died of disseminated disease. A disease-free survival rate of 98.5% was achieved at the median follow-up. The main toxicities consisted of short-lasting leukopenia, accompanied by infection (13%). Four patients reported cardiovascular and four neuropathy complaints. In group 2, the median follow-up was 6.9 years. In 31 patients (30.7%), vital tumor was found retroperitoneally; after two courses of combined chemotherapy, none of them had a relapse. Seven patients with pathologic Stage I disease (6.4%) had a pulmonary relapse within 1 year after surgery. No retroperitoneal relapses were found. After chemotherapy, 6 patients with relapse were salvaged, and 1 died of disseminated disease. The disease-specific survival rate in group 2 was 98% at the median follow-up. The most frequent surgical complications were lymphocele (n = 3), small bowel obstruction (n = 3), and abdominal pain (n = 3). The antegrade ejaculation rate was 94%.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent treatment results in terms of disease-free survival can be achieved in Stage I NSGCT with both surveillance and primary RPLND. Patients with pathologic Stage II disease adjuvantly treated with chemotherapy did not have any relapse and consequently all survived. Most complications after both treatment strategies are reversible. The choice of treatment should be based on balanced information and not on dogmatic principles.

A novel method for the determination of basal gene expression of tissue-specific promoters: an analysis of prostate-specific promoters

Because the toxicity of suicide gene therapeutics is directly related to basal promoter activity, we developed an assay to test for promoter "leakiness" using a diphtheria toxin mutant. Sequences of 15 prostate-specific gene promoter constructs were cloned in an expression plasmid (pBK; Stratagene, La Jolla, CA) backbone driving expression of an attenuated mutant of diphtheria toxin A (tox176). Low expression levels of the DT-tox176 result in significant protein synthesis inhibition reflected by a decreased expression of the luciferase activity of a simultaneously transfected CMV luciferase construct. ID50 (dose of plasmid with 50% luciferase inhibition) was calculated for each promoter construct in different cell lines. Highest transactivational activity (ID50 <75 ng) was found for the CMV promoter in all cell lines, which is in agreement with the dual luciferase assay findings. Unlike the dual luciferase findings, however, the DT-tox176 assay showed protein inhibition of CN65 (PSA promoter/enhancer) and PSE-hK2 (PSA enhancer and basal human kallikrein 2 promoter) in HEK293 and DLD cells indicating "leakiness" of these promoter constructs. Low basal promoter activity in nonprostate cell lines was found for the minimal PSA promoter, hK2, DD3, and OC promoters. The DT-tox176 assay can better predict basal promoter activity compared to less sensitive dual luciferase assay.

Microvessel density: correlation between contrast ultrasonography and histology of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

Increased microvessel density (MVD) of prostate cancer seems to be associated with poor prognosis and higher stage. Assessment of MVD using noninvasive methods could be of use in the work-up of patients with prostate cancer. The aim of the present study was to correlate three-dimensional contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasound (3D-CE-PDU) findings with MVD characteristics of radical prostatectomy specimens.

METHODS

Seven patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer had 3D-CE-PDU investigations 2-3 weeks after prostate biopsies were taken and prior to radical prostatectomy. The investigations were performed using Levovist contrast agent (Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) in combination with a Voluson 530D ultrasound scanner (Kretz AG, Zipf, Austria). The 7 patients were selected because of lateralization of the contrast enhancement. Histology slides were made of the side with 'contrast enhancement' and of the contralateral 'unenhanced' side and stained according to the catalyzed reporter deposition (CARD) amplification procedure, and MVD parameters were obtained.

RESULTS

In all patients the MVD count of the 'enhanced' side was higher than the MVD count of the 'unenhanced' side, averaging 1.93 times higher. On histology all enhanced lesions proved to contain prostate cancer tissue (average maximum diameter 25 mm (range 17-31)). Two patients had a small bilateral tumor lesion (4 and 5 mm respectively) and in total 5 patients had even smaller satellite lesions (1-2 mm). The smaller lesions were not identified using 3D-CE-PDU.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that 3D power Doppler contrast ultrasonography is a minimally invasive imaging modality, which has the potential to visualize lesions with increased MVD. This property of 3D-CE-PDU could be used in the detection of prostate cancer.

Can biological markers replace cystoscopy? An update

Cystoscopy is currently considered the gold standard for the detection of bladder tumors. The role of urine cytology in the initial detection and follow-up of patients is under discussion. New elaborative and rapid assays are available that may circumvent the low sensitivity and poor reproducibility of urine cytology. The methods that have been tested extensively are the nuclear matrix protein (NMP22) assay, the BTA stat assay, and the BTA TRAK enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Both outperform cytology in the detection of low-grade lesions. The specificity of both assays, however, lags behind that of cytology. The data from retrospective analyses are insufficient to justify clinical integration, and the need to replace cystoscopy with these novel assays remains to be proven.

Urinary NMP22 and karyometry in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with superficial bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the value of two outpatient urine tests with regard to the diagnosis and recurrence of bladder tumors.

METHODS

Fifty patients with a history of superficial bladder cancer were evaluated with urinary NMP22 levels (cutoff level 10 U/ml), bladder wash karyometry (low versus intermediate and high risk) and cystoscopy. All patients were followed for 1 year.

RESULTS

Diagnostic negative and positive predictive values (NPV and PPV) of the tests were, respectively: NMP22 91.2 and 56.3%, and karyometry 80 and 33.3%. Prognostic NPV and PPV with regard to a subsequent recurrence were, respectively: NMP22 77.8 and 27.3%, and karyometry 82.6 and 50%.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic value of NMP22 is good. Since the 3 false-negative results were in low-stage and low-grade lesions, this test could be used as a prescreening for cystoscopy. The NPV of these tests with regard to tumor recurrence is around 80%, but only karyometry has a significant PPV. Change in the follow-up policy on the basis of these tests remains difficult. In patients with neobladders NMP22 appears to be of little use, because of the high urinary NMP22 levels in the absence of malignancy.

Consecutive quantitative cytology in bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

Quantitative cytology (Quanticyt) provides an objective reproducible alternative for routine cytology. To increase the sensitivity of cytology, we studied the application of consecutive cytology in patients in follow-up for superficial bladder cancer.

METHODS

Between 1991 and 1998, a set of five or more bladder wash samples was obtained from 614 patients. These patients were retrospectively studied for follow-up data. Each sample was scored according to the Quanticyt risk score.

RESULTS

In 614 patients (508 men, 106 women), 5832 bladder wash samples were taken. The mean interval between the first and fifth sample per patient was 21.5 months (SD 13.8 months). The mean number of tumor recurrences per patient was 2.17 (SD 1.82). The risk score of the first sample was not predictive of recurrence. Invasive disease was found in 0%, 0%, and 0.8% of patients with one low, intermediate, and high-risk sample, respectively. After five samples, the corresponding rate was 0%, 0%, and 10%. A comparison of visual cytology and quantitative cytology revealed that the false-negative rate was significantly different (17% versus 3.8%). The positive predictive value was highest for visual cytology (17% versus 9.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Adding consecutive quantitative cytology to urine cytopathologic evaluation improves the detection rate of high-grade lesions. Combining quantitative cytology and visual cytology provided a more accurate prediction of tumor stage.

Recurrence of germ cell tumor after orchiectomy

OBJECTIVES

To assess the characteristics of patients with recurrent disease by a retrospective analysis.

METHODS

Between 1982 and 1998, 488 patients were treated in Nijmegen for testicular cancer. All patients underwent orchiectomy and adjuvant treatment when indicated. Patients were routinely followed up.

RESULTS

In 36 patients (7.4%), disease recurrence was found during follow-up; 12 had contralateral disease and 24 systemic recurrence. Contralateral testicular cancer occurred a median of 63.8 months (range 43.2 to 165.2) after orchiectomy and systemic recurrence at a median of 6.1 months (range 1.5 to 94.4). Contralateral testicular cancer was more frequent in patients with pure seminoma (odds ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 13.1); 8 of 9 patients with contralateral cancer received adjuvant radiotherapy. The best predictor of systemic recurrence after nonseminoma germ cell tumor was the presence of teratoma and embryonal cell components in the primary tumor. In the entire population, 19 patients (3.9%) died of the disease. None of the patients with contralateral testicular recurrence or systemic recurrence after Stage I seminoma died of the disease. One of 10 patients died of recurrent Stage I nonseminoma germ cell tumor. The chance of dying of recurrence after metastatic nonseminoma germ cell tumor was 36%.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence after an initially complete response is rare in testicular cancer. Contralateral testicular cancer is associated with the presence of seminoma components in the primary tumor and occurs almost 10 times later than systemic recurrence. The prognosis after contralateral testicular cancer and after recurrence in Stage I seminoma is good.

Neural network-based digitized cell image diagnosis of bladder wash cytology

In this pilot study, we tested whether it is possible to apply neural network-based diagnostics on bladder washings to detect urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder. Eighty-five bladder wash (BW) samples were chosen at random from our own database. Cystoscopy, histology, and follow-up data concerning tumor recurrence were available. Each slide was scanned by the neural network-based digitized cell image system. The neural network-based diagnosis (NNBD) was based on 128 digitized cell images provided by the system. The light microscopic diagnosis (LMD) was rendered by an experienced cytopathologist using the same terminology, i.e., negative, low-grade tumor, and high-grade tumor. Finally, an automatic QUANTICYT analysis was performed on the same material, with as classification low, intermediate, and high risk. The sensitivity for diagnosing a histologically confirmed tumor was for NNBD 92%, for LMD 50%, and for QUANTICYT 69%. For the three methods, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were made for the thresholds low grade/intermediate risk and high grade/high risk. For the prediction of a positive cystoscopy, the highest area under the curve (AUC) was found for NNBD, being 0.71. The AUC for LMD was 0.58. QUANTICYT analysis had the highest AUC value (0.62) for predicting tumor recurrence after a negative cystoscopy, with a lower value for NNBD (0.50). These findings indicate that neural network-based diagnosis of bladder washing samples is highly promising.

Metastasectomy in renal cell carcinoma: A multicenter retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

In 60-70% of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), metastases develop in the course of the disease. In the present analysis, the surgical management of metastases is described, and survival data are presented. This retrospective analysis may help in the management of future cases. Due to the retrospective nature of the data, no comparison between surgical and nonsurgical management is possible.

METHODS

Between 1985 and 1995, 152 resections of RCC metastases were performed in 101 patients at four Dutch Hospitals. Thirty-five and 6 patients had metastases resected 2 and 3 times, respectively. In most patients, the primary tumor was resected (n = 95). Resections were performed for metastases at different locations: lung n = 54, bone n = 42, lymph nodes n = 18, cerebrum n = 12 and locations in the spinal canal, thyroid, bowel, and testis. Skin excisions were excluded from the analysis. Solitary metastases were resected in 40 patients.

RESULTS

Median survival after the initial metastasectomy was 28 months. Initial tumor stage, grade, or size were not related to metastasis location or survival. The number of initially resected pulmonary metastases was of no influence on survival, however, multiple consecutive resections were related with longer survival. Patients with solitary metastases (n = 40) did not show longer survival after the first metastasectomy compared to no solitary lesions. Better survival was found for lung metastases compared to other tumor locations (p = 0.0006, log rank test) and for patients that were clinically tumor free after metastasectomy (p = 0.0230, log rank test). Additional immuno- or radiotherapy did not independently influence survival. Time interval between primary tumor resection and metastasectomy correlated positively with survival: a tumor-free interval of more than 2 years between primary tumor and metastasis was accompanied by a longer disease-specific survival after metastasectomy. Eleven patients were free of disease after metastasectomy with a median time of 47 (14-65) months. The median time of hospital admittance for metastasectomy was 9 days (4-64). Lethal complications were found in 2 patients. Long-term (>5 years) disease-free survival was achieved in 7% of patients whereas 14% of patients were free of disease with a minimal follow-up of 45 months.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Surgical management of metastases could be performed with short hospital stay, and low complication rates were found. (2) Disease-free survival was found in 14 and 7%, with follow-ups of at least 45 and 60 months, respectively. (3) The longest survival was found after surgery for pulmonary lesions. (4) Resection of solitary metastases did not result in longer survival compared to resection of nonsolitary lesions. (5) An interval shorter than 2 years between primary tumor and metastases was correlated with a shorter disease-specific survival.

Presence of carcinoma in situ and high 2C-deviation index are the best predictors of invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in patients with high-risk Quanticyt

OBJECTIVES

Karyometric analysis (Quanticyt) has proved of value as a cytologic marker for bladder cancer. This study was conducted to identify diagnostic and prognostic factors in a high-risk Quanticyt population to predict the prognosis of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.

METHODS

Quanticyt is a karyometric system for quantitative bladder wash cytologic findings based on two nuclear features: the 2c-deviation index (2cDI) and the mean of nuclear shape. Samples are scored as low, intermediate, or high risk. Before 1995, 109 patients with high-risk quantitative bladder wash cytologic findings were identified at our clinic. Four patients with previous invasive tumors were excluded.

RESULTS

Histologically proven malignancy was found in 54 of 105 patients at first high-risk quantitative bladder wash cytologic findings. Invasive TCC was found in 16 patients, and another 10 patients had progression during a median follow-up of 3.7 years. In univariate analysis, the presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS), highest tumor grade, 2cDI, and highest tumor stage were significant predictors of progression. The presence of CIS proved to be the only predictor of progression in the multivariate analysis. A 2cDI of 2.00 c(2) or higher was a significant predictor of CIS, invasive TCC, and progression. At follow-up analysis after negative cystoscopy, 2cDI showed a tendency toward predicting progression.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm earlier findings that CIS is an important marker of progression. 2cDI as assessed by quantitative cytology is a practical tool to predict CIS, invasive TCC, and subsequent progression. A 2cDI of 2. 00 c(2) can be used to further stratify high-risk quantitative bladder wash cytologic findings.

Gender differences in stage distribution of bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

To compare stage distribution between men and women with bladder cancer at first presentation.

METHODS

The population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry was used to investigate stage differences of newly diagnosed bladder cancer, including upper urinary tract tumors in female and male patients.

RESULTS

The stage distribution at first presentation for both bladder cancer and upper urinary tract tumors was slightly worse in female patients with transitional cell carcinoma than in male patients. The stage differences were more clear in non-transitional cell carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and sarcoma) of the bladder, with female patients presenting with higher stages. Because of the large numbers, these gender differences in stage distribution were statistically significant in both TCC (P <0.0001) and non-TCC (P <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Treating physicians should be aware that female patients are more frequently diagnosed with higher stages at the first presentation for bladder cancer and upper urinary tract tumors.

Markers for recurrence of superficial bladder cancer: what is valid?

The management of superficial bladder cancer is characterized by early recognition of recurrences and the prevention of progression. Several clinical markers are used to divide patients into risk groups determining treatment and follow-up schemes. Although only a small fraction of patients will progress to invasive disease, survival of these patients is largely dictated by their bladder cancer. Whether early aggressive treatment of 'high-risk' superficial bladder cancer improves survival is not the issue of this article. Here we discuss the markers available for predicting tumour recurrence and progression. Clinical markers remain the most practical in decision-making and can identify high-risk patients. Molecular markers may be useful, but as yet insufficient evidence exists on their efficacy for daily use.

Bladder cancer in women

Bladder cancer is seen mainly in men. The incidence in women is increasing, but is still approximately three to four times lower than in men. In particular transitional cell cancers seem relatively more common in men then in women (ratio 4:1), but non-transitional cell cancer is also more frequent in men (ratio 2.7: 1). As for men, smoking is the most important known factor for bladder cancer in women. Coffee-drinking also showed a weak correlation, the odds ratio being found to be twice as high for women (5.2) as for men (2.6). It was estimated that the percentage of bladder cancers attributed to occupational exposure in the United States is 11% in women, compared to 21% in men. Urinary tract infections are related to bladder cancer. The role of human papilloma virus infections, important in cervical cancer, is unclear in bladder cancer development. Surprisingly, bladder cancer is more often of a higher stage at initial diagnosis in women. With current tumor markers no explanation for the different prognosis in men and women can be postulated. The treatment of superficial bladder cancer tumors is similar for men and women. In recent years orthotopic bladder replacement has improved quality of life after cystectomy in invasive disease.

Can histopathology predict treatment outcome following high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate? Results of a biopsy study

BACKGROUND

Despite good results of high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, it is still difficult to predict the response to treatment on an individual basis. Besides clinical baseline parameters, intrinsic histological parameters are suggested to play a role in the response variance after TUMT. In this study we analyzed histological parameters (vessel density and epithelium-stroma (E/S) ratio) in patients who were selected for high-energy TUMT and related these parameters to clinical outcome.

METHODS

We treated 42 patients with high-energy TUMT, who prior to treatment agreed upon ultrasonographic investigation of the prostate in combination with biopsies of the peripheral and transitional zones of the prostate. For all separate biopsy locations, the histological stained prostate slides were morphometrically quantified with computer assistance and analyzed for E/S ratio and vessel density. Response to treatment was measured by using standardized response evaluation criteria and was correlated with histological outcome.

RESULTS

The E/S ratio in the inner gland biopsies tended to be higher in the good response group compared to the very poor responders. Furthermore, a clear trend was seen towards a lower vessel density in good responders. Large prostates and prostates with a high E/S ratio responded well to the high-energy thermotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Histopathological parameters of the prostate tend to be moderately predictive for clinical response in this research population. Poor responders appeared to have a somewhat higher vessel density in all prostate biopsy sides, and there was also a trend towards a lower E/S ratio in these patients.

Transient tenascin enhancement is an early event after androgen ablation in rat prostate

Tenascin (tenascin-C), a mesenchymal glycoprotein, is expressed in many tissue remodeling processes. We evaluated tenascin expression during androgen-deprivation-related involution of the rat prostate. At set intervals following castration and subsequent testosterone repletion, prostates were removed in 30 adult rats. Each prostate was immunostained with a polyclonal antiserum against rat tenascin and keratin antibodies specifically directed against exocrine basal cells and luminal cells in the prostate glandular structure. Morphologic impressions were semiquantatively evaluated using a computer-assisted image analysis system. Rat prostates showed a transient increase in the periglandular tenascin expression directly following castration that reached a maximum at day 3. At day 6, tenascin expression was similar to control prostates. This was accompanied by a decrease of cells in the luminal cell layer. The weakest tenascin immunoreactivity was noted on day 14 after androgen withdrawal. This process was reversed by androgen repletion. This study shows that in the rat prostate tenascin expression may be androgen dependent and that during androgen deprivation-related involution tenascin expression is probably associated with tissue remodeling by stromal-epithelial interactions.

Comparative analysis of p53 mutations in bladder washings and histologic specimens

Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53, analyzed in bladder washings, have positive predictive value for the progression of superficial bladder cancer to invasive disease. Bladder washings reflect the general status of the urothelium, and because sampling of bladder washings can be performed as an outpatient procedure, patients can be monitored more carefully. To determine the actual value of bladder washing specimens in assessing the p53 status of histologic specimens, we used the technique of polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism to analyze bladder washings and the synchronous tumors of 15 patients for the presence of p53 mutations. A significant correlation (2-tailed Fisher's exact test) between the p53 status of bladder washings and histologic specimens was observed if the 2 were compared among the specimens of a single patient. Overall, in 2 patients the mutation present in the tumors was not detected in the bladder washings, and in 1 patient the mutation in the bladder washing was not detected in the histologic specimens. These conflicting results obtained with bladder washings and histologic specimens could be explained mainly by the architecture of the tumors. The observed specificity of 86% and sensitivity of 75% emphasizes that although the correlation between the 2 methods is good, in a number of cases they are complementary to each other. The analysis of p53 mutations in at least 2 bladder washings gives insight into the p53 status of the synchronous tumors.

The Bard BTA test: its mode of action, sensitivity and specificity, compared to cytology of voided urine, in the diagnosis of superficial bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

Application of immunocytology directed against antigens of urothelial tumor cells or tumor-associated breakdown products intends to improve the sensitivity of the diagnosis of superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. In this study, the mode of action, sensitivity and specificity of the Bard(R) BTA test, detecting a tumor-associated release of a basement membrane complex, was addressed and compared with voided urine cytology (VUC).

RESULTS

Contrary to grade, a significant (p = 0. 003) relationship between tumor stage and BTA test sensitivity was observed, being 23.8, 33.3 to 100% for Ta (n = 42), T1 (n = 6) to >/=T2 (n = 5), respectively. These data suggest an association between an increase of the BTA test sensitivity with an increase of basement membrane degradation or interruption. With regard to this mechanism, the BTA test may be of special importance for monitoring tumor progression or increase in tumor invasiveness. Detection of low-stage, low-grade tumors by noninvasive techniques remains a challenge. The sensitivity of the BTA test for the presence of TCC was 32.3%, while that of VUC was 17.7%, but in this study the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the BTA test was not more effective in identifying the various tumor grades, stages or stage/grade groupings. However, dividing the patients in two groups of low risk (TaG1/TaG2) and high risk (TaG3 to >/=T2) leads to a significant (p = 0.008) increased sensitivity of the BTA test (27.3%) in detecting patients with low-risk tumors compared to VUC (3.0%). The specificity of the BTA test in patients with a history of TCC was 81.6%, while that of VUC was 98.9%.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity of the BTA test is at least equivalent to VUC and may be suited to monitor increase in stage in patients suffering from bladder carcinoma, but cannot replace cystoscopy in patients suspected for a bladder tumor.

Automated image analysis for bladder cancer

The genetic and epigenetic changes that occur during cancer development result in apparent morphological changes. Light microscopic image analysis provides objective assessment of cellular and nuclear morphology. The complexity of changes reflects the basic nature of dedifferentitation: a multi-hit process. Image analysis methods proved valuable for the assessment of malignancy in bladder cancer. Clinically applicable systems have been developed to diagnose urothelial cell cancer and predict prognosis. What is the place of these systems in daily practice?

Combining QUANTICYT karyometric analysis with architectural confocal-aided cytology to prognosticate superficial bladder cancer

For this study, bladder washings of 923 patients with a follow-up for superficial bladder cancer were used. For the prognostication of each case (follow-up period up to 20 mo), two parameters were used: tumor recurrence and the event of (progressing) invasive growth. Each sample was classified as negative, low grade or high grade, based on confocal-aided architectural cytology. The feature architecture was based on the images of the epithelial fragments as seen in the Feulgen stain, which also could be visualized in confocal microscopy. The same three classes were also used for grading the samples according to the QUANTICYT system, in which DNA and morphometry of nuclei were automatically assessed. The 532 cases graded as QUANTICYT high had a worse prognosis than the 391 cases with QUANTICYT low. In addition, architectural cytology contributed significantly for the prognostication of cases classified as QUANTICYT high, the 228 nonconcording cases faring better than the 304 concording ones. For QUANTICYT low, the 156 nonconcording cases had also a lower recurrence rate than the 235 concording ones, but this difference was only significant in patients followed for up to 8 mo. These findings indicate that QUANTICYT grading supplemented by architectural cytology supplies the clinician with valuable prognostic information which can be used to limit cystoscopies.

Conventional bladder wash cytology performed by four experts versus quantitative image analysis

Bladder wash cytology provides superior results for the detection of bladder malignancies than does voided urine analysis. Image analysis systems have been developed for quantification of cytologic features. In this study, routine bladder wash cytology is compared with an automated image analysis system (QUANTICYT). We studied a random set of 100 bladder wash samples from a population of 1614 patients in follow-up after bladder cancer. Four experienced pathologists interpreted the same 100 Papanicolaou-stained slides. Cytologic and image analysis results were compared for prediction of a cystoscopic lesion, histologic abnormalities, and tumor recurrence. After application of receiver operating characteristic curves, prediction of a cystoscopic lesion by cytology and image analysis was comparable. Both the image analysis system and the cytologic examination detected all of the high-grade lesions. Image analysis was superior to cytologic analysis for the prediction of tumor recurrence after normal findings at cystoscopic examination.

Intratumoral nuclear morphologic heterogeneity in prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES

Tumor heterogeneity can be measured by quantifying variance of nuclear characteristics by image analysis. Heterogeneity of cell nuclear features correlated with increased local progression in prostate cancer. In the present study, the influence of tumor heterogeneity on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence after radical retropubic prostatectomy was analyzed and tumor heterogeneity was compared in patients with and without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy.

METHODS

Retrospectively, radical prostatectomy material of 44 patients without and 12 patients with neoadjuvant hormonal treatment with a postoperative follow-up of at least 4 years was studied. Each prostatectomy specimen was systematically embedded in paraffin, and each tumor area within the prostate was marked and analyzed by an image analysis system for 32 nuclear features comprising nuclear shape, size, DNA content, and chromatin pattern. Several clinical features were available: preoperative serum PSA, hemoglobin concentration, Karnofsky score, tumor stage, and Gleason score.

RESULTS

Increased tumor heterogeneity, as expressed by differences in karyometric values between tumor areas in nuclear shape and chromatin pattern within the tumor, was significantly correlated with earlier PSA recurrence rate. As compared with nonpretreated patients, hormonally pretreated specimens showed smaller and less heterogeneous tumors. In particular, chromatin pattern heterogeneity was decreased in patients who underwent preoperative hormonal treatment compared with patients who were not pretreated. However, decreased heterogeneity was accompanied by a higher percentage of aneuploid areas per tumor in the pretreated patients. Cox regression analysis showed that karyometric determination of nuclear shape heterogeneity in combination with preoperative PSA level could predict time to PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy in patients without hormonal pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Increase in karyometric tumor heterogeneity in nuclear shape and chromatin pattern was correlated with a shorter PSA recurrence-free interval after radical prostatectomy. Preoperative PSA and karyometric tumor heterogeneity were the best predictors of PSA recurrence in a multivariate analysis. Intratumoral heterogeneity was decreased in patients with prostate cancer who underwent neoadjuvant hormonal therapy.

Quanticyt: karyometric analysis of bladder washing for patients with superficial bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

Quantitative cytology by image-analysis techniques enables objective interpretation of nuclear features in light microscopic images. QUANTICYT, a quantitative karyometric cytology system, was used in the follow-up of patients with superficial bladder cancer.

METHODS

From 1992 to 1995, 4137 samples from 1412 patients were obtained. At 1-year follow-up after the initial bladder washing, a tumor recurrence rate of 21% was found. In this period, tumor progression to invasive disease occurred in 1.6% of patients. Scoring of tumor by the QUANTICYT system was based on two nuclear features: the 2c deviation index and the mean of a nuclear shape feature: MPASS.

RESULTS

The method was found to be reproducible and superior to visual cytologic interpretation. QUANTICYT analysis of the bladder washings resulted in a score of low, intermediate, and high risk. In a multivariate analysis, highest grade of earlier tumor and QUANTICYT risk score were the best predictors of tumor recurrence and progression. For the easy application of QUANTICYT analysis in daily routine, a report form that included patient history and DNA histogram was developed.

CONCLUSIONS

QUANTICYT karyometric analysis of bladder-wash material proved a useful, clinically applicable grading tool in the follow-up of patients with superficial bladder cancer, with sufficient power to be used in decision-making in the individual patient.