Cohort profile: COBLAnCE: a French prospective cohort to study prognostic and predictive factors in bladder cancer and to generate real-world data on treatment patterns, resource use and quality of life

PURPOSE

Bladder cancer is a complex disease with a wide range of outcomes. Clinicopathological factors only partially explain the variability between patients in prognosis and treatment response. There is a need for large cohorts collecting extensive data and biological samples to: (1) investigate gene-environment interactions, pathological/molecular classification and biomarker discovery; and (2) describe treatment patterns, outcomes, resource use and quality of life in a real-world setting.

PARTICIPANTS

COBLAnCE (COhort to study BLAdder CancEr) is a French national prospective cohort of patients with bladder cancer recruited between 2012 and 2018 and followed for 6 years. Data on patient and tumour characteristics, treatments, outcomes and biological samples are collected at enrolment and during the follow-up.

FINDINGS TO DATE

We describe the cohort at enrolment according to baseline surgery and tumour type. In total, 1800 patients were included: 1114 patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and 76 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) had transurethral resection of a bladder tumour without cystectomy, and 610 patients with NMIBC or MIBC underwent cystectomy. Most patients had a solitary lesion (56.3%) without basement membrane invasion (71.7% of Ta and/or Tis). Half of the patients with cystectomy were stage ≤T2 and 60% had non-continent diversion. Surgery included local (n=298) or super-extended lymph node dissections (n=11) and prostate removal (n=492). Among women, 16.5% underwent cystectomy and 81.4% anterior pelvectomy.

FUTURE PLANS

COBLAnCE will be used for long-term studies of bladder cancer with focus on clinicopathological factors and molecular markers. It will lead to a much-needed improvement in the understanding of the disease. The cohort provides valuable real-world data, enabling researchers to study various research questions, assess routine medical practices and guide medical decision-making.

Rare paraneoplastic syndrome of prostatic cancer: limbic encephalitis: a case report

Introduction

Limbic encephalitis is an autoimmune neurologic disorder, often of paraneoplastic origin, that seldom complicates prostatic tumors. The nonspecificity of symptoms makes the diagnosis sometimes difficult to establish. Prognosis is essentially determined by comorbidities and sensorineural and cognitive sequelae.

Clinical case

A 66-year-old Caucasian patient known to have prostatic small-cell neuroendocrine adenocarcinoma under hormonal therapy developed complex partial epileptic seizures associated with rapidly aggravating severe memory impairment.

The tripod of autoimmune limbic encephalitis diagnosis was based on the clinical aspect of brain’s functional deterioration, electroencephalography aspect, and γ-aminobutyric acid type B anti-receptor antibody positivity. Clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic management as well as evolutionary risks were further analyzed.

Conclusion

Limbic encephalitis is an extremely rare presentation of neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes.

A better knowledge of this entity would help better manage diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties and reduce the risk of possible sequelae.

[Mirror survey of patients with urge urinary incontinence and healthcare professionals]

BACKGROUND

This survey assessed how much of a taboo surrounds urge or mixed urinary incontinence (UI), through questions to affected patients and healthcare professionals using online questionnaires, with the objective to contrast the patients' perceptions with that of the doctors.

METHODS

This quantitative study was preceded by a qualitative phase carried out with general practitioners, specialists, and UI patients. Following these phases, questionnaires were made available on the internet. They covered questions pertaining to perceptions of UI, degree of embarrassment and its consequences, patient-doctor relationship, and treatments.

RESULTS

Overall, 310 UI patients of male or female gender participated in the study, as did 101 general practitioners, 50 urologists, and 30 gynecologists. The analysis revealed that 60% of patients felt embarrassment about UI, the condition representing for them a taboo topic similar to cancer. This taboo was shown to be seen further enhanced by doctors. UI was associated with a loss of self-esteem (51%) and restriction to daily life (44%). The patients' answers revealed that UI was only brought up by doctors in 6% of cases, whereas the patient was the first to bring it up in 55%, primarily with their general practitioner (80%). Thus, in 4 out of 10 cases, the issue was not addressed; 49% of patients stated they did not discuss their condition with their partner and 33% did not discuss it with anybody.

CONCLUSION

UI is still a major taboo and we have a long way to go to change attitudes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Large-cell neuroendocrine tumor of the prostate: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Primitive neuroendocrine prostate neoplasms are rarely reported. This entity comprises carcinoïd tumors and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, mainly those of the small-cell type. Large-cell-type primitive tumors are exceptional, and only nine cases are reported in the literature. Similar to neuroendocrine tumors of the prostate, large-cell-type primitive tumors may be observed in the context of conventional adenocarcinoma during androgen deprivation therapy or as prostatic metastasis of a distant neuroendocrine tumor, mainly pulmonary neoplasms.

Case presentation

We report a Caucasian case of a mixed prostatic carcinoma, with the largest component being the large-cell neuroendocine carcinoma, in a patient who underwent a total prostatectomy for a localized cancer. Diagnostic, histological, therapeutic and evolutive aspects are reported and discussed.

Conclusions

Large-cell primitive prostate neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare but aggressive histological entity, which can be associated or not with an adenocarcinomatous component. Mixed forms have a better outcome, mainly when diagnosed at an early stage.

Available evidence on HIFU for focal treatment of prostate cancer: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common oncologic disease among men. Radical treatment with curative intent provides good oncological results for PCa survivors, although definitive therapy is associated with significant number of serious side-effects. In modern-era of medicine tissue-sparing techniques, such as focal HIFU, have been proposed for PCa patients in order to provide cancer control equivalent to the standard-of-care procedures while reducing morbidities and complications. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the available evidence about focal HIFU therapy as a primary treatment for localized PCa.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature review of focal HIFU therapy in the MEDLINE database (PROSPERO: CRD42021235581). Articles published in the English language between 2010 and 2020 with more than 50 patients were included.

RESULTS

Clinically significant in-field recurrence and out-of-field progression were detected to 22% and 29% PCa patients, respectively. Higher ISUP grade group, more positive cores at biopsy and bilateral disease were identified as the main risk factors for disease recurrence. The most common strategy for recurrence management was definitive therapy. Six months after focal HIFU therapy 98% of patients were totally continent and 80% of patients retained sufficient erections for sexual intercourse. The majority of complications presented in the early postoperative period and were classified as low-grade.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights that focal HIFU therapy appears to be a safe procedure, while short-term cancer control rate is encouraging. Though, second-line treatment or active surveillance seems to be necessary in a significant number of patients.

Quality of life and functional outcomes after radical cystectomy with ileal orthotopic neobladder replacement for bladder cancer: a multicentre observational study

PURPOSE

Ileal orthotopic neobladder (IONB) reconstruction is the preferred urinary diversion among selected patients who have undergone radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BCa). There is insufficient data regarding patients' quality of life (QoL), sexual and urinary outcomes. Our objectives were to assess QoL in a multicentre cohort study, and to identify related clinical, oncological and functional factors.

METHODS

Patients who underwent RC with IONB reconstruction for BCa from 2010 to 2017 at one of the three French hospitals completed the following self-reported questionnaires: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) generic (QLQ-C30) and bladder cancer specific instruments (QLQ-BLM30). To assess urinary symptoms, patients completed the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire (USP) and a three-day voiding diary. Univariate and multivariate analyses were computed to identify clinical, pathological, and functional predictors of global QoL score.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients completed questionnaires. The median age was 64 years and 86.3% were men. The median interval between surgery and responses to questionnaires was 36 months (range 12-96). Fifty-five percent of patients presented a high global QoL (EORTC-QLQC30, median score 75). A pre-RC American Society of Anesthesiologists score > 2, active neoplasia, sexual inactivity, and stress urinary incontinence were associated with a worse QoL. After a multivariate analysis, sexual inactivity was the only independent factor related to an altered QoL.

CONCLUSION

Patients with IONB reconstruction after RC have a high global QoL. Sexual activity could independently impact the global QoL, and it should be assessed pre- and post-operatively by urologists.

Evaluation of care given to patients suffering from erectile dysfunction by French urologists in 2018

Erectile dysfunction varied by country, affecting between 20 to 40% of men aged 60 and 69 and more than 50% of men aged over 75. Our objective was to evaluate the habits of urologists in 2018 and also evaluate the need for additional, objective tools to aid physicians when providing care. A questionnaire was sent from the French Urology Association to 1158 physicians between November and December 2018. In all, 177 urologists (15.28%) took part in the study. Only 22% of urologists regularly used a questionnaire, such as the IIEF-5. When faced with erection problems, 56.5% of them did not carry out systematic cardiology evaluations. More than half of urologists requested fasting glucose, lipid and total testosterone levels. Twenty-seven percent did not carry out additional tests. First line treatment included a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor in 81% of cases. Two thirds of urologists (78%) rated themselves as being correctly trained in the area of erectile dysfunction. However, only 49% systematically inquired about erection problems when faced with benign prostatic hyperplasia and 65% thought that erectile dysfunction was not treated optimally. Despite existing recommendations, only half of urologists carry out a cardiac evaluation when a finding of erectile dysfunction is made. One third of urologists do not request additional testing. Greater training, along with the use of an objective diagnostic tool could help urologists to optimise the care they provide for patients suffering from erectile dysfunction, allowing them to keep working within current guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Non-surgical management of Peyronie's disease: State of current knowledge]

BACKGROUND

Peyronie's disease is an inflammatory disorder of the penis, where scar tissue creates a plaque at the level of the albuginea, limits its extension, and leads to a bent and shorter penis during erections. There are no international standards for the evaluation and the treatment of the disease. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge about the management of Peyronie's disease and to suggest an algorithm to help physicians evaluate and manage this condition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature review was conducted through PubMed database following PRISMA guidelines using the Mesh terms: Peyronie, disease, treatment and diagnosis. Results are presented in a descriptive manner.

RESULTS

Multiple treatment strategies have been proposed, but no conclusive randomized clinical trial is done to assess their efficacies. The oral treatment was shown to be more beneficial in the setting of a multi-modal approach to treat the acute phase. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and the potassium para-aminobenzoate are superior to the other molecules of oral therapy for pain management. Local treatment with topical verapamil, iontophoresis and intra-lesional injection of verapamil, interferon alfa-2b and collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) revolutionized the management of the disease by the modification of the plaque size and angulation. Alternative treatments using extra-corporeal shock wave or traction devices are promising. Intra-lesional injection of CCH is the only therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition after the stabilization of the disease. The channeling of the plaque before CCH injections is making better results than the initial protocol, concerning angulation improvement.

CONCLUSION

Multiple therapeutic strategies exist for the management of the Peyronie's disease, but they lack evidence based data. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the current practices and to study more efficient treatments.

Testicular plasmocytoma as an unsual late relapse of multiple myeloma

Among extramedullary manifestations of multiple myeloma, testicular localization is exceptional. A scrotal mass in this context poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges given the aesthetic, psychological and reproductive impact of surgery.

Authors report a case of testicular plasmocytoma seven years after remission from multiple myeloma. The treatment consisted of left inguinal orchidectomy. Diagnosis needed the recourse to immunohistochemistry.

Diagnostic modalities, therapeutic options and evolutive eventualities will be discussed.

Extra-medullar localization is exceptionally reported in extramedullary multiple melanoma. Management depends on the concomitant or distant character of hemopathy diagnosis and the disease evolutive history.

[Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction for bladder cancer: robotic-assisted versus open-radical cystectomy for perioperative outcomes, functional results and quality of life]

INTRODUCTION

Open radical cystectomy (ORC) is the gold standard technique for carcinologic cystectomies. Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) was introduced in 2003 and its development is booming.

OBJECTIVE

To compare ORC and RARC with totally intracorporal (IC) orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction, in terms of perioperative outcomes, morbidity, functional results and quality of life (Qol).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2010 to February 2017, a French multicentric, prospective study on patients who had a RC and ONB reconstruction for bladder cancer was performed. All patients completed the following questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) generic (QLQ-C30) and the bladder cancer specific instruments (QLQ-BLM30). To assess urinary symptoms, patients also completed the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire (USP) and a three-day voiding diary. Patients were divided in two groups: ORC and RARC.

RESULTS

We included 72 patients: 55 in the ORC group (76,4%) and 17 (33,6%) in the RARC group. Operative time was longer in RARC group (median 360 vs 300min; P<0.001) but length of stay was 5 days shorter (median 12 vs 17 days; P<0,05). Patients in RARC group had less blood transfusion (0 vs 23.6%; P<0.05), but a higher rate of uretero-ileal anastomosis stenosis and eventration at long term (respectively 25.5 vs 3.6% et 23 vs 2%; P<0.05). No statistical differences were found concerning quality of life items and functional results between the groups.

CONCLUSION

RARC with totally IC ONB reconstruction lead to less perioperative morbidity with a reduced rate of blood transfusion and a reduced hospital length of stay. At long term, RARC could provide higher rates of uretero-ileal stenosis and eventration. RARC and ORC do not have any differences in terms of functional outcomes and Qol at long term after ONB reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Diagnosis and laparoscopic management of retrocaval ureter: A review of the literature and our case series

•

The main advantage of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of retrocaval ureter is less blood loss during surgery.

•

Other advantages are shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain and superior esthetic results.

•

Pure laparoscopic treatment (as in our two cases) seems feasible and technically reliable with excellent functional outcome.

•

Intracorporeal anastomosis of the ureter remains the main limiting factor.

Objectives

To expose the diagnosis and the different laparoscopic approaches for the surgical management of patients with retrocaval ureter (RCU) and to share our experience on two cases.

Methods

Updated literature review on Pubmed and debating personal experiences including ours (double j stent insertion before the surgery, use of 4 trocards, transperitoneal approach, pyelopyelostomy for the anastomosis…), concerning the laparoscopic treatment of the RCU.

Results

Laparoscopic treatment of RCU is a recommended management for many reasons: less blood loss during the surgery, a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain and superior esthetic results with excellent functional results. All of these findings were also a part of our experience on the two reported cases: operative time was 210 and 180 min with no significant bleeding, hospital stay was 48 h post operatively for both patients that were symptom free with no renal dilation after 2 years of close follow up. The main cause of the increased operating time is the intracorporeal anastomosis of the ureter which remains the main limiting factor of the laparoscopic surgery.

Conclusions

The literature review has clearly shown the advantages of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of retrocaval ureter. Pure laparoscopic treatment (as in our two cases), seems feasible and technically reliable, and should be the standard surgical option for the treatment of RCU.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of a Combination of Propolis and Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) (DUAB®) in Preventing Low Urinary Tract Infection Recurrence in Women Complaining of Recurrent Cystitis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of a product containing cranberry and propolis (DUAB) to placebo for reducing frequency of cystitis in women with recurrent acute cystitis.

METHOD

A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized study of women aged >18 years with at least 4 episodes of cystitis in the previous 12 months was performed. The number of cystitis episodes over a 6-month follow-up was the primary end point.

RESULTS

Forty-two women were included in the cranberry + propolis group, and 43 women were in the placebo group. The mean age was 53 ± 18 years, with 6.2 ± 3.6 cystitis episodes in the previous year, with no differences between the 2 groups. The mean number of infections was lower in the propolis + cranberry group (respectively, 2.3 ± 1.8 vs. 3.1 ± 1.8). The total number of cystitis episodes in the first 3 months was lower in the propolis + cranberry group (0.7 ± 1.1 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1, p = 0.0257) after adjusting for water consumption. The mean time to onset of the first urinary tract infection (UTI) was also significantly longer in the propolis + cranberry group (69.9 ± 45.8 days vs. 43.3 ± 45.9, p = 0.0258). Tolerance to the treatments was good and comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate for the first time that cranberry and propolis supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of UTIs during the first 3 months and delays the onset of an episode of cystitis.

The visual prostate symptom score is a simple tool to identify and follow up in general practice patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (a study with 1359 patients)

INTRODUCTION

The IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), a structured self-administered questionnaire is the reference test for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A 5-pictogram score entitled Score Visuel Prostatique en Images (SVPI) was proposed in France and evaluated by urologists. We assessed the interest of the SVPI for the identification and monitoring of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related LUTS in general practice, and compared it with the IPSS.

METHODS

A prospective observational survey was carried out with general practitioners (GPs) throughout France. The first 4consecutive patients aged over 60years, with BPH-related LUTS (IPSS score greater than 8) for whom the GP freely intended to prescribe an alpha-blocker, were enrolled. Two self-administered questionnaires were used at baseline and at follow-up visit (between 1 and 3months): French language version of the IPSS (8questions) and the SVPI. The 5pictograms of the SVPI were: How many times do you urinate during the day (score of 0 to 5)? How many times do you urinate during the night (score of 0 to 5)? Do you experience an urgent need to urinate (score of 0 to 4)? How strong is the stream (response from 0 to 4)? Do you urinate in a satisfactory manner (score of 0 to 6)? The primary objective was to assess and validate the sensitivity to change of the SVPI at baseline and follow-up visit by the study of the correlation of its changes according to the changes of LUTS evaluated with the IPSS.

RESULTS

Five hundred and forty seven GPs enrolled at least one patient and returned information. 2261patients completed the inclusion questionnaire, and 1359 were included in the statistical analysis. Under treatment with alpha-blocker, the IPSS average decreased from 17.7±4.9 to 10.5±4.4 (P<0.0001) with an average diminution of 7.2±4.0, which corresponded to an improvement of 40.7%. This significant decrease of the IPSS involved all its components. The total SVPI was evaluated to 13.8±3.1, the irritative sub-score to 7.4±2.0, and the obstructive sub-score to 2.4±0.8. The internal consistency of the SVPI was good with a value of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.74. Under treatment with alpha-blocker, the value of the total SVPI decreased from 13.8±3.1 to 8.2±3.0 (P<0.0001) between enrolment and the follow-up visit. The Pearson coefficients assessing the correlations in 1359 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy were statistically significant at enrolment, and at the follow-up visit. Their variations were all significant. The correlations were weak for the obstructive subscores. Four hundred and fifty-one GPs gave their opinion on the SVPI compared to IPSS: for 36.8% of them, the SVPI was completed a little more rapidly than the IPSS, for 34.6% more rapidly, and for 22.8% of them the SVPI was completed much more rapidly. For 5.8% of them, there was no difference. With regard to ease of understanding for the patient, the 451 GPs responded: much easier for 27.3%, easier for 37.3%, a little easier for 27.1%, and 8.4% had no opinion.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the SVPI to be a simple and useful tool for identifying and monitoring BPH-related LUTS. Total SVPI was correlated with total IPSS, even if the obstructive subscore correlation was weaker. The good sensitivity of the SVPI to change showed its potential interest for monitoring LUTS. Given the underuse of the IPSS and the interest expressed by GPs and urologists, the SVPI might be used alone to analyse patient complaints.

Resistance and virulence potential of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients hospitalized in urology departments: a French prospective multicentre study

We characterized antibiotic resistance and virulence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients hospitalized in urology departments. A prospective multicentre study was initiated from March 2009 and lasted until February 2010 in French urology units. All patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU), acute cystitis, acute pyelonephritis or acute prostatitis in whom UPEC was detected were included. Antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors were compared among the different groups. To identify independent associations between virulence markers and the risk of UTI, we used a multivariate logistic regression. We included 210 patients (mean age: 65.8 years; 106 female). Episode of UTI was community acquired in 72.4 %. ABU was diagnosed in 67 cases (31.9 %), cystitis in 52 cases (24.7 %), pyelonephritis in 35 cases (16.7 %) and prostatitis in 56 cases (26.7 %). ABU was more frequent in patients with a urinary catheter (76.1 vs 23.9 %, P<0.001). The resistance rate was 7.6 and 24.8 % for cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin, respectively. UPEC isolated from infections belonged more frequently to phylotypes B2 and D (P =0.07). The papG allele II and papA, papC, papE, kpsMTII and iutA genes were significantly more frequent in infecting strains (P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, strains susceptible to ciprofloxacin were significantly associated with papG allele II (P=0.007), kpsMTK1 (P<0.001) and hlyA (P<0.001) compared with the ciprofloxacin-resistant strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the antibiotic resistance and virulence features of UPEC isolated from patients hospitalized in urology departments. High resistance rates were observed, notably for ciprofloxacin, highlighting the importance of a reinforced surveillance in this setting.

Development of a standardised training curriculum for robotic surgery: a consensus statement from an international multidisciplinary group of experts

OBJECTIVES

To explore the views of experts about the development and validation of a robotic surgery training curriculum, and how this should be implemented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An international expert panel was invited to a structured session for discussion. The study was of a mixed design, including qualitative and quantitative components based on focus group interviews during the European Association of Urology (EAU) Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) (2012), EAU (2013) and ERUS (2013) meetings. After introduction to the aims, principles and current status of the curriculum development, group responses were elicited. After content analysis of recorded interviews generated themes were discussed at the second meeting, where consensus was achieved on each theme. This discussion also underwent content analysis, and was used to draft a curriculum proposal. At the third meeting, a quantitative questionnaire about this curriculum was disseminated to attendees to assess the level of agreement with the key points.

RESULTS

In all, 150 min (19 pages) of the focus group discussion was transcribed (21 316 words). Themes were agreed by two raters (median agreement κ 0.89) and they included: need for a training curriculum (inter-rater agreement κ 0.85); identification of learning needs (κ 0.83); development of the curriculum contents (κ 0.81); an overview of available curricula (κ 0.79); settings for robotic surgery training ((κ 0.89); assessment and training of trainers (κ 0.92); requirements for certification and patient safety (κ 0.83); and need for a universally standardised curriculum (κ 0.78). A training curriculum was proposed based on the above discussions.

CONCLUSION

This group proposes a multi-step curriculum for robotic training. Studies are in process to validate the effectiveness of the curriculum and to assess transfer of skills to the operating room.

[CCAFU's contribution to the French National Cancer Institute's reference frame: Retroperitoneal sarcomas]

INTRODUCTION

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are rare tumours. The objective of this article is to propose management guidelines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A review of the literature was performed using the PubMed search engine (1985-2013) with the key words: retroperitoneal sarcoma, prognosis, recurrence, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Chest, abdomen and pelvis computed tomography is the reference examination. Other examinations are optional. PET scan is not indicated for the primary diagnosis. CT-guided retroperitoneal biopsy is recommended and must be systematically performed before any management of a suspicious retroperitoneal mass. All retroperitoneal sarcomas must be registered and presented to a multidisciplinary consultation meeting devoted to the management of sarcomas (regional meetings) prior to any therapeutic intervention. Treatment is essentially surgical and is primarily designed to achieve negative surgical margins (R0). Neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be proposed depending on the risk of progression and the resectability. The recurrence rate is related to tumour grade and surgical margins. The final prognosis is intimately related to the quality of initial management and the number of cases treated by each centre.

CONCLUSION

Retroperitoneal sarcomas have a poor prognosis. The quality of initial management directly impacts recurrence-free survival and overall survival. The prognosis is improved by multidisciplinary management conducted in a reference centre.

[Flexible cystoscopes: disinfection and microbiological surveillance practices among French urologists]

INTRODUCTION

According to the French regulatory authorities, the highest level of disinfection must be achieved for flexible cystoscopes, as they enter a sterile cavity, the current method being peracetic acid disinfection and sterile water terminal rinsing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The concordance between regulations and the routine was researched using a self-administered questionnaire sent to all French urologists.

RESULTS

Responses from 78 urology units, totalling 317 urologists (26% response rate) were analysed. As a whole, 51.2% of centers followed all recommendations on disinfection. There was no microbiological surveillance in 16.6% of centers, although microbiological tests were performed in two out of three centers before using a new endoscope or when returning from maintenance.

CONCLUSION

Improvements are needed, both in the disinfection process and the microbiological surveillance. Low temperature sterilization and the use of sterile disposable sheaths may represent an alternative.

[CAPURO survey on quality of life of urologists in 2009]

BACKGROUND

The physician's well-being at work is more and more evaluated, but so far few studies have concerned the specialty of urology. The objective of this survey CAPURO was to explore the quality of the professional life of French urologists, to get their position about on going reforms and information about their extra professional activities.

METHODS

The duration of this survey conducted in 2009 was one month with a questionnaire of 25 questions available at the AFU congress and on the Internet site www.cap-uro.com.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-six urologists have answered the questionnaire. More than two of three urologists declared being satisfied of their work, especially private urologists. The mean duration of weekly work was 57hours with much time spent for activities not directly related to the care of patients, but judged useful to develop quality of care and evaluation of practices. Ninety percent of urologists declared not to have an easy access to the new techniques and 60% of them were interested by clinical research, but most of them didn't have the necessary resources. They declared to be satisfied by the continuous medical training, but they affirmed lacking of help to get accreditation. Oncology, benign hyperplasias of prostate, lithiasis and endourology were the main urological specialities exercised by urologists. A majority of French urologists seemed to be very anxious about the future, mainly because of on going reforms. A few numbers of urologists had extra professional activities.

CONCLUSION

In 2009, French urologists who participated in the survey CAPURO were mostly satisfied or very satisfied with their conditions of practice, but with some dissatisfaction justifying a real dialogue between health authorities and professionals.

[Recommendations of the Infectious Disease Committee of the French Association of Urology. Diagnosis, treatment and monitoring candiduria]

The candiduria are frequently encountered in urology. We present the recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Committee of the French Association of Urology for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of urinary tract infections. C. albicans is the most frequently isolated species, representing 60% of the isolates. Immunosuppression, diabetes mellitus, age extremes of life, the presence of catheters or procedures on the urinary tract are risk factors for Candida urinary tract infection. The candiduria is usually asymptomatic and does not need treatment. Only 4-14% of patients with candiduria have symptoms of urinary infection. It is necessary before choosing candiduria isolated on a first urinalysis to eliminate contamination by conducting a second harvest. In patients surveyed, the removal of the material allows the resolution of the candiduria nearly half the time and represents the first step of management. Oral fluconazole is the recommended treatment for cystitis (400 mg on day 1 and 200 mg daily for 7 to 14 days). In cases of pyelonephritis without associated candidemia, the first-line therapy is fluconazole (3-6 mg/kg/day) for 14 days or amphotericin B at a dose of 0.5 to 0.7 mg/kg/day with or not associated to flucytosine when potentially resistant strain (C. glabrata).

[New concepts in the management of MIBC in 2010]

The urothelial carcinoma of the prostate is an entity which is necessary to recognize. The infiltration of the prostatic stroma is a major prognostic factor. The 2009 pTNM classification distinguish carcinoma in situ of the urethra with involvement of prostatic acini (pT2) from direct invasion of prostatic stroma through outside involvement (pT4). In case of non metastatic muscle invasive bladder cancer with major lymphatic invasion, the standard treatment remains neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy and extended lymphadenectomy. Only some patients can hope a complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. For these responders, we can sometimes discuss, at an individual level, a bladder conservative strategy with an intensive surveillance.

Educational tool-kit on diet and exercise: survey of prostate cancer patients about to receive androgen deprivation therapy

OBJECTIVES

To test a tool-kit designed to improve well-being in patients with prostate cancer. Lifestyle changes might lessen the metabolic, cardiovascular, and osseous side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients.

METHODS

Urologists supplied 10 consecutive patients initiating ADT with a tool-kit (information brochure, practical guidance on diet and exercise, recipe booklet, and lifestyle diary). The urologists completed a total 4 questionnaires, at study initiation, one at the patients' first and second visits, and one at study completion.

RESULTS

Overall, 91 urologists completed all questionnaires; 585 patients (median age, 75 years) were seen at the first visit, and 511 patients at the second. Patient response rate to the first questionnaire was 62% and 56% to the second. After the first visit, 82% of respondents reported being very glad or glad to receive the kit; among those having read the practical guidance (301/362), 57% had started implementation and 36% intended to do so. After the second visit, 76% were satisfied with the tool-kit and 84% were implementing guidance. Clinician satisfaction rate was 82%: benefits were improved patient dialogue (62%), follow-up (55%), and better explanation of side effects (51%). Only 14 clinicians were not pleased by the tool kit. Their main criticisms (too long, tedious, not tailored to individual needs) matched those of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Written detailed guidance on diet and physical exercise for patients about to receive ADT met a genuine need and was well perceived by both clinicians and patients. Implementation rate was high. However, content should be adapted to patient age and disease stage.