The association of salvage intravesical therapy following BCG with pathologic outcomes and survival after radical cystectomy for patients with high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: A multi-institution analysis

INTRODUCTION

While numerous current clinical trials are testing novel salvage therapies (ST) for patients with recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the natural history of this disease state has been poorly defined to date. Herein, we evaluated oncologic outcomes in patients previously treated with BCG and ST who subsequently underwent radical cystectomy (RC).

METHODS

We identified 378 patients with high-grade NMIBC who received at least one complete induction course of BCG (n = 378) with (n = 62) or without (n = 316) additional ST and who then underwent RC between 2000 and 2018. Oncologic outcomes were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. Sensitivity analyses were conducted stratifying by presenting tumor stage, matched 1:3 for receipt vs. no receipt of ST.

RESULTS

Patients receiving ST were more likely to initially present with CIS (26% vs. 17%) and less likely with T1 disease (34% vs. 50%, P = 0.06) compared to patients not treated with ST. Receipt of ST was not associated with increased risk of adverse pathology (≥pT2 or pN+) at RC (31% vs. 41%, P = 0.14). Likewise, 5-year cancer-specific survival did not significantly differ between groups on univariable Kaplan-Meier analysis (73% for ST and 74% for no ST, P = 0.7). Moreover, on multivariable analysis, receipt of ST was not significantly associated the risk of death from bladder cancer (HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.60-2.09, P = 0.7). Results were unchanged on sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that, in carefully selected patients, ST following BCG for high grade NMIBC does not compromise oncologic outcomes for patients who ultimately undergo RC.

A rare case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasized to the bladder

Pancreatic cancer is usually detected in late stages due to lack of identifiable symptoms and rapid progression. It commonly metastasizes to the liver, lung, and peritoneum, but only rarely to the bladder. We present a 41-year-old female with a history of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, uterine fibroids, and tobacco use who presented with hematuria, polyuria, and abdominal pain. The CT showed bilateral hydroureteronephrosis with a hyperdense region in the posterior wall of the bladder. Pathology revealed metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma to the bladder. This is the fourth reported case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the bladder since 1953.

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Pancreatic cancer is usually detected in late stages.

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Pancreatic cancer can rarely metastasize to the bladder.

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In patients symptomatic with preexisting malignancy, metastasis to the bladder should exist on the differential.

Transurethral resection and surveillance of a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor in a ileal neobladder

Our patient presented with a small, well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the ileal neobladder 21-years after radical cystectomy for urothelial cell carcinoma. Given the rarity of NETs in urinary diversions, there are no established guidelines regarding management in this unique population. We propose that transurethral resection and close cystoscopic surveillance of the neobladder is a feasible, low morbidity approach to management of a well-differentiated, solitary ileal NET tumor.

National management trends in clinical stage IIA nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) and opportunities to avoid dual therapy

INTRODUCTION

For marker-negative clinical stage (CS) IIA nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT), National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Urological Association guidelines recommend either retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) or induction chemotherapy. The goal is cure with one form of therapy. We evaluated national practice patterns in the management of CSIIA NSGCT and utilization of secondary therapies.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was used to identify 400 men diagnosed with marker negative CSIIA NSGCT between 2004 and 2014 treated with RPLND or chemotherapy. Trends in the utilization of initial and adjuvant treatment (chemotherapy only, RPLND only, RPLND with adjuvant chemotherapy, and postchemotherapy RPLND) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 400 cases, 233 (58%) underwent induction chemotherapy with surveillance, 51 (20%) underwent RPLND with surveillance, 89 (22%) underwent RPLND followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and 14 (4%) underwent induction chemotherapy followed by RPLND. Thirty percent of patients received dual therapy. After RPLND with pN1 staging, 43 (61%) underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The pN0 rate after primary RPLND was 22%. Five year overall survival ranged from 95% to 100% based on initial treatment choice.

CONCLUSIONS

For marker negative CS IIA nonseminoma, dual, therapy, and treatment with chemotherapy is common. With low volume retroperitoneal disease resected at RPLND, adjuvant chemotherapy was frequently administered but has debatable therapeutic value. These data highlight opportunities to decrease treatment burden in patients with CS IIA nonseminoma.

Outcomes of patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who undergo radical cystectomy after BCG and subsequent salvage intravesical therapy

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Background: We evaluate the impact of salvage intravesical therapy on survival in patients with NMIBC previously treated with BCG who ultimately underwent radical cystectomy (RC). Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with NMIBC who received at least 1 complete induction course of BCG and subsequently underwent RC for bladder cancer between 2000-2018. Patients were stratified by receipt of salvage intravesical therapy following BCG prior to RC. Oncologic outcomes were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: We identified 371 patients who underwent RC after receiving BCG, of whom 55 (15%) received salvage intravesical therapy, most commonly Mitomycin C (n = 26), Valrubicin (n = 8), Gemcitabine (n = 7), and CG0070 (n = 6). Median follow-up among survivors was 1.1 (IQR 0-4.3) years. Patients who received salvage intravesical therapy were more likely to initially present with CIS (27% vs 17%) and less likely to present with T1 disease (33% vs 50%, both p < 0.05). Receipt of salvage intravesical therapy was not associated with increased risk of adverse pathology (≥pT2 or pN+) at RC (33% vs 41%, p = 0.27). Furthermore, on Kaplan-Meier analysis, receipt of salvage intravesical therapy was not associated with cancer-specific or overall survival. On multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, clinical stage prior to RC, but not receipt of salvage intravesical therapy, was associated with inferior cancer-specific survival and overall survival. Conclusions: Our results suggest that RC following carefully managed salvage intravesical therapy after BCG is not associated with inferior oncologic outcomes, which can improve patient counseling. [Table: see text]

Defining risk of micrometastatic disease and tumor recurrence in patients with stage I testicular germ cell tumors

There is controversy in the management of patients with clinical stage I non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). Some experts recommend surveillance for all patients regardless of risk factors while others suggest a more risk-adapted approach by using lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and the embryonal component in the primary tumor to select patients most likely to benefit from primary treatment [retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) or chemotherapy]. With the surveillance for all strategy, only patients who relapse are treated. While this minimizes the over treatment, problem associated with the risk adapted approach, this exposes young men to the effects of full induction cisplatin-based chemotherapy when these men could have received fewer cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) or a curative primary RPLND. The challenge is identifying these men who are most likely to benefit from upfront treatment more precisely. This paper explores the currently risk adapted approaches as well as promising emerging biomarkers (microRNA) that, in early data, appear to more accurately predict the presence of microscopic disease in the retroperitoneum over conventional markers.

Association of the commensal urinary microbiome with response to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer

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Background: Standard therapy for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is intravesical BCG. Despite its established efficacy, up to 50% of patients may recur. The development of predictive biomarkers for BCG immunotherapy would enhance treatment algorithms and potentially uncover mechanisms of resistance. Recent data have characterized the presence of a commensal urine microbiome, but its role in BCG-treated NMIBC patients remains unexplored. We assessed the composition of the urine microbiome in NMIBC patients and evaluated associations with response to therapy. Methods: Patients with a newly diagnosed bladder tumor were enrolled prior to TURBT on an institutional review board-approved study at a single institution. Adjuvant BCG instillation was administrated to high-risk patients according to the surgical histology. Urine samples for microbiome assessment were collected by catheterization to eliminate urethral contamination before the TURBT and up to 8 additional timepoints. 16S sequencing and analysis was performed on baseline specimens prior to BCG. Results: Among 31 patients enrolled, 10 (32%) recurred and 21 (68%) had no recurrence with a median follow up of 6 months. Median age was 69 years (range 46-87), and 9 (29%) patients were female and 22 patients (71%) were male. The most abundant phyla observed were Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Tenericutes. Together these accounted for > 99% of the phyla detected in the cohort. Global analysis of distances by operational taxonomic units (OTUs) indicated a significant difference between patients with and without recurrence (Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.017). The abundance of Proteobacteria was higher in patients with recurrence (P = 0.035), with stronger differences observed for specific classes such as Gammaproteobacteria (P = 0.0025). Firmicutes such as Lactobacillales were more abundant in patients without recurrence (P = 0.049). Conclusions: In this study we detected variation in the composition of the urine microbiome in NMIBC patients, which may predict response to BCG immunotherapy. Further studies to confirm these results are ongoing.

The role of inguinal lymph node dissection in men with urethral squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Urethral squamous cell cancer is a rare disease with limited clinical recommendations regarding management of the inguinal lymph nodes. Despite the similarities to penile cancer in terms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology and lymphatic drainage, there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against a prophylactic inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) in patients with clinically negative groins and a primary tumor stage of T1b or higher. The objective of the study was to identify the rate of prophylactic inguinal lymph node dissection, node positive rate, and overall survival in patients with clinical T1 to T4 stage. The patients were separated into clinical N stage and the rates of node positivity were compared. We hypothesize that the node positivity rate would be similar to that observed in penile cancer of similar clinical T and N stage and provide evidence for prophylactic inguinal lymph node dissection in urethral squamous cancer. We also sought to determine the value of ILND in clinically node positive (cN+) and clinically node negative (cN-) patients.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for all cases of primary urethral cancer in men from 2004 to 2014. Patients with other cancer diagnoses, metastasis, nonsquamous histology, female patients, and patients with a history of radiation therapy were excluded. Male patients with urethral squamous cell cancer of the anterior urethra with T1 or higher T stage were included in this study. All-cause mortality was compared using multivariable Cox regression controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

The study included 725 men with urethral SCC with T1 or higher clinical T stage. The median age was 63 years (33-83 interquartile range). Of the 725 men, 536 men did not receive an ILND and 189 (26%) underwent ILND. Patients who received LND had significantly higher clinical T and clinical N stage. There was no difference in age, sex, or histology between those with ILND versus no ILND. In patients with T1 to T4 and clinical N0, the ILND rate was 21.8% (89/396). The lymph node positive rate in patients with N0 and T1 to T4 primary tumor was 9%. In patients with clinically node positive disease (N1/N2), the overall ILND rate was 76%. The lymph node positive rate for patients with clinical nodal disease was 84%. On multivariable analysis cox regression, lymph node positivity was associated with worse overall survival when controlling for T stage, clinical N stage, and age (HR 1.56, 95% 1.3-1.9, P = 0.000). On multivariable analysis after controlling for T stage, sex, and age, having an ILND was associated with improved OS in patients with clinical N1 or N2 disease (HR 0.46, 95% 0.28-0.78 P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The node positivity rate in patients with T1 to T4 and N0 is 9%, much lower than reported in penile cancer with a high-risk primary tumor but clinically negative groins. This argues against routine prophylactic inguinal ILND in patients with urethral SCC who are clinically N0, perhaps suggesting different biological behavior of urethral SCC compared to penile SCC. Performing a lymph node dissection in patients with clinically N1 or N2 disease is associated with improved OS.

Multidisciplinary Management of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Current Challenges and Future Directions

The treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is complex and requires a multidisciplinary collaboration among surgery, radiation, and medical oncology. Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical cystectomy (RC) and lymph node dissection has been considered the standard treatment for MIBC, many patients are unfit for surgery or cisplatin-ineligible, and considerations for bladder-preservation strategies not only are increasingly recognized as optimal treatment alternatives, but also should feature in the range of management options presented to patients at the time of diagnosis. Apart from chemotherapy, immunotherapy has also been used with success in locally advanced and metastatic bladder cancer and is moving into the MIBC space. Prospective studies addressing trends in management that span systemic, surgical, and radiation options for patients are discussed in this article.

Testicular Cancer: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management

There were an estimated 8720 new cases of testicular cancer (TC) in the United States in 2016. The cause of the disease is complex, with several environmental and genetic risk factors. Although rare, the incidence has been steadily increasing. Fortunately, substantial advances in treatment have occurred over the last few decades, making TC one of the most curable malignancies. However, because TC typically occurs in younger men, considerations of the treatment impact on fertility, quality of life, and long-term toxicity are paramount; an individualized approach must be taken with patients based on their clinical and pathologic findings.

Prophylactic antibiotics following radical cystectomy reduces urinary tract infections and readmission for sepsis from a urinary source

INTRODUCTION

Urinary tract infections (UTI) and sepsis contribute significantly to the morbidity associated with cystectomy and urinary diversion in the first 30 days. We hypothesized that continuous antibiotic prophylaxis decreased UTIs in the first 30 days following radical cystectomy.

METHODS

Patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who underwent a radical cystectomy with urinary diversion for bladder cancer at Oregon Health and Science University from January 2014 to May 2015 were included in the study. The ureteral stents were kept for 3 weeks in both groups. In October 2014, we enacted a Department Quality Initiative to reduce UTIs. Following the initiative, all radical cystectomy patients were discharged home on antibiotic prophylaxis following a postoperative urine culture obtained during hospitalization. To evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative, the last 42 patients before the initiative were compared to the first 42 patients after the initiative with regard to the rate of UTI in the first 30 days following surgery. We used a combination of comprehensive chart review and the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to determine UTI and readmission for urosepsis in the first 30 days following surgery. This ensured accurate capture of all patients developing a UTI.

RESULTS

A total of 12% in the prophylactic antibiotic group had a documented UTI, whereas 36% in the no antibiotic group had a urinary tract infection (P<0.004). A total of 1 (2%) patient in the antibiotic group was readmitted for urosepsis whereas 7 (17%) patients in the no antibiotic group were admitted for urosepsis (P = 0.02). There was no association noted between urine culture at discharge and the development of UTI in the 30-day postdischarge period (P = 0.75). The median time to UTI was 19 days and the most common organism was Enterococcus (32%). Thirty-percent of patients not receiving prophylaxis developed a UTI 1 day after ureteral stent removal. No patients had a UTI following stent removal in the prophylaxis group. No adverse antibiotic related events were noted.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic antibiotics in the 30 days following radical cystectomy is associated with a significant decrease in urinary tract infections and readmission from urosepsis after surgery.

A Simple Neobladder Using a Porcine Model: The Double Limb U-Pouch

OBJECTIVE

To create a simple neobladder and determine whether the double-limb U-Pouch (D-LUP) has the same capacity and compliance as a Studer or Camey I neobladder. To develop an orthotopic diversion that can be applied to robotic surgery with laboratory data supporting the concept.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Kidneys, ureters, bladders, and small intestine were obtained from pigs at the time of scheduled autopsy after completion of institutionally approved investigational trauma protocols. A Camey I neobladder, spherical neobladder, and D-LUP, were constructed from 40-cm segments of small intestine. They were compared for capacity, compliance, and pouch-to-urethra anastomotic distance.

RESULTS

The cystometric capacity at 30 cm H2O for the Camey I, Studer, and D-LUP neobladders were 250 mL, 350 mL, and 430 mL, respectively. The pouch-to-urethra anastomotic distance was 0 cm for the Camey I, 10 cm for the spherical reservoir, and 0 cm for the D-LUP. Compliance was 10 mL/cm H20 for the Camey 1, 15 mL/cm H2O for the sphere, and 16 mL/cm H20 for the D-LUP.

CONCLUSION

The D-LUP neobladder was simple to construct, had a more dependent ileo-urethrostomy site, larger capacity, and similar compliance when compared with a spherical neobladder.