Transperineal Versus Transrectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging-targeted and Systematic Prostate Biopsy to Prevent Infectious Complications: The PREVENT Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The transrectal biopsy approach is traditionally used to detect prostate cancer. An alternative transperineal approach is historically performed under general anesthesia, but recent advances enable transperineal biopsy to be performed under local anesthesia. We sought to compare infectious complications of transperineal biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis versus transrectal biopsy with targeted prophylaxis.

METHODS

We assigned biopsy-naïve participants to undergo transperineal biopsy without antibiotic prophylaxis versus transrectal biopsy with targeted prophylaxis (rectal culture screening for fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria and antibiotic targeting to culture and sensitivity results) through a multicenter, randomized trial. The primary outcome was post-biopsy infection captured by a prospective medical review and patient report on a 7-d survey. The secondary outcomes included cancer detection, noninfectious complications, and a numerical rating scale (0-10) for biopsy-related pain and discomfort during and 7-d after biopsy.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 658 participants were randomized, with zero transperineal versus four (1.4%) transrectal biopsy infections (difference -1.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.2%, 0.3%; p = 0.059). The rates of other complications were very low and similar. Importantly, detection of clinically significant cancer was similar (53% transperineal vs 50% transrectal, adjusted difference 2.0%; 95% CI -6.0, 10). Participants in the transperineal arm experienced worse periprocedural pain (0.6 adjusted difference [0-10 scale], 95% CI 0.2, 0.9), but the effect was small and resolved by 7-d.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Office-based transperineal biopsy is tolerable, does not compromise cancer detection, and did not result in infectious complications. Transrectal biopsy with targeted prophylaxis achieved similar infection rates, but requires rectal cultures and careful attention to antibiotic selection and administration. Consideration of these factors and antibiotic stewardship should guide clinical decision-making.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this multicenter randomized trial, we compare prostate biopsy infectious complications for the transperineal versus transrectal approach. The absence of infectious complications with transperineal biopsy without the use of preventative antibiotics is noteworthy, but not significantly different from transrectal biopsy with targeted antibiotic prophylaxis.

Inflammatory bowel disease induces inflammatory and pre-neoplastic changes in the prostate

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been implicated as a risk factor for prostate cancer, however, the mechanism of how IBD leads to prostate tumorigenesis is not known. Here, we investigated whether chronic intestinal inflammation leads to pro-inflammatory changes associated with tumorigenesis in the prostate.

METHODS

Using clinical samples of men with IBD who underwent prostatectomy, we analyzed whether prostate tumors had differences in lymphocyte infiltrate compared to non-IBD controls. In a mouse model of chemically-induced intestinal inflammation, we investigated whether chronic intestinal inflammation could be transferred to the wild-type mouse prostate. In addition, mouse prostates were evaluated for activation of pro-oncogenic signaling and genomic instability.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of men with IBD had T and B lymphocyte infiltration within prostate tumors. Mice with chronic colitis showed significant increases in prostatic CD45 + leukocyte infiltration and elevation of three pro-inflammatory cytokines-TIMP-1, CCL5, and CXCL1 and activation of AKT and NF-kB signaling pathways. Lastly, mice with chronic colitis had greater prostatic oxidative stress/DNA damage, and prostate epithelial cells had undergone cell cycle arrest.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest chronic intestinal inflammation is associated with an inflammatory-rich, pro-tumorigenic prostatic phenotype which may explain how gut inflammation fosters prostate cancer development in men with IBD.

Symptom burden profiles in men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy

To identify symptom burden profiles among men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy and examine their association with baseline sociodemographic and medical characteristics and psychosocial outcomes over time. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify distinct groups based on the Expanded Prostate Index Composite and the McGill Pain Questionnaire at baseline. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Three profiles emerged: "high symptom burden," "high sexual bother," and "low symptom burden." Men with "high symptom burden" were younger and exhibited higher baseline levels of depression, stress, cancer-specific distress, and anxiety than men in the other two groups. However, men with "high symptom burden" also demonstrated improvement in these psychosocial outcomes over time. Men with advanced prostate cancer who experience multiple co-occurring symptoms demonstrate worse psychosocial adjustment. Patients with substantial symptom burden, and specifically young men, may benefit from prompt referral to supportive care services.

Genetic Factors Associated with Prostate Cancer Conversion from Active Surveillance to Treatment

Men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer (PC) are increasingly electing active surveillance (AS) as their initial management strategy. While this may reduce the side effects of treatment for prostate cancer, many men on AS eventually convert to active treatment. PC is one of the most heritable cancers, and genetic factors that predispose to aggressive tumors may help distinguish men who are more likely to discontinue AS. To investigate this, we undertook a multi-institutional genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 5,222 PC patients and 1,139 other patients from replication cohorts, all of whom initially elected AS and were followed over time for the potential outcome of conversion from AS to active treatment. In the GWAS we detected 18 variants associated with conversion, 15 of which were not previously associated with PC risk. With a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS), we found two genes associated with conversion (MAST3, p = 6.9×10-7 and GAB2, p = 2.0×10-6). Moreover, increasing values of a previously validated 269-variant genetic risk score (GRS) for PC was positively associated with conversion (e.g., comparing the highest to the two middle deciles gave a hazard ratio [HR] = 1.13; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]= 0.94-1.36); whereas, decreasing values of a 36-variant GRS for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were positively associated with conversion (e.g., comparing the lowest to the two middle deciles gave a HR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04-1.50). These results suggest that germline genetics may help inform and individualize the decision of AS-or the intensity of monitoring on AS-versus treatment for the initial management of patients with low-risk PC.

Effects of web-based cognitive behavioral stress management and health promotion interventions on neuroendocrine and inflammatory markers in men with advanced prostate cancer: A randomized controlled trial

Cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) improves quality of life and mitigates stress biology in patients with early-stage cancer, including men with localized prostate cancer. However, treatments for advanced prostate cancer like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can lead to significant symptom burden that may be further exacerbated by stress-induced inflammation and cortisol dysregulation. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CBSM (versus an active health promotion control) on circulating inflammatory markers and cortisol in men with advanced prostate cancer.

METHODS

Men with stage III or IV prostate cancer (N = 192) who had undergone ADT within the last year were randomized to CBSM or health promotion. Both interventions were 10 weeks, group-based, and delivered online. Venous blood was drawn at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months to measure circulating levels of CRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. Saliva samples were collected at awakening, 30 min after awakening, evening, and night for two consecutive days at baseline, 6-months, and 12-months to measure diurnal cortisol slopes.

RESULTS

Mixed modeling analyses demonstrated that changes in inflammatory markers and cortisol did not differ by intervention. Men in both CBSM and health promotion showed decreases in IL-10, IL-8, and TNF-α from baseline to 6 months (β = -3.85--5.04, p's = 0.004-<0.001). However, these markers generally demonstrated a rebound increase from 6 to 12 months (β = 1.91-4.06, p's = 0.06-<0.001). Men in health promotion also demonstrated a flatter diurnal cortisol slope versus men in CBSM at 6 months (β = -2.27, p = .023), but not at 12 months. There were no intervention effects on CRP, IL-6, or overall cortisol output.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to hypotheses, CBSM did not lead to changes in the circulating inflammatory markers and cortisol relative to health promotion. CBSM may be associated with healthy diurnal cortisol rhythm because of its focus on cognitive behavioral approaches to stress management. More research is needed to understand the impact of CBSM and health promotion on biomarkers among men with advanced prostate cancer.

It's all in the name: Does nomenclature for indolent prostate cancer impact management and anxiety?

BACKGROUND

Despite consensus guidelines, many men with low-grade prostate cancer are not managed with active surveillance. Patient perception of the nomenclature used to describe low-grade prostate cancers may partly explain this discrepancy.

METHODS

A randomized online survey was administered to men without a history of prostate cancer, presenting a hypothetical clinical scenario in which they are given a new diagnosis of low-grade prostate cancer. The authors determined whether diagnosis nomenclature was associated with management preference and diagnosis-related anxiety using ratings given on a scale from 1 to 100, adjusting for participant characteristics through multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 718 men. Compared with Gleason 6 out of 10 prostate cancer, the term grade group 1 out of 5 prostate cancer was associated with lower preference for immediate treatment versus active surveillance (β = -9.3; 95% CI, -14.4, -4.2; P < .001), lower diagnosis-related anxiety (β = -8.3; 95% CI, -12.8, -3.8; P < .001), and lower perceived disease severity (β = -12.3; 95% CI, -16.5, -8.1; P < .001) at the time of initial diagnosis. Differences decreased as participants received more disease-specific education. Indolent lesion of epithelial origin, a suggested alternative term for indolent tumors, was not associated with differences in anxiety or preference for active surveillance.

CONCLUSIONS

Within a hypothetical clinical scenario, nomenclature for low-grade prostate cancer affects initial perception of the disease and may alter subsequent decision making, including preference for active surveillance. Disease-specific education reduces the differential impact of nomenclature use, reaffirming the importance of comprehensive counseling and clear communication between the clinician and patient.

Technology-Based Psychosocial Intervention to Improve Quality of Life and Reduce Symptom Burden in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Men with advanced prostate cancer (APC) face multiple challenges including poor prognosis, poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and elevated symptom burden. This study sought to establish the efficacy of a tablet-delivered, group-based psychosocial intervention for improving HRQOL and reducing symptom burden in men with APC. We hypothesized that men randomized to cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) would report improved HRQOL and reduced symptom burden relative to men randomized to an active control health promotion (HP) condition. Condition effects on intervention targets and moderators of these effects were explored.

METHODS

Men with APC (N = 192) were randomized (1:1) to 10-week tablet-delivered CBSM or HP, and followed for 1 year. Multilevel modeling was used to evaluate condition effects over time.

RESULTS

Changes in HRQOL and symptom burden did not differ between groups. Men in both groups improved across several intervention targets; men in the CBSM condition reported greater increases in self-reported ability to relax, and both conditions showed improvements in cancer-related anxiety, cancer-related distress, and feelings of cohesiveness with other patients over time. Moderating factors included baseline interpersonal disruption, fatigue, and sexual functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Tablet-delivered CBSM and HP were well received by men with APC. The hypothesized effects of CBSM on HRQOL and symptom burden were not supported, though improvements in intervention targets were observed across conditions. Participants reported high-baseline HRQOL relative to cancer and general population norms, possibly limiting intervention effects. The identified moderating factors should be considered in the development and implementation of interventions targeting HRQOL and symptom burden.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03149185.

Association between inflammatory bowel disease and prostate cancer: A large-scale, prospective, population-based study

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer. Recent reports suggesting IBD is also a risk factor for prostate cancer (PC) require further investigation. We studied 218 084 men in the population-based UK Biobank cohort, aged 40 to 69 at study entry between 2006 and 2010, with follow-up through mid-2015. We assessed the association between IBD and subsequent PC using multivariable Cox regression analyses, adjusting for age at assessment, ethnic group, UK region, smoking status, alcohol drinking frequency, body mass index, Townsend Deprivation Index, family history of PC and previous prostate-specific antigen testing. Mean age at study entry was 56 years, 94% of the men were white, and 1.1% (n = 2311) had a diagnosis of IBD. After a median follow-up of 78 months, men with IBD had an increased risk of PC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.67, P = .029). The association with PC was only among men with the ulcerative colitis (UC; aHR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.11-1.95, P = .0070), and not Crohn's disease (aHR 1.06, 95% CI = 0.63-1.80, P = .82). Results are limited by lack of data on frequency of health care interactions. In a large-scale, prospective cohort study, we detected an association between IBD, and UC specifically, with incident PC diagnosis.

Insurance coverage, stage at diagnosis, and time to treatment following dependent coverage and Medicaid expansion for men with testicular cancer

Introduction

We sought to assess the impact of Affordable Care Act Dependent Care Expansion (ACA-DCE), which allowed dependent coverage for adults aged 19–25, and Medicaid expansion on outcomes for men with testicular cancer.

Methods

Using a US-based cancer registry, we performed adjusted difference-in-difference (DID) analyses comparing outcomes between men aged 19–25 (n = 8,026) and 26–64 (n = 33,303) pre- (2007–2009) and post-ACA-DCE (2011–2016) and between men in states that expanded Medicaid (n = 2,296) to men in those that did not (n = 2,265)pre- (2011–2013) and post-Medicaid expansion (2015–2016).

Results

In ACA-DCE analysis, rates of uninsurance decreased (DID -5.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] -7.23 to -4.04%, p<0.001) among patients aged 19–25 relative to older patients aged 26–64. There was no significant DID in advanced stage at diagnosis (stage≥II; p = 0.6) or orchiectomy more than 14 days after diagnosis (p = 0.6). For patients who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy as their first course of treatment, treatment greater than 60 days after diagnosis decreased (DID -4.84%, 95% CI -8.22 to -1.45%, p = 0.005) among patients aged 19–25 relative to patients aged 26–64. In Medicaid expansion states, rates of uninsurance decreased (DID -4.20%, 95% CI -7.67 to -0.73%, p = 0.018) while patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy greater than 60 days after diagnosis decreased (DID -8.76, 95% CI -17.13 to -0.38%, p = 0.040) compared to rates in non-expansion states. No significant DIDs were seen for stage (p = 0.8) or time to orchiectomy (p = 0.1).

Conclusions

Men with testicular cancer had lower uninsurance rates and decreased time to delivery of chemotherapy or radiotherapy following ACA-DCE and Medicaid expansions. Time to orchiectomy and stage at diagnosis did not change following either insurance expansion.

Impact of inflammatory bowel disease on radical prostatectomy outcomes and costs of care

Background

Recent studies suggest an association between prostate cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our objectives were to investigate clinical and financial impacts of IBD on radical prostatectomy (RP) and to determine the impact of surgical approach on our findings.

Methods

The Premier Hospital Database was queried for patients who underwent RP from 2003 to 2017. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the independent impact of IBD on complications and readmission rates. We determined 90-day readmissions and examined 90-day hospital costs adjusted to 2019 US dollars with multivariable quantile regression models.

Results

Our study population included 262,189 men with prostate cancer, including 3,408 (1.3%) with IBD. There were higher odds for any complication for IBD patients compared with non-IBD controls for RP (15.64% vs. 10.66%). Patients with IBD had overall complication rates of 14.1% (P < 0.05) for open surgery and 17.2% for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) (P < 0.01). Between 2013 and 2017, the IBD cohort had significantly more complications (odds ratios (ORs): 2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5 to 2.67; P < 0.0001), was more likely to have surgical costs in the top quartile (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.1; P < 0.01), and had higher readmission rates (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.06; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The IBD cohort who underwent MIS had the highest complication rates. Hospital readmissions and surgical costs were significantly higher for the IBD cohort who underwent RP between 2013 and 2017, when a minimally invasive approach was more prevalent than an open approach. These findings may be important when deciding which surgical approach to take when performing RP on men with IBD.

Bladder Cancer Following Medicaid Expansion: No Changes in the Diagnosis of Muscle-Invasive Disease and Time to Treatment

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer patients who are insured experience improved outcomes. Medicaid expansion aimed to increase insurance coverage and improve access to care. However, the association between Medicaid expansion and stage at diagnosis or time to treatment for those with advanced bladder cancer is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine to association of Medicaid expansion with stage at diagnosis, and time to treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: A US-based cancer registry was utilized to evaluate the association between Medicaid expansion and cancer stage at diagnosis, insurance rates, and time to treatment (>60 days from diagnosis) for those diagnosed with bladder cancer. We compared outcomes in non-Medicare-aged patients in non-expansion states (n = 16,602) and expansion states (n = 15,921) before (years 2012-2013) and after (years 2015-2016) Medicaid expansion with adjusted difference-in-differences (DIDs) using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: The DIDs of percentage of bladder cancer patients with Stage≥II disease (0.02%; 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.91 to 1.95%, p = 0.9), without insurance (–0.65%; 95% CI –1.71 to 0.41), and with metastatic disease at diagnosis (–0.07%; 95% CI –1.14 to 1.00, both p > 0.10) did not change following insurance expansion despite an increase in Medicaid coverage (6.03%; 95% CI 4.79 to 7.29, p < 0.01). Any treatment with either cystectomy, radiation or systemic therapy > 60 days after diagnosis of stage≥II disease did not change (DID 1.48%; 95% CI –3.29 to 6.25%, p = 0.50). On subgroup analysis of patients living in low-income regions, the rates of stage≥II disease, no insurance, metastatic disease, and time to treatment did not significantly change. CONCLUSION: Medicaid expansion was not associated with changes in advanced cancer stage at diagnosis or time to treatment in newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients.

Successful Resection of a Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava Primary Leiomyosarcoma with Atrial Thrombus Extension in a 30-Week Pregnant Woman

Leiomyosarcomas are an uncommon malignant subset of tumors accounting for approximately 20% of soft tissue sarcomas. Primary vascular leiomyosarcomas (PVLs) are a rare subset of leiomyosarcomas that may originate in the arterial or venous circulation but most commonly affect the inferior vena cava (IVC). PVLs more commonly affect women to men in a 2:1 ratio and most frequently occur in the fourth to sixth decades of life. Few reports have described this infrequent pathologic state in the setting of advanced pregnancy. Presented is a case of a 44-year-old 30-week pregnant woman who presented with a PVL of the retrohepatic IVC, which was complicated by occlusion of the IVC and tumor thrombus extension into the hepatic veins and right atrium. Herein, we describe our multidisciplinary management of this rare problem with successful surgical resection of her tumor and IVC reconstruction.

First presentation of a scrotal glomus tumor in an adolescent male: A case report

Glomus tumor of the scrotal skin is an extremely rare diagnosis in adult men with only five previous cases reported in the literature. We report the case of a 19-year-old man who was diagnosed with a glomus tumor following the surgical removal of a painful scrotal lesion, and further discuss the diagnosis and treatment of scrotal glomus tumors.

Medicaid Expansion Did not Improve Time to Treatment for Young Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

The absence of health insurance coverage has been associated with worse outcomes for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Medicaid expansion in the United States was an important provision of the Affordable Care Act, which increased the number of low-income individuals eligible for Medicaid starting in January 2014 in several states. The effect of Medicaid expansion on access to healthcare for patients with mRCC is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 6844 patients aged < 65 years with mRCC at diagnosis within the National Cancer Database. We compared the time to treatment and the rates of no insurance before (2012-2013) and after (2015-2016) expansion between patients living in states that had and had not expanded Medicaid using difference-in-difference (DID) analyses. DIDs were calculated using linear regression analysis with adjustment for sociodemographic covariates.

RESULTS

The rate of no insurance did not change in the expansion states compared with the nonexpansion states (DID, -0.55%; 95% confidence interval, -3.32% to 2.21%; P = .7). The percentage of patients receiving treatment within 60 days of diagnosis had increased in the expansion states from 43% to 49% and in the nonexpansion states from 42% to 46% after expansion. No change was found in treatment within 60 days of diagnosis among all patients (DID, 2.81%; 95% confidence interval, -2.61% to 8.22%; P = .3).

CONCLUSIONS

Medicaid expansion was not associated with improved healthcare access for patients with mRCC as reflected by timely treatment. Future work should assess the association between Medicaid expansion and oncologic outcomes.

Integrating PROMIS® computerized adaptive tests into a web-based intervention for prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study outlined the implementation and feasibility of delivering PROMIS® computer adaptive tests (CATs) using a web-based method to evaluate the impact of a technological adaptation of Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) on the psychosocial functioning of men with advanced prostate cancer (APC) undergoing hormone therapy.

METHOD

Patients were randomized to a CBSM group intervention (n = 95) or a health promotion (HP) attention-matched control condition (n = 97). Participants attended all sessions via video conference using tablets, and completed PROMIS® computer adaptive tests (CATs) assessing anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain interference, and physical function weekly during the 10-week intervention.

RESULTS

Assessment completion rates >50% at week 1 and week 10 demonstrated moderate feasibility of repeatedly administering PROMIS® CATs using a web-based method. Multilevel modeling demonstrated no significant group-by-time interactions from week 1 to week 10 for any of the assessed PROMIS® domains adjusting for sociodemographic and medical covariates. However, simple effects demonstrated decreases in PROMIS® anxiety scores from week 1 to 10 for both groups. Results also demonstrated significant relationships of medical variables to psychosocial functioning across time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlight the feasibility and benefits of utilizing PROMIS® CATs to repeatedly assess psychosocial functioning using a web-based method and indicate that web-based interventions may be effective for decreasing psychosocial distress and adverse symptoms among men with APC undergoing hormone therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Risk of Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

There are limited data examining the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of PCa between men with and those without IBD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a retrospective, matched-cohort study involving a single academic medical center and conducted from 1996 to 2017. Male patients with IBD (cases=1033) were randomly matched 1:9 by age and race to men without IBD (controls=9306). All patients had undergone at least one prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, stratified by age and race, evaluated the relationship between IBD and the incidence of any PCa and clinically significant PCa (Gleason grade group ≥2). A mixed-effect regression model assessed the association of IBD with PSA level.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

PCa incidence at 10yr was 4.4% among men with IBD and 0.65% among controls (hazard ratio [HR] 4.84 [3.34-7.02] [3.19-6.69], p<0.001). Clinically significant PCa incidence at 10yr was 2.4% for men with IBD and 0.42% for controls (HR 4.04 [2.52-6.48], p<0.001). After approximately age 60, PSA values were higher among patients with IBD (fixed-effect interaction of age and patient group: p=0.004). Results are limited by the retrospective nature of the analysis and lack of external validity.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with IBD had higher rates of clinically significant PCa when compared with age- and race-matched controls.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This study of over 10000 men treated at a large medical center suggests that men with inflammatory bowel disease may be at a higher risk of prostate cancer than the general population.

The Influence of Decision Aids on Prostate Cancer Screening Preferences: A Randomized Survey Study

PURPOSE

Shared decision making is recommended in regard to prostate cancer screening. Decision aids may facilitate this process but the impact of decision aids on screening preferences is poorly understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an online survey we randomized a national sample of adults to the online decision aids of 1 of 6 professional societies. We compared survey responses before and after decision aid exposure. The primary outcome was the change in participant likelihood of undergoing or recommending prostate cancer screening on a scale of 1-unlikely to 100-extremely likely. Secondary outcomes included change in participant comfort with prostate cancer screening based on the average of 6, 5-point Likert-scale questions.

RESULTS

Median age was 53 years in the 1,336 participants and 50% were men. The randomized groups did not differ significantly by race, age, gender, income, marital status or education level. The likelihood of undergoing or recommending prostate cancer screening decreased from 83 to 78 following decision aid exposure (p <0.001). Reviewing the decision aid from the Centers for Disease Control or the American Academy of Family Physicians did not alter the likelihood (each p >0.2). However, the decision aid from the United States Preventive Services Task Force was associated with the largest decrease in screening preference (-16.0, p <0.001). Participants reported increased comfort (from 3.5 to 4.1 of 5) with the decision making process of prostate cancer screening following exposure to a decision aid (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to a decision aid decreased the participant likelihood of undergoing or recommending prostate cancer screening and increased comfort with the screening process.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Blockade as Part of a Multimodal Postoperative Analgesia Plan in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy

Background:

Radical cystectomy (RC) is a morbid procedure with frequent complications that may benefit from implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol.

Objective:

To examine the benefits of a multimodal analgesic plan that uses continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blockade as part of an ERAS protocol after RC.

Methods:

A retrospective comparison of consecutive patients undergoing RC over a 4-year period was conducted. Patients were designated as having surgery either before or after implementation of an ERAS protocol. A major component of the ERAS protocol was a multi-modal analgesia plan with TAP blockade. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and outcomes, including days to flatus, bowel movement (BM), narcotic usage, and length of stay (LOS) were compared.

Results:

In total, 171 patients were included: 100 pre-ERAS and 71 ERAS. There were no differences in age, smoking status, operative approach, or diversion type. The patients in the ERAS cohort were less likely to be male, had a higher median BMI, and more likely to have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Total and early postoperative narcotic use were lower in the ERAS cohort: 89 vs. 336 mg (p < 0.001) and 62 vs 203 mg (p = 0.001), respectively. The ERAS cohort had fewer days to flatus (3 vs. 4, p < 0.001) and fewer days to bowel movement (4 vs. 5, p < 0.001). Median LOS was shorter in the ERAS cohort (7 vs. 8.5d, p = 0.001). There were no differences in complications or readmission rates between the two cohorts.

Conclusions:

TAP blockade as part of an ERAS multi-modal pain plan is associated with low narcotic usage, and significant improvement in time to flatus, BM, and LOS compared to traditional post-RC pain management.

Multi-institution analysis of racial disparity among African-American men eligible for prostate cancer active surveillance

There is a significant controversy on whether race should be a factor in considering active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer. To address this question, we analyzed a multi-institution database to assess racial disparity between African-American and White-American men with low risk prostate cancer who were eligible for active surveillance but underwent radical prostatectomy. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected clinical, pathologic and oncologic outcomes of men with low-risk prostate cancer from seven tertiary care institutions that underwent radical prostatectomy from 2003–2014 were used to assess potential racial disparity. Of the 333 (14.8%) African-American and 1923 (85.2%) White-American men meeting active surveillance criteria, African-American men were found to be slightly younger (57.5 vs 58.5 years old; p = 0.01) and have higher BMI (29.3 v 27.9; p < 0.01), pre-op PSA (5.2 v 4.7; p < 0.01), and maximum percentage cancer on biopsy (15.1% v 13.6%; p < 0.01) compared to White-American men. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated similar rates of upgrading, upstaging, positive surgical margin, and biochemical recurrence between races. These results suggest that single institution studies recommending more stringent AS enrollment criteria for AA men with a low-risk prostate cancer may not capture the complete oncologic landscape due to institutional variability in cancer outcomes. Since all seven institutions demonstrated no significant racial disparity, current active surveillance eligibility should not be modified based upon race until a prospective study has been completed.

Prostate Cancer: A Contemporary Approach to Treatment and Outcomes

Given the high incidence of prostate cancer and the need for shared decision-making before screening, it is imperative that primary care providers understand treatment options and treatment adverse effects. In this review article, the treatment options for the localized and metastatic prostate cancer are discussed, including the different modalities and their indications, adverse effects, oncologic outcomes, posttreatment monitoring, and potential treatment options following cancer recurrence.

Fifteen-year experience with renal cell carcinoma with associated venous tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND

For patients with renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus (VTT), the importance of the extent of the VTT on survival has inconsistent published results. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the VTT on morbidity and mortality of our patients with renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

This was a single institution review of all patients who underwent resection of renal cell carcinoma with VTT over a 15-year period.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (26 men, 11 women) with a mean age of 61 years were analyzed. The majority of the cohort were of Neves level II (n = 19), while 8 were of Neves 0 (only renal vein) or I, and 10 were of Neves III (extending into retrohepatic cava) or IV (extending supradiaphragmatically). When compared with Neves 0-II patients, there were more Neves III-IV patients with operative time >3 hours (70% vs 30%), blood loss >2,000 mL (70% vs 33%), and intensive care unit stay longer than one day (60% vs 30%) (P ≤ .05 each). Mean follow-up was 58 months. The overall 5-year survival was 71%, and all 10 patients with Neves III-IV had survived since the operation.

CONCLUSION

We found advanced tumor thrombus involvement did not impact long-term survival; however, cases with suprahepatic VTT had increased operative time, blood loss, and duration of hospital stay.

Progression of Intravesical Condyloma Acuminata to Locally Advanced Poorly Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Condyloma acuminata (CA) is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. CA of the bladder, however, is an exceedingly rare lesion. We present a rare case of poorly differentiated locally invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising from recurrent CA of the bladder in an immunocompetent patient and discuss pathophysiology and management of this unusual condition.

Radical Cystectomy Perioperative Care Redesign

OBJECTIVE

To present an evidence-based review of the perioperative management of the radical cystectomy (RC) patient in the context of a care redesign initiative.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the key factors associated with perioperative management of the RC patient was completed. PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane databases were queried via a computerized search. Specific topics were reviewed within the scope of the three major phases of perioperative management: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. Preference was given to evidence from prospective randomized trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews.

RESULTS

Preoperative considerations to improve care in the RC patient should include multi-disciplinary medical optimization, patient education, and formal coordination of care. Efforts to mitigate the risk of malnutrition and reduce postoperative gastrointestinal complications may include carbohydrate loading, protein nutrition supplementation, and avoiding bowel preparation. Intraoperatively, a fluid and opioid sparing protocol may reduce fluid shifts and avoid complications from paralytic ileus. Finally, enhanced recovery protocols including novel medications, early feeding, and multi-modal analgesia approaches are associated with earlier postoperative convalescence.

CONCLUSION

RC is a complex and morbid procedure that may benefit from care redesign. Evidence based quality improvement is integral to this process. We hope that this review will help guide further improvement initiatives for RC.

A contemporary analysis of Fournier gangrene using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

OBJECTIVE

To determine a nationwide contemporary description of surgical Fournier gangrene (FG) and necrotizing fasciitis of the genitalia (NFG) outcomes because historically reported mortality rates for FG and NFG are based on small single-institution studies from the 1980s and the 1990s.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program is a risk-adjusted surgical database used by nearly 400 hospitals nationwide, which tracks preoperative, intraoperative, and 30-day postoperative clinical variables. Data are extracted from patient charts by an independent surgical clinical reviewer at each hospital. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2005 to 2009, we calculated 30-day mortality rates and identified preoperative factors associated with increased mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 650 patients were identified with surgery for FG or NFG. Fourteen patients with do not resuscitate orders placed preoperatively were excluded from analyses. For the remaining 636 patients, the overall 30-day mortality was 10.1% (64 of 636). Fifty-seven percent of patients (360 of 636) were men, 70% (446 of 636) were white, and 13% (81 of 636) were African American. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that increased age (odds ratio [OR], 1.041; P = .004), body mass index (OR, 1.045; P <.001), and preoperative white blood cell count (OR, 1.061; P = .001), and decreased platelet count (OR, 0.993; P <.001) were all associated with increased risk of death.

CONCLUSION

We determined a surgical mortality rate for FG-NFG of 10.1%. This rate is about half of historically published estimates and similar to recent studies. The lower rate may indicate improvements in therapy. Increased age, body mass index, and white blood cell count, and decreased platelet count were all associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality.

Rates of teratoma and viable cancer at post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after induction chemotherapy for good risk nonseminomatous germ cell tumors

PURPOSE

Patients with good risk nonseminomatous germ cell tumors received induction chemotherapy with 4 cycles of etoposide and cisplatin (EPx4) or 3 cycles of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEPx3). We report the histological results at post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after induction chemotherapy in patients treated with etoposide and cisplatin or bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin for good risk nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed in 579 patients after induction chemotherapy. Of these patients 505 were treated with EPx4 and 74 were treated with BEPx3 or BEPx4. Clinical and pathological features are reported.

RESULTS

No difference in the frequency of viable residual cancer was observed with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin vs etoposide and cisplatin (5% vs 6%, respectively, p=not significant). Teratoma was more prevalent in the bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin group vs etoposide and cisplatin group (57% vs 34%, respectively, p <0.001). On multivariate analysis patients who received induction bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin had a twofold greater risk of harboring teratoma at post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.0, 4.0; p=0.04). When excluding patients from analysis who received BEPx4, those who received BEPx3 still had a 3.7-fold increased risk of teratoma in the retroperitoneum (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.5, 8.9; p=0.004). Relapse-free and disease specific survival was not different between the 2 regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Viable cancer was equally uncommon after treatment with both regimens. Overall, relapse-free and disease specific survival did not differ between the groups. The discrepancy between regimens in the frequency of teratoma is not explained but may be due to an unrecognized selection bias rather than an effect of the regimen.

Retroperitoneal histologic findings of patients with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein and pure seminoma at orchiectomy

OBJECTIVES

To report the retroperitoneal histologic findings from a contemporary series of patients with pure seminoma at orchiectomy with an elevated serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level. These patients underwent treatment on the assumption that the lesion was nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT).

METHODS

We identified 22 patients from 1989 to 2009 with pure seminoma diagnosed at orchiectomy with an elevated serum AFP level (>15 ng/mL) either before or after orchiectomy. The retroperitoneal histologic and relapse data are reported.

RESULTS

The median preorchiectomy and prechemotherapy serum AFP level was 248 ng/mL (interquartile range 48-4693) and 279 ng/mL (interquartile range 66-5311), respectively. The percentage of patients with clinical Stage I, II, and III disease was 5%, 50%, and 45%, respectively. The percentage of patients with a good, intermediate, and poor risk status according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group was 32%, 32%, and 36%, respectively. Of the 22 patients, 21 underwent induction chemotherapy followed by retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Overall, 67% of patients had NSGCT elements in the retroperitoneum. The histologic findings were pure teratoma in 38%, malignant transformation in 14%, and viable NSGCT in 14%. Also, 59% had some component of teratoma in the retroperitoneum. Only 1 patient (5%) had any seminoma in the retroperitoneum, but this patient also had retroperitoneal teratoma. Of the 22 patients, 7 developed a relapse and received salvage chemotherapy. The actuarial relapse-free survival rate at 5 and 10 years was 76% and 61%, respectively, reflecting the high percentage of patients with Stage II-III disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Pure seminoma at orchiectomy with an elevated serum AFP level portends a high likelihood of NSGCT elements in the retroperitoneum.

Urinary fistulae after partial nephrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To report the risk factors and natural history of urinary fistula (UF) after partial nephrectomy (PN), as their incidence has been reported to be 3-6% in large series of PN but there are few reports of the risk factors associated with the development of UF after PN, and the natural history of UF in a large group of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 1118 PN at one tertiary-care institution. Most patients had a drain placed in the perinephric space after surgery. Fifty-two patients were identified as having a UF if they had persistent flank drainage for >14 days after surgery, or presented with evidence of a UF after the drain had been removed. Risk factors for development and the course of the UF are reported.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients developed a UF after PN (4.4%, 95% confidence interval, CI, 3.5-6.1%) The rate of a persistent urine leak (defined as drain fluid consistent with urine for >2 weeks after surgery) was 4.0 (95% CI 2.9-5.3)%. The overall rate of delayed UF presentation was only 0.4 (0.09-0.9)%. Patients who developed a UF had larger tumours (3.5 vs 2.6  cm, P= 0.03), a higher estimated blood loss (400 vs 300  mL, P < 0.001), and longer ischaemia time (50 vs 39  min, P < 0.001) than patients who did not develop a UF. Differences in tumour histology, laterality, multifocality, type of surgery (laparoscopic vs open), and intraoperative collecting system entry were not statistically different in patients who did or did not develop a UF. Patients with tumours of >2.5  cm were twice as likely to develop a UF than patients with tumours of <2.5  cm (P= 0.02). Most patients were managed conservatively with a percutaneous drain until the UF resolved, if they were asymptomatic. Overall, in 36 patients (69%) the fistula resolved with no intervention, while 16 (31%) required intervention. Stenting was the commonest intervention (15%). No patient required re-operative open surgery.

CONCLUSION

The rate of development of UF after PN is low. Tumour size, blood loss and ischaemia time were all associated with the development of a UF. In most patients with a urine leak immediately after surgery the UF will resolve with no intervention, and can be managed conservatively with patience, in the absence of clinical symptoms.

Nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated transforming growth factor-beta-induced expression of vimentin is an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to occur in some cancers; however, the pathway remains controversial and varies with different cancers. In addition, the mechanisms by which TGF-beta and the EMT contribute to prostate cancer recurrence are largely unknown. In this study, we elucidated TGF-beta-mediated EMT as a predictor of disease recurrence after therapy for prostate cancer, which has not been reported before.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We analyzed TGF-beta-induced EMT using nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) as an intermediate mediator in prostate cancer cell lines. A total of 287 radical prostatectomy specimens were evaluated using immunohistochemistry in a high-throughput tissue microarray analysis. Levels of TGF-beta signaling components and EMT-related factors were analyzed using specific antibodies. Results were expressed as the percentage of cancer cells that stained positive for a given antibody and were correlated with disease recurrence rates at a mean of 7 years following radical prostatectomy.

RESULTS

In prostate cancer cell lines, TGF-beta-induced EMT was mediated by NF-kappaB signaling. Blockade of NF-kappaB or TGF-beta signaling resulted in abrogation of vimentin expression and inhibition of the invasive capability of these cells. There was high risk of biochemical recurrence associated with tumors that displayed high levels of expression of TGF-beta1, vimentin, and NF-kappaB and low level of cytokeratin 18. This was particularly true for vimentin, which is independent of patients' Gleason score.

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of NF-kappaB-mediated TGF-beta-induced EMT in primary tumors predicts disease recurrence in prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy. The changes in TGF-beta signaling and EMT-related factors provide novel molecular markers that may predict prostate cancer outcomes following treatment.

The toll-like receptor pathway: a novel mechanism of infection-induced carcinogenesis of prostate epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and infection have been linked to the pathogenesis of many cancers including prostate cancer. Components of bacteria and viruses have been identified within pathological specimens of men with prostate cancer.

METHODS

We characterized the in vitro response of benign prostate epithelial cells to components of infectious agents as they relate to toll-like receptors.

RESULTS

Primary and immortalized prostate epithelial cells (RWPE) exhibited increased proliferation in response to exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CpG DNA. These molecules are well-characterized surrogates for gram negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli) and DNA viruses (e.g., HPV and HSV), which are common in the genitourinary system. Our experiments show that RWPE cells express both TLR 4 (LPS-specific) and TLR 9 (CpG-specific). Targeted knock down of individual TLR expression using siRNA abrogated the proliferative response of RWPE cells to LPS and CpG, respectively. In addition, compared to non-stimulated cells, LPS and CpG up-regulate active NF-kB expression. Increased NF-kB activation was confirmed using RWPE cells that were stably transfected with a NF-kB reporter construct. Interestingly, NF-kB activation was both concentration- and time-dependent when stimulated with LPS. RWPE cells were less susceptible to TNF-alpha induced apoptosis as measured by TUNEL staining when stimulated with CpG or LPS. High concentrations of LPS also prevented cell death as measured by LDH release.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has identified a unique mechanism that describes how components of pathogens common in the urinary system may contribute to the malignant transformation of benign prostate epithelia.