Summary Paper on the 2023 European Association of Urology Guidelines on the Management of Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

CONTEXT

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common, often bothersome, and have multifactorial aetiology.

OBJECTIVE

To present a summary of the 2023 version of the European Association of Urology guidelines on the management of male LUTS.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A structured literature search from 1966 to 2021 selected the articles with the highest certainty evidence. The Delphi technique consensus approach was used to develop the recommendations.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The assessment of men with LUTS should be practical. A careful medical history and physical examination are essential. Validated symptom scores, urine test, uroflowmetry, and postvoid urine residual, as well as frequency-volume charts for patients with nocturia or predominately storage symptoms should be used. Prostate-specific antigen should be ordered if a diagnosis of prostate cancer changes the treatment plan. Urodynamics should be performed for selected patients. Men with mild symptoms are candidates for watchful waiting. Behavioural modification should be offered to men with LUTS prior to, or concurrent with, treatment. The choice of medical treatment depends on the assessment findings, predominant type of symptoms, ability of the treatment to change the findings, and the expectations to be met in terms of the speed of onset, efficacy, side effects, and disease progression. Surgery is reserved for men with absolute indications, and for patients who fail or prefer not to receive medical therapy. Surgical management has been divided into five sections: resection, enucleation, vaporisation, and alternative ablative and nonablative techniques. The choice of surgical technique depends on patient's characteristics, expectations, and preferences; surgeon's expertise; and availability of modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

The guidelines provide an evidence-based approach for the management of male LUTS.

PATIENT SUMMARY

A clinical assessment should identify the cause(s) of symptoms and define the clinical profile and patient's expectations. The treatment should aim to ameliorate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

The Effect of Varicocele Treatment on Fertility in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Published Prospective Trials

CONTEXT

The benefits and harms of varicocele treatment versus observation in adult infertile males are still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically pool the evidence on outcomes of varicocele treatment (any surgical or radiological) versus observation in adult infertile men.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Only prospective randomized and nonrandomized studies were included until November 2021. The primary outcome was pregnancy rate; the secondary outcomes were improvements in sperm concentration, normal morphology, and progressive sperm motility after treatment compared to baseline. Men ≥18 yr of age with any-grade varicoceles were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Of 557 articles identified, 12 were eligible for inclusion, involving 1357 patients. Varicoceles were treated surgically in ten and radiologically in four studies. Varicocele treatment improved pregnancy rates (odds ratio 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.65; p = 0.048) and sperm concentration (mean difference 12.34 million/ml, 95% CI 3.49-21.18; p = 0.006) compared with observation. Proportions of spermatozoa with normal morphology and progressive motility were not statistically different from those with observation. However, considering treatment arm only, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology were improved compared with baseline. A subgroup analysis showed that the benefit of varicocele treatment is evident in men with an abnormal semen analysis. The main limitation is represented by the heterogeneity of the included studies, mostly in terms of study population, fertility of the partner, outcome evaluation, lack of long-term outcomes, and intermediate/high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of any-grade varicoceles may improve pregnancy rates and sperm concentration in adult infertile men, while benefits in sperm motility and normal morphology are less clear.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of all published prospective trials on varicocele treatment, significant evidence emerged on its benefit in terms of improved pregnancy rates and sperm concentration, while benefits in sperm motility and morphology are less clear.

Adherence to European Association of Urology Guidelines and State of the Art of Glycosaminoglycan Therapy for the Management of Urinary Tract Infections: A Narrative Review and Expert Meeting Report

Context

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) have a significant impact on patient's quality of life and society. Antibiotic therapy is the primary approach for the management of UTIs; however, it has major limits in the prevention of recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), also increasing the risk of development of multidrug-resistant micro-organisms.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to discuss the European Association of Urology guidelines for the management of UTIs/rUTIs, the level of adherence to these recommendations, and the available evidence on the use of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) as a possible alternative treatment to prevent rUTIs.

Evidence acquisition

This narrative review and expert meeting report is based on a literature search concerning the currently available UTI guidelines, the results of a survey administered to 227 urologists, and the opinion of an expert panel in the field of UTIs.

Evidence synthesis

Results obtained from the literature search showed that adherence to guidelines is not optimal. The survey demonstrated that antibiotics remain one of the treatments of UTIs. However, most of the urologists are aware of the problem caused by the resistance to antibiotics and prefer alternative methods for the prophylaxis of UTIs. Considering the alternative methods, the authors concluded that GAG therapy is highly effective in preventing rUTIs.

Conclusions

Adherence to the international guidelines is important to align the clinical practice and avoid the spreading of antibiotic resistance. The survey outlines that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics are major problems; an analysis of clinical evidence confirms that GAG therapy is a valuable therapeutic approach to prevent the recurrence of episodes of UTIs and to limit the onset of antibiotic resistance.

Patient summary

Although antibiotic therapy is primarily used for the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs), misuse and overuse of antibiotics are of concern. Adherence to the international guidelines is important to prevent the spreading of antibiotic resistance. Clinical evidence confirms that the use of glycosaminoglycans is a valuable therapeutic approach to prevent UTI recurrence and limit the onset of antibiotic resistance.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Male Urinary Incontinence

CONTEXT

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition in elderly men causing a severe worsening of quality of life, and a significant cost for both patients and health systems.

OBJECTIVE

To report a practical, evidence-based, guideline on definitions, pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, and treatment options for men with different forms of UI.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive literature search, limited to studies representing high levels of evidence and published in the English language, was performed. Databases searched included Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries. A level of evidence and a grade of recommendation were assigned.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

UI can be classified into stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and mixed urinary incontinence. A detailed description of the pathophysiology and diagnostic workup has been reported. Simple clinical interventions, behavioural and physical modifications, and pharmacological treatments comprise the initial management for all kinds of UI. Surgery for SUI includes bulking agents, male sling, and compression devices. Surgery for UUI includes bladder wall injection of botulinum toxin A, sacral nerve stimulation, and cystoplasty/urinary diversion.

CONCLUSIONS

This 2022 European Association of Urology guideline summary provides updated information on definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of male UI.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Male urinary incontinence comprises a broad subject area, much of which has been covered for the first time in the literature in a single manuscript. The European Association of Urology Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Guideline Panel has released this new guidance, with the aim to provide updated information for urologists to be able to follow diagnostic and therapeutic indications for optimising patient care.

Part 1: Diagnostics, Overactive Bladder, Stress Urinary Incontinence, and Mixed Urinary Incontinence

CONTEXT

Female lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common presentation in urological practice. Thus far, only a limited number of female LUTS conditions have been included in the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines compendium. The new non-neurogenic female LUTS guideline expands the remit to include these symptoms and conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the diagnostic section of the non-neurogenic female LUTS guideline and the management of female overactive bladder (OAB), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

New literature searches were carried out in September 2021 and evidence synthesis was conducted using the modified GRADE criteria as outlined for all EAU guidelines. A new systematic review (SR) on OAB was carried out by the panel for the purposes of this guideline.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The important considerations for informing guideline recommendations are presented, along with a summary of all the guideline recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-neurogenic female LUTS are an important cause of urological dysfunction. Initial evaluation, diagnosis, and management should be carried out in a structured and logical fashion based on the best available evidence. This guideline serves to present this evidence to health care providers in an easily accessible and digestible format.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This report summarises the main recommendations from the European Association of Urology guideline on symptoms and diseases of the female lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) not associated with neurological disease. We cover recommendations related to diagnosis of these conditions, as well as the treatment of overactive bladder, stress urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence.

Part 2: Underactive Bladder, Bladder Outlet Obstruction, and Nocturia

CONTEXT

Female lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common presentation in urological practice. Thus far, only a limited number of female LUTS conditions have been included in the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines compendium. The new non-neurogenic female LUTS guidelines expand the remit to include these symptoms and conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the management of underactive bladder (UAB), bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), and nocturia in females.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The literature search was updated in September 2021 and evidence synthesis was conducted using modified GRADE approach as outlined for all EAU guidelines. A new systematic review on BOO was carried out by the panel for purposes of this guideline.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The important considerations for informing guideline recommendations are presented, along with a summary of all the guideline recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-neurogenic female LUTS are an important presentation of urological dysfunction. Initial evaluation, diagnosis, and management should be carried out in a structured and logical fashion on the basis of the best available evidence. This guideline serves to present this evidence to practising urologists and other health care providers in an easily accessible and digestible format.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This report summarises the main recommendations from the European Association of Urology guideline on symptoms and diseases of the female lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) not associated with neurological disease. We cover recommendations related to the treatment of underactive bladder, obstruction of the bladder outlet, and nighttime urination.

Impact of the Implementation of the EAU Guidelines Recommendation on Reporting and Grading of Complications in Patients Undergoing Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Systematic Review

In 2012, the European Association of Urology (EAU) Ad Hoc Panel proposed a standardised methodology on reporting and grading complications after urological surgical procedures. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of this implementation on complications reporting for patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). A systematic review of all English-language original articles published on RARC until March 2020 was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The study selection process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The quality of reporting and grading complication was evaluated according to the EAU recommendations. Our analysis failed to observe a statistically significant improvement in reporting outcomes after the EAU guidelines recommendations except for three of the 14 criteria proposed (ie, follow-up duration, utilisation of a severity grade system, and risk factors included in the analyses). A lower statistically significant adherence to outcome reporting in terms of inclusion of readmissions and causes (p = 0.02), was observed. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we evaluated the impact of the proposed European Association of Urology (EAU) standardised reporting tool for urological complications, in patients treated with robot-assisted radical cystectomy. A low adherence to EAU guidelines recommendations for complications reporting was observed.

Applicability of COVID-19 Pandemic Recommendations for Urology Practice: Data from Three Major Italian Hot Spots (BreBeMi)

BACKGROUND

Lombardy has been the first and one of the most affected European regions during the first and second waves of the novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on all urologic activities over a 17-wk period in the three largest public hospitals in Lombardy located in the worst hit area in Italy, and to assess the applicability of the authorities' recommendations provided for reorganising urology practice.

DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective analysis of all urologic activities performed at three major public hospitals in Lombardy (Brescia, Bergamo, and Milan), from January 1 to April 28, 2020, was performed.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Join-point regression was used to identify significant changes in trends for all urologic activities. Average weekly percentage changes (AWPCs) were estimated to summarise linear trends. Uro-oncologic surgeries performed during the pandemic were tabulated and stratified according to the first preliminary recommendations by Stensland et al (Stensland KD, Morgan TM, Moinzadeh A, et al. Considerations in the triage of urologic surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Urol 2020;77:663-6) and according to the level of priority recommended by European Association of Urology guidelines.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The trend for 2020 urologic activities decreased constantly from weeks 8-9 up to weeks 11-13 (AWPC range -41%, -29.9%; p < 0.001). One-third of uro-oncologic surgeries performed were treatments that could have been postponed, according to the preliminary urologic recommendations. High applicability to recommendations was observed for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients with intermediate/emergency level of priority, penile and testicular cancer patients, and upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with intermediate level of priority. Low applicability was observed for NMIBC patients with low/high level of priority, UTUC patients with high level of priority, prostate cancer patients with intermediate/high level of priority, and RCC patients with low level of priority.

CONCLUSIONS

During COVID-19, we found a reduction in all urologic activities. High-priority surgeries and timing of treatment recommended by the authorities require adaptation according to hospital resources and local incidence.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We assessed the urologic surgeries that were privileged during the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the three largest public hospitals in Lombardy, worst hit by the pandemic, to evaluate whether high-priority surgeries and timing of treatment recommended by the authorities are applicable. Pandemic recommendations provided by experts should be tailored according to hospital capacity and different levels of the pandemic.

Androgen deprivation monotherapy usage in non-metastatic prostate cancer: results from eight European countries

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes towards use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as monotherapy for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer (PC).

Material and methods

A survey using a 28-item, structured, quantitative questionnaire about the management of patients with PC was conducted in eight European countries between February and May 2018. Survey recipients were selected from a private database of healthcare providers.

Results

Overall, 375 physicians completed the survey (response rate, 58%). Participants were urologists (71.2%) or medical oncologists (28.8%), with a mean practice duration of 19.9 years and with university hospital or cancer center (41.6%), non-teaching hospital (38.4%) or private-sector clinic (20.0%) affiliations. Median proportions of physicians considering ADT as monotherapy to treat patients with PC in different risk groups varied between countries, but overall were: high/very high-risk, 60%; intermediate-risk, 30%; low-risk, 7.5%. The use of ADT monotherapy in the different risk groups also varied by medical specialty and type of affiliation. Proportions of participants applying different target thresholds for testosterone (T) levels also varied by country, but overall were: <50 ng/dL, 29.9%; <32 ng/dL, 4.8%; <20 ng/dL, 54.3%; castration but no specific target, 11%. More than half of participants (58.7%) determined target T levels only when prostate-specific antigen level was increased.

Conclusions

Our multinational survey provides evidence that PC management varies across European countries and with clinical context, and frequently diverges from European Association of Urology (EAU) - European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) - European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) - International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) guidelines. Strategies for effective implementation of evidence-based recommendations in clinical practice may be needed to optimize patient outcomes.

A Systematic Review of the Use of Social Media for Dissemination of Clinical Practice Guidelines

CONTEXT

Clinical practice guideline (CPG) uptake does not occur spontaneously and requires active implementation, especially for long-term implementation. Social media (SoMe) with its power of rapid and global information exchange among physicians, patients, organizations, and stakeholders in the medical field can open up unprecedented opportunities for CPG dissemination.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to assess the current use of SoMe in CPG dissemination across different medical specialties.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review (SR) of the literature was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases and the general platform Google were searched for all relevant publications (no limitation for publication time and no language restrictions). The search revealed 1881 citations; following title and abstract review, 22 studies were identified; and five studies were finally included after full-text review.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

All included studies were published in the past 5 yr; there was a significant improvement in knowledge, awareness, compliance, and positive behavior toward CPGs with the use of SoMe dissemination compared with traditional methods. A large audience (healthcare professionals and patients) viewed and engaged with the SoMe process of CPG dissemination, and expressed an intent to engage in this method in the future. The studies included in the SR reported variable methods of SoMe use and similarly variable methods of analyzing the outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to the recent application of SoMe in the context of CPG dissemination, there is no standardized format for its use, and the data available are variable and limited. However, encouraging preliminary results have been reported using SoMe for CPG dissemination in multiple fields, and we have provided a pragmatic method of SoMe usage in CPG dissemination based on the review. It is vital to ensure a uniform method of application and assessment of SoMe use in CPG dissemination and implementation going forward.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Social media (SoMe) plays an important role in rapid and global information exchange among physicians, patients, organizations, and stakeholders in the medical field, and its power can be harnessed in the dissemination of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that guide clinicians in practice. Our review reveals that SoMe use for CPG dissemination is a relatively new concept published approximately 5 yr ago, and it has led to significant improvement in knowledge, awareness, compliance, and positive behavior with respect to the CPGs compared with traditional methods. A large audience (healthcare professionals and patients) viewed and engaged with the SoMe process. We have produced a pragmatic method of using SoMe in CPG dissemination. Considering the importance of CPGs in practice and the ever increasing role of SoMe in the medical profession, a new role for SoMe in CPG dissemination could be established.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Primary Urethral Carcinoma-2020 Update

CONTEXT

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare cancer accounting for <1% of all genitourinary malignancies.

OBJECTIVE

To provide updated practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of PUC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search interrogating Ovid (Medline), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Urothelial carcinoma of the urethra is the predominant histological type of PUC (54-65%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (16-22%) and adenocarcinoma (10-16%). Diagnosis of PUC depends on urethrocystoscopy with biopsy and urinary cytology. Pathological staging and grading are based on the tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification and the 2016 World Health Organization grading systems. Local tumour extent and regional lymph nodes are assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the presence of distant metastases is assessed by computed tomography of the thorax/abdomen and pelvis. For all patients with localised distal tumours (≤T2N0M0), partial urethrectomy or urethra-sparing surgery is a valid treatment option, provided that negative intraoperative surgical margins can be achieved. Prostatic Ta-Tis-T1 PUC can be treated with repeat transurethral resection of the prostate and bacillus Calmette-Guérin. In prostatic or proximal ≥ T2N0 disease, neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy should be considered prior to radical surgery. All patients with locally advanced disease (≥T3N0-2M0) should be discussed within a multidisciplinary team. In men with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma, curative radiotherapy combined with radiosensitising chemotherapy can be offered for definitive treatment and genital preservation. In patients with local urethral recurrence, salvage surgery or radiotherapy can be offered. For patients with distant metastatic disease, systemic therapy based on tumour characteristics can be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

These updated European Association of Urology guidelines provide up-to-date guidance for the contemporary diagnosis and management of patients with suspected PUC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a very rare, but aggressive disease. These updated European Association of Urology guidelines provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians treating patients with PUC.

Limitations of Available Studies Prevent Reliable Comparison Between Tumour Ablation and Partial Nephrectomy for Patients with Localised Renal Masses: A Systematic Review from the European Association of Urology Renal Cell Cancer Guideline Panel

The European Association of Urology (EAU) Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) Guideline Panel performed a protocol-driven systematic review (SR) on thermal ablation (TA) compared with partial nephrectomy (PN) for T1N0M0 renal masses, in order to provide evidence to support its recommendations. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and only comparative studies published between 2000 and 2019 were included. Twenty-six nonrandomised comparative studies were included, recruiting a total of 167 80 patients. Risk of bias (RoB) assessment revealed high or uncertain RoB across all studies, with the vast majority being retrospective, observational studies with poorly matched controls and short follow-up. Limited data showed TA to be safe, but its long-term oncological effectiveness compared with PN remains uncertain. A quality assessment of pre-existing SRs (n=11) on the topic, using AMSTAR, revealed that all SRs had low confidence rating, with all but two SRs being rated critically low. In conclusion, the current data are inadequate to make any strong and clear conclusions regarding the clinical effectiveness of TA for treating T1N0M0 renal masses compared with PN. Therefore, TA may be cautiously considered an alternative to PN for T1N0M0 renal masses, but patients must be counselled carefully regarding the prevailing uncertainties. We recommend specific steps to improve the evidence base based on robust primary and secondary studies. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we looked at the literature to determine the effectiveness of thermoablation (TA) in the treatment of small kidney tumours compared with surgical removal. We found that TA could cautiously be offered as an option due to many remaining uncertainties regarding its effectiveness.

Impact of Implementation of Standardized Criteria in the Assessment of Complication Reporting After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review

The definition of a surgical complication still lacks standardization, hampering evaluation of surgical performance in this regard. Over the years, efforts to address this issue have been carried out to improve reporting of outcomes. In 2012, the European Association of Urology (EAU) proposed a standardized reporting tool for urological complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of those recommendations on complication reporting for patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). A comprehensive systematic review of all English language publications on RPN was carried out. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines in evaluating articles retrieved from the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (January 1, 2000 to October 31, 2016; updated June 2017). The quality of reporting and grading complications was assessed according to the EAU recommendations. Temporal comparison revealed an improvement in outcome reporting in terms of mortality rates and causes of death (p=0.05), definition of complications (p<0.001), procedure-specific complications (p=0.02), severity grade (p<0.001), postoperative complications presented by grade/complication type (p<0.001), and risk factors (p<0.001). Our analysis demonstrates an improvement in complication reporting and grading after the EAU recommendation on RPN. PATIENT SUMMARY: Complications are unexpected events that could negatively impact a patient's outcomes after surgery, but there is no agreement on the definition and reporting of complications. In 2012, the European Association of Urology proposed a standardized reporting tool for urological complications. This study shows an improvement in the way physicians report complications after robotic partial nephrectomy. The results underline the importance of standardization in medicine to improve clinical research.

Updated European Association of Urology Guidelines: Recommendations for the Treatment of First-line Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cancer

The randomised phase III clinical trial Checkmate-214 showed a survival superiority for the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab when compared with the previous standard of care in first-line metastatic/advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (Escudier B, Tannir NM, McDermott DF, et al. CheckMate 214: efficacy and safety of nivolumab plus ipilimumab vs sunitinib for treatment-naïve advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, including IMDC risk and PD-L1 expression subgroups. LBA5, ESMO 2017, 2017). These results change the frontline standard of care for this disease and have implications for the selection of subsequent therapies. For this reason the European Association of Urology RCC guidelines have been updated. PATIENT SUMMARY: The European Association of Urology guidelines will be updated based on the results of the phase III Checkmate-214 clinical trial. The trial showed superior survival for a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab (IN), compared with the previous standard of care, in intermediate- and poor-risk patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. When IN is not safe or feasible, alternative agents such as sunitinib, pazopanib, and cabozantinib should be considered. Furthermore, at present, the data from the trial are immature in favourable-risk patients. Therefore, sunitinib or pazopanib remains the favoured agent for this subgroup of patients.

EAU guidelines on surgical treatment of urinary incontinence

CONTEXT

The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urinary incontinence published in March 2012 have been rewritten based on an independent systematic review carried out by the EAU guidelines panel using a sustainable methodology.

OBJECTIVE

We present a short version here of the full guidelines on the surgical treatment of patients with urinary incontinence, with the aim of dissemination to a wider audience.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Evidence appraisal included a pragmatic review of existing systematic reviews and independent new literature searches based on Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome (PICO) questions. The appraisal of papers was carried out by an international panel of experts, who also collaborated in a series of consensus discussions, to develop concise structured evidence summaries and action-based recommendations using a modified Oxford system.

EVIDENCE SUMMARY

The full version of the guidance is available online (www.uroweb.org/guidelines/online-guidelines/). The guidance includes algorithms that refer the reader back to the supporting evidence and have greater accessibility in daily clinical practice. Two original meta-analyses were carried out specifically for these guidelines and are included in this report.

CONCLUSIONS

These new guidelines present an up-to-date summary of the available evidence, together with clear clinical algorithms and action-based recommendations based on the best available evidence. Where high-level evidence is lacking, they present a consensus of expert panel opinion.