Implementation of preventive and predictive BRCA testing in patients with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer: a position paper of Italian Scientific Societies

Constitutional BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (PVs) are associated with an increased risk for developing breast and ovarian cancers. Current evidence indicates that BRCA1/2 PVs are also associated with pancreatic cancer, and that BRCA2 PVs are associated with prostate cancer risk. The identification of carriers of constitutional PVs in the BRCA1/2 genes allows the implementation of individual and family prevention pathways, through validated screening programs and risk-reducing strategies. According to the relevant and increasing therapeutic predictive implications, the inclusion of BRCA testing in the routine management of patients with breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers represent a key requirement to optimize medical or surgical therapeutic and prevention decision-making, and access to specific anticancer therapies. Therefore, accurate patient selection, the use of standardized and harmonized procedures, and adherence to homogeneous testing criteria, are essential elements to implement BRCA testing in clinical practice.

This consensus position paper has been developed and approved by a multidisciplinary Expert Panel of 64 professionals on behalf of the AIOM–AIRO–AISP–ANISC–AURO–Fondazione AIOM–SIAPEC/IAP–SIBioC–SICO–SIF–SIGE–SIGU–SIU–SIURO–UROP Italian Scientific Societies, and a patient association (aBRCAdaBRA Onlus). The working group included medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, medical and molecular geneticists, clinical molecular biologists, surgical and molecular pathologists, organ specialists such as gynecologists, gastroenterologists and urologists, and pharmacologists. The manuscript is based on the expert consensus and reports the best available evidence, according to the current eligibility criteria for BRCA testing and counseling, it also harmonizes with current Italian National Guidelines and Clinical Recommendations.

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The rapid technologic and medical progress on BRCA-related cancers produced a clinical need for BRCA testing optimization.

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To incorporate BRCA testing in the routine management is a key requirement to help medical or surgical decision-making

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Standardized procedures and harmonized testing criteria are needed to implement BRCA testing in clinical practice.

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Adequate training and qualification for multidisciplinary team members are crucial for the success of the patient care path.

Adaptation and validation of an Italian version of the Prostate Cancer Specific Quality of Life Instrument (PROSQOLI)

OBJECTIVE

The Prostate Cancer Specific Quality of Life Instrument (PROSQOLI) is a measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in advanced hormone-resistant prostate cancer. In this study, we aimed at performing a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the PROSQOLI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The original version of the PROSQOLI underwent several turnarounds of translations. A total of 472 patients treated with radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy or medical therapy were enrolled for the validation of the questionnaire. The PROSQOLI was administered together with the SF-12. Reliability indexes were calculated by using Cronbach alpha. To evaluate the validity of the construct, relationships between PROSQOLI and SF12 were assessed. The ANOVA test was used to evaluate the differences between groups of patients who had received different treatments.

RESULTS

The reliability coefficient was 0.91. Item-to-total correlation indices were in most cases >0.70. The correlation between the scores of the PROSQOLI and those of the SF-12 questionnaire was high (r=0.8139, p<0.0001). The ANOVA test showed significant differences between groups (p<0.01) based on age, recurrence risk and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The adaptation process showed that the PROSQOLI Italian version has high reliability and presents both convergent and discriminant validity. This version of the tool can be used to assess HRQoL in Italian men who underwent radical treatment for advanced prostate cancer.

Synchronous bilateral testicular germ cell tumour: case report and review of the literature

We report a case of a 30 years old male affected by synchronous bilateral germ cell tumor with a history of unilateral cryptorchidism; the patient underwent surgical treatment followed by adjuvant radiotherapy on paraaortic and iliac lymphnodes. Patients with synchronous tumors usually present with a higher stage disease in contrast to those with unilateral testicular carcinoma, yet the prognosis remains equally favorable.

Dynamics of the time-resolved stimulated Raman scattering spectrum in presence of transient vibronic inversion of population on the example of optically excited trans-β-apo-8'-carotenal

We have studied the effect of transient vibrational inversion of population in trans-β-apo-8(')-carotenal on the time-resolved femtosecond stimulated Raman scattering (TR-FSRS) signal. The experimental data are interpreted by applying a quantum mechanical approach, using the formalism of projection operators for constructing the theoretical model of TR-FSRS. Within this theoretical frame we explain the presence of transient Raman losses on the Stokes side of the TR-FSRS spectrum as the effect of vibrational inversion of population. In view of the obtained experimental and theoretical results, we conclude that the excited S2 electronic level of trans-β-apo-8(')-carotenal relaxes towards the S0 ground state through a set of four vibrational sublevels of S1 state.

The role of stimulated Raman scattering in supercontinuum generation in bulk diamond

We report on experimental results of supercontinuum generation in bulk diamond. The spectrum of supercontinuum generated with 800 nm pump extends up to 600 nm towards short wavelengths. We present the numerical model explaining the phenomenon, in which the role of different nonlinear effects including stimulated Raman scattering is discussed. Unlike in other materials, in diamond the feature of supercontinuum due to stimulated Raman response is apparently visible.

Multiple ipsilateral renal tumors: retrospective analysis of surgical and oncological results of tumor enucleation vs radical nephrectomy

AIMS

To evaluate the role of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) compared to radical nephrectomy (RN) for treating multiple ipsilateral renal tumors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathological data of 960 patients who had surgery for pathologically confirmed RCC between 1986 and 2006. Thirty-four patients were diagnosed as having at least one ipsilateral smaller solid lesion associated with the primary RCC: 22 had RN while 12 had NSS for tumor enucleation.

RESULTS

All patients who had NSS had tumors confined within the kidney, as did 82% of patients treated with RN. The sole presence of concomitant accompanying benign histology to the primary RCC was diagnosed in 20% of patients. The mean (median, range) follow-up for patients treated with RN and NSS was 69 (58, 12-214) and 58 (44, 12-151) months. Tumor stage was significantly associated with tumor-specific survival (TSS) in the RN group (p<0.001). None of the patients who had tumor enucleation had positive surgical margins. Two patients recurred locally after NSS, elsewhere in the kidney, resulting in a crude ipsilateral recurrence rate of 17%. The analysis of TSS for patients with multiple ipsilateral tumors with a pT1 primary lesion showed no statistically significant differences between patients who had RN or NSS. Two patients had contralateral recurrence, resulting in a crude rate of 6%.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with multiple ipsilateral renal tumors, 20% of the satellite lesions are benign and 6% develop a contralateral metachronous recurrence. We also observed similar TSS for patients treated with NSS and RN.

Gefitinib (G) plus prednisone (P) versus placebo (pl) plus prednisone in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC): A randomized phase II trial

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Background: In spite of EGF-R overexpression in 40%-80% of pts with HRPC, the results achieved so far with G, a selective EGF-R tyrosine kinase inhibitor have been dismal. This trial was designed to investigate the activity of G when combined with P, a common therapeutic option for HRPC pts. Methods: HRPC pts unresponsive to antiandrogen withdrawal were given P (10 mg/d) plus G (250 mg/d) or pl. On progression, pts initially assigned to pl were offered the possibility to receive G. This was a one-stage trial, and 37 pts per arm were required. Best PSA response (any decrease = 50% in baseline PSA confirmed 4 wks apart) was the primary end-point. Time to disease progression, OS and toxicity were secondary end-points. Results: 82 pts were enrolled (GP: 38; plP: 44). Groups were well balanced in respect to median age (75 vs 74 yrs); WHO PS (0 in both); baseline PSA (52 vs 44 ng/ml); bone disease (87% vs 84%) Gleason score 7 (58% vs 52%); prior treatment. At a median follow-up time of 29 mos (26–32), overall 77 pts progression and 51 died. PSA resp was recorded in 16% and 11% of pts in GP and plP groups. Median time to progression was 4.0 (3.5–4.5) and 4.5 (3.5–5.0) mos, respectively. In both groups, median PSA level increased during the first 8 wks of treatment (GP:13%; plP: 32%) while it decreased thereafter. Median time to death was 26.5 (16–37) and 20.5 (14–27) mos in the GP and plP groups, respectively (HR: 0.69, 0.39–1.23; p=.2). However, OS of pts given either early or delayed treatment with G was significantly longer (26.5 vs 17.5 mos; HR: 0.49, 0.28–0.87, p=.01). This advantage was maintained also after multivariate analysis by Gleason score, baseline PSA, Hb and PAL, WHO PS and pain score. AEs (any grade) occurred in 19 pts in each arm. However diarrhea and skin rash were more common in the GP group (12% vs 0% and 14% vs 2%, respectively). Conclusions: G when combined to P showed a moderate toxicity, achieved PSA control and prolonged pts survival. The efficacy of GP in HRPC warrants to be further investigated.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A low incidence of positive surgical margins in prostate cancer at high risk of extracapsular extension after a modified anterograde radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of positive surgical margins (and associated risk factors) in patients with localized prostate cancer at high preoperative risk of extracapsular disease treated using a modified anterograde radical retropubic prostatectomy technique. Positive surgical margins are an important risk factor for disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy, particularly in patients with extracapsular disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 84 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and a preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level > 10 ng/mL and/or a biopsy Gleason score > or = 7 were evaluated. The surgical technique allows easy, wide resection of the posterolateral prostatic pedicles, and good mobilization and exposure of the apex before the urethra transection. Prostatectomy specimens were examined for extracapsular tumour spread and positive surgical margins. Differences in putative risk factors (Gleason score, preoperative PSA level, prostate weight) between the positive- and negative-margin groups were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

Overall, 11 of the 84 (13%) patients had positive surgical margins and of these a single site was involved in six. In total, 15 positive-margin sites were identified (five apical, four basal, three posterolateral, two anterior and one posterior). All patients with positive margins had histological extracapsular disease. The preoperative PSA level and Gleason score were significantly higher in the positive- than in the negative-margin group (P = 0.025 and 0.035, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The anterograde radical prostatectomy minimizes the incidence of positive surgical margins in patients at high risk of extracapsular disease.

Imperative indications for conservative surgery for renal cell carcinoma: 20 years' experience

INTRODUCTION

Radical nephrectomy is the treatment of first choice for unilateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with a healthy contralateral kidney; however, the current standard for dealing with RCC in patients with a solitary kidney, bilateral tumor and renal or systemic disease inducing a progressive impairment of renal function is nephron-sparing surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1974 and July 1996, 62 patients (39 men and 23 women, 33-77 years old, mean age 60.6 years) with RCC underwent nephron-sparing surgery. The patients were divided in to two groups according to treatment indication: 46 patients with bilateral tumor (n = 21) or solitary kidney (n = 25) and 16 patients with renal or systemic disease that could damage the contralateral kidney. Survival curves were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meyer method.

RESULTS

In the first group 3 patients died postoperatively, and 3 were lost to follow-up; 12 patients (27.9%) had malignant recurrence and 5 (11.6%) died of local recurrence or systemic diffusion. The probability of local or systemic tumor recurrence was 9.9% at 2 years, 20.2% at 5 years and 24.7% at 10 years; the probability of survival was 100% at 2 years, 91.9% at 5 years and 81.9% at 10 years. In the second group 3 patients died of unrelated causes and 1 was lost to follow-up; 4 patients (25%) had a malignant recurrence and 2 (12.5%) died of systemic diffusion of RCC. The probability of tumor recurrence was 13.0% at 2 years, 19.7% at 5 years and 26.4% at 10 years, the probability of survival was 100% at 2 years, 93.3% at 5 years and 86.1% at 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience nephron-sparing surgery seems justified in patients with a solitary kidney, bilateral tumor or a disease that potentially damages renal function. Tumor diameter and stage, incidental or symptomatic tumor presentation and specific indication for conservative surgery determine the prognosis.

[Technical solution for single kidney patients with multiple ureteral neoplasms]

When ureteral length is extensively compromised, preservation of the kidney without recurring to external urinary diversion may be attempted by various techniques. The choice depends on the extension and localization of the defect. We report a technique solution performed in a patient with multiple ureteral tumors and solitary kidney. A 70-years old underwent TURB for superficial bladder cancer and right nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract tumor. He was admitted for hematuria and renal failure which need a percutaneous nephrostomy. Urography and pielo-RMN showed multiple and irregular defects of proximal left ureter. We performed a left ureterectomy with ureteral substitution by tailored and retroperitonealized ileal segment with simultaneous ileal bladder augmentation. The six months follow-up including serum creatinine, sonography, urodynamic evaluation, urinary cytology, excretory urogram and pielo-RMN shows good results. Ureteral replacement with ileum is indicated only for extensive ureteral diseases in which ureteroneocystostomy or vesical Psoas hitch and/or Boari bladder flap are not feasible. With particular attention to surgical aspects as tailoring ileum (to improve propulsion of urinary bolus, limit the absorbing surface area and decrease mucus formation) and the use of an ileal segment longer than 15 cm (to prevent reflux) and with an accurate patient selection, we think that this procedure can assure satisfactory results also in difficult cases.

Adaptive morphological changes of the intestinal mucosa in orthotopic ileal bladder. Short-term and long-term evaluation

The morphology of the mucosa of orthotopic ileal bladders in place for 3 months to 4 years was studied in biopsies obtained at random from 12 patients. A mucosal flattening, a reorganization of the lining epithelium and a disappearance of the fenestrated areas of blood capillaries were found. Enterocytes progressively stratified and acquired poorly differentiated features, along with loss of microvilli, reduction of the apical fuzzy glycocalyx and enlargement of intercellular spaces. Goblet cells at short-term evaluation were actively involved in mucous synthesis and secretion. Metabolic acidosis was slight both in short-term postoperative periods-under alkaline therapy- and in long-term postoperative periods-when therapy was suspended. It can be concluded that, firstly, urine contact determines in such reservoirs a condition of acute irritation and, secondly, environmental changes induce the ileal mucosa to develop a new phenotype probably better suited to a protective rather than absorptive function.

Local staging of prostate carcinoma with endorectal coil MRI: correlation with whole-mount radical prostatectomy specimens

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of endorectal coil MRI in the local staging of prostate carcinoma. A total of 73 patients with biopsy-proven prostate carcinoma were examined at 0.5 T prior being submitted to radical prostatectomy. The gold standard was provided in all patients by findings at whole-mount sectioning of the surgical specimens. At pathology 28 patients had stage T2, 30 had stage T3a/b, and 15 had stage T3c lesions. Overall accuracy of endorectal coil MRI in defining local tumor stage was 82% (60 of 73 patients). Of 73 patients, 5 (7%) were underestimated and 8 (11%) overestimated. The sensitivity and the specificity of endorectal coil MRI in diagnosing capsular penetration were 95% and 82%, respectively. Seminal vesicle invasion was detected with 80% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Our data indicate that endorectal coil MRI is an accurate method for local staging of prostate cancer.

Upper urinary tract tumours: Latest diagnostic methods

— The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to upper urinary tract tumours has been a problem for a long time. The recent introduction of endourological instruments (ureterorenoscopy), the possibility of well-aimed cellular analysis (selective urinary cytology, brush biopsy) as well as the development of imaging methods, have all improved the accuracy of diagnosis and staging with the consequent rationalisation of treatment. Using ureterorenoscopy in addition to the main diagnostic examinations for this pathology i.e. urinary cytology and urography, diagnostic accuracy has increased from 58 to over 85%. This allows identification of early, single and low grade forms, which are susceptible to conservative, possibly endoscopic, treatment.

Second stage reconfiguration of Camey I ileal bladder improves its urodynamic and clinical characteristics

Second stage reconfiguration of Camey I neobladder with intact ileal loop was performed in 3 patients due to poor functional results and associated complications requiring reintervention. Neoblasdder capacity increased from a mean volume of 240 to 593 mL, maximum endoluminal pressure decreased from a mean value of 86 to 29 mm water, and night-time incontinence uniformly disappeared. Loop detubularization and reconfiguration, therefore, results in marked improvement of the clinical and urodynamic characteristics of Camey I ileal neobladder.

Modified urethro-ileal anastomosis in the Studer ileal bladder

Studer ileal bladder substitute is a low pressure reservoir anastomosed to the membranous urethra. Suitable length of mesentery is necessary to allow the ileal loop to reach the urethral stump. However, reconfiguration by double folding of the detubularized ileal segment tends to move the inferior portion of the pouch away from the membranous urethra making more difficult, if not impossible, the ileo-urethral anastomosis. In order to avoid this technical limitation, we suggest a reconfiguration of the lowest portion of the pouch into the shape of a 5-cm-long funnel, which permits the loop to approach the urethral stump and therefore facilitates the ileo-urethral anastomosis. This technique has been successfully employed in 10 patients. Eight of them have clinical, radiological and urodynamic follow-up.

MR imaging with STIR technique and air insufflation for local staging of bladder neoplasms

Fifty-six patients with bladder carcinoma were studied with MR imaging for the assessment of the local stage, using the inversion recovery pulse sequence with fat suppression (STIR) with air in the bladder. With this technique images of the inner and the outer parts of the bladder wall were obtained, showing high contrast between the latter and the tumor (tumor/muscle contrast 89.9%). Four tumor stages were recognized: superficial neoplasms (Tis, Ta, and T1), partial wall infiltrating neoplasms (T2); total wall infiltrating neoplasms (T3a, T3b), and neoplasms involving other pelvic organs (T4). MR imaging was compared with histopathologic diagnosis obtained at transurethral resection or cystectomy. True-positive diagnosis was obtained in 80.4%; false-positive in 14.3% of cases; false-negative in 5.3%. Despite the relatively high incidence of overstaged neoplasms, STIR technique combined with air in the bladder allowed a good accuracy in local staging.

Conflicting aspects of renal leiomyoma with different imaging techniques

A case with benign renal leiomyoma examined by all the imaging techniques currently available is described. The aspects were conflicting, particularly with regard to sonography and magnetic resonance imaging, and the sole technique which provided more reliable information was the CT scan.

Orthotopic ileal bladder: clinical, urodynamic and metabolic evaluation

Since January 1985, orthotopic ileal bladder substitution after radical cystectomy was performed in 64 male patients. The Camey I procedure was performed in 35 patients (group 1) and the Studer procedure in 29 (group 2). Clinical, metabolic and urodynamic evaluation was performed at regular intervals with a mean follow-up of 27 months for group 1 and 13.6 months for group 2. Patients with a Camey I bladder reconstruction presented smaller capacity and higher intraluminal pressure resulting in shorter voiding intervals and a practically uniform presence of enuresis, as opposed to those reconstructed with the Studer procedure. The incidence of ureteral reflux was also higher in group 1. Metabolic studies in both groups revealed a slight metabolic acidosis which was treated with oral alkalinization. It is concluded that detubularization of the terminal ileum creates a more favorable low-pressure reservoir.

Undiversion with ileocecal segment following high transureteroureterostomy

A boy presenting with a small bladder and refluxing blind-ending ureteral stumps following multiple attempts at ureteral reimplantation and supravesical diversion with a high left-to-right transureteroureterostomy and right cutaneous ureterostomy underwent successful undiversion. Surgery consisted of bilateral ureterectomy and ileocecocystoplasty, with intussusception of the ileocecal valve and anastomosis of the ileal tail to the right renal pelvis.

Treatment of urinary fistulas after resection of horseshoe kidneys by selective arterial embolization

Two patients presenting with urinary fistulas following partial resection of hydronephrotic kidneys were successfully treated with selective arterial embolization causing functional ablation of the remaining renal parenchyma. This technique is simpler than surgical reexploration.

Endoscopic treatment of refluxing ureteric stump following nephrectomy with Tissucol and teflon injection

A 10-cm-long refluxing ureteric stump following nephrectomy in a woman with a neurogenic bladder was successfully treated endoscopically. The procedure consisted of endoluminal occlusion with a fibrin adhesive complex followed by meatal sealing by a submucosal injection of polytetrafluoroethylene paste.

Conservative surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma: clinical experience and reappraisal of indications

During a 14-year period 36 patients who presented with renal cell carcinoma underwent conservative surgical treatment. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to treatment indications and condition of the contralateral kidney: group 1 included patients with a solitary kidney or bilateral tumors, group 2 patients had a damaged contralateral kidney and group 3 patients were without abnormalities of the contralateral kidney. Cumulative 6-year survival rates were 58 per cent for group 1, and 90 per cent for groups 2 and 3 combined. The over-all cumulative 6-year survival rate was 74 per cent. Based on these data extension of the indication for conservative surgical treatment seems to be justified in patients who present with low stage tumors and partial or potential damage to the contralateral organ.

Relaxation of isolated corpus cavernosum induced by smooth-muscle relaxant drugs. A comparative study

Intracavernous injection of vasoactive substances are used in the treatment and investigation of impotence. We studied the effects induced by some pharmacological agents on strips of human erectile tissue. Specimens of corpus cavernosum were obtained from 16 men undergoing cystectomy or penectomy for bladder or penile malignancy. Strip preparations were mounted in thermostically controlled baths containing Krebs solution. Pharmacologic effects were monitored by means of an isotonic transducer. Papaverine was shown to be the substance able to cause the biggest relaxation effect. The authors compared the action of other drugs having a relaxant effect, studied the antagonist effects of epinephrine and dopamine on the pharmacologically relaxed preparations, and stressed that the relaxation of the erectile tissue has a determinant role in the appearance and maintenance of erection.