Impact of lymphovascular invasion on survival in surgically treated upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a nationwide analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prognostic ability of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) as a predictor of overall survival (OS) using a large North American cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our cohort included 5940 patients with clinical M0 UTUC who underwent a radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), between 2010 and 2016, within the National Cancer Database. The main variable of interest was LVI status, and its interaction with pathological nodal (pN) status. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to depict the OS also stratifying patients on LVI status. Cox regression analysis tested the impact of LVI status on OS after accounting for the available covariates.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at diagnosis was 71 (63-78) years and most patients had pathological T1 stage disease (48.6%). Nodal status was pN0, pN1 and pNx in 45.8%, 6.3% and 47.9%, respectively. Overall, 22.1% had LVI. The median (IQR) follow-up time was 32.6 (16.0-53.3) months. At the 5-year postoperative follow-up, the estimated OS rate was 28% in patients with LVI vs 66% in those without LVI (P < 0.001). When patients were stratified based on nodal status those rates were 32% vs 68% in pN0 patients (P < 0.001), 23% vs 30% in pN1 patients (P = 0.8), and 28% vs 65% in pNx patients (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the presence of LVI was associated with less favourable OS (hazard ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.60-1.99; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study assessed the impact of LVI on OS in patients with UTUC in a large North American nationwide cohort. Our series, as the largest to date, indicate that LVI is associated with less favourable survival outcomes in patients with UTUC after RNU, and this variable could be used in counselling patients about their prognosis and might be a useful tool for future trials to risk-stratify patients.

Comparison of patient background between a real-world North American cohort and the Göteborg-2 trial

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the generalizability of the Göteborg-2 findings to a North American cohort.

METHODS

We replicated the Göteborg-2 inclusion criteria in our Henry Ford Health (HFH) cohort, by identifying all patients 50-60 years old who had a PSA test from 2013 to 2018. The first PSA within the study period was considered PSA at entry, and included in the analysis. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables between the Göteborg-2 and HFH cohort, with a particular focus on Black men, who were also analyzed separately.

RESULTS

The HFH patients included in the cohort were 49 456, of which 8562 were Black. In patients within the entire HFH cohort, HFH Black cohort, Göteborg Reference cohort, and Göteborg Experimental cohort, the rate of PSA ≥3 ng/mL was, respectively, 6.8%, 10.2%, 6.8%, and 6.6%. The rate of biopsy performed was, respectively, 1.8%, 4.1%, 5.8%, and 2.5%. PCa was found in, respectively, 1.4%, 3.0%, 2.3%, and 1.5%; Gleason score 3 + 3 in, respectively, 0.5%, 0.8%, 1.2%, and 0.6%; Gleason score > 3 + 3 in, respectively, 0.9%, 2.2%, 1.1%, and 0.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cohort had a lower biopsy rate and a lower incidence of non-csPCa diagnosis than both Göteborg cohorts, while still maintaining the same incidence of csPCa. This implies that the benefits of reducing non-csPCa diagnosis, as observed in the Experimental Göteborg cohort, are not necessarily replicable in U.S. "real-world practice" patients. Also noteworthy, we had a significantly higher percentage of Black men, who showed more aggressive disease.

Current Standards for Training in Robot-assisted Surgery and Endourology: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Different training programs have been developed to improve trainee outcomes in urology. However, evidence on the optimal training methodology is sparse. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive description of the training programs available for urological robotic surgery and endourology, assess their validity, and highlight the fundamental elements of future training pathways.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The validity of each training model was assessed. The methodological quality of studies on metrics and curricula was graded using the MERSQI scale. The level of evidence (LoE) and level of recommendation for surgical curricula were awarded using the educational Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 75 studies were identified. Many simulators have been developed to aid trainees in mastering skills required for both robotic and endourology procedures, but only four demonstrated predictive validity. For assessment of trainee proficiency, we identified 18 in robotics training and six in endourology training; however, the majority are Likert-type scales. Although proficiency-based progression (PBP) curricula demonstrated superior outcomes to traditional training in preclinical settings, only four of six (67%) in robotics and three of nine (33%) in endourology are PBP-based. Among these, the Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery and the SIMULATE curricula have the highest LoE (level 1b). The lack of a quantitative synthesis is the main limitation of our study.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Training curricula that integrate simulators and PBP methodology have been introduced to standardize trainee outcomes in robotics and endourology. However, evidence regarding their educational impact remains restricted to preclinical studies. Efforts should be made to expand these training programs to different surgical procedures and assess their clinical impact.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Simulation-based training and programs in which progression is based on proficiency represent the new standard of quality for achieving surgical proficiency in urology. Studies have demonstrated the educational impact of these approaches. However, there are still no standardized training pathways for several urology procedures.

Adequacy of prostate cancer prevention and screening recommendations provided by an artificial intelligence-powered large language model

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the appropriateness of ChatGPT in providing answers related to prostate cancer (PCa) screening, comparing GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.

METHODS

A committee of five reviewers designed 30 questions related to PCa screening, categorized into three difficulty levels. The questions were formulated identically for both GPTs three times, varying the prompts. Each reviewer assigned a score for accuracy, clarity, and conciseness. The readability was assessed by the Flesch Kincaid Grade (FKG) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE). The mean scores were extracted and compared using the Wilcoxon test. We compared the readability across the three different prompts by ANOVA.

RESULTS

In GPT-3.5 the mean score (SD) for accuracy, clarity, and conciseness was 1.5 (0.59), 1.7 (0.45), 1.7 (0.49), respectively for easy questions; 1.3 (0.67), 1.6 (0.69), 1.3 (0.65) for medium; 1.3 (0.62), 1.6 (0.56), 1.4 (0.56) for hard. In GPT-4 was 2.0 (0), 2.0 (0), 2.0 (0.14), respectively for easy questions; 1.7 (0.66), 1.8 (0.61), 1.7 (0.64) for medium; 2.0 (0.24), 1.8 (0.37), 1.9 (0.27) for hard. GPT-4 performed better for all three qualities and difficulty levels than GPT-3.5. The FKG mean for GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 answers were 12.8 (1.75) and 10.8 (1.72), respectively; the FRE for GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 was 37.3 (9.65) and 47.6 (9.88), respectively. The 2nd prompt has achieved better results in terms of clarity (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

GPT-4 displayed superior accuracy, clarity, conciseness, and readability than GPT-3.5. Though prompts influenced the quality response in both GPTs, their impact was significant only for clarity.

Penoscrotal approach for inflatable penile prosthesis implant: why it should be preferred

INTRODUCTION

Inflatable penile prosthesis are the definitive treatment for erectile dysfunction. The two most used surgical approaches to position the implants are the penoscrotal and the infrapubic. Current trends showed that the penoscrotal approach is extensively preferred however, there is not conclusive evidence demonstrating the superiority of one technique over the other. The aim of this review is to summarize the scientific evidence available and to underline strengths and weaknesses of the two techniques.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed to identify relevant published articles. The included studies had to explicitly examine the use of three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis with a focus on the surgical access method and complications.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Twenty-six articles were included in the review: seven narrative reviews, five retrospective observational studies, five prospective observational studies, and nine mixed methodology studies. The most frequent approach was the penoscrotal, which was also found more comfortable (RG1) by the operators in one study. The infrapubic approach lasts less and one study demonstrated higher satisfaction by the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence of significant differences in complications among the penoscrotal and infrapubic approaches. While the infrapubic approach is faster and patients were more satisfied, the penoscrotal approach is the most used by far. This is likely related to the more straightforward procedure through this access and the excellent surgical field exposure. For these reasons, it is also preferred in the most complex cases.

Non-transecting dorsal mucosal anastomosis plus ventral oral graft for the treatment of urethral bulbar strictures: single surgeon experience

PURPOSE

To report our experience with the non-transecting dorsal mucosal anastomosis plus ventral oral graft urethroplasty (NTAVOG) for the repair of tight bulbar urethral strictures.

METHODS

Data of 68 men with tight bulbar strictures underwent NTAVOG urethroplasty between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively revised. The urethra was opened ventrally; the dorsal scarred mucosa was excised preserving the spongiosum; the mobilized mucosal edges were anastomosed to recreate the dorsal urethral plate; the repaired urethral plate was augmented by the ventral oral graft and the spongiosum was closed over it. Successful urethral reconstruction was defined as normal voiding without the need for any postoperative procedure. Sexual function was investigated using a validated questionnaire.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 58 months (IQR 38-63) and mean stricture length was 1 cm (IQR 1-1.5). Of 68 cases, 56 (82.4%) were successful and 12 (17.6%) were failures requiring re-treatment. At multivariable analysis, no preoperative factor was significantly associated with recurrence. None of the preoperatively sexually active 53 patients reported postoperative erectile impairment and all were satisfied with their sexual life. The main limitation is the retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of tight bulbar stricture, the NTAVOG urethroplasty provides adequate urethral augmentation by preserving the spongiosum and avoiding postoperative sexual complications. We presented a series of patients undergone non-transecting dorsal anastomosis plus ventral oral graft urethroplasty for tight bulbar stricture. This treatment seems to be safe and with limited postoperative complications thanks to the preservation of the corpus spongiosum.

Accuracy of a new electronic nose for prostate cancer diagnosis in urine samples

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of a new electronic nose to recognize prostate cancer in urine samples.

Methods

A blind, prospective study on consecutive patients was designed. Overall, 174 subjects were included in the study: 88 (50.6%) in prostate cancer group, and 86 (49.4%) in control group. Electronic nose performance for prostate cancer was assessed using sensitivity and specificity. The diagnostic accuracy of electronic nose was reported as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

The electronic nose in the study population reached a sensitivity 85.2% (95% confidence interval 76.1–91.9; 13 false negatives out of 88), a specificity 79.1% (95% confidence interval 69.0–87.1; 18 false positives out of 86). The accuracy of the electronic nose represented as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.821 (95% confidence interval 0.764–0.879).

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of electronic nose for recognizing prostate cancer in urine samples is high, promising and susceptible to supplemental improvement. Additionally, further studies will be necessary to design a clinical trial to validate electronic nose application in diagnostic prostate cancer nomograms.

Impact of chronic exposure to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19: a case-control study in male population from two COVID-19 regional centers of Lombardy, Italy

BACKGROUND

There are sex differences in vulnerability to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The coronavirus S protein mediates viral entry into target cells employing the host cellular serine protease TMPRSS2 for S-protein priming. The TMPRSS2 gene expression is responsive to androgen stimulation and it could partially explain sex differences. We hypothesized that men chronically exposed to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) have a lower risk of hospitalization for COVID-19.

METHODS

This is a population-based case-control study on consecutive patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus who required hospitalization for COVID-19 (cases), age-matched to beneficiaries of the Lombardy Regional Health Service (controls). Data were collected by two high-volume COVID-19 regional centers of Lombardy (Italy). The primary outcome was to compare the prevalence of patients chronically exposed to 5ARIs, who required hospitalization for COVID-19, with the one of controls.

RESULTS

Overall, 943 males were enrolled; 45 (4.77%) were exposed to 5ARI. COVID-19 patients aged >55 years under 5ARI treatment were significantly less than expected on the basis of the prevalence of 5ARI treatment among age-matched controls (5.57 vs. 8.14%; P=0.0083, 95% CI: 0.75-3.97%). This disproportion was higher for men aged >65 (7.14 vs. 12.31%; P=0.0001, 95% CI: 2.83-6.97%). Eighteen 5ARIs-patients died; the mean age of men who died was higher than those who did not: 75.98±9.29 vs. 64.78±13.57 (P<0.001). Cox-regression and multivariable models did not show correlation between 5ARIs exposure and protection against intensive care unit admission/death.

CONCLUSIONS

Men exposed to 5ARIs might be less vulnerable to severe COVID-19, supporting its use in disease prophylaxis.

Impact of chronic exposure to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19: a case-control study in male population from two COVID-19 regional centers of Lombardy (Italy)

BACKGROUND

There are sex differences in vulnerability to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The coronavirus S protein mediates viral entry into target cells employing the host cellular serine protease TMPRSS2 for S-protein priming. The TMPRSS2 gene expression is responsive to androgen stimulation and it could partially explain sex differences. We hypothesized that men chronically exposed to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) have a lower risk of hospitalization for COVID-19.

METHODS

This is a population-based case-control study on consecutive patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus who required hospitalization for COVID-19 (cases), age-matched to beneficiaries of the Lombardy Regional Health Service (controls). Data were collected by two high-volume COVID-19 regional centers of Lombardy (Italy). The primary outcome was to compare the prevalence of patients chronically exposed to 5ARIs, who required hospitalization for COVID-19, with the one of controls.

RESULTS

Overall, 943 males were enrolled; 45 (4.77%) were exposed to 5ARI. COVID-19 patients aged >55 years under 5ARI treatment were significantly less than expected on the basis of the prevalence of 5ARI treatment among age-matched controls (5.57 vs. 8.14%; p=0.0083, 95%CI=0.75-3.97%). This disproportion was higher for men aged >65 (7.14 vs. 12.31%; p=0.0001, 95%CI=2.83-6.97%). Eighteen 5ARIs-patients died; the mean age of men who died was higher than those who did not: 75.98±9.29 vs. 64.78±13.57 (p<0.001). Cox-regression and multivariable models did not show correlation between 5ARIs exposure and protection against intensive care unit admission/death.

CONCLUSIONS

Men exposed to 5ARIs might be less vulnerable to severe COVID-19, supporting its use in disease prophylaxis.

Long-term outcomes of high-grade T1 bladder cancer treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin: experience of a single center

BACKGROUND

To assess the outcomes of patients with high-grade (HG) pT1 bladder cancer (BC) treated with intravesical BCG therapy.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 185 patients with HG pT1 BC treated between 1998 and 2010. We aimed to determine recurrence-free (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS), as well as the predictors of RFS and PFS.

RESULTS

Overall, 143 (77.3%) patients were males. Median age was 72 years (IQR: 66-78). Tumor size was ≥3 cm in 100 (54.1%) individuals. Most patients had single tumors (125; 67.6%). Primary, progressive and recurrent patterns of presentation were observed in 146 (78.9%), 21 (11.4%), and 18 (9.7%) cases, respectively. After 2nd-look TURB, 127 (68.6%) patients had no residual disease, 44 (23.8%) had Ta/CIS, and 14 (7.6%) had T1 HG BC. Twenty-two (11.9%) patients experience early recurrence after BCG. Of these, 12 patients (54.5%) were diagnosed with Ta/CIS, while 10 (45.5%) were diagnosed with HG pT1 BC. The median follow-up was 93 months (IQR: 63-147). Ten-year RFS and PFS rates were 69.6 and 79.2%. In multivariable Cox regression models, female gender (HR=2.41; P=0.001), progressive (HR=2.03; P=0.030) and recurrent (HR=3.87; P<0.001) pattern of presentation emerged as independent predictors of RFS, while age ≥70 years (HR=2.13; P=0.027), presence of multiple tumors (HR=2.06; P=0.019), and early recurrence (HR=3.88; P<0.001) emerged as independent predictors of PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical BCG appears to be an effective treatment for HG pT1 BC. Caution should be used in patients aged ≥70 years, with multiple tumors or experiencing early recurrence.

An observational study of the use of beclomethasone dipropionate suppositories in the treatment of lower urinary tract inflammation in men

Background

Nonbacterial prostatitis, together with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, accounts for 90–95 % of prostatitis cases. Anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to reduce storage/inflammatory symptoms that can deteriorate quality of life. The purpose of this study was to observe the efficacy and safety of beclomethasone dipropionate rectal suppositories (Topster®) in inflammations of the lower urinary tract in men.

Methods

Patients underwent diagnostic and therapeutic protocols according to current evidence-based practice. Efficacy assessments: voiding parameters, perineal pain, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), digital rectal examination (DRE). Adverse events and patient compliance were recorded throughout the study.

Results

One hundred eighty patients were enrolled, mean age 52 ± 14.97. Most frequent diagnosis: nonbacterial prostatitis (85 %). All patients completed visits 1 and 2. All patients were treated with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) suppositories, 136/180 also with Serenoa repens (SR) extract. Antibiotics were rarely required.

162/180 patients presented clinically significant improvements and terminated treatment.

Mean change vs. baseline in voiding frequency: −3.55 ± 2.70 n/day in patients taking only BDP and −3.68 ± 2.81 n/day in those taking both BDP and SR (P<.0001 in both groups). Uroflowmetry improved significantly; change from baseline 3.26 ± 5.35 ml/s in BDP only group and 5.61 ± 7.32 ml/s in BDP + SR group (P = 0.0002 for BDP, P<.0001 for BDP + SR). Urine stream normal in 35 % of patients at visit 1 and 57.22 % of patients at visit 2. Mean change in perineal pain, on 0–10 VAS, −0.66 ± 2.24 for BDP only group (P = 0.0699) and −1.37 ± 2.40 for BDP + SR group (P<.0001). IPSS increased at visit 2. No adverse events were reported.

For all parameters, none of the comparisons between groups was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the drug’s good safety profile. We also observed an improvement in the main storage symptoms and clinical findings associated with lower urinary tract inflammation in patients treated with beclomethasone dipropionate suppositories.