Comparison of Oncological Outcomes of Pembrolizumab as Second-line Therapy and Maintenance Avelumab Therapy in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma After Platinum-based Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Sequential therapy using chemotherapy and subsequent immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment prolongs the survival of patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). However, no comparison data for oncological outcome between pembrolizumab and avelumab has been reported. Thus, we compared oncological outcomes between pembrolizumab as second-line therapy and maintenance avelumab therapy in patients with advanced UC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients with advanced UC treated with pembrolizumab or avelumab between January 2018 and February 2023. We compared oncological outcomes after adjusting for patient characteristics. Immune-related adverse events (AEs) in each group were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.

RESULTS

There were 186 and 44 patients in the pembrolizumab- and avelumab-treated cohorts, respectively. After propensity score matching, 43 patients from each group were selected and analyzed. Median progression-free survival from the initiation of pembrolizumab and avelumab treatments was 126 and 139 days, respectively (log-rank test, p=0.625). Median overall survival in the pembrolizumab and avelumab cohorts were 658 days and not reached, respectively (log-rank test, p=0.249). Thirty-eight (20.4%) and 14 (31.8%) all-grade immune-related AEs were observed in 186 pembrolizumab- and 44 avelumab-treated patients, respectively (chi-squared test, p=0.112). Regarding endocrine-related AEs, 12 (6.5%) and none (0%) were observed in pembrolizumab- and avelumab-treated patients, respectively (Fisher's exact probability test, p=0.129).

CONCLUSION

Pembrolizumab and maintenance avelumab therapy provide equivalent oncological outcomes in patients with advanced UC. Although no significant difference was observed, there might be a potential risk of higher endocrine-related AEs due to pembrolizumab compared to avelumab maintenance therapy.

Prevention of local symptoms in muscle invasive bladder cancer patients: clinical significance of local radiation therapy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the significance of local radiation therapy (LRT) for prevention of local symptoms (LSs) caused by muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 133 patients from 13 hospitals. MIBC patients with or without metastases who were treated with LRT alone from January 2015 through December 2020 were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were urinary diversion (UD) prior to LRT, non-MIBC, or lack of clinical information. LSs were defined as hematuria requiring invasive treatment or transfusion, UD after LRT, bladder tamponade, and opioid use for bladder pain.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen patients were finally enrolled in the study. During the median follow-up period of 13.5 months, 30 patients (26.3%) had LSs. Risk factors of LSs in multivariate analysis were a prior history of non-MIBC (NMIBC) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36 to 6.56; P < 0.01), radiation dose of less than 50 Gray (Gy) (HR 3.99; 95% CI, 1.80 to 8.82; P < 0.01), and tumor stage 3 or more (HR 2.43; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.21; P = 0.02). Risk factors of overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis were being female (HR 3.32; 95% CI, 1.68 to 6.58; P < 0.01), an age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity index of 6 or more (HR 2.19; 95% CI, 1.18 to 4.10; P = 0.01), distant metastases (HR 3.20; 95% CI, 1.39 to 6.58; P < 0.01), and tumor size of 40 mm or more (HR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.34 to 4.52; P < 0.01). Toxicity (all grades) occurred in 40.4% of the patients, 4.8% with grade 3 or more and 95.2% with lower grades.

CONCLUSIONS

We determined the risk factors for LSs in MIBC patients treated with LRT alone. An escalated-dose of 50 Gy or more may contribute to prevention of LSs caused by MIBC. Thus, dose-escalated LRT for MIBC patients who can expect favorable survival may be a good option to avoid future annoying LSs.

Difference in symptom manifestation between postmenopausal and premenopausal women in acute uncomplicated cystitis: A multi-institutional pilot study

Objectives

We aimed to prospectively compare lower urinary tract symptoms in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with acute uncomplicated cystitis before and after antibiotic therapy.

Materials and methods

This study included adult women with acute uncomplicated cystitis who visited 4 institutions between 2019 and 2020. After registration, we administered oral antibiotics and prospectively documented the changes in lower urinary tract symptoms from the first visit to a follow-up visit at 1 week using the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Score (CLSS) questionnaire.

Results

After treatment, pyuria disappeared in 60 of the 66 patients (14 premenopausal and 46 postmenopausal). The CLSS total score (range) changed from 13 (3-29) to 4 (0-18) with a significant improvement in all CLSS items. At baseline, nocturia, urgency, and urgency incontinence were more prominent in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. In contrast, baseline urethral pain and quality of life index were more severe in premenopausal women than in postmenopausal women. After treatment, the CLSS total score was still higher in postmenopausal women, as reflected by the relatively higher scores for nocturia and urgency, irrespective of the comparable scores for urethral pain and the quality of life index in the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that if storage symptoms persist, they should be carefully interpreted according to menopausal status.

Are there differences in the characteristics of patients who respond to gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy and those who respond to pembrolizumab therapy for metastatic urothelial carcinoma? Multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate factors to predict overall survival of metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients treated with gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy or pembrolizumab therapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated two metastatic urothelial carcinoma cohorts treated with (i) gemcitabine plus cisplatin or (ii) pembrolizumab. The gemcitabine plus cisplatin cohort was treated from December 2005 through December 2014 while the pembrolizumab cohort was treated from January 2018 through December 2020. Using multivariate analyses, we evaluated the risk factors for overall survival in each cohort and compared them. None of the gemcitabine plus cisplatin cohort patients were treated with pembrolizumab. All patients in the pembrolizumab cohort were treated with prior platinum-based chemotherapy.

RESULTS

There were 184 patients in the gemcitabine plus cisplatin cohort and 91 in the pembrolizumab cohort. The mean follow-up periods were 714 and 284 days, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for overall survival in the gemcitabine plus cisplatin cohort were liver metastasis, worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (1 or more), no primary site resection, and a high prognostic index (1 or more). In the pembrolizumab cohort, liver metastasis, bone metastasis, and worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-performance status (1 or more), and high prognostic index (1 or more) were the risk factors for overall survival. In the pembrolizumab cohort, patients with a complete response or partial response during prior platinum-based chemotherapy had better overall survival with the following pembrolizumab treatment than those with stable or progressive disease (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the similarity of these risk factors in two sequential treatments, it may be possible to predict the response to pembrolizumab according to the response to prior chemotherapy.

Therapeutic options to reduce intravesical recurrence in newly diagnosed Ta high-grade bladder cancer according to risk stratification: A multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the risk factors for intravesical recurrence in patients with newly diagnosed Ta high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and the optimal management to reduce the risk of recurrence.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated Ta high-grade bladder cancer in patients who were newly diagnosed by transurethral resection from January 2007 through October 2018. Using multivariate analyses, we evaluated the risk factors and therapeutic options affecting intravesical recurrence and stratified the patients according to the risk numbers.

RESULTS

We included 390 patients and the median follow-up period was 31 months after the initial transurethral resection. According to multivariate analysis, having a previous history of upper urinary tract carcinoma, and multiple and sessile tumors were risk factors for intravesical recurrence (P = 0.001, P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). Risk groups were stratified according to these risk factors into favorable, intermediate and poor. In the entire cohort, induction and immediate intravesical instillation therapy were treatment options to reduce intravesical recurrence (P < 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). Analyses in each risk group showed that a second transurethral resection was the only therapeutic option to reduce intravesical recurrence in the favorable group (P = 0.048), whereas induction intravesical instillation therapy was effective in the intermediate and poor risk groups (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), as was immediate intravesical instillation for the poor risk group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sessile, multiple tumors and a history of upper urinary tract carcinoma are risk factors for intravesical recurrence in Ta high-grade bladder cancer patients.

Antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) in urological malignancies: a multi-center retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the incidence and risk factors for antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) in prostate and kidney cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 547 patients from 13 hospitals. Prostate and kidney cancer patients with bone metastases who were treated with a bone-modifying agent (BMA) between January 2012 and February 2019 were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were BMA use for hypercalcemia, a lack of clinical data, a follow-up period of less than 28 days and a lack of evaluation by dentists before BMA administration. The diagnosis and staging of ARONJ were done by dentists.

RESULTS

Two-hundred eighteen patients were finally enrolled in the study, including 168 prostate cancer patients and 50 kidney cancer patients. Of them, 49 (29%) prostate cancer patients and 18 (36%) kidney cancer patients needed tooth extraction prior to BMA initiation. The mean follow-up period after BMA initiation was 552.9 ± 424.7 days (mean ± SD). In the cohort, 23% of the patients were diagnosed with ARONJ in the follow-up period. The 1-year cumulative incidences of ARONJ were 9.4% and 15.4% in prostate and kidney cancer patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that kidney cancer, tooth extraction before BMA and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m² were significant predictors for ARONJ.

CONCLUSION

ARONJ is not a rare adverse event in urological malignancies. Especially, kidney cancer, high BMI patients and who needed tooth extraction before BMA were high risk for developing ARONJ.

Nationwide surveillance of bacterial pathogens isolated from patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis in 2018: Conducted by the Japanese Research Group for Urinary Tract Infections (JRGU)

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to monitor the development of drug-resistant bacteria isolated from acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) and to evaluate methodology of the survey conducted by collecting only clinical data.

METHODS

We enrolled female patients at least 16 years of age diagnosed with AUC in 2018. Patient information including age, menopausal status, and results of bacteriological examination were collected and analyzed regardless of bacterial identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing or extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) detection method.

RESULTS

A total of 847 eligible cases were collected. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most frequently isolated bacterial species at about 70%, with proportions of fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli (QREC) and ESBL-producing E. coli isolates at 15.6% and 9.5% of all E. coli isolates, respectively. The proportion of Staphylococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus) was significantly higher in premenopausal women. Regarding the drug susceptibility of E. coli, isolates from Eastern Japan had significantly higher susceptibility to cefazolin, cefotiam and cefpodoxime and lower susceptibility to levofloxacin in postmenopausal women. ESBL-producing E. coli isolates had a high susceptibility to tazobactam-piperacillin, cefmetazole, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fosfomycin. In S. saprophyticus, the susceptibility to β-lactams including carbapenems was 40-60%.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportions of QREC and ESBL-producing E. coli were increasing trends and lower susceptibility to LVFX in postmenopausal women was observed. Such surveillance, consisting of the collecting only clinical data, could be conducted easily and inexpensively. It is expected to be continuously performed as an alternative survey to conventional one collecting bacterial strains.

Ureteral calculi secondary to a gradually migrated acupuncture needle

We herein presented a case of calculi secondary to a migrated acupuncture needle. A 74-year-old woman with a history of acupuncture therapy for lumbago was referred to our hospital for treatment of ureteral and renal pelvic calculi. Abdominal multi-detector computed tomography scans showed ipsilateral hydronephrosis and two calculi secondary to a migrated acupuncture needle. First, a percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed to extract two calculi and fine needle fragments from the pelvis. Subsequently, residual needle fragments and calculi in the ureter were then removed by flexible transurethral lithotripsy using a holmium laser. In the present case, the formation of the calculi was caused by a migrated acupuncture needle. Calculi and needle fragments were removed safely endoscopically because the whole calculi and needle fragments were located in the ureteral lumen.

Dynamic changes of bone metastasis predict bone-predominant status to benefit from radium-223 dichloride for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer

Background

To best employ radium‐223 dichloride (Ra‐223) for patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and bone metastasis, we investigated the bone‐predominant status in patients treated with Ra‐223.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 127 CRPC patients who underwent treatment with Ra‐223. The patients were divided into three groups based on the types of dynamic changes of bone metastasis between diagnosis and just before Ra‐223: (a) only known lesions; (b) de novo lesions; (c) new progressive lesions. We developed the risk assessment using predictive factors based on progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 10.4 months, the median PFS in the only known lesions group was 11.3 months compared to 8.1 months in the de novo lesions group and 5.1 months in the new progressive lesions group (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, the type of the new progressive lesions in bone metastasis (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.13‐1.66, P = .003), performance status of >1 (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.04‐2.89, P = .034), PSA value of >100 ng/mL (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02‐2.50, P = .043), and PSA doubling time (PSADT) of <3 months (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.11‐2.03, P = .007) were independent unfavorable predictive factors for PFS. The risk assessment for PFS was highlighted when the type of dynamic changes of bone metastasis was combined with PSADT just before Ra‐223 treatment. This was associated with non‐bone metastasis progression, especially visceral metastasis, and overall survival.

Conclusions

Risk assessment in combination with dynamic changes of bone metastasis and PSADT determines the bone‐predominant metastasis type to benefit from Ra‐223.

Who is a bone-predominant patient to maximize clinical benefits of radium-223 dichloride?

47

Background: Radium-223 dichloride (Ra-223) is used for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and bone metastasis (BM). However, some patients often have disease progression of non-BM during Ra-223 and may enable to receive no more other life-prolonging therapies. Thus, diagnostic uncertainty in bone-predominant CRPC yet needs to be determined. To maximize clinical benefits of Ra-223, we clarified how to identify patients with bone-predominant metastatic CRPC. Methods: This was a multi-center retrospective study. The 136 CRPC patients who received Ra-223 between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients without visceral metastasis and lymph node metastasis of more than 3 cm received Ra-223, 55kBq/kg, every 4 weeks for up to 6 cycles, and were required to continue androgen deprivation therapy alone. All patients were divided into 3 groups by the types of dynamic changes of BM compared to BM at diagnosis: i) only known lesions; ii) new progressive lesions; iii) de novo BM at CRPC. Time from initiation of Ra-223 to failure of subsequent treatment (time to FST), radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: The median age was 76 years. Of all, 68% received all 6 planned cycles of Ra-223. Overall, PSA responses were observed in 26 (19%). During follow-up of 12 months, the median time of FST, rPFS and OS were 8.3, 10.6 and 16.4 months, respectively. The type of dynamic changes of BM (HR 3.65, p=0.004) and PSA doubling time (PSADT) just before Ra-223 (HR 4.35, p=0.006) were significantly associated with time to FST. The dynamic changes of BM combined with PSADT highlighted an optimal decision of Ra-223. Patients with only known lesions of BM had longer time to FST, better rPFS and OS regardless of PSADT. The same was true for patients with de novo or new progressive lesions of BM and a long PSADT. In contrast, patients with new progressive lesions of BM and PSADT< 3 months were presumably more likely to have the risk of FST and progression of visceral metastasis. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the risk assessment with the type of dynamic changes of BM and PSADT could determine an ideal patient for Ra-223.

Serum testosterone level is a useful biomarker for determining the optimal treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of serum testosterone to guide treatment decision for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 115 patients with CRPC treated with either abiraterone (n = 43) or enzalutamide (n = 72). A serum testosterone level was measured at time of starting of abiraterone or enzalutamide. We determined whether serum testosterone influenced the outcomes of androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapy.

RESULTS

In the very-low testosterone group (<5 ng/dl), the rate of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response was significantly higher among patients treated with abiraterone compared to enzalutamide (62 vs. 32%, respectively; P = 0.033), with no difference in the low testosterone group (5-<50 ng/dl) (93 vs. 81%, respectively; P = 0.429). During the median follow-up of 26 months, PSA progression-free survival was significantly longer in the low testosterone group than in the very-low testosterone group (12.2 vs. 4.5 months, P<0.001). In the very-low testosterone group, enzalutamide use (HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.36-6.94; P = 0.007), primary androgen deprivation therapy <12 months (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.23-5.08; P = 0.011) and bone metastases (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.20-5.64; P = 0.015) were significantly associated with PSA progression.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a serum testosterone level ≥5 ng/dl were more likely to receive therapeutic benefits from AR-targeted therapy compared to those with serum testosterone levels <5 ng/dl. However, even for those with a very low serum testosterone level, the efficacy of abiraterone was slightly higher than that of enzalutamide. Therefore, serum testosterone level is a useful biomarker for informing treatment selection for CRPC.

Selective culture of Escherichia coli to prevent infective complications of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: Clinical efficacy and analysis of characteristics of quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate a regimen of targeted prophylaxis using rectal swab culture in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, and to investigate the characteristics of isolated fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli.

METHODS

A prospective study was carried out from June 2013 through December 2014. Rectal swabs were cultured on agar plates containing either 2 μg/mL levofloxacin or 1 μg/mL sitafloxacin before transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Patients with susceptible organisms received levofloxacin or sitafloxacin, whereas those with resistant organisms received directed antimicrobial prophylaxis according to the results of the antimicrobial susceptibility test. Patients with infectious complications after prostate biopsy were identified, and characteristics of patients carrying fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 397 men underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Of these patients, 74 (18.6%) had fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli. All fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli were susceptible to amikacin and meropenem. The risk factor for possible fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli was age of ≥73 years. Three (0.7%) patients who received appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis had high-grade fever after the prostate biopsy. However, the pathogens were not fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy can be associated with reducing severe infectious complications caused by fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli.

Complications within 90 days after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: results of a multicenter prospective study in Japan

PURPOSE

We prospectively evaluated the 90-day postoperative mortality and morbidity of open radical cystectomy by using a standardized reporting methodology. Additionally, we assessed the preoperative characteristics to determine risk factors for major complications.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective study included 185 consecutive patients undergoing open radical cystectomy from October 2010 through March 2014. Postoperative complications within 90 days were recorded and graded according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Totally, 328 postoperative complications were observed in 149 patients (80.5%). Of these events, 73 (22.2%) were high grade (≥ Grade III), and developed in 46 patients (24.9%). Three patients (1.6%) died postoperatively. Urinary tract infection, wound complications, and paralytic ileus were common complications that occurred in 55 (29.7%), 42 (22.7%) and 41 (22.2%) patients, respectively. Ureteroenteric stricture was diagnosed in 13 of the 151 patients (8.6%) undergoing intestinal urinary diversion. Emergency room visits were required for 13 patients (7.0%) and readmission after discharge was needed for 36 (19.5%). A body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m², smoking history and Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 2 were independent risk factors for high-grade complications, and their odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 2.357 (1.123-4.948), 2.843 (1.225-6.596) and 3.025 (1.390-6.596), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Open radical cystectomy is associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. Most, however, are of low grade. Our results suggest that obesity, a smoking history, and increasing comorbidity are risk factors for major complications.

[Clinical Study of Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis]

Escherichia coli is the most commonly isolated bacterium in urinary tract infections, especially in acute uncomplicated cystitis. It is reported that fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli is increasing. However, according to the guidelines for antimicrobial use published by the Japanese Associations for Infectious Diseases (JAID) and the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy (JSC) in 2014, the first line antimicrobial regimen for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis is a 3-day regimen with fluoroquinolone. We analyzed the causative bacteria and clinical efficacy of antimicrobial treatment in acute uncomplicated cystitis cases at our institute. Patients diagnosed as having acute uncomplicated cystitis who had ≥ 10(4) colony-forming units/mL of bacteria in their midstream urine in our outpatient clinic between 2012 and 2013 were enrolled in this study. We analyzed their clinical data retrospectively. From 173 patients, 212 strains were isolated. Of these, 135 (63.7%) were E. coli, including 15 strains (11.1%) that were levofloxacin resistant. One hundred twenty-three patients (63.7%) were treated with cephalosporin, and 46 patients (26.6%) were treated with fluoroquinolone. In all, 140 patients (80.9%) visited the outpatient clinic for an average of 8.4 days after their treatment. For 130 patients (92.6%), the clinical outcomes of antimicrobial treatment were judged as effective. The clinical outcomes were effective in 92.1% of the patients with cephalosporin treatment and in 97.1% of those with fluoroquinolone treatment. Only one patient who had levofloxacin-resistant E. coli in her urine was treated with fluoroquinolone. The clinical outcome was effective. Of the E. coli isolated from acute uncomplicated cystitis patients, 11.1% were levofloxacin-resistant strains. However, the clinical efficacy of antimicrobial treatment was relatively high (92.9%) in this study. The antimicrobial treatment for acute uncomplicated cystitis recommended by the guidelines published by the JAID and JSC was effective in the current situation.

Three-year outcome analysis of alpha 1-blocker naftopidil for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in a prospective multicenter study in Japan

PURPOSE

Our aim was to prospectively analyze the 3-year outcomes of naftopidil treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including those who dropped out during follow-up and had retreatment for BPH after termination of the drug within 3 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Naftopidil, 50 mg/d or 75 mg/d, was given to 117 patients having BPH aged 50 years and older who had international prostate symptom scores (IPSS) ≥8. They were prospectively followed for 3 years with periodic evaluation. If naftopidil was terminated, the reason was determined. For patients with termination, an outcome survey was done to evaluate the status of retreatment for BPH at 3 years.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (21.4%) continued the same medication for 3 years. The total IPSS, quality of life index, BPH problem index, and maximum flow rate were significantly improved during 3 years. Treatment failure defined as symptomatic progression (an increase in the IPSS of ≥4 points compared to the baseline value), development of acute urinary retention, conversion to other α1-blockers, add-on of a 5α-reductase inhibitor, or conversion to surgery was observed in 41 patients (35.0%). In the univariate analysis, age, prostate volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen were predictors of treatment failure. Of the 50 patients who discontinued naftopidil during the follow-up, only 13 (26%) patients reported that they needed retreatment with α1-blockers and/or surgery within 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Long-term efficacy of naftopidil was observed, although older age, increased prostate volume, and elevated prostate-specific antigen at baseline were highly likely to result in treatment failure. Even after termination for various reasons, only a small portion of the patients needed retreatment for BPH within 3 years.

Palonosetron with aprepitant plus dexamethasone to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting during gemcitabine/cisplatin in urothelial cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the appearance of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and to compare the antiemetic efficacy of the triple combination of palonosetron, aprepitant and dexamethasone with that of our old regimen using first-generation 5-hydroxytryptamine 3-receptor antagonists and dexamethasone during gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer.

METHODS

We carried out a multi-institutional study including 122 patients who received gemcitabine and cisplatin for advanced urothelial cancer between February 2005 and January 2012. Uncontrolled chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting events were identified through records of nausea and vomiting, additional infusion, rescue medications, and/or records of food intake.

RESULTS

First-generation 5-hydroxytryptamine 3-receptor antagonists (ondansetron or granisetron) plus dexamethasone were used for 75 patients (cohort 1), and palonosetron with dexamethasone plus aprepitant for 47 patients (cohort 2). Patients in cohort 2 had significantly higher complete response (defined as no emetic episodes and no rescue medication use) rates than those in cohort 1 during the overall phase in the first cycle (85.7% vs 65.3%, P = 0.012), and all cycles (78.7% vs 50.7%, P = 0.0019) of gemcitabine and cisplatin. Patients in cohort 2 were more likely to achieve more favorable chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting control; that is, a lower grade of nausea, vomiting or anorexia, lower incidence of rescue therapy required, and shorter time to become chemotherapy-induced nausea- and vomiting-free than patients in cohort 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results show that palonosetron in combination with aprepitant and dexamethasone is more effective to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in urothelial cancer patients treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin than first-generation 5-hydroxytryptamine 3-receptor antagonists plus dexamethasone.

Efficacy and safety of docetaxel and prednisolone for castration-resistant prostate cancer: a multi-institutional retrospective study in Japan

OBJECTIVE

Although some new drugs for castration-resistant prostate cancer are available, docetaxel still plays an important role in castration-resistant prostate cancer treatment. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of docetaxel and prednisolone in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who received docetaxel and prednisolone at 14 hospitals in the Sapporo Medical University Urologic Oncology Consortium from August 2004 to December 2011.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer received docetaxel and prednisolone (median age, 73.8 years; median prostate specific antigen, 54.7 ng/ml). A median of six cycles (range: 1-43) of docetaxel and prednisolone was administered per patient. Median follow-up was 13.7 months. Median overall survival was 22.0 months. The log-rank test revealed that prostate specific antigen before docetaxel and prednisolone (<50 ng/ml) and the prostate specific antigen reduction rate (≥30%) were associated with overall survival (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Eighty patients (57.1%) achieved a prostate specific antigen reduction rate of over 30%. All except two (97.5%) reached 30% prostate specific antigen reduction within five cycles of docetaxel and prednisolone. There were two (1.4%) treatment-related deaths due to adverse events, which were interstitial lung disease, and febrile neutropenia and bacterial pneumonia. Interstitial lung disease occurred in 14 (10.0%) patients within a median of 2.5 cycles of docetaxel and prednisolone. Grade 5 interstitial lung disease was seen after three cycles of docetaxel and prednisolone.

CONCLUSIONS

If a prostate specific antigen reduction rate of over 30% is not obtained within five cycles of docetaxel and prednisolone, other treatment options should be considered. Although most patients safely received docetaxel and prednisolone, we must always keep interstitial lung disease in mind as a possible lethal adverse event.

[Prognostic factors and efficacy of molecular targeted therapy for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma]

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma who received molecular targeted therapy between 2005 and 2011. Cancer-specific survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Predictors of cancer-specific survival were analyzed using the Cox regression hazards model. A total of 89 patients, consisting of 50 first line patients and 39 patients receiving prior cytokine were included in the analysis. The two-year cancer-specific survival rate of the firstlinegroup was 60.2% and that of theprior cytokinethe rapy group was 62.1%. In univariateanalysis, Karnofsky performance status (KPS)＜80%, time from diagnosis to treatment less than one year, bone metastasis and C-reactive protein (CRP)＞1.3 mg/dl in were statistically significant prognostic factors (p＜0.05). In multivariate analysis, time from diagnosis to treatment less than one year (HR 2.46, 95%CI 1.11-5.82, p＝0.025) and CRP (HR 4.92, 95%CI 2.23-11.3, p＜0.001) were independent prognostic factors. Time from diagnosis to treatment less than one year and CRP were independent prognostic factors in patients who received molecular targeted therapy.

Construction of predictive models for cancer-specific survival of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin: results from a multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to clarify the prognostic factors and to validate the bacillus Calmette-Guérin failure classification advocated by Nieder et al. in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who had intravesical recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy.

METHODS

Data from 402 patients who received intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy between January 1990 and November 2011 were collected from 10 institutes. Among these patients, 187 with bacillus Calmette-Guérin failure were analyzed for this study.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (15.5%) were diagnosed with progression at the first recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy. Eighteen (62.1%) of them died of bladder cancer. A total of 158 patients were diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer at the first recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy. Of them, 23 (14.6%) underwent radical cystectomy. No patients who underwent radical cystectomy died of bladder cancer during the follow-up. On multivariate analysis of the 135 patients with bladder preservation, the independent prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival were age (≥70 [P = 0.002]), tumor size (≥3 cm [P = 0.015]) and the Nieder classification (bacillus Calmette-Guérin refractory [P < 0.001]). In a subgroup analysis, the estimated 5-year cancer-specific survival rates in the groups with no positive, one positive and two to three positive factors were 100, 93.4 and 56.8%, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stage progression at the first recurrence after bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy had poor prognoses. Three prognostic factors for predicting survival were identified and used to categorize patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin into three risk groups based on the number of prognostic factors in each one.

Palonostron with aprepitant plus dexamethasone to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) during gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) in urothelial cancer (UC) patients: A multi-institutional retrospective study in Japan

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Background: GC combination chemotherapy of is a standard regimen for advanced UC. Although this is a highly emetogenic chemotherapy, there has been no study concerning antiemetic prophylaxis for CINV during GC. The aims of this study were to evaluate CINV during GC and to compare the antiemetic efficacy of the triple combination of palonosetron, aprepitant and dexamethasone with that of our old regimen using first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and dexamethasone. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multi-institutional review of the medical records of 122 patients who received GC for advanced urothelial cancer between February 2005 and January 2012. Uncontrolled CINV events were identified through records of nausea and vomiting, additional infusion, rescue medications, and/or records of food intake. Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia were classified using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0. Results: A total of 75 and 47 patients were treated with first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (ondansetron or granisetron) plus dexamethasone (group 1) and palonosetron with dexamethasone plus aprepitant (group 2), respectively. There was no significant difference in age, sex, or the dose of cisplatin between the 2 groups. Patients in group 2 had significantly higher CR (defined as no emetic episodes and no rescue medication use) rates than those in group 1 during the overall phase in the first cycle (85.7% versus 65.3%, p=0.012) and all cycles (78.7% versus 50.7%, p=0.0019) of GC. Patients in group 2 were more likely to achieve more favorable CINV control, e.g., a lower grade of nausea, vomiting, or anorexia, lower incidence of rescue therapy required, and shorter time to become CINV-free, than patients in group 1. Conclusions: This study shows that palonosetron in combination with aprepitant and dexamethasone is more effective to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in UC patients treated with GC than first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonists plus dexamethasone.

Incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in Hokkaido, Japan, 1998 to 2001

The objective of this study was to provide precise data on the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Hokkaido. The goal of this prospective surveillance, study was to clarify the STD incidence between 1998 and 2001 in Hokkaido, Japan. The incidence of gonococcal infection in men was found to be 127-199 per 100000 people per year, which was three or four times higher than that for women. Female genital chlamydial infection had an incidence of 300-400 with a female to male ratio of two or three to one. Younger adults had higher incidences of gonococcal and chlamydial infections than older people. In conclusion, the current study of STDs revealed high incidences of gonococcal and chlamydial infections in the Hokkaido area, and there was no decreasing trend in STD incidence during these 4 years.

Perioperative Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Urology: a Multi-Center Prospective Study

Since there are few published reports regarding the impact of urologic surgery on perioperative infections, an epidemiologic analysis was performed on data from 1,156 open or laparoscopic operations in urology collected by the 21 hospitals participating in this study between September 2002 and August 2003. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered intravenously according to our protocol designed on the basis of the invasiveness and contamination levels. The surgical site infection (SSI) rates following clean, clean-contaminated and contaminated surgery were 1.2%. 5.8% and 23.4%, respectively, while the remote infection (RI) rates were 3.5%. 7.1% and 35.9%, respectively. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was most frequently isolated from SSIs as well as RIs, whereas Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were more frequently discovered in RIs than in SSIs. Several risk factors for SSI and/or RI, such as older age, high ASA score, obesity, diabetes, preoperative chemotherapy, long operation time and much blood loss, were identified by univariate analysis.

[Clinical study of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in Sapporo Medical University]

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the surgical outcome and complications of laparoscopic adrenalectomy at Sapporo Medical University Hospital. One hundred fifty-six patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy due to primary aldosteronism in 64 (41.0%), Cushing's syndrome in 34 (21.8%), endocrinological non-functioning tumors in 27 (17.3%), pheochromocytoma in 23 (14.7%) and others. The median time of the surgery was 140 minutes (range 70 to 345) and the median volume of blood loss was 10 ml (0-1,200). From 1999, the operation time was around the median time of this study and from 2006, it was commonly below the median time of this study. There were 4 cases (2.6%) with complications; however, no severe cases occurred. In conclusion, laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our hospital has been performed safely as a standard treatment.

[Experience with gemcitabine monotherapy in three patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma]

Three patients who had metastatic urothelial carcinoma have been administered gemcitabine monotherapy (GEM). A 78-year-old male who underwent nephroureterectomy for right ureteral cancer presented with liver and retroperitoneal lymph node metastases postoperatively. GEM was administered because of severe renal insufficiency. Although 8 cycles of this therapy were done, we discontinued it because of progressive disease. A 68-year-old male who underwent nephroureterectomy for left ureteral cancer presented with retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis postoperatively. GEM for the purpose of maintenance therapy was administered after first-line chemotherapy. He maintained a stable disease after 9 cycles. A 70-year-old female who underwent transurethral resection of a bladder tumor presented with neck lymph node metastasis postoperatively. She was administered GEM for second-line chemotherapy as an outpatient because she did not want hospital treatment. However, it failed due to progressive disease after 3 cycles. There were few adverse events that forced the patient to be admitted into the hospital, although bone marrow suppression of grade 3 or 4 occurred in 2 patients. GEM for metastatic urothelial carcinoma may be adapted for patients who have severe renal insufficiency and need maintenance therapy.

Paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and nedaplatin as second-line treatment for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma: a phase II study of the SUOC group

There is no standard second-line chemotherapy treatment for recurrent or metastatic urothelial cancer (MUC). The purpose of this phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the three-drug combination of paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and nedaplatin (TIN). Patients with MUC were eligible after treatment failure with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin, or gemcitabine and cisplatin. Doses for TIN therapy were paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 on day 1, ifosfamide 1500 mg/m2 on days 1-3, and nedaplatin 70 mg/m2 on day 1, every 4 weeks. Tumor response, the primary efficacy parameter, was assessed according to unidimensional measurements (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria, version 1.0). Secondary efficacy parameters were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Toxicity was assessed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, version 3.0. A total of 45 patients (13 females and 32 males) with MUC were evaluable for response and toxicity. The overall response rate was 40.0%. Median PFS time was 4.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6-11.6). Median OS time was 8.9 months (95% CI, 10.5-18.9). Grade 3 or 4 hematologic adverse events were neutropenia (95.6%), anemia (15.6%), and thrombocytopenia (17.8%). The most common grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic adverse events were anorexia (4.4%) and elevated aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase (2.2%). No toxic death was observed. The main limitation of this study is that only 10 patients (22.2%) who were previously treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin were included. In conclusion, TIN as second-line treatment for MUC is an active regimen with a manageable toxicity profile.

Clinical relevance of single administration of prophylactic antimicrobial agents against febrile events after removal of ureteral stents for patients with urinary diversion or reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of antimicrobial prophylaxis when removing ureteral stents after urinary diversion or reconstruction and to establish the most appropriate prophylactic protocol to prevent febrile events.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the incidence of febrile events in the two studies. Study 1 consisted of 39 patients who received antimicrobial prophylaxis and 31 who did not. Study 2 included 48 patients who were given oral fluoroquinolone (FQ) and 27 who had intramuscular injection of an aminoglycoside (AG).

RESULTS

In study 1, the incidence of febrile events was significantly lower in patients receiving antimicrobial prophylaxis (26.0%) than in those not receiving it (51.6%) (P = 0.025, chi(2) test). In study 2 there was a 13% incidence of febrile events, which was much lower than the incidence found in study 1. The incidence of these events was similar between the two study groups, being 13% for those receiving FQ and 15% for those receiving AG.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic administration of antimicrobials reduces the incidence of febrile events after removal of ureteral stents. Both FQ and the AG are equally effective in this setting.

[Hemodilutional autologous blood transfusion and the roles of medical technologists as specialists of the blood transfusion]

Hemodilutional autologous blood transfusion has been experienced by 13 cases in urological surgery and has been able to save on blood, 276.6 ml in mean volume, so that this blood transfusion is thought to be valuable. And medical technologists played an important role of this method as a specialist of blood transfusion, who is expected to collaborate with surgeons as a staff.

Acute normovolemic hemodilution for radical retropubic prostatectomy and radical cystectomy

OBJECTIVES

Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and radical cystectomy (RCx) are well tolerated and widely performed. Because intraoperative blood loss is one of the most common problems, we performed acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) to prevent allogenic blood transfusion (ABT). In this study we tried to clarify the safety, effectiveness and problems of ANH at urologic operations.

METHODS

The study included 169 patients who underwent RRP and 97 patients underwent RCx from April 2003 to March 2006. The eligible patients for ANH were required to have preoperative hemoglobin of 12 g/dL or more without history of myocardial ischemia. The amount of blood collected was 800 mL in RRP and 800 mL or 1200 mL in RCx. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was performed in 11 (11.3%) of 97 patients with RCx.

RESULTS

ANH was available in 164 (97.0%) of 169 patients in RRP and 41 (42.3%) of 97 patients in RCx. All 11 (11.3%) patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before RCx revealed anemia and all were excluded from ANH. No patients had an hypovolemic event develop during the autologous blood being stored. The median volume of intraoperative blood loss was 1400 mL in 164 RRP and 19 patients (11.6%) required ABT. In 41 patients undergoing RCx, the median volume of blood loss was 1720 mL and 13 patients (32.5%) required ABT. In the postoperative period, no patients had cardiovascular or pulmonary complications develop originated from ANH.

CONCLUSIONS

ANH is a safe and useful method of transfusion during RRP and RCx. ANH can be recommended for patients who need these operations.

Bone scanning--who needs it among patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer?

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the relationship between serum PSA and clinical variables to eliminate bone scanning in patients with prostate cancer having a low probability of bone metastasis.

METHODS

The study included 366 patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer between 1999 and 2005. Bone metastasis was studied for its correlation with various clinical and pathological variables in these patients.

RESULTS

Bone metastasis was found in 28 (7.7%) of 366 patients. Fourteen patients had skeletal symptoms related to bone metastasis. The risk for bone metastases increased considerably with increases of PSA level, clinical T stage and Gleason score. The metastasis was not found in 161 patients with serum PSA concentration of 10 ng/ml or lower. In 95 patients with the concentration between 10 and 20 ng/ml only two had the metastasis. These two patients had T2 disease and Gleason scores of 7 or greater. In 204 patients with clinical stage T1 disease, one (0.5%) had the metastasis. In 117 patients with Gleason scores of 6 or less, the metastasis was found in two (1.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with serum PSA levels of 10 ng/ml or lower, bone scanning may be eliminated because of the negligible risk of bone metastases. In addition, scanning may not be necessary for those with PSA levels between 10 and 20 ng/ml, when they have T1 disease and Gleason scores of 6 or lower.

[Surgical site infection by bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) after radical cystectomy, occurring after intravesical bcg therapy: a case report]

A 51-year-old man received 2 courses of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy for carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Two years after the therapy, he underwent left radical nephroureterectomy, cystectomy, urethrectomy and construction of an ileal conduit because of left renal pelvic cancer and severe atrophic bladder. The histopathological diagnosis was carcinoma in situ of the left pelvis and ureter, and epithelioid cell granuloma of left kidney, prostate and bladder. After the operation, he developed extensive surgical site infection (SSI) by BCG, the diagnosis of which was delayed. He recovered from the SSI soon after anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy was begun. We discuss the requirements for more prompt diagnosis of SSI by BCG by analysis of this case.

Pheochromocytoma with abscess

We report a case of a 34-year-old man who suffered from pheochromocytoma with an abscess in the right adrenal. He presented with a high fever and back pain. He also had some episodes of headache and palpitation. Serum and urine catecholamine levels were elevated. From computed tomography and (123)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine scans, his condition was diagnosed as pheochromocytoma with an abscess. Two pairs of blood cultures yielded Streptococcus agalactiae, which was believed to be derived from dental caries. He was successfully treated with antibiotics for his abscess and right adrenalectomy for his pheochromocytoma.

[Patients with clinically unconfirmed positive urinary cytology --retrospective analysis of clinical courses]

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical courses of 7 patients with clinically unconfirmed positive urine cytology characterized by persistent positive urine cytology but without any evidence of tumor by endoscopy or image diagnosis during the time from January 1999 to June 2004. A past history of urothelial cancer was found in 5 patients. In 2 of these 5 patients, transurethral resection of the bladder mucosa and ureteroscopy done as the initial examination identified bladder cancer and ureteral cancer, respectively. Urothelial cancer was found in the remaining 3 patients by subsequent endoscopy, image diagnosis and surgical resection that were done in the follow-up period of 8 months. Two patients who did not have a history of urothelial cancer were diagnosed as having bladder cancer and ureteral cancer in the initial or subsequent examination. Patients with clinically unconfirmed positive urine cytology should be carefully followed up with endoscopy and image diagnosis since the subsequent examinations tend to identify urothelial cancer in the upper urinary tract or bladder.

Time courses of bacterial density in urine during antibacterial chemotherapy and influential factors in patients having positive bacteriuria with a complicated urinary tract

A series of consecutive urine cultures was performed to determine the time points of elimination of bacteria from urine and the factors influencing these time points in patients receiving antimicrobial chemotherapy for positive bacteriuria. Between 1988 and 2000, 110 patients who had positive bacteriuria and received a 5-day regimen of parenteral antibacterials were included in this study. Quantitative urine cultures were performed every 24 h throughout the therapy. Bacteria were identified; minimum inhibitory concentrations of antibacterial agents for causative bacteria were determined, and the bacteria were categorized as susceptible or nonsusceptible. The complexity of the urinary tract was graded as high or low. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to identify the factors that determined the time course of bacterial density in urine. Two penicillins, seven cephalosporins, five carbapenems and one fluoroquinolone were administered to 110 patients. The overall bacteriurial elimination rate at the end of treatment was 73% (80/110), and the most frequent day of elimination was day 1 (54%; 43/80), followed by day 2 (20%; 16/80). The significant factors for persistence of bacteriuria after chemotherapy were the presence of an indwelling catheter, a nonsusceptible pathogen, and high complexity of the urinary tract; risk ratios were: 2.398 (P = 0.0009), 2.227 (P = 0.0020), and 2.113 (P = 0.0455), respectively, which also influenced the day of elimination. In conclusion, the efficacy of treatment and the time point of bacteriurial elimination were determined by the presence of a urinary catheter, drug susceptibility, and urinary complexity in patients with positive bacteriuria undergoing antibacterial chemotherapy.

Current survey of urinary tuberculosis in Hokkaido, Japan

Urinary tuberculosis has been rare in recent years and its diagnosis is difficult because there are no disease-specific symptoms. We tried to clarify the occurrence of urinary tuberculosis in recent years in our area. During the past 5 years, there were 12 patients with urinary tuberculosis in the clinics that participated in this study. Their chief complaints were frequent voiding in 7 patients and gross hematuria in 3 patients. They were diagnosed by nucleic acid amplification tests and imaging modalities such as excretory urography, computed tomography, and/or cystoscopy. Most of the patients received multidrug treatment and had relatively favorable treatment outcomes. There has been a small but neglected number of patients with urinary tuberculosis in recent years. We should keep this rare and difficult-to-diagnose disease in mind and suspect it when patients complain of longstanding urinary symptoms with no obvious cause.

Prevalence of prostatitis-like symptoms in Japanese men: Population-based study in a town in Hokkaido

AIM

To determine the prevalence of prostatitis-like symptoms in Japanese men living in one town.

METHODS

A cross-sectional and population-based study was performed in a town that had 6385 men aged from 20 to 79 years. We sent two questionnaires, the validated Japanese version of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) with questions about individual medical information, to 1424 randomly selected community-indwelling men. Subjects were defined as having prostatitis-like symptoms if they complained of perineal and/or ejaculatory pain or discomfort and their total pain score was four or greater.

RESULTS

A total of 512 men (36%) responded completely to the questionnaires. Of the 512 responders, 25 men (4.9%) were identified as having prostatitis-like symptoms. Prevalence of symptoms was the same in men aged younger than 50 years (5.0%) as those 50 years and older (4.8%). The I-PSS score was 10.8 in men with prostatitis-like symptoms, which was higher than in those without symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of prostatitis-like symptoms was 4.9% in randomly selected men. International comparison of prevalence of the symptoms may contribute to further understanding of chronic prostatitis.

Escherichia coli isolates associated with uncomplicated and complicated cystitis and asymptomatic bacteriuria possess similar phylogenies, virulence genes, and O-serogroup profiles

The genetic and serological characteristics of Escherichia coli isolates from patients with uncomplicated cystitis (UC), complicated cystitis (CC), and complicated asymptomatic bacteriuria (CASB) were determined. Phylogenetic group B2 was predominant in all categories. The prevalences of 14 out of 18 virulence factor genes were similar among the three categories, while pap, iha, ompT, and PAI were more frequently seen in isolates associated with UC than CC or CASB.

The 6-fluoro-8-methoxy quinolone gatifloxacin down-regulates interleukin-8 production in prostate cell line PC-3

Fluoroquinolones exhibit immunomodulatory effects on monocytes and macrophages, in addition to their bactericidal activities. It remains unknown even whether the quinolones act directly on the prostate. This study was based on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the actions of the fluoroquinolones that can be used for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. We investigated whether the 6-fluroro-8-methoxy quinolone gatifloxacin (GFLX) affected the production and secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the prostate cell line PC-3. GFLX decreased the level of IL-8 release from unstimulated PC-3 cells. GFLX also attenuated IL-8 secretion from PC-3 cells stimulated with peptidoglycan, Mycoplasma hominis, phorbol ester, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), indicating that GFLX exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect on the prostate cell line. However, GFLX failed to alter activation of the NF-kappaB and AP-1 elicited by these stimulants. GFLX significantly attenuated the expression of IL-8 mRNA in TNF-alpha-stimulated PC-3 cells and down-regulated the transcriptional activity of the 5'-flanking region of the IL-8 gene from -1481 to +44 bp. The deletion construct without the 5'-flanking region from -1481 to -170 bp but not the construct without the region from -1481 to -188 bp reversed the suppressive effect of GFLX on IL-8 promoter activity. These results demonstrate that GFLX suppresses IL-8 expression in the prostate cell line by decreasing the promoter activity of the IL-8 gene.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (2004). III. Secular changes in susceptibility]

The bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) isolated from patients diagnosed as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 14 institutions in Japan were collected between August 2004 and July 2005. The susceptibilities of these bacteria to various antimicrobial agents were measured. The bacteria were divided into 2 groups consisting of uncomplicated UTIs and complicated UTIs (with and without indwelling catheter) based on their isolation origins. The results were compared with those obtained between 1995 and 2003. The drug sensitivity of S. aureus in this year was similar to those in up to the previous year and S. aureus showed the best susceptibility to vancomycin (VCM) and arbekacin (ABK). The drug sensitivity of E. faecalis in this year also was similar to those in up to the previous year. The susceptibility of E. coli to cephems in this year was generally good and was similar to those in up to the previous year. MIC90 of cefozopran (CZOP) was the most stable and 0.125 microg/mL or less since 1995. The susceptibility of E. coli to cefpirome (CPR) and cefotiam (CTM) also was good but to cefaclor (CCL), cefixime (CFIX), and cefpodoxime (CPDX) was largely decreased in complicated UTI groups. The sensitivity of E. coli to carbapenems also was good but to carumonam (CRMN) tended to decrease. The susceptibility of E. coli to quinolones, however, has largely changed and has decreased since 2003 in uncomplicated UTIs and 2000 in complicated UTIs. That was suggested the development of the resistance to the drug. The susceptibility of Klebsiella spp. to cefazolin (CEZ), CTM, CCL, CPDX, and cefditoren (CDTR) decreased in the previous year and recovered to the year before the previous year in this year. The susceptibility of Klebsiella spp. to other cephems was stable since 1995, especially against CZOP, the highest sensitivity (MIC90: < or = 0.125 microg/mL) was maintained. The susceptibility of Klebsiella spp. to carbapenems and CRMN also was good. The susceptibility of Klebsiella spp. to aminoglycosides was lower than to CZOP but was stable since 1995. The susceptibility of P. aeruginosa was generally low and has largely changed against the majority of the agents since 1995. The susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolated from uncomplicated UTIs has largely changed against ceftazidime (CAZ), cefsulodin (CFS), CZOP, imipenem (IPM), meropenem (MEPM), aztreonam (AZT), CRMN, gentamicin (GM), and tobramycin (TOB). The susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolated from complicated UTIs has largely changed against CSF, CZOP, MEPM, GM, and ciprofloxacin (CPFX). The susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolated from complicated UTIs has been stable against amikacin (AMK). For annual changes in MIC50, TOB and IPM had a relatively stable and high activity (MIC50: 0.5-2 microg/mL).

Modified and Bilateral Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Testicular Cancer: Peri- and Postoperative Complications and Therapeutic Outcome

OBJECTIVE

To characterize surgical invasiveness and morbidity and to verify therapeutic efficacy, we reviewed perioperative and postoperative courses and therapeutic outcomes of patients who underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for testicular germ cell cancers.

METHODS

The study included 31 patients who underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. A modified template was used if retroperitoneal metastasis was limited to the areas below the level of the renal hilus and above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Perioperative and postoperative courses and complications were reviewed as well as therapeutic outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 27 perioperative and postoperative complications were observed in 15 patients (48.4%). Superficial surgical site infection and paralytic ileus were seen most frequently. All of them were resolved without special additional treatments; however, patients who underwent retrocrural dissection had a tendency to have severe symptomatic complications such as chylothorax, phrenic nerve palsy and orthostatic hypotension. Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in 94.1% of patients with modified template dissection, whereas no patients with additional dissection below the level of the IMA had the function preserved. One patient (3.2%) developed a postoperative recurrent disease in the retroperitoneum, which was outside the dissection field, as well as in the mediastinum.

CONCLUSIONS

Although RLND had high morbidity, most peri- and postoperative complications were manageable conservatively. Modified template dissection enabled patients to preserve antegrade ejaculation without compromising its therapeutic efficacy, if the disease extension allowed us to use the template.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (2004) II. Background of patients]

Six hundred six bacterial strains isolated from 490 patients diagnosed as having urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 14 institutions in Japan were collected between August 2004 and July 2005. The frequency of bacteria isolation stratified with patient clinical background was compared. The clinical background investigated included sex, age, type of infections, timing of antibiotics administration, and presence or absence of surgery affecting a decrease in defense against infection. The bacterial strains were stratified with the age and sex of the patients and the types of infections. In males, the number of patients aged less than 60 years was few and the complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter was observed most frequently. In females, the number of patients aged less than 60 years was comparatively more than in males. In all of ages except 0-19 and > or = 80 years, the ratio of the uncomplicated UTIs was high, accounting for 44.1-90.0% of all types of infections. In the present time, the bacteria most frequently isolated were Escherichia coli. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis also were relatively frequently isolated. E. coli most frequently isolated with the uncomplicated UTIs and P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis most frequently isolated with the complicated UTIs. With respect to the relation of these results to the age of the patients, in the uncomplicated UTIs, the isolation frequency of E. coli was the highest in all age groups except 0-19 years, accounting for 50% or higher. In the complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter, the isolation frequency of E. coli tended to be high in all age groups. In the complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, P. aeruginosa were more frequently isolated. In comparison of causative bacteria in UTIs between before and after the administration of antibiotics, P. aeruginosa increased after the administration in any types of UTIs. In comparison of causative bacteria in UTIs with or without surgery, E. coli was more frequently isolated in the patients without surgery, while P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis were more frequently isolated in the patients with surgery in any UTIs.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (2004). I. Susceptibility distribution]

The bacterial strains isolated from 490 patients diagnosed as having urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 14 institutions in Japan were collected between August 2004 and July 2005. The susceptibilities of them to many kinds of antimicrobial agents were measured. Of them, 577 strains were estimated as causative bacteria and used for the measurement. The strains consisted of 156 gram-positive bacterial strains (27.0%) and 421 gram-negative bacterial strains (73.0%). Against Staphylococcus aureus, arbekacin (ABK), vancomycin (VCM) showed the strongest activity and prevented the growth of all strains with 2 microg/mL. Against Enterococcus faecalis, ampicillin (ABPC) and VCM showed a strong antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity of cephems to Escherichia coli was generally good, and especially cefozopran (CZOP) and cefpirome (CPR) showed the strongest activity (MIC90: < or = 125 microg/mL). Quinolone resistant E. coli [MIC of ciprofloxacin (CPFX): > or = 4 microg/mL] was detected at frequency of 18.8%, which was higher than that in the last year. Against Klebsiella pneumoniae, CZOP, meropenem (MEPM), and carumonam (CRMN) showed the strongest activity and prevented the growth of all strains with 0.125 microg/mL or less. The antibacterial activity of the other cephems was relatively good, and decrease in their activity observed in the last year study was not recognized. Against Serratia marcescens, imipenem (IPM) and gentamicin (GM) had the strongest antibacterial activity. Against Proteus mirabilis, CRMN showed the strongest activity and prevented the growth of all strains with 0.125 microg/mL or less. MEPM prevented the growth of all strains with 0.25 microg/mL. Next, cefmenoxime (CMX), ceftazidime (CAZ), CZOP, cefixime (CFIX), cefpodoxime (CPDX), and cefditoren (CDTR) showed a strong activity. The antibacterial activity of the drugs to Pseudomonas aeruginosa was generally low, and MIC90 of all the drugs was ranged from 32 to > 128 microg/mL except IPM and MEPM having 16 microg/mL. The antibacterial activities of CZOP and CAZ were considered to be relatively good on MIC50 comparison (MIC50: 2 microg/mL).

Prostate cell lines secrete IL-8 in response to Mycoplasma hominis through Toll-like receptor 2-mediated mechanism

BACKGROUND

The roles of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Mycoplasma in prostate inflammation remain unclear. We investigated whether Mycoplasma induced inflammatory cytokine secretion through TLR2-mediated mechanism in prostate cancer cell line.

METHODS

Cell surface expression of TLR2 on PC-3 cells were examined by flowcytometry. PC-3 cells were stimulated with Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis), and IL-8 secretion and NF-kappaB activation were examined.

RESULTS

PC-3 cells expressed TLR2 mRNA and cell surface TLR2 protein. The membrane fraction of M. hominis induced IL-8 secretion from PC-3 cells and NF-kappaB activation in a concentration-dependent manner. Transient transfection of the dominant negative mutant TLR2(P681H) into PC-3 cells attenuated M. hominis-induced IL-8 secretion and NF-kappaB activation. Antibody against the extracellular TLR2 domain significantly suppressed M. homnis-induced IL-8 secretion from the prostate cell lines including PC-3, PrEC, and transformed myofibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

These results clearly demonstrate that the prostate cell line can secrete inflammatory cytokine in response to M. hominis through a TLR2-mediated mechanism.