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Background and Objective: Symptomatic benefit and urodynamic obstruction relief represent relevant outcomes of therapies for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). We summarized evidence from studies concurrently assessing variations in terms of symptoms severity and invasive urodynamic measures of obstruction following medical and surgical therapies for LUTS/BPH., Methods: We performed a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in June 2023., Key Findings and Limitations: We identified 29 publications: 14 (872 patients) and 15 (851 patients) studies addressing medical and surgical therapies, respectively. The mean percentage total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) improvements ranged from -2.5% to 56.3% and from 35.1% to 82.1% following medical and surgical therapies, respectively. The corresponding mean percentage Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) improvements ranged from 7.8% to 53.5% and from 22.4% to 138.6%, respectively. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) provided IPSS improvements in the higher range and the greatest BOOI reduction., Conclusions and Clinical Implications: Globally, based on available evidence, more pronounced symptomatic benefits are observed following treatments providing greater deobstructive effect. In detail, patients undergoing surgery exhibit greater IPSS and BOOI improvements than those receiving medical therapy., (Copyright © 2024 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Digital health applications (DiGA) were included in the German healthcare system in 2020. They are available for prescription and reimbursed by public and private insurance companies. For the specialty of urology, there are currently two DiGA available: for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia/overactive bladder (BPH/OAB). The legal basis, clinical results and practical implementation are presented., Methods: Evaluation of websites and publications to show the regulatory requirements, mode of action, results of clinical trials and prescribing practice with DiGA., Results: Since 2020, 63 DiGA have been listed in the register of the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), 35 of them definitively. Two urological DiGA aim to treat erectile dysfunction and BPH/OAB. Randomized, controlled studies have shown a significant and clinically relevant patient benefit for both DiGA. Further urological DiGA are in clinical development., Conclusions: DiGAs offer multimodal therapy combinations that have not yet been used in clinical practice and show a multidimensional benefit for the patient., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging-transrectal ultrasound (MRI-TRUS)-fusion biopsy (FBx) of the prostate allows targeted sampling of suspicious lesions within the prostate, identified by multiparametric MRI. Due to its reliable results and feasibility, perineal MRI/TRUS FBx is now the gold standard for prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis. There are various systems for performing FBx on the market, for example, software-based, semirobotic, or robot-assisted platform solutions. Their semiautomated workflow promises high process quality independent of the surgeon's experience. The aim of this study was to analyze how the surgeon's experience influences the cancer detection rate (CDR) via targeted biopsy (TB) and the procedure's duration in robot-assisted FBx., Patients and Methods: A total of 1716 men who underwent robot-assisted FBx involving a combination of targeted and systematic sampling between October 2015 and April 2022 were analyzed. We extracted data from the patients' electronic medical records retrospectively. Primary endpoints were the CDR by TB and the procedure's duration. For our analysis, surgeons were divided into three levels of experience: ≤20 procedures (little), 21-100 procedures (intermediate), and >100 procedures (high). Statistical analysis was performed via regression analyses and group comparisons., Results: Median age, prostate-specific antigen level, and prostate volume of the cohort were 67 (±7.7) years, 8.13 (±9.4) ng/mL, and 53 (±34.2) mL, respectively. Median duration of the procedure was 26 (±10.9) min. The duration decreased significantly with the surgeon's increasing experience from 35.1 (little experience) to 28.4 (intermediate experience) to 24.0 min (high experience) (p < 0.001). Using TB only, significant PC (sPC) was diagnosed in 872/1758 (49.6%) of the men. The CDR revealed no significant correlation with the surgeon's experience in either group comparison (p = 0.907) or in regression analysis (p = 0.65)., Conclusion: While the duration of this procedure decreases with increasing experience, the detection rate of sPC in TB is not significantly associated with the experience of the surgeon performing robot-assisted FBx. This robot-assisted biopsy system's diagnostic accuracy therefore appears to be independent of experience., (© 2024 The Author(s). The Prostate published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) combines the specificity of antibodies with the cytotoxicity of light activatable photosensitizers (PS) and is a promising new cancer therapy. We designed and synthesized, in a highly convergent manner, the silicon phthalocyanine dye WB692-CB2, which is novel for being the first light-activatable PS that can be directly conjugated via a maleimide linker to cysteines. In the present study we conjugated WB692-CB2 to a humanized antibody with engineered cysteines in the heavy chains that specifically targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). The resulting antibody dye conjugate revealed high affinity and specificity towards PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells and induced cell death after irradiation with red light. Treated cells exhibited morphological characteristics associated with pyroptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed the generation of reactive oxygen species, triggering a cascade of intracellular events involving lipid peroxidation, caspase-1 activation, gasdermin D cleavage and membrane rupture followed by release of pro-inflammatory cellular contents. In first in vivo experiments, PIT with our antibody dye conjugate led to a significant reduction of tumor growth and enhanced overall survival in mice bearing subcutaneous prostate tumor xenografts. Our study highlights the future potential of the new phthalocyanine dye WB692-CB2 as PS for the fluorescence-based detection and PIT of cancer, including local prostate tumor lesions, and systemic activation of anti-tumor immune responses by the induction of pyroptosis., Competing Interests: None., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Purpose: Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have emerged as transformative tools in the field of radiation oncology, significantly advancing the precision of contouring practices. However, the adaptability of these algorithms across diverse scanners, institutions, and imaging protocols remains a considerable obstacle. This study aims to investigate the effects of incorporating institution-specific datasets into the training regimen of CNNs to assess their generalization ability in real-world clinical environments. Focusing on a data-centric analysis, the influence of varying multi- and single center training approaches on algorithm performance is conducted., Methods: nnU-Net is trained using a dataset comprising 161 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET images collected from four distinct institutions (Freiburg: n = 96, Munich: n = 19, Cyprus: n = 32, Dresden: n = 14). The dataset is partitioned such that data from each center are systematically excluded from training and used solely for testing to assess the model's generalizability and adaptability to data from unfamiliar sources. Performance is compared through a 5-Fold Cross-Validation, providing a detailed comparison between models trained on datasets from single centers to those trained on aggregated multi-center datasets. Dice Similarity Score, Hausdorff distance and volumetric analysis are used as primary evaluation metrics., Results: The mixed training approach yielded a median DSC of 0.76 (IQR: 0.64-0.84) in a five-fold cross-validation, showing no significant differences (p = 0.18) compared to models trained with data exclusion from each center, which performed with a median DSC of 0.74 (IQR: 0.56-0.86). Significant performance improvements regarding multi-center training were observed for the Dresden cohort (multi-center median DSC 0.71, IQR: 0.58-0.80 vs. single-center 0.68, IQR: 0.50-0.80, p < 0.001) and Cyprus cohort (multi-center 0.74, IQR: 0.62-0.83 vs. single-center 0.72, IQR: 0.54-0.82, p < 0.01). While Munich and Freiburg also showed performance improvements with multi-center training, results showed no statistical significance (Munich: multi-center DSC 0.74, IQR: 0.60-0.80 vs. single-center 0.72, IQR: 0.59-0.82, p > 0.05; Freiburg: multi-center 0.78, IQR: 0.53-0.87 vs. single-center 0.71, IQR: 0.53-0.83, p = 0.23)., Conclusion: CNNs trained for auto contouring intraprostatic GTV in 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET on a diverse dataset from multiple centers mostly generalize well to unseen data from other centers. Training on a multicentric dataset can improve performance compared to training exclusively with a single-center dataset regarding intraprostatic 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET GTV segmentation. The segmentation performance of the same CNN can vary depending on the dataset employed for training and testing., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The solid-state Thulium laser (Tm: YAG) is a novel alternative to the widely used Holmium laser for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) due to its relatively high peak power. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of a new pulsed Tm: YAG laser in its first application in humans., Methods: Data were retrospectively collected for the first 103 patients who underwent EEP with a new pulsed solid-state Tm: YAG laser (Thulio ® , Dornier MedTech Systems GmbH, Weßling, Germany). Peri- and postoperative data were assessed. Procedure-specific complications were graded using Clavien-Dindo Classifications (CDC). Patients were interviewed 15 months after the surgery to evaluate functional and long-term outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS ® )., Results: The mean preoperative prostate volume was 105.6 ± 55.0 ml. Median enucleation speed was 4.1 g per minute (range 1.1-9.7). Short-term postoperative complications occurred in 21 patients (20.4%), but no high-grade complications (CDC ≥ IV) were observed. Five patients suffered gross haematuria and required reintervention (CDC IIIb; 4.9%). After 15 months, 76 patients (73.8%) participated in the follow-up interview, where seven patients (9.2%) reported complications, including two reinterventions for urethral strictures (CDC IIIb; 2.6%). Most patients reported an improvement in continence (54.0%) and urine stream (93.4%), but no difference in erectile function (81.6%). No persistent dysuria was reported. Patient satisfaction with the surgery results was very high (96.1%)., Conclusion: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with the new pulsed solid-state Tm: YAG laser is a safe and effective option for surgical BPH treatment., Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register number: DRKS00031676. Registration date: 10 May 2023, retrospectively registered., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background Prostate MRI for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) is standardized by the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS), currently in version 2.1. A systematic review and meta-analysis infrastructure with a 12-month update cycle was established to evaluate the diagnostic performance of PI-RADS over time. Purpose To provide estimates of diagnostic accuracy and cancer detection rates (CDRs) of PI-RADS version 2.1 categories for prostate MRI, which is required for further evidence-based patient management. Materials and Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and multiple trial registers (English-language studies published from March 1, 2019, to August 30, 2022) was performed. Studies that reported data on diagnostic accuracy or CDRs of PI-RADS version 2.1 with csPCa as the primary outcome were included. For the meta-analysis, pooled estimates for sensitivity, specificity, and CDRs were derived from extracted data at the lesion level and patient level. Sensitivity and specificity for PI-RADS greater than or equal to 3 and PI-RADS greater than or equal to 4 considered as test positive were investigated. In addition to individual PI-RADS categories 1-5, subgroup analyses of subcategories (ie, 2+1, 3+0) were performed. Results A total of 70 studies (11 686 lesions, 13 330 patients) were included. At the patient level, with PI-RADS greater than or equal to 3 considered positive, meta-analysis found a 96% summary sensitivity (95% CI: 95, 98) and 43% specificity (95% CI: 33, 54), with an area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.93). For PI-RADS greater than or equal to 4, meta-analysis found an 89% sensitivity (95% CI: 85, 92) and 66% specificity (95% CI: 58, 74), with an area under the SROC curve of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.92). CDRs were as follows: PI-RADS 1, 6%; PI-RADS 2, 5%; PI-RADS 3, 19%; PI-RADS 4, 54%; and PI-RADS 5, 84%. The CDR was 12% (95% CI: 7, 19) for transition zone 2+1 lesions and 19% (95% CI: 12, 29) for 3+0 lesions ( P = .12). Conclusion Estimates of diagnostic accuracy and CDRs for PI-RADS version 2.1 categories are provided for quality benchmarking and to guide further evidence-based patient management. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Tammisetti and Jacobs in this issue.

Background: Patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) are usually asymptomatic and seek treatments that improve survival but have a low risk of adverse events. Darolutamide, a structurally distinct androgen receptor inhibitor (ARi), significantly reduced the risk of metastasis and death versus placebo in ARAMIS. We assessed the extended safety and tolerability of darolutamide and the time-course profile of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) related to ARis and androgen-suppressive treatment., Patients and Methods: Patients with nmCRPC were randomized 2:1 to darolutamide (n = 955) or placebo (n = 554). After trial unblinding, patients could receive open-label darolutamide. Tolerability and TEAEs were assessed every 16 weeks. Time interval-specific new and cumulative event rates were determined during the first 24 months of the double-blind period., Results: Darolutamide remained well tolerated during the double-blind and open-label periods, with 98.8% of patients receiving the full planned dose. The incidence of TEAEs of interest in the darolutamide group was low and ≤2% different from that in the placebo group, except for fatigue. When incidences were adjusted for exposure time, there were minimal differences between the darolutamide double-blind and double-blind plus open-label periods. The rate of initial onset and cumulative incidence of grade 3/4 TEAEs and serious TEAEs were similar for darolutamide and placebo groups over 24 months., Conclusion: Extended treatment with darolutamide was well tolerated and no new safety signals were observed. Most ARi-associated and androgen-suppressive treatment-related TEAEs occurred at low incidences with darolutamide, were similar to placebo, and showed minimal increase over time with continued treatment., Trial Number: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02200614., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Context: Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous malignancy among men in the USA and Europe. There is no consensus definition of oligometastatic prostate cancer (omPC), which is often considered in two subgroups, synchronous (de novo) and metachronous (oligorecurrent), and may include patients with a low metastatic disease burden., Objective: To summarize the epidemiology, disease definitions, mortality/survival outcomes, and treatment characteristics in both clinical trial and real-world settings among patients with synchronous, metachronous, and mixed-subtype (ie, synchronous and metachronous or undefined type) omPC, as well as low burden disease states., Evidence Acquisition: We searched MEDLINE and Embase to identify publications reporting on epidemiology, disease definitions, clinical outcomes, and treatment characteristics of omPC. Gray literature sources (eg, ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched for ongoing trials., Evidence Synthesis: We identified 105 publications. Disease definitions varied across publications and omPC subtypes on the number and location of lesions, type of imaging used, and type of oligometastatic disease. Most studies defined omPC as five or fewer metastatic lesions. Data on the epidemiology of omPC were limited. Mortality rates and overall survival tended to be worse among synchronous versus metachronous omPC cohorts. Progression-free survival was generally longer among synchronous than among metachronous omPC cohorts but was more similar at longer time points. A summary of ongoing clinical trials investigating a variety of local, metastasis-directed, and systemic therapies in men with omPC is also provided., Conclusions: Definitions of oligometastatic disease depend on the imaging technique used. Epidemiologic data for omPC are scarce. Survival rates differ between synchronous and metachronous cohorts, and heterogeneous treatment patterns result in varied outcomes. Ongoing clinical trials using modern imaging techniques are awaited and needed., Patient Summary: Definitions of oligometastatic prostate cancer (omPC) vary depending on the imaging technique used. Different treatment patterns lead to different outcomes. Robust omPC epidemiologic data are lacking., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background/aim: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant disease worldwide. Localized stages of BC can be successfully treated by surgery. However, local recurrence occurs in about 4-10% of patients, requiring systemic treatments that impair the patients' quality of life and shortens life expectancy. Therefore, new therapeutic options are needed, which can be used intraoperatively and contribute to the complete removal of residual tumor cells in the surgical area. In the present study, we describe a cysteine-modified variant of the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab, that was coupled to the silicon phthalocyanine photosensitizer dye WB692-CB1 for the photoimmunotherapy (PIT) of BC., Materials and Methods: The cysteine modified trastuzumab variant was cloned and expressed in Expi293F cells. After purification via immobilized affinity chromatography, the antibody was coupled to the dye. Cell binding of the antibody and the antibody dye conjugate was measured by flow cytometry. After incubation of BC cells with the conjugate and activation of the dye by irradiation with red light, cell viability was determined., Results: The antibody and the conjugate showed specific binding to HER2-expressing BC cells. Treatment of the HER2 high BC cell line SK-BR-3 with the conjugate followed by irradiation with a red light dose of 32 J/cm 2 led to complete cell killing within 24 h., Conclusion: Our novel antibody dye conjugate represents a promising candidate for intraoperative treatment of localized BC, aiming to eliminate residual tumor cells in the surgical area and potentially reduce local recurrence, thereby improving recovery prospects for BC patients., (Copyright © 2024, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: The standard treatment for localized prostate cancer involves surgical removal of the prostate with curative intent. However, when tumor cells persist in the operation site, there is high risk of local recurrence and tumor spread, leading to stressful follow-up treatments, impaired quality of life, and reduced overall survival. This study examined photoimmunotherapy (PIT) as a new treatment option for prostate cancer cells., Materials and Methods: We generated conjugates consisting of either a humanized antibody or Fab fragments thereof targeting the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), along with our silicon phthalocyanine photosensitizer dye WB692-CB1. PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells were incubated with the antibody dye or Fab dye conjugates and cell binding was measured using flow cytometry. Cells were irradiated with varying doses of red light for dye activation, and cytotoxicity was determined by erythrosin B staining and subsequent analysis using a Neubauer counting chamber., Results: Specific cytotoxicity was induced with the antibody dye conjugate in the prostate cancer cells in a light dose-dependent manner. Treatment of the cells with the Fab dye conjugate resulted in lower cytotoxicity, which could be attributed to a reduced binding affinity and a reduced dye uptake of the Fab fragment., Conclusion: Our new antibody dye and Fab dye conjugates offer potential for future intraoperative PIT in patients with localized prostate cancer, with the aim to ensure complete removal of tumor cells from the surgical area, to avoid local recurrence, and to improve clinical outcome., (Copyright © 2024 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Urothelial bladder cancer (UC) has a wide tumor biological spectrum with challenging prognostic stratification and relevant therapy-associated morbidity. Most molecular classifications relate only indirectly to the therapeutically relevant protein level. We improve the pre-analytics of clinical samples for proteome analyses and characterize a cohort of 434 samples with 242 tumors and 192 paired normal mucosae covering the full range of UC. We evaluate sample-wise tumor specificity and rank biomarkers by target relevance. We identify robust proteomic subtypes with prognostic information independent from histopathological groups. In silico drug prediction suggests efficacy of several compounds hitherto not in clinical use. Both in silico and in vitro data indicate predictive value of the proteomic clusters for these drugs. We underline that proteomics is relevant for personalized oncology and provide abundance and tumor specificity data for a large part of the UC proteome ( www.cancerproteins.org )., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The question of best surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) remains controversial. We compared the outcomes of aquablation and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate ("HoLEP") in a prospective cohort., Methods: Patients with BPH underwent aquablation or HoLEP according to their preference between June 2020 and April 2022. Prostate volume ("PV"), laboratory results, postvoid residual volume, uroflowmetry, IPSS, ICIQ-SF, MSHQ-EjD, EES and IIEF were evaluated preoperatively and at three, six and 12 months postoperatively. We also analyzed perioperative characteristics and complications via the Clavien Dindo ("CD") classification., Results: We included 40 patients, 16 of whom underwent aquablation and 24 HoLEP. Mean age was 67 years (SD 7.4). Baseline characteristics were balanced across groups, except the HoLEP patients' larger PV. IPSS fell from 20.3 (SD 7.1) at baseline to 6.3 (SD 4.2) at 12 months (p < 0.001) without differences between aquablation and HoLEP. HoLEP was associated with shorter operation time (59.5 (SD 18.6) vs. 87.2 (SD 14.8) minutes, p < 0.001) and led to better PV reduction over all timepoints. At three months, aquablation's results were better regarding ejaculatory (p = 0.02, MSHQ-EjD) and continence function (p < 0.001, ICIQ-SF). Beyond three months, erectile, ejaculatory, continence function and LUTS reduction did not differ significantly between aquablation and HoLEP. CD ≥ grade 3b complications were noted in six patients in aquablation group while only one in HoLEP group (p =  < 0.01)., Conclusions: While aquablation revealed temporary benefits regarding ejaculation and continence at three months, HoLEP was superior concerning operation time, the safety profile and volumetric results., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background/aim: Although there are curative treatment options for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the recurrence of this tumor is high. Therefore, novel targeted therapies are needed for the complete removal of bladder cancer cells in stages of localized disease, in order to avoid local recurrence, to spare bladder cancer patients from stressful and expensive treatment procedures and to increase their quality of life and life expectancy. This study tested a new approach for the photoimmunotherapy (PIT) of bladder cancer., Materials and Methods: We generated a cysteine modified recombinant version of the antibody cetuximab targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the surface of bladder cancer cells. Then, we coupled the novel photoactivatable phthalocyanine dye WB692-CB1 via a maleimide linker to the free cysteines of the antibody. PIT was performed by incubating bladder cancer cells with the antibody dye conjugate followed by irradiation with visible red light., Results: The conjugate was able to induce specific cytotoxicity in EGFR-positive bladder cancer cells in a light dose-dependent manner. Enhanced cytotoxicity in RT112 bladder cancer cells was evoked by addition of a second antibody dye conjugate targeting HER2 or by repeated cycles of PIT., Conclusion: Our new antibody dye conjugate targeting EGFR-expressing bladder cancer cells is a promising candidate for the future PIT of bladder cancer patients., (Copyright © 2024 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background: As a local treatment for prostate cancer (PCa), robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) may have a quality of life (QoL) benefit over open surgery. Recent analyses revealed substantial between-country differences in the function and symptom scale scores for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), which is typically used to assess patient-reported QoL. Such differences could have implications for multinational studies in PCa., Objective: To examine whether nationality is significantly associated with patient-reported QoL., Design, Setting, and Participants: The study cohort comprised Dutch and German patients with PCa treated with RARP in a single high-volume prostate center from 2006 to 2018. Analyses were restricted to patients who were preoperatively continent with at least one follow-up time point., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: QoL was measured in terms of the global Quality of Life (QL) scale score and the overall summary score for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Linear mixed models for repeated-measures multivariable analyses (MVAs) were used to examine the association between nationality and both the global QL score and the summary score. MVAs were further adjusted for QLQ-C30 baseline values, age, Charlson comorbidity index, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, surgical expertise, pathological tumor and nodal stage, Gleason grade, degree of nerve-sparing, surgical margin status, 30-d Clavien-Dindo grade complications, urinary continence recovery, and biochemical recurrence/postoperative radiotherapy., Results and Limitations: For Dutch (n = 1938) versus German (n = 6410) men, the mean baseline scores were 82.8 versus 71.9 for the global QL scale score and 93.4 versus 89.7 for the QLQ-C30 summary score. Urinary continence recovery (QL: +8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.1-9.8; p < 0001) and Dutch nationality (QL: +6.9, 95% CI 6.1-7.6; p < 0001) were the strongest positive contributors to the global QL and summary scores, respectively. The main limitation is the retrospective study design. In addition, our Dutch cohort may not be representative of the general Dutch population and reporting bias cannot be ruled out., Conclusions: Our findings provide observational evidence under specific conditions involving the same setting for patients of two different nationalities suggesting that cross-national patient-reported QoL differences appear to be real and may need to be taken into consideration in multinational studies., Patient Summary: We observed differences in the quality-of-life scores reported by Dutch and German patients with prostate cancer after they underwent robot-assisted removal of the prostate. These findings should be taken into consideration in cross-national studies., (Copyright © 2023 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Management of prostate cancer (PC) might be improved by combining external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) with lutetium-177 ( 177 Lu)-labeled PSMA inhibitors. We hypothesized a higher efficacy of the combination due to augmentation of the radiation dose to the tumor and interactions of EBRT with PSMA expression potentially increasing radiopharmaceutical uptake. Therefore, this study analyzed the influence of radiation on PSMA expression levels in vitro . The results were translated to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of photon EBRT and [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in a murine PC xenograft model. Finally, a clinical case report on a combined elective field EBRT with RLT dose escalation illustrates a proof-of-concept. Methods: PSMA gene and protein expression were assessed in human PSMA-overexpressing LNCaP cells after irradiation using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), flow cytometry and On-Cell Western assays. In the in vivo therapy study, LNCaP tumor-bearing BALB/c nu/nu mice were irradiated once with 2 Gy X-ray EBRT and injected with 40 MBq [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 after 4 h or received single or no treatment (n = 10 each). Tumor-absorbed doses by [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 were calculated according to the Medical Internal Radiation Dosimetry (MIRD) formalism after deriving time-activity curves using a gamma probe. An exemplified patient case is demonstrated where fractionated EBRT (54 Gy to prostate; 45 Gy to pelvic lymphatics) and three cycles of [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (3.4-6.0 GBq per cycle) were sequentially combined under concurrent androgen deprivation for treating locally advanced PC. Results: At 4 h following irradiation with 2-8 Gy, LNCaP cells displayed a PSMA protein upregulation by around 18% relative to non-irradiated cells, and a stronger upregulation on mRNA level (up to 2.6-fold). This effect was reversed by 24 h when PSMA protein levels were downregulated by up to 22%. Mice treated with the combination therapy showed significantly improved outcomes regarding tumor control and median survival (p < 0.0001) as compared to single or no treatment. Relative to monotherapy with PSMA-RLT or EBRT, the tumor doubling time was prolonged 1.7- or 2.7-fold and the median survival was extended by 24% or 60% with the combination, respectively. Additionally, tumors treated with EBRT exhibited a 14% higher uptake of the radiopharmaceutical as evident from the calculated tumor-absorbed dose, albeit with high variability in the data. Concerning the patient case, the tri-modality treatment was well tolerated and the patient responded with a long-lasting complete biochemical remission for five years following end of PSMA-RLT. The patient then developed a biochemical relapse with oligo-recurrent disease on follow-up imaging. Conclusion: The present preclinical and clinical data demonstrate that the combination of EBRT with dose escalation by PSMA-RLT improves tumor control and potentially prolongs survival. This may pave the way for further clinical investigations of this approach to explore the curative potential of the combination therapy., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: This work was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) - grant BA 6696/2-1 and DFG - grant 423813989/GRK2606. ME and ACE hold patent rights on PSMA-targeting inhibitors., (© The author(s).)

Background: Robotic-assisted harvest of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is an innovative modification of the traditional open preparation for autologous breast reconstruction. It is assumed that donor-site morbidity (herniae, bulging) is reduced by minimising the fascial incision length in robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvest., Material & Methods: This is the first report of a robotic-assisted DIEP harvest in Germany, which was performed in April 2023 at the University Hospital of Freiburg in an interdisciplinary approach of the Departments of Plastic Surgery, Urology and Gynaecology. To determine the value of this novel technique, we assessed the demand by retrospectively performing an analysis of potential patients and conducted a cost analysis based on the breast reconstructions with DIEP flap harvest performed between April 2021 and May 2023 at the Department of Plastic Surgery at Freiburg University Hospital. To this end, we carried out a retrospective analysis of preoperative CT angiographies to determine the proportion of patients suitable for a robotic-assisted procedure in a post-hoc analysis. Furthermore, we describe the basic robotic-assisted techniques and discuss the TEP and TAPP laparoscopic approaches., Results: In line with the previously published literature, a short intramuscular course (≤25 mm) and a perforator diameter of≥1.5 mm and≥2.7 mm (subgroup) were defined as a crucial condition for the robotic-assisted procedure. We analysed 65 DIEP flaps harvested in 51 patients, of which 26 DIEP flaps in 22 patients met both criteria, i. e.≤25 mm intramuscular course and≥1.5 mm diameter of the perforator, while 10 DIEP flaps in 10 patients additionally met the criteria of the subgroup (≥2.7 mm diameter). Based on the intramuscular course of the perforators in the CT angiographies of those 26 DIEP flaps, a potential reduction of the fascial incision of 96.8±25.21 mm (mean±standard deviation) compared with the conventional surgical approach was calculated. The additional material costs in our case were EUR 986.01. However, ischaemia time was 33,5 minutes longer than the median of the comparative cohort., Conclusion: The robotic-assisted procedure has already proven to be a feasible alternative in a suitable patient population. However, further studies are needed to confirm that robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvest actually reduces harvest site morbidity and thereby justifies the additional costs and complexity., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Inhibition of epigenetic regulators by small molecules is an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Recently, we characterised the role of lysine methyltransferase 9 (KMT9) in prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Our observation that the enzymatic activity was required for tumour cell proliferation identified KMT9 as a potential therapeutic target. Here, we report the development of a potent and selective KMT9 inhibitor (compound 4, KMI169) with cellular activity through structure-based drug design. KMI169 functions as a bi-substrate inhibitor targeting the SAM and substrate binding pockets of KMT9 and exhibits high potency, selectivity, and cellular target engagement. KMT9 inhibition selectively downregulates target genes involved in cell cycle regulation and impairs proliferation of tumours cells including castration- and enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells. KMI169 represents a valuable tool to probe cellular KMT9 functions and paves the way for the development of clinical candidate inhibitors as therapeutic options to treat malignancies such as therapy-resistant prostate cancer., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Personalized medicine poses great opportunities and challenges. While the therapeutic landscape markedly expands, descriptions about status, clinical implementation and real-world benefits of precision oncology and molecular tumor boards (MTB) remain sparse, particularly in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancer. Hence, this study characterized urological MTB cases to better understand the potential role of MTB in uro-oncology., Methods: We analyzed patients with complete data sets being reviewed at an MTB from January 2019 to October 2022, focusing on results of molecular analysis and treatment recommendations., Results: We evaluated 102 patients with GU cancer with a mean patient age of 61.7 years. Prostate cancer (PCa) was the most frequent entity with 52.9% (54/102), followed by bladder cancer (18.6%, 19/102) and renal cell carcinoma (14.7%, 15/102). On average, case presentation at MTB took place 54.9 months after initial diagnosis and after 2.7 previous lines of therapy. During the study period, 49.0% (50/102) of patients deceased. Additional MTB-based treatment recommendations were achieved in a majority of 68.6% (70/102) of patients, with a recommendation for targeted therapy in 64.3% (45/70) of these patients. Only 6.7% (3/45) of patients - due to different reasons - received the recommended MTB-based therapy though, with 33% (1/3) of patients reaching disease control. Throughout the MTB study period, GU cancer case presentations and treatment recommendations increased, while the time interval between initial presentation and final therapy recommendation were decreasing over time., Conclusion: Presentation of uro-oncological patients at the MTB is a highly valuable measure for clinical decision-making. Prospectively, earlier presentation of patients at the MTB and changing legislative issues regarding comprehensive molecular testing and targeted treatment approval might further improve patients' benefits from comprehensive molecular diagnostics., (© 2024 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: Technological advancements in the field of urology have led to a paradigm shift in the management of urolithiasis towards minimally invasive endourological interventions, namely ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. However, concerns regarding the potential for thermal injury during laser lithotripsy have arisen, as studies have indicated that the threshold for cellular thermal injury (43 °C) can be exceeded, even with conventional low-power laser settings. This review aims to identify the factors that contribute to temperature increments during laser treatment using current laser systems and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes., Materials and Methods: To select studies for inclusion, a search was performed on online databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords such as 'temperature' or 'heat' were combined with 'lithotripsy', 'nephrolithotomy', 'ureteroscopy', or 'retrograde intrarenal surgery', both individually and in various combinations., Results: Various strategies have been proposed to mitigate temperature rise, such as reducing laser energy or frequency, shortening the duration of laser activation, increasing the irrigation fluid flow rate, and using room temperature or chilled water for irrigation. It is important to note that higher irrigation fluid flow rates should be approached cautiously due to potential increases in intrarenal pressure and associated infectious complications. The utilization of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) may offer benefits by facilitating irrigation fluid outflow, thereby reducing intrapelvic pressure and intrarenal fluid temperature., Conclusion: Achieving a balance between laser power, duration of laser activation, and irrigation fluid rate and temperature appears to be crucial for urologists to minimize excessive temperature rise., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: With the increased use of focal radiation dose escalation for primary prostate cancer (PCa), accurate delineation of gross tumor volume (GTV) in prostate-specific membrane antigen PET (PSMA-PET) becomes crucial. Manual approaches are time-consuming and observer dependent. The purpose of this study was to create a deep learning model for the accurate delineation of the intraprostatic GTV in PSMA-PET., Methods: A 3D U-Net was trained on 128 different 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET images from three different institutions. Testing was done on 52 patients including one independent internal cohort (Freiburg: n = 19) and three independent external cohorts (Dresden: n = 14 18 F-PSMA-1007, Boston: Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH): n = 9 18 F-DCFPyL-PSMA and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI): n = 10 68 Ga-PSMA-11). Expert contours were generated in consensus using a validated technique. CNN predictions were compared to expert contours using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Co-registered whole-mount histology was used for the internal testing cohort to assess sensitivity/specificity., Results: Median DSCs were Freiburg: 0.82 (IQR: 0.73-0.88), Dresden: 0.71 (IQR: 0.53-0.75), MGH: 0.80 (IQR: 0.64-0.83) and DFCI: 0.80 (IQR: 0.67-0.84), respectively. Median sensitivity for CNN and expert contours were 0.88 (IQR: 0.68-0.97) and 0.85 (IQR: 0.75-0.88) (p = 0.40), respectively. GTV volumes did not differ significantly (p > 0.1 for all comparisons). Median specificity of 0.83 (IQR: 0.57-0.97) and 0.88 (IQR: 0.69-0.98) were observed for CNN and expert contours (p = 0.014), respectively. CNN prediction took 3.81 seconds on average per patient., Conclusion: The CNN was trained and tested on internal and external datasets as well as histopathology reference, achieving a fast GTV segmentation for three PSMA-PET tracers with high diagnostic accuracy comparable to manual experts., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Standardized structured radiological reporting (SSRB) has been promoted in recent years. The aims of SSRB include that reports be complete, clear, understandable, and stringent. Repetitions or superfluous content should be avoided. In addition, there are advantages in the presentation of chronological sequences, tracking and correlations with structured findings from other disciplines and also the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods. The development of the presented template for SSRB of native computed tomography for urinary stones followed the "process for the creation of quality-assured and consensus-based report templates as well as subsequent continuous quality control and updating" proposed by the German Radiological Society (DRG). This includes several stages of drafts, consensus meetings and further developments. The final version was published on the DRG website ( www.befundung.drg.de ). The template will be checked annually by the steering group and adjusted as necessary. The template contains 6 organ domains (e.g., right kidney) for which entries can be made for a total of 21 different items, mostly with selection windows. If "no evidence of stones" is selected for an organ in the first query, the query automatically jumps to the next organ, so that the processing can be processed very quickly despite the potentially high total number of individual queries for all organs. The German, European, and North American Radiological Societies perceive the establishment of a standardized structured diagnosis of tomographic imaging methods not only in oncological radiology as one of the current central tasks. With the present template for the description of computed tomographic findings for urinary stone diagnostics, we are presenting the first version of a urological template. Further templates for urological diseases are to follow., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Purpose of Review: [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 is a radiopharmaceutical that emits beta-minus radiation and targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive prostate cancer. Despite its clinical success, there are still patients not showing sufficient response rates. This review compiles latest studies aiming at therapy improvement in [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617-naïve and -resistant patients by alternative or combination treatments., Recent Findings: A variety of agents to combine with [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 are currently under investigation including alpha radiation-emitting pharmaceuticals, radiosensitizers, taxane chemotherapeutics, androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and external beam radiation. Actinium-225 ( 225 Ac)-labeled PSMA-targeting inhibitors are the most studied pharmaceuticals for combination therapy or as an alternative for treatment after progression under [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. Alpha emitters seem to have a potential of achieving a response to PSMA-targeting radionuclide therapy in both initial non-responders or responders to [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 later developing treatment resistance. Emerging evidence for immunostimulatory effects of radiopharmaceuticals and first prospective studies support the combination of [ 177 Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and immune checkpoint inhibition for late-stage prostate cancer., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) for benign prostatic obstruction has become increasingly prevalent worldwide. Considering the medical cost-savings and concomitantly fewer nosocomial infections, the feasibility of same-day postoperative discharge of patients who have undergone laser EEP in terms of its safety and effectiveness has become a subject matter of growing interest. We aimed to review those studies focussing on day-case surgery (DCS) in patients undergoing laser EEP., Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed-MEDLINE and Web of Science databases until October 2022 with the following search terms: "same day discharge AND laser enucleation of the prostate", "day-case AND laser enucleation of the prostate", "same day surgery AND laser enucleation of the prostate" and "one day surgery AND laser enucleation of the prostate" by combining PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) terms. We identified 15 eligible studies., Results: While 14 of the studies focussed on holmium laser EEP, one focused on thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate. We observed an improvement in functional parameters in all studies we reviewed, and DCS success and readmission rates ranged between 35.3-100% and 0-17.8%, respectively. The complication rates varied between 0 and 36.7%, most of the complicatons were Clavien-Dindo (CD) I and II. CD ≥ III complications did not significantly differ between same day discharge (SDD) and non-SDD groups in the studies., Conclusion: Laser EEP is feasible and promising DCS treatment option delivering improved functional parameters compared to baseline values, and lower perioperative complication and readmission rates in certain patients., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Duplex kidneys may be associated with additional pathologies with an indication for surgery. Various surgical approaches have been described. However, little is known about long-term outcomes and quality of life (QoL) for these patients., Objective: To present long-term outcomes and QoL data up to 30 yr after surgical treatment of duplex kidneys and associated pathologies., Design Setting and Participants: We collected clinical and operative data for all patients who underwent surgery for complicated duplex kidney at our institution from 1990 to 2018. All patients were invited for a follow-up examination or telephone interview., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: We evaluated renal function, clinical outcomes, residual dilation of the upper urinary tract, and health-related QoL., Results and Limitations: Of the 176 patients included, 173 were available for follow-up (mean 140.5 mo). Surgical treatment involved an upper-tract, lower-tract, or combined approach in 11%, 56%, and 33% of cases, respectively. Rates of perioperative complications (8%) and secondary surgery (10%) were low. Overall, 95% of our patients achieved full restitution. Renal function was preserved in all cases, with recurrent urinary tract infections reported by just 2% and urinary incontinence by 1%. Good health-related QoL was reported by 98% of patients. Those without full restitution included six patients who underwent total nephrectomy and two boys who underwent multiple surgeries and urinary diversion. Our results are limited by their retrospective nature, including partly incomplete data sets., Conclusions: Management of duplex kidneys and associated pathologies is complex and highly individual. By planning a personal approach for each patient it is possible to achieve full bodily integrity and good QoL for most of these patients., Patient Summary: Almost all patients undergoing surgery for duplex kidneys and associated pathologies will lead a life without body impairment and good quality of life.This trial is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register as DRKS00022542., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Background: It has been shown that the Stockholm3 test decreases overdetection of prostate cancer (PCa) while retaining the ability to detect clinically significant PCa (csPCa) in a Swedish population. However, the test includes potentially population-specific testing of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and has yet not been validated outside Scandinavia., Objective: To assess the performance of the Stockholm3 test in discriminating csPCa in a Central European cohort undergoing prostate biopsy (PBx)., Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective multicenter validation study was conducted from August 2020 to September 2022 at two centers in Switzerland and one center in Germany. The study involved 342 men undiagnosed with PCa who were scheduled for PBx after prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate. Before PBx, participants had a blood sample taken for Stockholm3 testing., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: The primary outcome was the accuracy of the Stockholm3 test in detecting csPCa (International Society of Urological Pathology grade group [GG] ≥2) according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, and the clinical consequences of using the model., Results and Limitations: The Stockholm3 test with a cutoff of 11% for csPCa detection had sensitivity of 92.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86.9-95.9%), specificity of 32.6% (95% CI 26.0-39.8%), a positive predictive value of 53.2% (95% CI 47.0-59.2%), and a negative predictive value of 83.6% (95% CI 73-91.2%). It showed superior discrimination for csPCa (AUC 0.77, 95% CI 0.72-0.82) in comparison to PSA (AUC 0.66, 95% CI 0.61-0.72; p < 0.001). Using a Stockholm3 cutoff of 11%, PBx could have been omitted for 73 men (21.0%), and 12/154 (8%) csPCa and 2/72 (2.8%) GG >2 cases would have been missed. Limitations include population selection bias., Conclusions: Our results show favorable clinical outcomes for the blood-based Stockholm3 biomarker test in a Central European patient cohort., Patient Summary: The Stockholm3 blood test shows better accuracy in predicting prostate cancer than the more common PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Treatment of advanced prostate cancer lacks specificity and curative intent. Therefore, the need for new targeted therapeutic approaches is high. In the present study, we generated the new targeted toxin EGF-PE24mutΔREDLK binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the surface of prostate cancer cells. It consists of the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) as binding domain and a de-immunized variant of Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE), called PE24mutΔREDLK, as toxin domain. The toxin domain contains a deletion of the C-terminal KDEL-like motif REDLK to prevent its transport from sorting endosomes via the KDEL receptor mediated pathway into the cytosol, where it can inhibit cellular protein biosynthesis and induce apoptosis. Indeed, REDLK deletion resulted in a strong decrease in cytotoxicity of the targeted toxin in prostate cancer cells compared to the parental targeted toxin EGF-PE24mut. However, addition of the plant glycosylated triterpenoid SO1861, which is known to mediate the release of biomolecules from endolysosomal compartments into the cytosol, resulted in an up to almost 7,000-fold enhanced synergistic cytotoxicity. Moreover, combination of PE24mutΔREDLK with SO1861 led to a cytotoxicity that was even 16- to 300-fold enhanced compared to that of EGF-PE24mut. Endolysosomal entrapment of the non-toxic targeted toxin EGF-PE24mutΔREDLK followed by activation through enhanced endosomal escape therefore represents a new promising approach for the future treatment of advanced prostate cancer with high efficacy and diminished side effects., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Context: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common, often bothersome, and have multifactorial aetiology., Objective: To present a summary of the 2023 version of the European Association of Urology guidelines on the management of male LUTS., Evidence Acquisition: A structured literature search from 1966 to 2021 selected the articles with the highest certainty evidence. The Delphi technique consensus approach was used to develop the recommendations., Evidence Synthesis: The assessment of men with LUTS should be practical. A careful medical history and physical examination are essential. Validated symptom scores, urine test, uroflowmetry, and postvoid urine residual, as well as frequency-volume charts for patients with nocturia or predominately storage symptoms should be used. Prostate-specific antigen should be ordered if a diagnosis of prostate cancer changes the treatment plan. Urodynamics should be performed for selected patients. Men with mild symptoms are candidates for watchful waiting. Behavioural modification should be offered to men with LUTS prior to, or concurrent with, treatment. The choice of medical treatment depends on the assessment findings, predominant type of symptoms, ability of the treatment to change the findings, and the expectations to be met in terms of the speed of onset, efficacy, side effects, and disease progression. Surgery is reserved for men with absolute indications, and for patients who fail or prefer not to receive medical therapy. Surgical management has been divided into five sections: resection, enucleation, vaporisation, and alternative ablative and nonablative techniques. The choice of surgical technique depends on patient's characteristics, expectations, and preferences; surgeon's expertise; and availability of modalities., Conclusions: The guidelines provide an evidence-based approach for the management of male LUTS., Patient Summary: A clinical assessment should identify the cause(s) of symptoms and define the clinical profile and patient's expectations. The treatment should aim to ameliorate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications., (Copyright © 2023 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Chronic primary pelvic pain syndrome in men (CPPPSm) can be associated with urogenital pain, urinary symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and emotional disturbance. Its clinical heterogeneity and incompletely understood pathogenesis make it more difficult to treat. This article is intended to familiarize the reader with basic aspects of the manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this condition., Methods: This article is based on relevant publications retrieved by a selective search of the literature, including the current guidelines of the European Association of Urology. The features of this disease pertaining to urology, psychosomatic medicine, and pain medicine are illuminated from an interdisciplinary perspective., Results: Chronic pelvic pain appears to arise through a complex interaction of inflammatory, infectious, neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychosomatic factors. A comprehensive diagnostic work-up should be carried out to evaluate and exclude the numerous differential diagnoses. Treatment strategies are based on the clinical phenotype. Randomized controlled trials have shown that significant relief can be achieved with a variety of drugs and non-pharmacological treatments, selected according to the manifestations of the condition in the individual case. Attention must be paid to treatment-specific adverse effects., Conclusion: The management of patients with CPPPSm should consist of a comprehensive differential diagnostic evaluation and an individually oriented treatment strategy.

Immunotoxins consist of an antibody or antibody fragment that binds to a specific cell surface structure and a cytotoxic domain that kills the cell after cytosolic uptake. Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE) based immunotoxins directed against a variety of tumor entities have successfully entered the clinic. PE possesses a KDEL-like motif (REDLK) that enables the toxin to travel from sorting endosomes via the KDEL-receptor pathway to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), from where it is transported into the cytosol. There, it ADP-ribosylates the eukaryotic elongation factor 2, resulting in ribosome inhibition and finally apoptosis. One major problem of immunotoxins is their lysosomal degradation causing the need for much more immunotoxin molecules than finally required for induction of cell death. The resulting dose limitations and substantially increased side effects require new strategies to achieve improved cytosolic uptake. Here we generated an immunotoxin consisting of a humanized single chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and the de-immunized PE variant PE24mut. This immunotoxin, hD7-1(VL-VH)-PE24mut, showed high and specific cytotoxicity in PSMA-expressing prostate cancer cells. We deleted the REDLK sequence to prevent transport to the ER and achieve endosomal entrapment. The cytotoxicity of this immunotoxin, hD7-1(VL-VH)-PE24mutΔREDLK, was greatly reduced. To restore activity, we added the endosomal escape enhancer SO1861 and observed an up to 190,000-fold enhanced cytotoxicity corresponding to a 57-fold enhancement compared to the initial immunotoxin with the REDLK sequence. A biodistribution study with different routes of administration clearly showed that the subcutaneous injection of hD7-1(VL-VH)-PE24mutΔREDLK in mice resulted in the highest tumor uptake. Treatment of mice bearing prostate tumors with a combination of hD7-1(VL-VH)-PE24mutΔREDLK plus SO1861 resulted in inhibition of tumor growth and enhanced overall survival compared to the monotherapies. The endosomal entrapment of non-toxic anti-PSMA immunotoxins followed by enhanced endosomal escape by SO1861 provides new therapeutic options in the future management of prostate cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Masilamani, Huber, Nagl, Dettmer-Monaco, Monaco, Wolf, Schultze-Seemann, Taromi, Gratzke, Fuchs and Wolf.)

Purpose: To develop a CT-based radiomic signature to predict biochemical recurrence (BCR) in prostate cancer patients after sRT guided by positron-emission tomography targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-PET)., Material and Methods: Consecutive patients, who underwent 68 Ga-PSMA11-PET/CT-guided sRT from three high-volume centers in Germany, were included in this retrospective multicenter study. Patients had PET-positive local recurrences and were treated with intensity-modulated sRT. Radiomic features were extracted from volumes of interests on CT guided by focal PSMA-PET uptakes. After preprocessing, clinical, radiomics, and combined clinical-radiomic models were developed combining different feature reduction techniques and Cox proportional hazard models within a nested cross validation approach., Results: Among 99 patients, median interval until BCR was the radiomic models outperformed clinical models and combined clinical-radiomic models for prediction of BCR with a C-index of 0.71 compared to 0.53 and 0.63 in the test sets, respectively. In contrast to the other models, the radiomic model achieved significantly improved patient stratification in Kaplan-Meier analysis. The radiomic and clinical-radiomic model achieved a significantly better time-dependent net reclassification improvement index (0.392 and 0.762, respectively) compared to the clinical model. Decision curve analysis demonstrated a clinical net benefit for both models. Mean intensity was the most predictive radiomic feature., Conclusion: This is the first study to develop a PSMA-PET-guided CT-based radiomic model to predict BCR after sRT. The radiomic models outperformed clinical models and might contribute to guide personalized treatment decisions., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Computed tomography (CT) is used to diagnose urolithiasis, a prevalent condition. In order to establish the strongest foundation for the quantifiability of urolithiasis, this study aims to develop semi-automated urolithiasis segmentation methods for CT images that differ in terms of surface-partial-volume correction and adaptive thresholding. It also examines the diagnostic accuracy of these methods in terms of volume and maximum stone diameter. One hundred and one uroliths were positioned in an anthropomorphic phantom and prospectively examined in CT. Four different segmentation methods were developed and used to segment the uroliths semi-automatically based on CT images. Volume and maximum diameter were calculated from the segmentations. Volume and maximum diameter of the uroliths were measured independently by three urologists by means of electronic calipers. The average value of the urologists´ measurements was used as a reference standard. Statistical analysis was performed with multivariate Bartlett's test. Volume and maximum diameter were in very good agreement with the reference measurements (r>0.99) and the diagnostic accuracy of all segmentation methods used was very high. Regarding the diagnostic accuracy no difference could be detected between the different segmentation methods tested (p>0.55). All four segmentation methods allow for accurate characterization of urolithiasis in CT with respect to volume and maximum diameter of uroliths. Thus, a simple thresholding approach with an absolute value may suffice for robust determination of volume and maximum diameter in urolithiasis., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Neubauer et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) online prescription platforms (OPP) for sexual health represent a potential paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment for sexual dysfunctions in the way men seek care. Knowledge of patients' risk profile using these platforms is limited., Aim: To assess risk profiles of patients reaching out to health care professionals through their DTC., Methods: Anonymized data originally collected between February 2021 to May 2022 by a DTC platform in the men's health care space were retrospectively analyzed. Data included the content of patient requests through a communication function, as well as the corresponding responses by the attending physician on staff. Each request was then assessed by two independent urologists and categorized by the level of the risk profile as well as the need to refer the patient to further medical evaluation., Results: Of 585 patient requests, 531 (90.8%) were classified as low risk. In the high-risk group, 32 patients were recommended to schedule an urgent appointment at a specialist. Only three patients (0.5%) were advised to seek emergency care. The overall referral rate for both risk groups was 52.3%. The requests of 279 patients (47.7%) were assessed as digitally treatable. Almost all patients who were digitally treatable were low risk. Side effects accounted for only 9.6% of all requests in the low-risk group, compared with 46.3% in the high-risk group., Conclusion: Overall, low-risk levels in the requests of patients using a DTC platform were reported, with almost half of them suitable to be solved digitally, whereas the other half required referral to an in-person specialist., Competing Interests: M.v.B. certifies that all conflicts of interest, including specific interests and relationships and affiliations relevant to the subject matter or materials discussed in the article, are the following: F.S. is an employee at Wellster Healthtech Group; M.D. is a working student at Wellster Healthtech Group; C.W. is a member of the medical advisory board at Wellster Healthtech Group and owns stock options and shares of Wellster Healthtech Group; S.D.B.-M. is a member of the medical advisory board at Wellster Healthtech Group; J.v.B. is an employee at Wellster Healthtech Group and owns stock options of Wellster Healthtech Group. All other coauthors declare no conflicts of interest., (© Moritz von Büren et al., 2023; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.)

Background: Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) improves the detection of aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) subtypes. As cases of active surveillance (AS) increase and tumor progression triggers definitive treatment, we evaluated whether an AI-driven algorithm can detect clinically significant PCa (csPCa) in patients under AS., Methods: Consecutive patients under AS who received mpMRI (PI-RADSv2.1 protocol) and subsequent MR-guided ultrasound fusion (targeted and extensive systematic) biopsy between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Diagnostic performance of an automated clinically certified AI-driven algorithm was evaluated on both lesion and patient level regarding the detection of csPCa., Results: Analysis of 56 patients resulted in 93 target lesions. Patient level sensitivity and specificity of the AI algorithm was 92.5%/31% for the detection of ISUP ≥ 1 and 96.4%/25% for the detection of ISUP ≥ 2, respectively. The only case of csPCa missed by the AI harbored only 1/47 Gleason 7a core (systematic biopsy; previous and subsequent biopsies rendered non-csPCa)., Conclusions: AI-augmented lesion detection and PI-RADS scoring is a robust tool to detect progression to csPCa in patients under AS. Integration in the clinical workflow can serve as reassurance for the reader and streamline reporting, hence improve efficiency and diagnostic confidence., (© 2023 The Authors. The Prostate published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Due to demographic change associated with an increase in patient numbers as well as the existing shortage of medical personnel, the German healthcare system will face a major challenge in patient care. In order to maintain high-quality patient care at a high level, the digitisation of urology should be driven forward promptly and forcefully as digital applications such as online appointment scheduling, video consultations, digital health applications (DiGAs) and others could significantly improve treatment efficiency. The long-planned introduction of the electronic patient record (ePA) will hopefully accelerate this process, and medical online platforms could also become a permanent part of new treatment methods, which could emerge from the urgently needed structural change towards more digital medicine, including questionnaire-based telemedicine. This transformation, which, already today, is urgently needed in the healthcare system, must be demanded and promoted by service providers, but also by policymakers and administration, in order to achieve the positive development of digitisation in (urological) medicine., Competing Interests: J. Huber ist Vorsitzender des Arbeitskreis "Versorgungsforschung, Qualität und Ökonomie“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Urologie e.V. und Initiator der Entscheidungshilfe Prostatakrebs (www.entscheidungshilfe-prostatakrebs.info). Die Entscheidungshilfe Prostatakrebs wird unterstützt von den Firmen Takeda Pharma, Janssen Cilag GmbH und Apogepha. J. Huber, A. Merseburger und S. Krege sind Mitglied des Medical Board der Urologischen Stiftung Gesundheit gGmbH. K. Miller ist medizinischer Berater der Kranus Health GmbH. A. Merseburger gibt Vortragshonorare von AstraZeneca, Astellas, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, EUSAPharma, Ferring Ipsen, MedUpdate, MSD, Merck Serono, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Novartis, Recordati und Roche an sowie Beratertätigkeit für AstraZeneca, Astellas, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, EUSAPharma, Ferring, Ipsen, MedUpdate, MSD, Merck Serono, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Novartis, Recordati und Roche sowie Forschungsförderung durch AstraZeneca, Astellas, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, EUSAPharma, Ipsen, MedUpdate, MSD, Merck Serono, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Novartis, Recordati und Roche an. C. Gratzke gibt Vortragshonorare von Amgen, Astellas Pharma, Astra Zeneca, Bayer, GSK, Ipsen, Janssen, Lilly Pharma, MSD, Novartis, Recordati, Pfizer, Rottapharm und STEBA Biotec sowie Beratertätigkeit für Astellas Pharma, Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Janssen, MSD und Novartis sowie Forschungsförderung durch Astellas Pharma, Bayer, GSK, MSD und Recordati an. H. Borgmann gibt an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

The systemic treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) has undergone an absolute revolution in the past decade. Numerous new substances have been approved for all stages of advanced disease and treatment has been increasingly intensified. The focus continues to be on substances with an effect on the androgen receptor axis. In this review, approved treatment options for metastatic hormone-sensitive PCa (mHSPC), non-metastatic castration-refractory PCa (nmCRPC) and metastatic castration-refractory PCa (mCRPC) are summarized. A special focus is on novel hormone therapeutic agents. Based on recent trial data, potential triple combinations for mHSPC as well as treatment sequence options and novel targeted agents for mCRPC are also highlighted., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Standards for reporting surgical adverse events (AEs) vary widely within the scientific literature. Failure to adequately capture AEs hinders efforts to measure the safety of healthcare delivery and improve the quality of care. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence and typology of perioperative AE reporting guidelines among surgery and anesthesiology journals., Materials and Methods: In November 2021, three independent reviewers queried journal lists from the SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SJR) portal (www.scimagojr.com), a bibliometric indicator database for surgery and anesthesiology academic journals. Journal characteristics were summarized using SCImago, a bibliometric indicator database extracted from Scopus journal data. Quartile 1 (Q1) was considered the top quartile and Q4 bottom quartile based on the journal impact factor. Journal author guidelines were collected to determine whether AE reporting recommendations were included and, if so, the preferred reporting procedures., Results: Of 1409 journals queried, 655 (46.5%) recommended surgical AE reporting. Journals most likely to recommend AE reporting were: by category surgery (59.1%), urology (53.3%), and anesthesia (52.3%); in top SJR quartiles (i.e. more influential); by region, based in Western Europe (49.8%), North America (49.3%), and the Middle East (48.3%)., Conclusions: Surgery and anesthesiology journals do not consistently require or provide recommendations on perioperative AE reporting. Journal guidelines regarding AE reporting should be standardized and are needed to improve the quality of surgical AE reporting with the ultimate goal of improving patient morbidity and mortality., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Purpose: We aimed to assess critical temperature areas in the kidney parenchyma using magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT) in an ex vivo Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy model., Methods: Thermal effects of Ho:YAG laser irradiation of 14 W and 30 W were investigated in the calyx and renal pelvis of an ex vivo kidney with different laser application times (t L ) followed by a delay time (t D ) of t L /t D  = 5/5 s, 5/10 s, 10/5 s, 10/10 s, and 20/0 s, with irrigation rates of 10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 ml/min. Using MRT, the size of the area was determined in which the thermal dose as measured by the Cumulative Equivalent Minutes (CEM 43 ) method exceeded a value of 120 min., Results: In the calyx, CEM 43 never exceeded 120 min for flow rates ≥ 70 ml/min at 14 W, and longer t L (10 s vs. 5 s) lead to exponentially lower thermal affection of tissue (3.6 vs. 21.9 mm 2 ). Similarly at 30 W and ≥ 70 ml/min CEM 43 was below 120 min. Interestingly, at irrigation rates of 10 ml/min, t L  = 10 s and t D  = 10 s CEM 43 were observed > 120 min in an area of 84.4 mm 2 and 49.1 mm 2 at t D  = 5 s. Here, t L  = 5 s revealed relevant thermal affection of 29.1 mm 2 at 10 ml/min., Conclusion: We demonstrate that critical temperature dose areas in the kidney parenchyma were associated with high laser power and application times, a low irrigation rate, and anatomical volume of the targeted calyx., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Current treatment for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) delays disease progression and improves survival, but resistance is inevitable. Additional therapies that prolong survival are needed. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with next-generation hormonal agents, such as enzalutamide, is standard-of-care for men with mHSPC. Emerging evidence suggests potential synergism between enzalutamide and the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab in prostate cancer. The phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind KEYNOTE-991 trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab versus placebo in combination with enzalutamide when initiating ADT in participants with mHSPC naive to next-generation hormonal agents. Approximately 1232 patients will be randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks or placebo every 3 weeks, both with enzalutamide 160 mg once daily and ADT. Dual primary end points are overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival. Secondary end points include time to first subsequent therapy, time to symptomatic skeletal related event, objective response rate and safety and tolerability. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04191096 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Introduction: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has become popular worldwide for the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Holmium laser is considered an ideal transurethral thermomechanical device for enucleating the prostate. Although there is evidence on Ho:YAG laser-related heat generation, the studies mainly investigated ex vivo temperature generation during holmium laser lithotripsy. In this in vivo study, we aimed to assess for the first time the real-time heat generated during HoLEP., Methods: Fifteen HoLEP procedures were included. The study was conducted over a time period of 16 months. To investigate the temperature generation, a preoperatively inserted rectal temperature probe and a temperature sensor within a suprapubic bladder catheter were used to record the temperature change during enucleation and coagulation., Results: The mean values of the temperature change during the laser enucleation and coagulation were -0.35 ± 0.203 K (IQR: 0.23) and +0.14 ± 0.259 K (IQR: 0.3), respectively, in rectal measurements. Temperature differences during laser use and coagulation were <+1 K and <+5 K, respectively, in bladder measurements. We measured no temperature >37.1°C during the procedures and no temperature values considered harmful to the human body., Conclusion: Sufficient irrigation flow rates and irrigation monitoring during HoLEP are obligatory. To prevent a high and uncontrolled temperature rise, the surgeon or operating room staff should pay attention to the irrigation's continuity., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The reprocessing of medical products is an important topic both in urological practices and in hospitals. The complexity is caused by the increasing variety of medical instruments and also by the increasing demands on the legally required quality of the reprocessing. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) have published recommendations for the processing of MD and last updated them in 2012. This article summarizes the legal framework for the reprocessing of medical devices, how medical devices are categorized before the appropriate procedure for reprocessing can be selected and the various steps in the reprocessing. A special focus is placed on medical products that are typically found in urological practices or outpatient departments and are processed there. Furthermore, the necessity of validating the processing method and the required training (expertise) of the personnel are discussed., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background: Penile curvature is the most debilitating symptom of Peyronie's disease (PD); the evaluation of the degree of angulation is essential for planning treatment strategy. However, the most used method of penile at-home autophotography (AHP) is associated with some potential pitfalls and discrepancies compared with different assessment methods., Objective: To compare the degree of penile curvature quantified by AHP and in-office intracavernosal alprostadil injection (ICI) prior to therapy., Design, Setting, and Participants: Data from 55 PD patients of a single tertiary referral center were analyzed. All patients provided standardized AHP of the erect phallus. Clinic-based assessment included ICI with curvature measurement and completion of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15)., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: The Wilcoxon and/or chi-square test was used to compare the degree of curvature obtained using AHP and ICI, and to evaluate whether erectile dysfunction was a predictor of a relevant difference of >10° in curvature assessment between AHP and ICI., Results and Limitations: Our study showed a significant (p < 0.001) difference in the degree of penile curvature between AHP (48° [38°; 55°]) and ICI (50° [40°; 65°]). Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction tend to have a higher difference in the degree of penile curvature between AHP and ICI than patients with good erectile function (p < 0.001). Our study is not devoid of limitations. First, we did not use Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire, as suggested by the European Association of Urology guidelines. Second, we did not evaluate inter- and intraobserver variations in the measurements., Conclusions: AHP tends to underestimate the extent of penile curvature compared to ICI. Erectile dysfunction is an independent predictor of measurement differences of >10° between AHP and ICI., Patient Summary: It is necessary to evaluate the degree of penile curvature in Peyronie's disease prior to therapy decision. The at-home self-photography underestimates the real degree of penile curvature compared with an erection by in-office penile drug injection. Especially men suffering from erectile dysfunction carry the risk of a high difference in the measured degree of penile curvature, with a potential impact on the further treatment., (Copyright © 2022 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the association of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in positron-emission tomography targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-PET) prior to salvage radiotherapy (sRT) on biochemical recurrence free survival (BRFS) in a large multicenter cohort., Methods: Patients who underwent 68  Ga-PSMA11-PET prior to sRT were enrolled in four high-volume centers in this retrospective multicenter study. Only patients with PET-positive local recurrence (LR) and/or nodal recurrence (NR) within the pelvis were included. Patients were treated with intensity-modulated-sRT to the prostatic fossa and elective lymphatics in case of nodal disease. Dose escalation was delivered to PET-positive LR and NR. Androgen deprivation therapy was administered at the discretion of the treating physician. LR and NR were manually delineated and SUVmax was extracted for LR and NR. Cox-regression was performed to analyze the impact of clinical parameters and the SUVmax-derived values on BRFS., Results: Two hundred thirty-five patients with a median follow-up (FU) of 24 months were included in the final cohort. Two-year and 4-year BRFS for all patients were 68% and 56%. The presence of LR was associated with favorable BRFS (p = 0.016). Presence of NR was associated with unfavorable BRFS (p = 0.007). While there was a trend for SUVmax values ≥ median (p = 0.071), SUVmax values ≥ 75% quartile in LR were significantly associated with unfavorable BRFS (p = 0.022, HR: 2.1, 95%CI 1.1-4.6). SUVmax value in NR was not significantly associated with BRFS. SUVmax in LR stayed significant in multivariate analysis (p = 0.030). Sensitivity analysis with patients for who had a FU of > 12 months (n = 197) confirmed these results., Conclusion: The non-invasive biomarker SUVmax can prognosticate outcome in patients undergoing sRT and recurrence confined to the prostatic fossa in PSMA-PET. Its addition might contribute to improve risk stratification of patients with recurrent PCa and to guide personalized treatment decisions in terms of treatment intensification or de-intensification. This article is part of the Topical Collection on Oncology-Genitourinary., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Context: Several sexual side effects, including erectile, ejaculatory, and orgasmic dysfunction, were reported with the majority of surgical procedures for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)., Objective: To systematically review current evidence regarding the impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery on sexual function., Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive bibliographic search on the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted in July 2021. The population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) model was used to define study eligibility. Studies were Included if they assessed patients with BPO and related lower urinary tract symptoms (P) undergoing BPH surgery (I) with or without a comparison between surgical treatments (C) evaluating the impact on sexual function (O). Retrospective and prospective primary studies were included. A pooled analysis was conducted on studies including the postoperative assessment of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD; Function and/or Bother), or retrograde ejaculation (RE) rate (PROSPERO database ID: CRD42020177907)., Evidence Synthesis: A total of 151 studies investigating 20 531 patients were included. Forty-eight randomized controlled trials evaluating 5045 individuals were eligible for the meta-analysis. In most studies (122, 80.8%), only erectile and/or ejaculatory function was evaluated. A substantial number of articles (67, 44.4%) also used nonvalidated tools to evaluate erectile and/or ejaculatory function. The pooled analysis showed no statistically significant changes in IIEF-5 score compared with baseline for the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP; weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.76 pts; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.1, 1.62; p = 0.08), laser procedure (WMD 0.33 pts; 95% CI -0.1, 0.77; p = 0.13), and minimally invasive treatment (WMD -1.37 pts; 95% CI -3.19, 0.44; p = 0.14) groups. A statistically significantly higher rate of RE was found after TURP (risk ratio [RR] 13.31; 95% CI 8.37, 21.17; p < 0.00001), other electrosurgical procedures (RR 34.77; 95% CI 10.58, 127.82; p < 0.00001), and the entire laser group (RR 17.37; 95% CI 5.93, 50.81; p < 0.00001). No statistically significant increase in RE rate was described after most of the minimally invasive procedures (p > 0.05). The pooled analysis of MSHQ-EjD scores was possible only for prostatic urethral lift, showing no statistically significant difference between baseline and post-treatment MSHQ-EjD Function scores (WMD -0.80 pts; 95% CI -2.41, 0.81; p = 0.33), but postoperative MSHQ-EjD Bother scores were significantly higher (WMD 0.76 pts; 95% CI 0.22, 1.30; p = 0.006)., Conclusions: Erectile function appears to be unaffected by most surgical procedures for BPO. RE is a very common adverse event of BPH surgery, although emerging minimally invasive surgical procedures could be associated with a lower risk., Patient Summary: Benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery can have an impact on sexual function, mainly involving ejaculatory function., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Introduction: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a surgical treatment option for prostate cancer (PC). Quality in RARP depends on the surgeon´s operative volume and expertise. When implementing RARP, it is standard practice to hire a pre-trained surgeon. The aim of our study was to investigate the transferability of quality in RARP. Patients and Methods: We analyzed two consecutive retrospective cohorts of 100 and 108 men, respectively, who underwent RARP at two different centers and on whom surgery was performed by the same surgeon. Results: There were more men with high-grade PC in Cohort 1: 25/100 (25.0%) vs. 9/108 (8.3%), p < 0.01, and infiltration of the seminal vesicles was more frequent (23/100 (23.0%) vs. 10/108 (9.2%), p < 0.01). In Cohort 2, the duration of surgery was shorter and blood loss was lower: 149 (134−174) vs. 172 min (150−196), p < 0.01 and 300 (200−400) vs. 131 (99−188) mL, p < 0.01. No difference was found in the proportion of positive surgical margins in the T2 cohort (8.8% vs. 8.2%, p = 1.00). Conclusion: The procedural and oncological outcome parameters of Cohort 2 do not appear to be inferior to the results obtained for the first cohort. The quality of RARP is transferable if a pre-trained surgeon is hired.