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Purpose Low-grade intermediate-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (LG IR NMIBC) is a recurrent disease, thus requiring repeated transurethral resection of bladder tumor under general anesthesia. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of UGN-102, a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel, as a primary chemoablative therapeutic alternative to transurethral resection of bladder tumor for patients with LG IR NMIBC. Materials and methods This prospective, phase 2b, open-label, single-arm trial recruited patients with biopsy-proven LG IR NMIBC to receive 6 once-weekly instillations of UGN-102. The primary end point was complete response (CR) rate, defined as the proportion of patients with negative endoscopic examination, negative cytology and negative for-cause biopsy 3 months after treatment initiation. Patients with CR were followed quarterly up to 12 months to assess durability of treatment effect. Safety and adverse events were monitored throughout the trial. Results A total of 63 patients (38 males and 25 females 33-96 years old) enrolled and received ≥1 instillation of UGN-102. Among the patients 41 (65%) achieved CR at 3 months, of whom 39 (95%), 30 (73%) and 25 (61%) remained disease-free at 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment initiation, respectively. A total of 13 patients had documented recurrences. The probability of durable response 9 months after CR (12 months after treatment initiation) was estimated to be 73% by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Common adverse events (incidence ≥10%) included dysuria, urinary frequency, hematuria, micturition urgency, urinary tract infection and fatigue. Conclusions Nonsurgical primary chemoablation of LG IR NMIBC using UGN-102 resulted in significant treatment response with sustained durability. UGN-102 may provide an alternative to repetitive surgery for patients with LG IR NMIBC.

Objective To describe a new technique for single incision robotic cystectomy and Studer-type ileal neobladder using the single-port (SP) da Vinci SP robotic platform. Methods In April 2021, a 71 year-old patient underwent a single incision robotic cystectomy and orthotopic Studer-type ileal neobladder using the single-port da Vinci SP robotic platform for cT2, cN0 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. He was not a candidate for neoadjuvant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy and declined participation in a clinical trial. Results Total operative time was 554 minutes and estimated blood loss was 250 cc. He was discharged on postoperative day six without developing any Clavien complications. He underwent adjuvant chemotherapy for node-positive disease and follow-up through June 2021 was notable for the absence of any significant complications or readmissions. We provide a comprehensive discussion of the required instrumentation, a description of the technique with illustrations, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technology as it pertains to cystectomy and urinary diversion. Conclusion We make no claim regarding the superiority of this technique over others, only that it is technically feasible and that the approach holds promise.

To assess longitudinal prescribing patterns for patients undergoing urologic surgery in the nearly 2-year time frame before and after implementation of an evidence-based opioid prescribing guideline to accurately characterize the impact on postoperative departmental practices.Historical prescribing data for adults who underwent 21 urologic procedures at 3 academic institutions were used to derive a 4-tiered guideline for postoperative opioid prescribing. The guideline was implemented on January 16, 2018, and prescribing patterns including quantity of opioids prescribed (in oral morphine equivalents [OMEs]) and refill rates were compared for opioid-naïve patients undergoing urologic surgery before (January 1, 2016, through January 15, 2018; N=10,649) and after (January 16, 2018, through September 30, 2019; N=9422) guideline implementation. Univariate analysis was performed using Wilcoxon rank sum and χThe median quantity of opioids decreased from 150 OMEs (interquartile range, 0-225) before guideline implementation to 0 OMEs (interquartile range, 0-90) after guideline implementation (P.001). Median OMEs decreased significantly in each tier and each of 21 individual procedures. Overall guideline adherence was 90.7% (n=8547). Despite this decrease in OMEs prescribed, post-guideline implementation patients obtained fewer refills than the pre-guideline implementation group (614 [6.5%] vs 999 [9.4%]; P.001).In a multi-institutional follow-up prospective study of adult urologic surgery-specific evidence-based guidelines for postoperative prescribing, we demonstrate sustained reduction in OMEs prescribed secondary to guideline implementation and adherence by our providers.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with informed targeted biopsies has changed the paradigm of prostate cancer diagnosis. Randomized studies have demonstrated a diagnostic benefit of clinical significance for targeted biopsy compared to standard systematic biopsies. We evaluated whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging informed targeted biopsy has superior diagnosis rates of any, clinically significant, high grade and clinically insignificant prostate cancer compared to systematic biopsy in biopsy naïve men.Data were searched in Medline®, Embase®, Web of Science and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews-Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from database inception until 2019. Studies were selected by 2 authors independently, with disagreements resolved by consensus with a third author. Overall 1,951 unique references were identified and 100 manuscripts underwent full-text review. Data were pooled using random effects models. The meta-analysis is reported according to the PRISMA statement and the study protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019128468).Overall 29 studies (13,845 patients) were analyzed. Compared to systematic biopsy, use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging informed targeted biopsy was associated with a 15% higher rate of any prostate cancer diagnosis (95% CI 10-20, p0.00001). This relationship was not affected by the study methodology (p=0.11). Diagnoses of clinically significant and high grade prostate cancer were more common in the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging informed targeted biopsy group (risk difference 11%, 95% CI 0-20, p=0.05 and 2%, 95% CI 1-4, p=0.005, respectively) while there was no difference in diagnosis of clinically insignificant prostate cancer (risk difference 0, 95% CI -3 to 3, p=0.96). Notably, the exclusion of systematic biopsy in the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging informed targeted biopsy arm significantly modified the association between a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging strategy and lower rates of clinically insignificant prostate cancer diagnosis (p=0.01) without affecting the diagnosis rates of clinically significant or high grade prostate cancer.Compared to systematic biopsy a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging informed targeted biopsy strategy results in a significantly higher diagnosis rate of any, clinically significant and high grade prostate cancer. Excluding systematic biopsy from multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging informed targeted biopsy was associated with decreased rates of clinically insignificant prostate cancer diagnosis without affecting diagnosis of clinically significant or high grade prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Many men who undergo cystectomy have previously been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer. This study describes the effect of prior prostate cancer treatment on peri...

Objective To describe postoperative opioid prescribing practices in a large cohort of patients undergoing urological surgery. Patients and Methods We identified 11,829 patients who underwent 21 urological surgical procedures at 3 associated facilities from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2016. After converting opioids to oral morphine equivalents (OMEs), prescribing patterns were compared within and across procedures. Subgroup analysis for opioid-naive patients (those without a history of long-term opioid use) was performed. Statistical analysis was utilized to evaluate variations based on demographic and perioperative/postoperative variables. Results Of the 11,829 patients, 9229 (78.0%) were prescribed an opioid at discharge, and the median (interquartile range [IQR]) OME prescribed was 188 (150-225). The remaining 9253 patients (78.2%) were considered opioid naive. Striking variation in prescribing patterns was observed within and across surgical procedures. For instance, IQR ranges of 150 or greater were observed for open cystectomy (median, 300; IQR, 210-375], open radical nephrectomy (median, 300; IQR, 225-375), retroperitoneal node dissection (median, 300; IQR, 225-375), hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (median, 225; IQR, 150-300), and penile prosthesis (median, 225; IQR, 150-315). On multivariate analysis, younger age, cancer diagnosis, and inpatient hospitalization were associated with higher likelihood of receiving a highest-quartile OME prescription for opioid naive patients. Thirty-day refill rates varied from 1.6% to 25.9%. Interestingly, refill rates were higher in patients receiving more opioids at discharge. Conclusion The United States is facing an opioid epidemic, and physicians must take action. In this study, we found considerable variation in opioid prescribing patterns within and across surgical procedures. These data provide support for the development of standardized opioid prescribing guidelines for postoperative analgesia.

Objectives To test the hypothesis that lymph node yield will vary by pathology assistant (PA) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). Methods This is a single-institution retrospective review that included patients who underwent an RC with PLND for bladder cancer from January 1, 2007, to January 1, 2018. Predicted mean lymph node counts were generated using multivariable regression analysis. Results In a total of 430 patients who underwent RC with PLND, the median lymph node count (interquartile range) was 15.0 (11.0-21.0). The frequency of the limits of lymphadenectomy was as follows: external iliac, internal iliac, and obturator (true pelvis) (33.3%); true pelvis plus common iliac to the level of the aortic bifurcation (47.9%); and inferior mesenteric artery (18.8%). On descriptive analysis, there were differences in lymph node yield when evaluating the following variables: level of dissection, clinical stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical approach, surgeon, pathologist, and PA (P < .05). On multivariable analysis, adjusted lymph node counts varied between surgeons, pathologists, clinical stage, and level of dissection but not by PA (P = .18). Conclusions Lymph node yield after RC varies on several known levels, including surgeon, extent of lymphadenectomy, clinical stage, and pathologist. This study found no significant variation in lymph node yield according to PA.

Purpose: We sought to determine whether bladder neck size is associated with incontinence scores after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: Consecutive eligible patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between July 19 and December 28, 2016 were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study. The primary outcome was patient reported urinary incontinence on the EPIC (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) scale 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The relationship between the EPIC score of urinary incontinence and bladder neck size was evaluated by multiple regression. Predicted EPIC scores for incontinence were displayed graphically after using restricted cubic splines to model bladder neck size.Results: A total of 107 patients were enrolled. The response rate was 98% and 87% at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. Bladder neck size was not significantly associated with incontinence scores at 6 and 12 weeks. Comparing the 90th per...

Background Relatively little is known about the relationship between race/ethnicity and patient-reported outcomes after contemporary treatments for localized prostate cancer. Objective To test the hypothesis that treatment-related changes in urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal function vary by race/ethnicity. Design, setting, and participants The Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation (CEASAR) study is a prospective, population-based, observational study that enrolled 3708 men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer in 2011–2012. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Patient-reported disease-specific function was measured using the 26-item Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC) at baseline and 6 and 12 mo after enrollment. Mean treatment differences in function were compared by race using risk-adjusted generalized estimating equations. Results and limitations While all race/ethnic groups reported considerable declines in scores for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (RP) when compared to active surveillance, African-American men reported a greater difference than white men did (adjusted difference-in-differences 8.4 points, 95% confidence interval 2.0–14.8; p =0.01). No difference in bother scores was noted and the overall proportion of explained variation attributable to race/ethnicity was relatively small in comparison to primary treatment and baseline function. No clinically significant racial variation was noted for the sexual, bowel, irritative voiding, or hormone domains. Limitations include the lack of well-established thresholds for clinical significance using the EPIC instrument. Conclusion While these data demonstrate that incontinence at 1 yr after RP may be worse for African-American compared to white men, the difference appears to be modest overall. Treatment selection and baseline function explain a much greater proportion of the variation in function after treatment. Patient summary We observed that the effect of treatment for prostate cancer on patient-reported function did not vary dramatically by race/ethnicity. Compared to white men, African-American men experienced a somewhat more pronounced decline in urinary continence after radical prostatectomy, but the corresponding changes in bother scores were not significantly different between the two groups.

In this review, we highlight the use of clinical registries for quality improvement and research purposes in urology. We focus on national and regional clinical database registries, such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Programme, the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor, the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement collaborative and the American Urological Association Quality Registry programme.It is widely known that claims-based and institutional databases are limited in their capacity to provide granular, real-time data for quality improvement purposes. As a result, clinical registries have emerged as an attractive alternative given their ability to capture large amounts of data across networks of health records. Another added benefit of Federally Qualified Clinical Data Registries (QCDRs) is the ability to meet emerging Medicare quality reporting standards, such as Physician Quality Reporting System and Meaningful Use. Despite the enthusiasm for QCDRs in the field of urology, however, myriad challenges remain in their implementation and widespread adoption including integration of existing health-information technology infrastructure, the accurate measurement of quality measures and the availability of clinically relevant quality measures in subspecialty practices.Quality measurement and improvement have become important aspects of modern clinical practice. Advances in health information technology have ushered in new tools, such as clinical registries, which simultaneously improve the quality of scientific research and clinical care while assisting eligible professionals in meeting federally mandated reporting requirements.

One in 5 patients who undergo surgical resection for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) develop local and/or distant recurrences which, when detected early, may be amenable to salvage local and systemic therapies. When considering that approximately half of these recurrences will occur during the first 2 years, a clear rationale exists for optimizing surveillance strategies after surgery. Although there is a notable dearth of high-quality data on this subject, clinical principles can guide clinicians as they attempt to balance the burden of surveillance strategies with potential clinical benefit. The objective of this review is to summarize the evidence regarding optimal surveillance protocols after surgery for RCC. We provide an overview of the rationale supporting surveillance after surgery, a summary of the American Urological Association and NCCN guidelines, reasons against routine long-term surveillance, surveillance costs, and ancillary issues, such as the utility of bone scan, PET/CT scan, and surveillance after thermoablation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we summarize the core principles in the management of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with an emphasis on new developments that have emerged over the last year. RECENT FINDINGS NMIBC has a propensity to recur and progress. Risk stratification has facilitated appropriate patient selection for treatment but improved tools, including biomarkers, are still needed. Enhanced cystoscopy with photodynamic imaging and narrow band imaging show promise for diagnosis, risk stratification, and disease monitoring and has been formally recommended this year by the American Urological Association. Attempts at better treatment, especially in refractory high-risk cases, include the addition of intravesical hyperthermia, combination and sequential therapy with existing agents, and the use of novel agents such as mycobacterial cell wall extract. New data are emerging regarding the potential role of early cystectomy in bacillus Calmette-Guerin-refractory NMIBC patients. SUMMARY NMIBC represents an assortment of disease states and continues to pose management challenges. Continued research is needed to bolster the evidence needed for patients and providers to make data-driven treatment decisions.

Objective To evaluate the influence of psychosocial factors such as prostate cancer (PCa) anxiety, social support, participation in medical decision-making (PDM), and educational level on patient decisions to discontinue PCa active surveillance (AS) in the absence of disease progression. Methods The Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation study is a prospective, population-based cohort study of men with localized PCa diagnosed in 2011-2012. PCa anxiety, social support, PDM, educational level, and patient reasons for discontinuing AS were assessed through patient surveys. A Cox proportional hazards model examined the relationship between psychosocial variables and time to discontinuation of AS. Results Of 531 patients on AS, 165 (30.9%) underwent treatment after median follow-up of 37 months. Whereas 69% of patients cited only medical reasons for discontinuing AS, 31% cited at least 1 personal reason, and 8% cited personal reasons only. Patients with some college education discontinued AS significantly earlier (hazard ratio: 2.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 3.2) than patients with less education. PCa anxiety, social support, and PDM were not associated with seeking treatment. Conclusion We found that 31% of men who choose AS for PCa discontinue AS within 3 years. Eight percent of men who sought treatment did so in the absence of disease progression. Education, but not psychosocial factors, seems to influence definitive treatment-seeking. Future research is needed to understand how factors unrelated to disease severity influence treatment decisions among patients on AS to identify opportunities to improve adherence to AS.

The primary goal of modern prostate cancer treatment paradigms is to optimize the balance of predicted benefits associated with prostate cancer treatment against the predicted harms of therapy. However, given the limitations in the existing evidence as well as the significant tradeoffs posed by each treatment, there remain myriad challenges associated with individualized prostate cancer treatment decision-making. In this review, we summarize the existing comparative effectiveness evidence of treatments for localized prostate cancer with an emphasis on oncologic control. While we focus on the major treatment categories of radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and observation, we also provide a review of emerging therapies such as cryotherapy and high-intensity frequency ultrasound (HIFU).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The United States faces an opioid epidemic, and surgeons must take action. However, a one-size fits all approach to opioid prescribing is sub-optimal. Here, we sought to...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to cystectomy for urothelial cancer of the bladder is recommended for all patients with clinical stage(c) T2+ disease in ...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Previous work has identified disconnect between opioid prescribing and utilization. This is particularly relevant for minimally-invasive surgery. However, factors that c...

The Internet has placed considerable information at the disposal of patients, but the sources for credible and accurate information may be difficult for a layperson to discern. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in elderly men can be treated with different surgical interventions. The purpose of this research was to determine information seeking behaviors (ISB) of BPH patients before and after each type of surgery. All patients who underwent surgical intervention for BPH at a tertiary training center between January 2007 and January 2013 were included in this study. A comprehensive questionnaire regarding their ISB was sent through a third-party survey center. The following areas were examined: (1) the patient’s opinion regarding information sources of BPH and its treatment, (2) the extent of ISB for each patient and its relation to the type of surgical intervention he eventually underwent, and (3) the relationship between the extent of ISB and the patient’s final satisfaction. The results indicated that the majority of patients felt that it is relatively easy to find information about BPH and its treatment. Most of the patient started with either general online search engines or used the hospital website. Patients who explored more sources of information ended up choosing a more specific and sophisticated procedure. Generally, patients used fewer sources postoperatively regardless of the procedure they underwent. There was no correlation between the extent of ISB and overall satisfaction ( r = −0.0719, p = .1610) and regret ( r = −0.0436, p = .3945).

The advent of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has ushered in a new era for urologists who perform prostate needle biopsies. The fusion of MRI with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) allows the direct targeting of suspicious lesions, which has been shown to improve the performance of conventional random biopsy techniques by increasing detection of clinically relevant disease while also decreasing detection of low-risk cancer. However, as with any new technology, many questions regarding effectiveness, reproducibility, and generalizability still remain. In this review, we 1) provide a summary of the various sequences that comprise a MRI of the prostate; 2) evaluate the three different ways of incorporating MRI into targeted biopsies of the prostate including in-bore MRI-guided biopsy, cognitive fusion, and device-mediated fusion; 3) review the sensitivity of MR-US fusion in the detection of clinically significant and clinically insignificant disease; and 4) review the barriers to the widespread implementation of MR-US fusion into everyday practice. While other articles in this issue of Urologic Oncology Seminars will discuss other aspects of MRI in the management of prostate cancer, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of MR-US fusion biopsies in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the natural biology of noninvasive bladder cancer and its management strategies while summarizing the most recent advances in the field.RECENT FINDINGS: Nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a tendency to recur and progress. Risk stratification has helped triage patients but improved tools, including biomarkers, are still needed. Enhanced endoscopy with photodynamic imaging, narrow band imaging, optical coherence tomography and confocal laser endomicroscopy show promise for diagnosis, risk stratification and disease monitoring. Attempts at better treatment, especially in refractory high-risk cases, include the addition of intravesical hyperthermia, combination and sequential therapy with existing agents and the use of novel agents such as mycobacterial cell wall extract. New data are emerging regarding the potential role of active surveillance in low-risk patients.SUMMARY: NMIBC represents a variety of disease states and continues to pose management challenges. As our understanding of tumor biology improves and technology advances, achieving better outcomes through individualized care may be possible.

PURPOSE To provide a comprehensive overview and update of the joint consultation of the International Consultation on Urological Diseases (ICUD) and Société Internationale d'Urologie on Bladder Cancer Urinary Diversion (UD). METHODS A detailed analysis of the literature was conducted reporting on the different modalities of UD. For this updated publication, an exhaustive search was conducted in PubMed for recent relevant papers published between October 2013 and August 2018. Via this search, a total of 438 references were identified and 52 of them were finally eligible for analysis. An international, multidisciplinary expert committee evaluated and graded the data according to the Oxford System of Evidence-based Medicine. RESULTS The incidence of early complications has been reported retrospectively in the range of 20-57%. Unfortunately, only a few randomized controlled studies exist within the field of UD. Consequently, almost all studies used in this report are of level 3-4 evidence including expert opinion based on "first principles" research. CONCLUSIONS Complications rates overall following RC and UD are significant, and when strict reporting criteria are incorporated, they are much higher than previously published. Complications can occur up to 20 years after surgery, emphasizing the need for lifelong follow-up. Progress has been made to prevent complications implementing robotic surgery and fast track protocols. Preoperative patient information, patient selection, surgical techniques, and careful postoperative follow-up are the cornerstones to achieve good results.

Despite rapid diffusion of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), whether ACO enrollment results in observable changes in cancer screening remains unknown.To determine whether Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACO enrollment changes the appropriateness of screening for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers.For this population-based analysis of Medicare beneficiaries, we used Medicare data from 2007 through 2014 and evaluated changes in screening associated with ACO enrollment using differences-in-differences (DD) analyses. We then performed difference-in-difference-in-differences (DDD) analyses to determine whether observed changes in cancer screening associated with ACO enrollment were different across strata of appropriateness, defined using age (65-74 years vs ≥75 years) and predicted survival (top vs bottom quartile).Rates of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer screening measured yearly as a proportion of eligible Medicare beneficiaries undergoing relevant screening services.Among Medicare beneficiaries, comprising 39 218 652 person-years before MSSP enrollment and 17 252 345 person-years after MSSP enrollment, breast cancer screening declined among both ACO (42.7% precontract, 38.1% postcontract) and non-ACO (37.3% precontract, 34.1% postcontract) populations. The adjusted rate of decline (DD) in the ACO population exceeded the non-ACO population by 0.79% (P .001). This decline was most pronounced among elderly women (-2.1%), with minimal observed change among younger women (-0.26%). Baseline colorectal cancer screening rates were lower than those for breast cancer among both ACO (10.1% precontract, 10.3% postcontract) and non-ACO (9.2% precontract, 9.1% postcontract) populations. We observed an adjusted 0.24% (P = .03) increase in screening associated with ACO enrollment, most pronounced among younger Medicare beneficiaries (0.36%). For breast and colorectal cancer, we observed statistically significant differences in estimates of effect between age strata, suggesting that the ACO effect on cancer screening is mediated by age (DDD for both P .001). Prostate cancer screening declined among ACO (35.1% precontract, 28.5% postcontract) and non-ACO (31.2% precontract, 25.7% postcontract) populations. The adjusted rate of decline in the ACO population exceeded that of the non-ACO population by 1.2%. We observed no difference in estimate of effect between age strata, suggesting that the ACO-mediated changes in prostate cancer screening are similar among younger and elderly men. Results characterizing appropriateness with predicted survival mirrored those when stratified by age.Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO enrollment is associated with more appropriate breast and colorectal screening, although the magnitude of the observed ACO effect is modest in the early ACO experience.

To determine the incidence and distribution of radical prostatectomy (RP) in the United States over time.We conducted a serial cross-sectional analysis of time trends using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of adult men older than 45 years who underwent RP between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2011.Weighted estimates revealed that 962,917 men underwent RP during the study period. The annual rate of RP remained relatively stable, from 1425 RPs per million in the period 1998 to 1999 to 1330 RPs per million in the period 2010 to 2011 (7% decrease; P=.90). The annual rate of open RP decreased from 1424 per million to 435 per million (P.001), whereas the annual rate of minimally invasive RP increased from less than 1 per million to 895 per million (P.001). Since 2006, hospitals providing open RP decreased by 18% (from 2288 to 1870; P.001), whereas hospitals providing minimally invasive RP increased by 191% (from 341 to 993; P.001). The median open RP caseload per hospital decreased by 7% (from 68 to 63; P.001), whereas the median caseload for hospitals providing minimally invasive RP declined by 17% (from 122 to 101; P.001). The hospitals providing fewer than 50 minimally invasive RPs per year increased from 12% to 26% (from 144 of 1240 to 3020 of 11,644; P.001).Per capita utilization of RP in the United States has remained stable from 1998 to 2011. Rapid expansion of the use of minimally invasive RP has reduced open RP utilization rates and median annual hospital caseload.

Background Whether prostate cancer severity modifies patient-reported functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized cancer is unknown. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in predicted function over time between RP and EBRT varied by risk group. Design, setting, and participants The Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation (CEASAR) study is a prospective, population-based, observational study that enrolled men with localized prostate cancer in 2011–2012. Among 2117 CEASAR participants who underwent RP or EBRT, 817 had low-risk, 902 intermediate-risk, and 398 high-risk disease. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Patient-reported, disease-specific function was measured using the 26-item Expanded Prostate Index Composite (at baseline and 6, 12, and 36 mo). Predicted function was estimated using regression models and compared by disease risk. Results and limitations Low-risk EBRT patients reported 3-yr sexual function scores 12 points higher than those of low-risk RP patients (RP, 39 points [95% confidence interval {CI}, 37–42] vs EBRT, 52 points [95% CI, 47–56]; p p =0.03). However, when using a commonly used binary definition of sexual function (erections firm enough for intercourse), no major differences were noted between RP and EBRT at 3 yr across low-, intermediate-, and high-risk disease strata. No clinically significant interactive effects between treatment and cancer severity were observed for incontinence, bowel, irritative voiding, and hormone domains. The primary limitation is the lack of firmly established thresholds for clinically significant differences in Expanded Prostate Index Composite domain scores. Conclusions For men with low-risk prostate cancer, EBRT was associated with higher sexual function scores at 3 yr than RP; however, for men with high-risk prostate cancer, no clinically significant difference was noted. Men with high-risk prostate cancer should be counseled that EBRT and RP carry similar sexual function outcomes at 3 yr. Patient summary In this report, we studied the urinary, sexual, bowel, and hormonal functions of patients 3 yr after undergoing prostate cancer surgery or radiation. We found that for patients with high-risk disease, sexual function was similar between surgery and radiation. We conclude that high-risk patients undergoing radiation therapy should be counseled that sexual function may not be as good as low-risk patients undergoing radiation.

Understanding the adverse effects of contemporary approaches to localized prostate cancer treatment could inform shared decision making.To compare functional outcomes and adverse effects associated with radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and active surveillance.Prospective, population-based, cohort study involving 2550 men (≤80 years) diagnosed in 2011-2012 with clinical stage cT1-2, localized prostate cancer, with prostate-specific antigen levels less than 50 ng/mL, and enrolled within 6 months of diagnosis.Treatment with radical prostatectomy, EBRT, or active surveillance was ascertained within 1 year of diagnosis.Patient-reported function on the 26-item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) 36 months after enrollment. Higher domain scores (range, 0-100) indicate better function. Minimum clinically important difference was defined as 10 to 12 points for sexual function, 6 for urinary incontinence, 5 for urinary irritative symptoms, 5 for bowel function, and 4 for hormonal function.The cohort included 2550 men (mean age, 63.8 years; 74% white, 55% had intermediate- or high-risk disease), of whom 1523 (59.7%) underwent radical prostatectomy, 598 (23.5%) EBRT, and 429 (16.8%) active surveillance. Men in the EBRT group were older (mean age, 68.1 years vs 61.5 years, P .001) and had worse baseline sexual function (mean score, 52.3 vs 65.2, P .001) than men in the radical prostatectomy group. At 3 years, the adjusted mean sexual domain score for radical prostatectomy decreased more than for EBRT (mean difference, -11.9 points; 95% CI, -15.1 to -8.7). The decline in sexual domain scores between EBRT and active surveillance was not clinically significant (-4.3 points; 95% CI, -9.2 to 0.7). Radical prostatectomy was associated with worse urinary incontinence than EBRT (-18.0 points; 95% CI, -20.5 to -15.4) and active surveillance (-12.7 points; 95% CI, -16.0 to -9.3) but was associated with better urinary irritative symptoms than active surveillance (5.2 points; 95% CI, 3.2 to 7.2). No clinically significant differences for bowel or hormone function were noted beyond 12 months. No differences in health-related quality of life or disease-specific survival (3 deaths) were noted (99.7%-100%).In this cohort of men with localized prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy was associated with a greater decrease in sexual function and urinary incontinence than either EBRT or active surveillance after 3 years and was associated with fewer urinary irritative symptoms than active surveillance; however, no meaningful differences existed in either bowel or hormonal function beyond 12 months or in in other domains of health-related quality-of-life measures. These findings may facilitate counseling regarding the comparative harms of contemporary treatments for prostate cancer.

The effect of radical cystectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (RC/PLND) on the survival of patients with locally advanced and/or regionally metastatic bladder cancer is unknown. However, emerging evidence suggests that there may be survival benefit to a subset of select patients with this disease who demonstrate a response to chemotherapy. This article will review the current literature on the role of RC/PLND in the consolidative treatment of locally advanced and regionally metastatic bladder cancer.

The reporting of individual urologist rates of observation for localized prostate cancer may be a valuable performance measure with important downstream implications for patient and payer stakeholder groups. However, few studies have examined the urologist-level variation in the use of observation across all risk strata of prostate cancer.To measure variation in the use of observation at the urologist level by disease risk strata and to evaluate the association between the urologist-level rates of observation for men with low-risk and high-risk prostate cancer.With the use of linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data, a population-based study of men diagnosed with prostate cancer from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2009, was performed in SEER catchment areas of the United States. A total of 57 639 men with prostate cancer with 1884 diagnosing urologists were identified. Data were analyzed from October 1 to December 31, 2015.The main outcome was observation, which is defined as the absence of definitive treatment within 1 year of diagnosis. In each risk stratum, a multivariable mixed-effects model was fit to characterize associations between observation and selected patient characteristics. From these models, the estimated probability of observation was calculated for each urologist within each risk stratum, and the association between the physician-level estimated rates of observation for low-risk and high-risk disease was assessed.Among the 57 639 men included in the study, the estimated probability of observation for low-risk disease varied impressively (mean, 27.8%; range, 5.1%-71.2%) at the individual urologist level. Considerably less urologist-level variation was seen in the use of observation for intermediate-risk disease (11.1%; range, 4.8%-31.5%) and high-risk disease (5.8%; range, 3.2%-16.5%). Furthermore, the estimated rates of observation for low- and high-risk disease were correlated at the urologist level (Spearman ρ = 0.17; P .001). A comparable correlation was likewise observed among urologists with high-volume prostate cancer practices (Spearman ρ = 0.24; P .001).Considerable urologist-level variation is seen in the use of observation for men with low-risk prostate cancer. More important, the use of observation for low-risk and high-risk patients with prostate cancer is correlated at the urologist level. This study reveals the strikingly variable use of observation among US urologists and establishes a framework for the use of urologist-level treatment signatures as a quality measure in the emerging value-based health care environment.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to improve surgical outcomes by reducing variation in perioperative best practices. However, among published studies, results show a striking variation in the effect of ERAS pathways on perioperative outcomes after cystectomy.To perform a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of ERAS versus standard care on perioperative outcomes after cystectomy.We performed a literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and the health-related grey literature in February 2016 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis and the Cochrane Handbook. Studies were reviewed according to criteria from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Thirteen studies (1493 total patients) met the inclusion criteria (ERAS: 801, standard care: 692). A pooled meta-analysis of all comparative studies was performed using inverse-weighted, fixed-effects models, and random-effects models. Publication bias was graphically assessed using contour-enhanced funnel plots and was formally tested using the Harbord modification of the Egger test.Pooled data showed a lower overall complication rate (risk ratio [RR]: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.97, p = 0.017, IERAS protocols reduce the length of stay, time-to-bowel function, and rate of complications after cystectomy.Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways for cystectomy reduce complications and the amount of time patients spend in the hospital.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) controversially recommended against prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening in its guideline released in October of 2011. Previous studies of national screening rates have found a significant decrease in PSA screening after the release of the USPSTF recommendations, however these are limited by their reliance on patient self report. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) is a conducted annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and collects data on PSA screening from records of medical visits. In this study, we aim to determine the frequency of PSA testing by primary care physicians before and after release of the USPSTF guidelines. METHODS: NAMCS is based on a sample of visits to nonfederal, office-based physicians. The basic sampling unit for the NAMCS is the physician-patient visit. All analysis was performed in accordance with NCHS recommendations accounting for the complex survey design, and Pearson0s chi-squared test was used for all statistical comparisons. RESULTS: In men over forty seeing their primary care doctor for preventative care, the rate of PSA testing by year is shown in Figure 1. Comparing the years prior to the release of the USPSTF guideline and 2012, the rate of testing decreased from 28.3% (95% CI 25.2% to 31.5%) to 15.6% (95% CI 11.8% to 20.4%, p

Background/Aims: To evaluate the usefulness of a temporary prostatic urethral stent to determine which complex surgical patients would benefit from definitive surgical management of their benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our benign prostatic hyperplasia database and identified all patients that received at least one temporary prostatic urethral stent between April 2008 and December 2010. Results: Forty SpannerTM stents were placed in 20 patients. Mean age was 78.1 years and prostate size was 62.1 cm3. Urinary retention was present in 60% (12/20) of patients. No statistically significant changes in mean maximal flow rate, average flow rate, and post void residual was noted. Seven patients (35%) did well with the stent and progressed to definitive surgical management whereas 10% of the cohort (2/20) leaked urine with the stent in place and subsequently went back to catheter management. Another 30% (6/20) were unable to tolerate the stent while 1 patient passed away unrelated to the stent. Conclusions: The use of the temporary prostatic urethral stent provided a good provocative test that enabled patients to experience what their voiding status would be if they were to undergo definitive surgical management.

To examine whether racial disparities in survival exist among black, Hispanic, and Asian patients compared with white patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (CLPC) after adjustment for the effects of treatment.We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with CLPC diagnosed from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2003, as documented in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Treatment-stratified, risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were constructed.During the study period, CLPC was diagnosed in 294,160 patients. Of these patients, 123,850 (42.1%) underwent surgery and 101,627 (34.5%) underwent radiotherapy, whereas 68,683 (23.3%) received no treatment. Overall 5-year and 10-year survival rates for Asians (85.6% and 67.6%, respectively), Hispanics (85.9% and 69.0%, respectively), and whites (83.9% and 65.7%, respectively) were higher than for blacks (81.5% and 61.7%, respectively) (P.001). Prostate cancer-specific survival also varied significantly by race (P.001). A risk-adjusted model stratified by primary treatment modality revealed that blacks had worse overall survival than whites (hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.33-1.41; P.001), whereas Asians had better survival compared with whites (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.76-0.83; P.001). After the effects of treatment were accounted for, Hispanics had similar overall survival compared with whites (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-1.01; P=.10).Blacks with CLPC have poorer survival than whites, whereas Asians have better survival, even after risk adjustment and stratification by treatment. These data may be relevant to US regions with large underserved populations that have limited access to health care.

Background: Metastatic melanoma to the bladder is rarely reported, and the role of surgery is still largely unknown. We review 4 such cases and highlight their management and outcomes. We also review the relevant literature. Methods: The Mayo Clinic tumor database was searched and 4 such cases were found. Results: All 4 patients were treated locally with transurethral resection. The only patient who had a solitary metastasis did relatively well, having no evidence of disease 10 months after his presentation, while the other 3 died within 6 months. The literature highlights various approaches to management, but there is no definitive evidence that radical cystectomy offers any benefit over transurethral resection. Conclusion: Resection may improve survival in the setting of a solitary metastasis, but there is no evidence that radical cystectomy offers any benefit over local resection. With diffuse disease, however, resection is likely only beneficial for treatment of hematuria.

In Arabidopsis , a complex of Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins functions in the female gametophyte to control the initiation of seed development. Mutations in the PcG genes, including MEDEA ( MEA ) and FERTILIZATION-INDEPENDENT SEED 2 ( FIS2 ), produce autonomous seeds where endosperm proliferation occurs in the absence of fertilization. By using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified MEA and a related protein, SWINGER (SWN), as SET-domain partners of FIS2. Localization data indicated that all three proteins are present in the female gametophyte. Although single-mutant swn plants did not show any defects, swn mutations enhanced the mea mutant phenotype in producing autonomous seeds. Thus, MEA and SWN perform partially redundant functions in controlling the initiation of endosperm development before fertilization in Arabidopsis .