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Objectives Patients and Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate the additional prostate cancer detection yield and clinical implications of performing contralateral systematic biopsies in men with unilateral suspicious magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings undergoing MRI‐guided transperineal (TP) biopsies in an outpatient clinic.A prospective study of 655 consecutive men with unilateral MRI suspicious findings undergoing office‐based MRI‐guided TP biopsies between May 2022 and December 2023. All men had pre‐biopsy MRI followed by MRI‐guided TP fusion biopsies with at least four targeted cores per lesion plus five contralateral systematic biopsies. The primary objective was the clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection rate of contralateral systematic biopsies in men with no or insignificant PCa on targeted biopsies. Secondary objectives included the impact of contralateral biopsies on PCa grade upgrading, additional insignificant PCa diagnoses, and the clinical implications of multifocal csPCa detected on both targeted and contralateral cores.Any and csPCa (Gleason Grade Group [GG] ≥2) was detected in 564/655 (85%) and 471/655 (71%) men with a median age of 66 years and PSA level of 7.6 ng/mL. Overall, seven of 655 (1%) men had csPCa detected by contralateral systematic biopsies missed on MRI‐targeted biopsy, all of whom had low‐volume Gleason GG 2 PCa eligible for active surveillance. Furthermore, 70/464 (15%) men with csPCa on MRI‐targeted biopsy had matching Gleason GG 2–5 PCa on contralateral biopsy, and another seven had higher Gleason GG. However, the additional information from contralateral biopsies did not seem to influence whole‐gland treatment allocation and nerve‐sparing during surgery.Contralateral systematic biopsies in men with unilateral MRI findings undergoing MRI‐guided TP targeted biopsies have limited value for csPCa detection and risk assessment for whole‐gland treatment but may be important for determining PCa multifocality considering focal therapy eligibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL) protein plays an important role in cancer cells' resistance to apoptosis. Pre-clinical studies have shown that vaccination with Bcl-XL-derived peptides can induce tumor-specific T cell responses that may lead to the elimination of cancer cells. Furthermore, pre-clinical studies of the novel adjuvant CAF®09b have shown that intraperitoneal (IP) injections of this adjuvant can improve the activation of the immune system. In this study, patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (PC) received a vaccine consisting of Bcl-XL-peptide with CAF®09b as an adjuvant. The primary aim was to evaluate the tolerability and safety of IP and intramuscular (IM) administration, determine the optimal route of administration, and characterize vaccine immunogenicity. Patients and methods: Twenty patients were included. A total of six vaccinations were scheduled: in Group A (IM to IP injections), ten patients received three vaccines IM biweekly; after a three-week pause, patients then received three vaccines IP biweekly. In Group B (IP to IM injections), ten patients received IP vaccines first, followed by IM under a similar vaccination schedule. Safety was assessed by logging and evaluating adverse events (AE) according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v. 4.0). Vaccines-induced immune responses were analyzed by Enzyme-Linked Immunospot and flow cytometry. Results: No serious AEs were reported. Although an increase in T cell response against the Bcl-XL-peptide was found in all patients, a larger proportion of patients in group B demonstrated earlier and stronger immune responses to the vaccine compared to patients in group A. Further, we demonstrated vaccineinduced immunity towards patient-specific CD4, and CD8 T cell epitopes embedded in Bcl-XL-peptide and an increase in CD4 and CD8 T cell activation markers CD107a and CD137 following vaccination. At a median follow-up of 21 months, no patients had experienced clinically significant disease progression. Conclusion: The Bcl-XL-peptide-CAF®09b vaccination was feasible and safe in patients with l hormone-sensitive PC. In addition, the vaccine was immunogenic and able to elicit CD4 and CD8 T cell responses with initial IP administration eliciting early and high levels of vaccine-specific responses in a higher number og patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of neoantigens arise from unique mutations that are not shared between individual patients, making neoantigen-directed immunotherapy a fully personalized treatment approach. Novel technical advances in next-generation sequencing of tumor samples and artificial intelligence (AI) allow fast and systematic prediction of tumor neoantigens. This study investigates feasibility, safety, immunity, and antitumor potential of the personalized peptide-based neoantigen vaccine, EVX-01, including the novel CD8+ T-cell inducing adjuvant, CAF®09b, in patients with metastatic melanoma (NTC03715985). The AI platform PIONEERTM was used for identification of tumor-derived neoantigens to be included in a peptide-based personalized therapeutic cancer vaccine. EVX-01 immunotherapy consisted of 6 administrations with 5-10 PIONEERTM-predicted neoantigens as synthetic peptides combined with the novel liposome-based Cationic Adjuvant Formulation 09b (CAF®09b) to strengthen T-cell responses. EVX-01 was combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors to augment the activity of EVX-01-induced immune responses. The primary endpoint was safety, exploratory endpoints included feasibility, immunologic and objective responses. This interim analysis reports the results from the first dose-level cohort of five patients. We documented a short vaccine manufacturing time of 48-55 days which enabled the initiation of EVX-01 treatment within 60 days from baseline biopsy. No severe adverse events were observed. EVX-01 elicited long-lasting EVX-01-specific T-cell responses in all patients. Competitive manufacturing time was demonstrated. EVX-01 was shown to be safe and able to elicit immune responses targeting tumor neoantigens with encouraging early indications of a clinical and meaningful antitumor efficacy, warranting further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review looks at highlights of the development in ultrasound, ranging from interventional ultrasound and Doppler to the newest techniques like contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography, and gives reference to some of the valuable articles in Acta Radiologica. Ultrasound equipment is now available in any size and for any purpose, ranging from handheld devices to high-end devices, and the scientific societies include ultrasound professionals of all disciplines publishing guidelines and recommendations. Interventional ultrasound is expanding the field of use of ultrasound-guided interventions into nearly all specialties of medicine, from ultrasound guidance in minimally invasive robotic procedures to simple ultrasound-guided punctures performed by general practitioners. Each medical specialty is urged to define minimum requirements for equipment, education, training, and maintenance of skills, also for medical students. The clinical application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography is a topic often seen in current research settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Hemangioma of the prostate gland is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported. There have been several cases of hemangioma of posterior urethra, urinary bladder and periprostatic plexus in the literature, all presenting with hematuria or hematospermia. Diagnosis of prostatic hemangioma is difficult due to its rarity and unspecific symptoms such as hematuria, hematospermia or lower urinary tract symptoms. It cannot be detected by conventional examinations such as cystoscopy or standard rectal ultrasonography. Case presentation We present a case of prostatic hemangioma in an 84-year old male presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Bleeding has not been a feature in our case and diagnosis was not made until after operation. The patient was treated as a case of bladder neck outflow obstruction with transurethral resection of prostate gland and simultaneous bladder neck incisions. A period of self-catheterization was instituted due to postoperative urinary retention as the result of detrusor insufficiency. Conclusion Hemangioma of prostate gland is extremely rare and symptomatic prostatic hemangioma should be treated either by transurethral resection of prostate or laser evaporation.

Background Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) can improve detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Purpose To compare mpMRI score subgroups to systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies (TRUSbx) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based findings for detection of csPCa in men undergoing repeat biopsies. Material and Methods MpMRI was performed prior to re-biopsy in 289 prospectively enrolled patients. All underwent repeat TRUSbx followed by targeted biopsies (MRITB) of any mpMRI-identified lesion. MpMRI suspicion grade, PSA level, and density (PSAd) were compared with biopsy results and further matched to the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen if available. Results PCa was detected in 128/289 (44%) patients with median age, PSA, and prior negative TRUSbx of 64 (interquartile range [IQR] = 59-67), 12.0 ng/mL (IQR = 8.3-19.1), and 2 (IQR = 1-3), respectively. TRUSbx detected PCa in 108/289 (37%) patients, of which 49 (45%) had insignificant cancer. MRITB was performed in 271/289 (94%) patients and detected PCa in 96 (35%) with 78 (81%) having csPCa. MpMRI scores showed a high association between suspicion level and biopsy results on both lesion and patient level ( P < 0.001). MpMRI was better than PSA and PSAd ( P < 0.001) to identify patients with missed csPCa. In total, 64/128 (50%) patients underwent RP; 60/64 had csPCa. MpMRI was significantly better in predicting csPCa on RP compared with TRUSbx ( P = 0.019) as MRITB and TRUSbx correctly identified 47/60 (78%) and 35/60 (58%) patients, respectively. Conclusion MpMRI improves detection of missed csPCa and suspicion scores correlate well with biopsy and RP results on both patient and lesion level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify the location of missed significant prostate cancer (sPCa) lesions by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS bx ) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsy (mpMRI bx ) in men undergoing repeat biopsies. Materials and Methods A total of 289 men with prior negative TRUS bx underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. The location of any suspicious lesion was registered and scored using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 1 classification according to the likelihood of being sPCa. All patients underwent repeat transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (reTRUS bx ) and targeted mpMRI bx (image fusion) of any suspicious lesion. Biopsy results were compared and the locations of missed sPCa lesions were registered. Cancer significance was defined as (1) any core with a Gleason score of >6, (2) cancer core involvement of ≥50% and for reTRUS bx on patient level, and (3) the presence of ≥3 positive cores. Results Of the 289 patients, prostate cancer was detected in 128 (44%) with 88 (30%) having sPCa. Overall, 165 separate prostate cancer lesions were detected with 100 being sPCa. Of these, mpMRI bx and reTRUS bx detected 90% (90/100) and 68% (68/100), respectively. The majority of sPCa lesions (78%) missed by primary TRUS bx were located either anteriorly or in the apical region. Missed sPCa lesions at repeat biopsy were primarily located anteriorly (84%) for reTRUS bx (n = 27/32) and posterolateral midprostatic (60%) for mpMRI bx (n = 6/10). Conclusion Both TRUS bx and mpMRI bx missed sPCa lesions in specific segments of the prostate. Missed sPCa lesions at repeat biopsy were primarily located anteriorly for TRUS bx and posterolateral midprostatic for mpMRI bx . Localization of these segments may improve biopsy techniques in men undergoing repeat biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate of systematic transrectal ultrasound- guided biopsies (TRUS-bx) and multiparametric- MRI targeted biopsies (mp-MRI-bx) in a repeat biopsy setting and evaluate the clinical significance following an "MRI-targeted-only" approach. Materials and Methods: Patients with prior negative biopsies underwent prostatic multiparametric- MRI that was scored using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) classification. All underwent both repeated TRUS-bx and mp-MRI-bx using image fusion of any PI-RADS ≥3 lesion. Biopsy results from TRUS-bx, mp-MRI-bx, and the combination were compared. Results: PCa was detected in 89 out of 206 (43%) patients. Of these, 64 (31%) and 74 (36%) patients were detected using mp-MRI-bx and TRUS-bx, respectively. Overall, mp-MRI-bx detected fewer patients with low-grade (Gleason score [GS] 3 + 3) cancers (14/64 vs. 41/74) and more patients with intermediate/high-grade cancers (GS ≥3 + 4) (50/64 vs. 33/74) using fewer biopsy cores compared with TRUS-bx (p < 0.001). Using an "MRI-targeted-only" approach in men with PI-RADS ≥3 lesions reduced the number of men requiring repeated biopsies by 50%, decreased low-grade cancer diagnoses by 66%, and increased intermediate/high-grade cancer diagnoses by 52%. Conclusions: MRI-targeted biopsies have a high detection rate for significant PCa in patients with prior negative transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies and preferentially detect intermediate/high-grade compared with low-grade tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We assessed the risk of significant prostate cancer being detected after low suspicion magnetic resonance imaging or suspicious magnetic resonance imaging with benign magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsies in men with prior negative systematic biopsies. Materials and Methods Overall 289 prospectively enrolled men underwent magnetic resonance imaging followed by repeat systematic and targeted biopsies of any suspicious lesions at baseline. A total of 194 patients with low suspicion magnetic resonance imaging or benign target biopsies were suitable for this study. Those who were negative for prostate cancer at baseline were followed for at least 3 years. We calculated the negative predictive values of magnetic resonance imaging in ruling out any prostate cancer and significant prostate cancer, defined as any core with Gleason score greater than 6, or more than 2 positive cores/cancerous core 50% or greater. Results Prostate cancer was detected in 38 of 194 (20%) patients during the median study period of 47 months (IQR 43–52). The overall negative predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging in ruling out any and significant prostate cancer was 80% (156 of 194) and 95% (184 of 194), respectively. No patient with low suspicion magnetic resonance imaging had intermediate/high grade cancer (Gleason score greater than 6). The majority of patients with no cancer during followup (132 of 156, 85%) had a decreasing prostate specific antigen and could be monitored in primary care. Conclusions Low suspicion magnetic resonance imaging in men with prior negative systematic biopsies has a high negative predictive value in ruling out longer term, significant cancer. Therefore, immediate repeat biopsies are of limited clinical value and could be avoided even if prostate specific antigen is persistently increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the results of the Danish experience with the ProACT urinary continence device inserted in men with stress urinary incontinence. Material and methods. The ProACT was inserted in 114 patients. Data were registered prospectively. The main endpoints were complications, pad use per day and 24 h urinary leakage. A questionnaire evaluating symptoms and satisfaction was sent to the patients. Results. Data including preoperative and postoperative pad use and urinary leakage were available for 92 and 90 patients, respectively. A decrease in the median 24 h urinary leakage (352.5 vs 11 ml, p < 0.001) and in the median number of pads used per day (4.75 vs 2.25, p = 0.001) was demonstrated. Forty-six patients had a pad use of 0-1 pads per day and/or a daily urinary leakage less than 8 g, corresponding to an overall dry rate of 50%. A decrease in urinary leakage > 50% was seen in 72 patients (80%). Complications were seen in 23 patients. All of these were treated successfully by removal of the device in the outpatient setting followed by replacement of the device. Another eight patients had a third balloon inserted to improve continence further. Fourteen patients (12%) ended up with an artificial sphincter or a urethral sling. Sixty patients (63%) experienced no discomfort and 58 (61%) reported being dry or markedly improved. Overall, 50 patients (53%) reported being very or predominantly satisfied. Conclusions. Adjustable continence balloons seem to be a good alternative in the treatment of male urinary incontinence. Complications are mild and easily treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irreversible damage of renal transplants may be prevented if insufficient graft perfusion can be detected perioperatively. Colour and spectral Doppler ultrasonography were performed in 30 consecutive renal transplants. The perfusion of the graft and the Resistive Index (RI) were evaluated perioperatively (perioperatively and less than 15 min postoperatively) and 24 h after the operation in all patients. In four cases (13.3%) RI > 0.9 was detected and immediate surgical correction of the cause led to a normalization (RI < 0.8) in all four cases. A RI < 0.9 required no intervention in 26 cases (86.7%). All renal grafts in this series were functioning 1 month postoperatively. In a comparative group, 30 consecutive transplants carried out at our institution without perioperative Doppler ultrasonography evaluation, a loss of four renal grafts perioperatively was recorded retrospectively. We conclude that perioperative ultrasonography Doppler evaluation may provide an easy applicable and reliable method for early detection of insufficient renal graft perfusion, allowing surgical correction before irreversible damage of the graft occurs. RI > 0.9 is pathological. A continuation of the study is required to clarify the long-term value of perioperative Doppler ultrasonography graft monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes three cases of infection with Sphingobacterium multivorum after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. The pathogen is ubiquitous in water and soil but has been described fewer than 10 times causing infections in humans. An infection hygiene evaluation identified and changed a step in the biopsy process in order to reduce the risk of inoculating the patient with environmental microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemangioma of the prostate gland is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported. There have been several cases of hemangioma of posterior urethra, urinary bladder and periprostatic plexus in the literature, all presenting with hematuria or hematospermia. Diagnosis of prostatic hemangioma is difficult due to its rarity and unspecific symptoms such as hematuria, hematospermia or lower urinary tract symptoms. It cannot be detected by conventional examinations such as cystoscopy or standard rectal ultrasonography. Case presentation: We present a case of prostatic hemangioma in an 84-year old male presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Bleeding has not been a feature in our case and diagnosis was not made until after operation. The patient was treated as a case of bladder neck outflow obstruction with transurethral resection of prostate gland and simultaneous bladder neck incisions. A period of self-catheterization was instituted due to postoperative urinary retention as the result of detrusor insufficiency. Conclusion: Hemangioma of prostate gland is extremely rare and symptomatic prostatic hemangioma should be treated either by transurethral resection of prostate or laser evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]