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The NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer provide multidisciplinary recommendations for diagnostic workup, staging, and treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the guidelines, including changes to certain systemic therapy recommendations for patients with relapsed or stage IV RCC. They also discuss the addition of a new section to the guidelines that identifies and describes the most common hereditary RCC syndromes and provides recommendations for genetic testing, surveillance, and/or treatment options for patients who are suspected or confirmed to have one of these syndromes.

Evaluation of safety is of paramount importance with adoption of novel surgical technology. Although robotic surgery has become widely used in oncologic surgery, analysis of safety is lacking in comparison to traditional techniques. Standardized assessment of robotic surgical outcomes and adverse events following oncologic surgery is necessary for quality improvement with innovative technology. Between 2003 and 2016, 10,013 unique robotic operations were performed in 9,858 patients. Our prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for hospital readmissions and Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ 2 complications within 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of surgical complications and hospital readmissions. Cases were stratified by discipline: genitourinary (n = 8240), gynecologic (n = 857), thoracic (n = 457), gastrointestinal (n = 322), hepatobiliary (n = 60), ear/nose/throat (n = 44) and general (n = 33). Intraoperative complications occurred in 42 surgeries (0.4%). Postoperative complications occurred in 946 patients [9.4%, highest grade 2 (n = 574), 3 (n = 288), 4 (n = 72), 5 (n = 10)]. Most frequent complications were ileus (154, 16.3%), anemia (91, 9.6%), cardiac arrhythmia (62, 6.6%), deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus (47, 5.0%), wound infection (45, 4.8%) and urinary leak (43, 4.5%). 405 patients (4.0%) required readmission. Most common causes for hospital readmission were ileus (44, 10.9%), urinary leak (23, 5.7%), urinary tract infection (23, 5.7%), intra-abdominal abscess/fluid collection (23, 5.7%), and small bowel obstruction (19, 4.7%). On multivariable analysis, longer operative time and older age predicted complications and readmissions (p ≤ 0.02). Robotic-assisted surgery appears a safe for oncologic surgery with acceptable hospital readmission and complication rates. Older age and longer operative time were associated with complications and readmission.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Totally endophytic “deep” renal tumors may be classified as tumors not visible on the surface of the kidney, with a minimum 1 mm coverage of normal renal parenchyma at th...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Totally endophytic “deep” renal tumors represent one of the most challenging scenario for the urologist.We assessed Trifecta achievement rates in a whole cohort of a mult...

Objective To determine whether use of an antibiotic-irrigating wound protector (AWP) reduces infectious complications after robotic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion (RCUD). Methods A prospectively maintained bladder cancer database was queried for patients undergoing robotic RCUD at a tertiary referral center one year prior to implementing an AWP and one year after (2018–2020). All diversions were performed extra-corporally. 92 patients total. 46 consecutive patients using a traditional wound protector (TWP) and 46 consecutive with an AWP. Infections were classified as symptomatic urinary tract infection, blood stream infection, and surgical site infection. The incidence of infectious complications at 30- and 90-days were compared. Results Baseline patient characteristics between the 2 groups showed no statistically significant differences. The overall complication rate was 65.2% in the TWP group and 26.1% in the AWP group at 30-days, and 67.4% vs 30.4% at 90-days. Focusing on infections, the 30-day complication rate was 30.4% in the TWP group compared to 6.5% in the AWP group (P =.003). This pattern persisted at 90-days with 37.0% in the TWP group compared to 6.5% in the AWP group (P =.004). Most complications were symptomatic UTI and blood stream infections, 14/24 (58%), requiring parenteral antibiotic treatment. Conclusion We provide preliminary data showing use of an AWP can reduce infectious complications after RCUD. While larger prospective studies are warranted, our findings are a significant step towards decreasing morbidity of an already highly morbid procedure.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (eLND) at the time of radical prostatectomy has a staging benefit over limited pelvic lymph node dissection (LLND) but an unclear th...

BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that the "oldest old" patients might benefit of partial nephrectomy (PN), but decision-making for this subset of patients is still controversial. Aim of this study is to compare outcomes of robotic partial (RPN) or radical nephrectomy (RRN) for large renal masses in patients older than 65 years. METHODS We identified 417≥65 years old patients who underwent RRN or RPN for cT1b or ≥cT2 renal mass at 17 high volume centers. Propensity score match analysis was performed adjusting for age, ASA≥3, pre-operative eGFR, and clinical tumor size. Predictors of complications, functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated in multivariable logistic and Cox regression models. RESULTS After propensity score analysis, 73 patients in the RPN group were matched with 74 in the RRN group. R.E.N.A.L. Score (9.6±1.7 vs. 8.6±1.7; P

The NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer provide multidisciplinary recommendations for the clinical management of patients with clear cell and non–clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and are intended to assist with clinical decision-making. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the NCCN Kidney Cancer Panel discussions for the 2020 update to the guidelines regarding initial management and first-line systemic therapy options for patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Objectives To determine if eliminating the prophylactic placement of a pelvic drain (PD) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) affects the incidence of early (90-day) postoperative adverse events. Materials and Methods In this parallel-group, blinded, non-inferiority trial, we randomized patients planning to undergo RARP to one of two arms: no drain placement (ND) or PD placement. Patients with demonstrable intra-operative leakage upon bladder irrigation were excluded. Randomization sequence was determined a-priori using a computer algorithm, and included a stratified design with respect to low vs. intermediate/high D'Amico risk classifications. Surgeons remained blinded to the randomization arm until final eligibility was verified at the end of the RARP. The primary endpoint was overall incidence of 90-day complications which, based on our standard treatment using PD retrospectively, was estimated at 13%. The non-inferiority margin was set at 10%, and the planned sample size was 312. An interim analysis was planned and conducted when 1/3 of the planned accrual and follow-up was completed, to rule out futility if the delta margin was in excess of 0.1389. Results From 2012 to 2016, 189 patients were accrued to the study, with 92 patients allocated to the ND group and 97 patients allocated to the PD group. Due to lower than expected accrual rates, accrual to the study was halted by regulatory entities, and we did not reach the intended accrual goal. ND and PD groups were comparable in median PSA (6.3 vs 5.8 respectively, p=0.5), clinical stage (p=0.8), D'Amico risk classification (p=0.4), median lymph nodes dissected (17 vs 18, p=0.2) and proportion of patients receiving an extended pelvic lymph node dissection (70.7% vs 79.4% respectively, p=0.3). Incidence of 90-day overall and major (Clavien ≥ III) complications in the ND group (17.4% and 5.4%, respectively) was not inferior to the PD group (26.8% and 5.2%, respectively; p=0.0008 and p=0.007 for difference of proportions

Optimal management of node-positive prostate cancer patients after prostatectomy remains a challenge. We evaluated clinically localized patients who demonstrated node positivity and identified predictors for secondary treatment. From 2010 to 2015, clinically localized prostate cancer patients who underwent robot prostatectomy with extended lymphadenectomy and node-positive disease on pathologic analysis were identified. Clinical N1, M1 or salvage cases were excluded. Patients were stratified based on secondary treatments. Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine the time to biochemical and metastatic recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors for additional treatment. 145 patients (45 no additional therapy, 47 adjuvant, 53 salvage) had a median follow-up of 31.2 months. Salvage patients had higher median pre-operative prostate-specific antigen (10.8 vs. 9.7 vs. 8.2, p = 0.1), higher percentage of pathologic Gleason ≥8 (50.9 vs. 38.3% and 22.2%, p

Objective To prospectively assess the ideal dosing and the value of fluorescent sentinel lymph node (LN) detection with indocyanine green (ICG) for the detection of LN metastases in intermediate- and high-risk patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy and extended pelvic LN dissection (ePLND). Patients and Methods Twenty patients received transperineal prostatic injections of ICG. Patients were cycled through 5 doses (1.25, 2.5, 3.75, 5, and 7.5 mg) so optimal ICG dosing could be discovered early. Results ICG injection was able to identify fluorescent LN (FLN) packets in all 20 patients. Compared to the higher ICG doses, the 1.25 and 2.5 mg doses had fewer FLN packets and were abandoned after 1 dose each. The median number of FLN packets was 4.0, 6.0, and 4.5 for the respective doses of 3.75, 5.0, and 7.5 mg. The external iliac group was the most common site of fluorescence in 27.2% of patients, followed by the common iliac (21.3%), obturator (20.3%), internal iliac (18.5%), and node of Cloquet (7.7%). Seven (35%) of 20 patients had node-positive disease. Of the 5 patients that had fluorescent tissue outside of our ePLND template, 1 had a positive node present in the anterior bladder neck fat. Across all patients, ICG had 62% sensitivity, 50% specificity, 8% positive predictive value, and 95% negative predictive value in detecting LN metastases. Conclusion The low sensitivity of ICG for the detection of LN metastases highlights why FLN dissection with ICG does not represent an alternative to ePLND.

The NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer provide multidisciplinary recommendations for the clinical management of patients with clear cell and non-clear cell renal carcinoma. These guidelines are developed by a multidisciplinary panel of leading experts from NCCN Member Institutions consisting of medical oncologists, hematologists and hematologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, urologists, and pathologists. The NCCN Guidelines are in continuous evolution and are updated annually or sometimes more often, if new high-quality clinical data become available in the interim.

Objective To report our experience with ureteroenteric anastomotic revision as initial treatment of stricture after urinary diversion. Methods An institutional review board-approved retrospective study was carried out. A total of 41 patients who underwent primary ureteroenteric anastamotic revision were identified between 2007 and 2015. Data analyzed included patient characteristics, type of diversion, estimated blood loss, operative time, change in renal function, length of stay, postoperative complications and time with nephrostomy/stent. Success of revision was defined as an improvement in hydronephrosis on radiographic imaging and/or reflux during pouchogram. Predictors of length of stay and complications were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Results A total of 50 renal units were revised with a success rate of 100%. The median length of stay was 6 days (2-16 days). There were a total of 15 complications (one major, 14 minor) in 14 patients (33% 30-day complication rate). The most common were wound infection (n = 4) and arrhythmia (n = 4). Robotic revision (n = 5) had a median length of stay of 3 days (2-4) with no complications. Conclusions Primary ureteroenteric anastomotic revisions have an excellent success rate at an experienced center and might obviate the need for multiple interventions. Open revision is associated with mostly minor complications. Robotic revision might reduce the morbidity of open revision in select cases.

The application of robotic technology allows for the performance of multi-organ liver resections by multidisciplinary teams in a minimally invasive manner. Their technique and outcomes are not established. Herein we describe our technique with robotic liver surgery combined with colon, pancreas and urologic resections. Our patients are an 84-year-old (yo) female (Body Mass Index, BMI: 25) with a recently diagnosed right colon adenocarcinoma and two synchronous liver metastases at segments 5 and 6, a 75-year-old female (BMI: 50.4) with a history of right renal cell cancer status post (s/p) right robotic radical nephrectomy now with tumor recurrence with multiple intra-abdominal masses including a segment 7 liver lesion and a 71-year-old female (BMI: 24) with history of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the tail and a segment 3 liver lesion s/p neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The Xi robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) was utilized in all cases. Port placement in all cases was decided within the multidisciplinary teams to accommodate both the hepatic and the extra-hepatic portion of the operation. Parenchymal transections were performed with the use of the Vessel Sealer and the robotic stapler as appropriate. Indocyanine green (ICG) was used to assess the anastomotic perfusion in the first patient. Blood loss was 50 ml for the first two cases and 300 ml for the third. Surgical margins were negative in all cases. Patients were discharged at POD 8, 3 and 5 with one patient experiencing postoperative ileus. Robotic multivisceral liver resections are feasible and safe within multidisciplinary surgical teams with expertise in robotic surgery. The robotic platform can offer a minimally invasive approach in liver surgery synchronous with colonic, pancreatic and urologic surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Benign ureteroenteric strictures (UES) may occur after radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Timely treatment is instrumental in preventing renal insufficiency. The...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:We previously reported a new post radical prostatectomy (RP) prediction model for men with normal baseline erectile function (EF) using 90-d postoperative erection fulln...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:While emerging data suggest feasibility and safety of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIS-PN) for T2a renal mass (T2aRM), comparative analyses to minimally invas...

Background: Ischemia is thought to contribute to benign ureteroenteric stricture (UES) after radical cystectomy with urinary diversion (RCUD). Our institution adopted the use of ureteral perfusion assessment during all RCUDs using real-time indocyanine green angiography using the SPY fluorescence imaging platform (Stryker Corp., Kalamazoo, MI, USA). This guides the location of ureteral transection prior to ureteroenteric anastomosis. We sought to compare UES rates before and after adoption of SPY. Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken for the first 47 consecutive cases of RCUD using SPY as well as the previous 47 consecutive cases, which were performed without SPY. Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare benign UES rates and the length of ureter excised during anastomosis. A p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Median follow up was 12.0 months for SPY cases and 24.3 months for non-SPY cases. The UES rate for SPY RCUDs was 0% (0/93 ureters) compared with 7.5% (7/93 ureters) for non-SPY RCUDs ( p = 0.01). Amongst SPY RCUDs, 86 ureters had no hydronephrosis and 7 had mild hydronephrosis with reflux on loopogram. A total of 34.4% of ureters (32/93) had poor distal perfusion, requiring a more proximal anastomosis. The median length excised for ureters with poor distal perfusion was 3.8 cm, compared with 2.2 cm for ureters with good distal perfusion ( p < 0.0001). No complications attributable to the use of SPY were noted. Conclusion: Use of SPY to assess ureteral perfusion was associated with a decrease in the UES rate after RCUD. A total of 34.4% of ureters demonstrated poor distal perfusion, requiring a significantly more proximal ureteroenteric anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Radical cystectomy during multi-visceral resection for locally advanced pelvic malignancy requires urinary diversion. Outcomes with incontinent and continent urinary div...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:A minority of patients undergoing trimodality therapy for bladder cancer will go on to require salvage cystectomy. We report the outcomes in a small cohort of open and m...

Objective: To compare the outcomes of robotic radical nephrectomy (RRN) to those of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) for large renal masses. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of RRN and LRN cases performed for large (≥ cT2) renal masses from 2004 to 2017 and collected in the multi-institutional international database (ROSULA: RObotic SUrgery for LArge renal masses). Peri-operative, functional, and oncologic outcomes were compared between each approach. Descriptive analyses were performed and presented as medians with interquartile ranges. Inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of peri-operative complications. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression models were used to assess survival outcomes. Results: A total of 941 patients (RRN = 404, LRN = 537) were identified. There was no difference in terms of gender, age, and clinical tumor size. Over the study period, RRN had an annual increase of 11.75% (95% CI [7.34, 17.01] p < 0.001) and LRN had an annual decline of 5.39% (95% CI [−6.94, −3.86] p < 0.001). Patients undergoing RRN had higher BMI (27.6 [IQR 24.8–31.1] vs. 26.5 [24.1–30.0] kg/m 2 , p < 0.01). Operative duration was longer for RRN (185.0 [150.0–237.2] vs. 126 [90.8–180.0] min, p < 0.001). Length of stay was shorter for RRN (3.0 [2.0–4.0] vs. 5.0 [4.0–7.0] days, p < 0.001). RRN cases presented more advanced disease (higher pathologic staging [pT3–4 52.5 vs. 24.2%, p < 0.001], histologic grade [high grade 49.3 vs. 30.4%, p < 0.001], and rate of nodal disease [pN1 5.4 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.01]). Surgical approach did not represent an independent risk factor for peri-operative complications (OR 1.81 95% CI [0.97–3.39], adjusted p = 0.2). The main study limitation is the retrospective design. Conclusions: This study represents the largest known multi-center comparison between RRN and LRN. The two procedures seem to offer similar peri-operative outcomes. Notably, RRN has been increasingly utilized, especially in the setting of more advanced and surgically challenging disease without increasing the risk of peri-operative complications.

The present study seeks to present a single-blind, randomized control trial of a hypothermic anti-inflammatory device, the endorectal cooling balloon (ECB), to assess whether regional hypothermia could improve 90-day and time to pad-free continence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Five high-volume surgeons at three institutions had patients randomized (1:1) to regional hypothermia with ECB versus control. Patients were blinded to device use, as it was inserted and removed intraoperatively. Knowledge of device use was restricted to the operating room personnel only; recovery room and ward nursing staff were not informed of device use and instructed to indicate such if a patient inquired. An independent and blinded data acquisition contractor assessed outcomes via components of the EPIC and IPSS. The primary outcome was categorical pad-free continence at 90-days and the secondary outcome was a Kaplan-Meier time-to pad-free continence at 90 days. 100 hypothermia and 99 control patients were included. The primary outcome of 90-day pad-free continence was 50.0% (27.8–70.0%) in the hypothermia group versus 59.2% (33.3–78.6%) in the control (p = 0.194). The secondary outcome of Kaplan Meier analysis for time to 90-day continence was not statistically significant. At one year, there were also no statistically significant differences in continence recovery. Post-hoc analysis revealed a trend towards improvement in continence in one of three sites. Overall, the trial demonstrated no benefit to regional hypothermia either in our primary or secondary outcomes. It is suggested that surgical technique and prevention of surgical trauma may be more advantageous to improving continence recovery.

Purpose This article describes a novel technique for the repair of penile urethral strictures and establishes the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of this innovative surgical approach. Materials and methods Patients with urethral strictures underwent a one-sided anterior dorsal oral mucosal graft urethroplasty through a penoscrotal inversion technique. The clinical outcome was considered a failure when any instrumentation was needed postoperatively, including dilatation. Results Five patients underwent the novel procedure. The patients' mean age was 58 years. The cause of stricture was instrumentation in 2 cases (40%), lichen sclerosis in 1 case (20%), and failed hypospadias repair in 2 cases (40%). The mean stricture length was 3 cm. The overall mean (range) follow-up was 6 months (range, 3-9 months). Of the 5 patients, 4 (80%) had a successful outcome and 1 (20%) had a failed outcome. The failure was successfully treated by use of a meatotomy. Conclusions The penile inversion technique through a penoscrotal incision is a viable option for the management of penile urethral strictures with several advantages to other techniques: namely, no penile skin incision, a single-stage operation, and supine positioning.

Surgeries performed with traditionally available robotic systems have many well-documented anesthetic implications. In this observational report, new and unique anesthetic considerations encountered with the introduction of the da Vinci Xi robot related to positioning operating room equipment, patient access and chance for unintended patient contact are described.

To examine the occurrence and cost burden of hospital readmission within 90 days of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Subjects/Patients (or Materials) and Methods: From 2003 to 2012, 247 patients underwent RARC with extracorporeal urinary reconstruction at a single categorical cancer hospital. Continent diversions were performed in 67% of patients. All readmissions within 90 days were included. Readmissions were defined as early (30 days) and late (31-90 days) with multiple readmissions captured as separate events. Cost analysis was performed using average direct hospital cost. The Fisher exact test was used to determine differences in proportion of readmissions between patient groups, while logistic regression was used to identify predictors for readmission.Ninety-eight (40%) patients were readmitted to the hospital at least once within 90 days after RARC, of which 77% occurred within 30 days. Twenty-seven (11%) required two or more readmissions. Readmissions took place at a median of 13 days after initial discharge. The most common reasons for initial readmission were infections (41%) and dehydration (19%). Stratified by urinary reconstruction type, ileal conduit (dehydration), Indiana pouch (urinary-tract infection without sepsis), and Studer neobladder (sepsis and pelvic abscess) differed by readmission reason. In a multivariable analysis, estimated blood loss was a predictor for readmission (p = 0.05). Patients readmitted to the hospital had direct costs that were 1.42× those who did not require readmission. Readmissions for ileus contributed to the highest cost of readmission, although ureteral stricture, pelvic abscess, and sepsis were the most costly per day of hospitalization. Limitations include retrospective analysis as well as variable thresholds for readmission and costs.Hospital readmission rates after RARC are high and costs of readmission are significant. Most patients are readmitted within 30 days and infection and dehydration are common causes. Clinicians should be aware of diversion-specific readmission causes.

Preclinical studies have suggested that VEGFR1-positive cells potentially foster the development of metastases by establishing a “premetastatic niche.” We sought to test this hypothesis in high-risk localized prostate cancer and assess potential niche modulation by the VEGFR1-targeting drug axitinib. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue derived from benign lymph nodes was collected and VEGFR1-positive cell clustering was assessed in benign lymph nodes via IHC. Recursive partitioning was used to define a threshold for VEGFR1 clustering that could segregate patients based on time to biochemical recurrence (TTBR). Multivariate analyses were used to determine whether VEGFR1 clustering, age, pathologic T-stage, Gleason score, or baseline PSA could independently predict TTBR. A randomized, phase II clinical trial comparing axitinib for 28 days followed by radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection (RP/PLND) to RP/LND alone was then conducted, with the primary endpoint of demonstrating downregulation of VEGFR1-positve cell clustering in benign lymph nodes. Our retrospective analysis assessed a cohort of 46 patients. A threshold of 1.65 VEGFR1-positive cells per high power field was identified, below which TTBR was delayed. VEGFR1 clustering was an independent predictor of TTBR in a multivariate analysis. Only 11 out of the planned 44 patients were accrued to the phase II trial. While preoperative axitinib was safe and well tolerated, there was no sign of clinical activity or VEGFR1 downregulation. Our results validate previous findings that suggest VEGFR1-positive cells in benign lymph nodes can predict clinical outcome. Further work is needed to develop a viable clinical strategy for modulating VEGFR1 in these tissues. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(12); 2896–900. ©2015 AACR.

52 Background: Older adults with cancer often have age-associated vulnerabilities and challenges, especially during hospitalization. Geriatric assessment (GA) can help identify such vulnerabilities, generate recommendations, and guide the choice of interventions. Recently, GA-driven interventions have been shown to decrease chemotherapy toxicity among older adults with cancer in the outpatient setting. However, few studies have examined its role in the inpatient setting. Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of GA-driven interventions among hospitalized older adults with cancer. Methods: Hospitalized patients, age 75+, with a solid tumor malignancy were eligible. Each patient completed a GA while hospitalized at T1 (Timepoint 1) and one-month post discharge T2 (Timepoint 2). An Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) reviewed the T1 GA, provided targeted care utilizing GA results and implemented interventions based on predefined triggers built into the GA’s various domains. An APN also completed follow-up visits by phone at 1 week and 1 month post discharge. The primary outcome was feasibility, defined as the percentage of participants who received GA-guided interventions and was pre-specified as successful if > 80% were given recommendations. A secondary outcome of the study was to capture unplanned readmissions within 1 month post discharge. Results: Between 9/19/2017 and 5/3/2019, 49 patients were eligible and 40 were enrolled, an 82% participation rate. The median age was 80.5 years (range 75-88), 58% male, 63% Non-Hispanic white, 18% Hispanic, 15% Asian, 70% > a high school education, 73% married/partner, and 48% had stage IV cancer. Most common cancer types: GI (28%), GU (23%), lung (20%). All 40 patients (100%) had ≥ 1 predefined trigger in the GA generating interventions and completed ≥ 2 follow-up visits with the APN. In total, 857 interventions were recommended, and the mean number of interventions generated per patient was 11. The top 4 interventions were Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy (n = 66), Social Work (n = 52), Nutrition (n = 39), and Pharmacy (n = 36). Overall 89% of GA-guided interventions were implemented. Unplanned hospital readmission was low with only one patient readmitted within 30 days (3%). Conclusions: Among hospitalized adults over age 75 with cancer, using GA to identify vulnerability, and provide GA-driven multidisciplinary interventions is feasible. Further studies are warranted to examine the impact of GA-driven interventions on outcomes among hospitalized older adults with cancer.

Background: Although store-and-forward teledermatology (SFT) has demonstrated good diagnostic sensitivity for melanoma, little is known about the diagnostic precision (positive predictive ...

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. While genomic alterations have been identified in PCa, in contrast to some other cancers, use of such information to personalize treatment is still in its infancy. Here, we discuss how PAGE4, a protein which appears to act both as an oncogenic factor as well as a metastasis suppressor, is a novel therapeutic target for PCa. Inhibiting PAGE4 may be a viable strategy for low-risk PCa where it is highly upregulated. Conversely, PAGE4 expression is downregulated in metastatic PCa and, therefore, reinstituting its sustained expression may be a promising option to subvert or attenuate androgen-resistant PCa. Thus, fine-tuning the levels of PAGE4 may represent a novel approach for personalized medicine in PCa.

Diseases of the adrenal gland have been treated surgically since the nineteenth century. Since the first planned adrenalectomy by Sargent in 1914 for a large adenoma, various approaches to this operation have been developed. Open techniques have paved the way for less invasive approaches. In 1992, Gagner et al. [1] reported their initial experience with transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Since then, minimally invasive techniques have gained wide adoption, partly due to decreased postoperative pain, lessened morbidity, and quicker patient recovery. The advent of robot-assisted techniques has overcome many of the limitations of traditional laparoscopy. In 2001, Horgan et al. [2] first reported their experience using a da Vinci® robotic system to perform adrenalectomy. Contemporary literature continues to support the use of robot-assisted techniques to treat adrenal pathology [3–6]. When planning for surgeries of the adrenal gland, complete imaging and endocrine workup is warranted to achieve an accurate preoperative clinical diagnosis.

In the United States, the annual incidence of renal cancers is approximately 61,560, and 14,080 die of the disease. The lifetime probability of developing invasive renal cancer is 2% in males and 1.2% in females [1]. Although recent advances in systemic and targeted immunotherapies have improved long-term survival in patients, surgical extirpation still offers the best chance for cure in localized disease. Other treatment approaches such as active surveillance, radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy may be appropriate for patients who are unfit for surgery or who have competing comorbidities. Surgical options for renal tumors include partial and radical nephrectomy. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), as allowed by the tumor characteristics and patient comorbidities, is the preferred approach for small renal masses. NSS may delay the onset of chronic kidney disease, associated cardiovascular events, and mortality, while providing equivalent oncologic results [2, 3]. Partial nephrectomy has become the standard of care for T1 tumors (≤7 cm in size).

With the ubiquitous use of cross-sectional abdominal imaging in recent years, the incidence of small renal masses (SRMs) has increased, and the evaluation and management of SRMs have become important clinical issues. Diagnosing a mass in the early stages theoretically allows for high rates of cure but simultaneously risks overtreatment. In the past 20 years, surgical treatment of SRMs has transitioned from radical nephrectomy for all renal tumors, regardless of size, to elective partial nephrectomy whenever technically feasible. Additionally, newer approaches, including renal mass biopsy, active surveillance for select patients, and renal mass ablation, have been increasingly used. In this chapter, we review the current evidence-based papers covering aspects of the diagnosis and management of SRMs.

The NCCN Guidelines for Kidney Cancer provide multidisciplinary recommendations for the clinical management of patients with clear cell and non-clear cell renal carcinoma. These NCCN Guidelines Insights highlight the recent updates/changes in these guidelines, and updates include axitinib as first-line treatment option for patients with clear cell renal carcinoma, new data to support pazopanib as subsequent therapy for patients with clear cell carcinoma after first-line treatment with another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and guidelines for follow-up of patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Background and Objectives The da Vinci Xi platform provides expanded movement of the arms relative to the base, theoretically allowing increased versatility in complex multi-field or multi-quadrant surgery. We describe the initial Xi experience in oncologic surgery at a tertiary cancer center. Methods One hundred thirty unique robot-assisted procedures were performed using the Xi between 2014 and 2015, 112 of which were oncology surgeries. For procedures involving multiple quadrants, the robot was re-targeted. Complications were assessed according to Martin criteria and the Clavien–Dindo classification up to 90 days after operation. Results Thirteen different operations were performed in five oncology subspecialties (urology, gynecology, thoracic, hepatobiliary, and gastrointestinal surgery). Median operative times ranged from 183 min for nephroureterectomy to 543 min for esophagogastrectomy. Median estimated blood loss did not exceed 200 ml for any of the categorized procedures . No patients were transfused intraoperatively and no positioning injuries occurred. Conversions to open operation occurred in three cases (2.7%), though not related to complications or technical considerations. Overall complication rate was 26% with major complication rate of 4%. Readmissions were necessary in 11 (10%) patients. Conclusions The da Vinci Xi can be safely assimilated into a surgical oncology program. The Xi offers versatility to various oncologic procedures with satisfactory complication and readmission rates. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: Published studies have led to concern that store-and-forward teledermatology (SFT) diagnosis and management of melanomas may be inferior to face-to-face (FTF) dermatology care. Introduction: To ascertain the frequency of correctly managed and diagnosed melanomas within a population of veterans in Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 SFT. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 7,960 veterans seen by SFT between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011. Results: Of the 61 veterans that met inclusion and exclusion criteria, 45 (74%) melanomas were correctly diagnosed and 57 (93%) were correctly managed. Discussion: Diagnostic and management accuracy of SFT is comparable to FTF. Incorrect diagnosis or management of melanomas did not prove to have significant consequences for patient care. Cases subject to analysis of this study are not demographically representative of the general population. Conclusion: Diagnosis and management of melanoma in SFT is comparable to...