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PURPOSE: To create a suturing skills assessment tool that comprehensively defines criteria around relevant sub-skills of suturing and to confirm its validity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 5 expert surgeons and an educational psychologist participated in a cognitive task analysis (CTA) to deconstruct robotic suturing into an exhaustive list of technical skill domains and sub-skill descriptions. Using the Delphi methodology, each CTA element was systematically reviewed by a multi-institutional panel of 16 surgical educators and implemented in the final product when content validity index (CVI) reached ≥0.80. In the subsequent validation phase, 3 blinded reviewers independently scored 8 training videos and 39 vesicourethral anastomoses (VUA) using EASE; 10 VUA were also scored using Robotic Anastomosis Competency Evaluation (RACE), a previously validated, but simplified suturing assessment tool. Inter-rater reliability was measured with intra-class correlation (ICC) for normally distributed values and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted Kappa (PABAK) for skewed distributions. Expert (≥100 prior robotic cases) and trainee (

Background Focal Therapy (FT) for Prostate Cancer (PCa) is promising. However, long-term oncological results are awaited and there is no consensus on follow-up strategies. Molecular biomarkers (MB) may be useful in selecting, treating and following up men undergoing FT, though there is limited evidence in this field to guide practice. We aimed to conduct a consensus meeting, endorsed by the Focal Therapy Society, amongst a large group of experts, to understand the potential utility of MB in FT for localised PCa. Materials and methods A 38-item questionnaire was built following a literature search. The authors then performed three rounds of a Delphi Consensus using DelphiManager, using the GRADE grid scoring system, followed by a face-to-face expert meeting. Three areas of interest were identified and covered concerning MB for FT, i) the current/present role; ii) the potential/future role; iii) the recommended features for future studies. Consensus was defined using a 70% agreement threshold. Results Of 95 invited experts, 42 (44.2%) completed the three Delphi rounds. Twenty-four items reached a consensus and they were then approved at the meeting involving (n=15) experts. Fourteen items reached a consensus on uncertainty, or they did not reach a consensus. They were re-discussed, resulting in a consensus (n=3), a consensus on a partial agreement (n=1), and a consensus on uncertainty (n=10). A final list of statements were derived from the approved and discussed items, with the addition of three generated statements, to provide guidance regarding MB in the context of FT for localised PCa. Research efforts in this field should be considered a priority. Conclusions The present study detailed an initial consensus on the use of MB in FT for PCa. This is until evidence becomes available on the subject.

Objective To describe the X-Capsular Incision for Tumor Enucleation (X-CITE) technique to resect endophytic renal tumors while preserving the overlying renal parenchyma. Subjects and methods We reviewed 1-year outcomes of 12 consecutive patients with a history of bilateral or multifocal renal tumors who presented to our institution with completely endophytic renal masse(s) between August 2017 and August 2018. Endophytic tumors were resected by making an X-shaped incision in the renal capsule and developing parenchymal flaps overlying the tumor pseudocapsule. Following tumor enucleation, the overlying parenchymal flaps were reapproximated. Results Median follow up was 19.9 months (range 10.6-14.9). Most patients also had additional exophytic tumors with a median of 5 renal tumors removed per operation with a median largest renal tumor size of 3.2 cm. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. There was no decline in renal function after surgery when comparing median pre- and 12-month postoperative eGFR (94.5 vs 91.5, P= 0.18).). Postoperative nuclear mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG-3) renal scans demonstrated equal differential kidney function after surgery. Limitations include short-term follow-up and referral bias at center specializing in multi-focal kidney surgery. Conclusion The X-Capsular Incision for Tumor Enucleation technique is feasible, safe and effective with minimal collateral damage in the treatment of completely endophytic renal masses. Further investigation should identify which patients may benefit from this procedure and explore intermediate and long-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: Active surveillance for patients with low and intermediate risk prostate cancers is becoming a more utilized option in recent years. However, the use of magnetic resonance imaging and imaging-targeted biopsy for monitoring grade progression has been poorly studied in this population. We aim to define the utility of magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy in an active surveillance population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2007 and January 2020, patients with diagnosed prostate cancer who elected active surveillance were monitored with prostate magnetic resonance imaging, imaging-targeted biopsy and standard systematic biopsy. Patients were eligible for surveillance if diagnosed with any volume Gleason grade 1 disease and select Gleason grade 2 disease. Grade progression (Gleason grade 1 to ≥2 disease and Gleason grade 2 to ≥3 disease) for each biopsy modality was measured at 2 years, 4 years and 6+ years. RESULTS: In total, 369 patients had both magnetic resonance imaging-targeted and systematic biopsy and were surveilled for at least 1 year. At 2 years, systematic biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy and combined biopsy (systematic+imaging-targeted) detected grade progression in 44 patients (15.9%), 73 patients (26.4%) and 90 patients (32.5%), respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy detected more cancer grade progression compared to systematic biopsy in both the low and intermediate risk populations (p

BACKGROUND: The ability of serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to capture pathologic progression during active surveillance (AS) remains in question. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether changes in MRI are associated with pathologic progression for patients on AS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From July 2007 through January 2020, we identified all patients evaluated for AS at our institution. Following confirmatory biopsy, a total of 391 patients who underwent surveillance MRI and biopsy at least once were identified (median follow-up of 35.6 mo, interquartile range 19.7–60.6). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: All MRI intervals were scored using the “Prostate Cancer Radiologic Estimation of Change in Sequential Evaluation” (PRECISE) criteria, with PRECISE scores ≥4 considered a positive change in MRI. A generalized estimating equation–based logistic regression analysis was conducted for all intervals with a PRECISE score of

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of the MyProstateScore (MPS) urine test on the decision to undergo biopsy in men referred for prostate biopsy at a contemporary academic urology practice.MethodsMPS testing was offered as an alternative to immediate biopsy in men referred to the University of Michigan for prostate biopsy from October 2013 through October 2016. The primary endpoint was the decision to perform biopsy. The proportion of patients who underwent biopsy was calculated across MPS quintiles and compared to predicted risk scores from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial risk calculator (PCPTrc). Analyses were performed in the overall referral population and the intended-use population (PSA 3-10 ng/ml or PSA ResultsOf 248 patients, 134 (54%) proceeded to prostate biopsy. Clinical variables, PSA, and PCPTrc score did not significantly differ based on the decision to undergo biopsy, while MPS was significantly higher in biopsied patients (median 29 vs. 14, pConclusionIn a cohort of patients who underwent clinical MPS testing as an alternative to immediate prostate biopsy, 46% were able to avoid biopsy and increasing MPS was strongly associated with biopsy rates. These findings were robust to the use of mpMRI and consistent across pertinent subpopulations. Overall, these data suggest that the MPS assay may substantially reduce the number of men undergoing prostate needle biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of combined MRI-targeted plus systematic 12-core biopsy (Cbx) to aid in the selection of patients for active surveillance (AS). METHODS: From July 2007 to January 2020, patients with Gleason Grade Group (GG) 1 or GG 2 prostate cancer were referred to our center for AS consideration. All patients underwent an MRI and confirmatory combined MRI-targeted plus systematic biopsy (Cbx), and AS outcomes based on Cbx results were compared. Cox regression was used to identify predictors of AS failure, defined as progression to ≥ GG3 disease on follow-up biopsies. RESULTS: Of 579 patients referred for AS, 79.3% (459/579) and 20.7% (120/579) had an initial diagnosis of GG1 and GG2 disease, respectively. Overall, 43.2% of patients (250/579) were upgraded on confirmatory Cbx, with 19.2% (111/579) upgraded to ≥ GG3. For the 226 patients followed on AS, 32.7% (74/226) had benign, 45.6% (103/226) had GG1, and 21.7% (49/226) had GG2 results on confirmatory Cbx. In total, 28.8% (65/226) of patients eventually progressed to ≥ GG3, with a median time to AS failure of 89 months. The median time from confirmatory Cbx to AS failure for the negative, GG1, and GG2 groups were 97, 97, and 32 months, respectively (p < .001). On multivariable regression, only age (hazard ratio 1.06 [1.02–1.11], p < .005) and GG on confirmatory Cbx (hazard ratio 2.75 [1.78–4.26], p < .005) remained as positive predictors of AS failure. CONCLUSION: The confirmatory combined MRI-targeted plus systematic biopsy provides useful information for the risk stratification of patients at the time of AS enrollment.

Introduction Prostate cancer has traditionally been diagnosed by an elevation in PSA or abnormal exam leading to a systematic transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy. This diagnostic pathway underdiagnoses clinically significant disease while over diagnosing clinically insignificant disease. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the recent literature regarding the role of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in the management of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods A thorough literature review was performed using PubMed to identify articles discussing use of mpMRI of the prostate in management of prostate cancer. Conclusion The incorporation of mpMRI of the prostate addresses the shortcomings of the prostate biopsy while providing several other advantages. mpMRI allows some men to avoid an immediate biopsy and permits visualization of areas likely to harbor clinically significant cancer prior to biopsy to facilitate use of MR-targeted prostate biopsies. This allows for reduction in diagnosis of clinically insignificant disease as well as improved detection and better characterization of higher risk cancers, as well as the improved selection of patients for active surveillance. In addition, mpMRI can be used for selection and monitoring of patients for active surveillance and treatment planning during surgery and focal therapy. United States Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA ; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) ; American Association for Dental Research ; Colgate-Palmolive Company ; Roche Holding ; Genentech

Background The use of 12-core systematic prostate biopsy is associated with diagnostic inaccuracy that contributes to both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of prostate cancer. Biopsies per...

Background While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsy (TBx) results in better prostate cancer (PCa) detection relative to systematic biopsy (SBx), the combination of both methods increases clinically significant PCa detection relative to either Bx method alone. However, combined Bx subjects patients to higher number of Bx cores and greater detection of clinically insignificant PCa. Objective To determine if prebiopsy prostate MRI can identify men who could forgo combined Bx without a substantial risk of missing clinically significant PCa (csPC). Design, setting, and participants Men with MRI-visible prostate lesions underwent combined TBx plus SBx. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The primary outcomes were detection rates for grade group (GG) ≥2 and GG ≥3 PCa by TBx and SBx, stratified by Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score. Results and limitations Among PI-RADS 5 cases, nearly all csPCs were detected by TBx, as adding SBx resulted in detection of only 2.5% more GG ≥2 cancers. Among PI-RADS 3–4 cases, however, SBx addition resulted in detection of substantially more csPCs than TBx alone (8% vs 7.5%). Conversely, TBx added little to detection of csPC among men with PI-RADS 2 lesions (2%) relative to SBx (7.8%). Conclusions While combined Bx increases the detection of csPC among men with MRI-visible prostate lesions, this benefit was largely restricted to PI-RADS 3–4 lesions. Using a strategy of TBx only for PI-RADS 5 and combined Bx only for PI-RADS 3–4 would avoid excess biopsies for men with PI-RADS 5 lesions while resulting in a low risk of missing csPC (1%). Patient summary Our study investigated an optimized strategy to diagnose aggressive prostate cancer in men with an abnormal prostate MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan while minimizing the risk of excess biopsies. We used a scoring system for MRI scan images called PI-RADS. The results show that MRI-targeted biopsies alone could be used for men with a PI-RADS score of 5, while men with a PI-RADS score of 3 or 4 would benefit from a combination of MRI-targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00102544.

OBJECTIVES To determine the rate of Gleason Grade Group (GGG) upgrading in African-American (AA) men with a prior diagnosis of low-grade prostate cancer (GGG 1 or GGG 2) on 12-core systematic biopsy (SB) after multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and fusion biopsy (FB); and whether AA men who continued active surveillance (AS) after mpMRI and FB fared differently than a predominantly Caucasian (non-AA) population. PATIENTS AND METHODS A database of men who had undergone mpMRI and FB was queried to determine rates of upgrading by FB amongst men deemed to be AS candidates based on SB prior to referral. After FB, Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for AA men and non-AA men who then elected AS. The time to GGG upgrading and time continuing AS were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS AA men referred with GGG 1 disease on previous SB were upgraded to GGG ≥3 by FB more often than non-AA men, 22.2% vs 12.7% (P = 0.01). A total of 32 AA men and 258 non-AA men then continued AS, with a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 39.19 (24.24-56.41) months. The median time to progression was 59.7 and 60.5 months, respectively (P = 0.26). The median time continuing AS was 61.9 months and not reached, respectively (P = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS AA men were more likely to be upgraded from GGG 1 on SB to GGG ≥3 on initial FB; however, AA and non-AA men on AS subsequently progressed at similar rates following mpMRI and FB. A greater tendency for SB to underestimate tumour grade in AA men may explain prior studies that have shown AA men to be at higher risk of progression during AS.

Simple Summary Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Traditionally, prostate cancer is diagnosed via transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, using a systematic random template. Using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, lesions suspicious for prostate cancer can be identified, and subsequently targeted on biopsy, allowing for increased diagnostic accuracy. This article reviewed the current literature surrounding various types of targeted biopsy, such as transperineal biopsy, allowing for comparison not only between targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy, but also between different varieties of targeted biopsy. Abstract In this review, we evaluated literature regarding different modalities for multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and mpMRI-targeted biopsy (TB) for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa). We identified studies evaluating systematic biopsy (SB) and TB in the same patient, thereby allowing each patient to serve as their own control. Although the evidence supports the accuracy of TB, there is still a proportion of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) that is detected only in SB, indicating the importance of maintaining SB in the diagnostic pathway, albeit with additional cost and morbidity. There is a growing subset of data which supports the role of TB alone, which may allow for increased efficiency and decreased complications. We also compared the literature on transrectal (TR) vs. transperineal (TP) TB. Although further high-level evidence is necessary, current evidence supports similar csPCa detection rate for both approaches. We also evaluated various TB techniques such as cognitive fusion biopsy (COG-TB) and in-bore biopsy (IB-TB). COG-TB has comparable detection rates to software fusion, but is operator-dependent and may have reduced accuracy for smaller lesions. IB-TB may allow for greater precision as lesions are directly targeted; however, this is costly and time-consuming, and does not account for MRI-invisible lesions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this study is to review recent findings and evaluate the utility of MRI transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy (FBx) techniques and discuss future directions. RECENT FINDINGS: FBx detects significantly higher rates of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) than ultrasound-guided systematic prostate biopsy (SBx), particularly in repeat biopsy settings. FBx has also been shown to detect significantly lower rates of clinically insignificant prostate cancer. In addition, a dedicated prostate MRI can assist in more accurately predicting the Gleason score and provide further information regarding the index cancer location, prostate volume, and clinical stage. The ability to accurately evaluate specific lesions is vital to both focal therapy and active surveillance, for treatment selection, planning, and adequate follow-up. SUMMARY: FBx has been demonstrated in multiple high-quality studies to have improved performance in diagnosis of csPCa compared to SBx. The combination of FBx with novel technologies including radiomics, prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET), and high-resolution micro-ultrasound may have the potential to further enhance this performance.

Background: With the advancement of imaging technology, focal therapy (FT) has been gaining acceptance for the treatment of select patients with localized prostate cancer (CaP). We aim to provide details of a formal physician consensus on the utilization of FT for patients with CaP who are discontinuing active surveillance (AS). Methods: A 3-stage Delphi consensus on CaP and FT was conducted. Consensus was defined as agreement by >= 80% of physicians. An in-person meeting was attended by 17 panelists to formulate the consensus statement. Results: Fifty-six respondents participated in this interdisciplinary consensus study (82% urologist, 16% radiologist, 2% radiation oncology). The participants confirmed that there is a role for FT in men discontinuing AS (48% strongly agree, 39% agree). The benefit of FT over radical therapy for men coming off AS is: less invasive (91%), has a greater likelihood to preserve erectile function (91%), has a greater likelihood to preserve urinary continence (91%), has fewer side effects (86%), and has early recovery post-treatment (80%). Patients will need to undergo mpMRI of the prostate and/or a saturation biopsy to determine if they are potential candidates for FT. Our limitations include respondent's biases and that the participants of this consensus may not represent the larger medical community. Conclusions: FT can be offered to men coming off AS between the age of 60 to 80 with grade group 2 localized cancer. This consensus from a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, international expert panel provides a contemporary insight utilizing FT for CaP in select patients who are discontinuing AS. United States Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA ; European Urological Scholarship Programme (EUSP)

Contains fulltext : 232936.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) The use of multiparametric MRI has been hastened under expanding, novel indications for its use in the diagnostic and management pathway of men with prostate cancer. This has helped drive a large body of the literature describing its evolving role over the last decade. Despite this, prostate cancer remains the only solid organ malignancy routinely diagnosed with random sampling. Herein, we summarize the components of multiparametric MRI and interpretation, and present a critical review of the current literature supporting is use in prostate cancer detection, risk stratification, and management.

Objective To summarize the recent literature discussing focal therapy for localized prostate cancer. Methods A thorough literature review was performed using PubMed to identify recent studies involving focal therapy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Results In an effort to decrease the morbidity associated with prostate cancer treatment, many urologists are turning to focal therapy as an alternative treatment option. With this approach, the cancer bearing portion of the prostate is targeted while leaving the benign tissue untouched. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging remains the gold standard for visualization during focal therapy, but new imaging modalities such as prostate specific membrane antigen/positron emission tomography and contrast enhanced ultrasound are being investigated. Furthermore, several biomarkers, such as prostate cancer antigen 3 and prostate health index, are used in conjunction with imaging to improve risk stratification prior to focal therapy. Lastly, there are several novel technologies such as nanoparticles and transurethral devices that are under investigation for use in focal therapy. Conclusion Focal therapy is proving to be a promising option for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. However, further study is needed to determine the true efficacy of these exciting new technologies.

The use of multiparametric MRI has been hastened under expanding, novel indications for its use in the diagnostic and management pathway of men with prostate cancer. This has helped drive a large body of the literature describing its evolving role over the last decade. Despite this, prostate cancer remains the only solid organ malignancy routinely diagnosed with random sampling. Herein, we summarize the components of multiparametric MRI and interpretation, and present a critical review of the current literature supporting is use in prostate cancer detection, risk stratification, and management.

Background Focal therapy (FT) and partial gland ablation (PGA) are quickly adopted by urologists and radiologists as an option for the management of localized prostate cancer. Objective To find consensus on a standardized nomenclature and to define a follow-up guideline after FT and PGA for localized prostate cancer in clinical practice. Design, setting, and participants A review of the literature identified controversial topics in the field of FT. Online questionnaires were distributed to experts during three rounds, with the goal to achieve consensus on debated topics. The consensus project was concluded with a face-to-face meeting in which final conclusions were formulated. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Controlled feedback of responses of previous rounds were summarized and returned to the participants allowing them to re-evaluate their decisions. The level of agreement to achieve consensus on a topic was set at 80%. Results and limitations Sixty-five experts participated in this interdisciplinary consensus study (72% urologists; 28% radiologists). The experts propose the use of the herein standardized nomenclature for ablative procedures. After FT/PGA, the following tests should be performed to assess treatment outcomes: prostate-specific antigen (PSA), imaging, biopsies, and functional outcome assessment. Although not a reliable marker for treatment failure, PSA should be measured every 3 mo in the 1st year and every 6 mo thereafter. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred image modality and should be performed at 6 and 18 mo after treatment. A systematic 12-core transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy combined with a targeted biopsy of the treated area should be performed 6–12 mo after treatment. Functional outcomes should be obtained 3–6 mo after treatment for the first time and until stability is attained. Conclusions The panel recommends the use of the proposed nomenclature and follow-up protocols to generate reliable data supporting a broader implementation of FT as a standard of care for select patients with localized prostate cancer. Patient summary In this report, we present expert opinion on the use of a standardized nomenclature, and surveillance methodologies after focal therapy and partial gland ablation for localized prostate cancer.

We identified baseline imaging and clinical characteristics of patients that may improve risk stratification among patients being evaluated for active surveillance.From July 2007 to January 2020 patients referred to our institution for prostate cancer were evaluated and those who remained on active surveillance were identified. Men underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging upon entry into our active surveillance protocol during which baseline demographic and imaging data were documented. Patients were then followed and outcomes, specifically progression to Gleason Grade Group (GG)3 or greater disease, were recorded.Of the men placed on active surveillance 344 had at least 1 PI-RADS score documented. For those with an index lesion PI-RADS category of 5, 33% (17/51) had progression to GG3 or greater on active surveillance with a median time to progression of 31 months. When comparing the progression-free survival times and progression rates in each category, PI-RADS category was found to be associated with progression to GG3 or greater on active surveillance (p0.01). On univariable analysis factors associated with progression included an index lesion PI-RADS category of 5, prostate specific antigen density and the size of the largest lesion. On multivariable analysis only PI-RADS category of 5 and prostate specific antigen density were associated with progression on active surveillance.PI-RADS lesion categories at baseline multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging during active surveillance enrollment can be used to predict cancer progression to GG3 or greater on active surveillance. This information, along with other clinical data, can better assist urologists in identifying and managing patients appropriate for active surveillance.

Conventional staging for prostate cancer (PCa) is performed for men diagnosed with unfavorable-intermediate or higher risk disease. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis and whole body bone scan remains the standard of care for the detection of visceral, nodal, and bone metastasis. The implementation of the 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against routine prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening resulted in a rise of metastatic PCa at the time of diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of effective imaging modalities for evaluating metastatic disease. CT plays a major role in clinical staging at the time of PCa diagnosis, but multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now integrated into many prostate biopsy protocols for the detection of primary PCa, and may be a surrogate for CT for nodal staging. Current guidelines incorporate both CT and MRI as appropriate cross-sectional imaging modalities for the identification of nodal metastasis in indicated patients. There is an ongoing debate about the utility of traditional cross-sectional imaging modalities as well as advanced imaging modalities in detection of both organ-confined PCa detection and nodal involvement.

Prostate cancer has traditionally been diagnosed by an elevation in PSA or abnormal exam leading to a systematic transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy. This diagnostic pathway underdiagnoses clinically significant disease while over diagnosing clinically insignificant disease. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the recent literature regarding the role of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in the management of prostate cancer.A thorough literature review was performed using PubMed to identify articles discussing use of mpMRI of the prostate in management of prostate cancer.The incorporation of mpMRI of the prostate addresses the shortcomings of the prostate biopsy while providing several other advantages. mpMRI allows some men to avoid an immediate biopsy and permits visualization of areas likely to harbor clinically significant cancer prior to biopsy to facilitate use of MR-targeted prostate biopsies. This allows for reduction in diagnosis of clinically insignificant disease as well as improved detection and better characterization of higher risk cancers, as well as the improved selection of patients for active surveillance. In addition, mpMRI can be used for selection and monitoring of patients for active surveillance and treatment planning during surgery and focal therapy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Early retrospective data has shown that vascular clamping and increased ischemia time during partial nephrectomy (PN) has led to higher rates of both acute and chronic ki...

Objective To better understand today's urology applicant. Methods All 2016 Urology Residency Match applicants to the study-participating institutions were provided a survey via email inquiring about their paths to urology, their career aspirations, how they evaluate a training program, and how they perceive residency programs evaluate them. Results Of a possible 468 applicants registered for the match, 346 applicants completed the survey. Only 8.7% had a mandatory urology rotation, yet 58.4% believed that a mandatory urology rotation would influence their career decision. Most applicants (62.1%) spent more than 8 weeks on urology rotations, and 79.2% completed 2 or more away rotations. Applicants were attracted to urology by the diversity of procedures, prior exposure to the field, and the mix of medicine and surgery, with mean importance scores of 4.70, 4.52, and 4.45 of 5, respectively. Female applicants were more likely to be interested in pediatric urology, trauma or reconstructive urology, and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Significant differences in survey results were noted when applicants were separated by gender. Three-fourths of respondents (75.7%) applied to more than 50 residency programs. Applicants ranked operative experience, interactions with current residents, and relationships between faculty and residents as the most important criteria when evaluating training programs. Of the subspecialties, 62.1% of applicants expressed most interest in urologic oncology. At this stage in their career, a significant majority (83.5%) expressed interest in becoming academic faculty. Conclusion This study provides new information that facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of today's urology applicants.

Purpose Men with intermediate risk (IR) prostate cancer (CaP) are often excluded from active surveillance (AS) due to higher rates of adverse pathology (AP). We determined our rate of AP in men who underwent multiparametric MRI (MpMRI) with combined biopsy (CB) consisting of targeted biopsy (TB) and systematic biopsy (SB) prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods A retrospective review was conducted of men with Gleason Grade Group (GG) 2 disease who underwent RP after SB alone or after preoperative MRI with CB. AP was defined as either pathologic stage T3a (AP ≥ T3a) or pathologic stage T3b (AP ≥ T3b) and/or GG upgrading. Rates of AP were determined for both groups and those who fit the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) definition of favorable IR (FIR) or the low volume IR (LVIR) criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictive factors. Results The overall rate of AP ≥ T3b was 21.2% in the SB group vs. 8.6% in the MRI with CB group, P = 0.006. This rate was lowered to 6.8% and 5.6% when men met the definition of NCCN FIR or LVIR, respectively. Suspicion for extraprostatic extension (EPE) (OR 7.65, 95% CI 1.77−33.09, P = 0.006) and positive cores of GG 2 on SB (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.05−1.96, P = 0.023) were significant for predicting AP ≥ T3b. Conclusions Rates of AP at RP after MRI with CB are lower than studies prior to the adoption of this technology, suggesting that more men with IR disease may be considered for AS. However, increasing cores positive on SB and MRI findings suggestive of EPE remain unsafe.

Objective Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic adrenalectomy (RATTA) represents a novel surgical approach for the management of adrenal pathology in patients with a history of extensive transperitoneal or retroperitoneal procedures. Methods Here we report the first described case of RATTA in a 56-year-old woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the left adrenal gland and right lung. With the assistance of cardiothoracic surgery, this patient underwent robotic-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection and RATTA. In brief, after completion of the pulmonary wedge resection by thoracic surgery the diaphragm was incised starting at the left crus and extending laterally through the diaphragmatic muscle, exposing the retroperitoneal space and fat. The adrenal gland with mass was identified, dissected from surrounding structures, and extracted. The diaphragm was then closed using Ethibond suture with polytetrafluoroethylene felt pledgets. A 22-Fr chest tube was placed in the thoracic cavity. Results Operative and postoperative courses were uncomplicated. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. Pathology confirmed metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma in both the left adrenal and the right lung nodules with negative surgical margins. Conclusion The case described here highlights the surgical technique and ideal patient population in which RATTA serves as a feasible and safe alternative to conventional laparoscopic approaches in the treatment of adrenal pathologies.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:We conducted a phase II trial to evaluate combination therapy with BCG and Sunitinib for prevention of recurrence and progression of high-risk NMIBC with a primary endpoint of 3-month complete response (CR). We hypothesized that adding Sunitinib to BCG could increase the initial CR to therapy by synergistic inhibition of the VEGF pathway. We also measured urine levels of various biomarkers throughout treatment to identify trends that predict and/or explain a response to therapy.METHODS:Patients with high-grade clinical ≤T1N0M0 NMIBC who had not received BCG within 12 months of diagnosis were deemed eligible. Patients received a 6-week induction BCG course followed by 28 days of Sunitinib. CR was determined by biopsy and cytology. Urine samples were collected from patients before and after both BCG and Sunitinib. Urine biomarker levels were measured using a multiplexed bead assay for angiopoietin 2 (AP-2), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and VEGF-A, -C,...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:MRI-TRUS fusion prostate biopsy(FB), also referred to as “targeted biopsy”, has been shown to improve detection of clinically significant prostate cancer and reduce the ...

Purpose of review Radical treatments for prostate cancer are associated with significant morbidity, including incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Advances in the field of prostate MRI and desire to reduce treatment morbidities have led to a rapid growth in focal treatments for prostate cancer. Here, we review novel focal prostate cancer treatments and their associated recent clinical data, with a particular focus on data reported within the last 24 months. Recent findings High-intensity focal ultrasound, focal laser ablation, irreversible electroporation, focal cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy have been used as treatment modalities for localized prostate cancer treatment. Despite the great variety of treatment techniques, each of these modalities is characterized by a significant rate of prostate cancer persistence within treatment zones (6-50%) and the presence of residual cancer within the prostate on rebiopsy (24-49%). These treatments, however, are associated with very low rates of high-grade complications, rare incontinence, and only mild or transient reductions in erectile function. The most common adverse events are urinary tract infections, hematuria, and urinary retention. Summary Prostate cancer focal therapy is an attractive option for well-selected patients because of its low complication profile; however, long-term oncologic outcome is still lacking and early recurrence rates are high, limiting the ability of most urologic associations from endorsing its routine use.