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Introduction: In this study, we aimed to explore using the predictive role of systemic immune inflammation index (SII) for responses of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy in patients with intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Methods: From 9 centers, we reviewed the data of patients treated for intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC between 2011 and 2021. All patients enrolled in the study presented with T1 and/or high-grade tumors on initial TURB had undergone re-TURB within 4–6 weeks after initial TURB and had received at least a 6-week course of intravesical BCG induction. SII was calculated with the formula SII = (P × N)/L, where P, N, and L refer to peripheral platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, respectively. In patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC, the clinicopathological features and follow-up data were evaluated to compare SII with other systemic inflammation-based prognostic indices. These included the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Results: A total of 269 patients were enrolled in the study. Median follow-up time was 39 months. Disease recurrence and progression were observed in 71 (26.4%) and 19 (7.1%) patients, respectively. For groups with and without disease recurrence in terms of NLR, PLR, PNR, and SII calculated prior to intravesical BCG treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed (p = 0.470, p = 0.247, p = 0.495, and p = 0.243, respectively). Moreover, there were also no statistically significant differences between the groups with and without disease progression in terms of NLR, PLR, PNR, and SII (p = 0.504, p = 0.165, p = 0.410, and p = 0.242, respectively). SII did not show any statistically significant difference between early (<6 months) and late (≥6 months) recurrence (p = 0.492) and progression groups (p = 0.216). Conclusion: For patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC, serum SII levels do not present as an appropriate biomarker for the prediction of disease recurrence and progression following intravesical BCG therapy. A possible explanation for the failure of SII to predict BCG response may be found in the impact of Turkey's nationwide tuberculosis vaccination program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent guidelines suggest that biopsy may be omitted in some groups of patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions on mpMRI. In this study, we aimed to evaluate biopsy strategies involving prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) to avoid unnecessary biopsy versus the risk of missing clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions. Data of 616 consecutive patients who underwent PSAd and mpMRI before prostate biopsy between January 2017 and January 2022 at a single center were retrospectively assessed. All of these patients underwent combined cognitive or fusion targeted biopsy of suspicious lesions and transrectal ultrasonography guided systematic biopsy. PI-RADS 3 based strategies with PSAd and mpMRI combination were created. For each strategy, avoided unnecessary biopsy, reduced ISUP Grade 1, and missed ISUP Grade ≥ 2 ratios were determined. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to statistically compare the net benefit of each strategy. DCA revealed that patients who had PI-RADS 3 lesions with PSAd ≥ 0.2, and/or patients who had PI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions had the most benefit, under the threshold probability level between 10% and 50%, which avoided 48.2% unnecessary prostate biopsies and reduced 51% of ISUP grade 1 cases, while missed 17.5% of ISUP grade ≥ 2 cases. (22.1% for ISUP grade 2 and 8.8% for ISUP grade ≥ 3). Strategy 1 (PI-RADS 4-5 and/or PSAd ≥ 0.2), 3 (PI-RADS 4-5 and/or PI-RADS 3 if PSAd ≥ 0.15), and 7 (PI-RADS 4-5 and/or PI-RADS 3 if PSAd ≥ 0.15 and/or PI-RADS 2 if PSAd ≥ 0.2) were the next three best strategies. mpMRI combined with PSAd strategies reduced biopsy attempts in PI-RADS 3 lesions. Using these strategies, the advantage of avoiding biopsy and the risk of missing the diagnosis of csPCa can be discussed with the patient, and the biopsy decision can be made afterwards. Although most studies focus on preventing unnecessary prostate biopsy, patients may not accept the rates of missing clinically significant prostate cancer and the associated clinical risks. Therefore, our risk-adapted strategies allow each patient and clinician to choose the most appropriate strategy for themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epstein criteria based on sextant biopsy are assumed to be valid for 12-core biopsies. However, very scarce information is present in the current literature to support this view. Objectives: To investigate the validity of Epstein criteria for clinically insignificant prostate cancer (PCa) in a cohort of the currently utilized 12-core prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) scheme in patients with low-risk and intermediate-risk PCa. Method: Pathological findings were separately evaluated in the areas matching the sextant biopsy (6-core paramedian) scheme and in all 12-core schemes. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the final pathology report of RP as true clinically significant PCa (sPCa) and insignificant PCa (insPCa) groups. Predictive factors (including Epstein criteria) and cutoff values for the presence of insPCa were separately evaluated for 6- and 12-core TRUS-Bx schemes. Then, different predictive models based on Epstein criteria with or without additional biopsy findings were created. Results: A total of 442 patients were evaluated. PSA density, biopsy GS, percentage of tumor and number of positive cores, PNI, and HG-PIN were independent predictive factors for insPCa in both TRUS-Bx schemes. For the 12-core scheme, the best cutoff values of tumor percentage and number of positive cores were found to be ≤50% (OR: 3.662) and 1.5 cores (OR: 2.194), respectively. The best predictive model was found to be that which added 3 additional factors (PNI and HG-PIN absence and number of positive cores) to Epstein criteria (OR: 6.041). Conclusions: Using a cutoff value of "1" for the number of positive biopsy cores and absence of biopsy PNI and HG-PIN findings can be more useful for improving the prediction model of the Epstein criteria in the 12-core biopsy scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of radiological staging, especially renal venous and perirenal fat invasion, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Material and Methods: Data of 4823 renal tumour patients from Renal Tumor Database of Association of Uro‐oncology in Turkey were evaluated. Of 4823 patients, 3309 RCC patients had complete radiological, and histopathological data were included to this study. The Pearson chi‐squared test (χ2) was used to compare radiological and histopathological stages. Results: The mean (SD) age of 3309 patients was 58 (12.3). Preoperative radiological imaging was performed using computed tomography (CT) (n = 2510, 75.8%) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n = 799, 24.2%). There was a substantial concordance between radiological and pathological staging (к = 0.52, P <.001). Sensitivities of radiological staging in stages I, II, III and IV were 90.7%, 67.3%, 27.7% and 64.2%, respectively. The sensitivity in stage III was lower than the other stages. Subanalysis of stage IIIa cases revealed that, for perirenal fat invasion and renal vein invasion, sensitivity values were 15.4% and 11.3%, respectively. Conclusions: There was a substantial concordance between radiological (CT and/or MRI) and pathological T staging in RCC. However, this is not true for T3 cases. Sensitivity of preoperative radiological imaging in patients with pT3a tumours is insufficient and lower than the other stages. Consequently, preoperative imaging in patients with T3 RCC has to be improved, in order to better inform the patients regarding prognosis of their disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of second transurethral resection (TUR) on oncological outcomes, according to the presence or absence of detrusor muscle in the initial TUR of patients with pTa Grade 3/high grade (G3/HG) tumours, who received at least 1 year of maintenance Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) therapy. Patients and methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of second TUR on oncological outcomes of 93 patients with pTa G3/HG tumours, according to the presence or absence of muscle in the initial TUR. All patients received maintenance BCG therapy according to the SWOG protocol. Results: Median follow‐up was 36 months. If muscle is present in the initial TUR, a second TUR significantly increased median time to first recurrence, compared to those without a second TUR (77.6 vs 36.9 mos, P =.0086). If muscle is missing in the initial TUR, a second TUR significantly decreased recurrence rate (20% vs 66.7%, P =.002), increased median time to first recurrence (78.9 vs 42.7 mos, P =.0001) and median time to progression (22 vs 7 mos, P =.05), compared to those without a second TUR. Conclusion: In patients with pTa G3/HG tumours, if the muscle is missing in the initial TUR, a second TUR should be performed in order to attain lower recurrence rates and longer median time to recurrence and progression. If the muscle is present in the initial TUR, a second TUR will only increase median time to first recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of diagnostic ureterorenoscopy (URS) prior to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) on intravesical recurrence (IVR), in patients with primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 354 patients, who underwent RNU for UTUC from 10 urology centers between 2005 and 2019, was performed. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of IVR after RNU. Patients were divided into URS prior to RNU (Group 1) and no URS prior to RNU (Group 2). Rates of IVR after RNU were compared, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate potential predictors of IVR. Results: After exclusion, a total of 194 patients were analyzed: Group 1 n = 95 (49.0%) and Group 2 n = 99 (51.0%). In Group 1, a tumor biopsy and histopathological confirmation during URS were performed in 58 (61.1%). The mean follow-up was 39.17 ± 39.3 (range 12–250) months. In 54 (27.8%) patients, IVR was recorded after RNU, and the median recurrence time within the bladder was 10.0 (3–144) months. IVR rate was 38.9% in Group 1 versus 17.2% in Group 2 (p = 0.001). In Group 1, IVR rate was 43.1% in those undergoing intraoperative biopsy versus 32.4% of patients without biopsy during diagnostic URS (p =0.29). Intravesical recurrence-free survival (IRFS) was longer in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (median IRFS was 111 vs. 60 months in Groups 2 and 1, respectively (p< 0.001)). Univariate analysis revealed that IRFS was significantly associated with URS prior to RNU (HR: 2.9, 95% CI 1.65–5.41; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, URS prior to RNU (HR: 3.5, 95% CI 1.74–7.16; p < 0.001) was found to be an independent prognostic factor for IRFS. Conclusion: Diagnostic URS was associated with the poor IRFS following RNU for primary UTUC. The decision for a diagnostic URS with or without tumor biopsy should be reserved for cases where this information might influence further treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on oncological and surgical outcomes in patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BC).Materials and Methods: We retrospectively assessed data from patients who underwent RC with pelvic lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion for BC recorded in the bladder cancer database of the Urooncology Association, Turkey, between 2007 and 2019. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the BMI cut-off values recommended by the WHO; Group 1 (normal weight, <25 kg/m2 ), Group 2 (overweight, 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 ) and Group 3 (obese, ≥30 kg/m2 ).Results: In all, 494 patients were included, of them 429 (86.8%) were men and 65 (13.2%) were women. The median follow-up was 24 months (12-132 months). At the time of surgery, the number of patients in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 202 (40.9%), 215 (43.5%) and 77 (15.6%), respectively. The mean operation time and time to postoperative oral feeding were longer and major complications were statistically higher in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 (P = .019, P < .001 and P = .025, respectively). Although the mean overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) was shorter in cases with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 compared with other BMI groups, differences were not statistically significant (P = .532, P = .309, P = .751 and P = .213, respectively).Conclusion: Our study showed that although major complications are more common in obese patients, the increase in BMI does not reveal a significant negative effect on OS, CSS, RFS and MFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.This study aimed to assess the oncological outcomes of patients experiencing an upgrade from their initial biopsy pathology, and to determine whether these tumours have characteristics resembling their initial biopsy Gleason score (GS) or final radical prostatectomy (RP) GS. Material and methods. Data on 632 patients undergoing open retropubic RP between January 1994 and May 2011 at Ankara University were investigated retrospectively. Data included age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), clinical stage, biopsy GS, prostate volume, RP specimen GS, surgical margin positivity, pathological T stage and biochemical recurrence. Biochemical recurrence of GS concordant and upgraded tumours was compared. Results.GS concordance was found in 378 cases (59.8%) and GS upgrading was observed in 183 patients (28.9%). GS upgraded tumours were found to have higher biochemical recurrence rates than their corresponding concomitant GS group. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum PSA level, pathological T stage and GS upgrading were independent prognostic factors for biochemical recurrence. Age and prostate volume were not found to be independent prognostic factors. Conclusion. Upgrade in biopsy GS is a predictor for aggressive tumours with a higher risk for biochemical recurrence than concordant tumours. It may be observed in about a quarter of patients. As it was not possible to identify correctly those patients who may experience an upgrade in GS, patients who are candidates for less invasive treatment options must be informed about the risk of upgrading and the possibility of a worse clinical course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the outcomes and complication rates of urinary diversion using mechanical bowel preparation (BP) with 3 day conventional and limited BP method through a standard perioperative care plan. Materials and methods: This study was designed as a prospective randomized multicenter trial. All patients were randomized to 2 groups. Patients in standard 3-day BP protocol received diet restriction, oral antibiotics to bowel flora, oral laxatives, and saline enemas over a 3-day period, whereas limited the BP arm received liberal use of liquid diet, sodium phosphate laxative, and self administered enema the day before surgery. All patients received same perioperative treatment protocol. The endpoints for the assessment of outcome were anastomotic leakage, wound infection, wound dehiscence, intraperitoneal abscess, peritonitis, sepsis, ileus, reoperation, and mortality. Bowel function recovery, including time to first bowel movement, time to first oral intake, time to regular oral intake, and length of hospital stay were also assessed. Results: Fifty-six patients in 3-day BP and 56 in limited BP arm were evaluable for the study end points. Postoperatively, 1 patient in limited BP and 2 patients in 3-day BP arm died. There was no statistical difference in any of the variables assessed throughout the study, however, a favorable return of bowel function and time to discharge as well as lower complication rate were observed in limited BP group. Conclusions: Regarding all endpoints, including septic and nonseptic complications, current clinical research offers no evidence to show any advantage of 3-day BP over limited BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the preferences and practice patterns of urooncologic surgeons in Turkey on bowel preparation and peri-operative management for radical cystectomy. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by Turkish Urooncology Association as a multicenter survey. Participants were asked to fill in questionnaires dispensed at annual oncologic meeting or using internet access to the website of Urooncology Association. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choice or open-ended questions related to frequency of cystectomy, surgical technique and type of diversion, bowel preparation protocol, nasogastric tube applications, antibiotic prophylaxis, and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. Collected data from the survey were presented descriptively. Results: Forty-four questionnaires from 44 surgeons of different centers were evaluated. All participants answered that they always perform bowel preparation before cystectomy. Four participants reported that they had an experience of cystectomy without bowel preparation. Bowel preparation methods included long conservative methods, short enema protocols, and Golytely, but there were significant differences in application of each method. Of participants, 88.6% perform diversion by themselves whereas others ask help from a general surgeon. Antibiotic prophylaxis is preferred mostly by 2 agents using third-generation cephalosporins and metronidazole for a period of 5 days or more in the majority. Type, duration, and dosage of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis differed among participants. Conclusion: There are significant individual differences in peri-operative management of radical cystectomy, which render deficient and sometimes inadequate patient care. There is a need to establish standard protocols for bowel preparation and adequate peri-operative management for radical cystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]