Search

PurposeWe describe the outcomes of patients with low risk localized prostate cancer who were upgraded on a surveillance biopsy while on active surveillance and evaluated whether delayed treatment was associated with adverse outcome.Materials and methodsWe included men in the study with lower risk disease managed initially with active surveillance and upgraded to Gleason score 3+4 or greater. Patient demographics and disease characteristics were compared. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the treatment-free probability stratified by initial upgrade (3+4 vs 4+3 or greater), Cox regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with treatment and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors associated with adverse outcome at surgery.ResultsThe final cohort comprised 219 men, with 150 (68%) upgraded to 3+4 and 69 (32%) to 4+3 or greater. Median time to upgrade was 23 months (IQR 11-49). A total of 163 men (74%) sought treatment, the majority (69%) with radical prostatectomy. The treatment-free survival rate at 5 years was 22% for 3+4 and 10% for 4+3 or greater upgrade. Upgrade to 4+3 or greater, higher prostate specific antigen density at diagnosis and shorter time to initial upgrade were associated with treatment. At surgical pathology 34% of cancers were downgraded while 6% were upgraded. Cancer volume at initial upgrade was associated with adverse pathological outcome at surgery (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.19-9.29, p=0.02).ConclusionsAfter Gleason score upgrade most patients elected treatment with radical prostatectomy. Among men who deferred definitive intervention, few experienced additional upgrading. At radical prostatectomy only 6% of cases were upgraded further and only tumor volume at initial upgrade was significantly associated with adverse pathological outcome.

Purpose Data are limited on imaging after primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. Materials and Methods We identified 8,435 men newly diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer in 1995 to 2012 who were enrolled in CaPSURE™. Patients were followed after primary treatment with radical prostatectomy, cryosurgery, brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy or androgen deprivation therapy. We assessed the use of bone scan, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging after primary treatment. Factors associated with posttreatment outcomes (number of imaging tests, and time to first imaging and salvage treatment) were evaluated with multivariate Poisson regression and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results The incidence of posttreatment bone scan, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was 20% or less. Last posttreatment log(prostate specific antigen) was associated with multiple posttreatment imaging. Management by radical prostatectomy, cryosurgery, external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy vs androgen deprivation therapy was associated with a lower likelihood of posttreatment imaging. Of patients who were imaged after treatment 25% with radical prostatectomy and 9% with radiation underwent imaging before prostate specific antigen failure. The 5-year salvage treatment-free survival rate was 81%. Positive findings on posttreatment imaging were associated with a higher risk of salvage treatment. Conclusions Patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy for localized disease were most likely to be imaged, primarily by bone scan. Men treated with other therapies were less likely to be imaged and tended to undergo computerized tomography. Imaging may add value to posttreatment prostate specific antigen monitoring to identify disease recurrence and progression. Further studies are needed to establish guidelines for the optimal frequency and imaging type to monitor the treatment response.

Background: Local conditions where people live continue to influence prostate cancer outcomes. By examining local characteristics associated with trends in Black-White differences in prostate cancer specific mortality (PCSM) over time, we aim to identify factors driving county-level PCSM disparities over a 15-year period., Methods: We linked county-level data (Area Health Resource File) with clinicodemographic data of men with prostate cancer (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry) from 2005 to 2020. Generalized linear mixed models evaluated associations between race and county-level age-standardized PCSM, adjusting for age, year of death, rurality, and county-level education, income, uninsured rates, and densities of urologists, radiologists, primary care providers, and hospital beds., Results: 185,390 patients in 1085 counties were identified, of which 15.8% were non-Hispanic Black. Racial disparities in PCSM narrowed from 2005 to 2020 (25.4 per 100,000 to 19.2 per 100,000 overall; 57.9 per 100,000 to 38 per 100,000 for Non-Hispanic Black patients and 23.4 per 100,000 to 18.3 per 100,000 for Non-Hispanic White patients). For both Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White patients, county PCSM changes varied greatly (-65% to + 77% and -61% to + 112%, respectively). From 2016 to 2020, Non-Hispanic Black harbored greater PCSM risk (RR 2.09, 95% CI 2.01-2.18); higher radiation oncologist density was significantly associated with lower mortality risk (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98) while other provider densities were not., Conclusion: Although overall rates improved, specific counties experienced worsening race-based disparities over time. Identifying locations of highest (and lowest) mortality disparities remains critical to development of location-specific solutions to racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Imaging is central to the diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and monitoring of prostate cancer (PCa). Unequal access to new imaging techniques may directly contribute to gaps in PCa treatment and outcome. Thus, identifying disparities in PCa diagnosis and treatment are centrla to informing strategies to promote equitable cancer care. This review examines the existing evidence regarding clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with disparities in imaging utilization and treatment for PCa. Major areas of disparities identified include healthcare and research access. Sociodemographic disparities are present in screening and diagnosis; Black patients are consistently less likely to receive both prostate multiparametric MRI and timely molecular imaging used to evaluate for biochemical recurrence. Regional variation in appropriate and inappropriate diagnostic imaging also contributes to corresponding differences in outcomes, especially between urban and rural settings. Delays in PCa imaging and diagnosis also delay definitive treatment or placement on active surveillance, with prominent differences by race and measures of social advantage Recognition of these disparities in PCa imaging and treatment can reinforce actions to improve equitable access to patients affected by PCa. Identifying modifiable steps in the PCa diagnosis, staging, and treatment workflow may inform interventions to bridge gaps in cancer outcome., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: In an era of rapid expansion of FDA approvals for oral anticancer agents (OAAs), it is important to understand the factors associated with survival among real-world populations, which include groups not well-represented in pivotal clinical trials of OAAs, such as the elderly, racial minorities, and medically complex patients. Our objective was to evaluate patient- and provider-level characteristics' associations with mortality among a multi-payer cohort of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients who initiated OAAs., Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the North Carolina state cancer registry linked to multi-payer claims data for the years 2004 to 2015. Provider data were obtained from North Carolina Health Professions Data System and the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System. Included patients were individuals with mRCC who initiated an OAA and survived ≥90 days after beginning treatment. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence limits (CL) using Cox hazard models for associations between patient demographics, patient clinical characteristics, provider-level factors, and 2-year all-cause mortality., Results: The cohort included 207 patients with mRCC who received OAAs. In multivariable models, clinical variables such as frailty (HR: 1.36, 95% CL: 1.11-1.67) and de novo metastatic diagnosis (HR: 2.63, 95%CL: 1.67-4.16) were associated with higher all-cause mortality. Additionally, patients solely on Medicare had higher adjusted all-cause mortality compared with patients with any private insurance (HR: 2.35, 95% CL: 1.32-4.18). No provider-level covariates investigated were associated with all-cause mortality., Conclusions: Within a real-world population of mRCC patients taking OAAs, survival differed based on patient characteristics. In an era of rapid expansion of FDA approvals for OAAs, these real-world data underscore the continued importance of access to high-quality care, particularly for medically complex patients with limited resources., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study tested the ability of a fermented soy product to induce tumor cell toxicity and to assess if this was due to fermentation of soy, and to the genistein content. Four cancer cell lines were cultured without additive, with fermented soy (Q-CAN® PLUS), nonfermented soy, or genistein, and cell viability was examined at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. The sensitivity of the cell lines to apoptosis by Q-CAN PLUS was tested with the Annexin V assay. All cell lines demonstrated a dose and time response reduction in tumor cell viability with exposure to Q-CAN PLUS (IC 50 at 24 h 3.8 mg/mL to 9 mg/mL). Unfermented soy did not show reduction in viability of any cell line within the same concentration range. The IC 50 of genistein for each of the cell lines was significantly greater than for Q-CAN PLUS. All four tumor cell lines demonstrated apoptosis in response to Q-CAN PLUS. Q-CAN PLUS reduces viability and increases apoptosis of cancer cells in a concentration- and fermentation-dependent manner. Taking into consideration the IC 50 of genistein and the concentration of genistein in Q-CAN PLUS, the genistein content of Q-CAN PLUS is not responsible for the majority reduction in tumor cell viability. This suggests that fermentation of soy results in the production of metabolites that reduce cancer cell viability and induce cellular apoptosis, and play a major role in addition to any effects produced by their genistein content.

Background: Improving oral anticancer agent (OAA) initiation and adherence is the important quality-of-care issues, particularly since one fourth of anticancer agents being developed will be administered orally. Our objective was to identify provider- and patient-level characteristics associated with OAA initiation and adherence among individuals with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)., Methods: We used state cancer registry data linked to multi-payer claims data to identify patients with mRCC diagnosed in 2004-2015. Provider data were obtained from North Carolina Health Professions Data System and the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System. We estimated risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence limits (CLs) using modified Poisson regression to evaluate factors associated with OAA initiation and adherence., Results: Among the 207 (out of 687) patients who initiated an OAA following mRCC diagnosis and survived 90 days, median proportion of days covered was 0.91. Patients with a modal provider specializing in hematology/medical oncology were much more likely to initiate OAAs than those seen by other specialties. Additionally, patients with a female provider were more likely to initiate OAAs than those with a male provider. Compared to patients treated by providers practicing in both urban and rural areas, patients with providers practicing solely in urban areas were more likely to initiate OAAs, after controlling for patient-level factors (RR = 1.37; 95% CL: 1.09-1.73). Medicare patients were less likely to be adherent than those with private insurance (RR = 0.61; 95% CL: 0.42-0.87)., Conclusions: Our results suggest that provider- and patient-level factors influence OAA initiation in patients with mRCC but only insurance type was associated with adherence., (© 2021 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Given adverse health effects of climate change and contributions of the US health care sector to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, environmentally sustainable delivery of care is needed. We applied life cycle assessment to quantify GHGs associated with processing a gastrointestinal biopsy in order to identify emissions hotspots and guide mitigation strategies., Methods: The biopsy process at a large academic pathology laboratory was grouped into steps. Each supply and reagent was catalogued and postuse treatment noted. Energy consumption was estimated for capital equipment. Two common scenarios were considered: 1 case with 1 specimen jar (scenario 1) and 1 case with 3 specimen jars (scenario 2)., Results: Scenario 1 generated 0.29 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents (kg CO2e), whereas scenario 2 resulted in 0.79 kg CO2e-equivalent to 0.7 and 2.0 miles driven, respectively. The largest proportion of GHGs (36%) in either scenario came from the tissue processor step. The second largest contributor (19%) was case accessioning, mostly attributable to production of single-use disposable jars., Conclusions: Applied to more than 20 million biopsies performed in the US annually, emissions from biopsy processing is equivalent to yearly GHG emissions from 1,200 passenger cars. Mitigation strategies may include modification of surveillance guidelines to include the number of specimen jars., (© American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2021. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

We aimed to determine patterns in frequency of radiotherapy for prostate cancer and definitive surgical management. There is prospective evidence indicating benefits of radiotherapy for some patients after radical prostatectomy (prostatectomy), with recent evidence suggesting benefit of early salvage radiotherapy. Trends in postoperative radiotherapy have not been elucidated. We analyzed the National Cancer Database for prostate cancer patients treated with curative-intent therapy between 2004 and 2016. Patients were risk stratified according to NCCN treatment guidelines. Linear regression was utilized to examine trends in treatment with initial prostatectomy and trends in postoperative radiotherapy among treatment risk groups. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to examine clinical-demographic variables associated with prostatectomy and postoperative radiotherapy. From 2004 to 2016, 508,450 patients received prostatectomy and 370,314 received radiotherapy. Median age was 63.6 years. There was increased utilization of prostatectomy from 47.9% in 2004 to 61.3% in 2016 (p trend <0.001). 24,466 cases received postoperative radiotherapy. Similarly, postoperative radiotherapy utilization increased from 2.2% in 2004 to 4.0% in 2016 (p trend <0.001). The subgroup with the largest increase in postoperative radiotherapy was clinically high-risk disease (5.3% in 2004 to 7.8% in 2016 (p trend <0.001). Clinical high-risk disease (OR 1.751), Gleason 9-10 (OR 2.973), and PSA >20 ng/ml (OR 1.489) were factors predictive for postoperative radiotherapy. The proportion of prostate cancer patients who undergo definitive prostatectomy and postoperative radiotherapy is increasing. This increase is greatest in high-risk cases. Overall, the proportion of patients who receive any radiotherapy is decreasing. Association with preclinical factors suggests optimization of patient selection should be considered., (© 2020 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Nerve density is associated with prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness and prognosis. Thus far, no visualization methods have been developed to assess nerve density of PCa in vivo. We compounded propranolol-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nerve peptide nanoparticles (PSN NPs), which achieved the nerve density visualization of PCa with high sensitivity and high specificity, and facilitated assessment of nerve density and aggressiveness of PCa using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic particle imaging. Moreover, PSN NPs facilitated targeted therapy for PCa. PSN NPs increased the survival rate of mice with orthotopic PCa to 83.3% and decreased nerve densities and proliferation indexes by more than twofold compared with the control groups. The present study, thus, developed a technology to visualize the nerve density of PCa and facilitate targeted neural drug delivery to tumors to efficiently inhibit PCa progression. Our study provides a potential basis for clinical imaging and therapeutic interventions targeting nerves in PCa., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License 4.0 (CC BY-NC).)

Purpose: Genomic testing may improve risk stratification in men with prostate cancer managed by active surveillance. We aimed to characterize the stability and usefulness of serial genomic test scores in men undergoing serial biopsies during active surveillance., Materials and Methods: We compiled clinical and disease characteristics of men on active surveillance using an institutional Urologic Outcomes Database. We included patients initially diagnosed with Gleason 3 + 3 prostate cancer who elected active surveillance and received 2, 17-gene GPS (Genomic Prostate Score) results. We examined the association of GPS results and Gleason grade reclassification (Gleason 3 + 4 or greater) with definitive treatment using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models., Results: We identified 111 men who underwent serial genomic testing. There were 49 grade reclassification events (44%) at a median followup of 64 months. The mean ± SD GPS change between the first and second biopsies was 2.1 ± 10.3. The GPS at first biopsy (per 5 units HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, p=0.03) was associated with an upgrade at second biopsy, although the second GPS was not (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.05, p=0.13). The first and second GPSs (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.14 and HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.14, each p <0.01) were associated with active treatment., Conclusions: The GPS undergoes small changes with time. Absolute GPS results at the first and second biopsies were associated with Gleason upgrading and transition from active surveillance to active treatment.

Background: Upgrading following prostate biopsy is very common in clinical practice. This study investigated whether the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (ARI) and alpha blockers affect known clinical predictors of Gleason score upgrading or not., Materials and Methods: A retrospective study on 998 patients treated with robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy for clinically localized biopsy Gleason score 6 prostate cancer were studied. The logarithm of prostate specific antigen concentration, prostate size and tumor volume were compared on the basis of the medication history of 5-ARIs and alpha blockers in the cohort of biopsy Gleason 6 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia history, and patients whose prostate sizes fall in the top quartile. We compared known clinical and pathologic characteristics associated with upgrading in regression models with and without the addition of medications., Results: Alpha blockers, but not 5-ARI were associated with a bigger prostate. Upgrading was associated with older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), higher BMI (OR 1.00 CI 1.01-1.08), higher log prostate specific antigen (OR 7.32, CI 3.546-15.52), smaller prostate size (OR 0.97, CI 0.96-0.98), fewer biopsy cores (OR 0.96 CI 0.92-0.99), more positive cores (OR 1.20, CI 1.08-1.34), and higher percentage of tumor at biopsy (OR 1.02, CI 1.01-1.03). Neither of the two medication classes were a significant predictor of upgrading. Medications made minimal changes in the multivariate predictive models., Conclusion: Although, alpha blockers were associate with bigger prostate size, the modulating effects of alpha blockers and 5-ARIs on common predictors of Gleason score upgrading was not significant.

Purpose: The potential effects of statins on clinical and histopathologic variables, prostate size, or PSA density (PSAD) and resulting influences on active surveillance eligibility have not been adequately explored. This study examines the effect of statins on prostate specimens following prostatectomy., Materials and Methods: Patients that received robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) (n = 2,632) were dichotomized according to preoperative statin use. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between statin use and patient clinical and pathological characteristics., Results: Men using statins at the time of prostatectomy were older (61.6 &plusmn; 6.4 versus 58.8 &plusmn; 7.2 years, P &lt; .001), and had poorer health status (P &lt; .001). Biopsy Gleason grade, clinical stage and prostate size were similar among the two groups, although statin users had lower diagnostic PSA levels (5.5 &plusmn; 3.6 versus 6.3 &plusmn; 4.9 ng/mL, P &lt; .001) and PSAD (.12 versus .13, P = .001)., Conclusion: Men taking statins at the time of prostatectomy had similar histopathologic characteristics to non-users, despite having significantly lower serum PSA, being older and having similar sized prostates. This supports prior studies suggesting a PSA reduction effect of statins may warrant consideration of statin usage in decisionalgorithms for active surveillance.

Purpose: We evaluated whether placement of a retropubic urethral sling fashioned from autologous vas deferens during robotic assisted radical prostatectomy would improve recovery of continence., Materials and Methods: In a phase 2, single blind trial age stratified patients were randomized to undergo robotic assisted radical prostatectomy by multiple surgeons with or without sling placement. The outcomes were complete continence (0 urinary pads of any type) and near continence (0, an occasional or 1 pad per day) at 6 months, which was assessed by the Fisher exact test and logistic regression. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test were used to evaluate time to continence. EPIC-UIN (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-Urinary Inventory) and I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) 1, 3 and 6 months after catheter removal were evaluated by mixed models for repeated measures., Results: Of 203 patients who were recruited 95 and 100 were randomized to undergo sling and no sling placement, respectively, and completed postoperative interviews. Six months after surgery the proportions reporting complete and near continence (66% and 87%, respectively) and times to complete and near continence were similar in the groups. Younger age was associated with a higher likelihood of complete continence (OR 1.74 per decreasing 5-year interval, 95% CI 1.23-2.48, p <0.01) and near continence (OR 2.18 per decreasing 5-year interval, 95% CI 1.21-3.92, p <0.01) adjusting for clinical, urinary and surgical factors. Adjusted EPIC-UIN and I-PSS scores changed with time but did not differ between the groups. No serious adverse events were observed., Conclusions: This trial failed to demonstrate a benefit of autologous urethral sling placement at robotic assisted radical prostatectomy on early return of continence at 6 months. Continence was related to patient age in adjusted models., (Copyright © 2017 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess patients' perceived causes of prostate cancer (PCa) and relation to treatment satisfaction, an Internet-based survey study was designed. PCa is a profoundly personal disease, considering the location and common sequelae of treatment. Deeply held patient self-perceptions regarding the etiology of a patient's PCa may generate lasting beliefs that impact satisfaction with treatment selection., Materials and Methods: Third-party web-based surveys were sent to patients receiving radical prostatectomy for clinically localized PCa. Patients were queried regarding demographic characteristics, family history, socioeconomic status, sexual function, urinary control, and factors believed to cause their PCa., Results: Among respondents (293 of 524, 55.9%), 237 (81.5%) provided primary causes for PCa. Evidence-based answers were provided by 128 (53.5%) patients, whereas a wide range of non-evidence-based responses were provided by 49 (20.5%) patients. Forty patients (16.7%) were undecided, and 20 (8.3%) offered belief-based responses. Evidence-based responses were more common in patients with a family history of PCa (P <.01); however, no significant differences were seen among race, educational level, or income. Patients providing an evidence-based cause of PCa were more likely to be potent (P <.01). Providing a non-evidence-based cause for PCa was associated with considering surgery as a wrong decision in treatment selection., Conclusion: Among men with localized PCa, there is a wide spectrum of patient beliefs regarding the etiology of their disease that may reflect background and information sources. Further research is warranted to determine whether patient counseling should incorporate these considerations., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the impact of timing of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on survival in a cohort of patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer., Methods and Materials: We retrospectively identified 2366 men receiving permanent prostate brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation therapy. Patients experiencing BCR were stratified by receipt of immediate or delayed (≥3 months) ADT and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure threshold of 10 ng/mL. Prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) and all-cause mortality (ACM) were evaluated using Fine-Gray's competing risks regression and Cox proportional hazard model, respectively., Results: We identified 109 patients in the study cohort treated with ADT for BCR, followed for a median of 11.4 years. Competing risk regression revealed that there was no difference in PCSM for patients receiving delayed vs. immediate ADT (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-2.00: p = 0.871) or for those initiating hormonal therapy at PSA threshold of 10 vs. <10 ng/mL (HR, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.41-1.75; p = 0.649); similarly, there was no difference in ACM. PSA doubling time <6 months (HR, 2.52; 95% CI: 1.22-5.23; p = 0.013), time to BCR <3 years (HR, 3.27; 95% CI: 1.67-6.42; p = 0.003), and permanent prostate brachytherapy with external beam radiation therapy (HR, 5.21; 95% CI: 2.05-13.26; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with PCSM, as well as ACM., Conclusions: Among a cohort of brachytherapy patients, we identified no significant difference in survival for delayed salvage hormonal therapy. Shorter PSA doubling time and time to BCR are significantly associated with adverse outcomes, and these patients should be considered for immediate salvage therapy., (Copyright © 2016 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The natural history and optimal management strategy for men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and prostate cancer remain to be definitively characterized. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HIV-seropositive men treated with robotic-assisted radical laparoscopic prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer., Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, a prospective database of 2175 operative cases of clinically localized prostate adenocarcinoma was reviewed. Thirteen patients were identified as HIV-positive. Tumor characteristics, operative outcomes, postoperative outcomes, histology (Gleason score), local invasion, biochemical recurrence, and surgical complications were compared with HIV-negative patients., Results: There were no preoperative demographic differences between the HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. HIV-positive patients had higher prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels at time of diagnosis which was not statistically significant. However, HIV-positive patients had higher D'Amico risk assessment (p < 0.05). There was no postoperative complication. HIV-positive patients treated with robotic prostatectomy had similarly favorable perioperative and short-term biochemical recurrence-free survival outcomes., Conclusion: Our findings show that minimally invasive prostatectomy can be safely considered as a therapeutic option in otherwise eligible HIV-positive patients with clinically significant prostate cancer. Further research is necessary to outline a diagnostic and treatment guideline for HIV-positive men in detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

Objectives: Longitudinal studies report racial disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) including greater incidence, more aggressive tumor biology, and increased cancer-specific mortality in African American (AA) men. Regret concerning primary treatment selection is underevaluated in patients with PCa. We investigated the relationships between clinicopathologic variables across racial and socioeconomic lines following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy., Materials and Methods: We assessed treatment decisional regret using a validated questionnaire in a total of 484 white and 72 AA patients with PCa who were followed up for a median of 16.6 months post-robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Socioeconomic status (SES) information was aggregated from 2010 US census zip code data. Perioperative clinicopathologic characteristics and functional outcomes were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the influence of race, aggregate SES, and other clinical and demographic characteristics on decisional regret., Results: The majority (87.7%) of the population was not regretful of their decision to undergo treatment. However, a greater proportion of AA vs. white patients were regretful (20.6% vs. 11.2%, respectively; P = 0.03). AA and white men were similar on all functional, clinical, and pathologic features with the exception of younger age among AA men (56 vs. 60 y, respectively; P<0.001). Although there were significant differences in SES by race (P<0.001), regret did not differ by SES (β =-1.53; P = 0.15). Race, postoperative sexual dysfunction, pad usage, and length of hospital stay, however, were significantly associated with decisional regret., Conclusions: AA men were more regretful than white men, after adjusting for clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative functional outcomes., (© 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: Evidence suggests that statins may influence pathways of renal cell carcinoma proliferation, although to our knowledge no study has examined the influence of statin medications on the progression of renal cell carcinoma in humans., Materials and Methods: We identified 2,608 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma who were treated surgically between 1995 and 2010 at our tertiary referral center. Competing risks Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the relationship between statin use and time to local recurrence or progression (metastases or death from renal cell carcinoma) and overall survival. Statin use was modeled as a time dependent covariate as a sensitivity analysis. Models were adjusted for clinical and demographic features., Results: Of 2,608 patients 699 (27%) were statin users at surgery. Statin users had similar pathological characteristics compared to nonusers. At a median followup of 36 months there were 247 progression events. Statin use was associated with a 33% reduction in the risk of progression after surgery (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.96, p = 0.028) and an 11% reduction in overall mortality that was not significant (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.71-1.13, p = 0.3). Modeling statin use as a time dependent covariate attenuated the risk reduction in progression to 23% (HR 0.77, p = 0.12) and augmented the risk reduction in overall survival (HR 0.71, p = 0.002)., Conclusions: In our cohort statin use was associated with a reduced risk of progression and overall mortality, although this effect was sensitive to the method of analysis. If validated in other cohorts, this finding warrants consideration of prospective research on statins in the adjuvant setting., (Copyright © 2014 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), the constellation of obesity and related risk factors for cardiovascular disease, is an expanding epidemiologic concern in the United States and the developed world. However, the relationship between MetS and prostate cancer remains to be definitively assessed. We evaluated the association between obesity and MetS with prostate cancer pathology and surgical and functional outcomes., Materials and Methods: A total of 2,639 patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) for localized prostate cancer between March 2003 and July 2012. Of them, 186 patients met the criteria for MetS as defined by the presence of obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) in conjunction with 2 or more of the following: hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia (D), and diabetes (DM). Additionally, reference cohorts of (1) 663 nonobese men without HTN, D, or DM; (2) 184 obese patients without HTN, D, or DM; and (3) 211 obese men with solitary risk factors were identified for comparison. Demographic, histopathologic, and perioperative clinical parameters were compared., Results: In comparison with patients without MetS, patients with MetS had larger prostates (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.609, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.04-2.49, P = 0.03), increased blood loss (OR = 1.592, 95% CI = 1.15-2.21, P = 0.01), and surgical complexity (OR = 4.940, 95% CI = 2.29-10.69, P<0.001). There was no statistical difference observed between these groups in regard to complication rates, pathologic grade, stage, and postoperative continence or erectile function. With the exception of larger prostates found among men with MetS, men with obesity alone and obesity with 1 additional risk factor appeared similar to those with MetS., Conclusions: Patients with MetS had similar perioperative, histopathologic, and functional outcomes compared with reference cohorts undergoing RALP. RALP is safe, feasible, and efficacious in men with MetS., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We conducted a retrospective chart review of robotic prostatectomies done by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2012. During that time period, we identified two patients within the year 2012, with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPPA) who also underwent robotic prostatectomies. The demographics and postoperative characteristics of the two patients were assessed. In both patients, prostatectomy, bilateral nerve sparing, and pelvic lymphadenectomy were successfully performed and the integrity of ileal pouch was maintained. There was a mean surgical time of 144.5 minutes, and an average estimated blood loss was 125 mL. Both patients were discharged on the second day postoperatively. In both patients there was a Gleason upgrade to 3 + 4, with negative margins, and preservation of fecal and urinary continence by their six-month followup. Owing to surgical modifications, these two surgeries represent the first successful robotic prostatectomies in patients with a J-pouch.

Purpose: We assess the risk of urinary incontinence after transurethral prostate resection in patients previously treated with prostate brachytherapy., Materials and Methods: A total of 2,495 patients underwent brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation therapy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer between June 1990 and December 2009. Patients who underwent transurethral prostate resection before implantation were excluded from study. Overall 79 patients (3.3%) underwent channel transurethral resection of the prostate due to urinary retention or refractory obstructive urinary symptoms. Correlation analyses were performed using the chi-square (Pearson) test. Estimates for time to urinary incontinence were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method with comparisons using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard rates., Results: Median followup after implantation was 7.2 years. Median time to first transurethral prostate resection after implantation was 14.8 months. Of the 79 patients who underwent transurethral prostate resection after implantation 20 (25.3%) had urinary incontinence compared with 3.1% of those who underwent implantation only (OR 10.4, 95% CI 6-18, p<0.001). Of the 15 patients who required more than 1 transurethral prostate resection, urinary incontinence developed in 8 (53%) compared with 19% of patients who underwent only 1 resection (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.5-16, p=0.006). Exclusion of patients who underwent multiple transurethral prostate resections still demonstrated significant differences (18.8% vs 3.1%, OR 7.1, 95% CI 3.6-13.9, p<0.001). Median time from last transurethral prostate resection to urinary incontinence was 24 months. On linear regression analysis, hormone use and transurethral prostate resection after implantation were associated with urinary incontinence (p<0.05). There was no correlation between the timing of transurethral prostate resection after implantation and the risk of incontinence., Conclusions: Urinary incontinence developed in 25.3% of patients who underwent transurethral prostate resection after prostate brachytherapy. The risk of urinary incontinence correlates with the number of transurethral prostate resections. Patients should be counseled thoroughly before undergoing transurethral prostate resection after implantation., (Copyright © 2013 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)