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Objective Patients and Methods Results Conclusions To examine the impact of increased compliance to contemporary perioperative care measures, as outlined by enhanced recover after surgery (ERAS) guidelines, among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database we captured patients undergoing RC between 2019 and 2021. We identified five perioperative care measures: regional anaesthesia block, thromboembolism prophylaxis, ≤24 h perioperative antibiotic administration, absence of bowel preparation, and early oral diet. We stratified patients by the number of measures utilised (one to five). Statistical endpoints included 30‐day complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and optimal RC outcome. Optimal RC outcome was defined as absence of any postoperative complication, re‐operation, prolonged LOS (75th percentile, 8 days) with no readmission. Multivariable regressions with Bonferroni correction were performed to assess the association between use of contemporary perioperative care measures and outcomes.Of the 3702 patients who underwent RC, 73 (2%), 417 (11%), 1010 (27%), 1454 (39%), and 748 (20%) received one, two, three, four, and five interventions, respectively. On multivariable analysis, increased perioperative care measures were associated with lower odds of any complication (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 99% confidence interval [CI] 0.6–0.73), and shorter LOS (β −0.82, 99% CI −0.99 to −0.65). Furthermore, patients with increased compliance to contemporary care measures had increased odds of an optimal outcome (OR 1.38, 99% CI 1.26–1.51).Among the measures we assessed, greater adherence yielded improved postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing RC. Our work supports the efficacy of ERAS protocols in reducing the morbidity associated with RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains incurable in advanced stages. Biomarkers have proven to be quite useful in cancer therapeutics. Herein, we provide a comparative/integrative statistical analysis of seminal immunohistochemistry (IHC) findings for Wilms' Tumor 1 antigen (WT1) and thymine dimers (TDs), emerging as atypical, yet promising, potential biomarkers for RCCs. We assessed WT1/TD reactivity in adult RCC tumor cells, tumor microenvironment (TME), and tumor-adjacent healthy renal tissue (HRT). WT1 positivity was scarce and strictly nuclear in tumor cells, whereas TD-reactive tumor tissues were prevalent. We report statistically significant positive correlations between the density of reactive RCC cellularity and the intensity of nuclear staining for both biomarkers (WT1 − rho = 0.341, p-value = 0.036; TDs − rho = 0.379, p-value = 0.002). RCC stromal TME TD-positivity was much more frequent than WT1 reactivity, apparently proportional to that of the proper RCC cellularity and facilitated by extensive RCC inflammatory infiltration. TDs exhibited nuclear reactivity for most TME cell lines, while RCC TME WT1 expression was rare and inconsistent. In HRTs, TDs were entirely restricted to renal tubular cells, the likely cellular progenitor of most conventional RCC subtypes. In lieu of proper validation, these early findings have significant implications regarding the origins/biology of RCCs and may inform RCC therapeutics, both accounting for the high frequency of immunotherapy-permissive frameshift indels in RCCs, but also hinting at novel predictive clinical tools for WT1-targeted immunotherapy. Overall, the current study represents a meek yet hopefully significant step towards understanding the molecular biology and potential therapeutic targets of RCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Personalized medicine poses great opportunities and challenges. While the therapeutic landscape markedly expands, descriptions about status, clinical implementation and real-world benefits of precision oncology and molecular tumor boards (MTB) remain sparse, particularly in the field of genitourinary (GU) cancer. Hence, this study characterized urological MTB cases to better understand the potential role of MTB in uro-oncology. Methods: We analyzed patients with complete data sets being reviewed at an MTB from January 2019 to October 2022, focusing on results of molecular analysis and treatment recommendations. Results: We evaluated 102 patients with GU cancer with a mean patient age of 61.7 years. Prostate cancer (PCa) was the most frequent entity with 52.9% (54/102), followed by bladder cancer (18.6%, 19/102) and renal cell carcinoma (14.7%, 15/102). On average, case presentation at MTB took place 54.9 months after initial diagnosis and after 2.7 previous lines of therapy. During the study period, 49.0% (50/102) of patients deceased. Additional MTB-based treatment recommendations were achieved in a majority of 68.6% (70/102) of patients, with a recommendation for targeted therapy in 64.3% (45/70) of these patients. Only 6.7% (3/45) of patients – due to different reasons – received the recommended MTB-based therapy though, with 33% (1/3) of patients reaching disease control. Throughout the MTB study period, GU cancer case presentations and treatment recommendations increased, while the time interval between initial presentation and final therapy recommendation were decreasing over time. Conclusion: Presentation of uro-oncological patients at the MTB is a highly valuable measure for clinical decision-making. Prospectively, earlier presentation of patients at the MTB and changing legislative issues regarding comprehensive molecular testing and targeted treatment approval might further improve patients' benefits from comprehensive molecular diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Previous research exploring the role of race on prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes has demonstrated greater rates of disease progression and poorer overall survival for African American (AA) compared to Caucasian American (CA) men. The current study examines self‐reported race as a predictor of long‐term PCa outcomes in patients with low and favorable‐intermediate risk disease treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Methods This retrospective cohort study examined patients who were consented to enrollment in the Center for Prostate Disease Research Multicenter National Database between January 01, 1990 and December 31, 2017. Men self‐reporting as AA or CA who underwent EBRT for newly diagnosed National Comprehensive Cancer Network‐defined low or favorable‐intermediate risk PCa were included. Dependent study outcomes included: biochemical recurrence‐free survival, (ii) distant metastasis‐free survival, and (iii) overall survival. Each outcome was modeled as a time‐to‐event endpoint using race‐stratified Kaplan–Meier estimation curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results Of 840 men included in this study, 268 (32%) were AA and 572 (68%) were CA. The frequency of biochemical recurrence, distant metastasis, and deaths from any cause was 151 (18.7%), 29 (3.5%), and 333 (39.6%), respectively. AA men had a significantly younger median age at time of EBRT and slightly higher biopsy Gleason scores. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated no racial differences in any of the study endpoints. Conclusions These findings reveal no racial disparity in PCa outcomes for AA compared to CA men, in a long‐standing, longitudinal cohort of patients with comparable access to cancer care.

Abstract Objective Patient‐centered care and shared decision making (SDM) are generally recognized as the gold standard for medical consultations, especially for preference‐sensitive decisions. However, little is known about psychological patient characteristics that influence patient‐reported preferences. We set out to explore the role of personality and anxiety for a preference‐sensitive decision in bladder cancer patients (choice of urinary diversion, UD) and to determine if anxiety predicts patients' participation preferences. Methods We recruited a sample of bladder cancer patients (N = 180, primarily male, retired) who awaited a medical consultation on radical cystectomy and their choice of UD. We asked patients to fill in a set of self‐report questionnaires before this consultation, including measures of treatment preference, personality (BFI‐10), anxiety (STAI), and participation preference (API and API‐Uro), as well as sociodemographic characteristics. Results Most patients (79%) indicated a clear preference for one of the treatment options (44% continent UD, 34% incontinent UD). Patients who reported more conscientiousness were more likely to prefer more complex methods (continent UD). The majority (62%) preferred to delegate decision making to healthcare professionals. A substantial number of patients reported elevated anxiety (32%), and more anxiety was predictive of higher participation preference, specifically for uro‐oncological decisions (β = 0.207, p

Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death characterized by damage to the intracellular microenvironment, which causes the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxide and reactive oxygen species to cause cytotoxicity and regulated cell death. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels through interactions with different DNAs, RNAs, or proteins. Increasing evidence has shown that ferroptosis-related ncRNAs are closely related to the occurrence and progression of several diseases, including urological malignancies. Recently, the role of ferroptosis-associated ncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs, micro RNAs, and circular RNAs) in the occurrence, drug resistance, and prognosis of urological malignancies has attracted widespread attention. However, this has not yet been addressed systematically. In this review, we discuss this issue as much as possible to expand the knowledge and understanding of urological malignancies to provide new ideas for exploring the diagnosis and treatment of urological malignancies in the future. Furthermore, we propose some challenges in the clinical application of ferroptosis-associated ncRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research exploring the role of race on prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes has demonstrated greater rates of disease progression and poorer overall survival for African American (AA) compared to Caucasian American (CA) men. The current study examines self-reported race as a predictor of longterm PCa outcomes in patients with low and favorable-intermediate risk disease treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined patients who were consented to enrollment in the Center for Prostate Disease Research Multicenter National Database between January 01, 1990 and December 31, 2017. Men self-reporting as AA or CA who underwent EBRT for newly diagnosed National Comprehensive Cancer Network-defined low or favorable-intermediate risk PCa were included. Dependent study outcomes included: biochemical recurrence-free survival, (ii) distant metastasis-free survival, and (iii) overall survival. Each outcome was modeled as a time-to-event endpoint using race- stratified Kaplan--Meier estimation curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results: Of 840 men included in this study, 268 (32%) were AA and 572 (68%) were CA. The frequency of biochemical recurrence, distant metastasis, and deaths from any cause was 151 (18.7%), 29 (3.5%), and 333 (39.6%), respectively. AA men had a significantly younger median age at time of EBRT and slightly higher biopsy Gleason scores. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated no racial differences in any of the study endpoints. Conclusions: These findings reveal no racial disparity in PCa outcomes for AA compared to CA men, in a long-standing, longitudinal cohort of patients with comparable access to cancer care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Routine human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is performed in cervival cancer and is required for classification of some head and neck cancers. In penile cancer a statement on HPV association of the carcinoma is required. In most cases p16 immunohistochemistry as a surrogate marker is applied in this setting. Since differing clinical outcomes for HPV positive and HPV negative tumors are described we await HPV testing to be requested more frequently by clinicians, also in the context of HPV vaccination, where other HPV subtypes are expected to emerge. Method Therefore, a cohort of archived, formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) penile neoplasias was stained for p16 and thereafter tested for HPV infection status via PCR based methods. Additionally to Sanger sequencing, we chose LCD-Array technique (HPV 3.5 LCD-Array Kit, Chipron; LCD-Array) for the detection of HPV in our probes expecting a less time consuming and sensitive HPV test for our probes. Results We found that LCD-Array is a sensitive and feasible method for HPV testing in routine diagnostics applicable to FFPE material in our cohort. Our cohort of penile carcinomas and carcinomas in situ was associated with HPV infection in 61% of cases. We detected no significant association between HPV infection status and histomorphological tumor characteristics as well as overall survival. Conclusions We showed usability of molecular HPV testing on a cohort of archived penile carcinomas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating LCD-Array technique on a cohort of penile neoplasias.

Abstract Purpose/Objectives Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is commonly performed in patients with significant bladder outlet obstruction. However, there are few reports on the toxicity of external beam irradiation (RT) for prostate cancer in patients after prior HoLEP. In this study, we evaluate the side effects and treatment outcomes of RT after HoLEP. Materials/Methods Eighteen patients who had HoLEP and subsequently received RT for prostate cancer were included. Data collected included patient and disease characteristics, urinary function, and radiation dose. Acute and late urinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) side effects were evaluated. Disease control and survival rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier method. Results Median follow‐up was 18 months (range: 4–46 months). Median prostate volume was 107 ml before HoLEP and 24 ml after HoLEP. Median International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 17 (range: 5–32) before HoLEP. Median decline in IPSS score after HoLEP was 7 (range: −2–21). On uroflow study, peak flow rate, and post‐void residual were significantly improved after HoLEP. After radiation, peak flow rate and average flow rate showed a decline but remained significantly improved compared to pre‐HoLEP measurements. Maximum acute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) adverse events were 12 grade 1 and 3 grade 2 for GU, and 3 grade 1 for GI, respectively. Maximum late adverse events were 13 grade 1 and 2 grade 2 for GU, and all grade 0 for GI, respectively. At last follow‐up, there were 8 grade 1 and 1 grade 2 late GU, and 3 grade 1 late GI adverse events, respectively. There was no significant increase in urinary incontinence after RT compared to before RT. The 18‐month biochemical control, local control, distant control rates were 78%, 94%, and 80%, respectively. Conclusions Patients who received RT as definitive treatment for prostate cancer after prior HoLEP had low risk of serious acute and late side effects. HoLEP can be safely performed and should be considered in patients with significant bladder outlet obstruction and large prostate volume before RT.

Objective: Patient‐centered care and shared decision making (SDM) are generally recognized as the gold standard for medical consultations, especially for preference‐sensitive decisions. However, little is known about psychological patient characteristics that influence patient‐reported preferences. We set out to explore the role of personality and anxiety for a preference‐sensitive decision in bladder cancer patients (choice of urinary diversion, UD) and to determine if anxiety predicts patients' participation preferences. Methods: We recruited a sample of bladder cancer patients (N = 180, primarily male, retired) who awaited a medical consultation on radical cystectomy and their choice of UD. We asked patients to fill in a set of self‐report questionnaires before this consultation, including measures of treatment preference, personality (BFI‐10), anxiety (STAI), and participation preference (API and API‐Uro), as well as sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Most patients (79%) indicated a clear preference for one of the treatment options (44% continent UD, 34% incontinent UD). Patients who reported more conscientiousness were more likely to prefer more complex methods (continent UD). The majority (62%) preferred to delegate decision making to healthcare professionals. A substantial number of patients reported elevated anxiety (32%), and more anxiety was predictive of higher participation preference, specifically for uro‐oncological decisions (β = 0.207, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings provide insight into the role of psychological patient characteristics for SDM. Aspects of personality such as conscientiousness influence treatment preferences. Anxiety contributes to patients' motivation to be involved in pertinent decisions. Thus, personality and negative affect should be considered to improve SDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective Previous research has indicated cognitive decline (CD) among testicular cancer patients (TCPs), even in the absence of chemotherapy, but little is known about the underlying pathophysiology. The present study assessed changes in cognitive functions and structural brain connectomes in TCPs and explored the associations between cognitive changes and endocrine status and hypothesized risk genotypes. Methods Thirty‐eight newly orchiectomized TCPs and 21 healthy controls (HCs) comparable to TCPs in terms of age and years of education underwent neuropsychological testing, structural MRI, and a biological assessment at baseline and 6 months later. Cognitive change was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery and determined using a standardized regression‐based approach, with substantial change defined as z‐scores ≤−1.64 or ≥1.64. MRI scans and graph theory were used to evaluate changes in structural brain connectomes. The associations of cognitive changes with testosterone levels, androgen receptor gene (AR) CAG repeat length, and genotypes (APOE, COMT, and BDNF) were explored. Results Compared with HCs, TCPs showed higher rates of substantial decline on processing speed and visuospatial ability and higher rates of substantial improvement on verbal recall and visuospatial learning (p

Abstract Introduction Cabazitaxel multiple rechallenges may be a treatment option in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who had a good initial response to cabazitaxel and who are still fit to receive it. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of multiple rechallenges. Patients and methods We retrospectively identified 22 mCRPC patients previously treated with docetaxel and/or androgen receptor‐targeted agents who received multiple cabazitaxel rechallenges in 9 French centers. Cabazitaxel was initiated at a dose of 25 mg/m2 q3week. A reduced dose (20 mg/m2 q3w) or an alternative schedule (mainly 16 mg/m2 q2w) was increasingly used for subsequent rechallenges. Progression‐free survival, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response, best clinical response, and grade ≥3 toxicities were collected. Overall survival was calculated from various time points. Results Twenty‐two patients with an initial response to cabazitaxel were rechallenged at least twice. The median number of cabazitaxel cycles was 7 at first cabazitaxel treatment, 6 at first rechallenge, and 5 at subsequent rechallenges. Median progression‐free survival at first rechallenge was 9.6 months and 5.6 months at second rechallenge. Median overall survival was 50.9 months from the first cabazitaxel dose, 114.9 months from first life‐extending therapy initiation in mCRPC, and 105 months from mCRPC diagnosis. There was no cumulative grade ≥3 neuropathy or nail disorder and one case of febrile neutropenia. Conclusion Cabazitaxel multiple rechallenges may be a treatment option without cumulative toxicity in heavily pretreated patients having a good response to first cabazitaxel use and still fit to receive it. Novelty & Impact Statements Patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer can be treated with Cabazitaxel after docetaxel and androgen receptor‐targeted agent. This chemotherapy can be used multiple times with efficacy and manageable toxicity.

Abstract Background Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare urological cancer that is still an important public health concern in many areas around the world. Although UTUC has been linked to a number of risk factors, to our knowledge no systematic review has been published on the overall incidence and prevalence of de-novo UTUC. This review aimed to examine the global epidemiology of UTUC to provide clinicians and public health specialists a better understanding of UTUC. Methods A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, and the Web of Science using a detailed search strategy. Observational epidemiological studies describing the incidence and prevalence of de-novo UTUC in adults were included, and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used for critical appraisal and data extraction of the studies selected. Results The systematic search identified 3506 papers, of which 59 papers were included for qualitative synthesis. The studies selected included data ranging from the years 1943 to 2018. A comprehensive qualitative synthesis of the data was performed. UTUC incidence generally varied according to age (higher with increasing age), sex (unclear), race (unclear), calendar time (increased, stable, or decreased according to region), geographical region (higher in Asian countries), occupation (higher in seamen and printers), and other population characteristics. Prevalence was only reported by one study, which showed UTUC to have the highest incidence of the rare urogenital cancers in Europe. Conclusion This systematic review highlights an increased incidence of UTUC in certain groups, including increasing age and certain occupations such as seamen. The incidence of UTUC also varies between certain geographical regions. The trend of UTUC incidence for sex, race, and calendar time is less clear due to a wide variety of metrics used by the studies identified. More studies are also required on the prevalence of UTUC to understand its disease burden. Trial registration This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42019134255).

Simple Summary: Prostate cancer is one of the most dominant cancers in the Western world. In recent years, the use of positron emission tomography (PET) targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) to image prostate cancer allows accurate diagnosis and staging. Compared to the recently registered PET tracers [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]DCFPyL, [18F]PSMA-1007 is predominantly excreted by the hepatobiliary tract, resulting in much lower urinary uptake. This allows for an improved evaluation of the pelvic area. However, on some occasions, clinicians do observe high excretion of [18F]PSMA-1007 by the renal system. Yet, this sudden differential metabolism of [18F]PSMA-1007 remains poorly understood. In this retrospective study, we aimed to elucidate the incidental high urinary uptake of [18F]PSMA-1007 by assessing the individual patient characteristics, scan (data) and peptide batches. Positron emission tomography (PET) of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) allows for accurate diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer (PCa). Compared to other PSMA PET tracers available, [18F]PSMA-1007 is predominantly excreted via the hepatobiliary tract resulting in low renal excretion which improves evaluation of the pelvic area. However, some patients do show high urinary uptake of [18F]PSMA-1007. The present study aimed to investigate this sudden high urinary uptake of [18F]PSMA-1007 by evaluating [18F]PSMA-1007 PET scans from PCa patients. In this single-center retrospective study, patients that underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET imaging between July 2018 and January 2021 were included. Data regarding the individual patient characteristics, scan acquisition and batch production were analyzed. To determine the urinary excretion of [18F]PSMA-1007, a region of interest was drawn in the bladder, and standardized uptake values (SUVs) were calculated and compared to SUVs in the prostate. An SUVmax of >10 was considered high urinary excretion, an SUVmax 7.5–10 intermediate and an SUVmax < 7.5 low urinary excretion. A total of 344 patients underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT imaging, with 37 patients receiving three or more [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT scans. The mean SUVmean and SUVmax of the bladder were 3.9 (SD 2.9) and 5.9 (SD 4.2), respectively. Fourteen percent of patients showed high urinary uptake of [18F]PSMA-1007. Twelve of the thirty-seven patients (32.4%) that had multiple scans showed a varying urinary uptake of [18F]PSMA-1007 per PSMA PET/CT scan. In terms of patient characteristics, risk factors, medication and blood laboratory results, no significant influencing variables were found. Nor was there a difference observed in the batch size and the mean radiochemical purity of PSMA-1007 for high- and low-excreting patients. However, the bladder volume affected the mean SUVmax in the bladder significantly, with higher SUVs in lower bladder volumes. In this study, we observed that a higher SUV in the urinary tract seemed to occur in patients with low bladder volume. A prospective study is needed to corroborate this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To determine, using testicular germ cell cancer screening as an example, whether screening can also be effective for cancers with a good prognosis. Methods Based on the Dutch incidence, stage distribution, and survival and mortality data of testicular germ cell cancer, we developed a microsimulation model. This model simulates screening scenarios varying in screening age, interval, self‐examination or screening by the general practitioner (GP), and screening of a defined high‐risk group (cryptorchidism). For each scenario, the number of clinically and screen‐detected cancers by stage, referrals, testicular germ cell cancer deaths, and life‐years gained were projected. Results Annual self‐examination from age 20 to 30 years resulted in 767 cancers detected per 100,000 men followed over life‐time, of which 123 (16%) by screening. In this scenario, 19.2 men died from the disease, 4.7 (20%) less than without screening, and 230 life‐years were gained. Around 14,000 visits to the GP and 2080 visits to an urologist were required. This scenario resulted in the most favorable ratio between extra visits to the GP or urologist and deaths prevented (1418 and 116 respectively). Monthly screening, or screening until age 40 resulted in less favorable ratios. Self‐examination by only the high‐risk population prevented 1.0 death per 100,00 men in the general population. In all scenarios, 46–50 life‐years were gained for each testicular germ cell cancer death prevented. Conclusion Despite the good prognosis, self‐examination at young ages for testicular germ cell cancer could be considered.

Abstract Introduction Prostate cancer screening using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing remains widespread. The prevalence of PSA testing in young men is unknown and may be an appropriate target for improving health care by decreasing low‐value testing in this age group. The purpose of this study was to determine PSA testing rates in men younger than current guidelines support. Materials and Methods Health Informational National Trends Surveys (HINTS) from 2011 to 2014 and 2017 were analyzed to establish the prevalence of PSA testing in young men and to evaluate the differences in testing rates based on race. Results The combined survey data included 5178 men, with 2393 reporting previous PSA screening. Of men ages 18–39, 7% recalled receipt of PSA testing. Twenty‐two percent of men between the ages of 40 and 44 had been tested. Among men under age 40, PSA testing was more common among black men (14%) compared to white men (7%), Hispanics (6%), and men of Asian descent (8%). Logistic regression modeling demonstrates that black men under the age of 40 were more likely to undergo PSA testing than other racial or ethnic groups (odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI 1.17, 3.93). Conclusions Current guidelines do not recommend routine PSA testing in average‐risk men under the age of 40. This study found that a significant number of young men are exposed to testing, with the greatest risk among black men. This suggests that there is an opportunity to improve the value of PSA testing by decreasing testing in young men.

Background: Routine human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is performed in cervival cancer and is required for classification of some head and neck cancers. In penile cancer a statement on HPV association of the carcinoma is required. In most cases p16 immunohistochemistry as a surrogate marker is applied in this setting. Since differing clinical outcomes for HPV positive and HPV negative tumors are described we await HPV testing to be requested more frequently by clinicians, also in the context of HPV vaccination, where other HPV subtypes are expected to emerge.Method: Therefore, a cohort of archived, formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) penile neoplasias was stained for p16 and thereafter tested for HPV infection status via PCR based methods. Additionally to Sanger sequencing, we chose LCD-Array technique (HPV 3.5 LCD-Array Kit, Chipron; LCD-Array) for the detection of HPV in our probes expecting a less time consuming and sensitive HPV test for our probes.Results: We found that LCD-Array is a sensitive and feasible method for HPV testing in routine diagnostics applicable to FFPE material in our cohort. Our cohort of penile carcinomas and carcinomas in situ was associated with HPV infection in 61% of cases. We detected no significant association between HPV infection status and histomorphological tumor characteristics as well as overall survival.Conclusions: We showed usability of molecular HPV testing on a cohort of archived penile carcinomas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating LCD-Array technique on a cohort of penile neoplasias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background We developed a novel risk scoring system for urothelial cancer (UC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 67 UC patients treated with ICI at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University from 2015 to 2018. Using stepwise variable selection in Cox proportional hazard model and Sullivan's weighting schema, baseline platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), presence of liver metastasis, baseline albumin, and baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) were used for risk scoring. Patients were categorized into good risk (risk score 0‐1), intermediate risk (risk score 2‐3), and poor risk (risk score 4‐6). Univariable (UVA) and multivariable analysis (MVA) and Kaplan‐Meier method were used to assess overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Results The Emory Risk Scoring System had C‐statistics of 0.74 (Standard Error = 0.047) in predicting OS and 0.70 (Standard Error = 0.043) in predicting PFS. Compared to good risk patients, poor risk patients had significantly shorter OS and PFS in both UVA and MVA (all P

Introduction: Cabazitaxel multiple rechallenges may be a treatment option in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who had a good initial response to cabazitaxel and who are still fit to receive it. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of multiple rechallenges. Patients and methods: We retrospectively identified 22 mCRPC patients previously treated with docetaxel and/or androgen receptor‐targeted agents who received multiple cabazitaxel rechallenges in 9 French centers. Cabazitaxel was initiated at a dose of 25 mg/m2 q3week. A reduced dose (20 mg/m2 q3w) or an alternative schedule (mainly 16 mg/m2 q2w) was increasingly used for subsequent rechallenges. Progression‐free survival, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response, best clinical response, and grade ≥3 toxicities were collected. Overall survival was calculated from various time points. Results: Twenty‐two patients with an initial response to cabazitaxel were rechallenged at least twice. The median number of cabazitaxel cycles was 7 at first cabazitaxel treatment, 6 at first rechallenge, and 5 at subsequent rechallenges. Median progression‐free survival at first rechallenge was 9.6 months and 5.6 months at second rechallenge. Median overall survival was 50.9 months from the first cabazitaxel dose, 114.9 months from first life‐extending therapy initiation in mCRPC, and 105 months from mCRPC diagnosis. There was no cumulative grade ≥3 neuropathy or nail disorder and one case of febrile neutropenia. Conclusion: Cabazitaxel multiple rechallenges may be a treatment option without cumulative toxicity in heavily pretreated patients having a good response to first cabazitaxel use and still fit to receive it. Novelty & Impact Statements: Patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer can be treated with Cabazitaxel after docetaxel and androgen receptor‐targeted agent. This chemotherapy can be used multiple times with efficacy and manageable toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous research has indicated cognitive decline (CD) among testicular cancer patients (TCPs), even in the absence of chemotherapy, but little is known about the underlying pathophysiology. The present study assessed changes in cognitive functions and structural brain connectomes in TCPs and explored the associations between cognitive changes and endocrine status and hypothesized risk genotypes. Methods: Thirty‐eight newly orchiectomized TCPs and 21 healthy controls (HCs) comparable to TCPs in terms of age and years of education underwent neuropsychological testing, structural MRI, and a biological assessment at baseline and 6 months later. Cognitive change was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery and determined using a standardized regression‐based approach, with substantial change defined as z‐scores ≤−1.64 or ≥1.64. MRI scans and graph theory were used to evaluate changes in structural brain connectomes. The associations of cognitive changes with testosterone levels, androgen receptor gene (AR) CAG repeat length, and genotypes (APOE, COMT, and BDNF) were explored. Results: Compared with HCs, TCPs showed higher rates of substantial decline on processing speed and visuospatial ability and higher rates of substantial improvement on verbal recall and visuospatial learning (p < 0.05; OR = 8.15–15.84). Brain network analysis indicated bilateral thalamic changes in node degree in HCs, but not in TCPs (p < 0.01). In TCPs, higher baseline testosterone levels predicted decline in verbal memory (p < 0.05). No effects were found for AR CAG repeat length, APOE, COMT, or BDNF. Conclusions: The present study confirms previous findings of domain‐specific CD in TCPs following orchiectomy, but also points to domain‐specific improvements. The results do not indicate changes in brain connectomes or endocrine status to be the main drivers of CD. Further studies evaluating the mechanisms underlying CD in TCPs, including the possible role of the dynamics of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare urological cancer that is still an important public health concern in many areas around the world. Although UTUC has been linked to a number of risk factors, to our knowledge no systematic review has been published on the overall incidence and prevalence of de-novo UTUC. This review aimed to examine the global epidemiology of UTUC to provide clinicians and public health specialists a better understanding of UTUC.Methods: A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, and the Web of Science using a detailed search strategy. Observational epidemiological studies describing the incidence and prevalence of de-novo UTUC in adults were included, and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used for critical appraisal and data extraction of the studies selected.Results: The systematic search identified 3506 papers, of which 59 papers were included for qualitative synthesis. The studies selected included data ranging from the years 1943 to 2018. A comprehensive qualitative synthesis of the data was performed. UTUC incidence generally varied according to age (higher with increasing age), sex (unclear), race (unclear), calendar time (increased, stable, or decreased according to region), geographical region (higher in Asian countries), occupation (higher in seamen and printers), and other population characteristics. Prevalence was only reported by one study, which showed UTUC to have the highest incidence of the rare urogenital cancers in Europe.Conclusion: This systematic review highlights an increased incidence of UTUC in certain groups, including increasing age and certain occupations such as seamen. The incidence of UTUC also varies between certain geographical regions. The trend of UTUC incidence for sex, race, and calendar time is less clear due to a wide variety of metrics used by the studies identified. More studies are also required on the prevalence of UTUC to understand its disease burden. Trial registration This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42019134255). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There continues to be rapid developments and research in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Urological Oncology worldwide. In this review we discuss the basics of AI, application of AI per tumour group (Renal, Prostate and Bladder Cancer) and application of AI in Robotic Urological Surgery. We also discuss future applications of AI being developed with the benefits to patients with Urological Oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Early identification of early death for bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy based on the laboratory findings at the time of diagnosis could improve the overall survival. The study aimed to explore preoperative factors associated with higher risk of early death (within 1 year after surgery) for bladder cancer patients. Methods A total of 186 bladder cancer patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) were identified between October 2014 and May 2017. The probability of dying within 1 year after RARC was defined as the end point “early death.” Predictive factors including clinical features and laboratory findings at diagnosis were retrospectively collected. Results Median follow‐up time after RARC was 20.6 months (1.2‐43.7 months). Fifty‐one patients (27.4%) died during follow‐up and 31 within 1 year from surgery (1‐year mortality rate: 16.7%). All potentially prognostic factors were assessed on univariate analyses, which revealed the following factors as being associated with higher risk of early death within 1 year after RARC: older age (P = 0.004), advanced clinical stage (P = 0.005), presence of hydronephrosis (P = 0.021), higher fibrinogen (P = 0.007), higher PLR (P = 0.031), and lower PNI (P = 0.016). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis, age >60 years (HR = 7.303, 95% CI 1.734‐30.764; P = 0.007) and fibrinogen ≥3.295 g/L (HR = 2.396, 95% CI 1.138‐5.045; P = 0.007) at diagnosis were independent prognostic factors of early death after RARC. Conclusion Age and preoperative elevated plasma fibrinogen level were independent predictors for 1‐year mortality after RARC. We believe that plasma fibrinogen levels may become a useful biomarker, which may help guide the treatment decision‐making process for patients with bladder cancer.

Background: To determine, using testicular germ cell cancer screening as an example, whether screening can also be effective for cancers with a good prognosis. Methods: Based on the Dutch incidence, stage distribution, and survival and mortality data of testicular germ cell cancer, we developed a microsimulation model. This model simulates screening scenarios varying in screening age, interval, self‐examination or screening by the general practitioner (GP), and screening of a defined high‐risk group (cryptorchidism). For each scenario, the number of clinically and screen‐detected cancers by stage, referrals, testicular germ cell cancer deaths, and life‐years gained were projected. Results: Annual self‐examination from age 20 to 30 years resulted in 767 cancers detected per 100,000 men followed over life‐time, of which 123 (16%) by screening. In this scenario, 19.2 men died from the disease, 4.7 (20%) less than without screening, and 230 life‐years were gained. Around 14,000 visits to the GP and 2080 visits to an urologist were required. This scenario resulted in the most favorable ratio between extra visits to the GP or urologist and deaths prevented (1418 and 116 respectively). Monthly screening, or screening until age 40 resulted in less favorable ratios. Self‐examination by only the high‐risk population prevented 1.0 death per 100,00 men in the general population. In all scenarios, 46–50 life‐years were gained for each testicular germ cell cancer death prevented. Conclusion: Despite the good prognosis, self‐examination at young ages for testicular germ cell cancer could be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prostate cancer screening using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing remains widespread. The prevalence of PSA testing in young men is unknown and may be an appropriate target for improving health care by decreasing low‐value testing in this age group. The purpose of this study was to determine PSA testing rates in men younger than current guidelines support. Materials and Methods: Health Informational National Trends Surveys (HINTS) from 2011 to 2014 and 2017 were analyzed to establish the prevalence of PSA testing in young men and to evaluate the differences in testing rates based on race. Results: The combined survey data included 5178 men, with 2393 reporting previous PSA screening. Of men ages 18–39, 7% recalled receipt of PSA testing. Twenty‐two percent of men between the ages of 40 and 44 had been tested. Among men under age 40, PSA testing was more common among black men (14%) compared to white men (7%), Hispanics (6%), and men of Asian descent (8%). Logistic regression modeling demonstrates that black men under the age of 40 were more likely to undergo PSA testing than other racial or ethnic groups (odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI 1.17, 3.93). Conclusions: Current guidelines do not recommend routine PSA testing in average‐risk men under the age of 40. This study found that a significant number of young men are exposed to testing, with the greatest risk among black men. This suggests that there is an opportunity to improve the value of PSA testing by decreasing testing in young men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having significant effects on health services globally, including on urological surgery for which the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) has provided national guidance. Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS) is one of the regions most affected by COVID-19 in the UK to date. Methods: An anonymous online survey of all KSS urology trainees was conducted. The primary outcome was to assess the effects on urology services, both malignant and benign, across the region in the acceleration phase and at the peak of the pandemic compared to standard care. The second was to quantify the effects on urology training, especially regarding operative exposure. Results: There were significant decreases in urological services provided at the peak of the pandemic across KSS compared to standard care (p <0.0001). Only 22% of urology units were able to continue operating for low-risk cancer and to continue cystoscopy for two-week wait non-visible haematuria referrals in line with BAUS escalation guidelines. A third (33%) did not complete any prostate biopsies at the peak. The majority of urology units continued clinics by telephone. Urology trainees reported completing substantially fewer operating procedures and workplace-based assessments. A third (33%) had moved to consultant-only operating by the peak. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes to urological surgery services and training in KSS, with heterogeneity across the region. We suggest further work to quantify the effects nationally. Level of evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We developed a novel risk scoring system for urothelial cancer (UC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 67 UC patients treated with ICI at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University from 2015 to 2018. Using stepwise variable selection in Cox proportional hazard model and Sullivan's weighting schema, baseline platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), presence of liver metastasis, baseline albumin, and baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) were used for risk scoring. Patients were categorized into good risk (risk score 0‐1), intermediate risk (risk score 2‐3), and poor risk (risk score 4‐6). Univariable (UVA) and multivariable analysis (MVA) and Kaplan‐Meier method were used to assess overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Results: The Emory Risk Scoring System had C‐statistics of 0.74 (Standard Error = 0.047) in predicting OS and 0.70 (Standard Error = 0.043) in predicting PFS. Compared to good risk patients, poor risk patients had significantly shorter OS and PFS in both UVA and MVA (all P <.001), and intermediate risk patients had significantly shorter OS and PFS in both UVA and MVA (all P <.03). Conclusions: Risk scoring using baseline PLR, presence of liver metastasis, baseline albumin, and baseline ECOG PS may effectively predict OS and PFS in UC patients receiving ICI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early identification of early death for bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy based on the laboratory findings at the time of diagnosis could improve the overall survival. The study aimed to explore preoperative factors associated with higher risk of early death (within 1 year after surgery) for bladder cancer patients. Methods: A total of 186 bladder cancer patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) were identified between October 2014 and May 2017. The probability of dying within 1 year after RARC was defined as the end point "early death." Predictive factors including clinical features and laboratory findings at diagnosis were retrospectively collected. Results: Median follow‐up time after RARC was 20.6 months (1.2‐43.7 months). Fifty‐one patients (27.4%) died during follow‐up and 31 within 1 year from surgery (1‐year mortality rate: 16.7%). All potentially prognostic factors were assessed on univariate analyses, which revealed the following factors as being associated with higher risk of early death within 1 year after RARC: older age (P = 0.004), advanced clinical stage (P = 0.005), presence of hydronephrosis (P = 0.021), higher fibrinogen (P = 0.007), higher PLR (P = 0.031), and lower PNI (P = 0.016). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis, age >60 years (HR = 7.303, 95% CI 1.734‐30.764; P = 0.007) and fibrinogen ≥3.295 g/L (HR = 2.396, 95% CI 1.138‐5.045; P = 0.007) at diagnosis were independent prognostic factors of early death after RARC. Conclusion: Age and preoperative elevated plasma fibrinogen level were independent predictors for 1‐year mortality after RARC. We believe that plasma fibrinogen levels may become a useful biomarker, which may help guide the treatment decision‐making process for patients with bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine whether the interactive visualisation of patient-specific virtual 3D models of the renal anatomy influences the pre-operative decision-making process of urological surgeons for complex renal cancer operations.Methods: Five historic renal cancer patient pre-operative computed tomography (CT) datasets were retrospectively selected based on RENAL nephrectomy score and variety of anatomy. Interactive virtual 3D models were generated for each dataset using image segmentation software and were made available for online visualisation and manipulation. Consultant urologists were invited to participate in the survey which consisted of CT and volume-rendered images (VRI) for the control arm, and CT with segmentation overlay and the virtual 3D model for the intervention arm. A questionnaire regarding anatomical structures, surgical approach, and confidence was administered.Results: Twenty-five participants were recruited (54% response rate), with 19/25 having > 5 years of renal surgery experience. The median anatomical clarity score increased from 3 for the control to 5 for the intervention arm. A change in planned surgical approach was reported in 19% of cases. Virtual 3D models increased surgeon confidence in the surgical decisions in 4/5 patient datasets. There was a statistically significant improvement in surgeon opinion of the potential utility for decision-making purposes of virtual 3D models as compared to VRI at the multidisciplinary team meeting, theatre planning, and intra-operative stages.Conclusion: The use of pre-operative interactive virtual 3D models for surgery planning influences surgical decision-making. Further studies are needed to investigate if the use of these models changes renal cancer surgery outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical predictive factors for malignant testicular histology remain unclear because of the low prevalence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate predictors of malignant histology for testicular masses and decide more testis-sparing surgeries before surgery. This retrospective study enrolled 325 consecutive testicular mass patients who underwent radical orchiectomy (310/325) or testicular preserving surgery (15/325) from January 2001 to June 2016. The clinicopathological factors, including tumor diameter, cryptorchidism history, ultrasound findings, serum alpha-fetoprotein, and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels, were collected retrospectively for statistical analysis. A predictive nomogram was also generated to evaluate the quantitative probability. Among all patients, 247 (76.0%) were diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumor and 78 (24.0%) with benign histology. Larger tumor diameter (per cm increased, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.284, P = 0.036), lower ultrasound echo (HR = 3.191, P = 0.001), higher ultrasound blood flow (HR = 3.320, P < 0.001), and abnormal blood HCG (HR = 10.550, P < 0.001) were significant predictive factors for malignant disease in all testicular mass patients. The nomogram generated was well calibrated for all predictions of malignant probability, and the accuracy of the model nomogram measured by Harrell's C statistic (C-index) was 0.92. According to our data, the proportion of patients who underwent radical orchiectomy for benign tumors (24.0%) was much larger than generally believed (10.0%). Our results indicated that the diameter, ultrasonic echo, ultrasonic blood flow, and serum HCG levels could predict the malignancy in testicular mass patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]