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Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vibegron in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) in real-world clinical practice in Japan. Methods This multicenter, prospective, non-controlled study consecutively enrolled patients with OAB determined by an OAB symptom score (OABSS) of three points or more and a question 3 (urgency) score of two points or more. A total of 212 patients from 43 institutions were recruited from January 2019 through March 2020. Vibegron, 50 mg, was administrated daily for 8 weeks as first-line monotherapy (first-line group, FL), monotherapy switching from antimuscarinics (post-antimuscarinic group, PA) or mirabegron (post-mirabegron group, PM) and combination therapy with antimuscarinics (add-on group). The OABSS was collected at baseline and every 2 weeks. Adverse events were recorded at every visit. Results Of the 212 patients registered, 188 (male 76, female 112) were eligible for analysis (124 in the FL group, 27 in PA, 29 in PM, and eight in the add-on group). The add-on group was excluded from further analysis due to its small number. The OABSS (mean ± SD) showed significant improvement in all groups (FL; 8.8 ± 2.5, 3.8 ± 2.8, PM; 9.4 ± 2.2, 4.5 ± 4.0, PM; 8.9 ± 2.5, 4.7 ± 3.3 at 0 and 8 weeks, respectively). The overall incidence of adverse events was 25%. No grade 3 or higher adverse events were observed. Conclusions In the real-world clinical setting, vibegron is effective and well-tolerated by OAB patients, including those switching therapy from antimuscarinics and mirabegron.

Background:. We investigated the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy (OPN) in the minimally invasive approach era. Materials and methods:. We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients (55 cases) who underwent OPN from May 2009 to March 2016. We assessed perioperative change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), complications, and oncological outcomes. Tumor complexity was evaluated using the R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score (NS) and the modified NS. Results:. Fifteen cases (27%) had imperative indications and 40 (73%) had elective indications. The elective cases were more likely to have adverse tumor complexity based on NS. The perioperative complication rate defined as a Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa was 11%. The rate of postoperative decline in eGFR at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years was 22%, 20%, and 21%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender (odds ratio [OR] 11.8, p = 0.03), NS ≥9 (OR 13.9, p = 0.02), modified NS ≥11 (OR 13.5, p = 0.01), and cold ischemic time ≥40 minutes (OR 7.9, p = 0.04) were significantly associated with worsening eGFR at 1 year after surgery. During a median follow-up period of 52 months, the 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 93% and 84%, respectively. Conclusions:. OPN is acceptable with regard to oncological outcomes and complications in the minimally invasive surgery era. We propose that OPN should be the preferred approach in cases in which it is technically difficult to preserve maximum renal function via a minimally invasive approach.

Purpose BEP (bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin) chemotherapy is a standard regimen for germ cell tumors (GCTs); however, their high emetogenicity is problematic. The control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is crucial to complete the treatment. We conducted this study to explore the efficacy and safety of antiemetic therapy with dexamethasone and aprepitant for 5 days in combination with palonosetron 0.75mg on days 1 and 5 in BEP. Methods This open-label single-arm study was prospectively conducted in 4 hospitals belonging to the Sapporo Medical University Urologic Oncology Consortium from May 2012 through March 2020. Chemotherapy-naïve men aged 20 years or more with GCT who were scheduled to receive the BEP regimen were eligible. The primary endpoint was the complete response (CR) rate of CINV. Results A total of 19 patients were enrolled (median age, 37 years). Overall, 16 (84.2%) patients experienced some nausea, whereas only 4 (21.1%) patients had grade 1 emetic events. Overall CR of CINV was achieved in 9 (47.4%) patients. CR for acute and delayed CINV were achieved in 13 (68.4%) and 10 (52.6), respectively. Although 14 (73.7%) patients experienced 22 adverse events after palonosetron administration, severe adverse events (grade 3 or more) attributable to it did not occur. Conclusions The results suggest that aprepitant, palonosetron and dexamethasone antiemetic therapy for patients with GCT receiving BEP is safe, whereas the efficacy of additional palonosetron administration on day 5 for prevention of delayed CINV remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether cognitive behavioral therapy using a self-check sheet is effective in improving night-time frequency of patients with nocturia. METHODS We carried out a multicenter, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial in eight institutions. Patients having two or more episodes of nocturia were randomly assigned to either cognitive behavioral therapy with completion of frequency volume charts regularly (cognitive behavioral therapy group) or frequency volume charts regularly alone (frequency volume charts group). The cognitive behavioral therapy checklist was composed of eight items: wake up time/bedtime, mealtime, napping, alcohol/caffeine intake, water intake, salt intake, exercise and taking a bath. A physician explained cognitive behavioral therapy within 5 min using a brief manual. The patients in the cognitive behavioral therapy group filled out the self-check sheet every day. The primary end-point was the difference in night-time frequency based on the International Prostate Symptom Score Q7 at 4 weeks. RESULTS Of the 100 first-visit patients randomly allocated, 37 in the cognitive behavioral therapy group and 41 in the frequency volume charts group completed the protocol. No difference was observed in the mean ± standard deviation of night-time frequency at 4 weeks between the cognitive behavioral therapy group (2.6 ± 1.0) and the frequency volume charts group (3.1 ± 1.2; P = 0.056). However, when six patients with achievement of cognitive behavioral therapy of

A female patient with Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma developed lung metastasis 24 months after partial nephrectomy that was performed at the age of 32. Sunitinib, everolimus, axitinib, temsirolimus and pazopanib were sequentially administered for 55 months and disease progression was observed. Then nivolumab was started as 6th-line treatment. After a transient increase in tumor size, metastatic tumors started to shrink. Eventually, nivolumab provided a partial response with a 35% reduction of tumor size at 50 months and freedom from progression for 60 months. The present case suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in selected cases with Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma.

A 44-year-old man was carried to the hospital in an ambulance because of dyspnea, paralysis and dysuria after signs of the flu. Acute encephalomyelitis was diagnosed by examination of magnetic resonance imaging. Antimicrobial treatment and respirator management was carried out with indwelling of urethral catheter for urinary retention. After improvement of encephalitis, the urethral catheter was removed. However, he still needed medical care because of persistent lower urinary tract symptoms. He complained of urge incontinence and urination frequency. Decrease of functional bladder capacity was noticed in a frequency volume chart. After consulting with our neurologist, acute transverse myelitis was diagnosed from imaging and neurological findings. Pressure flow study (PFS)demonstrated detrusor overactive during the filling phase and insufficient contractility during the voiding phase. We reached the diagnosis of detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility (DHIC). We did not introduce clean intermittent catheterization but used the mirabegron instead. Although storage symptoms did not improve on the mirabegron monotherapy, the symptoms improved by solifenacin added. There is a possibility that combination therapy with mirabegron and solifenacin is effective for DHIC.

We evaluated the impact of tumor shrinkage (TS) induced by molecular targeted therapy as the first-line systemic therapy on the survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). A total of 67 patients with mRCC who received first-line molecular targeted therapy were included in this study. Sixty patients were evaluable by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors. Patients underwent the first evaluation at 8-12 weeks after the start of the therapy. Twenty patients had TS ≧30%, 32 from 30% to -20%, and 8 ≦-20%. The median overall survival periods of patients who achieved TS ≧30%, from 30% to -20%, and ≦-20% at first evaluation were 41.0, 35.0, and 11.5 months, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that TS of≧0%, in addition to negative C-reactive protein and the absence of bone metastasis were good predictors of overall survival. The patients who achieved 0% or more at the initial evaluation had longer survival than those who had no tumor reduction (40.0 months vs 12.0 months, p0. 001). These findings suggest that early TS affects overall survival in real practice. We should consider alternative therapies for patients who have not achieved tumor reduction at the initial evaluation.

Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (SCUB) is rare. The optimal treatment for SCUB remains unclear. To address the problem of appropriate treatment for each case, we assessed single-modality and surgery-based multimodality treatments in patients with SCUB.We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 12 patients with SCUB between 1990 and 2013. All patients underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor and were diagnosed with SCUB. Their clinicopathological characteristics were assessed, and the outcomes were compared according to the treatment modality.The median (range) age at diagnosis was 66 years (range, 53-85 years). T1-4N0M0 was observed in 8 patients (66%), N1-3M0 in 2 (17%), and NanyM1 in 2 (17%). After transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, 6 patients (50%) underwent cystectomy alone, and 4 (33%) underwent cystectomy and presurgical or adjuvant chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin. During the median follow-up period of 20.7 months, 6 patients (50%) died of cancer, and 2 patients (17%) died of other causes. The median overall survival period was 1.9 years. The 5-year overall survival rate in patients who underwent cystectomy and chemotherapy was 75%, whereas that in those who underwent cystectomy alone and transurethral resection alone were 22% and 0%, respectively (Radical cystectomy with chemotherapy using the etoposide and cisplatin regimen improved the prognosis of patients with SCUB and TxNxM0. The time from initial progression to death due to cancer was very short, indicating that the initial treatment strategy is crucial.

A 72-year-old man was referred to our hospital for examination of a right adrenal tumor incidentally found by computed tomography for close inspection of lumbago. The computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed a 51×54×43 mm solid tumor in the right adrenal region. Endocrinological examinations were within normal limits. Because we could not diagnose his condition due to atypical radiographic findings preoperatively and exclude a malignant tumor, laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as ganglioneuroma originating from the right adrenal glands.

Objectives To clarify the efficacy of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) instillation for non-muscle invasive bladder (NMIBC) cancer with variant histology, especially glandular differentiation or squamous differentiation. Materials and methods From May 1991 through June 2016, 53 patients were diagnosed retrospectively as having NMIBC with variant histology. Among these patients, 47 NMIBC patients with squamous differentiation or glandular differentiation were analyzed for this study. The median follow-up interval from diagnosis of NMIBC with variant histology was 28.9 months (1.5-168.8). Results Of these patients, 38 (80.9%) and 9 (19.1%) were diagnosed as having glandular differentiation and squamous differentiation, respectively. Radical cystectomy was conducted for six (12.8%) immediately after the diagnosis of NMIBC with variant histology. Of the 41 patients with bladder preservation, 20 (48.8%), 3 (7.3%), 3 (7.3%) and 15 (36.6%) underwent BCG, THP, MMC and no additional treatment, respectively. There were significant differences between BCG and other treatments or no additional treatment for recurrence (P = 0.034), progression (P = 0.004) and cancer-specific survival (P = 0.014). Conclusion Overall, our results show that intravesical BCG instillation for variant histology in NMIBC leads to a better prognosis with regard to progression and cause-specific survival than other intravesical treatments or no additional treatment. BCG treatment may also have a clinical benefit for variant histology in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients.

Although serum cystatin C and creatinine are used as practical markers of renal function, the discrepancy between them in postrenal acute kidney injury (AKI) cases was reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether the preoperative serum cystatin C (pre-CysC) level could predict clinical outcomes after treatment in patients with postrenal AKI. Patients who underwent urological interventions with postrenal AKI were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Associations among preoperative serum creatinine (pre-sCr), pre-CysC, and nadir postoperative serum creatinine (post-sCr) were evaluated. In addition, based on our results in combination with detailed data from the literature, a predictive equation for postoperative serum creatinine (post-sCr) was developed by simple regression analysis and validated using Bland–Altman plots. Finally, 19 patients were eligible for analysis in this study. The value calculated by subtracting pre-CysC (mg/L) from pre-sCr (mg/dl) had a strong correlation to the decrement of serum creatinine (r = 0.9508, p

Neuroendocrine (NE) cells in prostate cancer have been shown to be associated with the progression of prostate cancer. However, little is known about the molecular basis of this association. We have previously demonstrated that NE cells promote metastasis of a human prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP) with overexpression of the gelsolin gene. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactions between NE cells and LNCaP cells and the involvement of gelsolin in contributing to the invasive potential of LNCaP cells. In addition, we examined whether neurotensin induced gelsolin-mediated invasion. We used the NE cell line NE-CS that was established from the prostate of the LPB-Tag 12T-10 transgenic mouse. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting gelsolin or not targeting it was transfected into LNCaP cells. Cell invasion was assessed by Matrigel invasion assay. The supernatant of NE-CS cells and neurotensin induced the transformation of LNCaP cells. Neurotensin was observed in the supernatant of NE-CS cells but not in LNCaP cells. The siRNA targeting of gelsolin resulted in inhibition of invasion of LNCaP cells in the culture medium with neurotensin added, and in the supernatant of NE-CS cells with epidermal growth factor. The invasive potential of LNCaP cells enhanced by neurotensin or the supernatant of NE-CS cells through neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) was blocked by a phospholipase Cγ inhibitor and an intracellular calcium chelator, with concomitant gelsolin suppression. This study indicates that NE cells and neurotensin induce gelsolin-mediated invasion of LNCaP cells through NTSR1 activation.

We evaluated the outcome of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after surgery in a long-term follow-up study to elucidate the specific biological behaviors of RCC, such as late recurrence and late cancer-specific death. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathological features of 625 patients who were diagnosed as having renal cell carcinoma at our institution from 1975 to 2006. We analyzed the parameters and outcomes for the patients who had received radical or partial nephrectomy. Pathological staging was reviewed again by two pathologists. The median age of the patients was 61 years (range 16–87). The median follow-up was 7.0 years (range 0.1–30.3). Of the 516 patients with localized or locally advanced RCC, 124 (24.0 %) had recurrence after surgery. Lung metastasis was observed most frequently. The 10-year cancer-specific survival rates were 92.4, 91.0, 64.1 and 11.8 % for stages I, II, III and IV, respectively. The late recurrence rates in patients with localized and locally advanced RCC 5 and 10 years after initial surgery were 8.5 and 3.7 %, respectively. Cancer death more than 10 years after initial treatment of the disease occurred in 16 patients. Of the 16 patients, 9 had localized disease at the time of the initial surgery. Specific findings that characterized them were not identified in these patients. Late recurrence of RCC is not rare. Cancer-specific death more than 10 years after the initial treatment was observed in 16 patients with localized or advanced disease. No specific findings were identified to characterize these patients with late cancer death.

We report a case of liver metastasis with portal vein tumor thrombosis from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A 62-year-old man was noted to have a wedge-shaped low density area in the liver by computed tomography thirteen years after radical nephrectomy. Hepatic arterioportal shunt was suspected because liver biopsy did not show malignancy. Several months later, the patient showed aggravation of liver function which did not improve regardless of anticoagulant therapy. Recurrent liver biopsy revealed metastatic RCC. Autopsy showed portal vein tumor thrombus from RCC in the liver.