Rectourinary Fistula after Radical Prostatectomy: Review of the Literature for Incidence, Etiology, and Management

Although rectourinary fistula (RUF) after radical prostatectomy (RP) is rare, it is an important issue impairing the quality of life of patients. If the RUF does not spontaneously close after colostomy, surgical closure should be considered. However, there is no standard approach and no consensus in the literature. A National Center for Biotechnology Information (NVBI) PubMed search for relevant articles published between 1995 and December 2010 was performed using the medical subject headings “radical prostatectomy” and “fistula.” Articles relevant to the treatment of RUF were retained. RUF developed in 0.6% to 9% of patients after RP. Most cases required colostomy, but more than 50% of them needed surgical fistula closure thereafter. The York-Mason technique is the most common approach, and closure using a broad-based flap of rectal mucosa is recommended after excision of the RUF. New techniques using a sealant or glue are developing, but further successful reports are needed

The Add-On Effect of Solifenacin for Patients with Remaining Overactive Bladder after Treatment with Tamsulosin for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Obstruction

Objectives. To investigate the add-on effect of solifenacin for Japanese men with remaining overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after tamsulosin monotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) in real-life clinical practice. Methods. Patients aged ≥ 50 having remaining OAB symptoms (≥ 3 of OAB symptom score (OABSS) with ≥2 of urgency score) after at least 4 weeks treatment by 0.2 mg of tamsulosin for BPO/LUTS received 2.5 or 5.0 mg of solifenacin for 12 weeks. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), QOL index and OABSS, maximum flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) were determined. Results. A total of 48 patients (mean age 72.5 years) completed the study. There were significant improvement in IPSS (15.1 to 11.2) and QOL index (4.2 to 3.0) by add-on of solifenacin. Although the IPSS storage symptom score was significantly improved, there were no changes observed in the IPSS voiding symptom score. The OABSS showed significant improvement (8.0 to 4.8). No changes were observed in Qmax and PVR. Conclusions. Under the supervision of an experienced urologist, the additional administration of solifenacin to patients with BPO/LUTS treated with tamsulosin, is effective in controlling remaining OAB symptoms

Treatment Strategy According to Findings on Pressure-Flow Study for Women with Decreased Urinary Flow Rate

Purpose. In women who reported a weak urinary stream, the efficacy of treatment chosen according to the urodynamic findings on pressure-flow study was prospectively evaluated. Materials and Methods. Twelve female patients with maximum flow rates of 10 mL/sec or lower were analyzed in the present study. At baseline, all underwent pressure-flow study to determine the degree of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and status of detrusor contractility on Schäfer's diagram. Distigmine bromide, 10 mg/d, was given to the patients with detrusor underactivity (DUA) defined as weak/very weak contractility, whereas urethral dilatation was performed using a metal sound for those with BOO (linear passive urethral resistance relation 2–6). Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and measurement of postvoid residual urine volume. Some patients underwent pressure-flow study after treatment. Results. Urethral dilatation was performed for six patients with BOO, while distigmine bromide was given to the remaining six showing DUA without BOO. IPSS, QOL index, and the urinary flow rate were significantly improved in both groups after treatment. All four of the patients with BOO and one of the three with DUA but no BOO who underwent pressure-flow study after treatment showed decreased degrees of BOO and increased detrusor contractility, respectively. Conclusions. Both BOO and DUA cause a decreased urinary flow rate in women. In the short-term, urethral dilatation and distigmine bromide are efficacious for female patients with BOO and those with DUA, respectively

Epidemiology and Natural History of Prostatic Diseases

Abstract: The understanding of the epidemiology and natural history of a disease strongly contributes to appropriate diagnoses and the selection of optimal therapies. Epidemiological studies reveal that there are a large number of patients with benign diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, and there are also many men who do not visit the hospital but who have lower urinary tract symptoms (ULTS). On the other hand, a substantial percentage of prostate cancer is detected in patients who seek medical care because of LUTS. Studies of the natural history of diseases demonstrate the importance of identifying factors that denote progressive BPH. Better identification of these factors will enable us to individualize treatment in a more effective way. The same is true for prostate cancer. To determine which treatment is best suited to each type of patient, we need to understand the natural history of prostate cancer, including observation. This approach will enable us to tailor individualized treatment

Late Recurrence and Second Primary Malignancy among 139 Patients with Germ Cell Tumors: Long-term Outcome of the Disease in a Single-center Experience

doi:10.1093/jjco/hyp14

Aberrant expression and potency as a cancer immunotherapy target of alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase in prostate cancer

Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) is an enzyme playing an important role in the beta-oxidation of branched-chain fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives. High expression levels of AMACR have been described in various cancers, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and kidney cancer. Because of its cancer-specific and frequent expression, AMACR could be an attractive target for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-based immunotherapy for cancer. In the present study, we examined the induction of AMACR-specific CTLs from prostate cancer patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and determined HLA-A24-restricted CTL epitopes

Peritoneal dissemination of prostate cancer due to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Peritoneal dissemination with no further metastases of prostate cancer is very rare, with only three cases reported in the available literature. We report the first case of iatrogenic peritoneal dissemination due to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.</p> <p>Case Presentation</p> <p>A 59-year-old Japanese man underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for clinical T2bN0M0 prostate cancer, and the pathological diagnosis was pT3aN0 Gleason 3+4 adenocarcinoma with a negative surgical margin. Salvage radiation therapy was performed since his serum prostate-specific antigen remained at a measurable value. After the radiation, he underwent castration, followed by combined androgen blockade with estramustine phosphate and dexamethasone as each treatment was effective for only a few months to a year. Nine years after the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, computed tomography revealed a peritoneal tumor, although no other organ metastasis had been identified until then. He died six months after the appearance of peritoneal metastasis. An autopsy demonstrated peritoneal dissemination of the prostate cancer without any other metastasis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Physicians should take into account metastasis to unexpected sites. Furthermore, we suggest that meticulous care be taken not to disseminate cancer cells to the peritoneum during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.</p

The Efficacy and Safety of Propiverine Hydrochloride in Patients with Overactive Bladder Symptoms Who Poorly Responded to Previous Anticholinergic Agents

Objectives. To prospectively examine the efficacy and safety of propiverine hydrochloride in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms who poorly responded to previous treatment with solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin. Methods. Patients aged ≥20 with persisting OAB symptoms (≥6 in OAB symptom score (OABSS)) even after at least 4-week treatment using solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin were enrolled. Propiverine 20 mg/day was administered for 12 weeks to 70 patients who desired the further improvement of OAB symptoms and 3 who had intolerable adverse events of previous drugs. The OABSS and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) were determined before and at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. Results. Of 73 patients enrolled (29 males and 44 females, median age 71 years), 52 completed the protocol treatment. The OABSS was significantly improved by propiverine treatment (9.0 at baseline, 6.2 at 4 weeks, 6.3 at 12 weeks (P < 0.001)). The scores of OAB symptoms (nighttime frequency, urgency and urge incontinence) except daytime frequency also improved significantly. No increase in PVR was observed. The most frequent adverse event was dry mouth (13.7%), followed by constipation (6.8%). Conclusions. Propiverine is useful to improve OAB for patients who poorly respond to solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin

Relationship between serum isoflavone concentrations and frequency of soybean products consumption in patients with prostate cancer

Dietary consumption of high concentrations of soybean products has been suggested to reduce the risk for prostate cancer (PCa). We conducted a survey using patients with PCa to assess the relationship between serum concentrations of isoflavone aglycones and frequency of soybean products consumption in patients with PCa. We measured the serum concentrations of daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and equol in 99 PCa patients, in addition to conducting a survey using a self administrated questionnaire that included the frequencies of various food item consumptions. If serum concentrations of equol were at a value less than 0.5 ng/mL, they were classified as an equol non producer, and the other patients were classified as equol producers. As a result, serum concentrations of daidzein, genistein, and glycitein were found to be significantly correlated to each other (P<0.001). The frequency of tofu (soybean curd) consumption was significantly correlated with the serum concentration of daidzein (P<0.05). Likewise, the frequency of natto (fermented soybean) consumption was significantly correlated with the serum concentrations of daidzein, genistein, and glycitein (P<0.01). In the study there were 40 equol producers and 59 equol non producers, but none of the food items were significantly different between the equol producers and the equol non producers. We have a plan to perform a similar survey for population based controls in the future. Comparisons between the data of the PCa patients and the controls would give us more information about the role of isoflavones and equol production in regard to the risk of PCa

Clinical Study The Efficacy and Safety of Propiverine Hydrochloride in Patients with Overactive Bladder Symptoms Who Poorly Responded to Previous Anticholinergic Agents

Objectives. To prospectively examine the efficacy and safety of propiverine hydrochloride in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms who poorly responded to previous treatment with solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin. Methods. Patients aged ≥20 with persisting OAB symptoms (≥6 in OAB symptom score (OABSS)) even after at least 4-week treatment using solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin were enrolled. Propiverine 20 mg/day was administered for 12 weeks to 70 patients who desired the further improvement of OAB symptoms and 3 who had intolerable adverse events of previous drugs. The OABSS and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) were determined before and at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. Results. Of 73 patients enrolled (29 males and 44 females, median age 71 years), 52 completed the protocol treatment. The OABSS was significantly improved by propiverine treatment (9.0 at baseline, 6.2 at 4 weeks, 6.3 at 12 weeks (P &lt; 0.001)). The scores of OAB symptoms (nighttime frequency, urgency and urge incontinence) except daytime frequency also improved significantly. No increase in PVR was observed. The most frequent adverse event was dry mouth (13.7%), followed by constipation (6.8%). Conclusions. Propiverine is useful to improve OAB for patients who poorly respond to solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin