Jianfeng Cui

Prognostic scores based on the preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin level as a prognostic factor in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

This study is to clarify the prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin level, as known as FA score, in a cohort of Chinese patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We retrospectively evaluated clinicopathological data on 169 patients who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2013. The FA score was calculated based on cutoff values of 3.53g/L for fibrinogen and 43.56 g/L for albumin. Overall survival and cancer specific survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the equivalences of the curves were tested by log-rank tests. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied in univariate and multivariate analyses. In univariate analysis, tumor size, tumor grade, pathological T stage and FA score were significantly associated with overall survival and cancer specific survival, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified FA score (score 1: HR=3.486, 95%CI 1.358-8.948, p=0.009; HR=3.485, 95%CI 1.363-8.913, p=0.009, respectively; score 2: HR=5.509, 95%CI 2.144-14.158, p<0.001; HR=5.521, 95%CI 2.074-14.697, p=0.001, respectively) was an independent predictor for overall survival and cancer specific survival. The evaluation of preoperative FA score can be regarded as an independent prognostic factor for predicting overall survival and cancer specific survival in UTUC. The fibrinogen and albumin levels are low cost and easy accessibility in clinical practice.This study is to clarify the prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin level, as known as FA score, in a cohort of Chinese patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We retrospectively evaluated clinicopathological data on 169 patients who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2013. The FA score was calculated based on cutoff values of 3.53g/L for fibrinogen and 43.56 g/L for albumin. Overall survival and cancer specific survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the equivalences of the curves were tested by log-rank tests. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied in univariate and multivariate analyses. In univariate analysis, tumor size, tumor grade, pathological T stage and FA score were significantly associated with overall survival and cancer specific survival, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified FA score (score 1: HR=3.486, 95%CI 1.358-8.948, p=0.009; HR=3.485, 95%CI 1.363-8.913, p=0.009, respectively; score 2: HR=5.509, 95%CI 2.144-14.158, p<0.001; HR=5.521, 95%CI 2.074-14.697, p=0.001, respectively) was an independent predictor for overall survival and cancer specific survival. The evaluation of preoperative FA score can be regarded as an independent prognostic factor for predicting overall survival and cancer specific survival in UTUC. The fibrinogen and albumin levels are low cost and easy accessibility in clinical practice.

Combination of Intravesical Chemotherapy and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Versus Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Monotherapy in Intermediate- and High-risk Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Abstract Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder has become a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and health-related costs. There is still no standard instillation therapy against bladder cancer. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of adding chemotherapy to Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) in intermediate- and high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy and BCG monotherapy for intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC were comprehensively searched. Relevant databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials databases, and American Society of Clinical Oncology (http://www.asco.org/ASCO), the clinical trial registration website (ClinicalTrials.gov), and relevant trials from the references of selected studies were searched from initial state up to June 6, 2015. Random-effects model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) statistics. All statistical analyses were performed by STATA (version 13.0, College Station, TX). Seven studies, including 1373 patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC, were identified. For disease-free survival, the pooled HRs from all studies was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48–1.00; P = 0.048). The disease-free survival benefit was more apparent among patients with intermediate-risk NMIBC (P = 0.002) or Ta/T1 with/without carcinoma in situ (P < 0.01). In subgroup analysis, a significant reduction in recurrence was found in studies that explored the influence of a perioperative single dose instillation compared with delayed BCG monotherapy (HR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38–0.92; P = 0.021). No significant difference was found for progression-free survival (HR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.43–1.44; P = 0.435). Patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC who underwent combination therapy achieved lower rates of recurrence than those who underwent BCG therapy alone. No difference in progression-free survival was found between the 2 different therapy schedules. Better efficacy for a perioperative single dose instillation compared with delayed BCG monotherapy was found in this meta-analysis.

Clinical characteristics and pathology of thyroid‑like follicular carcinoma of the kidney: Report of 3 cases and a literature review

Thyroid-like follicular carcinoma (TLFC) of the kidney is an extremely rare type of renal tumor, which has not been classified under a known subtype of renal cell carcinoma. It is histologically similar to the primary thyroid follicular carcinoma; however, the characteristics lack thyroid immunohistochemical markers. The aim of the present study was to illustrate the clinical characteristics of 3 new cases along with a review of the literature. The patients were compared with regards to gender, age, location and size of the tumor, imageology, morphology, immunohistochemistry and prognosis. According to the limited data, TLFC occurs mainly in young women and its clinical manifestations have no difference with other renal tumors. Its imageological features resemble a large spectrum of benign and malignant renal and extra-renal conditions, which should be eliminated in the diagnostic process. Confirmed diagnosis depends on the examination of pathology and immunohistochemistry. Surgical ablation is the preferred therapeutic method. Currently, TLFC has a relatively good prognosis; however, this conclusion requires further cases and long-term follow-ups. Improving the understanding of TLFC can help avoid misdiagnosis and prevent inappropriate treatment.

Pelvic Floor Reconstruction After Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Different Surgical Techniques

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the gold standard for the treatment of localized PCa. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of different techniques of pelvic floor reconstruction on urinary continence. A comprehensive search was made for trials that evaluated the efficacy of pelvic floor reconstruction. Relevant databases included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Ovid, Web of Science databases and relevant trials from the references. Random-effects model was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) statistics. Pooled results of patients treated with posterior reconstruction (PR) demonstrated complete urinary continence improved at 1–4, 28–42, 90, 180 and 360 days following catheter removal. Anterior suspension (AS) was associated with improvement only at 28–42 days. The anterior reconstruction (AR) + PR was associated with urinary continence at 1–4, 90 and 180 days. AS + PR was not associated with any benefit. And PR improved social urinary continence at 7–14 and 28–42 days. No benefit was associated with AS. AR + PR had better outcomes at 90 and 180 days. AS + PR was significant improved at 28–42 and 90 days. Patients who underwent RP and PR had the least urinary incontinence. No significant benefit was observed after AS. AR + PR and AS + PR had little benefit in the post-operative period.

CCL17-CCR4 axis promotes metastasis via ERK/MMP13 pathway in bladder cancer: ZHAO et al.

As an important chemokine receptor, the role of CCR4 in the progression of bladder cancer (BC) remains unknown. In this study, we have shown that CCR4 expression was upregulated in bladder carcinoma tissues compared with adjacent nontumor tissues. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis revealed that CCR4 expression was an independent prognostic risk factor in BC patients, and the addition of CCL17 induced CCR4 production and promoted migration and invasion of BC cells. In addition, CCR4 knockdown significantly attenuated the migratory and invasive capabilities of BC cells. Mechanistically, CCL17‐CCR4 axis is involved in ERK1/2 signaling and could mediate the migration and invasion of BC cells by regulating MMP13 activation. This study suggests that CCR4 might represent a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic option for BC.

Endogenous H2S sensitizes the PAR4-induced bladder pain

Bladder pain is a prominent symptom of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generated by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) or cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) facilitates bladder hypersensitivity. We assessed involvement of the H2S pathway in protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4)-induced bladder pain. A bladder pain model was induced by intravesical instillation of PAR4-activating peptide in mice. The role of H2S in this model was evaluated by intraperitoneal preadministration of d,l-propargylglycine (PAG), aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), or S-adenosylmethionine or the preintravesical administration of NaHS. SV-HUC-1 cells were treated in similar manners. Assessments of CBS, CSE, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression, bladder voiding function, bladder inflammation, H2S production, and referred bladder pain were performed. The CSE and CBS pathways existed in both mouse bladders and SV-HUC-1 cells. H2S signaling was upregulated in PAR4-induced bladder pain models, and H2S-generating enzyme activity was upregulated in human bladders, mouse bladders, and SV-HUC-1 cells. Pretreatment with AOAA or NaHS inhibited or promoted PAR4-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, respectively; however, PAG only partially inhibited PAR4-induced bladder pain. Treatment with PAG or AOAA decreased H2S production in both mouse bladders and SV-HUC-1 cells. Pretreatment with AOAA increased MIF protein levels in bladder tissues and cells, whereas pretreatment with NaHS lowered MIF protein levels. Bladder pain triggered by the H2S pathway was not accompanied by inflammation or altered micturition behavior. Thus endogenous H2S generated by CBS or CSE caused referred hyperalgesia mediated through MIF in mice with PAR4-induced bladder pain, without causing bladder injury or altering micturition behavior.

Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Ureter with Elevated CarbohydrateAntigen-19-9: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Primary adenocarcinoma of the upper tract urothelial cell carcinomas (UTUCs) is rarely reported. We report a case of primary adenocarcinoma of the ureter with elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA-19-9). A 44-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for severe right flank and hypogastrium pain for 7 days without visible or microscopic haematuria. The patient underwent radical nephroureterectomy followed by chemotherapy with gemcitabine/ carboplatin and inorelbine/Adriamycin (ADM)/5-fluoro-2,4 (1 h, 3 h) pyrimidinedione (5-FU) and radiotherapy, and the level of CA19-9 decreased to normal. Histopathology revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient died of tumor pelvic metastasis after 6 months. A review of the literature is also reported.

The role of c-Met in prognosis and clinicopathology of renal cell carcinoma: Results from a single-centre study and systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The c-Met proto-oncogene pathway plays an important role in the progression of various cancers. However, the effect of the c-Met pathway on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains controversial. We decided to clarify the role of c-Met in prognosis and clinicopathology of RCC. METHODS A total of 10 pairs of tumour and adjacent tissues were obtained from patients with primary RCC between 2013 and 2014 and tissue microarrays to assess c-Met expression in tumour tissues from 90 patients with RCC by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. We also presented a meta-analysis to explore the correlation between c-Met and pathological grade and stage of RCC. The two-tailed Pearsons χ2 and Fischer exact tests were used to compare categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was performed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS C-Met protein levels were increased in 8 of 10 RCC tissue samples compared with their adjacent normal tissue and c-Met expression levels were positively associated with a high nuclear grade (P = 0.008) and pT stage (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that a high expression of c-Met was an independent predictor of disease-specific survival (P = 0.017). A meta-analysis found that increased c-Met expression in RCC tissues was closely correlated with high tumour grade (P<0.001) and high pT stage (P = 0.001). Most importantly, c-Met expression was significantly correlated with disease-specific survival (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Because c-Met is strongly associated with pathological grade, stage and disease-specific survival, c-Met levels may have potential to predict patient prognosis and to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

AB058. Therapeutic efficacy of trans-rectal triple physiotherapy combined with pharmacotherapy in comparison with pharmacotherapy alone in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)

Background To evaluate the therapeutic effect of the combination of trans-rectal triple physiotherapy plus pharmacotherapy in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and to compare this combinatorial effect with the effect of pharmacotherapy alone retrospectively. Methods A total of 73 patients with CP/CPPS were divided into two groups: the first group was treated with drugs, and the second group received a combination of the same drugs and trans-rectal triple physiotherapy. All the patients were evaluated by the NIH-CPSI, HADS, PVR and Qmax, before and after therapy. Results At the termination of therapy, significant improvements in NIH-CPSI total and subscale scores, PRV and HADS were observed in both groups, with better outcomes with the second group. Patients in the first group did not exhibit an improvement in Qmax, while the second group showed a significant increase. Conclusions The combination of trans-rectal triple physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy may be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with CP/CPPS. Thus, there is a need for more prospective, randomized, controlled studies to confirm our results.

AB048. Preoperative prognostic nutritional index and nomogram predicting recurrence-free survival in patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer without carcinoma in situ

Background To clarify the prognostic values of serum albumin and peripheral lymphocyte count in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and establish a nomogram to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS). Methods The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was calculated based on optimal cutoff values of 52.57. RFS was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the equivalences of survival curves were tested. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results In univariate analysis, age, tumor focality, tumor size, tumor grade, T stage and PNI were associated with RFS. And multivariate analysis identified PNI was an independent predictor for RFS in patients with NMIBC. And nomogram for the prediction of recurrence was developed. Conclusions The evaluation of PNI can be regarded as an independent prognostic factor for predicting RFS in patients with NMIBC. The nomogram could be useful for improving the personalized multidisciplinary therapy for patients with NMIBC.