Joseph F. Pazona

Biomarkers For Prostate Cancer

The detection of prostate cancer using a blood test has by many standards changed the face of the disease. Despite this tremendous success, there are limitations attributed to the use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a means to screen and detect prostate cancer. PSA, as its name implies, is not specific for prostate cancer and as such is often found elevated in other prostatic diseases/symptoms associated with the aging male. Clearly, more specific marker(s) that could identify which individuals actually have prostate cancer and differentiate them from those without the disease would be of tremendous value. The search for more accurate and clinically useful biomarkers of prostate cancer has been extensive. This has focused on individual markers, as well as groups of markers. Included among these are PSA isoforms, pathological indicators and stains, nucleic acids and others. This article highlights the discovery of PSA as a first blood‐based biomarker for prostate cancer detection, as well as other molecular biomarkers and their potential application in detection of the disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 3–9, 2009.

Management of Distal Ureter in Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy—A Comprehensive Review of Techniques

Approximately 5% of all urothelial tumors in adults arise from the upper tracts. While the gold standard treatment is open nephroureterectomy, laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is becoming increasingly popular. Oncologic principles dictate that complete excision of the transmural ureter and bladder cuff and avoidance of urine spillage are paramount. This can be challenging laparoscopically and multiple techniques have been described. We review described surgical techniques, published oncologic data, as well as advantages and disadvantages for each technique including open excision, cystoscopic detachment and ligation, laparoscopic stapling, ureteral intussusception, transurethral resection of ureteral orifice (TURUO) and modifications of TURUO. To date, no controlled studies have been performed demonstrating one techniques superiority.

Newborn society of fetal urology grade 3 hydronephrosis is equivalent to preserved percentage differential function

PURPOSE In newborn hydronephrosis (HN), the level of differential function (%df) measured by diuretic renography (DR) is used to judge the need for pyeloplasty. As DR testing is complex, we sought to determine if grading the level of HN (Society of Fetal Urology grade, SFU Gr) by a simple ultrasound correlates with percentage differential function (%df) and thereby obviates the need to perform DR. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 1990 and 2003 our institution prospectively enrolled all cases of fetal HN who showed unilateral newborn SFU Gr HN > or =3. The cases underwent standardized testing. DR was done using the method of Well-Tempered Renography which was then followed by ultrasound (US). The US studies were performed while the hydration induced by DR was in effect. The level of %df was categorized as preserved (> or =40%) or reduced (<40%). Cases were excluded if there was an additional urological abnormality (e.g. ureterocele). RESULTS There were 71 cases that met our study criteria. The SFU Gr HN was 3 (n=33) or 4 (n=38). Kidneys with SFU Gr 3 HN showed preserved %df (33/33,100%) (mean=50.1+/-3.6) significantly more often than kidneys with SFU Gr 4 HN (27/38, 71%) (mean=42.2+/-13.9) (RR=1.41, 95% CI (1.15-1.72), p<0.001). CONCLUSION In newborns with a history of fetal HN, the postnatal finding of SFU Gr 3 HN uniformly correlates with preserved %df. Standardized hydration prior to US study is done to assure consistency in measurement of the SFU Gr HN. Determining the duration of the relationship between SFU Gr 3 HN and preserved %df will require prospective, longitudinal studies.

Urolithiasis associated with topiramate

OBJECTIVE Topiramate is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide anticonvulsant used as adjunctive therapy for intractable refractory seizures. It is report a case of topiramate-induced urolithiasis. CASE REPORT A 35-year-old man presented with acute, right-sided, colicky flank pain. He denied hematuria or dysuria. He was in use of phenytoin, risperidone, phenobarbital, and topiramate. The total daily dose of topiramate was 375 mg. A CT scan showed a 7 x 1 mm curvilinear density at the right ureterovesical junction with proximal hydrouretronephrosis. He was managed with rigid ureteroscopic stone extraction and the calculus metabolic analysis revealed the stone was composed of carbonate apatite (70%), calcium oxalate dihydrate (20%), and calcium oxalate monohydrate (10%). COMMENTS The present case typifies many features of topiramate-induced urolithiasis. Those who care for patients with urinary stone disease should be aware of this association.

Mannitol extravasation during partial nephrectomy leading to forearm compartment syndrome

We present the first known complication of forearm compartment syndrome after mannitol infusion during partial nephrectomy. We stress the importance of excellent intravenous catheter access and constant visual monitoring of the intravenous catheter site during and after mannitol infusion as ways to prevent this complication. Prompt recognition of compartment syndrome with appropriate intervention can prevent long-term sequelae.

Adenocarcinoma Arising From A Defunctionalized Bladder

A 45-year-old white man with a history of neurogenic bladder and imperforate anus presented to our clinic complaining of a dark red discharge from the penis. He had undergone ileal loop urinary diversion at age 6 with the bladder left in situ. The fecal stream was diverted with an end colostomy in 1981. Cystoscopy revealed a 5 cm. sessile tumor on the left anterior lateral wall of the bladder. Examination with the patient under anesthesia showed no bladder fixation. Biopsy of the tumor revealed muscle invasive bladder adenocarcinoma. Metastatic workup was negative. We then performed a radical cystoprostatectomy (fig. 1). Microscopic evaluation of the specimen revealed grade III mucinous adenocarcinoma with extensive intestinal metaplasia of the bladder mucosa (fig. 2). The prostate, seminal vesicles, urethra and ureters were free of tumor. The patient experienced a satisfactory recovery. He declined adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Followup imaging at 6 months showed no evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease.