Manami Kinjo

Detection of circulating MUC7‐positive cells by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in bladder cancer patients

Abstract Background:  To determine whether MUC7 gene expression can be used as a bladder cancer marker in peripheral blood.

Pretreatment serum level of HER2/nue as a prognostic factor in metastatic prostate cancer patients about to undergo endocrine therapy

Background: Overexpression of the HER2 receptor protein and amplification of the HER2 gene has been implicated in tumor development and progression, and has been associated with a poor prognosis in several types of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pretreatment serum HER2 levels can be used to predict biochemical recurrence‐free survival in prostate cancer patients about to undergo endocrine therapy.

Laxity of the Vaginal Introitus After Childbirth: Nonsurgical Outpatient Procedure for Vaginal Tissue Restoration and Improved Sexual Satisfaction Using Low-Energy Radiofrequency Thermal Therapy

INTRODUCTION Vaginal childbirth may result in vaginal introital laxity, altered genital sensation during sexual intercourse, and reduced sexual satisfaction. We report the long-term effectiveness of a single nonsurgical procedure with radiofrequency (RF) energy for laxity at the vaginal introitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prospective single-arm study of 30 premenopausal women (21-52 year) with one 30-minute office procedure using RF applied to the vaginal introitus; 12-month outcome assessments included the linguistic validated Japanese versions of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) and the Vaginal Laxity and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaires. RESULTS Sexual function improved significantly throughout 6 months (30 subjects); mean FSFI total score was 22.4±6.7 before treatment and then improved to mean 26.0±5.8 at month 6 (P=0.002), inclusive of improved scores in five of six FSFI domains except desire (P<0.001 -<0.01). In the 22 of 30 subjects remaining evaluable at 12 months, the mean was 26.0±5.2 (P=0.08). Distress related to sexual activity decreased significantly; baseline FSDS-R mean score of 15.8±11.7 improved to 9.8±8.0 at one month and was sustained throughout 12 months (P<0.001 - 0.002). Subjects reported decreased vaginal laxity within the first month after the procedure (P<0.001); responses peaked, and effectiveness was sustained through 12 months (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS A single nonsurgical office-based RF procedure for vaginal introital laxity achieved significant and sustainable 12-month effectiveness with respect to improved integrity at the vaginal introitus and improved sexual satisfaction. Treatment was well-tolerated with no adverse events.

The significance of the free-to-complexed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio in prostate cancer detection in patients with a PSA level of 4.1–10.0 ng/mL

Objective To compare the ratio of free prostate specific antigen (fPSA), total PSA (tPSA) and complexed PSA (cPSA, measured using a novel immunoassay) with other variables used to detect prostate cancer in patients with intermediate serum PSA levels of 4.1–10.0 ng/mL.

Detection of mucin 7 gene expression in exfoliated cells in urine from patients with bladder tumor

OBJECTIVES To determine whether mucin (MUC) 7 gene expression can be used as a bladder tumor marker for transitional cell carcinoma in patients with bladder carcinoma. METHODS Cells from the urine of 65 patients with bladder cancer, 15 patients with a negative bladder biopsy for bladder cancer, and 30 healthy volunteers were compared for the following parameters: tumor stage, grade, size, and number, urinary cytology, and expression of MUC7. Nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine MUC7 expression (348 base pairs). RESULTS MUC7 in the urine samples of the control group was negative (no false-positive results, specificity 100%). Among the 15 patients with nonmalignant disease, MUC7 was negative in 13 (specificity 87%). In the 2 patients with positive MUC7, the histologic examination showed chronic inflammation. Among the 65 patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma, MUC7 was positive in 44 (68%). Nested RT-PCR for MUC7 was positive in 25 (61%) of 41 with superficial stages (pTa and pT1) versus 16 (76%) of 21 patients with Stage pT2 or advanced stages. Nested RT-PCR for MUC7 was positive in 5 (42%) of 12 patients with grade 1 disease, 22 (65%) of 34 patients with grade 2 disease, and 17 (89%) of 19 patients with grade 3 disease. We demonstrated no correlation between MUC7 and the clinicopathologic features (tumor stage, grade, or size) of urinary bladder tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that MUC7 is a potential marker for bladder cancer. This noninvasive detection method assesses urothelial cells from voided urine specimens using RT-PCR.

Predictors of prostate cancer on repeat prostatic biopsy in men with serum total prostate-specific antigen between 4.1 and 10 ng/mL

Objectives: We determine whether the different molecular forms of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and other PSA variables can predict prostate cancer in men undergoing repeat prostate needle biopsy.

Long-term Persistence with Mirabegron versus Solifenacin in Women with Overactive Bladder: Prospective, Randomized Trial

To compare persistence with medication and the reasons for discontinuation of mirabegron or solifenacin therapy up to12 months in women with overactive bladder (OAB).

Sexual activity and quality of life in Japanese pelvic organ prolapse patients after transvaginal mesh surgery

This study aimed to evaluate sexual activity and quality of life (QOL) after transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery in Japanese patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The objective cure rate and associated complications were also investigated.