Matthew J. Maurice

Low Use of Immediate and Delayed Postoperative Radiation for Prostate Cancer with Adverse Pathological Features

PURPOSE Level 1 evidence supports immediate radiation in post-prostatectomy patients with adverse pathological features while analogous evidence for delayed radiation is lacking. We evaluated immediate and delayed radiation practice patterns and identified factors affecting their use. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the National Cancer Data Base we identified 57,448 men diagnosed with pT3 disease and/or positive margins from 2004 to 2009. Postoperative radiation use through 2011 was analyzed by time trends and multivariate analysis. RESULTS A total of 4,316 men (7.5%) received immediate radiation, 1,637 (2.8%) received delayed radiation and 51,495 (90%) were observed. Immediate and delayed radiation use remained relatively stable except for a small but significant decrease in immediate radiation in 2008. This decrease was associated with a relative increase in delayed radiotherapy. Compared to 2004 men diagnosed in 2007 to 2009 had 1.3-fold to 1.5-fold higher odds of delayed radiation than of immediate radiation (p <0.01). The strongest predictors of immediate radiation were margin status, T stage, N stage, Gleason score and patient age. Men with positive margins, seminal vesicle invasion, nodal disease, or Gleason score 8 or greater and younger men had 2.3-fold to sixfold greater odds of receiving immediate radiation than observation (p <0.01). Men with positive margins, seminal vesicle invasion or nodal metastases were also more likely to receive immediate rather than delayed radiation (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS Post-prostatectomy radiation is performed sparingly. Immediate radiation rates remain low but do not appear to be influenced substantially by delayed radiation use. Consistent with the evidence, patients at high risk for recurrence are more likely to undergo immediate radiation rather than observation or delayed radiation.

Increased use of partial nephrectomy to treat high‐risk disease

To evaluate partial nephrectomy (PN) use in patients at higher risk for clinical progression, using a large national database of American patients.

Endoscopic snare resection of bladder tumors: evaluation of an alternative technique for bladder tumor resection.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is the standard of care for initial bladder tumor management. In response to its shortcomings, we propose an alternative technique for tumor resection and retrieval: The endoscopic snare resection of bladder tumor (ESRBT). Eleven tumors managed by ESRBT were reviewed retrospectively. Via cystoscopy, tumors were resected en bloc with an electrosurgical polypectomy snare and retrieved transurethrally. Safety and efficacy were assessed by clinical and pathologic outcomes. ESRBT was highly effective for appropriate tumors. Tumor size and location varied: Two small, six medium, three large; six lateral wall, two dome, two trigone, one posterior wall. Half of initial urothelial carcinoma specimens contained muscle. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications (mean follow-up: 17 mos; range 10-25 mos). ESRBT is a feasible technique for the resection of pedunculated bladder tumors. It offers evident and theoretical advantages over TURBT and may augment bladder tumor management. Further study is needed.

Nonclinical Factors Predict Selection of Initial Observation for Renal Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE To determine the rate of observation utilization over time and to identify factors influencing its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the National Cancer Data Base, we studied observation utilization in patients diagnosed with localized renal cell carcinoma from 2003 to 2010. Relationships between temporal, demographic, provider, and clinical factors and the likelihood of observation were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Of 109,410 analyzed patients, 7047 (6.4%) underwent observation with stable use over time (range, 6.1% to 6.8%). Patient and disease factors were the strongest predictors of observation. Specifically, the odds of biopsy were 1.8-11 times higher for elderly or comorbid patients and 1.6-8.4 times higher for small (clinical T1a), biopsied, or bilateral tumors (P <.01 for all). Racial and socioeconomic factors also significantly predicted observation usage. In particular, observation rates were higher among poor, African American, and uninsured or socially insured patients, with these groups having 1.2-3.5 times higher odds of observation (P <.01). Patients receiving care at community, low-volume, or nearby hospitals were also significantly more likely to undergo observation (P <.01). CONCLUSION Despite the continued rise in the incidence of incidental renal masses, initial observation use has remained stable. In accordance with treatment guidelines, observation is preferentially utilized in elderly and comorbid patients. However, nonclinical factors also predict observation use, suggesting that utilization may be influenced by racial and socioeconomic disparities in health care quality.

Few modifiable factors predict readmission following radical cystectomy

INTRODUCTION We sought to determine the patient and provider-related factors associated with readmission after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. In this era of healthcare reform, hospital performance measures, such as readmission, are beginning to affect provider reimbursement. Given its high readmission rate, RC could be a target for quality improvement. METHODS We reviewed bladder cancer patients who underwent RC in Californias State Inpatient Database (2005-2009) of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We examined patient-(e.g., race, discharge disposition) and provider-related factors (e.g., volume) and evaluated their association with 30-day readmission. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations of interest. RESULTS Overall, 22.8% (n = 833) of the 3649 patients who underwent RC were readmitted within 30 days. Regarding disposition, 34.8%, 50.8%, and 12.2% were discharged home, home with home healthcare, and to a post-acute care facility (PACF), respectively. Within 30 days, 20.3%, 20.9%, and 42.3% were discharged home, home with home healthcare, and to a PACF were readmitted, respectively. African Americans (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.50), having ≥2 comorbidities (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06-1.91), receiving a neobladder (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.09-1.93), and discharged to a PACF (OR 3.79, 95% CI 2.88-4.98) were independent factors associated with readmission. Hospital stays ≥15 days were associated with less readmission (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.27-0.67, p = 0.0002). Procedure volume was not associated with complication, in-hospital mortality, or readmission. CONCLUSIONS About one-fifth of patients undergoing RC are readmitted. Patients who are discharged to a PACF, African American, and who have more extensive comorbidities tend to experience more readmissions. Increased efforts with care coordination among these patients may help reduce readmissions.

Increasing Biopsy Utilization for Renal Cell Carcinoma Is Closely Associated With Treatment

OBJECTIVE To describe recent temporal trends in biopsy use for renal cell carcinoma and to identify factors associated with biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Renal cell carcinoma diagnoses from 2003 to 2011 were identified using the National Cancer Data Base. Cases were classified by traditional (clinical stage T4, N1, or M1, or history of other malignancies) or expanded biopsy indications. Time trends were plotted, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with biopsy. RESULTS Of 171,406 eligible patients, we identified 21,019 patients (12.3%) who were biopsied. We observed a significant increase in biopsy usage with time for both the traditional (range, 16.7%-20.6%) and expanded (range, 6.9%-10.9%) subgroups (P < .01 for the trends). By the end of the study period, expanded indications accounted for most biopsies. By far, eventual treatment was the strongest factor associated with biopsy utilization for either subgroup. Compared with patients treated with partial nephrectomy, the odds of being biopsied were 2.7-4.3, 6.0-9.8, 14.6-23.0, and 3.0-4.4 times higher for patients managed with observation, cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, or chemotherapy (including targeted therapy), respectively (P < .01). In the expanded-indications subgroup, other factors significantly associated with biopsy included sex, race, income, insurance, travel distance, case volume, region, and tumor size (P < .01 for all). Other significant factors in the traditional-indications subgroup were income, region, and Charlson score (P < .01 for all). CONCLUSION In recent years, renal cell carcinoma biopsy has been increasingly used in patients with traditional and expanded indications. Its use is strongly associated with treatment and treatment-related factors.

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy in the Treatment of Renal Angiomyolipoma

PURPOSE To present the experience and efficacy of Robotic Partial Nephrectomy (RPN) for the management of renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) with regard to renal function preservation and perioperative outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively searched our RPN database for pathologically confirmed renal AML patients between 2006 and 2014. Clinical presentation, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes of the patients were analyzed. Preoperative imaging findings were reviewed to examine their ability to predict pathology of AML. RESULTS From 1005 RPN performed in our center during the study period, 53 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean age at presentation was 54.1 (± 13) years, and 42 (79.2%) patients were female. Median tumor size was 2.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.8-4.6) cm. The indication for RPN was suspicious radiologic features for malignancy in 42 (79.2%) patients and acute retroperitoneal hemorrhage risk and pain in 11 (20.8%) patients who were found to have AML according to preoperative imaging. Mean estimated blood loss was 198 (± 194) mL, and 5 (9.4%) patients required blood transfusion. Postoperative complications occurred in 8 (15%) patients. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate within the latest follow-up was 86.9 (IQR, 69.7-100.1) mL/minute/1.73 m(2) with a median of 91% (IQR, 80.4-103) preservation. None of patients developed urinary fistula or pseudoaneurysm requiring second intervention. No local recurrences occurred with a median follow-up of 7 (IQR, 1-17) months. CONCLUSION Given the low complication rate and preservation of renal function after RPN for AML, it can be considered a reliable method for AML treatment. The majority of AMLs were not suspected based on preoperative imaging. Further diagnostic methods are needed to differentiate benign from malignant lesions.

A hospital-based study of initial observation for low-risk prostate cancer and its predictors in the United States.

INTRODUCTION Initial observation (IO) is a strategy to minimize prostate cancer overtreatment. We sought to evaluate contemporary trends in IO utilization for low-risk prostate cancer in the United States and to identify factors associated with its uptake. METHODS Using the National Cancer Database, we identified men with low-risk prostate cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2011. IO utilization was plotted over time. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the influence of diagnosis year and other factors on IO selection. RESULTS Of the 219 971 men with low-risk prostate cancer, 21 231 (9.7%) underwent IO. Beginning in 2008, IO use increased significantly with time (range: 7.5%-14.3%). Compared to 2004, patients diagnosed in 2011 had 2.5 times the odds of choosing IO (odds ratio [OR] 2.5, confidence interval [CI] 2.3-2.6, p < 0.01). Aside from diagnosis year, age, race, Charlson score, clinical T stage, and PSA level predicted IO use (p < 0.01). Other predictors of IO included hospital type, insurance provider, and household income. Specifically, comprehensive cancer centres, private insurance, and higher income predicted decreased IO usage (OR 0.5, CI 0.5-0.5, p < 0.01; OR 0.4, CI 0.4-0.4, p < 0.01; and OR 0.8, CI 0.8-0.9, p < 0.01, respectively). Less educated men were also less likely to undergo observation (OR 0.8, CI 0.8-0.9, p < 0.01). Treatment within the western United States was significantly, but weakly, associated with increased use of IO (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In recent years, low-risk prostate cancer has been increasingly managed with IO, appropriately driven by patient and disease factors. Unexpectedly, observation usage also varies by race, hospital, insurance, income, and geography, suggesting that non-clinical factors may affect treatment selection.

Trends of Systemic Therapy Use for Renal Cell Carcinoma in the United States.

OBJECTIVE To assess the utilization of immunotherapy after the advent of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the United States, as well as to better understand the variables associated with the implementation of these systemic therapies. METHODS The National Cancer Data Base Participant User File for Renal Cancer was queried. Patients diagnosed with metastatic RCC were identified. From that group, patients who received either immunotherapy or chemotherapy (single or multiagent), given as a first-course therapy from 1998 to 2011 were selected. Multivariate analysis was used to assess patient, disease, and provider factors associated with immunotherapy or chemotherapy overall usage between 2003 and 2011. RESULTS A total of 25,186 patients diagnosed with metastatic RCC were identified; 3107 received immunotherapy and 8640 received chemotherapy. The use of immunotherapy decreased from 30.3% in 1998 to 3.8% in 2011. The use of chemotherapy increased from 16.2% in 1998 to 54.0% in 2011. The most dramatic period of change was from 2004 to 2006. Independent negative predictors of receiving immunotherapy included progressive years of diagnosis (P <.0001), increasing age (P <.0001), female gender (P = .001), and African American race (P = .04). CONCLUSION There has been a significant decrease in the use of immunotherapy for metastatic RCC in the United States since the introduction of targeted chemotherapeutic agents in the past decade.

Pneumodissection: An Alternative Protective Technique for the Percutaneous Cryoablation of Small Renal Masses

Introduction: Percutaneous cryoablation is an emerging treatment option for the small renal mass. It poses a risk of thermal injury to adjacent tissues, limiting its application. We describe pneumodissection, a novel technique for preventing thermal injury during percutaneous cryoablation. Materials and Methods: The cases of 4 patients who underwent percutaneous renal cryoablation and pneumodissection were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Pneumodissection mechanically separated four tumors from overlying bowel segments (mean distance 1.2 ± 0.4 cm), permitting successful cryoablation. There were no complications or recurrences with 7.5 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Pneumodissection is a feasible displacement technique that facilitates percutaneous cryoablation in at-risk patients. Further study is warranted.