Serum lipid profiles: novel biomarkers predicting advanced prostate cancer in patients receiving radical prostatectomy

This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum lipid profiles as novel biomarkers in predicting pathological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa). We retrospectively analyzed 322 consecutive patients with clinically localized PCa receiving radical prostatectomy (RP) and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the prostatectomy Gleason score (pGS), pathological stage and lymph node involvement (LNI) in RP specimens. Preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, biopsy GS (bGS), and preoperative tumor, node, metastasis staging were used as basic variables to predict postoperative pathological characteristics. Preoperative serum lipid profiles were introduced as potential predictors. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine predictive efficacy. Significant differences in pathological characteristics were observed among patients with normal and abnormal total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, with the exception of pGS in the TG group. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio for high levels of TC for LNI compared with normal TC levels was 6.386 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.510–27.010), 3.270 (95% CI: 1.470–7.278) for high levels of TG for pT3–4 disease, and 2.670 (95% CI: 1.134–6.287) for high levels of LDL for pGS. The area under the ROC curve of the models with dyslipidemia was larger than that in models without dyslipidemia, in predicting pathological characteristics. Abnormal TC, TG, and LDL levels are significantly associated with postoperative pathological status in PCa patients. Together with preoperative PSA levels, bGS, and clinical stage, dyslipidemia is more accurate in predicting pathological characteristics.     

Testosterone and benign prostatic hyperplasia

The use of testosterone to treat the symptoms of late-onset hypogonadal men has increased recently due to patient and physician awareness. However, concerns regarding the effect of testosterone on the prostate, in particular any possible effect on the risk of prostate cancer have prompted further research in this regard. Surprisingly, numerous retrospective or small, randomized trials have pointed to a possible improvement in male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients treated with testosterone. The exact mechanism of this improvement is still debated but may have a close relationship to metabolic syndrome. For the clinician, the results of these studies are promising but do not constitute high levels of evidence. A thorough clinical examination (including history, examination and laboratory testing of testosterone) should be undertaken before considering the diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism or instigating treatment for it. Warnings still remain on the testosterone supplement product labels regarding the risk of urinary retention and worsening LUTS, and these should be explained to patients.     

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy After Previous Prostate Surgery

Background and Objectives:

Our objective is to clarify the effect of previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy (OP) on surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods:

Between August 1, 2009, and March 31, 2013, 380 patients underwent RARP. Of these, 25 patients had undergone surgery for primary bladder outlet obstruction (TURP, 20 patients; OP, 5 patents) (group 1). A match-paired analysis was performed to identify 36 patients without a history of prostate surgery with equivalent clinicopathologic characteristics to serve as a control group (group 2). Patients followed up for 12 months were assessed.

Results:

Both groups were similar with respect to preoperative characteristics, as mean age, body mass index, median prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, clinical stage, the biopsy Gleason score, D''Amico risk, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification score, the International Prostate Symptom Score, continence, and potency status. RARP resulted in longer console and anastomotic time, as well as higher blood loss compared with surgery-naive patients. We noted a greater rate of urinary leakage (pelvic drainage, >4 d) in group 1 (12% vs 2,8%). The anastomotic stricture rate was significantly higher in group 1 (16% vs 2.8%). No difference was found in the pathologic stage, positive surgical margin, and nerve-sparing procedure between the groups. Biochemical recurrence was observed in 12% (group 1) and 11.1% (group 2) of patients, respectively. No significant difference was found in the continence and potency rates.

Conclusions:

RARP after TURP or OP is a challenging but oncologically promising procedure with a longer console and anastomosis time, as well as higher blood loss and higher anastomotic stricture rate.     

改良Clavien分级系统在经尿道前列腺等离子双极电切术围手术期并发症中的应用

目的采用改良的Clavien分级系统对经尿道前列腺等离子双极电切术(PKRP)围手术期的并发症进行回顾性分级。方法对2013年1~12月间171例行PKRP的良性前列腺增生(BPH)患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,依据前列腺体积将患者分为3组:<40mL(A组)、40~79mL(B组)、≥80mL(C组),采用改良的Clavien分级系统对围手术期并发症进行分析。结果住院期间,共有34例患者发生并发症43例次,总的并发症发生率为19.9%(34/171),其中并发症发生率A组为11.5%(3/26)、B组20.7%(18/87)、C组22.4%(13/58)。3组间比较,差异无统计学意义(χ2=1.405,P>0.05)。43例次并发症中,Ⅰ级22例次、Ⅱ级16例次、Ⅲa级1例次、Ⅳa级3例次、Ⅳb级1例次,无Ⅲb级和Ⅴ级(死亡)并发症。结论采用改良的Clavien分级系统,不需要处理或不需要介入治疗的ClavienⅠ、Ⅱ级并发症占绝大多数(88.4%),而ClavienⅢ级(2.3%)及ClavienⅣ级(9.3%)并发症较少见,无ClavienⅤ级并发症。改良的Clavien分级系统是一种有效的方法,能成功地应用于PKRP术后并发症的分级。