What's new in prostate cancer disease assessment in 2006?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Issues relating to the disease are critical in the diagnosis, management, and prognostication of prostate cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: New data have emerged regarding the disease of prostate cancer and its precursors. The diagnosis of prostate cancer on needle biopsy has been refined because of the recent discovery of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase, which preferentially labels adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Modifications and additions to the Gleason grading system were published based on a consensus conference of urological pathologists. Various models have been proposed using Gleason score, clinical findings, as well as measurements of tumor volume on needle biopsy to enhance the prediction in men undergoing radical prostatectomy and to predict "insignificance". Several studies have confirmed that certain findings in radical prostatectomy are adverse, yet conflicting studies were published as to the independent prognosis of tumor volume. The risk of cancer following a diagnosis of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia on needle biopsy has decreased to the point at which this author does not recommend a routine repeat needle biopsy within the first year following the diagnosis of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. SUMMARY: This review summarizes developments over the last year in the disease of prostate cancer and its precursors.     

What's new in the management of penile cancer?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Penile cancer is a rare disease. This has led to little in the way of therapeutic advances in the last two decades. Efforts have been made to minimize the use of disfiguring or morbid procedures in treating the primary tumor or managing the inguinal region. In addition, new insights have been gained into multimodal therapy for treating metastatic disease. We reviewed the literature published during the past two years to define the recent insights into the diagnosis and management of penile cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program data revealed poor outcome among African-American patients compared with Caucasians with penile cancer. Risk factors, including human papilloma virus, HIV, and the practice of circumcision have been reassessed. To improve diagnosis and staging, new modifications in imaging have been developed including magnetic resonance imaging with artificial erection. In addition, the technique of dynamic sentinel node biopsy has been refined. Pathologic features of the primary tumor (i.e., stage, grade, vascular invasion) assist in identifying patients who would benefit from lymphadenectomy. Organ-sparing treatments using laser ablation and reconstructive procedures to preserve glans or phallus length have also been developed. Systemic chemotherapy regimens, including consolidative approaches with surgery or radiotherapy, are discussed for advanced penile cancer. SUMMARY: Penile cancer remains a rare disease. Epidemiologic insights reveal provocative findings with respect to risk factors and racial differences in the outcome. Recent literature provides information that will aid urologists in (1) minimizing the need for disfiguring treatment of penile tumors in some patients and (2) reducing the number of unnecessary inguinal staging procedures in others. Novel systemic therapies that generate durable responses tested in multi-institutional treatment trials are needed.     

Axillary management in breast cancer: What's new for 2012?

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has become standard care for management of the axilla in invasive breast cancer, replacing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in most subjects, with a progressively diminishing role of ALND. Advances in preoperative imaging have also changed the algorithm for axillary management, and ultrasound-guided needle biopsy has been shown to triage >50% of subjects with node metastases to ALND. However, the past two years have witnessed remarkable and practice-changing advances in our knowledge and approach to management of the axilla, with availability of high-level evidence that demands reappraisal of practice and challenges the role of routine ALND for SLN-positive patients. In particular, for the group of patients defined by eligibility criteria in the Z0011 trial, it appears that ALND has little or no effect on local recurrence and survival, or on the choice of local or systemic therapies. We review the available evidence on staging and management of the axilla in breast cancer, and outline our interpretation of its implications for clinical practice.     

What's new in urologic ultrasound?

Ultrasonography allows providers to noninvasively image an area of interest in real time without the risks of ionizing radiation or nephrotoxic contrast agents. This article present basic concepts of ultrasound along with new advances in ultrasound technology and their applications in small parts evaluation.     

What's new in obstetric anesthesia?

The current article covers some of the major themes that emerged in 2009 in the fields of obstetric anesthesiology, obstetrics, and perinatology, with a special emphasis on the implications for the obstetric anesthesiologist.     

What's new with tumor markers for colorectal cancer?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Many tumor markers have been utilized in the follow-up care of colorectal cancer patients. No marker, however, has proven reliably accurate in detecting recurrent disease. METHODS: The strengths and weaknesses of currently available tumor markers are reviewed, with attention to related cost and efficacy. RESULTS: Tumor antigens, enzymes, and genetic markers have been used as tumor markers. CEA and CA 19.9 are the most widely utilized; however, genetic markers are the most promising for the future. CONCLUSIONS: Currently available markers have significant limitations. Development of genetic markers may greatly enhance our ability to predict prognosis and the need for adjuvant therapy. Marker-guided therapy may play an increasing role in this disease.