CD8 T cell activation in cancer comprises an initial activation phase in lymph nodes followed by effector differentiation within the tumor.

Improvements in tumor immunotherapies depend on better understanding of the anti-tumor T cell response. By studying human tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs), we found that activated CD8 T cells in TDLNs shared functional, transcriptional, and epigenetic traits with TCF1 stem-like cells in the tumor. The phenotype and TCR overlap suggested that these TDLN cells were precursors to tumor-resident stem-like CD8 T cells.

Overall survival comparison between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) vs ADT plus EBRT with brachytherapy boost in clinically node-positive prostate cancer.

Purpose: Optimal therapy for clinically node-positive, nonmetastatic (cN1) prostate cancer (PC) patients remains controversial, ranging from aggressive local therapy to palliative systematic therapy alone. Despite guideline support, it is unclear if a brachytherapy (BT) boost should be considered for cN1 patients as these patients were excluded from randomized trials establishing its benefit. Herein, we compare definitive radiation therapy (RT) with or without a BT boost in cN1 PC.

Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing the Safety and Clarity of Water Versus Saline Irrigant in Ureteroscopy.

Background: Water irrigant is discouraged in ureteroscopy due to risks demonstrated in more invasive endoscopic procedures. However, water is not well studied in ureteroscopy and may provide better visualization than standard saline.

Objective: To determine whether water irrigant increases the risk of hyponatremia compared with saline and provides better visualization in ureteroscopy.

High-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy appears safe in patients with high baseline International Prostate Symptom Scores.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to report our institutional quality of life data for those undergoing high-dose-rate brachytherapy with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥15 compared with those with an IPSS <15.

Methods And Materials: The charts of 95 patients with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with high-dose-rate as monotherapy or as a boost after external beam radiation therapy at a single institution between 2012 and 2015 were reviewed. All patients completed the IPSS and Expanded Prostate Index for Prostate Cancer-Clinical Practice quality of life assessments before treatment and at least one followup survey.

Gaps in Patient Knowledge About Risks and Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

Objective: To assess patient knowledge of the symptoms of testosterone deficiency, and the benefits and risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Methods: An anonymous, 10-question multiple choice survey was administered to consecutive patients presenting for urologic evaluation at an academic medical center, from December 2015 to April 2016. The survey included questions about perceived symptoms of testosterone deficiency, perceived benefits and risks associated with TRT, whether respondents had a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency, and whether they were interested in receiving TRT.

MicroRNA Expression Profile Identifies High Grade, Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Tumors at Elevated Risk to Progress to an Invasive Phenotype.

The objective of this study was to identify a panel of microRNAs (miRNAs) differentially expressed in high-grade non-muscle invasive (NMI; TaG3-T1G3) urothelial carcinoma that progress to muscle-invasive disease compared to those that remain non-muscle invasive, whether recurrence happens or not. Eighty-nine high-grade NMI urothelial carcinoma lesions were identified and total RNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue. Patients were categorized as either having a non-muscle invasive lesion with no evidence of progression over a 3-year period or as having a similar lesion showing progression to muscle invasion over the same period.

Biopsy is contraindicated in the management of penile calciphylaxis.

Introduction: Calciphylaxis, a rare obliterative small vessel vasculopathy associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), portends a poor prognosis. Because penile involvement is rare, agreement on appropriate diagnosis and management is unclear.

Aim: To determine the role and effect of penile biopsy for diagnosis and management of penile calciphylaxis.