Highly sensitive and specific novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of transitional bladder carcinoma.

Transitional bladder carcinoma (BCa) is prevalent in developed countries, particularly among men. Given that these tumors frequently recur or progress, the early detection and subsequent monitoring of BCa at different stages is critical. Current BCa diagnostic biomarkers are not sufficiently sensitive for substituting or complementing invasive cystoscopy.

Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons influenced neither the frequency nor the spectrum of FGFR3 mutations in bladder urothelial carcinoma.

Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is associated with an increased risk of urothelial carcinoma (UC). FGFR3 is found mutated in about 70% of Ta tumors, which represent the major group at diagnosis. The influence of PAH on FGFR3 mutations and whether it is related to the emergence or shaping of these mutations is not yet known.

Predicting tumour location in radical prostatectomy specimens: same-patient comparisons of 21-sample versus sextant biopsy.

Objective: To determine the value of a 21-sample biopsy protocol in predicting tumour localization in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens, compared with sextant biopsies.

Patients And Methods: In all, 300 consecutive patients underwent 21-sample prostate biopsies, followed by RP. The protocol consisted of sextant, three midline, six far lateral and six transitional zone biopsies.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: intermediate oncological results.

Objectives: To report the intermediate oncological results of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy by retroperitoneal approach.

Methods: From 1995 to 2006, 146 consecutive patients with removal of a malignant kidney tumor by laparoscopic retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy were analysed retrospectively. The patients were followed clinically, biologically and radiologically every 6 months.

Gefitinib inhibits the growth and invasion of urothelial carcinoma cell lines in which Akt and MAPK activation is dependent on constitutive epidermal growth factor receptor activation.

Purpose: Abnormally high levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein are associated with advanced tumor stage/grade. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the specific EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib on activation of the Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in human urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) cell lines and to identify potential markers of gefitinib responsiveness in biopsy samples of UCC.

Experimental Design: Changes in markers of UCC growth and invasion after exposure to gefitinib were studied in six human UCC cell lines expressing various levels of EGFR.

Simulation training in video-assisted urologic surgery.

The current system of surgical education is facing many challenges in terms of time efficiency, costs, and patient safety. Training using simulation is an emerging area, mostly based on the experience of other high-risk professions like aviation. The goal of simulation-based training in surgery is to develop not only technical but team skills.

Comparison of early oncologic results of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by extraperitoneal versus transperitoneal approach.

Purpose: Compare the early oncological results of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy performed by either an extraperitoneal or a transperitoneal approach.

Methods: 330 consecutive men underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer, the first 165 by transperitoneal approach, and the last 165 by extraperitoneal approach. Clinical stage, serum PSA, Gleason score of biopsy were recorded, as well as operating time, surgical and medical complications, blood loss, length of hospital stay and catheterization time.

Introducing a prognostic score for pretherapeutic assessment of seminal vesicle invasion in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Purpose: To identify prostate cancer patients who will have the most likely benefit from sparing the seminal vesicles during 3D conformal radiation therapy.

Methods And Materials: From 1988 to 2001, 532 patients underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Primary endpoint was the pathological evidence of seminal vesicle invasion.

Patient reported sexual function following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Purpose: We evaluated the sexual function of patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. We assessed the effect of unilateral or bilateral preservation of the neurovascular bundle on the ability to achieve erections and have sexual intercourse postoperatively.

Material And Methods: Between May 1998 and September 2001, 232 men underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer at our institution.

Urinary continence and erectile function: a prospective evaluation of functional results after radical laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Objectives: To evaluate prospectively functional results (urinary continence and erectile function) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Methods: From 1998 to 2001, 235 patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. All of them completed a confidential, self-administered questionnaire regarding urinary continence and erectile function before, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

Radical prostatectomy by the retropubic, perineal and laparoscopic approach: 12 years of experience in one center.

Objectives: We retrospectively evaluated the oncological outcome of radical prostatectomy performed by the retropubic, perineal and laparoscopic approaches.

Methods: From 1988 to 2000, 401 patients underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer by the retropubic, perineal or laparoscopic approach. Age, clinical stage, preoperative PSA and Gleason score of positive biopsies were noted.