Prostate cancer screening in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian cancer screening trial: update on findings from the initial four rounds of screening in a randomized trial.

Objective: To describe the results of the first four rounds (T0-T3) of prostate cancer screening in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial (designed to determine the value of screening in the four cancers), that for prostate cancer is evaluating whether annual screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal examination (DRE) reduces prostate cancer-specific mortality.

Subjects And Methods: In all, 38 349 men aged 55-74 years were randomized to undergo annual screening with PSA (abnormal >4.0 ng/mL) and a DRE.

Point: the value of predicting life expectancy in men with clinically localized prostate cancer.

The prediction of life expectancy in prostate cancer screening and treatment is a controversial topic that evokes various opinions regarding its validity. The authors believe incorporating life expectancy prediction into the treatment algorithms for prostate cancer is important. Using a combination of clinical judgment and specific predictive tools, physicians can estimate the life expectancy of patients with prostate cancer.

Computerized tomographic angiography for renal donor evaluation leads to a higher exclusion rate.

Purpose: We compared the exclusion rate for potential living renal donors evaluated with computerized tomography angiography and radionuclide renal scintigraphy (renal scan) vs excretory urogram, renal scan and renal arteriography.

Materials And Methods: From March 2004 through February 2006, 603 consecutive patients were evaluated as potential living renal donors. From March 2004 through February 2005, 270 consecutive patients underwent evaluation with excretory urogram, renal scan and renal angiography (group 1).

Prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen levels in men enrolled in a large screening trial.

Objectives: Prostate volume correlates both with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values and with the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Here we examine the relationship between prostate volume and PSA level in a large, geographically diverse sample of men undergoing prostate cancer screening.

Methods: We followed 35,323 men enrolled in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial.

Supplemental and dietary vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C intakes and prostate cancer risk.

Background: Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C are micronutrient antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage involved in prostate carcinogenesis. In separate trials, supplemental vitamin E was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer among smokers and supplemental beta-carotene was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer among men with low baseline plasma beta-carotene levels.

Methods: We evaluated the association between intake of these micronutrient antioxidants from foods and supplements and the risk of prostate cancer among men in the screening arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial.

A prospective study of lycopene and tomato product intake and risk of prostate cancer.

Background: Dietary lycopene and tomato products may reduce risk of prostate cancer; however, uncertainty remains about this possible association.

Methods: We evaluated the association between intake of lycopene and specific tomato products and prostate cancer risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, a multicenter study designed to investigate cancer early detection methods and etiologic determinants. Participants completed both a general risk factor and a 137-item food frequency questionnaire at baseline.

Preoperative biofeedback assisted behavioral training to decrease post-prostatectomy incontinence: a randomized, controlled trial.

Purpose: We tested the effectiveness of preoperative biofeedback assisted behavioral training for decreasing the duration and severity of incontinence, and improving quality of life in the 6 months following radical prostatectomy.

Materials And Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing preoperative behavioral training to usual care. The volunteer sample included 125 men 53 to 68 years old who elected radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

Retrograde stenting for obstruction of the renal transplant ureter.

Objectives: To present our experience with retrograde stent placement and stent exchange for transplant ureteral obstruction.

Methods: A review of our renal transplant database was performed to identify all renal transplant patients who underwent attempted retrograde ureteral stenting for allograft ureteral obstruction or attempted allograft ureteral stent exchange between May 1992 and April 2004. A retrospective review was performed.

Comorbidity independently predicted death in older prostate cancer patients, more of whom died with than from their disease.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the proportion of men who died from prostate cancer (PrCa) vs. with PrCa and assess the comorbid conditions associated with other-cause deaths.

Study Design And Setting: We identified all male decedents aged >/=65 years in Jefferson County, AL, in 1993-1995.

Donor nephrectomy: A comparison of techniques and results of open, hand assisted and full laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Purpose: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LAP) has been gaining more popularity among kidney donors and transplant surgeons. There have been some concerns about the function of kidney grafts harvested by laparoscopic procedures. We report our results of LAP.