Robot-Assisted Cystectomy in Patients With Previous Pelvic Irradiation: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted cystectomy in previous pelvic irradiation patients. We performed a systematic review with a single-arm meta-analysis, searching the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases through July 2024. Included studies reported perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in patients with prior pelvic irradiation.

Artificial intelligence for predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical cystectomy is the standard of care for cisplatin-fit patients harboring muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Prediction of response to NAC is essential for clinical decision-making regarding alternatives in case of non-response, and bladder-sparing in case of complete response. This research aimed to assess the performance of machine learning in predicting therapeutic response following NAC treatment in patients with MIBC.

Honing the Hunt: A Comprehensive Review of Cell-free Tumor DNA to Predict Neoadjuvant Therapy Efficacy in Bladder Cancer.

Objective: To provide an updated view on the role of cell-free DNA as a predictor of pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted from September 2023 to October 2023. Selected studies from the MEDLINE and clinical trial databases were critically analyzed regarding the clinical efficacy of cell-free DNA as a predictive instrument after neoadjuvant therapy in bladder cancer.

Robotic-assisted approaches to urachal carcinoma: A comprehensive systematic review of the safety and efficacy outcomes.

Introduction: Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice in patients with urachal carcinoma. Due to complications and to reduce hospital stay from open surgery, minimally invasive approaches are desirable. Nowadays, robotic-assisted surgery has become increasingly popular, and robot-assisted cystectomy can be performed in patients with urachal carcinoma with low complication rates.

Transvaginal ultrasonography for trigonitis diagnosis in women.

Objective: Chronic trigonitis (CT) is usually diagnosed through cystoscopy which is invasive and expensive. Thus, an accurate non-invasive diagnostic method is necessary. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of transvaginal bladder ultrasound (TBU) for CT diagnosis.

Holmium Laser Resection of Large Bladder Tumors: Technique Description, Feasibility, and Histopathological Quality Analysis.

Background: The HoLERBT (Holmium Laser En-bloc Resection of Bladder Tumors) has emerged as an alternative to classical TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor). Recent randomized trial and meta-analysis corroborate with the benefits in pathological analysis, perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes. However, the treatment of large tumors and the technique of extraction from the bladder is a problem to be overcome.

The Moreau Strain of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: An Alternative during Worldwide BCG Shortage?

Background: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the standard of care for adjuvant intravesical instillation therapy for intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after complete transurethral resection. Increasing evidence suggests that there are marked differences in outcomes according to BCG substrains. BCG-Moreau was recently introduced to the European market to cover the issue of BCG shortage, but there are little data regarding the oncologic efficacy.

Acellular matrix in urethral reconstruction.

The treatment of severe urethral stenosis has always been a challenge even for skilled urologists. Classic urethroplasty, skin flaps and buccal mucosa grafting may not be used for long and complex strictures. In the quest for an ideal urethral substitute, acellular scaffolds have demonstrated the ability to induce tissue regeneration layer by layer.

Correlation between beta1 integrin expression and prognosis in clinically localized prostate cancer.

Unlabelled: Integrins are transmembrane glycoprotein receptors that regulate cell-matrix interactions, thus functioning as sensors from the environment. They also act as cell adhesion molecules that are responsible for the maintenance of the normal epithelial phenotype. Some studies have reported a correlation between carcinogenesis and changes in integrin expression, especially β1 integrin, however its role in prostate cancer (PC) is unclear.

Tgf-β1 expression as a biomarker of poor prognosis in prostate cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) expression and prognosis in prostate cancer.

Patients And Methods: TGF-β1 expression levels were analyzed using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to amplify RNA that had been isolated from fresh-frozen malignant and benign tissue specimens collected from 89 patients who had clinically localized prostate cancer and had been treated with radical prostatectomy. The control group consisted of li patients with benign prostate hyperplasia.

Tumor banks: the cornerstone of basic research in urology.

Purpose: Tumor banks have the primary responsibility for collecting, cataloging, storing and disseminating samples of tissues, cells and fluids, which are used by researchers to identify diagnostic molecular markers, prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets. The objective of this review was to describe a simple, reliable and reproducible protocol for obtaining and storing samples of urological tumors.

Materials And Methods: Urogenital tumor tissues were collected by the surgeons from the Urology Division of University of Sao Paulo Medical School.

Association between integrin expression and prognosis in localized prostate cancer.

Background: Integrins and other adhesion molecules are essential for maintaining the epithelial phenotype. Some studies have reported correlations between abnormalities in their expression and carcinogenesis, but their role in prostate cancer is unclear. Our aim was to study the expression profile of integrins in surgical specimens of prostate cancer and associate their expression patterns with patient outcomes.

Evaluation of the incidence of bladder perforation after transurethral bladder tumor resection in a residency setting.

Purpose: To evaluate prospectively the actual bladder perforation incidence during transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURB) performed by residents and to identify possible predisposing factors to such condition.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-four patients with bladder tumor were submitted to TURB in our academic institution in April 2006, and were prospectively studied. Procedures were all done by senior residents under an attending direct supervision.

Evaluation of the expression of integrins and cell adhesion molecules through tissue microarray in lymph node metastases of prostate cancer.

Background: Integrins and adhesion molecules are responsible for the maintenance of the epithelial phenotype. Cell culture studies have reported the correlation between adhesion molecule expression and prostate carcinoma, but their role in the metastatic process is not yet known. Our aim is to study the expression profiles of these molecules and evaluate their association with the metastatic behavior of prostate adenocarcinoma.

E-cadherin and beta-catenin loss of expression related to bone metastasis in prostate cancer.

Objectives: E-cadherin and beta-catenin are adhesion molecules responsible for the maintenance of normal epithelial cell phenotype. A disturbance in epithelial cell adhesion, which leads to a more invasive and metastatic phenotype, is a hallmark of tumor progression. Several immunohistochemical studies have reported a strong correlation between loss of their expression to higher stage and grade in prostate carcinoma, but their influence in metastatic process is not yet known.

Microvascular tumor invasion, tumor size and Fuhrman grade: a pathological triad for prognostic evaluation of renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: The biological behavior and clinical outcome of renal cell carcinoma are difficult to predict. We investigated the prognostic impact of clinicopathological variables to establish a risk stratification model to predict recurrence and survival rates.

Materials And Methods: We studied 230 patients with renal cell carcinoma (stages T(1-4) N(x) M(0)) who underwent radical nephrectomy and/or nephron sparing surgery, and were followed for a median of 48 months (range 3 to 140).

Epigenetic inactivation of Wnt inhibitory factor-1 plays an important role in bladder cancer through aberrant canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.

Purpose: Aberrant activation of the Wingless-type (Wnt) pathway plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of several human cancers. Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (Wif-1) was identified as one of the secreted antagonists that can bind Wnt protein. We hypothesize that Wif-1 plays an important role in bladder cancer pathogenesis.

Promoter CpG hypomethylation and transcription factor EGR1 hyperactivate heparanase expression in bladder cancer.

Heparanase plays a critical role in the degradation of extracellular matrix and cell membrane and is frequently upregulated in malignant tumors. Transcription factor, early growth response 1 (EGR1), is closely associated with inducible transcription of the heparanase gene. We hypothesized that promoter CpG hypomethylation with increased EGR1 expression could determine heparanase expression during the pathogenesis of bladder cancer.

Increased heparanase expression is caused by promoter hypomethylation and up-regulation of transcriptional factor early growth response-1 in human prostate cancer.

Purpose: Heparanase degrades heparan sulfate and has been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis. The transcription factor, early growth response 1 (EGR1), is associated with the inducible transcription of the heparanase gene. We hypothesize that CpG hypomethylation in the heparanase promoter coupled with up-regulation of EGR1 levels may induce heparanase expression in human prostate cancer.