The increasing indications of FDG-PET/CT in the staging and management of Invasive Bladder Cancer.

The management of locally advanced muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) often necessitates neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) to eliminate any micro-metastatic disease prior to definitive radical cystectomy (RC) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). The most common imaging techniques traditionally used during this process are computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both of which lack a high sensitivity for nodal staging. In this paper, we attempt to review the evolving indications of F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computerised tomography (FDG-PET/CT) imaging, in the pre-clinical and post-treatment staging of bladder cancer, with a focus on its ability to evaluate response to NAC.

A silent giant staghorn renal calculus managed successfully with open pyelolithotomy: a case report.

Staghorn calculi (SC) are associated with high morbidity and mortality; therefore, meticulous planning is required to minimize complications. In this case report, we will discuss the management of a giant right-sided SC (~ 8 cm in diameter), which was incidentally found in a 40-year-old male, who presented with left-sided renal colic symptoms with no associated renal impairment. This case was further complicated by multiple smaller calculi surrounding the giant SC.

Understanding angiogenesis and the role of angiogenic growth factors in the vascularisation of engineered tissues.

Tissue engineering is a rapidly developing field with many potential clinical applications in tissue and organ regeneration. The development of a mature and stable vasculature within these engineered tissues (ET) remains a significant obstacle. Currently, several growth factors (GFs) have been identified to play key roles within in vivo angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), FGF and angiopoietins.

Guideline of guidelines: Muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer accounts for 25% of bladder cancer cases and represents a spectrum of disease, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality for anyone affected. Current management has evolved through years of research and clinical practice. It is based on a risk-benefit approach, which is often tailored to the individual requirements of patients and involves cystectomy, neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, and multimodal surveillance paradigms to achieve high survival rates.

A retrospective analysis of smoking cessation measures: A single-center approach.

Smoking is a detrimental addiction contributing to many pathologies including cardiovascular disease and cancer. This retrospective study's aim was to assess the impact that conservative measures, like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and cessation clinic referral, have on smoking cessation on a respiratory ward. The baseline data obtained on admission to the hospital revealed that only 50% of patients were asked about their smoking status.