Components of the plasminogen activator system and their complexes in renal cell and bladder cancer: comparison between normal and matched cancerous tissues.

Objective: To analyse and compare the concentration of plasminogen activator (PA), urokinase-type PA (uPA), tissue-type PA (tPA), PA inhibitor (PAI)-1 and PAI-2, and the complexes uPA-PAI-1 and tPA-PAI-1 and calculated uPA and tPA uncomplexed with PAI-1 ('free') in urothelial cell carcinoma and matched benign urothelium, and in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and matched benign renal tissue.

Patients And Methods: Tissue samples were obtained during cystectomy (33 patients) and nephrectomy (55), and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess the PA components in extracts of these tissues.

Results: Tissue levels of uPA-PAI-1 and tPA-PAI-1, but also PAI-1 itself, were greater in tumorous bladder and kidney tissue than in matched normal tissue (by 1.

Human papilloma virus DNA and p53 mutation analysis on bladder washes in relation to clinical outcome of bladder cancer.

Objectives: High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) types stimulate degradation and deactivation of protein associated with the p53 tumour suppressor gene via the ubiquitin-dependent pathway. For a long time, changes of the p53 tumour suppressor gene have been correlated with poor clinical outcome in patients with superficial bladder cancer. We aimed to study the association between presence of (high-risk) HPV DNA, p53 status, and clinical outcome in bladder cancer patients.

UroVysion compared with cytology and quantitative cytology in the surveillance of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Objectives: The multitarget fluorescence in situ hybridization probe set Vysis UroVysion, consisting of probes for chromosomes 3, 7, and 17 and for the 9p21 band, was studied to evaluate its value in the follow-up of patients with bladder cancer. The results were compared with conventional cytology and quantitative cytology (Quanticyt). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether UroVysion is a better adjunct to urethrocystoscopy than cytology and quantitative cytology.

Phase II marker lesion study with intravesical instillation of apaziquone for superficial bladder cancer: toxicity and marker response.

Purpose: We studied the ablative activity of intravesical apaziquone (EOquin) on a papillary marker tumor and determined the incidence of side effects.

Materials And Methods: A total of 46 patients with multiple pTa or pT1 bladder tumors underwent visible lesion resection except for 1 marker tumor. Patients were then treated with 6 instillations of apaziquone at weekly intervals.

Potential and toxicity of intravesical pemetrexed: a preclinical study in pigs.

Purpose: In search for a new drug for intravesical use in superficial urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder, a pig model is used for pharmacokinetics and toxicity measurements after intravesically administered pemetrexed.

Experimental Design: In the dose escalation phase, two groups of two pigs received 5 and 10 mg/kg pemetrexed intravesically; four groups of three pigs received 15, 20, 25, and 30 mg/kg, respectively. The well-being of the animals was monitored.

Quantitative cytology on bladder wash versus voided urine: a comparison of results.

Objectives: Quantitative cytology (Quanticyt) is a valuable marker for the identification of high-risk superficial bladder cancer (SBC) patients and can be used to individualize surveillance of patients. A disadvantage is the necessity to perform an invasive procedure to obtain the required bladder wash sample. This study investigated whether quantitative cytology can be performed on voided urine with reliable results, consistent with the quantitative cytology performed on bladder wash samples.

Comparison of hexaminolevulinate based flexible and rigid fluorescence cystoscopy with rigid white light cystoscopy in bladder cancer: results of a prospective Phase II study.

Introduction And Objective: Several studies have shown that rigid fluorescence cystoscopy (RFC) with hexaminolevulinate (HAL) is superior to standard rigid white light (RWLC) cystoscopy in diagnosing bladder tumours, with a clinically relevant impact on the patient's management. These studies, however, have been done with rigid cystoscopes. We carried out a study to evaluate whether the technique of fluorescence cystoscopy with HAL was also feasible with a specially designed flexible fluorescence cystoscope (FFC).