cT1a Tumors Research Articles

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for primary renal cell carcinoma: A review on behalf of the CC-AFU

IntroductionThe incidence of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is on the rise among individuals aged 70 and older. While the gold standard for treatment remains surgical resection, some elderly and frail patients with comorbidities are not eligible for this procedure. In selected cases, percutaneous thermal ablation, such as cryotherapy, microwave and radiofrequency, offers less invasive options. General anesthesia is sometimes necessary for such treatments, but most of the procedures can be conducted using mild or deep conscious sedation. This approach is preferably recommended for small cT1a tumors situated at a distance from the renal hilum and/or ureter. Active surveillance remains an alternative in the case of small low grade RCC although it may induce anxiety in certain patients. Recent research has highlighted the potentials of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) as a noninvasive, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for small renal tumors. This narrative review aims to explore recent advances in SABR for localized RCC, including appropriate patient selection, treatment modalities and administration, as well as efficacy and tolerance assessment. Material and methodsWe conducted a literature review using the terms [kidney cancer], [renal cell carcinoma], [stereotactic radiotherapy], [SBRT], and [SABR] in the Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases, focusing on prospective and relevant retrospective studies published in English. ResultsStudies report local control rates ranging from 70% to 100% with SABR, highlighting its efficacy in treating RCC. The decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is approximately −5 to −17mL/min over the years following SABR. Common toxicities are rare, primarily CTCAE grade 1, include fatigue, nausea, chest or back pain, diarrhea, or gastritis. ConclusionStereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) may be considered as a viable option for patients with localized RCC who are not suitable candidates for surgery with a high local control rate and a favorable safety profile. This approach should be discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting and results from ongoing clinical trials are awaited. Level of evidence5.

Abstract PS18-01: Stage Advancement and The Rate of Growth Associated with Preoperative Delay in Patients Having Breast Cancer

Abstract Introduction: For every delay interval between breast cancer diagnosis and surgery we have previously found a relative decline in disease-specific survival of 26% (60 d) and overall survival of 9-10% (30 d). There is, however, little explanation for this. In our experience, patients focus on the likelihood of cancer growth between diagnosis and surgery, and whether preoperative delay might lead to upstaging, with nodal status of particular concern when they are clinically node-negative. With little published data about delay-associated upstaging and no large-scale national data determining how fast tumors grow, this study was performed to determine these rates. Methods: Patients ≥18 years old having stage 0-III breast cancer who received surgery as first treatment between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed in the National Cancer Database (NCDB), the largest national dataset to contain the needed clinical and pathologic staging. Patients were reviewed for correlation between preoperative delay and cancer upstaging, defined as an increase from cT to pT or cN to pN stages, after assessing baseline clinical stage inaccuracy. Accuracy of clinical staging was determined by comparing clinical stages at presentation to pathologic stages at surgeries ≤15 days of diagnosis, assuming negligible tumor growth in that period. cN3 and cT3 tumors were excluded as there is no higher size-dependent pathologic stage. Upstaging probabilities and odds ratios (ORs) were estimated with logistic regression, adjusted for age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, gender, histology, grade, phenotype, and clinical T or N stage. For patients with delays >15 days, adjusted linear regression coefficients of tumor size on preoperative delay were used to estimate primary invasive tumor growth rates. Results: Among 1,040,197 patients, the median time between diagnosis and surgery was 34 days (IQR 23-49), with 11.6% having primary tumoral and 14.6% having nodal upstaging. In the 10.2% of patients where surgery was performed ≤15 days of diagnosis, 13.9% of DCIS, 11.5% of cT1, and 4.5% of cT2 tumors were upstaged (p < 0.0001). For every 30 days of delay between diagnosis and surgery, the ORs for tumor upstaging, adjusted for covariates, were 1.09 for DCIS (95%CI 1.07-1.10, p< 0.0001), 1.12 for cT1 (95%CI 1.10-1.14, p< 0.0001), and 1.16 for cT2 tumors (95%CI 1.14-1.19, p< 0.0001). For invasive tumors, the adjusted 30-d ORs for upstaging in HR+, HER2+, and TN primaries were 1.12 (95%CI 1.11-1.14), 1.11 (95%CI 1.07-1.15), and 1.19 (95%CI 1.15-1.23), respectively (individual p’s < 0.0001). In the 9.8% of clinically N0 (cN0) patients with a diagnosis-to-surgery interval of ≤15 days, 14.2% were upstaged to node-positive. cN0 patients had an adjusted OR for upstaging to node-positive of 1.06 (95%CI 1.05-1.07, p< 0.0001) for every 30 days of delay. The number of 30-d intervals for cT1mi, cT1a, cT1b, cT1c and cT2 invasive primary tumors to grow 1 mm was 7.8, 7.1, 3.9, 2.8, and 2.0, respectively. Conclusions: Even when accounting for clinical stage inaccuracy, longer delays are associated with a quantifiable increase in upstaging and likelihood of becoming node-positive at surgery. This may explain the higher disease-specific and overall mortality associated with preoperative delay found in prior studies. With larger tumors having a higher delay-associated likelihood of upstaging and faster growth rates, delays become more problematic as tumor size increases. This information reinforces the need to minimize preoperative delays by demonstrating their consequences. It also provides data to address some of breast cancer patients’ most pressing preoperative concerns about how fast breast tumors grow and their upstaging potentials while they await treatment. Citation Format: Richard Bleicher, Karen Ruth, Austin Williams, Eric Ross, Andrea Porpiglia, Allison Aggon, Mary Pronovost, Dennis Holmes. Stage Advancement and The Rate of Growth Associated with Preoperative Delay in Patients Having Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PS18-01.

A problem with clinical T factor in the 8th TNM edition: Prognosis and EGFR mutation status of small sized lung cancers with difficulty to measure the diameter of solid component in part-solid tumor

ObjectiveClinical T factors in the 8th TNM classification of lung cancer have a practical problem. In some cases, it is difficult to measure the size of the solid components in part-solid tumors, and the classification of these tumors is controversial. MethodsWe evaluated 590 resected cT1N0M0 stage IA non-small-cell lung cancers based on the 7th edition between 2009 and 2012. Tumor and solid component diameters were measured using thin-section computed tomography (CT). We defined tumors with difficulty in measuring the size of the solid components as lung cancers with scattered or mixed consolidation (LCSMCs). LCSMCs were observed in 79 (13.4%) patients. Other tumors were classified as cTis, cT1mi, cT1a, cT1b, and cT1c, according to the 8th edition. We compared prognosis and epidermal growth factor receptor mutations (EGFRm) status of LCSMCs with those of cT1a, cT1b, and cT1c. ResultsThe difference in overall survival (OS) among cT1a, cT1b, and cT1c was significant (5-year-OS: 96.9% vs. 76.8% vs. 65.0%). There was no significant difference in prognosis between LCSCs and cT1a (5-year-OS: 92.4% vs. 96.9%). A significant difference was observed in the frequency of EGFRm between cT1a, cT1b, and cT1c (52.4%, 42.4%, and 29.8%). The incidence of EGFRm in LCSMCs was 54.8% and there was no significant difference between LCSMCs and cT1a. ConclusionsThe prognosis and frequency of EGFRm in LCSMCs were close to those in cT1a. As we cannot measure the diameter of the solid component in subsolid lung cancers, it may be appropriate to classify these tumors as cT1a tumors.

The Judicious Use of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in the Primary Management of Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Localized renal cell carcinoma is primarily managed surgically, but this disease commonly presents in highly comorbid patients who are poor operative candidates. Less invasive techniques, such as cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation, are effective, but require percutaneous or laparoscopic access, while generally being limited to cT1a tumors without proximity to the renal pelvis or ureter. Active surveillance is another management option for small renal masses, but many patients desire treatment or are poor candidates for active surveillance. For poor surgical candidates, a growing body of evidence supports stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) as a safe and effective non-invasive treatment modality. For example, a recent multi-institution individual patient data meta-analysis of 190 patients managed with SABR estimated a 5.5% five-year cumulative incidence of local failure with one patient experiencing grade 4 toxicity, and no other grade ≥3 toxic events. Here, we discuss the recent developments in SABR for the management of localized renal cell carcinoma, highlighting key concepts of appropriate patient selection, treatment design, treatment delivery, and response assessment.

Peritumoral Adipose Tissue Density Predicts the Malignancy in cT1 Renal Masses.

Not only the frequency of surgery for small renal masses has increased secondary to the improvements and frequent use of imaging techniques but also the frequency of detection of benign lesions in nephrectomy specimens has increased as well. We aimed to assess the predictive value of computed tomography density of perirenal adipose tissue and peritumoral adipose tissue in distinguishing between benign and malignant renal masses. The current study included 116 patients who underwent nephrectomy for renal masses between January 2015 and December 2020. Clinicodemographic and preoperative computed tomography features and final pathological findings of the patients were recorded. According to the final pathological results, the patients were divided into 2 groups benign (n = 32) and malignant (n = 84). Groups were compared statistically in terms of perirenal adipose tissue and peritumoral adipose tissue density. The median tumor size was 5.00 cm. The rate of benign tumors was higher in female patients (P = .005). The median peritumoral adipose tissue density among cT1 and cT1a tumors was higher in the malignant group (P < .001, for each). At a cutoff value of 97.50 Hounsfield Units, the peritumoral adipose tissue density had a sensitivity of 83.0% and a specificity of 79.2% for predicting the presence of malignant tumors in ≤7 cm renal masses. Using a cutoff value of -97.50 Hounsfield Units, the peritumoral adipose tissue density had a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 83.3% for predicting the presence of malignant tumors in ≤4 cm renal masses. The peritumoral adipose tissue density in the preoperative computed tomography images predicts the malignancy in cT1 renal masses.

The role of endoscopic resection in early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma: Esophagectomy is associated with improved survival in patients presenting with clinical stage T1bN0 disease

BackgroundStudies evaluating endoscopic resection for early-stage (cT1N0M0) esophageal adenocarcinoma include small numbers of patients with T1b tumors. The role of endoscopic resection in esophageal adenocarcinoma remains incompletely defined. MethodsWe queried the National Cancer Database to identify patients presenting with esophageal adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2017. Those treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and endoscopic ablation were excluded. Patients undergoing endoscopic resection for cT1a and cT1b tumors were separately 1:1 propensity matched for relevant demographic and tumor factors to those undergoing esophagectomy for disease of like clinical stage. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare 5-year overall survival for matched cohorts. ResultsA total of 3,157 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 2,024 (64.1%) had cT1a and 1133 (35.9%) had cT1b disease. Among those with cT1a tumors, 461 (22.8%) underwent esophagectomy, 1,357 (67.0%) endoscopic resection, and 206 (10.2%) treatment with chemoradiotherapy alone. Among those with cT1b tumors, 649 (57.3%) underwent esophagectomy, 293 (25.9%) endoscopic resection, and 191 (16.8%) chemoradiotherapy. On unadjusted comparison, patients treated for esophageal adenocarcinoma with chemoradiotherapy had a lower rate of overall survival than those treated with endoscopic resection or esophagectomy (26.1% vs 73.1% vs 75.5%, P < .001). On comparison of matched cohorts, patients undergoing endoscopic resection for cT1b tumors demonstrated lower rates of overall survival than those undergoing esophagectomy (60.6% vs 74.1%, P = .0013), whereas those undergoing endoscopic resection for cT1a tumors demonstrated rates of overall survival statistically similar to those undergoing esophagectomy (77.8% vs 80.2%, P = .75). ConclusionEsophagectomy is associated with improved overall survival relative to endoscopic resection in patients presenting with cT1bN0M0 but not in those with cT1a esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Comparison of Long-term Outcomes for Young and Healthy Patients with cT1a and cT3a Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Partial Nephrectomy

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is recommended for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of <4 cm. We hypothesized that there is no difference in all-cause mortality (ACM) between cT1a, cT1b, and cT3a <4 cm RCC following PN. The National Cancer Database was interrogated to identify patients aged <60 yr with a Charlson comorbidity index ≤1 diagnosed between 2004 and 2017. Cox proportional-hazard models stratified for cT stage were used to predict 10-yr ACM. A total of 30 195 patients (25 121 cT1a, 4884 cT1b, and 190 cT3a <4 cm) who underwent PN with median follow-up of 64.36 mo (interquartile range 42.91–93.77) were included. Cox analysis revealed no significant difference in 10-yr ACM between cT1a and cT3a <4 cm (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58–1.90; p = 0.88). However, the cT1b group had higher ACM (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15–1.48; p < 0.01). The positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was higher for cT3a <4 cm than for cT1a tumors (14.2% vs 6.3%; p < 0.01). However, there was no difference in 10-yr ACM rate between cT1a and cT3a <4 cm (10.9% vs 9.7%; p = 0.42). Our results suggest that PN is an option for cT3a RCC <4 cm, particularly in cases in which maximum nephron preservation is essential, such as patients with chronic kidney disease or a solitary kidney, although a higher PSM risk should be appreciated. Patient summaryWe found that partial removal of the kidney for localized advanced kidney cancer is safe. The rate of surgical margins positive for the presence of tumor is higher in localized advanced kidney cancer than for less advanced cancers, but there was no difference in 10-year predicted mortality.

Differential efficacy of ablation therapy versus partial nephrectomy between clinical T1a and T1b renal tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To assess the differential clinical outcomes of patients treated with partial nephrectomy (PN) vs. those treated with ablation therapy (AT) such as radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation and microwave ablation for cT1b compared to cT1a renal tumors. Multiple databases were searched for articles published before August 2021. Studies were deemed eligible if they compared clinical outcomes in patients who underwent PN with those who underwent AT for cT1a and/or cT1b renal tumors. Overall, 27 studies comprising 13,996 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. In both cT1a and cT1b renal tumors, there was no significant difference in the percent decline of estimated glomerular filtration rates or in the overall/severe complication rates between PN and AT. Compared to AT, PN was associated with a lower risk of local recurrence in both patients with cT1a and cT1b tumors (cT1a: pooled risk ratio [RR]; 0.43, 95% confidence intervals [CI]; 0.28-0.66, cT1b: pooled RR; 0.41, 95%CI; 0.23-0.75). Subgroup analyses regarding the technical approach revealed no statistical difference in local recurrence rates between percutaneous AT and PN in patients with cT1a tumors (pooled RR; 0.61, 95%CI; 0.32-1.15). In cT1b, however, PN was associated with a lower risk of local recurrence (pooled RR; 0.45, 95%CI; 0.23-0.88). There was no difference in distant metastasis or cancer mortality rates between PN and AT in patients with cT1a, or cT1b tumors. AT has a substantially relevant disadvantage with regards to local recurrence compared to PN, particularly in cT1b renal tumors. Despite the limitations inherent to the nature of retrospective and unmatched primary cohorts, percutaneous AT could be used as a reasonable alternative treatment for well-selected patients with cT1a renal tumors.

PD33-09 MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL REPORT OF PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS AND ONCOLOGIC OUTCOMES FOLLOWING MICROWAVE ABLATION OF BIOPSY-PROVEN RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD33-09 MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL REPORT OF PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS AND ONCOLOGIC OUTCOMES FOLLOWING MICROWAVE ABLATION OF BIOPSY-PROVEN RENAL CELL CARCINOMA Leo Dreyfuss, Arighno Das, Kimberly Maciolek, Rand Wilcox Vanden Berg, Glenn Allen, Jonathan Fainberg, Tudor Borza, Shane Wells, Stephen Culp, E. Jason Abel, and Timothy McClure Leo DreyfussLeo Dreyfuss More articles by this author , Arighno DasArighno Das More articles by this author , Kimberly MaciolekKimberly Maciolek More articles by this author , Rand Wilcox Vanden BergRand Wilcox Vanden Berg More articles by this author , Glenn AllenGlenn Allen More articles by this author , Jonathan FainbergJonathan Fainberg More articles by this author , Tudor BorzaTudor Borza More articles by this author , Shane WellsShane Wells More articles by this author , Stephen CulpStephen Culp More articles by this author , E. Jason AbelE. Jason Abel More articles by this author , and Timothy McClureTimothy McClure More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002584.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: CT-guided thermal ablation is an option for the treatment of small renal masses. Patients with comorbidities may not tolerate extirpative surgery for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and microwave ablation (MWA) may be considered. We report patient characteristics and outcomes following MWA of biopsy-proven RCC at three high-volume centers. METHODS: Consecutive patients with localized, non-metastatic, pathologically confirmed RCC treated with MWA at three centers were included. Images were reviewed by abdominal radiologists experienced with ablation. Contrast-enhanced CT was performed immediately following ablation to confirm technical success. Surveillance included abdominal cross-sectional imaging at 3-6 month intervals for 2 years and yearly thereafter. Local recurrence was defined radiographically as enhancing tumor within the ablation site following complete ablation. RESULTS: 541 ablations were performed in 492 patients. Patients with hereditary RCC syndromes (n=15), prior RCC (n=107), multifocal/bilateral tumors (n= 82), and benign/negative biopsy (n=27) were excluded. Final analysis included 370 patients (median age 68; 139 female) with sporadic, biopsy-proven RCC. 307 patients had cT1a tumors and 63 patients had cT1b or greater tumors. Compared with T1a tumors, patients with T1b tumors had higher body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity index, and ECOG performance status (p<0.05) but did not differ in gender or age. T1b tumors were more likely to be clear cell RCC (p=0.010) and high grade (0.028). 32 patients developed recurrences at a median time of 12 (IQR 6-26) months. Local recurrence free survival in the entire cohort was 88.7% at 36 months, 92.1% (95% CI 86.6-95.5) for T1a and 88.1% (95% CI 69.8-95.7) for T1b. Local recurrence free survival improved to 97.3% (95% CI 93.6-98.9) when repeat ablations were included in the analysis. Metastatic free survival was 98.2% at 36 months for all patients, 98.8% (95% CI 96.4-99.6) for T1a and 94.8% (95% CI 80.2-98.7) for T1b. RCC subtype and tumor grade were not associated with local recurrence in patients with T1a tumors. For T1b patients, high tumor grade was predictive of local recurrence (p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: In this multi-institutional series of biopsy-proven RCC, metastatic spread was rare following MWA. Local control can be achieved for cT1a and cT1b tumors, though multiple ablation sessions may be necessary. Microwave ablation for cT1b masses may be a viable option for patients with medical comorbidities precluding surgical management. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e556 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Leo Dreyfuss More articles by this author Arighno Das More articles by this author Kimberly Maciolek More articles by this author Rand Wilcox Vanden Berg More articles by this author Glenn Allen More articles by this author Jonathan Fainberg More articles by this author Tudor Borza More articles by this author Shane Wells More articles by this author Stephen Culp More articles by this author E. Jason Abel More articles by this author Timothy McClure More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

MP007 - Robotic partial nephrectomy in clinical T1 tumors: Is there any difference between outcomes of surgeries for cT1a and cT1b tumors?

MP007 - Robotic partial nephrectomy in clinical T1 tumors: Is there any difference between outcomes of surgeries for cT1a and cT1b tumors?

Long-term oncological results of surgical treatment of localized renal tumors

Objective: to analyze the long-term oncological results of surgical treatment of patients with stage cT1-сТ2аN0M0 renal cell cancer.Materials and methods. The analysis included 326 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) in 210 (64.42 %) and radical nephrectomy (RN) - in 116 (35.58 %). Stage cT1a tumors were found in 129 (39.57 %), cT1b - in 149 (45.71 %), cT2a - in 48 (14.72 %) cases. PN and RN for cT1a was performed in 113 (53.81 %) and 16 (13.79 %), for cT1b -in 86 (40.95 %) and 63 (54.31 %), for cT2a - in 11 (5.24 %) and 37 (31.90 %) patients. We used open approach in 5 (1.53 %), laparoscopic in 148 (45.26 %) and robotic in 173 (53.21 %). The median follow-up was 49.9 [26.0; 81.4] months.Results. In the group of patients with stage cT1a disease, 4 recurrences of the tumor process were revealed (3 local recurrences after PN and 1 after RN). Seven deaths were recorded (4 after PR and 3 after RN). Two deaths occurred due to the progression of kidney cancer (1 after PN and 1 after RN). 5-year disease-free survival after PN and RN was 95.93 ± 2.32 % versus 92.31 ± 7.39 % (p &gt;0.05); 5-year overall survival - 96.48 ± 2.08 % versus 85.56 ± 9.65 % (p &gt;0.05); 5-year cancer-specific survival - 98.33 ± 1.65 % versus 92.25 ± 6.5 % (p &gt;0.05).In the group of patients with stage cT1b disease, 12 recurrences were revealed (5 after PN and 7 after RN). 14 deaths were recorded (4 after PN and 10 after RN). Four deaths were related to the development of kidney cancer (all after RN). 5-year disease-free survival after PN and RN was 92.97 ± 3.1 % versus 86.99 ± 4.64 % (p &gt;0.05); 5-year overall survival -95.1 ± 2.78 % versus 88.63 ± 4.4 % (p &gt;0.05); 5-year cancer-specific survival - 100 % versus 94.1 ± 3.33 % (p &gt;0,05).There were no recurrences of the oncological process or deaths after PN in the group of patients with the stage of cT2a disease during four years of follow-up. After RN six recurrences of the oncological process, four deaths (3 of them due to the progression of kidney cancer) were recorded. Thus, the disease-free survival at was 80.57 ± 7.15 %; overall survival - 90.28 ± 5.34 %; cancer-specific survival - 93.63 ± 4.37 %.Conclusion. PN is the priority treatment for renal cell cancer. Oncological results of nephron-sparing surgery are superior to the results of RN, however, these differences are not reliable and require a longer study.

Perspectives on the Role of Biopsy for Management of T1 Renal Masses: Survey Results From Two Regional Quality Improvement Collaboratives

ObjectiveTo understand perspectives on renal mass biopsy, a survey was distributed to urologists in the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative and Pennsylvania Urologic Regional Collaborative. Renal mass biopsy (RMB) may reduce treatment of benign renal neoplasms; however, utilization varies widely. Materials and MethodsMichigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative and Pennsylvania Urologic Regional Collaborative are two quality improvement collaboratives that include a “real-world” collection of urologists from academic- and community-based settings. A 12-item survey assessing current RMB utilization, patient- and tumor-specific factors, adverse events, impact on management, and simulated patient scenarios was distributed. Responses are reported using descriptive statistics. ResultsMany responders (n = 54) indicated using RMB in less than 25% of cT1a (59%) and cT1b (85%) tumors. The most important patient-specific factors on the decision to recommend RMB were possible metastasis to the kidney (94%), patient comorbidity as a risk factor for active treatment (89%), and patient age (81%). The most important tumor-specific factors were the presence of bilateral tumors (81%), tumor size (70%) and perceived potential of performing nephron-sparing surgery (67%). Ten responders (19%) noted barriers to RMB in their practice, 23 (43%) recalled experiences with complications or poor outcomes, and 43 (80%) reported experiences where the results of RMB altered management. When presented with simulated patients, few urologists (9%-20%) recommended RMB in younger patients with any sized mass. Recommendations varied based on patient age, comorbidity, and tumor size. ConclusionUnderstanding perspectives on RMB usage is essential prior to implementing quality improvement efforts. Most urologists participating in two statewide collaboratives infrequently recommend RMB. Optimizing RMB utilization may help reduce unnecessary treatments.

Does Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma With a Total Tumor Diameter >1 cm Indicate Poor Biological Behavior? The Evidence is Insufficient

ObjectiveMultifocal cancer is common in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Our aim was to investigate the correlation between multifocal PTMC, total tumor diameter (TTD), and clinicopathologic features. MethodsIn total, 206 patients were included and grouped as stage cT1a or cT1b. The primary tumor diameter and TTD (the sum of the maximal diameter of each focus) were calculated. These patients were further subgrouped as TTD ≤1 cm or 1 cm < TTD ≤ 2 cm. The relationships of clinicopathological features between these groups were analyzed. ResultsMultifocal cancer was more likely to occur with stage cT1a than stage cT1b (P = .028). Stage cT1b papillary thyroid carcinoma was more prone to central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and capsular invasion than stage cT1a. There was no difference in clinicopathological factors, such as sex, age, CLNM, number of CLNMs, capsular invasion, BRAF mutation, or recurrence between the multifocal PTMC and TTD >1 cm and primary tumor diameter + TTD ≤1 cm groups. Comparing stage cT1a and cT1b tumors with a 1 cm < TTD ≤ 2 cm using a multivariate analysis, stage cT1b tumors were more prone to capsular invasion than stage cT1a tumors, with an odds ratio of 19.013 (95% confidence interval, 2.295-157.478), but there was no significant correlation with CLNM. ConclusionStage cT1b tumors are more prone to capsular invasion and CLNM than than stage cT1a tumors. For multifocal PTMC, calculating the TTD to evaluate adverse biological behavior is insufficient and limited, and further research is needed.

Prospective performance of clear cell likelihood scores (ccLS) in renal masses evaluated with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

Solid renal masses have unknown malignant potential with commonly utilized imaging. Biopsy can offer a diagnosis of cancer but has a high non-diagnostic rate and complications. Reported use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to diagnose aggressive histology (i.e., clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)) via a clear cell likelihood score (ccLS) was based on retrospective review of cT1a tumors. We aim to retrospectively assess the diagnostic performance of ccLS prospectively assigned to renal masses of all stages evaluated with mpMRI prior to histopathologic evaluation. In this retrospective cohort study from June 2016 to November 2019, 434 patients with 454 renal masses from 2 institutions with heterogenous patient populations underwent mpMRI with prospective ccLS assignment and had pathologic diagnosis. ccLS performance was assessed by contingency table analysis. The association between ccLS and ccRCC was assessed with logistic regression. Mean age and tumor size were 60 ± 13years and 5.4 ± 3.8cm. Characteristics were similar between institutions except for patient age and race (both p < 0.001) and lesion laterality and histology (both p = 0.04). The PPV of ccLS increased with each increment in ccLS (ccLS1 5% [3/55], ccLS2 6% [3/47], ccLS3 35% [20/57], ccLS4 78% [85/109], ccLS5 93% [173/186]). Pooled analysis for ccRCC diagnosis revealed sensitivity 91% (258/284), PPV 87% (258/295) for ccLS ≥ 4, and specificity 56% (96/170), NPV 94% (96/102) for ccLS ≤ 2. Diagnostic performance was similar between institutions. We confirm the optimal diagnostic performance of mpMRI to identify ccRCC in all clinical stages. High PPV and NPV of ccLS can help inform clinical management decision-making. • The positive predictive value of the clear cell likelihood score (ccLS) for detecting clear cell renal cell carcinoma was 5% (ccLS1), 6% (ccLS2), 35% (ccLS3), 78% (ccLS4), and 93% (ccLS5). Sensitivity of ccLS ≥ 4 and specificity of ccLS ≤ 2 were 91% and 56%, respectively. • When controlling for confounding variables, ccLS is an independent risk factor for identifying clear cell renal cell carcinoma. • Utilization of the ccLS can help guide clinical care, including the decision for renal mass biopsy, reducing the morbidity and risk to patients.

Nephron-Sparing Surgery for Adult Xp11.2 Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma at Clinical T1 Stage: A Multicenter Study in China

PurposeTo evaluate the oncologic efficacy and feasibility of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in adult Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Patients and MethodsSeventy patients with Xp11.2 translocation RCC and 273 with conventional RCC from five institutions in Nanjing were retrospectively studied. All patients were older than 18 years and were categorized into clinical T1 (cT1) stage using preoperative imaging. Using the preoperative imaging and electronic medical records, anatomical and pathological features were collected and analyzed.ResultsAmong patients with Xp11.2 translocation RCC, 18/36 (50.0%) with cT1a and 12/34 (35.3%) with cT1b tumors underwent NSS. The respective proportions in the conventional RCC group were 121/145 (83.4%) and 93/128 (72.7%). Among cT1a tumors, the Xp11.2 translocation RCCs tended to be adjacent to the collecting system, sinus, and axial renal midline compared with conventional RCCs. Patients with Xp11.2 translocation RCCs who underwent NSS had comparable progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival to radical nephrectomy (RN) patients (P > 0.05). Among cT1b tumors, surgical margin positivity and pelvicalyceal, vascular, and region lymphatic involvement were more likely to occur in the Xp11.2 translocation RCCs (P < 0.05). Patients with Xp11.2 translocation RCC who underwent RN had a more favorable PFS than those who underwent NSS (P = 0.048). However, multivariate analysis of PFS did not identify surgical method as a risk factor (P = 0.089).ConclusionsAmong adults with Xp11.2 translocation RCC, NSS can be an alternative for patients with cT1a tumor but should be performed with more deliberation in patients with cT1b tumors.

Consideration in the management of renal cell carcinoma during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Recently the COVID-19 pandemic became the main global priority; main efforts and health infrastructures have been prioritized in favor of COVID-19 battle and the treatment of benign diseases has been postponed. Renal cell cancer (RCC) patients configure a heterogenous populations: some of them present indolent cases which can safely have postponed their treatments, others present aggressive tumors, deserving immediate care. These scenarios must be properly identified before a tailored therapeutic choice.ObjectivesWe propose a risk- based approach for patients with RCC, to be used during this unprecedented viral infection time.Materials and Methods:After a literature review focused in COVID-19 and current RCC treatments, we suggest therapeutic strategies of RCC in two sections: surgical approach and systemic therapy, in all stages of this malignance.Results:Patients with cT1a tumors (and complex cysts, Bosniak III/IV), must be put under active surveillance and delayed intervention. cT1b-T2a/b cases must be managed by partial or radical nephrectomy, some selected T1b-T2a (≤7cm) cases can have the surgery postponed by 60-90 days). Locally advanced tumors (≥cT3 and or N+) must be promptly resected. As possible, minimally invasive surgery and early hospital discharge are encouraged. Upfront cytoreduction, is not recommendable for low risk oligometastatic patients, which must start systemic treatment or even could be put under surveillance and delayed therapy. Intermediate and poor risk metastatic patients must start target therapy and/or immunotherapy (few good responders intermediate cases can have postponed cytoreduction). The recommendation about hereditary RCC syndromes are lacking, thus we recommend its usual care. Local or loco regional recurrence must have individualized approaches. For all cases, we suggest the application of a specific informed consent and a shared therapeutic choice.Conclusion:In the pandemic COVID -19 times, a tailored risk-based approach must be used for a safe management of RCC, aiming to not compromise the oncological outcomes of the patients.

A Multicenter, International Collaborative Study for American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging of Retinoblastoma: Part II: Treatment Success and Globe Salvage

To evaluate the ability of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition to predict local tumor control and globe salvage for children with retinoblastoma (RB). International, multicenter, registry-based retrospective case series. A total of 2854 eyes of 2097 patients from 18 ophthalmic oncology centers from 13 countries over 6 continents. International, multicenter, registry-based data were pooled from patients enrolled between January 2001 and December 2013. All RB eyes with adequate records to allow tumor staging by the AJCC 8th edition criteria and follow-up to ascertain treatment outcomes were included. Globe-salvage rates were estimated by AJCC clinical (cTNMH) categories and tumor laterality. Local treatment failure was defined as use of enucleation or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), with or without plaque brachytherapy or intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC). Unilateral RB occurred in 1340 eyes (47%). Among the 2854 eyes, tumor categories were cT1 to cT4 in 696 eyes (24%), 1334 eyes (47%), 802 eyes (28%), and 22 eyes (1%), respectively. Of these, 1275 eyes (45%) were salvaged, and 1179 eyes (41%) and 400 eyes (14%) underwent primary and secondary enucleation, respectively. The 2- and 5-year Kaplan-Meier cumulative globe-salvage rates without the use of EBRT by cTNMH categories were 97% and 96% for category cT1a tumors, 94% and 88% for cT1b tumors, 68% and 60% for cT2a tumors, 66% and 57% for cT2b tumors, and 32% and 25% for cT3 tumors, respectively. Risk of local treatment failure increased with increasing cT category (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed a higher risk of local treatment failure in categories cT1b (hazard ratio [HR], 3.5; P= 0.004), cT2a (HR, 15.1; P < 0.001), cT2b (HR, 16.4; P < 0.001), and cT3 (HR, 45.0; P < 0.001) compared with category cT1a. Use of plaque brachytherapy and IAC improved local tumor control in categories cT1a (P= 0.031) and cT1b (P < 0.001). Multicenter, international, internet-based data sharing validated the 8th edition AJCC RB staging to predict globe-salvage in a large, heterogeneous, real-world patient population with RB.

Factors Associated With Receipt of Partial Nephrectomy or Minimally Invasive Surgery for Patients With Clinical T1a and T1b Renal Masses: Implications for Regionalization of Care.

To identify factors associated with receipt of partial nephrectomy (PN) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in patients with clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). We queried the NCDB from 2010 to 2014 identifying patients treated surgically for cT1a-bN0M0 RCC. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between socioeconomic, clinical, and treatment factors, and receipt of MIS or PN within the T1 patient population. Our cohort included 69,694 patients (cT1a, n= 44,043; cT1b, n= 25,651). For cT1a tumors, 70% of patients received PN and 65% underwent MIS. For cT1b tumors, 32% of patients received PN and 62% underwent MIS. cT1a and cT1b patients with household income< $62,000, without private insurance, and treated outside academic centers were less likely to receive MIS or PN. cT1a patients traveling > 31 miles were more likely to undergo MIS. For both cT1a/b, the farther a patient traveled for treatment, the more likely a PN was performed. Data showed an increase in utilization of MIS and PN from 2010 to 2014. However, patients in the lowest socioeconomic groups were less likely to travel and were more likely to receive more invasive treatments. On the basis of these findings, additional research is needed into how regionalization of RCC surgery affects treatment disparities.

No ischemia technique, parenchymal preservation and age are the most important determinants of renal function after partial nephrectomy

The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of Off-Clamp to On -Clamp approach during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Retrospective study of 940patients who underwent a RAPN between 2007 and 2015 for cT1a tumors using On-Clamp or Off-Clamp approaches. Patient with solitary kidney or multifocal were excluded. Overall, 103patients underwent Off-Clamp approach and 37 patients On-Clamp approach. We matched the patients in terms of tumor size, Charlson comorbidity index and R.E.N.A.L. score. At all, 309patients from the On-Clamp were matched to the Off-Clamp group. We compared the clinic-pathological characteristics, perioperative morbidity and late functional outcomes between the 2 propensity score matched groups. Limitation included retrospective analysis. After matching, there were no difference in clinic-pathological characteristics in terms of gender, age, race, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR), tumor size, R.E.N.A.L. score complexity, hilar (H) location between the 2groups. Regarding perioperative outcomes; while operative time (P=0,4), estimated blood loss (P=0,28), Clavien grade III-IV complications (P=0,8) surgical reoperation (P=1), 30-day readmission (P=1), positive surgical margin (5,5% vs. 5,8%, P=0,9) were comparable between the 2 groups, there were significant difference in excisional volume loss (median, 7,08 vs. 3,51cm3, P<0,01), e-GFR decline (median, -9,7 vs. -2,2ml/min/1,73 m2, P<0,01), percent of e-GFR preservation (median, 87% vs. 97%, P<0,01), and CKD upstaging (36,5% vs. 23,3%, P=0,01), Off-Clamp approach (P=0,01), and age (P=0,02) were predictors of renal function preservation, whereas excisional volume loss (OR=1,035, CI 95% (1,015-1,06), P<0,01) predicted upstaging. RAPN for selected renal mass using Off-Clamp approach offered renal functional advantage over On-Clamp, without adding morbidities. While no ischemia technique was associated with less excisional volume loss, Off-Clamp approach, and age were independent predictors of renal function preservation. Clinical significance of these findings in various clinical settings will require further investigation.

IJU this issue

This issue of International Journal of Urology contains two Review Articles, eight Original Articles and six Urological Notes. Tanaka et al. (Osaka, Japan) reviewed the current topics and trends of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapies in urological diseases. HBO therapy can be an effective option for treating some urological conditions, including radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis, Fournier gangrene and interstitial cystitis. In the past, there have been concerns about whether HBO could accelerate cancer cell growth through increased oxygen delivery. However, previous studies concluded that HBO did not promote cancer aggressiveness and that HBO was a safe treatment for cancer patients. This is good news for many urological physicians. Ito (Tokorozawa, Japan) reviewed recent advances in the systemic treatment of metastatic non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas (nccRCCs). At present, there is no standard treatment for metastatic nccRCCs. There are various types of nccRCCs with different genetic backgrounds and molecular features. Currently, tyrosine kinase inhibitors are a treatment option for metastatic papillary RCC as both first-line and second-line agents, whereas both tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors can be applicable for metastatic chromophobe RCC. However, further evidence is required to clarify appropriate therapeutic strategies for nccRCC using new agents and combination regimens. In the Original Articles, Tohi et al. (Kobe, Japan) assessed the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy without renorrhaphy for cT1b renal tumors compared with cT1a. They concluded that robot-assisted partial nephrectomy without renorrhaphy using the soft-coagulation system and absorbable hemostats appears to be feasible for cT1b tumors, although longer warm ischemic time and a high rate of complications can be expected compared with cT1a tumors. It is notable that pseudoaneurysm occurred in none of the 66 patients with cT1a tumors and only one of the 34 patients with cT1b tumors. Okumi et al. (Tokyo, Japan) investigated biopsy-proven recurrence rates and risk factors for immunoglobulin A nephropathy recurrence in 299 kidney transplant recipients. The 10-year recurrence rate was 34%. Related-donor transplantation and post-transplant increased proteinuria were identified as potential risk factors for recurrence. The results have clinical implications in that the signs of recurrent immunoglobulin A nephropathy should be evaluated carefully in recipients receiving related-donor transplants. In the Urological Notes, Suzuki et al. (Tokyo, Japan) reported penile size and stretched rate in a Japanese male population using fresh cadavers. This is a unique study. As Fukuhara (Osaka, Japan) described in the Editorial Comment, penile size is an important factor for men to have a better self-image and better satisfaction during sexual activity. This study provides on-demand helpful data to urologists, because there is scarce knowledge in this field. Yamada et al. (Kyoto, Japan) investigated the feasibility of virtual reality for surgical planning and intraoperative management in partial nephrectomy. Virtual reality technology allows the surgeon to understand the patient's anatomy more accurately and plan the surgical procedures with more care. Although the objective usefulness of the case-specific 3-D virtual reality-based surgical simulation is not shown, it can be a useful technique to intuitively understand surgical anatomy and facilitate surgical decision-making in partial nephrectomy. Unfortunately, the limited space does not allow me to introduce all the articles. However, all the papers are very interesting and informative. Please enjoy this issue of International Journal of Urology. None declared.