Urology Congress Research Articles

Reply by Authors

No AccessJournal of UrologyPediatric Urology1 Apr 2017Reply by Authors View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.09.157AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Reply by Authors." The Journal of Urology, 197(4), p. 1143 References 1 Friedlander D, Sullivan B, Gearhart JP et al: Unpublished data. Google Scholar 2 Sullivan B, Friedlander D, Di Carlo H et al: Pelvic osteotomy in the newborn classic bladder exstrophy closure: complications and outcomes. Presented at European Association of Urology Congress, London, United Kingdom, March 26, 2017. Google Scholar © 2017 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 197Issue 4April 2017Page: 1143 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2017 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Publication rates of full-text journal articles converted from abstracts presented during the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Congress.

To analyze the publication rates of full-text journal articles converted from the abstracts presented in the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Congress in 2012. A total of 576 abstracts accepted for presentation at the 22(nd) Turkish National Urology Association Meeting were identified from the published abstract book. The abstracts were categorized into subsections such as endourology and pediatric urology. The subsequent publication rate for the studies was evaluated by scanning PubMed Medline. Abstracts published before the proceedings were excluded from the study. The abstracts were categorized as being presented orally (n=155), by poster (n=421), or by video (n=78). Of the 28 (18.3%) of 155 oral and 34 (8.15%) of 421 poster presentations, were subsequently published in several journals until March 2015. The publication rates of the abstracts based on urology subsections were as follows: neurology (25%), andrology (18.6%), endourology (17.2%), urolithiasis (15.3%), general urology (12.5%), infectious diseases (7.14%), pediatric urology (6.25%), uro-gynecology (6.06%), reconstructive urology (5.8%), and urooncology (3.8%). The average time to publication was 11.77 (0-33) months. This is the first study assessing the publication rates of abstracts presented at a Turkish National Urology Congress. It reveals that more qualified randomized studies need to be done to improve the rate of publication.

Strategy of robotic surgeons to exert public influence through Twitter.

Twitter is gaining growing popularity as a communication platform and potential tool to influence the public in medical matters. The aim here is to examine whether and how robotic surgeons use Twitter more influentially than other urologists. Robotic surgeons and other urologists that tweeted at the European urology congress were compared by assessing Twitter Follower/Following Ratio, Retweet Rank and Percentile and their Twitter strategies. Robotic surgeons had a significantly higher Twitter Follower/Following Ratio (2.1, 1.4-2.4) and Retweet Rank percentile (92.1%, 90.5-93%) than other urologists (1.2, 0.8-2.1 and 88.9%, 87.3-91.7%, respectively). Robotic surgeons used original tweet content and links more often than other urologists (69.4% vs 53.8%, and 19.8% vs 12.5%, respectively). Robotic surgeons had a higher public influence on Twitter than other urologists and posted original tweets and links in tweets and profiles more frequently. This strategy might optimize Twitter use by healthcare professionals in the future. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Qualitative Twitter analysis of participants, tweet strategies, and tweet content at a major urologic conference.

The microblogging social media platform Twitter is increasingly being adopted in the urologic field. We aimed to analyze participants, tweet strategies, and tweet content of the Twitter discussion at a urologic conference. A comprehensive analysis of the Twitter activity at the European Association of Urology Congress 2013 (#eau2013) was performed, including characteristics of user profiles, engagement and popularity measurements, characteristics and timing of tweets, and content analysis. Of 218 Twitter contributors, doctors (45%) were the most frequent, ahead of associations (15%), companies (10%), and journals (3%). However, journals had the highest tweet/participant rate (22 tweets/participant), profile activity (median: 1177, total tweets, 1805 followers, 979 following), and profile popularity (follower/following ratio: 2.1; retweet rank percentile: 96%). Links in a profile were associated with higher engagement (p<0.0001) and popularity (p<0.0001). Of 1572 tweets, 57% were original tweets, 71% contained mentions, 20% contained links, and 25% included pictures. The majority of tweets (88%) were during conference hours, with an average of 24.7 tweets/hour and a peak activity of 71 tweets/hour. Overall, 59% of tweets were informative, led by the topics uro-oncology (21%), urologic research (21%), and urotechnology (12%). Limitations include the analysis of a single conference analysis, assessment of global profile and not domain-specific activity, and the rapid evolution in Twitter-using habits. Results of this single conference qualitative analysis are promising for an enrichment of the scientific discussions at urologic conferences through the use of Twitter.

European Association of Urology--31st Annual Congress (March 11-15, 2016--Munich, Germany).

The 31st Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress held in Munich, Germany, was a platform for expert urological specialists from all over the world to find a unique space to share their evidence-based knowledge during state-of-the art lectures, presentations and courses. This report covers selected presentations covering cancer-related presentations.

Selection procedure for scientific contributions to the German Society of Urology (DGU) congress 2015

Selection procedure for scientific contributions to the German Society of Urology (DGU) congress 2015

Treino dos internos de Urologia em laparoscopia - Comparação entre Portugal e o resto da Europa

Objectives: To evaluate the exposure of Portuguese Urology residents (IP) to urological laparoscopy and to its training methods, comparing with the remaining Urology residents in Europe (IE).Materials and methods: A survey consisting of 23 questions concerning laparoscopic training, which was published online as well as distributed on paper, during the Annual European. Association of Urology Congress in 2012. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics, student t, Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests.Results: We obtained 219 valid responses, 53 (24.2%) of which from IP. Conventional laparoscopy is equally available for both groups (78.8% of IP vs 72.0% of IE, p = NS). IP have greater access to single port laparoscopy (22.6% vs 8.4%, p < 0.05), but lesser exposure to robot-assisted laparoscopy (0% vs 21.9%, p < 0.01) in their training departments. Performance of conventional laparoscopy as first surgeons was reported by 32.7% of IP and 24.8% of IE (p = NS). The most commonly performed procedure was total nephrectomy (38.4% of IP and 28.8% of IE, p = NS). The majority in both groups considered their laparoscopic experience at the moment of the survey to be “Poor” or worse (81.9% of IP e 75.5% of IE, p = NS). However, IP had greater expectations than IE of improvement during residency (p = 0.01). No previous attendance to laparoscopic courses or fellowships was seen in 35.7% of IP and 41.7% of IE (p = NS). However, IP attended more national courses than IE. “Pelvitrainer” is the most commonly available laboratory training method, (30.2% of IP and 33.3% of IE, p = NS), but 41.9% of IP and 42.4% IE do not have access to any laparoscopic training device. Most residents (84.1% of IP and 74.4% of IE, p = NS) rate their motivation to perform laparoscopy in the future as “High” or “Very High”, and plan performing a post-residency fellowship in this field.Conclusions: The access to conventional laparoscopy is similar between IP and IE, and both take an active part in this technique. A significant proportion has some experience as laparoscopic surgeons. Despite the relative scarcity of training devices in both groups, IP attend more national courses in laparoscopy, and experience a better sense of evolution during residency than IE.© 2014 Associação Portuguesa de Urologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

BPH and prostate cancer risk.

Introduction:With the exclusion of non-melanomatous skin malignancy, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer in men globally. It has been reported that the majority of men will develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by the time they reach their 60s. Together, these prostatic diseases have a significant morbidity and mortality affecting over a billion men throughout the world. The risk of developing prostate cancer of men suffering BPH is one that has resulted in a healthy debate amongst the urological community. Here, we try to address this conundrum with clinical and basic science evidence.Materials and Methods:Data from an online search and contemporary data presented at international urological congresses was reviewed.Results:BPH and PCa can be linked together at a molecular and cellular level on genetic, hormonal, and inflammatory platforms suggesting that these prostatic diseases have common pathophysiological driving factors. Epidemiological studies are weighted towards the presence of BPH having a greater risk for a man to develop PCa in his lifetime; however, a conclusion of causality cannot be confidently stated.Conclusion:The future workload healthcare practitioners will face regarding BPH, and PCa will substantially increase. Further basic science and large epidemiological studies using a global cohort of men are required prior to the urological community confidently counseling their patients with BPH with regards to their PCa risk.

Training of European urology residents in laparoscopy: results of a pan‐European survey

To assess the participation of European urology residents in urological laparoscopy, their training patterns and facilities available in European Urology Departments. A survey, consisting of 23 questions concerning laparoscopic training, was published online as well as distributed on paper, during the Annual European Association of Urology Congress in 2012. Exposure to laparoscopic procedures, acquired laparoscopic experience, training patterns, training facilities and motivation were evaluated. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics. In all, 219 European urology residents answered the survey. Conventional laparoscopy was available in 74% of the respondents' departments, while robotic surgery was available in 17% of the departments. Of the respondents, 27% were first surgeons and 43% were assistants in conventional laparoscopic procedures. Only 23% of the residents rated their laparoscopic experience as at least 'satisfactory'; 32% of the residents did not attend any course or fellowship on laparoscopy. Dry laboratory was the most frequent setting for training (33%), although 42% of the respondents did not have access to any type of laparoscopic laboratory. The motivation to perform laparoscopy was rated as 'high' or 'very high' by 77% of the respondents, and 81% considered a post-residency fellowship in laparoscopy. Urological laparoscopy is available in most European training institutions, with residents playing an active role in the procedure. However, most of them consider their laparoscopic experience to be poor. Moreover, the availability of training facilities and participation in laparoscopy courses and fellowships are low and should be encouraged.

Instruments Interaction in Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Nephrectomy: An Endoscopic Perspective

Introduction and Objectives: Reduced triangulation and instrument collision remain obstacles to widespread clinical adoption of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery.1 Our aim was to study interaction of instruments in a LESS radical nephrectomy (LESS RN) by placing an additional endoscope to monitor instrument movements during the procedure and develop methods to bypass observed difficulties. Materials and Methods: Our patient was a 62-year-old woman with a 6-cm right renal tumor and multiple abnormal cysts. Through a 3-cm omega-shaped incision, a transperitoneal transumbilical approach was employed with a Gelpoint® platform (Applied Medical, Inc., Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) for access. Four 5-mm reusable trocars were positioned. One was exchanged with a 10-mm trocar for Hem-o-lok® (Teleflex, Inc., Limerick, PA) clip delivery. Surgery was performed with a 5-mm 30° endoscope and standard laparoscopic instruments. A 5-mm trocar was inserted in the right flank to observe and record the procedure through another 5-mm 30° endoscope in its entirety. The surgeon did not have access to this extra camera view during the procedure. Conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) steps were utilized (colon/liver mobilization, vena cava and pedicle dissection/control, ureteral sectioning, and final specimen dissection). The specimen was extracted through the umbilical incision. Operative time was under 2 hours. The patient had a normal postoperative course without complications. Results: The procedure was completed in comparable time to LRN with standard laparoscopic instruments. Video observations of all surgical steps were reviewed. From the endoscopic perspective, clashing of the endoscope and the main instrument occurred most frequently during the upper-pole dissection when the instruments entered in the same axis. This prevented triangulation and reduced mobility. Avoiding collisions required surgeon/assistant coordination and minor adjustments to trocars placed within the Gelpoint. The remainder of the procedure had minimal instrument-related difficulties as shown in the video. The multifunctionality of the ultrasonic shears facilitated the procedure by reducing instrument switching. Conclusions: LESS RN can be performed with standard laparoscopic instruments in a comparable amount of time to standard LRN with excellent cosmesis and no significant change in cost or morbidity.1 The observation endoscope in the flank clearly demonstrated that although some instrument clashing and decreased triangulation were seen, the use of the Gelpoint access system and low-profile trocars allowed the operation to progress smoothly. We believe that these observations further support the use of LESS RN as a feasible alternative to LRN in appropriately selected patients.1,2 The authors have nothing to disclose Runtime of video: 09 mins 49 secs This video was presented in part at the 2011 European Association of Urology Congress in Vienna.

Oncoforum Urology: Prostate Cancer 2008 at a Glance

Many new findings on prostate cancer (PCa) were presented at the 2008 annual meetings of the European Association of Urology (EAU), the American Urological Association (AUA), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO). To summarise interesting topics on PCa from urological and oncological congresses in 2008. This manuscript is based on a presentation given at a satellite symposium on PCa held at the 2009 annual meeting of the EAU in Stockholm, Sweden. Data were retrieved from selected abstracts on PCa presented at urological and oncological congresses in 2008. The frequency of lymph node metastases seems low in patients with low-risk PCa and the percentage of positive biopsy cores may be used to predict lymph node involvement. Therefore, the diagnostic benefit of extended pelvic lymphadenectomy is questioned in patients with low-risk PCa undergoing radical prostatectomy. According to two studies presented at the EAU annual meeting, appropriately selected patients with very low-risk PCa might be safely managed by active surveillance. Furthermore, it is still unclear whether the risk of developing secondary malignancies increases after primary radiation of PCa. Confounding factors such as smoking should be taken into consideration before drawing any conclusions. With regard to locally advanced PCa, an update of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) 8794 trial confirmed that adjuvant radiotherapy to radical prostatectomy reduces recurrence. In addition, adjuvant radiotherapy significantly reduced the risk of metastases and improved overall survival in men with pT3 PCa. In patients with castration-resistant PCa, abiraterone acetate seems to be well tolerated and effective. Many interesting new data on PCa were presented at the 2008 oncological and urological congresses. Some may have an impact on clinical practice, whereas other data raise new questions that will have to be answered by further research. This paper discusses interesting new data on prostate cancer (PCa) presented at 2008 urological and oncological congresses. These data cover diagnosis and staging, localised PCa, locally advanced PCa and hormone-refractory PCa and may have an impact on current or future clinical practice.

Improving Flexibility and Quality of Life for Your Patients: A Must?

Abstract Context Prostate cancer (PCa) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Therefore, QoL is an important factor to be considered before and during ADT, and appropriate measures should be taken to maintain or improve it. Objective This paper discusses several aspects considered important in the maintenance or improvement of the QoL of PCa patients treated with ADT. Evidence acquisition During the 2009 European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Stockholm, Sweden, a satellite symposium was held on PCa. This paper is based on one of the presentations held at this symposium. Data were retrieved from recent review articles, original articles, and abstracts. Evidence synthesis Effective, patient-centred communication will ensure that the patient is well informed about the treatment and its potential side-effects, may reduce suffering, and enhances the patient's well-being. ADT may induce side-effects that affect QoL and also cause potentially serious medical problems. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent or manage these side-effects before and during ADT. Integrating the patient's expectations, preferences, and needs in daily clinical practice, such as during treatment decisions, will ensure well-informed decisions and may minimise future regret and improve treatment satisfaction. A treatment such as the luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonist Eligard ® , which is available in 1-, 3- and 6-mo depot formulations, enabling administration at different time intervals, offers patients flexibility and is another step in improving QoL. Conclusions QoL is an important factor to be considered before and during ADT for PCa. Effective and open communication between the patient and physician, prevention and management of ADT-related side-effects, and integration of patient's expectations in clinical practice are measures that can be taken to maintain or improve the QoL of ADT-treated patients.

RANK Ligand: A Key Role in Cancer-Induced Bone Destruction?

Abstract Context Prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with a high risk of bone metastases; androgen-deprivation therapy is associated with significant bone loss. Bone metastases and bone loss are both linked to an increased risk of skeletal-related events, which in turn can reduce quality of life and life expectancy. Understanding of the pathophysiology underlying bone disease in patients with cancer is therefore important for the development of new treatments that can prevent or reverse it as well as for the improvement of patient outcomes. Objective To provide an overview of bone metabolism in the normal state and to describe recent developments in our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying bone disease induced by cancer as well as cancer treatment–induced bone loss (CTIBL). Evidence acquisition This article is based on a presentation at an Amgen-sponsored satellite symposium held at the European Association of Urology Congress in Stockholm, Sweden, in March 2009. Evidence synthesis Skeletal integrity is maintained by a balance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. The proteins osteoprotegerin and RANK Ligand play key roles in preserving this balance by preventing and promoting osteoclast activity, respectively. In bone disease associated with cancer, however, the balance shifts in favour of RANK Ligand, resulting in a vicious cycle of osteoclast activation and tumour growth; the same may be true in CTIBL. Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits RANK Ligand, has been shown to block osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and is currently under development as a potential treatment for bone abnormalities associated with cancer and its treatment. Conclusions Inhibition of the RANK Ligand pathway by the human monoclonal antibody denosumab may provide a novel treatment option for bone disease in PCa. Further studies are underway.

RANK Ligand Inhibition: A Novel Strategy for the Treatment of Bone Metastases

Abstract Context Prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with bone metastases, which lead to disruption in the normally well-controlled process of bone remodelling. This disruption may lead to bone pain and fractures. Improvements in the assessment and management of bone metastases are therefore required. Objective To assess the value of bone turnover markers, particularly N -telopeptide in urine (uNTx), in predicting skeletal events and the potential of the novel agent denosumab to reduce the secondary disruption to bone in men with PCa. Evidence acquisition This article is based on a presentation at an Amgen satellite symposium held at the European Association of Urology Congress in Stockholm, Sweden, in March 2009. Evidence synthesis High levels of uNTx in patients with bone metastases secondary to a range of cancers, including PCa, are associated with an increased risk of skeletal-related events (SRE) and death. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits RANK Ligand, currently under development as a potential new treatment for bone metastases associated with a broad range of tumours. Denosumab has been shown to reduce the level of uNTx in patients with bone metastases resulting from breast cancer. Treatment with denosumab also has beneficial effects on other bone markers and the incidence of SRE in these patients. Similarly, denosumab reduces uNTx levels and the risk of SRE in patients with other primary tumours, including PCa. Evidence from an active-comparator study involving patients previously unresponsive to bisphosphonates suggests a benefit of denosumab over continued bisphosphonate treatment. Conclusions Measurement of uNTx levels may be a useful marker for identifying patients most at risk of skeletal complications. Denosumab suppresses uNTx levels, and trials evaluating the efficacy of denosumab in preventing and treating complications caused by bone metastases are continuing.

Who Benefits from Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Hormone Therapy?

Abstract Context Although there is an increasing interest in the use of neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy (HT) combined with curative treatment for patients with prostate cancer (PCa), the issue of who may benefit from such therapy is still open. Objective To summarise the current status of neoadjuvant and adjuvant HT as a curative treatment for patients with PCa. Evidence acquisition This manuscript is based on a presentation given at a satellite symposium on PCa held at the 2009 European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Stockholm, Sweden. Data were retrieved from recent original articles, review papers, and abstracts on neoadjuvant or adjuvant HT to local treatment for PCa. Evidence synthesis Neoadjuvant HT to radical prostatectomy does not offer a survival benefit over surgery alone in patients with localised and locally advanced PCa. Neoadjuvant HT to radiation therapy (RT) appears to improve treatment outcomes, except overall survival (OS), over RT alone in patients with locally advanced PCa, without increasing the risk of fatal cardiac events. Several large, randomised phase 3 studies have shown that adjuvant HT with RT increases OS compared with RT alone in patients with high-risk localised or locally advanced PCa. However, the added value of HT to RT seems to pertain only to men with no or minimal comorbidity. With regard to the optimal duration, long-term adjuvant HT appears superior over short-term adjuvant HT with RT, especially in patients with poor-risk PCa. Conclusions Neoadjuvant or adjuvant HT to RT may improve treatment outcomes, including OS in appropriately selected patients with PCa.

Prostate Cancer: Closing the Gap Between Science and Practice — Introduction and Conclusions

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has become the mainstay treatment in patients with advanced PCa (ie, locally advanced and metastatic PCa). In recent years, ADT has been used in younger patients with earlier disease stages, for instance, as adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy (RT) [3]. ADT, however, is associated with substantial adverse events, such as hot flushes, sexual problems, fatigue, psychological problems, and metabolic syndrome, that may adversely affect a patient’s quality of life (QoL) [3]. Intermittent hormone therapy (IHT) has gained interest as an alternative to continuous hormone therapy for advanced PCa, with the aim of reducing adverse events and improving QoL [3–5]. Generally, physicians should carefully weigh the benefits against the potential risks of ADT in patients with PCa. Additionally, patients should be well informed about the treatment approach and its potential adverse events. During the symposium ‘‘Prostate cancer: Closing the gap between science and practice’’, five experts discussed recent findings related to PCa treatment, particularly hormone therapy. They first discussed recent data on the detection and management of PCa that were retrieved from abstracts presented at urological and oncological congresses in 2008 and were critically selected by urological experts. The current status of neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy to local treatment in the management of PCa was summarised. Scientific evidence on IHT and recommendations on how to implement IHT in clinical practice were presented. Lastly, they discussed several aspects considered important in the maintenance or improvement of the QoL of PCa patients treated with ADT. This manuscript introduces and summarises the presentations given at a satellite symposium on PCa that was held during the 24th annual congress of the European Association of Urology (EAU) in March 2009 in Stockholm, Sweden.

RANK Ligand-targeted Therapy: A Novel Approach to Prevent Bone Loss and Fractures in Men with Prostate Cancer

Abstract Context The importance of bone loss associated with both prostate cancer (PCa) and its treatment is being increasingly recognised, and new options to manage this complication are in development. Objective To assess the impact of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) on bone and to outline recently reported and ongoing phase 3 studies of agents designed to prevent bone loss and fractures in men with PCa. Evidence acquisition This article is based on a presentation at an Amgen-sponsored satellite symposium held at the European Association of Urology Congress in Stockholm, Sweden, in March 2009. Evidence synthesis ADT for PCa is associated with bone loss and an increased fracture risk. Several bisphosphonates have been shown to improve bone mineral density (BMD) during ADT, but their effects on treatment-related fractures are unknown. Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody to RANK Ligand, is being investigated for the management of bone loss associated with PCa. The results of a phase 3 randomised, placebo-controlled trial of denosumab to prevent bone loss and fractures during ADT in men with PCa have recently been reported. Compared with placebo, denosumab (60mg subcutaneously every 6 mo) significantly reduced the incidence of new vertebral fractures by 62% after 3 yr. Denosumab also increased BMD significantly at various skeletal sites, including the spine, hip, and wrist. Conclusions ADT decreases BMD and increases fracture risk in men with PCa. A recent phase 3 study has demonstrated that denosumab increases BMD and significantly reduces the risk of new vertebral fractures in men with PCa. Two ongoing phase 3 studies are evaluating denosumab for the prevention and treatment of bone metastases in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Fesoterodine: a novel muscarinic receptor antagonist for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome

Background: Fesoterodine is a newly approved drug for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome. Objective: The aim of this study was to review the preclinical and clinical data on fesoterodine. Methods: The study involved a search of the Medline database and the proceedings volumes of urological congresses. Results/conclusions: Fesoterodine functions as an orally active prodrug that is converted to the active metabolite 5-hydroxymethyltolterodine by non-specific esterases. 5-Hydroxymethyltolterodine is a muscarinic receptor antagonist. Fesoterodine is primarily eliminated as inactive metabolites along with significant renal excretion as the unchanged active metabolite 5-hydroxymethyltolterodine. Fesoterodine is indicated for use at doses of 4 and 8 mg once daily. In clinical studies both doses of fesoterodine were consistently superior to placebo in improving the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome, with 8 mg/day having significantly greater effects than 4 mg/day.

News &amp; Notes

AbstractLoop diuretics may increase bone loss in menContinuous use of a loop diuretic could double the rate of bone loss in elderly men, according to a new analysis of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study (Arch Intern Med 2008; 168: 735–40).This analysis of a subgroup of 3269 of the original 5995 men over 65 for whom a DEXA scan was available at baseline and after a mean follow‐up of 4.6 years identified 84 who had continuously used a loop diuretic, 181 with intermittent use and 3004 never‐users.After adjustment for risk factors, the mean annual rate of decline in bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip was 0.78 per cent among continuous users, 0.58 per cent with intermittent use and 0.33 per cent among never‐users; there were similar trends at the femoral neck and trochanter.Cochrane reviews finasterideTreatment with finasteride reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men at increased risk by about one‐quarter, a new Cochrane review reveals (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD007091. DOI: 10.1002/ 14651858.CD007091).The risk reduction with finasteride did not vary with age, ethnicity or family history but was not evident in men with prostate‐specific antigen &gt;4ng/ml. The analysis was dominated by the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, which reported an increase in men with high‐grade tumours during finasteride therapy.Only one report of dutasteride was included, suggesting a 51 per cent risk reduction in cancers detected.New GnRH antagonistsGermany is the first country in Europe to have the new GnRH receptor antagonist abarelix (Plenaxis) for the treatment of hormone‐dependent prostate cancer. Manufacturer Speciality European Pharma says that abarelix, by contrast with agonist therapies, reduces testosterone levels rapidly and is not associated with hormonal surge or flare. Registration is now underway across Europe.Phase III data presented at the 23rd Annual European Association of Urology Congress in Milan revealed the rapid onset of effect with Ferring's GnRH antagonist degarelix. After 14 days, serum testosterone was &lt;5ng/ml in all patients treated with degarelix and in 18 per cent of those assigned to monthly leuprorelin. The median reduction in prostate‐specific antigen was 64 per cent with degarelix and 18 per cent with the LHRH analogue.Transdermal testosterone little benefit for womenWomen who report decreased sexual satisfaction derive little benefit from transdermal testosterone, an Australian trial has shown (Ann Intern Med 2008; 148: 569–77).261 women aged 35–46 who reported decreased sexual satisfaction compared with historical experience were randomised to receive placebo or testosterone spray at doses of 56, 90 or 180µl for 16 weeks. Baseline morning serum free testosterone level was less than 3.8pmol/l.The primary endpoint was the number of satisfactory sexual events (SSEs) in the 28 days up to week 16.The rate ratios of SSEs compared with placebo for 56, 90 and 180µl doses were 1.34, 1.48 and 1.38, respectively; of these, only the response to the 90µl dose was statistically significant but the absolute difference was small – equivalent to an increase of 0.8 SSE per month. The commonest adverse effect was dose–related hypertrichosis at the site. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd

Review of the 22nd European Association of Urology Congress, Berlin, Germany, March 2007

International Journal of Urological NursingVolume 1, Issue 2 p. 93-94 Review of the 22nd European Association of Urology Congress, Berlin, Germany, March 2007 Vanessa Basketter, Vanessa Basketter Vanessa Basketter is a uro-oncology clinical nurse specialistat St Mary’s Hospital, Portsmouth, UKSearch for more papers by this author Vanessa Basketter, Vanessa Basketter Vanessa Basketter is a uro-oncology clinical nurse specialistat St Mary’s Hospital, Portsmouth, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 03 July 2007 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-771X.2007.00016_2.xCitations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume1, Issue2July 2007Pages 93-94 RelatedInformation