Article
Urology & Nephrology
Eimear Ruane-McAteer, Gillian Prue
Summary: This paper discusses the psychological impact of active surveillance for prostate cancer and its implications for treatment decision making and acceptance of AS protocols. It highlights the role of clinicians in treatment decision making and the importance of information provision and trust in AS as a management approach. The paper suggests focusing on identifying factors associated with positive and negative psychological responses to diagnosis and AS for improving psychological and physical outcomes, as conflicting research exists on the psychological impact of AS for PCa.
WORLD JOURNAL OF UROLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Oncology
Douglas C. Cheung, Lisa J. Martin, Maria Komisarenko, Kristen Mcalpine, Shabbir M. H. Alibhai, Antonio Finelli
Summary: While active surveillance for small renal tumors has been shown to be safe in older and more frail patients, its safety in younger and healthier patients had not been confirmed. We compared outcomes for patients aged 55-75 years who were managed with surgery or active surveillance and were similar in age and overall health. The probability of death after 5 years was low overall and not significantly different between the groups, suggesting that active surveillance is safe in routine clinical practice.
EUROPEAN UROLOGY ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Elena Bertelli, Alberto Palombella, Francesco Sessa, Irene Baldi, Noemi Morelli, Silvia Verna, Isabella Greco, Simone Morselli, Alessandro Pili, Arcangelo Sebastianelli, Alessandro Berni, Rossella Nicoletti, Andrea Minervini, Marco Carini, Mauro Gacci, Vittorio Miele, Simone Agostini, Sergio Serni, Riccardo Campi
Summary: In well-selected patients undergoing active surveillance, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging is a safe and effective strategy for monitoring small renal masses (SRM). The majority of SRMs showed no change in enhancement pattern over time, and there was no association between enhancement pattern and radiological progression or SRM size. Delayed intervention was performed in 27.2% of patients, who had significantly larger SRM size and growth rate compared to those continuing active surveillance.
WORLD JOURNAL OF UROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Genevieve Charbonneau, Catherine Hudon, Luke T. Lavallee, Wassim Kassouf, Isabelle Gaboury, Paul Toren, Felix Couture, Veronique Foley, Amelie Tetu, Patrick O. Richard
Summary: Patients' perceptions of active surveillance for SRMs vary among individuals, with their physician's recommendation being one of the most important influencing factors. Developing more patient-oriented information tools is necessary to educate patients, reduce physician influence on decision-making, and ensure that patients' decisions reflect their own values and preferences.
UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY-SEMINARS AND ORIGINAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Alan Valentine, Jessica Brown, Tamara Lacourt, Minxing Chen, Richard De La Garza, Eduardo Bruera
Summary: The study found that self-reported depression and anxiety are common symptoms among patients at a psychiatric oncology center for an initial visit. ESAS-A and ESAS-D have good sensitivity for anxiety and depression screening of cancer patients.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Giacomo Rebez, Nicola Pavan, M. Carmen Mir
Summary: In the follow-up strategies for renal masses under active surveillance, common protocols include imaging and clinical evaluation at 3, 6, and 12 months, with a median follow-up length of 42 months. Growth rate is the main parameter for evaluating disease progression, with CT scan being the most commonly used imaging method. Chest X-ray at each check does not seem to affect clinical outcomes.
WORLD JOURNAL OF UROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Liliana Vartolomei, Andrei Cotrus, Camelia Stanciu, Cristian Delcea, Marco Tozzi, Elena Lievore, Felice Crocetto, Francesco Del Giudice, Giuseppe Lucarelli, Matteo Muto, Matteo Ferro
Summary: This systematic review examines the impact of active surveillance on quality of life (QoL) and psychological distress in patients with small renal masses. The results suggest that active surveillance may have an influence on QoL and psychological distress, although more research is needed due to the limited available data.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Christopher W. Noel, David Forner, Douglas B. Chepeha, Elif Baran, Kelvin K. W. Chan, Ambica Parmar, Zain Husain, Irene Karam, Julie Hallet, Natalie G. Coburn, Antoine Eskander
Summary: The ESAS-r has become one of the most widely used symptom scales for cancer patients over the past 30 years, with well-supported psychometric properties in a heterogenous cancer population, proving to be reliable and valid in various settings. Linking ESAS-r scores with Ontario administrative health data has allowed for a detailed assessment of validity in head and neck cancer. The ESAS-r can distinguish between high and low levels of symptom burden, showcasing responsiveness to changes over time in this patient population. ESAS-r scores have also demonstrated to be a strong predictor of future emergency department use and unplanned hospitalization in head and neck cancer patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Algirdas Zalimas, Raimonda Kubiliute, Kristina Zukauskaite, Rasa Sabaliauskaite, Mantas Trakymas, Simona Letautiene, Edita Miseikyte Kaubriene, Jurgita Usinskiene, Albertas Ulys, Sonata Jarmalaite
Summary: Active surveillance is the best strategy for managing small renal masses, but reliable methods for early detection and disease aggressiveness prediction are urgently needed. This study validates DNA methylation biomarkers for non-invasive detection and prognosis of small renal masses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Leticia Ascencio Huertas, Silvia Rosa Allende Perez, Adriana Pena Nieves
Summary: This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the Distress Thermometer (DT) as a screening tool for emotional distress in oncological palliative care patients and compared it with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised (ESAS-r) and the gold standard. The findings suggest that the DT is more effective than ESAS-r in assessing psychological needs.
PALLIATIVE & SUPPORTIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Carla Ripamonti, Rita Leporati, Giulia De Feo, Patricia Di Pede, Luisa Toffolatti, Mauro Guglielmo, Domenico La Carpia, Guido Miccinesi, Francesca Chiesi
Summary: The routine use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical practice improves quality of care, reduces emergency services, and improves cancer patients' survival. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is widely used to monitor physical and psychological symptoms, but also to assess spiritual pain, financial distress, and social isolation. The current study aimed to validate the Italian version of the ESAS and develop a comprehensive tool, ESAS-Total Care (ESAS-TC), to assess physical, psychological, spiritual, financial, and social symptoms for cancer patients.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jiabi Wen, Xuejing Jin, Fatima Al Sayah, Hilary Short, Arto Ohinmaa, Sara N. Davison, Michael Walsh, Jeffrey A. Johnson
Summary: The study aimed to develop a mapping algorithm from ESAS-r: Renal to Canadian EQ-5D-5L index scores using data from a multi-center trial in hemodialysis units in northern Alberta, Canada. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) and generalized linear model (GLM) were found to be the best models for predicting EQ-5D-5L index scores in economic evaluations when only ESAS-r: Renal data are available. Further validation in populations with different characteristics is recommended, particularly where renal-specific symptoms are more prevalent.
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Y. He, Y. Pang, Z. Su, Y. Zhou, Y. Wang, Y. Lu, Y. Jiang, X. Han, L. Song, L. Wang, Z. Li, X. Lv, Y. Wang, J. Yao, X. Liu, X. Zhou, S. He, Y. Zhang, L. Song, J. Li, B. Wang, L. Tang
Summary: This study evaluated the symptom burden, psychological distress, and management status of hospitalized patients with advanced cancer in China and explored the potential factors influencing undertreatment and non-treatment of symptoms.
Review
Oncology
Lauren Milton, Tara Behroozian, Natalie Coburn, Maureen Trudeau, Yasmeen Razvi, Erin McKenzie, Irene Karam, Henry Lam, Edward Chow
Summary: The Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) is a validated tool used to measure patient symptoms in cancer patients. Studies reviewed show that ESAS can be used to predict patient survival time, emergency department visits, symptoms associated with decreased quality of life, and generate health utility scores.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Hatem Mawi, Rishi Narine, Nicola Schieda
Summary: The study found that contrast enhancement is not necessary for MRI surveillance of clinical T1a solid renal masses. Measurements of renal mass size on unenhanced T2-weighted MRI were accurate and consistent among observers. The clinical staging using T2-weighted MRI showed near perfect agreement with contrast-enhanced MRI, indicating that contrast enhancement is not needed for follow-up size measurements in cT1a solid renal masses.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ROENTGENOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Hanan Goldberg, Faizan K. Mohsin, Refik Saskin, Girish S. Kulkarni, Alejandro Berlin, Miran Kenk, Christopher J. D. Wallis, Zachary Klaassen, Thenappan Chandrasekar, Ardalan E. Ahmad, Rashid K. Sayyid, Olli Saarela, Linda Penn, Shabbir M. H. Alibhai, Neil Fleshner
Summary: The study indicates that the use of statins may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality, with hydrophilic statins (such as rosuvastatin and pravastatin) showing a greater association with decreased risk of undergoing another prostate biopsy and being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
EUROPEAN UROLOGY FOCUS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Hanan Goldberg, Rodrigo Noorani, John Z. Benton, Atul Lodh, Alejandro Berlin, Thenappan Chandrasekar, Christopher J. D. Wallis, Ardalan E. Ahmad, Zachary Klaassen, Neil E. Fleshner
Summary: The study found a higher prevalence of cancer in men with a military service history, particularly in genitourinary, dermatological, gastrointestinal, and hematological cancers. There is an association between military service history and increased odds of cancer diagnosis, indicating a need for further research to explore this relationship.
CANCER CAUSES & CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Hanan Goldberg, Faizan K. Mohsin, Alejandro Berlin, Thenappan Chandrasekar, Christopher J. D. Wallis, Zachary Klaassen, Ardalan E. Ahmad, Refik Saskin, Miran Kenk, Olli Saarela, Girish S. Kulkarni, Shabbir M. H. Alibhai, Neil Fleshner
Summary: The study found that diabetic men receiving metformin treatment had a lower risk of prostate cancer diagnosis, undergoing additional prostate biopsies, and receiving androgen deprivation therapy.
UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY-SEMINARS AND ORIGINAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2021)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jaime O. Herrera-Caceres, Rand Ajaj, Ricardo Leao, Serena Barello, Francisco Rodriguez-Covarrubias, Stenio C. Zequi, Deborah Maskens, Rachel H. Giles, Luke T. Lavallee, Michael A. S. Jewett
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Joon Yau Leong, Ruben Pinkhasov, Thenappan Chandrasekar, Oleg Shapiro, Michael Daneshvar, Joseph Jacob, Thomas Sanford, Gennady Bratslavsky, Hanan Goldberg
Summary: In the USA, men with reported disabilities are less likely to undergo PSA testing than patients without reported disabilities.
EUROPEAN UROLOGY FOCUS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
J. Oldenburg, D. M. Berney, C. Bokemeyer, M. A. Climent, G. Daugaard, J. A. Gietema, U. De Giorgi, H. S. Haugnes, R. A. Huddart, R. Leao, A. Sohaib, S. Gillessen, T. Powles
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Hanan Goldberg, Faizan K. Mohsin, Thenappan Chandrasekar, Christopher J. D. Wallis, Zachary Klaassen, Ardalan E. Ahmad, Refik Saskin, Miran Kenk, Olli Saarela, Girish S. Kulkarni, Shabbir M. H. Alibhai, Neil Fleshner
Summary: This study found that the use of hydrophilic statins is inversely associated with the risk of urinary retention (UR) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) within 30 days of a prostate biopsy (PBx) in men older than 66. No such association was observed for hydrophobic statins.
CUAJ-CANADIAN UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Oncology
John Panzone, Timothy Byler, Gennady Bratslavsky, Hanan Goldberg
Summary: Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a valuable tool for assessing the prostate and aiding in prostate cancer diagnosis. It can be used in both transrectal and transperineal biopsy approaches with similar detection rates, but different rates of infection and urinary retention. Multiparametric MRI has substantial benefits for prostate cancer diagnosis and can be combined with TRUS for fusion biopsies. Micro-ultrasound provides higher resolution images and is effective at diagnosing prostate cancer. High-intensity focused ultrasound therapy administered via TRUS shows promise for localized disease treatment.
CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
John Panzone, Timothy Byler, Gennady Bratslavsky, Hanan Goldberg
Summary: Cancer is a prevalent disease worldwide, and traditional treatments have significant associated morbidity for patients. Focused ultrasound, with its unique acoustic properties and biological effects, has been studied as an alternative treatment option with lower morbidity. Current research indicates that focused ultrasound-based focal therapy shows promise for the treatment of localized prostate and kidney cancer, and the effect of ultrasound on cell membranes may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Focused ultrasound-based treatment modalities should continue to be explored as an alternative or complementary treatment option for cancer patients.
Article
Oncology
Michael J. Herriges, Ruben Pinkhasov, Keren Lehavot, Oleg Shapiro, Joseph M. Jacob, Thomas Sanford, Nick Liu, Gennady Bratslavsky, Hanan Goldberg
Summary: The utilization of cancer screening is lower among LGB individuals compared to heterosexuals, and the rates of screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer are lower in the LGB population compared to heterosexuals.
CANCER CAUSES & CONTROL
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniel Henriques, Anabela Mota Pinto, Helena Donato, Ricardo Leao
Summary: The management of incidentally diagnosed small testicular masses is controversial. This study systematically evaluated the evidence regarding the prevalence, histology, and management of these masses. It found that small testicular masses are often benign, and intraoperative frozen section examination is a reliable tool for distinguishing between benign and malignant masses. Future research may uncover new imaging tools or biomarkers to support clinical management.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Maximillian S. Wu, Hanan Goldberg
Summary: Prostate cancer is a common cancer type with strong genetic associations, and mCRPC is resistant to standard therapies. Rucaparib, a PARP inhibitor, has shown promising results in treating mCRPC patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, with similar safety profiles to other PARP inhibitors. Further research is needed to investigate metabolic differences and efficacy in other cancer types.
CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Megan Ngai, Thenappan Chandrasekar, Gennady Bratslavsky, Hanan Goldberg
Summary: The role of lymph node dissection (LND) in the management of nonmetastatic localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still controversial. While some studies have suggested a potential benefit, most studies do not indicate a clear advantage, and there is a lack of standardized indications and templates for LND.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Rashid K. K. Sayyid, Rui Bernardino, Zizo Al-Daqqaq, Raj Tiwari, Jessica Cockburn, Shagana Vijayakanthan, Ricardo Leao, Yazan Qaoud, Mohamad Baker Berjaoui, Ur Metser, Alejandro Berlin, Neil E. E. Fleshner
Summary: This study found that 11.3% of patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer had mesorectal lymph node (MLN) metastases on PSMA-PET/CT. The presence of pT3b disease was significantly associated with increased odds of MLN metastasis. These findings suggest alternate drainage routes for prostate cancer cells.
Editorial Material
Urology & Nephrology
Rui Bernardino, Rashid K. Sayyid, Ricardo Leao, Alexandre R. Zlotta, Theodorus van Der Kwast, Laurence Klotz, Neil E. Fleshner