European urology
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Intermittent hormonal treatment of prostate cancer was first developed based upon experimental study results. Using the Shionogi mouse breast cancer model, it was shown that the tumor grows rapidly in the presence of androgens, then undergoes apoptotic regression when androgens are removed. This apoptotic potential can be reinduced several times by cyclic replacement and withdrawal of androgens. These results led to the concept being evaluated in clinical trials. ⋯ These studies demonstrated that the androgen-dependent state of prostate cancer can be maintained during a course of intermittent androgen suppression, supporting the possibility of multiple apoptotic regressions under well-regulated conditions. Oliver et al. in 1997, conducted a retrospective study of 20 patients and concluded that intermittent androgen deprivation reduced induction of hormone-resistant prostate cancer, with no acute or major risk associated with the use of intermittent androgen suppression. More clinical studies are required to clarify the indication for intermittent hormone therapy and evaluate improvement in quality of life and survival. In the future, approaches to the improvement of therapeutic apoptosis could include intermittent hormone therapy, associated with additive cytotoxic therapeutic strategies.
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To determine the efficacy, safety and feasibility of intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) in patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse after radical prostatectomy or with an incidental prostate cancer (pT1B) after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). ⋯ These results indicate that IAD is an effective and feasible therapy in patients with early stages of prostate cancer. Larger trials are necessary to confirm these encouraging results. Therefore, a European prospective, randomized, multicenter study (RELAPSE study) has been started to compare IAD with continuous androgen blockade in terms of time to tumor progression, safety and quality of life in patients with PSA relapse after radical prostatectomy.
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Comparative Study
Usefulness of history-taking, physical examination and diagnostic scoring in acute renal colic.
The accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of acute renal colic was studied in connection with the survey of acute abdominal pain by the Research Committee of the World Organization of Gastroenterology. The diagnostic efficiency of various clinical symptoms, signs and tests have not previously been analyzed in the diagnosis of acute renal colic, and therefore the study is of potential importance. ⋯ The results clearly show that acute abdominal pain with normal appetite, short duration of pain (10) are indicative of acute renal colic, and therefore, in this particular clinical question, careful history-taking and physical examination are of utmost importance. In our study, the DS system performed well considering the simple nature of its structure. However, to minimize the risk to the patient, we recommend that the DS is used only as an aid in decision-making when there is uncertainty as to the diagnosis of acute renal colic and the need for immediate treatment. In addition, the possibility of obstructive pyelonephritis in combination with renal colic should be considered clinically.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Requirement of analgesia for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and efficacy of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug: piroxicam.
In this study, the requirement of analgesia and the analgesic efficacy of a long-acting nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), piroxicam, were investigated in patients with renal stone disease treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). ⋯ We considered that analgesic agents should be used to control the pain in second-generation lithotriptors. Piroxicam has clinically significant effects on the pain and also antiinflammatory effects, inhibits ureteric activity, and helps in stone passage.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
What are the parameters for predictive selection of patients requiring anesthesia for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy?
Additional anesthesia is required to minimize the tolerable pain level in efficiently performed extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) with electrohydraulic and electromagnetic sources. In order to assess optimum anesthesia for each patient undergoing a standardized ESWL protocol, pain measurement and scoring were carried out. We attempted to determine the individual type and amount of analgesia prior to treatment. ⋯ The TP and MTP levels are lower in patients requiring stronger analgesia. The determined parameters are suitable for patient preselection and individual assessment of anesthesia prior to ESWL. It may be assumed that 50% of patients administered intravenous opioids are overtreated. Routine pain measurement for patient depends on the individual pain tolerance level. A third phase of this study recruiting a large number of patients will contribute to the confirmation of these results.