BJU international
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Germ cell tumours (GCTs) represent the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in young men aged 18-35 years. Transformation of the cell of origin results in tumours with several unique properties. ⋯ Despite the presence of genomic instability and many oncogenic changes, GCTs are highly curable, even in the metastatic setting, due to their extreme sensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. In this review we highlight some of the molecular events associated with the genesis, differentiation and chemotherapeutic response of these tumours, and discuss how these alterations are linked with biological features unique to germ cells.
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To evaluate the overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in men receiving primary androgen-deprivation therapy (PADT) or salvage medical ADT (SADT) for prostate cancer. ⋯ PADT and SADT prolong survival in men with prostate cancer. HRPC portends a poor DSS. Age at diagnosis and ADT induction, PSA level before ADT, and disease stage predict both OS and DSS in this population. However, most men died from causes unrelated to prostate cancer, thus questioning the true value of ADT in prolonging patient survival.
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To evaluate the effect of preoperative risk factors on perioperative outcomes up to 3 months after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), as RC continues to be associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. ⋯ RARC appears to be well tolerated, independent of comorbid risk factors such as age, BMI, RCRI and ASA score.
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To validate a model to stratify patients with obstructive nephropathy due to malignant ureteric obstruction, associated with a poor prognosis, into different prognostic groups, as a recent report identified low serum albumin, degree of hydronephrosis and number of events related to metastatic disease as prognostic indicators before palliative decompression. ⋯ Consistent with a previous report we showed that a low serum albumin level and events related to metastatic disease were indicative of a poor prognosis. We also found that a low serum sodium level might be associated with a worse prognosis. We externally validated a model for stratifying patients into different prognostic groups. Palliative decompression is associated with significant morbidity.
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Multicenter Study
Microbiological tined-lead examination: does prolonged sacral neuromodulation testing induce infection?
To investigate whether prolonged sacral neuromodulation (SNM) testing induces a substantial risk of infection because of the percutaneous passage of the extension wire. ⋯ After prolonged tined-lead testing, we found an infection rate comparable to that reported with the usual short test period. In addition, most patients with bacterial growth on tined leads showed no clinical signs of infection. Thus, prolonged tined-lead testing does not seem to induce clinically relevant infection, warranting randomized trials.