BJU international
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To report the complications and function of the Hautmann orthotopic ileal neobladder . ⋯ Despite the high rate of complications in this study, most were considered as minor and could be treated by conservative or minimally invasive methods. The neobladder had an acceptable resemblance to the native bladder in capacity and function. Consequently the ileal neobladder might be preferred as a urinary diversion after radical cystectomy, if no contraindications are present.
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To examine the relationship of 'symptom flare' with sexual function and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) before brachytherapy, as we noted that after brachytherapy for prostate cancer, some patients had recurrent LUTS after an asymptomatic period; this secondary exacerbation of symptoms ('symptom flare') occurred at approximately 2 years after implantation and was transient in most patients. ⋯ Radiation reaction and radiation sensitivity contribute to ED and greater LUTS in men who have had brachytherapy for prostate cancer. This contribution is evident, e.g. in men with ataxia-telangiectasia (ATM) gene mutations. Sequence variants in the ATM gene, particularly those that encode for an amino-acid substitution, are associated with adverse radiotherapy responses among patients treated with 125I prostate brachytherapy. Our finding of the association of urinary symptom flare with ED suggests it would be worthwhile to determine whether sildenafil is as effective in men with flare, and if not, whether higher sildenafil doses would be of value. Alternatively, alpha1-selective adrenoceptor-blocking agents, e.g. terazosin, combined with sildenafil, might be of benefit. Also, patients with a high IPSS before brachytherapy can be warned that they have a greater risk of flare and ED.
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To determine the biological effects of imatinib mesylate (STI-571, Gleevec; Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., East Hanover, NJ, USA), as measured by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics in men with biochemical relapse of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy. ⋯ Based on the lack of PSA modulation and pronounced toxicities leading to early closure of this trial, further study of single-agent imatinib mesylate at this dose (400 mg twice daily) cannot be recommended in this patient population.
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Multicenter Study
High-dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem-cell support in patients with poor prognosis, relapsed or refractory germ cell tumours.
To report our experience of high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with haematopoietic stem-cell support (HSC) in patients with poor risk, relapsed or refractory germ cell tumours (GCTs), as this treatment might offer effective salvage for patients with disseminated GCTs. ⋯ The role of HDC with HSC support in metastatic GCTs remains controversial, and data from randomized controlled trials are needed. Our experience suggests that, in selected patients, this approach might be a useful form of salvage therapy.