Faculty Bibliography

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:We aim to evaluate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) trends in post-primary focal cryotherapy (PFC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective study of PFC patients from 2010 to 2015. Patients with at least one post-PFC PSA were included in the study. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was determined using the Phoenix criteria. PSA bounce was also assessed. We analyzed rates of change of PSA over time of post-PFC between BCR and no BCR groups. PSA-derived variables were analyzed as potential predictors of BCR. RESULTS:A total of 104 PFC patients were included in our analysis. Median (range) age and follow-up time were 66 (48-82) years and 19 (6.3-38.6) months, respectively. Four (3.8%) patients experienced PSA bounce. The median percent drop in first post-PFC PSA of 80.0% was not associated with BCR (p = 0.256) and may indicate elimination of the index lesion. The rate of increase of PSA in BCR patients was significantly higher compared to patients who did not recur (median PSA velocity (PSAV): 0.15 vs 0.04 ng/ml/month, p = 0.001). Similar to PSAV (HR 9.570, 95% CI 3.725-24.592, p < 0.0001), PSA nadir ≥ 2 ng/ml [HR (hazard ratio) 1.251, 95% CI 1.100-1.422, p = 0.001] was independently associated with BCR. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:A significant drop in post-PFC PSA may indicate elimination of the index lesion. Patients who are likely to recur biochemically have a significantly higher PSAV compared to those who do not recur. Nadir PSA of less than 2 ng/ml may be considered the new normal PSA in focal cryotherapy (hemiablation) follow-up.

OBJECTIVE:To review the technical success of image-guided percutaneous cryoablation of renal masses in difficult anatomic locations using adjunctive techniques to displace critical structures away from the ablation zone, while also reporting longer-term outcomes within this patient population. METHODS:An IRB approved, retrospective analysis of 92 renal masses treated with percutaneous cryoablation revealed 15 cases utilizing adjunctive techniques. Tumor size and distance to adjacent organ before and after adjunctive technique and long-term outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS:The adjunctive techniques used were hydrodissection (n=15) and angioplasty balloon interposition (n=1). Before and after adjunctive technique, median tumor proximity to closest organ was 4mm and 26mm, respectively. All cases had appropriate ablation zones and protection of adjacent critical structures. There is no evidence of recurrence or complication on follow-up (median 51months). CONCLUSIONS:Adjunctive techniques to ablate renal masses in difficult locations provide technical success, safety, and favorable long-term outcomes.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:We aim to evaluate the current beliefs and practice patterns of urologists in regard to use of cryosurgery for management of PCa. METHODS:An anonymous 13-point survey was designed and sent out to members of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO), Endourological Society (ES) and American College of Cryosurgery (ACC). Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were used to determine variables associated with the use of cryosurgery. RESULTS:Of the 206 responses received [81 (39.2 %) SUO; 106 (51.5 %) ES; 19 (9.2 %) ACC], 83 (40.3 %) performed cryosurgery. The majority of respondents who utilize cryosurgery do so in unilateral (80.3 %) and bilateral (77.6 %) intermediate-risk PCa. Also, users of this technology indicated significant use in primary treatment (>72 %), salvage treatment (>83 %), in patients who prefer cryosurgery (89.9 %) have a life expectancy ≥10 years (65.8 %) and poor erections (74.7 %). The main reason for not utilizing cryosurgery was the lack of technical expertise (56.7 %). A urologist in a non-academic practice setting was 3.2 times more likely to perform cryosurgery compared to a urologist in an academic setting, p = 0.0001. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Cryosurgery is increasingly being accepted among urologists. However, the need for large-scale studies as well as randomized clinical trials to further delineate the benefits of cryosurgery and convince the non-users and institutions cannot be overemphasized.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW/OBJECTIVE:While recurrence after primary treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) is not uncommon, there is currently no consensus on the most appropriate management after radiation treatment failure. This article seeks to explore the currently utilized modalities for salvage treatment for radiorecurrent PCa. We focused our review on the oncologic outcomes and reported toxicity rates in the latest studies examining salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP), salvage cryotherapy (SCT), salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and re-irradiation. RECENT FINDINGS/RESULTS:There does not appear to be any significant difference in overall survival for more invasive salvage radical prostatectomy compared to the minimally invasive salvage approaches. Additionally, there seems to be a trend towards lower morbidity rates associated with minimally invasive and focal salvage treatment. We are encouraged by the results presented in this review and find that there is clearly a role for emerging minimally invasive and focal therapies as durable options for salvage treatment in patients with radiorecurrent PCa.