A simple urine test can reduce the number of cystoscopies required to follow up high-risk bladder cancer patients by more than half. The test monitors for recurrence of bladder cancer by measuring levels of five target mRNAs and was found to be effective in picking up cancer recurrence before any disease was visible through a cystoscopy.
Recent trials have shown that testing for tumour DNA in the blood can identify advanced bladder cancer patients who are less likely to relapse after surgery, allowing doctors to target treatments more effectively.
A new study suggests that Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) may offer significant savings for patients taking common urology medications, with the greatest potential to reduce costs being for solifenacin and oxybutynin. The online pharmacy's standardized pricing can reduce out-of-pocket costs by up to $20 per prescription.
A study published in The Journal of Urology reports that racial representation matters to Black patients seeking prostate cancer information online. This lack of representation can lead to mistrust and discourage screening among Black men, who have higher rates of prostate cancer compared to White or Hispanic men.
A study found rectal examinations offer no advantages over PSA blood tests for detecting prostate cancer. The research analyzed data from 85,738 participants and concluded digital rectal examination alone or with PSA is not more effective than the PSA test.
A recent study by researchers at UCLA Health Sciences found that the presence of certain microorganisms in semen may affect sperm motility and male fertility. Specifically, Lactobacillus iners was linked to negative impacts on sperm parameters.
A nurse practitioner at The Hospital for Sick Children reduced invasive scans by 58% after using an AI model to analyze ultrasounds. She developed a new type of bias called induced belief revision through repeated exposure to the model.
A study published in The Journal of Urology found that alkaline water has a negligible alkali content, making it ineffective for preventing kidney stones. Alternative beverages and over-the-counter products with higher alkali levels may be more effective in raising urinary pH.
Researchers at UCLA Health have received a $3 million grant to identify novel biomarkers and develop AI for detecting aggressive prostate cancer. The project aims to improve treatment accuracy and reduce unnecessary interventions.
Recent urology treatment studies have improved the reporting of harms in randomized trials, addressing adverse events, side effects, and complications. The analysis found a significant increase in reporting harms criteria from 2012 to 2020, with more than three-fourths of items addressed by 2020.
Ferroptosis is characterized by lipid peroxidation, iron-dependent oxidative stress, and distinct morphological alterations. Recent research highlights the importance of compounds in targeting ferroptosis for therapeutic applications.
A phase 1 trial of the radiopharmaceutical 225AC-J591 demonstrated promising antitumor activity against advanced metastatic prostate cancer, reducing PSA levels by at least half for 47% of patients. The treatment was well-tolerated, with only temporary low blood cell count side effects.
A five-year, $6.15-million NIH grant has enabled six North Carolina institutions to collaborate on advancing the science of nephrology, hematology, and urology. The NC KUH TRIO Program aims to train the next generation of researchers and foster academic and professional development across disciplines and institutions.
A study published in The Journal of Urology found that effective treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms in men aged 50 or older is associated with a lower risk of death over the next few years. For each one-point reduction in symptom score, the relative likelihood of death decreased by 4%, indicating a significant decrease in morta...
Researchers found a remarkable surge in US vasectomy rates from 2014 to 2021, with a 26% relative increase among privately insured men aged 18-64. The study highlights the importance of healthcare providers offering vasectomy counseling and services to meet growing patient needs.
A randomized trial found that the Optilume BPH Catheter System improves urinary symptoms while preserving sexual function in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The minimally invasive procedure, approved by the FDA earlier this year, offers a safe and effective treatment option for men with BPH.
A new study published in the Journal of Urology Open Plus reveals that only 7 saw palmetto products meet the identity and potency standards to effectively address urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. The study highlights the need for physicians and industry to verify the quality of supplements.
A new metal-free MRI dye provides accurate spatial data and quantitative glomerular filtration rate measurements for both kidneys, surpassing current clinical methods. This breakthrough enables personalized diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with kidney disease, representing a significant advancement in personalized urology.
Researchers at University Hospital Bonn have developed a new approach to predict therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma by incorporating two simple blood parameters, CRP and albumin. This method improves the prediction of treatment response, especially in patients with disease control in the first follow-up.
A new study found a strong link between bone biomarkers and survival rates in men with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer treated with hormone therapy. The research, published in European Urology, analyzed results from a large clinical trial and found that elevated bone biomarkers were associated with an increased risk of death.
Researchers analyzed outcomes for 144 Colorado patients who had lymph node sampling at the time of surgery for kidney tumors between 2005 and 2019. They found no statistically significant difference in clinically significant complications between patients who underwent more extensive lymph node sampling than those who didn’t.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers have identified a disruption in early kidney progenitor cell development linked to the formation of Wilms tumor. The study found that these cells can reproduce the original tumor and are aggressive, drug-resistant, and metastasize like cancer cells.
Keck Medicine of USC has launched a clinical trial to perform the world's first human bladder transplant. The procedure involves removing the patient's diseased bladder and replacing it with a healthy one from a deceased donor. This could be a historic step in improving lives for those with debilitating bladder conditions.
Researchers from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Urology will showcase significant advances in urologic oncology, female pelvic reconstruction, and more. The presentations highlight innovative treatments for kidney cancer, prostate cancer, and other conditions.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that more US prostate cancer patients are choosing active surveillance, a preferred treatment option for low-risk cancers. The study also highlights disparities by race, ethnicity, income, and rurality in receiving active surveillance.
A new technique involving a small flap in the peritoneum can reduce postoperative complications in prostate cancer surgery by allowing lymphatic fluid to escape and be absorbed. The study found that this technique significantly reduced the incidence of lymphocele, a common complication where lymphatic fluid collects in the pelvis.
The ProtecT trial found that active monitoring of prostate cancer has the same high survival rates after 15 years as radiotherapy or surgery. Men on active monitoring were more likely to see their cancer progress, but this didn't reduce their likelihood of survival.
A study published by the European Association of Urology defines 'growers' and 'showers' as men whose penises increase in size by more than 56% when erect, compared to flaccid states. The researchers found that most men fell into a 'grey zone', with only 24% classified as growers and 25% as showers.
A UK study reviewing over 90,000 vasectomies found that chronic scrotal pain occurs in just 0.2% of patients, while post-operative infection rates are around 1.6%. The study updates outdated figures and aims to encourage more men to undergo the procedure.
A new urine gene test can detect genetic mutations in urine that predict bladder cancer up to 12 years in advance of clinical symptoms. The test was trialled on over 50,000 participants and showed promising results, suggesting its potential for early detection and reduced unnecessary invasive procedures.
A survey of over 1000 patients found that two thirds prefer a urologist of their own gender, but in certain situations, both men and women choose a female doctor. Patients with painful conditions are more likely to opt for a female urologist.
A trial using PSMA-PET/CT scans has shown that clinicians changed their treatment plans for patients with clinically significant prostate cancer in 19% of cases, helping to detect more cancers. The technique was found to be beneficial in high-risk patients but also led to false positives requiring further investigations.
A new study suggests that digital rectal examination (DRE) is not a reliable screening tool for early prostate cancer detection. Researchers found that DRE missed many cancers in their early stages, with only 3 out of 57 suspicious cases detected. This method was compared to PSA testing, which detected four times more prostate cancers.
Men with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide experienced sharp reductions in PSA levels, leading to improved survival rates. A 50% decrease in PSA was associated with lower risk of metastases and longer survival time.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that using Mark Cuban's cost-plus drug pricing model could save Medicare an estimated $1.29 billion annually on urological drugs. This would lead to more affordable treatment options for patients and redirect taxpayer funds towards other important issues.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in precision oncology for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma, identifying that certain cell surface molecules decrease or are absent in these patients, making them resistant to the new drug enfortumab vedotin.
A comprehensive genetic testing protocol increased patient compliance with recommended testing from 33.3% to 98.7%, while also reducing turnaround time for genetic test results.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Albert Einstein College of Medicine a five-year, $6.6 million grant to train young scientists in kidney, urology, and hematology research. The New York Consortium for Interdisciplinary Training in Kidney, Urological, and Hematological Research will bring together experts from four medical s...
A study published in Urology Practice reports that single-port robotic surgery leads to better cosmetic outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and lower self-consciousness regarding scar appearance compared to multiport robots. Patients undergoing single-portal surgery also spend fewer days in the hospital.
The Five-item Frailty Index (5i-FI) accurately predicts postoperative complications after prostate surgery, particularly in men with high frailty scores. A study published in Urology found that a 5i-FI score greater than two is associated with increased risk of complications, hospital stays, and readmission.
The European Association of Urology warns that bladder cancer is often overlooked due to lack of awareness. A new survey found that over half of adults do not recognize common symptoms such as changes in urine color, leading to delayed diagnosis and poorer treatment outcomes.
Researchers found no significant difference in pain levels between children who received ibuprofen and those who received a placebo before stent removal. Only 7% of pediatric patients reported severe pain following the procedure, compared to 55% of adults.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that the number of surgeries performed by a urology surgeon has no effect on men's risk of developing postoperative urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery. The researchers analyzed data from over 4,600 men who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between 2017 and 2019.
A study published in Urology Practice found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in surgical procedures for urology residents, but case volumes rebounded sharply in 2021. The research suggests that urology trainees did not suffer prolonged detriment in case volume or surgical training.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic IVC thrombectomy is not inferior to standard open surgery and has lower complication rates. The robotic approach also showed a lower blood transfusion rate, making it an attractive option for patients with optimal candidacy.
A new study found that men at heightened genetic risk of prostate cancer who adopt healthy lifestyles may see a significant reduction in lethal disease risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical exercise, and not smoking were key factors associated with a reduced risk.
A study found that preoperative MRI significantly reduces postoperative complications in prostate cancer patients. However, the use of MRI is limited, with only 28.2% of patients receiving one before surgery.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that a super-pulsed thulium fiber laser system improved stone-free rates and reduced residual fragments in pediatric patients with urinary stones compared to standard low-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers. The study, which evaluated 125 procedures in 109 patients, showed ...
A new robotic system has shown promising results in treating early-stage prostate cancer with high accuracy and low complication rates. The KangDuo Surgical Robot-01 is a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to current surgical robots, offering improved comfort levels for surgeons.
Researchers identified clofarabine as a promising compound with inhibitory effects on bladder cancer cells, including urothelial carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The study suggests potential for clinical trials to treat metastatic bladder cancer patients who cannot receive traditional cisplatin-based therapy.
A large-scale study found that simulation-based surgical training increased surgeons' skills for complex surgeries, with fewer total complications and ureteric injuries. Simulation training led to higher overall proficiency scores and fewer procedures required to achieve proficiency in complex surgeries.
A study published in Urology Practice found that urologists in group practices or alternative payment models scored higher in most MIPS categories and potentially earned higher reimbursements. In contrast, individual urologists scored lower across all domains except for cost.
A new study confirms the accuracy of the European Association of Urology (EAU) risk classification system for prostate cancer patients, using PSMA PET imaging to identify subgroups with varying disease risks. High-risk groups showed higher metastatic disease rates, while low-risk groups had undetectable or distant metastases.
A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that serum hormone ratios can predict the risk of future infertility in children with cryptorchidism. Researchers discovered that inhibin B levels and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) are significant markers of spermatogenesis, helping to identify boys at high risk of infertility.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to an increase in kidney stone cases, even with mitigation efforts. Researchers predict a cost of $57-99 million to the US healthcare system over seven decades, with a steeper impact if no action is taken.
Surgeons at Henry Ford Health performed the world's first precision prostatectomy through the bladder using a single port robotic surgical system. The procedure preserves a portion of the prostate capsule, improving functional outcomes such as erectile function and urinary control.
A pilot study found that yoga improved quality of life in men with new prostate cancer diagnoses, reducing fatigue and increasing immune response. The study also showed a reduction in inflammatory markers and an improvement in sexual function.
A study published in Urology Practice found that online patient decision aids for common urologic conditions are often of poor readability and quality, failing to meet recommended standards. The researchers recommend simplifying language and ensuring thoroughness to improve the effectiveness of these tools.
A new study found women with recurrent urinary tract infections are unhappy with limited management options and fear the potential adverse effects of antibiotics. Researchers recommend modifying management strategies to address their concerns and devoting more research to improving non-antibiotic options for prevention and treatment.
Dual-eligible cancer patients receive higher-quality end-of-life care at cancer centers with prioritized communication and decision planning. These facilities experience a significant jump in patients choosing hospice and dying outside of hospitals.