Articles tagged with Urology
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have shown that combining pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, with standard chemotherapy can improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced small cell bladder cancer and small cell/neuroendocrine prostate cancer. The study found that the combination treatment resul...
The UCLA Urology department has been awarded $6 million to continue the IMPACT program, providing comprehensive prostate cancer treatment for underinsured and uninsured Californians. The program has helped over 2,300 men receive treatment services since its inception.
Researchers developed AI chatbot UroBot to answer complex urology questions with high accuracy, exceeding human urologists. The model justifies its answers based on European Society of Urology guidelines and has been tested on 200 specialist questions, achieving an accuracy rate of 88.4%.
A new non-invasive imaging technique has been shown to accurately detect clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer. The technique uses a monoclonal antibody drug that targets the protein CA9, highly expressed in up to 95% of clear cell kidney cancers.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that general exercise programs can reduce urinary incontinence symptoms almost as much as pelvic floor yoga. The LILA study involved 240 women who experienced urinary incontinence at least daily, and randomly assigned them to either a pelvic yoga program or a physical condit...
A study published in Urology Practice found that ChatGPT generated 'acceptable' responses to nearly half of real-life patient questions, suggesting potential benefits for improving clinical efficiency. The AI tool scored high on accuracy and intelligibility but received lower scores for completeness and helpfulness.
A new study suggests that MRI scans can help doctors identify patients with more aggressive prostate cancer, allowing for earlier treatment or active surveillance. The research found that suspicious lesions on an MRI test were associated with a higher risk of advanced disease in five years.
Researchers at UCLA Health Sciences identified three distinct patient preference-based profiles among men with low-risk prostate cancer. Despite differences in preferences, physician recommendations played a crucial role in determining treatment choices. The study highlights the need for better integrating patient preferences into trea...
A recent study found that e-bicycle injuries doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, while e-scooter injuries rose by 45%. The researchers also noted that e-scooter riders were more likely to suffer internal injuries and conventional scooter riders were more likely to experience upper extremity injuries.
A study by Dr. Takanori Sekito and colleagues reveals a strong association between vaginal pathogenic Escherichia coli and recurrent cystitis in postmenopausal women, suggesting that targeting both the urinary bladder and vagina is crucial for effective treatment.
A phase 2 study found fluorine-18 PSMA-1007 PET/computed tomography to be superior to multiparametric MRI for locoregional staging of prostate cancer. The technology supports its use in the preoperative workflow for intermediate-risk and high-risk tumors.
A recent study published in JAMA found that transgender women on hormone therapy have drastically lower PSA levels, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The researchers analyzed Veterans Health Administration records and recommended caution when interpreting PSA values in transgender women.
A study published in Trends in Urology and Men's Health found that several treatments have been effective in treating delayed ejaculation, including vibration stimulation therapy and psychotherapy. The research highlights the need for health professionals to be aware of a patient's full medical and sexual history and offers hope for mi...
A new biomarker has been discovered that can help predict which patients with clear cell renal cancer are at higher risk of recurrence. The 15-gene signature was found to be independently associated with worse disease-free survival and disease-specific survival in two large validation datasets.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable scaffold to facilitate bladder tissue growth, reducing complications associated with traditional augmentation procedures. An implantable sensor also enhances patient monitoring, paving the way for improved bladder surgery outcomes.
A new, streamlined urine DNA test detects primary bladder cancer more accurately than current methods, potentially reducing the need for invasive cystoscopy. The test shows high sensitivity and specificity, even for detecting high-grade noninvasive papillary carcinoma.
A recent survey of over 170 surgeons reveals that most are resistant to using video for pre-operative appointments, despite being open to converting some post-operative visits to telehealth. Urologists are more likely to adopt virtual care, with 88% already using it for at least some patients.
A new AI model has been shown to significantly improve the accuracy of diagnosing prostate cancer by 45 times compared to doctors' measurements alone. The system assists in mapping out the boundaries of cancerous tissue, reducing the risk of underestimation and enabling more precise treatment planning and effective surgical procedures.
The University of Oklahoma has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to lead a Phase 1B clinical trial for the treatment of prostate cancer when it begins to spread beyond the prostate. The trial combines two existing drugs, relugolix and enzalutamide, which may provide more effective treatments for aggressive prostate cancer patients.
A new questionnaire assesses sexual health concerns in female partners of prostate cancer patients, highlighting challenges with communication and feelings of isolation. The study reveals high levels of distress and depression among these women.
Researchers discuss therapeutic opportunities for hypermutated urothelial carcinomas that are resistant to immunotherapy, including the potential of targeted therapies. High TMB is associated with defects in mismatch repair proteins and can lead to increased sensitivity to cancer treatments.
The FDA has approved the use of N-803, an immunotherapy drug, in combination with BCG for treating patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who did not respond to conventional treatment. The approval is based on a trial led by UCLA's Dr. Karim Chamie, which showed improved outcomes and longer overall survival rates.
Researchers discovered that participants with elevated TMAO blood levels were at increased risk for future development of chronic kidney disease, even after adjusting for other known risk factors. The study also found a faster rate of declining kidney function in people with normal or impaired kidney function.
A new study found that combining pelvic floor exercises with behavioral therapy can be more effective than current medical treatments in helping men with frequent urges to urinate. The Bladder Emptying Disorder Therapy (BEST) Trial showed significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life measures after just 12 weeks.
A new oral vaccine for recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) has been shown to prevent infections in over half of participants for up to nine years. The MV140 vaccine was found to be safe and effective, with no notable side effects reported.
A simple blood test every five years is sufficient to screen low-risk men for prostate cancer, according to new research. Researchers found that only 0.13% of men with low PSA levels developed cancer after a decade.
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.
The study found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased median overall survival to 37 months and progression-free survival to 26 months. 57.2% of patients showed an objective response, with nearly one-fourth experiencing lymph-node pathologic complete response.
A study published in International Journal of Cancer found that men with advanced degrees and higher incomes are more likely to receive comprehensive care for prostate cancer, including MRI scans and curative treatment. This leads to lower mortality rates from the disease compared to those with lower education and income.
A scoping review of literature found associations between cannabis use and non-cancerous urogenital illnesses like acute kidney injury and urinary retention. However, the data also suggest a therapeutic role of cannabis in certain urological conditions.
Researchers developed a machine-learning model to assess prostate cancer biopsy samples, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The new model, nnU-Net, provides accurate 3D segmentation of glandular tissue structures, leading to better prognostic analyses and potential improvements in patient outcomes.
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.
Adults who spend more than 5 hours a day watching TV and/or videos are 48% more likely to experience nocturia. Healthcare professionals can offer behavioral intervention recommendations for individuals with prolonged screen time.
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.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have made a major breakthrough in bladder tissue regeneration by using bone marrow cells. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, demonstrates the ability to regenerate healthy bladder tissue after two years of monitoring.
This study explores the perspectives of primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists on active surveillance (AS) care for men with low-risk prostate cancer. Key findings include the importance of patient education and clear communication among care team members to prevent loss to follow-up.
A new study found that Black patients were more likely to choose active surveillance, while those with a strong desire for a cure or expecting longer life with treatment were less likely. Education and urologist interventions can increase active surveillance adoption among low-risk prostate cancer patients.
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.
High levels of copper linked to poorer patient outcomes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients, according to NIH-funded University of Cincinnati Cancer Center research. The study aims to identify copper's mechanisms and test potential new treatments for ccRCC.
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.
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.
Research reveals that less than half of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction receive palliative care, highlighting the need for early referral to promote patient comfort and avoid invasive treatments. Hospice care significantly reduces high healthcare use at end-of-life.
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 infection may worsen lower urinary tract symptoms in men. The research involved 17,986 men with medication for LUTS, half of whom had COVID-19, and showed a significant increase in urine retention, UTIs, and enlarged prostate issues.
A simple MRI scan and a new metric for prostatic urethra length may help identify men at risk of chronic urinary side effects after radiation therapy. The study found that longer prostatic urethras are associated with a higher likelihood of these symptoms, which can impact quality of life.
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 have successfully performed robotic bladder transplantation in human cadaver models and beating-heart donors. The technique aims to reduce surgical times and improve outcomes for patients with terminal bladder conditions.
A free online tool can help prostate cancer patients save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket drug costs by comparing Medicare Part D prescription plans. The Medicare Part D Plan Finder identifies significant savings for patients taking abiraterone or enzalutamide, two common prescription drugs for advanced prostate cancer.
A recent study found that around 80% of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) have insurance coverage for penile implants, which is an evidence-based treatment option. However, some employer-sponsored health plans specifically exclude this treatment, leading to lower coverage rates and potential barriers to care.
A promising molecular diagnostic tool uses a single biomarker to detect primary bladder cancer in patients with hematuria, showing high sensitivity and accuracy. The noninvasive test offers advantages such as shorter turnaround time and efficient analysis of results.
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.
PSMA PET imaging provides prognostic information on cancer recurrence risk before treatment, improving personalized treatments and guiding surgical plans. The tool outperforms current standard tests in predicting biochemical recurrence, a critical factor in determining cancer-specific mortality.
A team of UVA Health experts warns that surgeon-scientists are struggling to obtain research funding, which could lead to a decline in innovations for patients. The researchers found that internal medicine trainees are six times more likely to secure R01 grants and career development awards.
A study found that 79 patients experienced high financial toxicity, with 89% reporting hardship, and highlighted patient characteristics and coping strategies. Patients made personal sacrifices to remain compliant with treatments, including reducing spending and borrowing money.
A new AI model has been developed to help doctors determine the extent of cancer within the prostate gland, improving the effectiveness of focal therapy. The model was found to be more accurate than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting tumor margins, reducing the chance of cancer recurrence.
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.
A case series study found prostate cancer occurs in transgender women, contrary to previous reports suggesting rarity. Rates were lower than anticipated based on prior male veteran prostate cancer incidence estimates.
A first-of-its-kind study has estimated that transgender women taking estrogen are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, with 14 cases per 10,000 people. The study found disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial groups.
Researchers developed a biomarker signature test to predict which bladder cancer tumors will respond to immunotherapy, potentially improving survival rates. The study identified three types of responsive tumors and two non-responsive ones, providing insights into potential new treatments.