Articles tagged with Urology
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.
A study of over 43,000 adults found that parathyroidectomy has no estimated effect on long-term kidney function in older adults. However, early treatment may preserve kidney function in patients younger than 60 years old.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Arizona have developed a new intravesical chemotherapy delivery system called TAR-200, which is safe and shows initial evidence of effectiveness in treating muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in frail patients. The treatment has been shown to limit cancer growth while minimizing toxic effects.
A new study from Rutgers University found that 7.2% of hospitalized service members had wounds to their genitals and urinary system, with IEDs responsible for nearly two-thirds of these injuries. Researchers hope to improve protection and treatment for such injuries.
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 rapid genetic testing model identified pathogenic variants in 51 patients with advanced prostate cancer, leading to discussions of possible treatment changes for 22 patients. The streamlined approach detected actionable gene variants eligible for newer targeted therapies in nearly half of patients with these variants.
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 The study updates outdated figures and aims to encourage more men to undergo the procedure.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 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.
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.
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 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 randomized trial found that CBD oil did not reduce pain scores after surgical treatment and stent placement for patients with urinary stones. The study involved 90 patients who received either CBD oil or a placebo, with no significant difference in pain reduction or opioid use between the two groups.
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.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that physical activity and pelvic floor exercises can effectively increase latency time in men with premature ejaculation. The research suggests exercise as a promising non-pharmacological treatment option, potentially reducing the reliance on drugs with side effects.
A new AR system using HoloLens enables doctors to perform transperineal prostate interventions with high accuracy and flexibility. The system provides a 3D immersive experience, allowing doctors to guide needles to their target with ease.
A new study finds that a combination of chemotherapy drugs performs better than BCG in preventing high-grade cancer recurrence in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This alternative treatment has shown excellent safety and efficacy outcomes, providing a viable option for patients facing a shortage of standard care treatm...
A new pain management approach for men undergoing urethroplasty reduces the need for strong opioids while maintaining effective pain control. The study found that patients taking tramadol in combination with liposomal bupivacaine had greater reductions in pain compared to those taking oxycodone.
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.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Cancer have developed a non-invasive test that can detect and profile prostate cancers in microscopic amounts. The test, known as the EV Digital Scoring Assay, has the potential to spare patients from unnecessary treatment-related side effects and direct them to effective therapies.
Adding apalutamide to active surveillance for early-stage prostate cancer may lower the rate of positive biopsies, according to a preliminary clinical trial. Fifty-nine percent of patients had no evidence of residual cancer on immediate posttreatment biopsy.
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 study found that Medicare costs for metastatic prostate cancer increased significantly between 2007 and 2017, with average annual spending per patient rising from $28,311 to $37,055. The majority of the increase was attributed to new treatments under Medicare Part D, such as radium-223, sipuleucel-T, abiraterone, and enzalutamide.
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.
Researchers identified a strong association between beneficial bacteria and estrogen hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. The study found that estrogen may play a role in reducing susceptibility to recurrent UTIs by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacilli in the bladder. Conversely, women with recurrent UTIs had ...
Dr. Keith Chan joins Houston Methodist to enhance chemoimmunotherapy responses in bladder cancer, while also expanding research into pancreatic and skin cancers. He will lead translational research and mentor next-generation cancer researchers.
A new diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer reduces the number of harmless tumors found during screening, halving the risk of overdiagnosis. This strategy involves using MRI to guide targeted tissue sampling, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies and associated complications.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that online platforms are offering therapies to men who don't meet guidelines for testosterone deficiency, while failing to convey the risks and benefits of therapy. The study recommends seeing a provider with expertise in hypogonadism for accurate care.
A study found that cryoablation, a freezing-based treatment, reduces cancer-specific mortality in patients with early-stage renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) measuring between 3 and 4 centimeters. In contrast, heat-based thermal ablation has been shown to have a higher risk of death from kidney cancer for these patients.
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 new treatment approach using surgery or radiation therapy has been shown to slow cancer progression in patients with solitary prostate cancer metastases. The study found that this approach, called metastasis-directed therapy (MDT), can delay the need for hormone-blocking treatments and improve survival rates.
A combination of pembrolizumab and nanoparticle-bound paclitaxel has shown a high response rate of 50% in patients with platinum-refractory or ineligible urothelial cancers. The treatment has also been associated with improved median duration of response and overall survival time, providing an urgently needed new treatment option.
A small clinical trial showed 40% of patients experienced progression-free survival when treated with a CD105 inhibitor, which prevented cancer cells from making splice variant proteins. This approach may resensitize select patients to androgen suppression therapy.
A study analyzing nearly 1,500 young men found that standard cutoff points for low testosterone levels may not be accurate. Age-specific thresholds ranged from 409 ng/dL at 20-24 years to 350 ng/dL at 40-44 years, indicating the need for a more personalized approach to diagnosing testosterone deficiency in younger men.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have counted more than 10,000 nerve fibers in the human clitoris, exceeding previous estimates of 8,000. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for phalloplasty surgery and improved sensation for transmasculine patients.
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.
A new epigenetics drug, tazemetostat, has been found to stop bladder cancer growth by activating the immune system, not just inhibiting tumors. The drug targets the EZH2 gene and is being tested in clinical trials for late-stage bladder cancer.
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.
A new study suggests that neoadjuvant novel hormonal therapy followed by prostatectomy can reduce the risk of recurrent and progressive cancer in high-risk prostate cancer patients. After treatment with NHAs, patients were more likely to have negative margins after surgery and fewer cases of biochemical recurrence.
A study found that oral anticoagulants, such as apixaban, may be more effective than standard home heparin injections in preventing blood clots after urologic cancer surgery. The medication had significantly lower rates of compliance events and major complications compared to enoxaparin.
The PROSPER RCC trial showed no difference in recurrence-free survival between arms, with higher adverse events reported in the nivolumab arm. The trial's results inform future research on neoadjuvant trials in high-risk renal cell carcinoma.
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 panel of seven leading urologists reviewed over 50 clinical research studies and concluded that high-quality saw palmetto extract can address symptoms associated with enlarged prostates. The group emphasized the importance of selecting supplements with a defined lipidosterolic profile.
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.
Researchers at Texas Biomed have developed a modified tuberculosis vaccine that can treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer without strong side effects. The delipidated vaccine triggers well-regulated immune responses and reduces inflammation, making it more effective than traditional treatments.
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 randomized controlled study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that leaving small kidney stones behind significantly increases the risk of relapse. Removal of these secondary stones reduced patients' relapse rate by 82%.
Men with early prostate cancer are missing opportunities for detection because national guidelines and media health campaigns focus on urinary symptoms despite a lack of scientific evidence. Prostate cancer can be a silent or asymptomatic disease, particularly in its curable stages.
A combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel shows excellent outcomes in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The 'Gem/Doce' therapy provides a safe and effective alternative to BCG treatment, resulting in high response rates and good tolerability.
A Rutgers study found that a Yoga of Immortals mobile app significantly improves urinary incontinence symptoms in people practicing for four weeks. The app-based intervention engages the pelvic floor and specific energy centers, leading to reduced frequency and severity of urine leaks.
A recent study found that 49% of transgender and gender-diverse patients who undergo gender-affirming genital surgery travel outside their home state, resulting in significantly higher out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average out-of-state patient pays $2,645, compared to $1,781 for in-state patients.
A survey of specialist surgeons reveals that most would opt for polypropylene mesh mid-urethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence, but conventional abdominal surgery with mesh or vaginal reconstruction is preferred for pelvic organ prolapse. The study aims to alleviate the negative stigma associated with mesh use.
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 novel AI-empowered robotic device successfully assisted in percutaneous nephrolithotomy—surgery for removing large kidney stones. The trial showed improved precision and reduced complications, with a significant reduction in needle punctures and puncture duration.
Researchers used cell-free DNA methylation patterns to identify patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who would benefit from chemotherapy before surgery. The approach showed promise in accurately predicting tumor response, with a correct prediction rate of 79%.
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.
A new study has found that robotic surgery reduces the chance of readmission by half and reveals a four-fold reduction in blood clots compared to open surgery. Patients also experience increased physical activity, stamina, and quality of life.
A clinical trial found that robotic surgery for bladder cancer removal and reconstruction significantly reduced recovery time, hospital stays, and readmissions. The study showed a 77% reduction in blood clots and improved physical activity and quality of life for patients.