Articles tagged with Urology
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.
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.
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 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.
The American Journal of Roentgenology has published best practices for managing an iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage in radiology practices. To mitigate the shortage, practice leaders should prioritize examination findings and reduce overall ICM usage.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that mailing opioid disposal kits doubled the rate of safe disposal among patients who received them. The kits were provided to 235 patients after orthopedic or urologic procedures and resulted in the safe disposal of 480 unused tablets.
A recent study found that an artificial intelligence-based system improved providers' assessments of bladder cancer patients' response to chemotherapy. The AI tool helped doctors from different specialties and experience levels make more accurate diagnoses, with those in academia showing the greatest gains.
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.
Patients with mild to moderate kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients had a higher risk of cancer. They also faced a higher risk of dying from cancer, particularly from cancers such as bladder, kidney, and multiple myeloma, compared to those with normal kidney function.
Researchers recommend expanding diagnostic workup to include cardiac arrhythmias for unexplained enuresis in adults and children. An electrocardiogram is a cost-effective and non-invasive test that can detect potentially fatal diseases.
A study analyzes the marketing and practice trends of shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction in major US cities, finding inconsistent credentials among providers. The average price per treatment is around $490, with varying costs and protocols across clinics.
Researchers have successfully used a new sound wave technique called burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) to break up kidney stones in humans, achieving a median of 90% stone volume fragmentation within 10 minutes. The procedure shows potential for an office-based treatment approach with minimal tissue injury and no anesthesia required.
Researchers at UBC have successfully 3D printed human testicular cells and observed early signs of sperm-producing capabilities. This breakthrough may lead to new fertility treatments for couples with untreatable forms of male infertility.
A study of over 2,700 men with localized prostate cancer found that initial treatment choice didn't affect depression or emotional well-being. However, factors such as age, overall health, and initial depressive symptoms were linked to declines in mental health outcomes.
A supervised exercise program can reduce anxiety and fear of cancer progression in men undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer. The study found significant improvements in mental and physical health benefits, including a reduction in prostate cancer-related anxiety and fear of progression.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia recommends pretreating urological patients with antibiotics tailored to their local infection patterns. This approach may reduce postoperative infections in transurethral procedures, which affect up to 10% of patients annually.
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 recent study reveals that Black and Latinx men are severely underrepresented in online prostate cancer resources. The study found that only 9% of people depicted in online content were Black or Latinx, highlighting the need for greater representation and diversity in health education.
Researchers in Japan evaluated the cost-effectiveness of adding dipstick hematuria screening to a mass health check-up program. The study found that including routine testing for hematuria would promote early detection and treatment, leading to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. This cost-effective approach has the potential t...
A novel blood test, Stockholm3, in combination with MRI reduces overdiagnosis of low-risk cancers by 60% and unnecessary biopsies by 9%. This cost-effective approach is recommended for Sweden's organized prostate cancer testing (OPT) pilot projects.
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 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 study found that men with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a 25-fold increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, and those with inherited TP53 variants are diagnosed at a young age. Routine screening for prostate cancer is recommended for these individuals.