FDA panel votes against wider use of RANK ligand inhibitor in PCa patients
February 23rd 2012An FDA advisory panel recommended against using the RANK ligand inhibitor denosumab (XGEVA) to delay or prevent the spread of castration-resistant prostate cancer in patients at high risk for bone metastases.
Large NY urology group practice partners with Mount Sinai
February 23rd 2012The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, and Integrated Medical Professionals, PLLC (IMP)-a multispecialty practice that includes Advanced Urology Centers of New York and Advanced Radiation Centers of New York-have formed a partnership to provide easier access to screening, assessment, and treatment for complex urologic conditions, as well as improved access to radiation oncology services.
BPH scores improved by PDE-5 inhibitor, alpha-blocker
February 23rd 2012Both the phosphodiesterase-type-5 inhibitor tadalafil (Cialis) and alpha-blocker tamsulosin (Flomax) appear to significantly improve scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) compared with placebo in men with signs and symptoms suggestive of BPH.
Study shows benefits of PSA velocity risk count testing for PCa
February 23rd 2012Tracking PSA levels over time offers a more accurate assessment of the risk of life-threatening prostate cancer, and novel PSA velocity risk count testing associated with fluctuations in PSA levels may provide a more effective way to screen for clinically significant prostate cancer, a recent multicenter study concludes.
Targeted kidney cancer drugs may raise risk of fatal side effects
February 15th 2012Treatment with three relatively new targeted kidney cancer drugs has been linked to a slightly elevated chance of fatal side effects, according to a new analysis led by scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston.
Cephalosporin antibiotic inferior to ciprofloxacin for cystitis
February 15th 2012Short-term use of the cephalosporin antibiotic cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin) for the treatment of women with uncomplicated cystitis did not meet criteria for noninferiority for achieving clinical cure compared with ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Proquin), say researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Nursing group updates guidelines on preventing catheter-associated UTIs
February 8th 2012A new American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Practice Alert stresses the use of pre- and post-catheterization assessments to gauge proper catheter use and to monitor early signs of urinary tract infection.
Brachytherapy reduces death in high-risk PCa patients
February 8th 2012Brachytherapy alone, or in combination with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), significantly reduces mortality rates in patients with high-risk prostate cancer, report the authors of a study from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia.
5-ARI delays prostate cancer progression in men with low-risk disease
February 8th 2012The 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor dutasteride (Avodart) appears to delay disease progression and the initiation of active treatment in men with low-risk, localized prostate cancer, results of a 3-year international clinical trial indicate.
Successful urethral stricture, fistula repair feasible in most cases
February 1st 2012Managing the urethral strictures and fistulas that sometimes follow prostate cancer therapies can be intimidating, but with experience, the presentations can be resolved with high success in a near majority of patients.
In stone disease patients, obesity presents myriad challenges for urologists
February 1st 2012Patrick Lowry, MD, discusses the scope of both obesity and stone disease, surgical and other challenges unique to managing stone disease in the obese, and steps obese adult and pediatric patients can take to lower their stone risk.
'Meaningful use' of an EHR system: How to achieve it in your urology practice
February 1st 2012This article defines meaningful use, lists the elements necessary to qualify for those elusive meaningful use incentives, and helps you decide whether and when your practice might want to engage in the process of EHR implementation.
Positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy vary by PSA, Gleason sum
February 1st 2012The rate of positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy in men with either organ-confined or extracapsular disease varies significantly depending on preoperative PSA and pathologic Gleason sum score.
Lack of long-term sustainable growth rate fix continues to frustrate urologists and other physicians
February 1st 2012As a result of a classic Washington decision just before Christmas, a 27.4% Medicare fee cut was delayed from its original Jan. 1 implementation date and is now scheduled, barring miraculous congressional action, to take effect on Feb. 29.