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Research has begun to examine a range of novel treatment modalities, some with quite promising results.

Atlanta-Are nanobacteria involved in prostate disease? That question hasn't been settled, but evidence of these controversial organisms has been found in the prostates and serum of men with prostatic inflammation.

Atlanta-Because prostatitis in African-American men is not well studied, University of Michigan researchers examined the prevalence and risk factors in African-American men in Genessee County, MI, with a surprising result. On the whole, the risk factors matched those reported for Caucasian populations, but men who were physically active had significantly decreased odds of having prostatitis in a study presented at the AUA annual meeting.

Within the past year, enormous strides have been made in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, particularly in the pharmacotherapeutic arena. To date, two new drugs have received FDA approval, and other promising agents are in development. As research provides new insights into the nature of RCC and its treatment, the role of the urologist in patient management is evolving quickly.

Surgery has greater impact on urinary function;......radiation therapy, on bowel function

These simple pointers can help keep your patients happy and, consequently, healthy

Here's why your stock market returns may differ from the averages you read in the paper

American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc. added the AdVance Male Sling to its line of male continence products.

Through the production of vitamin D, ultraviolet B radiation reduces the risk of bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer and 13 other types of cancers, according to a recently published epidemiologic study.

Shortened survival and earlier relapse have been reported in men with advanced prostate cancer whose hemoglobin levels decline during the first 3 months of hormone therapy, according to a study published in Cancer (2006; 107:489-96).

Bone scans may no longer be necessary as follow-up in patients with PSA levels less than 5.0 ng/mL, researchers reported in the Journal of Urology (2006; 176:70-4).

Survival rates appear to be better in patients with clinical T4 prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy than in patients receiving only radiation therapy or hormone therapy, according to a study by researchers at Emory University in Atlanta.

If the fatty acid ratio found in the typical Western diet is changed to include more omega-3 fatty acids and fewer omega-6 fatty acids, then prostate cancer tumor growth rates and PSA levels may decrease, according to a preclinical study published recently in Clinical Cancer Research (2006; 12:4662-70).

Atlanta-A lithotripter with a broad focal spot is advantageous for accelerating stone fracture, said Robin O. Cleveland, PhD, at the AUA annual meeting here.

Studies of laparoscopic nephrectomy presented at the AUA annual meeting suggest that the minimally invasive procedure has come of age and produces outcomes that rival open surgery under a variety of circumstances.

Atlanta-Just breathe. Could that be the key to easing interstitial cystitis pain?

Horsham, PA-Biocoat, Inc. has received FDA approval of the PICSI sperm selection device to facilitate assisted reproduction.

Atlanta-Results of a prospective, multivariate analysis to identify predictors of perioperative course and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for extensive stone disease support the conclusions that in high-volume centers, the safety and efficacy of the procedure are excellent and that they are not significantly influenced by patient-related or sociocultural/ethnic factors.

Atlanta-Bladder antigens travel to local and distant lymphoid tissues and enter the circulation, where they can travel as far as the spleen, according to results of a new study from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago. The study, which the authors say is the first functional study of antigen trafficking from the bladder, may further researchers' understanding of bladder cancer immunotherapies and potentially aid in the development of a vaccine for urinary tract infections.

Atlanta-Evading host immune response may enable uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) to establish reservoirs in the bladder that lead to recurrent urinary tract infections, according to David Klumpp, PhD, assistant professor of urology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago.

Atlanta-Five new compounds-none an antimuscarinic and all in different classes-are showing potential for overactive bladder. They may also have applications in BPH, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC).

Is routine screening for bladder cancer on the horizon? Is it cost-effective? Is it practical?

In men with BPH, drugs indicated for other urologic conditions may play a role in the treatment of their lower urinary tract symptoms, suggest data from a number of studies presented at the 2006 AUA annual meeting. These studies were among those on BPH and LUTS highlighted by Claus G. Roehrborn, MD, professor and chairman of the department of urology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

The take-home messages on infection/inflammation at the AUA annual meeting covered a spectrum of urological conditions, including stone disease, urinary tract infection, urethritis, and interstitial cystitis. Results from both clinical studies and laboratory research have potential implications for urologists in their evaluation and management of patients with these disorders, said Anthony J. Schaeffer, MD, Herman L. Kretschmer professor and chairman, department of urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago.

Urologists attending this year's AUA annual meeting found that erectile dysfunction raises the risk of stroke and heart disease, testosterone is safe in older men, phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors do not appear to induce an ocular disorder known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), and aggressive antiseptic washout reduces penile prostheses infections.

From the genetic basis of male reproductive dysfunction to the psychology of those who suffer from it, men who experience infertility issues continue to benefit from research into all facets of the condition.

As lifestyle choices influence the incidence of stone disease, shockwave lithotripsy appears to be losing ground as a treatment option for patients with stones of certain compositions and stones located in hard-to-reach places.

Studies of laparoscopic nephrectomy presented at the AUA annual meeting suggest that the minimally invasive procedure has come of age and produces outcomes that rival open surgery under a variety of circumstances.

Atlanta-Diet does make a difference in symptoms in patients with interstitial cystitis. Most IC patients and the urologists who specialize in treating them are aware that certain foods, beverages, and supplements exacerbate IC symptoms, and a few ease them. Evidence for this has been sketchy and anecdotal, and a study presented at the 2004 AUA annual meeting cast doubt on that common wisdom by demonstrating that instillation of solutions from pH 5 to 7.5 had no effect on symptoms.

Worcester, MA-An off-the-shelf test for an already-identified biomarker may emerge as a quick, simple, and affordable screen for aggressive renal cell carcinoma. Clinicians may soon be able to identify their highest-risk kidney cancer patients and begin aggressive treatment earlier in the course of their disease.