Excising peri-renal fat essential in pT2, pT3a tumors
January 1st 2006Amsterdam, Netherlands--Preoperative computed tomography scans may be inconclusive in distinguishing between stage pT2 and pT3a renal tumors. When performing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, surgeons from the Cleveland Clinic recommend removing all peri-nephritic fat during the excision of locally advanced tumors, a step that they say is essential in duplicating open surgical oncologic principles.
NIH institutes launch effort to explore cancer genomics
December 16th 2005The National Cancer Institute and the National Human Genome Research Institute have launched a comprehensive effort to accelerate the understanding of the molecular basis of cancer through genome analysis technologies, especially large-scale genome sequencing.
Stem cell activity may play role in testicular cancer
December 16th 2005Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have discovered that the activity of several embryonic stem cell genes is elevated in testicular cancer, providing some of the first molecular evidence of a link between embryonic stem cells and cancer.
Life after Katrina: 'We can move on,' urologists say
December 1st 2005New Orleans--Hurricane Katrina has come and gone and in its wake we are left with devastation, carnage, and sadness. The region has more than 6,000 displaced physicians, and 156 AUA members have practices in the affected areas, according to AUA.
OAB drug improves LUTS after alpha-blocker therapy
December 1st 2005Extended-release tolterodinetartate (Detrol LA) significantly improves lower urinary tract storage symptoms from baseline in men after unsuccessful treatment with alpha-blocker therapy, according to a study published in the current Journal of Urology (2005; 174:2273-5).
Amendments planned for prostate cancer immunotherapy trial
December 1st 2005Dendreon Corp. has reached an agreement with the FDA under the Special Protocol Assessment procedure to amend the design of its ongoing phase III (D9902B) clinical trial of sipuleucel-T (Provenge), the company?s investigational active cellular immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Smaller ambulatory surgery centers report higher net incomes
December 1st 2005Smaller ambulatory surgery centers continue to report better net incomes per case than their larger counterparts, while larger ASCs report lower operating costs, according to a newly released report from the Medical Group Management Association.
Congress urges FDA crackdown on epidemic of counterfeit drugs
December 1st 2005Washington--Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States, one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.
Urology volunteers both teach and learn, IVU says
December 1st 2005As the only nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching urology in developing countries, International Volunteers in Urology (IVU) provides a number of opportunities for residents and practicing urologists alike. Volunteers offer their teaching and clinical skills and learn about resourcefulness and compassion in return, IVU President Catherine deVries, MD, says in this exclusive interview. She was interviewed by UT Editorial Consultant Richard D. Williams, MD, professor and chairman of the department of urology at the University of Iowa, Iowa City. Dr. Williams also leads a volunteer surgical team that travels to Haiti each year.
Rethinking UTIs: New data may shape therapy
December 1st 2005St. Louis--In the opinion of many, the work emanating from Scott Hultgren, PhD's laboratory in the molecular microbiology and microbial pathogenesis program at Washington University School of Medicine will revolutionize the treatment of urinary tract infections, a particularly vexing clinical challenge.
Gleason grade shift seen in retrospective analysis
December 1st 2005Rochester, MN--Gleason scores are not what they used to be. Low-grade cancers, as described by Gleason scores 2 to 5, have virtually disappeared, while higher-grade cancers, particularly those identified as Gleason 6, have surged upward, according to a study performed at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Improved PCa outcomes may be statistical artifact
December 1st 2005Farmington, CT--Before epidemiologists and urologists pat themselves on the back for the improvements seen in outcomes following definitive treatment for prostate cancer, they may want to consider data assimilated by Peter C. Albertsen, MD, professor and chief of the division of urology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington.
MRI analysis shows three-part external anal sphincter
December 1st 2005Montreal--Putting to rest a long-standing debate about the number of elements that the external anal sphincter (EAS) contains, magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional modeling here at the annual meeting of the International Continence Socity shows the EAS has three components, according to researchers from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Botulinum toxin B shows rapid onset, efficacy in OAB
December 1st 2005Montreal--Botulinum toxin type B appears to be efficacious for the treatment of overactive bladder, although the agent has a short duration of action, according to British researchers. While their small, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-design study specifically examined serotype B, the researchers said botulinum toxin A is likely the preferred agent because of its greater durability.