Sunitinib vs. everolimus: PFS, toxicity differ in study
April 4th 2016In a head-to-head comparison, sunitinib (Sutent) prolonged radiographic progression-free survival compared with everolimus (Afinitor), but with greater toxicity, in patients with specific subtypes of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and non-clear cell histology, said Andrew J. Armstrong, MD, MSc.
Placement of a hydrogel rectal spacer before RT for prostate Ca
April 1st 2016Many approaches have been tried for reducing the rectal toxicity of radiotherapy (Radiat Oncol 2013; 8:96; Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2012; 82:1918-22; Radiat Oncol 2014; 9:96). This article discusses a newer therapy that involves the injection of a temporary hydrogel in the plane between the prostate and rectum.
What overpayments rule means for your practice
April 1st 2016Medicare Part B charges and payments constitute a significant fraction of the typical urology practice’s income, and owners of these practices should be aware of the pertinent rules and regulations-and the consequences of failure to comply with them.
'T' clinics create concerns about care, competition
April 1st 2016One only needs to do a Google search for “testosterone clinic” to realize there’s an explosion of for-profit businesses branded as men’s health establishments, offering what sounds like the fountain of youth to men with “low T” and sexual dysfunction. Unless one of these practices is affiliated with an academic medical center or urology group, there’s a good chance urologists are not part of the picture.
Patient’s bowel perforated during robot-assisted RP
April 1st 2016The patient sued, alleging, that the urologist should not have performed surgery on the patient, and that the second bowel perforation should have been detected and repaired during the original operation. He also claimed he should not have been discharged from the hospital in 3 days.
Averting surgical crises: Steps you can take
April 1st 2016A recent Urology Times article highlights some provocative work that suggests there might be a difference in the ability of the surgeon to respond to a surgical crisis depending on the surgical approach being used-standard laparoscopy or robot-assisted laparoscopy.
Robot may negatively impact surgical crisis outcomes
April 1st 2016A crisis situation during minimally invasive urologic surgery is equally rare during either a robotic or a laparoscopic procedure. However, use of the robot may negatively impact the outcome of the event and particularly among healthier patients, according to the findings of a recent study.
Concomitant Ra 223, abiraterone found safe, effective
April 1st 2016Radium 223 dichloride (Ra 223 [Xofigo]) can be safely combined with abiraterone acetate (ZYTIGA) for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with symptomatic bone metastases, and appears to result in decreased bone pain and improved quality of life, according to the interim results of an open-label prospective study known as eRADicAte.
‘Fee for service is going away’: What it really means
March 22nd 2016Since graduating from medical school, one of the most prevalent commentaries I have heard about health policy is “Fee-for-service is going away.” Depending on the commentator’s level of cynicism, that would be followed with either “You won’t be able to make a living in medicine anymore” or the milder “It’ll be interesting to see what happens.” Read more on Dr. Kaplan's insight on fee-for-service and what it means.
The urology match: Shaping the future of our field
March 21st 2016Every year, September through January is both an exciting and anxious time for fourth-year medical students and urology residency programs alike. With the conclusion of the 2016 urology match season this past January, I felt the same exhilaration that I did just 3 years ago. This year, however, I had the privilege to reflect on the demanding application process from the lens of an interviewer rather than that of an interviewee. Read more from Nirmish Singla, MD
JAC 2016 identifies opportunities for urologist engagement
March 18th 2016Urologists should never feel as though they do not or cannot influence decisions that impact their patients and profession. Martin K. Dineen, MD, shares his insighst on the latest changes in government regulations, payer policies, and how you can get involved and make a difference.
A urologist’s looking glass: Why self-awareness is vital
March 15th 2016During my second year as a urology resident, I walked into my mid-year evaluation meeting with my chairman, threw my hands up in the air, and told him I wasn’t happy with how I was operating. When I later reviewed my chairman’s dictated letter regarding our meeting, he wrote, “She has a lot of self-awareness.” While the remainder of the letter was also very complimentary, this single phrase really stuck out and was perhaps the most meaningful comment in the document. Learn more about Dr. Amy Pearlman's journey to becoming self-aware and why it's important.