PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Stephan Madersbacher

Publications and source records attributed to Stephan Madersbacher.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Is eligibility for a chemotherapy protocol a good prognostic factor for invasive bladder cancer after radical cystectomy?

PURPOSE: To assess whether eligibility to an adjuvant chemotherapy protocol in itself represents a good prognostic factor after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 1984 and May 1989, our institution entered 35 patients with invasive bladder cancer into the Swiss Group for Clinical and Epidemiological Cancer Research (SAKK) study 09/84. They were randomly assigned to either observation or three postoperative courses of cisplatin monotherapy after cystectomy. This study had a negative result. The outcome of these 35 patients (protocol group) was compared with an age- and tumor-stage-matched cohort (matched group; n = 35) who also underwent cystectomy during the same period, but were not entered into the SAKK study, as well as the remaining 57 patients treated during the study period for the same indication (remaining group). RESULTS: Median overall survival decreased from 76.3 months in the protocol group to 52.1 months in the matched group and to 20.3 months in the remaining group. The respective times of median recurrence-free survival were 67.2, 16.0, and 9.4 months. Tumor progression occurred in 46% of the protocol group compared with 69% in the matched group and 65% in the remaining group (P < .05). Cancer-related death was noted in 40% of the protocol group, 57% in the matched group, and 56% in the remaining group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that being willing and fit enough for a chemotherapy protocol is a good prognostic factor for invasive bladder cancer. This eligibility bias emphasizes the need for prospective, randomized trials, and indicates that single-group studies using historical or matched controls have to be interpreted with caution.

Aged↗

Caveats when interpreting intravenous urograms following ileal orthotopic bladder substitution.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the appearance of the upper urinary tract following cystectomy and ileal orthotopic bladder substitution. Intravenous urograms (IVUs) performed preoperatively and at regular intervals postoperatively on 87 long-term survivors (minimum survival, 5 years) following ileal orthotopic bladder substitution were reviewed. Distention of the collecting system with blunted or rounded fornices was defined as dilatation. If in addition contrast medium excretion was delayed on the 5-min film, this was defined as obstruction. Collecting system dilatation was present on all IVU films obtained from most patients (80%) within 6 months of surgery, even in the absence of urinary tract obstruction. In contrast, dilatation was commonly seen only on the 20-min postinjection films (79%) on urograms performed more than 1 year following surgery, but not encountered on the other two postinjection radiographs (at 5 and 60 min). Five years after surgery, permanent obstruction was observed in only five (3%) renoureteral units. Dilatation of the upper urinary tract after ileal orthotopic bladder substitution is a frequent finding on the 5-min, 20-min, and 60-min films during the early postoperative period but is found only on the 20-min film 1 year and later after surgery. These findings should not be overinterpreted as obstruction.

Adult↗

Response to sublethal heat treatment of prostatic tumor cells and of prostatic tumor infiltrating T-cells.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the possibilities offered by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the field of tumor vaccination, we analyzed how prostatic cancer (CaP) cells react towards heat treatment and whether increased access to CaP cells by the immune system would be the result. METHODS: Heat/stress response of CaP cells in situ and of CaP cell lines was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and Atlas array. A heat-induced change in immune recognition was analyzed functionally using human T-helper (Th)1 and Th2-cytokine release with tumor infiltrating T-lymphocytes (TIL) as responder and autologous CaP cells either heated or untreated as stimulator cells. RESULTS: Transcription of 68 out of 500 genes was upregulated by sublethal heat in LNCaP and PC3 cells. Significantly upregulated stress protein (SP) expression (HSP-72, -73, GRP-75, -78) was seen at the border zone of HIFU treatment. Remarkably, even untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) specimens revealed relative overexpression of heat shock protein (HSP)-72, -73 and glucose regulated protein (GRP)-75, -78. Heated CaP cells increased Th1-cytokine (IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) release but decreased Th2-cytokine (IL-4, -5, -10) release of TIL. CONCLUSIONS: HIFU treatment may alter the presentation of prostate tissue and tumor antigens and this presentation is most likely stimulatory. HSP-72/73 overexpression in untreated BPH may suggest a mechanism by which BPH can incite inflammation.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

EAU 2004 guidelines on assessment, therapy and follow-up of men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPH guidelines).

OBJECTIVE: To provide the first update of the EAU guidelines on assessment, therapy and follow-up of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted based on the results of a MEDLINE search concentrating on the years 1999-2003. In combination with expert opinions recommendations were made on the usefulness of diagnostic tests, therapeutic options and follow-up. RESULTS: During initial assessment the following tests are recommended: medical history, physical examination including digital-rectal examination, International Prostate Symptom Score, urinalysis, serum creatinine and prostate specific antigen measurement, uroflowmetry and post-void residual volume. All other tests are optional or not recommended. Aim of treatment is to improve LUTS and quality of life and to prevent severe BPE-related complications. Development of a 5alpha-reductase type I and II inhibitor and the data of the MTOPS trial providing scientific evidence for a combination therapy were the most significant innovations since the first version. Finally a more detailed knowledge on the natural history with identification of several risk factors for progression is the basis for a risk-profile orientated (preventive) therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Updated recommendations for assessment, treatment, and follow-up of patients with LUTS due to BPO are presented.

Europe↗

Elective open nephron-sparing surgery for renal masses: single-center experience with 129 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience with elective, open, nephron-sparing surgery for renal masses in a contemporary, consecutive series. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the files of all patients who underwent elective nephron-sparing surgery between January 1996 and December 2002 at our institution were reviewed. The preoperative workup included renal ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography. The histologic findings, complications, and oncologic outcome were studied. The surgical technique (ischemia and regional hypothermia) was identical in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients (mean age 61 years) were analyzed. The mean +/- standard deviation tumor size on preoperative computed tomography was 4.0 +/- 2.4 cm. Renal cell carcinoma was present in 86 patients (66.7%), a benign cyst in 18 (13.9%), oncocytoma in 10 (7.8%), angiomyolipoma in 7 (5.5%), adenoma in 4 (3.1%), xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in 3 (2.3%), and metastasis of a malignant melanoma in 1 patient. Two patients (1.6%) required secondary nephrectomy because of postoperative bleeding. After a median follow-up of 34 months (range 2 to 91), no patient had developed local recurrence, one (0.8%) had developed lymph node metastasis, and two (1.6%) had developed distant metastases. The creatinine clearance decreased from 77 +/- 27 mL/min before surgery to 64 +/- 23 mL/min after a median of 34 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this contemporary, monocenter experience underline the role of open, elective, nephron-sparing surgery for patients with small renal masses, particularly because benign histologic findings were present in almost one third of patients.

Adenoma↗

Phytoestrogen tissue levels in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer and their association with prostatic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To compare phytoestrogen tissue levels in men with small-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), large-volume BPH, and prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Prostatic tissue samples of men consuming a Western diet who underwent surgery for BPH (n = 63) or PCa (n = 31) were collected and frozen at -40 degrees C. In the tissue samples, the enterolactone and genistein levels were determined in duplicate by monoclonal antibody-based immunoassays. We subsequently compared the tissue levels in patients with BPH and PCa and studied the impact of enterolactone and genistein on prostate volume. RESULTS: The enterolactone tissue levels were comparable in patients with BPH and PCa and revealed no correlation to prostate volume. The genistein tissue levels tended to be lower in patients with PCa (median 8.4 ng/g dry weight) compared with the entire BPH group (11.0 ng/g dry weight; P = 0.072). In addition, the genistein tissue levels were significantly greater in men with small-volume BPH (median 20.9 ng/g dry weight) compared with those with large-volume BPH (8.8 ng/g dry weight; P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest an involvement of genistein in the pathogenesis of BPH and, possibly, of PCa. The impact of enterolactone is currently unknown.

4-Butyrolactone↗

Association between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) is confounded by age or whether LUTS represent an independent risk factor for ED. METHODS: Men aged 20 to 80 years, who were participating in a health-screening project in the area of Vienna, completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5. In parallel, all men underwent a detailed health evaluation, including physical examination, evaluation of various lifestyle factors, and a blood laboratory study with 14 parameters. RESULTS: Within the total study population (n = 2858; mean age 45.8 years, range 20 to 80), the prevalence of LUTS and ED increased statistically significantly with age (P <0.0001). In multivariate analysis controlling for age, comorbidities, and lifestyle, the IPSS (P = 0.0001), the obstructive score of the IPSS (P = 0.0001), nocturia (P = 0.04), and the LUTS bother score (P = 0.002) correlated statistically significantly with the presence of ED (International Index of Erectile Function-5 score less than 22). The odds ratio for the presence of ED was 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8 to 2.8) for LUTS (IPSS greater than 7), 2.0 (95% CI 1.7 to 2.4) for voiding symptoms, 1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.7) for nocturia (score greater than 2), and 2.5 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.1) for the LUTS bother score. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of LUTS, in particular voiding symptoms, nocturia, and the quality-of-life impairment due to LUTS, is an independent risk factor for the presence of ED. These findings have implications for the treatment of elderly men with LUTS and open a new area for research.

Adult↗

Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in Austria--analysis of a health screening project.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men undergoing a health investigation. METHODS: Men aged 30-69 yrs participating in a health screening project in the area of Vienna completed a 11-item questionnaire on ED which was extracted from the international index of erectile function (IIEF). In parallel, all men underwent a detailed health examination including physical assessment, evaluation of various life-style factors and a blood analysis with 14 parameters. RESULTS: Within the total study population (n = 832; 45.3 +/- 9.8 yrs), 8.2% reported no sexual intercourse during the previous four weeks, 5.1% reported moderate/severe ED, 13.1% mild and 73.6% no ED. ED, defined as any problem in maintaining erection until the end of sexual intercourse, increased from 12.5% in those aged 30-39 yrs to 15.3% at 40-49 yrs, 27.4% at 50-59 yrs and 45.2% in men 60-69 yrs. In parallel, the percentage of men without sexual intercourse during the previous four weeks increased from 7.4% at 30-39 yrs to 8.8% at 50-59 yrs and 17.0% at 60-69 yrs. By far the strongest correlate for ED was age; other factors were cardiovascular diseases, physical activity and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first estimate of the prevalence of ED in different life decades of men in Vienna, and identifies a number of risk factors for this highly prevalent disorder in ageing men.

Adult↗

Genetic polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk.

The identification of common genetic polymorphisms that influence susceptibility to PC would allow an early risk assessment with earlier and therefore potentially more effective intervention by chemopreventive means. In this review we focus on published case-control studies and meta-analyses of the following polymorphic genes that may play a role in etiology of the androgen receptor (AR), the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), 5alpha-reductase type II gene (SRD5A2), cytochrome P450c17alpha (CYP17), cytochrome P4503A4 (CYP3A4) and a putative hereditary PC susceptibility gene, ELAC2.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗

Reduced circulating androgen bioactivity in patients with prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on immunoreactive androgen levels in serum have revealed equivocal associations with the risk of prostate cancer (CaP). The aim of this study was to compare serum biological androgen activity between men with newly diagnosed CaP and age-matched men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Caucasian men with newly diagnosed, untreated CaP (n = 101) and age-matched patients with BPH (n = 103) were investigated. Serum androgen bioactivity (ABA) levels were measured using a recently developed recombinant cell bioassay. RESULTS: In comparison to men with BPH, CaP patients with Gleason score >or=8 (n = 16) had lower serum ABA (P < 0.05), and patients with Gleason score or=8 (P = 0.07) displayed suppressed ABA levels in relation to serum testosterone. As the entire group, men with CaP (n = 101) had significantly lower serum ABA than age-matched men with BPH (n = 103): median 3.0 nM (range, 0.8-6.4 nM) versus 3.2 nM (range, 0.8-7.9 nM) testosterone equivalents, respectively (P < 0.005). By contrast, serum immunoreactive testosterone and SHBG concentrations and free androgen indices did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CaP have lower serum ABA than controls with BPH, and men with low or high Gleason score display suppressed circulating ABA-to-testosterone ratio. These features may reflect interaction between variables such as the degree of tumor differentiation and tumor volume with androgen metabolism.

Aged↗

Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer today--a homogeneous series without neoadjuvant therapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pelvic lymph node dissection and radical cystectomy for transitional cell cancer of the bladder on recurrence-free and overall survival, pelvic recurrences, and metastatic patterns in a homogeneous group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of patients undergoing pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical cystectomy between 1985 and 2000 was analyzed. All patients were staged N0, M0 preoperatively, and no patient received neoadjuvant radio/chemotherapy. Pathologic characteristics based on the 1997 tumor-node-metastasis system, recurrence-free/overall survival, and metastatic patterns were determined. RESULTS: Five hundred seven patients (age 66 +/- 12 years) with a mean follow-up time of 45 months (range, 0.1 to 176 months) were analyzed. Five-year recurrence-free and overall survival were, respectively, 73% and 62% for patients with organ-confined, lymph node-negative tumors (n = 217; < or = pT2, pN0) and 56% and 49% for non-organ-confined, lymph node-negative tumors (n = 166; > pT2, pN0). Positive lymph nodes were found in 124 (24%) patients who had a 5-year recurrence-free (33%) or overall (26%) survival. Isolated local recurrences were observed in 3% of patients with organ-confined tumors (< or = pT2, pN0), 11% with non-organ-confined tumors (> pT2, pN0), and 13% with positive lymph nodes (any pT, pN+). Distant metastases developed in 25% of patients with organ-confined tumors, 37% with non-organ-confined tumors, and 51% with positive lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Despite negative preoperative staging, pelvic lymphadenectomy and cystectomy for bladder cancer reveal a high percentage of unsuspected nodal metastases (24%) that have a 25% chance for long-term survival. This procedure also ensures a low pelvic recurrence rate even in lymph node-positive patients, and patients with locally advanced cancer have a 56% probability of 5-year recurrence-free survival.

Adult↗

Serum androgen levels in men: impact of health status and age.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of health status on androgen levels in men and to assess the age-related changes in androgen levels. METHODS: Sera were obtained from 526 men (age 20 to 89 years) participating in a health screening project and 35 men selected according to the SENIEUR protocol, which excludes those with underlying disease. The health screening project participants were divided into two groups: healthy men (n = 133; group 1) and the remainder (n = 393; group 2). The total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels were quantified, and the amount of free testosterone (cfT) was calculated. RESULTS: The lowest annual declines in androgen level were observed in group 3 (testosterone 0.2%; cfT 0.4%), followed by group 1 (testosterone 0.4%; cfT 0.8%) and group 2 (testosterone 0.8%; cfT 0.9%). Body mass index and levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose correlated negatively (P <0.01) with testosterone and cfT. Decade-adjusted reference values (mean +/- 2 standard deviations) for testosterone and cfT were defined. The proposed lower testosterone reference value declined gradually from 3.1 ng/mL (20 to 29 years) to 1.7 ng/mL (70 years or older). CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional study, serum androgens declined in aging men, and the extent of this decrease correlated with health status. A fixed, non-age-adjusted reference value does not adequately reflect this and might lead to a false diagnosis of androgen deficiency, particularly in elderly men. The clinical value of age-related reference values, however, needs to be determined in prospective studies.

Adult↗

The natural history of lower urinary tract symptoms over five years.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the natural history of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a cohort of previously untreated men over five years. METHODS: Men participating in a health-screening project completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in 1996. In 2001, men older than 45 years with no prostate surgery or LUTS-specific medication before 1996 completed the IPSS plus a questionnaire on several aspects of LUTS. At the same time, all men underwent a health examination in 1996 and 2001. RESULTS: A total 456 men aged 52+/-12 years (range: 40-84) at baseline completed the 5-year follow-up. Mean IPSS increased from 4.6 to 5.5 (+20%; p<0.0001) and the IPSS-Ql from 0.8 to 1.1 (+38%; p<0.0001) over five years. Progression of IPSS and IPSS-Ql were highly correlated. No change of IPSS was reported by 19%, a worsening by 50% and an improvement by 31%. Not all aspects of LUTS progressed in a similar pattern, storage symptoms had a higher tendency to improve over time. Medical therapy was initiated in 7%, 39% and 67% of those with mild, moderate or severe LUTS at baseline, respectively. In a multivariate analysis age and degree of being bothered by LUTS were independent predictors for initiation of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This 5-year longitudinal study of men without previous LUTS treatment demonstrates the slow nature of the disease's progression. Not all aspects of LUTS progress in a similar pattern. Initiation of therapy is influenced by patient age and by the degree of being bothered by LUTS.

Adult↗

Frequent use of complementary medicine by prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by prostate cancer patients and to characterize CAM-users in this population. METHODS: Prostate cancer patients who underwent routine follow-up at urological practices completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire on lower urinary tract function, sexuality, quality of life and use of CAM. All patients with biopsy proven cancer irrespective of age, stage and therapy were eligible. RESULTS: 822 men (69+/-8.5 years; range: 45-95) entered this survey. 245 men (29.8%) used at least one form of CAM, most frequent forms were fat-reduced diet (13.3%), selenium (10.8%) and vitamin E (9.3%). CAM-users did not differ regarding age (68.6 vs. 69.2 years), time interval between diagnosis and current evaluation (4.4 vs. 3.8 years) and PSA at diagnosis (24.9 vs. 18.5 ng/ml) from non-users. CAM-use was dependent on primary therapy (radical prostatectomy: 23.3%, radiotherapy: 31.6%, endocrine therapy: 38.8%) and disease progression. CAM-users were generally less satisfied with their treatment and rated health status and quality of life lower than those not using CAM (all p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CAM is used by almost 1/3 of prostate cancer patients in Austria, particularly by those with disease progression, impaired quality of life and treatment satisfaction. Urologists have to be aware of this fact and require a detailed knowledge on this issue to provide objective and evidence-based information.

Aged↗

High-energy shockwaves and extracorporeal high-intensity focused ultrasound.

We review the physical interactions of focused ultrasound with tissue, describe technical features of current high-energy shockwave (HESW) and extracorporeal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices, and summarize the experimental and human data available to date. Tissue destruction by extracorporeal HIFU is not new: the first clinical attempts were made almost half a century ago for ablating brain tissue. Despite recent progress in the knowledge of the interactions between HIFU and tissue and significant device modifications, this technique is still in its infancy. The most promising targets for this kind of therapy in the field of urology are the kidney, bladder, and testis. The largest clinical experience with HIFU therapy currently available is for benign prostatic enlargement and prostate cancer using transrectal HIFU devices, which are not the topic of this summary. In parallel with HIFU, HESW therapy has been tested in numerous experimental and preclinical settings. This technique is currently not in routine clinical use. Theoretically, in parallel with HIFU, any organ accessible to conventional diagnostic ultrasound examination is a potential target for this kind of therapy.

Animals↗

Associations of serum testosterone with microvessel density, androgen receptor density and androgen receptor gene polymorphism in prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We investigate potential associations of serum testosterone with microvessel density, androgen receptor expression and AR gene polymorphism in men with untreated prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and testosterone were determined in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. The number of tumor vessels per 0.46 mm. and androgen receptor density (as the percent positive nuclei) were quantified immunohistochemically on prostate cancer areas of prostate biopsy specimens. Polymorphisms within the AR gene (number of CAG repeats) were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using DNA from peripheral blood. RESULTS: The 39 men entered into this study were grouped into 16 with low (3 ng./ml. or less, group 1) and 23 with normal (greater than 3 ng./ml., group 2) serum testosterone. Mean prostate specific antigen +/- SD was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (18.8 +/- 11.1 versus 27.2 +/- 12.2 ng./ml., p = 0.03). Mean Gleason score (7.4 +/- 1.3 versus 6.0 +/- 1.2, p = 0.01), androgen receptor density (96.6% +/- 2.8% versus 84.8% +/- 7.2%, p = 0.03) and tumor vessel density (63.0 +/- 30.8/0.46 versus 39.0 +/- 22.9/0.46 mm.2, p = 0.007) were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. The number of CAG repeats within the AR gene did not correlation with serum androgen. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum testosterone in men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer is associated with higher tumor microvessel and androgen receptor density as well as with higher Gleason score, suggesting enhanced malignant potential.

Aged↗