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Directory of Authors from the Journal and their last article.

David FetzerView Articles

Volume 22, Number 2Case Review

First Do No Harm: A Cautious, Risk-adapted Approach to Testicular Cancer Patients

Nirmish SinglaAditya BagrodiaHersh M TrivediJohn LafinDavid FetzerPayal Kapur

Current guidelines regarding treatment for germ-cell tumors (GCTs) emphasizes cautious progression focusing on stage-specific treatments. Presented herein is the case of a 30-year-old man who, through monitoring of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and surveillance imaging, avoided excessive treatment. This case demonstrates how an experienced clinician, familiar with natural history of GCTs, can appropriately classify level of risk and allow a patient to preserve natural fertility. Furthermore, we highlight the potential for miRNA analysis in staging and management of GCTs. This case serves to underscore the importance of acting with caution in the pursuit of the best outcome for our patients. [Rev Urol. 2020;22(2):85–89] © 2020 MedReviews®, LLC

David G BostwickView Articles
David G McLeodView Articles
David I QuinnView Articles
David I ShalowitzView Articles

Volume 18, Number 4Review Articles

Barriers to Accessing Urethroplasty

Treatment Update

David O SussmanGordon A BrownMichael J ConsoloKirin K SyedChristopher RobisonJacob McFaddenDavid I ShalowitzBradley D Figler

Urethroplasty is an effective treatment for men with anterior urethral strictures, but is utilized less frequently than ineffective treatments such as internal urethrotomy. We sought to identify provider-level barriers to urethroplasty. An anonymous online survey was emailed to all Mid-Atlantic American Urological Association members. Six scenarios in which urethroplasty was the most appropriate treatment were presented. Primary outcome was recommendation for urethroplasty in ≥ three clinical scenarios. Other factors measured include practice zip code, urethroplasty training, and proximity to a urethroplasty surgeon. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with increased likelihood of urethroplasty recommendation. Of 670 members emailed, 109 (16%) completed the survey. Final analysis included 88 respondents. Mean years in practice was 17.2. Most respondents received formal training in urethroplasty: 43 (49%) in residency, 5 (6%) in fellowship, and 10 (11%) in both; 48 respondents (55%) had a urethroplasty surgeon in their practice, whereas 18 (20%) had a urethroplasty surgeon within 45 minutes of his or her primary practice location. The only covariate that was associated with an increased likelihood of recommending urethroplasty in ≥ three scenarios was formal urethroplasty training. Most members (68%) reported no barriers to referring patients for urethroplasty; the most common barriers cited were long distance to urethroplasty surgeon (n = 13, 15%) and concern about complications (n = 8, 9%). Urethroplasty continues to be underutilized in men with anterior urethral strictures, potentially due to lack of knowledge dissemination and access to a urethroplasty surgeon. Appropriate urethroplasty utilization may increase with greater exposure to urethroplasty in training. [Rev Urol. 2016;18(4):188-193 doi: 10.3909/riu0731] © 2016 MedReviews®, LLC

UrethroplastyUrethral stricturesBarriersPhysician practice patterns

David M PrestonView Articles

Volume 18, Number 1Case Review

Management of Vesicoureteral Reflux by Endoscopic Injection of Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid in Adults

Timothy W StarkJohn M LacyDavid M Preston

A 74-year-old man presented for evaluation after discovery of a left bladder-wall tumor. He underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) operation for treatment of low-grade, Ta urothelial cancer of the bladder. The patient developed recurrent disease and returned to the operating room for repeat TURBT, circumcision, and administration of intravesical mitomycin C. The patient developed balanitis xerotica obliterans 4 years post-circumcision, requiring self-dilation with a catheter. He subsequently developed 3 consecutive episodes of left-sided pyelonephritis. Further investigation with voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) revealed Grade 3, left-sided vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Due to existing comorbidities, the patient elected treatment with endoscopic dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection. A post-operative VCUG demonstrated complete resolution of left-sided VUR. This patient has remained symptom free for 8 months post-injection, with no episodes of pyelonephritis. [Rev Urol. 2016;18(1):46-50 doi: 10.3909/riu0689] © 2016 MedReviews®, LLC

Vesicoureteral refluxPyelonephritisDextranomer/hyaluronic acid

David M SpencerView Articles

Volume 12, Number 1Review Articles

Emerging Vaccine Therapy Approaches for Prostate Cancer

Treatment Update

Kevin M SlawinGuru SonpavdeDavid M SpencerJonathan M Levitt

Prostate cancer vaccines attempt to induce clinically relevant, cancer-specific systemic immune responses in patients with prostate cancer and represent a new class of targeted, nontoxic therapies. With a growing array of vaccine technologies in preclinical or clinical development, autologous antigen-presenting cell vaccines loaded with the antigen, prostate acid phosphatase, and poxvirus vaccines targeting prostate-specific antigen have recently demonstrated a significant survival benefit in randomized trials of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, whereas others have failed to demonstrate any benefit. The combination of vaccines with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other biologic agents is also being evaluated. Efforts to optimize vaccine approaches and select ideal patient populations need to continue to build on these early successes.[Rev Urol. 2010;12(1):25-34 doi:10.3909/riu0437]

Prostate cancerImmunotherapyVaccine

David M. AlbalaView Articles

Volume 23, Number 1Meet The Expert

Meet the Expert: Erika Ferrozzo, MHA

David M. AlbalaErika Ferrozzo

In-office dispensaries (IODs) are frequently discussed but rarely implemented in urology private group practices. In this interview, Erika Ferrozzo, MHA, CEO of the Idaho Urologic Institute and a member of the LUGPA Executive Leadership Program’s class of 2023, explains how the Idaho Urologic Institute identified an opportunity that helped its patients experience improved adherence and ease of access to treatment and that earned the practice a year-over-year $250 000 increase in net revenue.

UrologyGroup practiceequipment and supplies

David MobleyView Articles

Volume 17, Number 4Book Reviews

Smoking: Its Impact on Urologic Health

Management Update

Neil BaumDavid Mobley

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, and smoking is a leading cause of cancer and death from cancer. There is also evidence that smoking is associated with several urologic diseases. Urologists have a unique opportunity to help our patients lead healthy lifestyles, which includes ending their dependence on nicotine and tobacco. This article points out the various urologic conditions associated with smoking and tobacco use with the intention of providing physicians and patients with knowledge and education regarding this connection. [Rev Urol. 2015;17(4):220-225 doi: 10.3909/riu0684] © 2016 MedReviews®, LLC

Prostate cancerBladder cancerKidney cancerInterstitial cystitisSmokingErectile dysfunction

David MorrisView Articles

Volume 23, Number 1Prostate Cancer

Specialty Networks Unveils Revised Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinical Guidelines

David MorrisBenjamin H. Lowentritt

In an ongoing effort to support independent urology practices’ work to provide first-class cancer care, Specialty Networks recently unveiled new, expanded clinical guidelines for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. (See the guidelines, packaged with this issue of Reviews in Urology.)

Prostatic neoplasmsNeoplasmpractice guidelinesclinical decision-making

David O SussmanView Articles

Volume 18, Number 4Review Articles

Barriers to Accessing Urethroplasty

Treatment Update

David O SussmanGordon A BrownMichael J ConsoloKirin K SyedChristopher RobisonJacob McFaddenDavid I ShalowitzBradley D Figler

Urethroplasty is an effective treatment for men with anterior urethral strictures, but is utilized less frequently than ineffective treatments such as internal urethrotomy. We sought to identify provider-level barriers to urethroplasty. An anonymous online survey was emailed to all Mid-Atlantic American Urological Association members. Six scenarios in which urethroplasty was the most appropriate treatment were presented. Primary outcome was recommendation for urethroplasty in ≥ three clinical scenarios. Other factors measured include practice zip code, urethroplasty training, and proximity to a urethroplasty surgeon. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with increased likelihood of urethroplasty recommendation. Of 670 members emailed, 109 (16%) completed the survey. Final analysis included 88 respondents. Mean years in practice was 17.2. Most respondents received formal training in urethroplasty: 43 (49%) in residency, 5 (6%) in fellowship, and 10 (11%) in both; 48 respondents (55%) had a urethroplasty surgeon in their practice, whereas 18 (20%) had a urethroplasty surgeon within 45 minutes of his or her primary practice location. The only covariate that was associated with an increased likelihood of recommending urethroplasty in ≥ three scenarios was formal urethroplasty training. Most members (68%) reported no barriers to referring patients for urethroplasty; the most common barriers cited were long distance to urethroplasty surgeon (n = 13, 15%) and concern about complications (n = 8, 9%). Urethroplasty continues to be underutilized in men with anterior urethral strictures, potentially due to lack of knowledge dissemination and access to a urethroplasty surgeon. Appropriate urethroplasty utilization may increase with greater exposure to urethroplasty in training. [Rev Urol. 2016;18(4):188-193 doi: 10.3909/riu0731] © 2016 MedReviews®, LLC

UrethroplastyUrethral stricturesBarriersPhysician practice patterns

David OkronglyView Articles

Volume 19, Number 3Review Articles

Clinical Performance of the 4Kscore Test to Predict High-grade Prostate Cancer at Biopsy: A Meta-analysis of US and European Clinical Validation Study Results

Predictive Performance Evaluation

Stephen M ZappalaPeter T ScardinoYan DongVincent LinderDavid Okrongly

The 4Kscore® Test (OPKO Diagnostics, Woburn, MA) is a blood test utilized prior to a prostate biopsy to determine a patient’s risk of high-grade prostate cancer (PCa) should the biopsy be performed, thus providing critical information in the clinical management of men with a suspicious prostate-specific antigen value or digital rectal examination result. Multiple US and European clinical studies confirmed that a prebiopsy 4Kscore Test has a high degree of discrimination for a subsequent discovery of high-grade (Gleason score ≥7) PCa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the 4Kscore Test to discriminate between patients with and without high-grade PCa based on published clinical validation studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the eligible 4Kscore Test clinical validation studies was conducted. The pooled area under the curve (AUC) of the 4Kscore Test as reported from all the studies, and the heterogeneity among these studies were analyzed and repeated for subgroups of the studies. Twelve clinical validation studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising a total of 11,134 patients. The pooled AUC to discriminate for high-grade PCa for all 12 studies was 0.81 (fixed effects 95% CI, 0.80-0.83). Restricting the analysis to the six publications that used the contemporary 4Kscore Test algorithm led to very similar results (AUC 0.81; 95% CI, 0.79-0.83). Heterogeneity was high among all of the 12 studies, as well as among the six publications that used the contemporary 4Kscore Test (Cochrane’s Q test, p = 0.001 for both); however, in both cases, after exclusion of a single outlying study with a much lower AUC, heterogeneity was no longer significant (p = 0.08 and p = 0.21). The pooled estimate of 4Kscore Test discrimination (AUC) for high-grade PCa is .0.80, and is consistent across multiple US and European clinical validation studies. [Rev Urol. 2017;19(3):149–155 doi: 10.3909/riu0776] © 2017 MedReviews®, LLC

BiopsyBiomarkers4KscoreHigh-grade prostate cancerEarly detection

David PennView Articles

Volume 20, Number 2Case Review

Clinical Relevance of Petit’s Triangle: A Forgotten Landmark

Scott HalperinJulian SpectorDavid PennBarry Zisholtz

This rare case details a right-sided hydronephrotic kidney herniated through Petit’s triangle. Petit’s triangle is an anatomical landmark that is usually not clinically significant and only alluded to during multiple-choice examinations. This case describes the clinical ramification of this area of weakness and allows us to revisit and relearn the anatomy, and its relevance in clinical practice. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(2):112–114 doi: 10.3909/riu0796] © 2018 MedReviews®, LLC

HerniaPetit’s triangleHydronephrotic kidney

David PomerantzView Articles

Volume 8, Supplement 2Review Articles

Monitoring Response, Prediction Methodology, Staging, and Imaging in Prostate Cancer

16th International Prostate Cancer Update

David PomerantzNicholas Vogelzang

The predictive values of various tests and examinations are assessed as they relate to prostate cancer progression and treatment. The usefulness of post-treatment biopsy specimens is greatest 2 years after radiation therapy completion. Gleason grading is not reliable in the setting of hormonal ablation therapy. For patients with extracapsular extension, the survival curves separate depending on whether positive or negative surgical margins are obtained. Prostate-specific antigen doubling time is increasingly used as an indicator of disease recurrence after local therapy and prostate cancer–specific survival. [Rev Urol. 2006;8(suppl 2):S30-S34]

Prostate cancerImmunotherapyProstate-specific antigenPredictive modelingProstate-specific antigen doubling time

David R StaskinView Articles
David RothView Articles
David S GoldfarbView Articles
David W DrevnaView Articles

Volume 20, Number 1Case Review

A Potential Link: Cross-fused Renal Ectopia With Concomitant Absent Left Testicle

Bryant Van LeeuwenDavid W DrevnaJoseph Dankoff

Cross-fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is a rare congenital anomaly in which both kidneys are located on a unilateral side of the retroperitoneal space. The ureter of the ectopic kidney is seen to pass over the midline to insert in its normal anatomic position. Frequently this anomaly goes undetected until there is radiologic screening for other purposes or when other genitourinary issues are investigated. Although frequently isolated, this condition has been reported to be associated with other congenital anomalies, genetic disorders, and various urogenital anomalies more than 50% of the time. However, we found no cases linking CFRE with a solitary testicle. This is a case of a 30-year-old man with left-to-right CFRE with concomitant absent left testicle and obstructing distal calculus. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(1):49–51 doi: 10.3909/riu0770] © 2018 MedReviews, LLC®

Cross-fused renal ectopiaCFRE

David Y JosephsonView Articles

Volume 10, Number 1Review Articles

Superficial Bladder Cancer: An Update on Etiology, Molecular Development, Classification, and Natural History

Treatment Update

Richard J CoteDavid Y JosephsonAnirban P MitraErik PasinJohn P Stein

Superficial “non–muscle-invasive” bladder tumors represent a heterogeneous group of cancers, including those that are (1) papillary in nature and limited to the mucosa, (2) high grade and flat and confined to the epithelium, and (3) invasive into the submucosa, or lamina propria. The goal of treatment is 2-fold: (1) to reduce tumor recurrence and the subsequent need for additional therapies and the morbidity associated with these treatments and (2) to prevent tumor progression and the subsequent need for more aggressive therapy. This update reviews important contemporary concepts in the etiology, molecular mechanisms, classification, and natural history of superficial bladder cancer. [Rev Urol. 2008;10(1):31-43]

Transitional cell carcinomaBladder neoplasmsNon–muscle-invasive tumorMolecular mechanismsGenitourinary tumors

Dean A TrippView Articles

Volume 9, Number 2Review Articles

Management of Men Diagnosed With Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Who Have Failed Traditional Management

Management Update

J Curtis NickelDean A TrippMichel PontariAndrew P BaranowskiRichard Berger

For many patients, the traditional biomedical model that physicians have used to manage chronic prostatitis does not work. This article describes innovative treatment strategies for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, with an emphasis on novel biomedical physical therapy and biopsychosocial approaches to the management of individualized patient symptoms. [Rev Urol. 2007;9(2):63-72]

Chronic pelvic pain syndromeChronic prostatitisPhysiotherapy