PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records and clinicopatholgic outcomes of patients (n=552) treated with RNU between 1986 and 2013. Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and those for whom LVI status was not recorded were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups according to LVI (n=86) or no LVI (n=256). RESULTS: The study included 344 patients (240 men and 104 women) with a median of 53.9 months of follow-up (range, 1-297 months) after RNU. Tumors were organ confined (T2/N0) in 211 (61.3%) and tumor grade high in 291 (84.6%). AC was administered in 64 patients (18.6%). A total of 280 patients (81.4%) were treated with surgery alone. Patients with LVI tended to be older (p=0.049), have a higher pT stage (pT3/T4, p<0.001), be pN+ (p<0.001), have a high tumor grade (p<0.001), and experience recurrence (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, LVI was an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival and overall survival (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that in the subgroup of patients with LVI, AC was a significant prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.51; p=0.027 and hazard ratio, 0.50; p=0.025, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: AC does not seem to reduce mortality in patients with advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma after RNU. In the subgroup of patients with LVI, AC had a positive impact on cancer-specific survival and overall survival. LVI would be helpful for selecting patients who are appropriate for AC.
Aged ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/drug therapy/*mortality/surgery ; *Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms/drug therapy/*mortality/surgery ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Grading ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Nephrectomy ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Ureter/pathology ; Ureteral Neoplasms/drug therapy/*mortality/surgery ; Urinary Tract/pathology

PURPOSE: To analyze treatment outcome and side effects of adjuvant radiotherapy using radiotherapy fields and doses which have evolved over the last two decades in a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients received radiotherapy after orchiectomy from 1996 to 2007. At our institution, the treatment field for stage I seminoma has changed from dog-leg (DL) field prior to 2003 to paraaortic (PA) field after 2003. Fifteen patients were treated with the classic fractionation scheme of 25.5 Gy at 1.5 Gy per fraction. Other patients had been treated with modified schedules of 25.05 Gy at 1.67 Gy per fraction (n=15) and 25.2 Gy at 1.8 Gy per fraction (n=11). RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 112 months, the 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 100% and 96%, respectively, and 5-year and 10-year relapse-free survival rates were both 97.1%. No in-field recurrence occurred. Contralateral seminoma occurred in one patient 5 years after treatment. No grade III-IV acute toxicity occurred. An increased rate of grade 1-2 acute hematologic toxicity was found in patients with longer overall treatment times due to 1.5 Gy per fraction. The rate of grade 2 acute gastrointestinal toxicity was significantly higher with DL field than with PA field and also higher in the 1.8-Gy group than in the 1.5-Gy and 1.67-Gy groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with stage I seminoma were safely treated with PA-only radiotherapy with no pelvic failure. Optimal fractionation schedule needs to be explored further in order to minimize treatment-related toxicity.
Adult ; Disease-Free Survival ; Dose Fractionation ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant/adverse effects ; Seminoma/*radiotherapy ; Testicular Neoplasms/*radiotherapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the treatment outcome and long-term toxicity of 70 Gy hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for localized prostate cancer using a customized rectal balloon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 86 prostate cancer patients who received curative radiotherapy between January 2004 and December 2011 at our institution. Patients were designated as low (12.8%), intermediate (20.9%), or high risk (66.3%). Thirty patients received a total dose of 70 Gy in 28 fractions over 5 weeks via IMRT (the Hypo-IMRT group); 56 received 70.2 Gy in 39 fractions over 7 weeks via 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (the CF-3DRT group, which served as a reference for comparison). A customized rectal balloon was placed in Hypo-IMRT group throughout the entire radiotherapy course. Androgen deprivation therapy was administered to 47 patients (Hypo-IMRT group, 17; CF-3DRT group, 30). Late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity were evaluated according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 74.4 months (range, 18.8 to 125.9 months). The 5-year actuarial biochemical relapse-free survival rates for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients were 100%, 100%, and 88.5%, respectively, for the Hypo-IMRT group and 80%, 77.8%, and 63.6%, respectively, for the CF-3DRT group (p < 0.046). No patient presented with acute or late GU toxicity > or =grade 3. Late grade 3 GI toxicity occurred in 2 patients (3.6%) in the CF-3DRT group and 1 patient (3.3%) in the Hypo-IMRT group. CONCLUSION: Hypo-IMRT with a customized rectal balloon resulted in excellent biochemical control rates with minimal toxicity in localized prostate cancer patients.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Radiotherapy ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated* ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome*

PURPOSE: To analyze overall survival (OS), prostate cancer (PCa)-specific survival (PCaSS), and non-PCaSS according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 336 patients who had RP for PCa between 1992 and 2005 were analyzed. Data included age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, clinical stage, and pathologic stage. Pre-existing comorbidities were evaluated by the CCI, and patients were classified into two CCI score categories (0, > or =1). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 64.31+/-6.12 years. The median PSA value (interquartile range, IQR) was 11.30 (7.35 and 21.02) ng/mL with a median follow-up period (IQR) of 96.0 (85.0 and 121.0) months. The mean CCI was 0.28 (0-4). Five-year OS, PCaSS, and non-PCaSS were 91.7%, 96.3%, and 95.2%, respectively. Ten-year OS, PCaSS, and non-PCaSS were 81.9%, 92.1%, and 88.9%, respectively. The CCI had a significant influence on OS (p=0.022) and non-PCaSS (p=0.008), but not on PCaSS (p=0.681), by log-rank test. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, OS was independently associated with the CCI [hazard ratio (HR)=1.907, p=0.025] and Gleason score (HR=2.656, p<0.001). PCaSS was independently associated with pathologic N stage (HR=2.857, p=0.031), pathologic T stage (HR=3.775, p=0.041), and Gleason score (HR=4.308, p=0.001). Non-PCaSS had a significant association only with the CCI (HR=2.540, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: The CCI was independently associated with both OS and non-PCaSS after RP, but the CCI had no impact on PCaSS. The comorbidities of a patient should be considered before selecting RP as a curative modality for PCa.
Comorbidity* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Methods ; Neoplasm Grading ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatectomy* ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Regression Analysis

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate prognostic factors and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in a cohort of 41 patients with urachal carcinoma by use of a Bayesian model-averaging approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our cohort included 41 patients with urachal carcinoma who underwent extended partial cystectomy, total cystectomy, transurethral resection, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy at a single institute. All patients were classified by both the Sheldon and the Mayo staging systems according to histopathologic reports and preoperative radiologic findings. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were carried out to investigate prognostic factors, and a Bayesian model-averaging approach was performed to confirm the significance of each variable by using posterior probabilities. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 49.88+/-13.80 years and the male-to-female ratio was 24:17. The median follow-up was 5.42 years (interquartile range, 2.8-8.4 years). Five- and 10-year CSS rates were 55.9% and 43.4%, respectively. Lower Sheldon (p=0.004) and Mayo (p<0.001) stage, mucinous adenocarcinoma (p=0.005), and larger tumor size (p=0.023) were significant predictors of high survival probability on the basis of a log-rank test. By use of the Bayesian model-averaging approach, higher Mayo stage and larger tumor size were significant predictors of cancer-specific mortality in urachal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The Mayo staging system might be more effective than the Sheldon staging system. In addition, the multivariate analyses suggested that tumor size may be a prognostic factor for urachal carcinoma.
Adult ; Bayes Theorem ; Carcinoma/*pathology/*therapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/*pathology/*therapy

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate prognostic factors and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in a cohort of 41 patients with urachal carcinoma by use of a Bayesian model-averaging approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our cohort included 41 patients with urachal carcinoma who underwent extended partial cystectomy, total cystectomy, transurethral resection, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy at a single institute. All patients were classified by both the Sheldon and the Mayo staging systems according to histopathologic reports and preoperative radiologic findings. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were carried out to investigate prognostic factors, and a Bayesian model-averaging approach was performed to confirm the significance of each variable by using posterior probabilities. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 49.88+/-13.80 years and the male-to-female ratio was 24:17. The median follow-up was 5.42 years (interquartile range, 2.8-8.4 years). Five- and 10-year CSS rates were 55.9% and 43.4%, respectively. Lower Sheldon (p=0.004) and Mayo (p<0.001) stage, mucinous adenocarcinoma (p=0.005), and larger tumor size (p=0.023) were significant predictors of high survival probability on the basis of a log-rank test. By use of the Bayesian model-averaging approach, higher Mayo stage and larger tumor size were significant predictors of cancer-specific mortality in urachal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The Mayo staging system might be more effective than the Sheldon staging system. In addition, the multivariate analyses suggested that tumor size may be a prognostic factor for urachal carcinoma.
Adult ; Bayes Theorem ; Carcinoma/*pathology/*therapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/*pathology/*therapy

PURPOSE: We propose an equation that predicts graft function after kidney transplantation by using donated kidney volume and recipient body surface area (BSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included were 261 cases of living kidney transplantation between 2007 and 2009. Preoperative computed tomography scans were performed and the donated kidney volume was measured by use of a three-dimensional reconstruction program (Ripidia). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by using the modification of diet in renal disease formula. Donated kidney volume, preoperative renal function, and demographic factors of both donors and recipients were evaluated as predictors. RESULTS: The mean ages of the donors and recipients were 40.8 and 41.6 years, respectively. The mean donated kidney volume and donated kidney volume/recipient BSA ratio were 153.4 mL and 96.9 mL/m2, respectively. Mean preoperative and postoperative 12-month eGFR of recipients were 7.1 and 59.7 mL/min, respectively, and the mean preoperative eGFR of donors was 92.2 mL/min. Donated kidney volume/recipient BSA ratio, donor age, and recipient gender were the significant predictors of eGFR level (p<0.001) and eGFR<45 mL/min at postoperative 12 months (p=0.005, p<0.001, and p=0.006). From the multiple linear regression equation and predicted probability from logistic regression, we could calculate the equation for the ratio of living donor kidney volume to recipient BSA on graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Graft kidney volume/recipient BSA ratio, donor age, and recipient gender were predictors of graft function 12 months after kidney transplantation. Although we are concerned only with the preoperative, this equation model could help physicians to counsel patients concerning their postoperative prognosis and to avoid insufficient volume donations.
Body Surface Area* ; Delayed Graft Function ; Demography ; Diet ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation ; Kidney* ; Linear Models ; Living Donors* ; Logistic Models ; Organ Size ; Prognosis ; Tissue Donors ; Transplantation ; Transplants*

PURPOSE: Purpose of this study was to determine if quantitative measures of CT attenuation and ADC values in combination with conventional imaging features can differentiate primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and glioblastoma (GBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with histologically-proven GBM (14 men and 12 women; median age, 50 years; age range, 22 - 73 years) and 14 patients with PCNSL (11 men and 3 women; median age, 61 years; age range, 41 - 74 years) were enrolled. Maximum CT attenuation, minimum ADC, and lesion to normal parenchyma minimum ADC ratios were measured in solid tumor regions. Conventional imaging features were evaluated for the following: ill-defined margin, homogeneous enhancement pattern, degree of necrosis, extent of tumor involvement and multiplicity. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare maximum CT attenuation and minimum ADC values for PCNSL and GBM. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate relationships between pathologic diagnoses and imaging features. RESULTS: The CT attenuations were similar for PCNSL and GBM (37.84 +/- 6.90 HU versus 37.00 +/- 5.54 HU, p = 0.68), but minimum ADC and minimum ADC ratio were significant lower in PCNSL than in GBM (595.01 +/- 228.28 10(-6) mm2/s versus 736.52 +/- 162.05 10(-6) mm2/s; p = 0.028, 0.87 +/- 0.26 versus 1.14 +/- 0.29; p = 0.007). PCNSL showed greater homogeneous enhancement and smaller necrotic areas than GBM (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively) and was more likely to have multiple tumors than GBM (p = 0.039). When necrotic PCNSL (n = 4) and necrotic GBM (n = 24) were compared, minimum ADC and minimum ADC ratios were also significantly lower in PCNSL, but CT attenuation were not. CONCLUSION: Although CT attenuation does not provide valuable information, minimum ADC and minimum ADC ratio and some imaging features can aid the differentiation of PCNSL and GBM.
Central Nervous System ; Diffusion ; Glioblastoma ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Male ; Necrosis

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the serum creatinine-based eGFR and to investigate the clinical roles of the cystatin C-based eGFR in assessing the follow-up renal function of kidney donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 121 healthy kidney donors who underwent live donor nephrectomy between October 2009 and December 2010 in a prospective manner. Serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured preoperatively and were followed after the surgery (1st, 4th, and 7th postoperative day and 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th postoperative month). We also compared the sensitivity and specificity of each eGFR method for predicting the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after donor nephrectomy. RESULTS: For those who had a Modification of Diet in Renal Disease postoperative day 4 eGFR of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, the probability of developing CKD was 89.0% (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration eGFR, 66.0%; Cockcroft-Gault eGFR, 74.0%; cystatin C eGFR, 57.1%). A cystatin C eGFR of below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at postoperative day 4 predicted CKD at 6 months with a specificity of 90.3%, which was the highest among the estimation methods used. Cystatin C eGFRs were generally higher than the creatinine-based eGFRs. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that cystatin C-based estimations of the GFR are helpful for predicting the recovery of renal function in kidney donors and could be added to the follow-up protocol of kidney donors who may develop CKD, especially patients whose immediate postoperative renal function is marginal.
Cooperative Behavior ; Creatinine ; Cystatin C ; Diet ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Kidney ; Kidney Diseases ; Kidney Function Tests ; Kidney Transplantation ; Living Donors ; Nephrectomy ; Prospective Studies ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tissue Donors

PURPOSE: This is a report of the surgical treatment and prognosis of retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) in Koreans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients treated for RPLS between July 1, 1984, and March 31, 2009, were included. Patient demographics, histopathologic subtypes, survival rate, disease recurrence rate and interval, and adjuvant therapy were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 19 patients diagnosed with RPLS, 26.3% presented with well-differentiated RPLS, 10.5% with dedifferentiated RPLS, 15.8% with myxoid/round cell type, and 47.4% with mixed-type liposarcoma. The mean follow-up period was 66.8 months (range, 6 to 165 months). Primary RPLS was treated in 17 patients. Nine patients (52.9%) had recurrent disease, and recurrence developed at a mean of 47.7 months after primary or repeated surgical treatment. The overall survival rate was 84.2% during a mean follow-up of 66.8 months. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 86.9%, and the 10-year survival rate was 69.5%. The recurrence interval was significantly shorter in recurrent RPLS cases (p=0.023). The mean growth rate of locally recurrent tumors was 0.34 cm per month. CONCLUSIONS: The survival rates reported here were higher than in previous studies. Locally recurrent tumors presented with a low growth rate, which may have contributed to the relatively high survival rate. A high prevalence of mixed-type RPLS was also noted, and its cause and prognosis require further research.
Demography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liposarcoma ; Prevalence ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms ; Sarcoma ; Survival Rate