Among the many recommendations within the new AUA guideline for the management of nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer, arguably one of the most important is the idea of repeating resection for patients with high-grade Ta or T1 disease within a few weeks of the initial resection before making a treatment recommendation.

Sunitinib malate (Sutent), indicated for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, may be associated with heart failure in less than 3% of patients receiving the drug, according to a study published in Cancer (2008; 112:2500-8). The finding may represent a potentially serious toxicity and may underscore the need for careful monitoring of cardiac function and aggressive control of hypertension in these patients.

A retrospective study of patients seen at the University of Chicago suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy is an essential part of the treatment protocol for lymph node-positive bladder cancer.

While immediate cystectomy offers excellent long-term outcomes for patients with high-grade T1 transitional cell carcinoma, genetic biomarkers one day could help urologists select the most appropriate candidates for this surgery.

A new study reveals that many cancer survivors are inactive and obese, which may negatively affect the control of their disease. The findings, which come from a study of cancer survivors in Canada, show that a cancer diagnosis does not appear to prompt significant behavior change and that interventions to increase physical activity and promote better eating habits among cancer survivors are warranted.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as persistent organochlorine pesticides, is associated with the risk of both seminomatous and nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors, whereas exposure to chlordane compounds and metabolites may be associated with the risk of seminoma, according to a study published in an online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (April 28).

Researchers have developed a novel technique of performing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without renal hilar clamping that appears to minimize blood loss during the procedure.

Since the initial description of laparoscopic nephrectomy by Clayman and associates in 1991, the technique and the principles of the procedure have evolved logically.

Intermediate-term oncologic results after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for locally advanced renal cell carcinoma are similar to those of open nephrectomy.