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In May 2013, the AUA and the American Society for Radiation Oncology released a joint guideline for radiotherapy after prostatectomy (J Urol 2013; 190:441-9). As a framework for practitioners caring for men who undergo surgery for treatment of prostate cancer, the evidence-based guideline contains nine statements that address use of adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy, conduct of a restaging evaluation, patient counseling, and a definition for biochemical recurrence

New clinical practice guidelines for the management of prostate cancer from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network expand the number of patients who may be considered for active surveillance to those with favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Years ago, decisions about screening men for PSA looked relatively straightforward. You offered screening to patients aged 40 or older, performed a biopsy on the ones with a total PSA >4.0 ng/mL, and offered treatment to those with positive biopsies. Today, conflicting guidelines and new techniques in cancer detection and treatment have left clinicians with a more complicated puzzle. The good news, experts say, is that physicians who put these pieces together stand a better chance of protecting their patients’ health than ever before.

In its current iteration, the AUA's CRPC guideline contains 20 statements relating to treatments for six index patients defined by the presence or absence of metastatic disease, presence and degree of symptoms, ECOG performance status, and prior treatment with docetaxel (Taxotere) along with two statements on the use of preventive treatments for bone health.

A recent human study sought to replicate previous success seen in animal models of reperfusion injury, reports Urology Times SUO internship program member Katie Murray, DO.

Urology Times SUO internship program member Ryan Hutchinson, MD, reports on a presentation on plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

To guide you through the 2016 AUA annual meeting and help maximize your time, Urology Times’ editorial board has reviewed the program to identify the key trends and noteworthy research at this year’s meeting.

Urologists demonstrate several techniques to help the occasional AUS implanter avoid complications.

This video, from Andrew C. Paterson, MD, and Uwais B. Zaid, MD, describes a technique for the placement of the male bulbar artificial urinary sphincter.

Sean Elliott, MD, MS, presents a streamlined, 30-minute approach to AUS insertion.

Henry Rosevear, MD, discusses Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, a protocol that allows urologists in the trenches to provide excellent perioperative care.

In this interview, Daniel W. Lin, MD, discusses the practical use of currently available molecular and genomic tests, cost and reimbursement considerations, the role of MRI, and what the future holds for biomarkers.

“Leaving the hospital every night becomes a bit of a mental cage match: Look up, see someone you know, and you may never get home,” writes Christopher Bayne, MD.

Findings from preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging may enhance risk stratification, surgical planning, and patient counseling for men with prostate cancer, according to researchers from the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

C-11 choline positron emission tomography and multiparametric pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) can be used successfully to identify recurrence patterns in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

In 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.

Many 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.

In the latest AACU Legislative Update, Ross E. Weber examines so-called “public options” being weighed in several states and the nation’s capital. Learn more.

Microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy results in improvement of multiple semen parameters, with a natural pregnancy rate of 34% and an overall pregnancy rate of approximately 63%.

Medicare 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.

The Painters offer some suggestions on how to tackle phase II of ICD-10 coding.

One 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.

The 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.

A 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.

A 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.

Three urologists offer their takes on a single-payer health care system.

Urologist Henry Rosevear, MD, has put together a brief checklist for first-time attendees-and for veteran attendees as well.

Also look for coverage of products in the pipeline for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis, prostate cancer, and male infertility.