Daniel Zwahlen, Paula N. Fishman, John Honey, Michael Milosevic, Ian Tannock

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 3455-3457, 2007

Abstract This report describes an illustrative case of malignant pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder in a 28-year old man. A combined-modality treatment plan with partial cystectomy and post-operative radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy with single agent cisplatin weekly was performed. Three weeks after completing concurrent chemoradiation the first of four planned cycles of cisplatin 25 mg/m² andetoposide 100 mg/m² was administered daily over 3 days. Although there are no controlled series offering proof of benefit, postoperative concurrent chemoradiation followed by chemotherapy alone are reasonable options for patients with residual disease or at high risk for locoregional relapse. More >

S. Marwaha, P. M. Venner, S. A. North

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.14, No.5, pp. 3692-3696, 2007

Abstract Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of etoposide dose in a 3-day cisplatin/etoposide/bleomycin (PEB) regimen on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary objectives were to determine the impact of a paclitaxel-based salvage regimen on OS and to compare the risk distribution of germ cell patients seen at a tertiary care center to that quoted in the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification (IGCCC).
Methods: A retrospective chart review of all 302 metastatic germ cell patients requiring cisplatin-based chemotherapy between January 1980 and December 2004 was conducted. Data collected on initial treatment… More >

Jonathan I. Izawa^1,2,3, Joseph L. Chin^1,2,3, Eric Winquist^2,4

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.13, Suppl.3, pp. 48-53, 2006

Abstract Introduction: The ability of cystectomy to cure patients with muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCC) is diminished by the presence of occult micrometastases. Chemotherapy contributes to cure to the extent that it may eradicate these micrometastases. In the absence of methods to preoperatively stage TCC precisely or assess tumor biology, we review the current literature regarding the timing of cystectomy and use of perioperative chemotherapy. Based on this data, we suggest optimal and feasible strategies for treating TCC in a resource-constrained environment.
Materials and methods: Systematic reviews of TCC were sought using electronic databases to… More >

Kavitha Passaperuma¹, Robert Ash², Varugar Venkatesan², George Rodrigues², Eric Winquist³

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 3009-3015, 2006

Abstract Objective: Consolidative radiotherapy has improved local control in other tumors with high local recurrence rates but has not been well studied in urothelial cancer. We hypothesized that pelvic chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) given after systemic chemotherapy for metastatic bladder cancer (MTCC) might alter the pattern of disease recurrence, and reduce the complications and morbidity of intrapelvic disease relapse. A 74% locoregional relapse rate has been observed in MTCC patients with intrapelvic nodal disease after response to chemotherapy. To explore this hypothesis further, we performed a retrospective analysis and report the efficacy, toxicity and pattern of failure with this… More >

Woei Yun Siow, Christopher Cheng

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.12, Suppl.1, pp. 18-23, 2005

Abstract Penile cancer remains a formidable challenge in many developing countries because of its high incidence and the advanced disease stage at diagnosis.
For early penile cancer, surgery alone offers a high cure rate. Penile sparing therapies are proposed as alternative treatment options for select patients with the added advantages of preservation of body image and improved quality of life.
The optimal management of lymph node disease remains controversial. The role of the sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymphatic mapping, prophylactic lymphadenectomy and the template for lymph node dissection are discussed.
For advanced, metastatic penile cancer, more effectiveand less More >

Chiu Yen M. Chang¹, Ken Reddy², Katherine Chorneyko³, Anil Kapoor¹

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.12, No.2, pp. 2603-2606, 2005

Abstract Primary small cell carcinoma of the ureter is a rare clinico-pathological entity. We present a report of primary ureteric small cell carcinoma and pathological correlates. More >

Savino M. Di Stasi, Antonella Giannantoni, Robert L. Stephen^*, Luigi Storti, Francesco Attisani, Andrea De Carolis, Guido Virgili

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.12, No.6, pp. 2895-2898, 2005

Abstract A 59 year old male presented with a 4 month history of lower urinary tract symptoms.
Exhaustive urological investigations revealed papillary tumors and carcinoma in situ extending from the prostatic urethra, throughout the bladder, up both ureters and into the renal pelves.
Tumors were resected where possible and then bacillus Calmette-Guèrin (BCG) and mitomycin C (MMC) were infused sequentially through bilateral nephrostomy tubes for a total of six BCG and three MMC instillations.
Follow up 1 month post treatment demonstrated a complete response which persisted for 2 years. Then there appeared a solitary papillomatous recurrence in the More >

Malcolm J. Moore

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.10, No.6, pp. 2038-2039, 2003

Abstract The benefits of chemotherapy in men with symptomatic HRPC include pain relief, better physical functioning and improved quality of life. These have been well established in randomized trials. A meaningful or statistically significant improvement in survival has yet to be demonstrated. In the absence of a survival benefit, there is concern that treating men when they are free of symptoms may have a negative impact upon quality of life due to drug related toxicity. It will also limit or eliminate any therapeutic options when symptoms eventually develop and therapy is needed most. More >

D. Scott Ernst

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.9, Suppl.1, pp. 21-25, 2002

Abstract The development of hormone resistance is an unfortunate final common pathway in most patients with advanced prostate cancer, resulting in a narrowing of therapeutic options for the clinician, and limited median survival of 10-12 months for the patient. While cytotoxic chemotherapy has been utilized for many years, its efficacy has been disappointing. Quality of life assessments are increasingly used in assessing response in hormone­resistant prostate cancer (HRPC), and PSA has emerged as an important surrogate marker of response in both local and advanced disease. Estramustine and the taxanes have been investigated, as monotherapy and in More >

Roanne Segal¹, Eric Winquist², Himu Lukka³, Joseph L. Chin⁴, Michael Brundage⁵, B. R. Markman⁶

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.9, No.5, pp. 1625-1633, 2002

Abstract Background and purpose: To examine the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with deep muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder who have undergone cystectomy.
Materials and methods: A systematic review of the published literature was combined with a consensus process, involving the interpretation of evidence within the context of conventional practice, to develop an evidence-based practice guideline for use in Ontario.
Results: Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adjuvant chemotherapy with observation were found that reported data on survival. Sample sizes of the trials were small, and each of the trials evaluated a cisplatin-based… More >