Prostate cancer biology varies from locally confined tumors with low risk for relapse to tumors with high risk for progression even after radical prostatectomy. Currently, there are no reliable biomarkers to predict tumor relapse and poor clinical outcome. In this study, we correlated expression patterns of the androgen receptor (AR) coactivators lysinespecific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1) and four and a half LIM-domain protein 2 (FHL2), AR, Gleason score, Gleason grade, and p53 expression in clinically organ confined prostate cancers with relapse after radical prostatectomy. Our data reveal that high levels of LSD1, nuclear expression of the FHL2 coactivator, high Gleason score and grade, and very strong staining of nuclear p53 correlate significantly with relapse during follow-up. No correlation exists with relapse and the expression of AR and cytoplasmic expression of FHL2. To confirm these data, we did quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot analyses in a subset of tumor specimens. Consistently, both LSD1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly up-regulated in high-risk tumors. We previously identified LSD1 and FHL2 as nuclear cofactors interacting specifically with the AR in prostate cells and showed that both stimulate androgen-dependent gene transcription. Our present study suggests that LSD1 and nuclear FHL2 may serve as novel biomarkers predictive for prostate cancer with aggressive biology and point to a role of LSD1 and FHL2 in constitutive activation of AR-mediated growth signals. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(23): 11341-7)

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Alternative minimally invasive methods treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) have become more and more important. Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA^TM) has been demonstrated to be effective in both canine and the human prostate. The goal of our study was to prove the safety, feasibility and tolerance of this new procedure. In this prospective nonrandomized study, 33 patients underwent TUNA^TM-treatment. One, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, follow-up examinations were carried out assessing urodynamic parameters such as urinary flow rates, residual urine levels, and IPSS-scores. During the last visit additional cystomanometry and urethrocystoscopy were done. Six months postoperatively IPSS-score and residual urine volumes were decreased by 50% (range: 1–72%) and 75% (range: 12–97%). Improvement in maximum flow rate was 63% (range: 5–125%). No serious postoperative complications occurred. After a short ‘learning period’ most of the treatments where performed as an out-patient-procedure so the patients could leave the hospital without the need for indwelling catheters. The TUNA^TM appears to be a minimally invasive and safe out-patient procedure for the treatment of selected cases of BPH.

Urolithiasis is expected to cause a considerable complication in patients with systemic mastocytosis. The aim of the present report is to demonstrate that due to pathological activation and irritability of mast cells, special features in the diagnostic investigation and therapy of urolithiasis have to be considered in patients with systemic mastocytosis. The clinical presentation, diagnostic investigation and therapeutic procedure of urolithiasis in a patient with systemic mastocytosis are described. Urolithiasis may be a significant complication of systemic mastocytosis. Non-contrast CT is the main tool for diagnosing urolithiasis after a detailed history and clinical exam. Patients with systemic mastocytosis should receive a premedication composed of a glucocorticoid and H(1)- and H(2)-histamine receptor antagonists. An increased vulnerability of mucosal tissues is expected in patients with systemic mastocytosis that may limit the options of operative and postoperative therapy. Opioids should be used cautiously for analgesia in patients with systemic mastocytosis.

Zusammenfassung Anamnese und klinischer Befund Der folgende Case Report berichtet über die Aufnahme eines Patienten mit einem akut auf chronischen Nierenversagen unter BCG-(Bacillus-Calmette-Guérin)-Erhaltungstherapie bei bekanntem Blasenkarzinom mit sonografisch dargestelltem Harnstau II.–III. Grades ohne Restharn. Die zystoskopisch nachweisbare beidseitige intramurale Engstelle kann im Rahmen der BCG-Therapie gedeutet werden. Therapie und Verlauf Es folgte die Anlage einer Doppel-J-Schiene, worunter sich die Nierenretentions-Parameter schnell besserten. Folgerung Ein postrenales Nierenversagen ist mit 5 % eher selten, wobei in der differenzialdiagnostischen Überlegung neben anderen Ursachen auch eine medikamentös-induzierte Ursache (z. B. BCG) einzubeziehen ist.