PAUL MCDONNELL CATHCART, M.D.

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This study looked at a new technique called fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) to help doctors check if they have removed all of the cancer during prostate surgery. Out of 156 patients, 30.8% had positive surgical margins where cancer might still be present, and FCM successfully identified these margins 48% of the time for all lengths, but was much better at detecting longer margins of 3 mm or more, achieving 79% sensitivity. This is important because using FCM could potentially lead to improved surgical outcomes by helping surgeons preserve important nerves during the procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer by potentially leading to better surgical results and preserving nerve function.

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This study compared two treatments for men who experienced prostate cancer returning after radiation therapy: salvage focal therapy (sFT) and salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP). After 10 years, 92% of patients treated with sFT were alive without cancer, compared to 99% of those who had sRP, though the difference wasn’t statistically significant. Importantly, men who underwent sRP faced a much higher risk of complications—about 24 times higher for any complications and 9 times higher for major complications compared to those who had sFT. Who this helps: This research helps patients with recurrent localized prostate cancer and their doctors by providing insight into safer treatment options.

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Researchers created a computer model using deep learning to help analyze special images taken during prostate cancer surgeries. They tested this model on 275 images, and it was able to correctly identify cancerous tissue 87.5% of the time (sensitivity) and benign tissue 97.9% of the time (specificity) in internal tests. This model can quickly provide reliable results during surgery, which could help doctors make better decisions on the spot and potentially reduce the need for on-site pathology experts. Who this helps: Patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery.

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This study looked at how an artificial intelligence system called PROSAIC-DS can help doctors quickly decide on treatment plans for prostate cancer patients, making meetings less crowded. In a test with 287 patients, the AI's treatment recommendations matched doctors’ decisions 92% of the time, compared to just 53% in the past. When the AI was applied to another group of 416 patients, it still performed well with an 85.6% agreement, allowing 33.8% of patients to skip unnecessary discussions in meetings. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare teams reduce their workload while ensuring effective treatment for prostate cancer patients.

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This study looked at how using three-dimensional (3D) models of the prostate during robot-assisted prostate surgery affects the success of the operation and the patient's recovery, especially regarding cancer removal and issues like incontinence and sexual function. Researchers planned to involve 270 patients, with 54 using either a 3D printed or a virtual model and 108 in a group without these models. The goal is to see if these 3D models help reduce the chances of leaving cancer behind and improve patient quality of life after surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery.

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This study looked at men with a specific type of prostate cancer that recurred after treatments like radiotherapy. Researchers found that while most of these patients had very low chances of their cancer spreading (100% survival without metastasis after surgery), they faced significant complications from the surgery—over 50% reported complications, and more than 15% had severe incontinence. Thus, it's important to avoid unnecessary surgeries for these patients and improve the accuracy of initial biopsies to better assess their condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with GS 6 prostate cancer and their doctors in deciding treatment options.

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This research studied the effects of ongoing elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men who had surgery to treat recurring prostate cancer. The study found that 42% of the 580 patients had elevated PSA levels after surgery, and those men had significantly worse outcomes: only 6.6% remained free of cancer recurrence after 7 years compared to 59% of those with undetectable PSA levels. This is important because it highlights the need for careful monitoring of PSA levels after surgery, as persistent PSA levels are linked to a higher risk of cancer recurrence and even death. Who this helps: Patients recovering from prostate cancer who undergo this type of surgery.

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This study looked at how different factors affect whether men with high-risk prostate cancer receive radical treatment in England. Out of nearly 54,000 men, about 65% received the treatment, but younger men, those with fewer health issues, and non-Black men were more likely to get it. The differences in treatment rates varied significantly between hospitals, especially for older patients. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and doctors by highlighting disparities in treatment access based on age, health, and ethnicity.

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This study looked at how many prostate surgeries a hospital performs and how that affects long-term issues like urinary control and sexual function in patients. Researchers surveyed over 7,700 men who had surgery and found no significant differences in urinary control, but there was a small increase in reported sexual function linked to hospitals doing more surgeries. Overall, this means that having a hospital do more prostate surgeries doesn't necessarily lead to better long-term outcomes for these functions. Who this helps: Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

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This study looked at how men with prostate cancer are treated differently in the US compared to England. The researchers found that men in the US received more aggressive treatments than those in England, with radical treatment rates of 38.1% for low-risk patients in the US versus only 14.3% in England. This matters because it raises concerns about over-treatment in the US for patients with a low risk of disease and potential under-treatment for more serious cases in England. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer by highlighting the differences in treatment approaches across countries.

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This study examined the outcomes of prostate cancer surgery in men whose cancer returned after radiation or other treatments. Researchers reviewed data from 1,265 patients and found that those who met the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for surgery had better results: 90% were free from cancer spread five years after surgery, compared to 76% of those who did not meet the criteria. This matters because it highlights the importance of following these guidelines to improve survival outcomes and reduce the risk of cancer worsening after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with recurrent prostate cancer and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study investigated how often men with localized prostate cancer regret their treatment decisions and what factors contribute to that regret. The research found that about 20% of patients experienced significant decision regret, with lower regret rates among those who chose active surveillance (13%) compared to those who had surgery (18%) or radiation treatment (19%). Addressing issues like side effects and involving patients more in their treatment choices can help reduce regret and improve their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients facing treatment decisions for localized prostate cancer.

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This study looked at the outcomes of surgery for patients with anterior prostate cancer (cancer located in the front part of the prostate) compared to those with non-anterior prostate cancer. Researchers followed 152 patients from each group for two years after robotic surgery, finding that those with anterior prostate cancer had lower cancer grades after surgery but suffered more issues with urinary control over time (18-24 months), with a significant difference in continence outcomes (p < 0.05). Understanding these results is important because it helps doctors better educate and manage patients based on the unique characteristics of anterior prostate cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with anterior prostate cancer by informing them about potential outcomes and aiding their treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the side effects of two methods of radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients after surgery. It compared the effects of treating only the prostate bed to treating both the prostate bed and nearby pelvic lymph nodes. The results showed that the rates of significant gastrointestinal problems were 18.2% for the prostate bed only group and 15.9% for the combined treatment group, while the rates of genitourinary issues were 19.1% and 20.7% respectively. Overall, adding pelvic lymph node radiation did not result in higher rates of serious side effects. Who this helps: This benefits prostate cancer patients and their doctors by providing clearer options for post-surgery treatment.

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This study focused on how lymph node dissection (removing lymph nodes) affects outcomes for men who had surgery for recurring prostate cancer. Among 853 patients, those with no lymph node invasion had much better survival rates: 89% survived overall after 10 years, compared to only 41% for those who did have lymph node invasion. This is important because it highlights that lymph node status is a key factor in predicting outcomes after salvage surgery and stresses the need for careful monitoring for patients with lymph node invasion. Who this helps: This helps patients with recurring prostate cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well a new imaging technique called PSMA PET/MRI works for diagnosing and tracking prostate cancer. It found that PSMA PET/MRI is generally better at detecting primary prostate cancer compared to traditional MRI, and it’s also quite effective at finding cancer that has returned, even when PSA levels are low. However, there's still limited evidence on its effectiveness in some specific situations. Who this helps: This benefits patients with prostate cancer by improving diagnosis and monitoring of their condition.

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This study looked at how urinary incontinence (UI) affects men who had surgery for prostate cancer and whether those affected are getting surgery to fix the problem. Out of over 11,000 men studied, about 2.5% had UI surgery within three years, but only 0.9% of those who completed a survey about their urinary issues went on to have surgery. The findings show that many men are still struggling with significant urinary problems after prostate surgery, highlighting the need for better tracking of these issues to help identify who might benefit from surgery. Who this helps: This helps men suffering from urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery.

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This study explored whether it is safe and manageable to perform surgery, specifically radical prostatectomy, on men with prostate cancer that has just begun to spread to the bones (called oligo-metastatic prostate cancer). The researchers successfully included 51 men in the trial and found that the surgery did not significantly affect their quality of life; it was safe and had similar outcomes to conventional surgeries for more advanced cases. This research is important because it suggests that surgery could be a viable option for these patients, offering a potential new avenue for treatment. Who this helps: Patients with oligo-metastatic prostate cancer.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in England during 2020. Researchers found that the number of new prostate cancer diagnoses dropped by 30.8%, from about 32,409 in 2019 to 22,419 in 2020. Those diagnosed during the pandemic were more likely to have advanced cancer and were older, with 21.2% diagnosed at Stage IV compared to 17.4% in 2019. This matters because delayed diagnoses and changes in treatment could hurt patients' long-term health outcomes. Who this helps: Prostate cancer patients and their families.

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This study looked at how measuring the quality of life for men undergoing treatment for localized prostate cancer can improve their care. It found that using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) led to better monitoring of symptoms and feedback for both patients and doctors, resulting in significant improvements in cancer care worldwide. To make PROMs a regular part of treatment, the study highlighted the need to overcome challenges in collecting and reporting this information effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with localized prostate cancer and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected surgeries for urological cancers in two hospitals in Europe. In one hospital in Milan, surgery rates actually increased by 4%, with notable rises in procedures for kidney (16%), bladder (24%), and testicular cancers, while another hospital in London saw a 23% drop in surgeries, particularly for prostate (42%) and penile cancers. It's important because it shows that safety measures put in place during the pandemic allowed for surgeries to continue without causing significant risk to patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing urological cancer surgeries, as well as their doctors involved in their care.

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This study looked at how well surgeons inform patients about the risk of chronic groin pain after hernia surgery. The researchers found that in 2019, 96% of patients were told about this risk compared to only 54% in 2009, but most of these discussions happened just before surgery, leaving patients little time to consider the information. This matters because proper communication about risks is crucial for informed consent and can affect patient outcomes and legal responsibilities. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing hernia surgery by ensuring they are better informed about potential risks.

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This study looked at how the type of initial treatment for prostate cancer affects the side effects and success of surgery when the cancer comes back. It found that men who had surgery after focal therapy had a much lower rate of complications (5%) compared to those who had surgery after radiation therapy (34%). Additionally, 83% of men who had focal therapy were able to stay dry after a year, compared to only 49% of those treated with radiation. Who this helps: This benefits prostate cancer patients who may need follow-up surgery, as it highlights the importance of treatment choices.

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This study examined how well men with prostate cancer feel and function after receiving two different types of radiation treatment: standard external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and EBRT combined with a high-dose rate brachytherapy boost (EBRT-BB). Out of over 13,000 men, those who received EBRT-BB reported slightly worse urinary irritation and obstruction, but the difference wasn't considered significant enough to affect their quality of life compared to those who only had EBRT. This research is important because it shows that adding a brachytherapy boost may not negatively impact men's health outcomes after treatment. Who this helps: This helps prostate cancer patients and their doctors in making informed treatment choices.

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This study looked at the outcomes for men with prostate cancer on active surveillance who had a negative follow-up biopsy. The researchers found that 23% of the 460 men had negative biopsy results after an average of 62 months. Those with a negative biopsy were much less likely to show signs of disease progression (56% less likely), be upgraded to a more serious cancer classification (52% less likely), or start active treatment (82% less likely). This is important because it suggests that men with a negative first follow-up biopsy might not need as frequent monitoring. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance and their doctors.

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This study examined how certain cell types in breast tumors can switch between slow-growing, cancer-forming cells (called tumor-initiating cells or TIC) and their quicker-growing descendants. Researchers found a long noncoding RNA, named SCIRT, that plays a critical role in regulating this process by counteracting the effects of proteins that promote both the growth cycle and self-renewal of these cancer cells. Specifically, SCIRT helps slow down tumor growth by influencing the genes related to cell division and self-renewal. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with breast cancer by providing insights that could lead to new treatment strategies.

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This study analyzed data from over 54,000 prostate cancer patients in England to compare the effects of two types of brachytherapy boost—low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR)—alongside external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). It found that LDR brachytherapy resulted in significantly higher rates of gastrointestinal toxicity (32.3%) compared to HDR (16.7%) and EBRT alone (18.7%). HDR brachytherapy also led to lower incidences of serious complications and cancer-specific deaths than EBRT, making it a preferable option for better outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits prostate cancer patients looking for effective treatment options with fewer side effects.

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This study looked at how African/Afro-Caribbean men with prostate cancer manage their follow-up appointments while on active surveillance compared to other ethnic groups in the UK. Researchers found that 24% of these men missed their follow-up visits, which is much higher than the 10% for other groups. Although the African/Afro-Caribbean men had a possible higher risk of disease progression, they did not show a greater likelihood of needing treatment than other men. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers who care for African/Afro-Caribbean patients with prostate cancer.

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Researchers looked at how well video conferences worked for managing breast cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that video meetings were safe and effective, with 85% of participants saying they were satisfied with the virtual format. However, some challenges included technical difficulties and limited personal interaction, which can affect decision-making. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare teams involved in breast cancer care.

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This study examined the safety of admitting patients for urology procedures during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in a busy hospital in London. Among 611 patients admitted, only 20 (3.3%) were found to have contracted COVID-19, and just one person (0.2%) died from it after surgery, indicating that the way the hospital organized care—by separating elective and emergency cases—was generally effective in reducing risk. This is important because it shows that necessary urological care can continue safely during a pandemic, balancing patient needs with safety concerns. Who this helps: Patients needing urological procedures during challenging times.

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The RAFT trial studied the effects of robotic surgery on men who had prostate cancer that returned or did not go away after initial treatment. Out of 23 men who finished the trial, 83% did not need to wear pads for urine control a year later, though sexual function significantly worsened. Overall, the surgery had low complications and worked well in preventing cancer recurrence, with an 82.6% success rate after one year. Who this helps: This helps men with recurrent prostate cancer by providing insights into treatment options and expected outcomes.

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This study looked at how a new imaging test called Ga-THP-PSMA PET-CT impacts treatment decisions for men with high-risk prostate cancer and those whose cancer has returned after treatment. For high-risk patients, 24% had their management plans changed after the scan, while in the group with recurring cancer, the rate was 34%. The findings highlight that this imaging technique can provide crucial information that influences treatment, especially in patients with lower PSA levels and higher Gleason scores. Who this helps: This benefits patients with prostate cancer and their doctors by guiding better treatment options.

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This study looked at how well hospitals in the East of England followed national guidelines for testing blood sugar levels (HbA1C) in diabetes patients before their day surgeries. Out of 181 diabetes patients, only 86.7% had their HbA1C checked within the recommended six months, and 8.9% of those tested had high readings but still went ahead with surgery. This is important because poor blood sugar control can lead to serious complications after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes undergoing surgery by highlighting the need for better monitoring and care.

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This study looked at how different types of radiation therapy, specifically hypofractionated (H-RT) and conventionally fractionated (C-RT), affect the quality of life and bodily functions in men with prostate cancer. Out of 17,058 men surveyed, those who received H-RT reported small, but statistically significant improvements in sexual and hormonal functions, with increases of about 3.3 and 3.2 points, respectively. However, these changes are not considered large enough to have a meaningful impact on patients' lives, and there were no significant differences in urinary, bowel function, or overall quality of life. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with prostate cancer, as well as doctors making treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the complications of two types of prostate biopsies: transrectal (TR) and transperineal (TP). They found that while TP biopsies led to fewer readmissions for sepsis (1% compared to 1.4% for TR), they resulted in a higher rate of readmissions for urinary retention (1.9% vs. 1%). For every 278 men who had a TP biopsy, one would avoid being readmitted for sepsis, but three more might need to be readmitted for urinary retention. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and their patients by informing them about the risks and benefits of each biopsy method.

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This study looked at how effective targeted prostate biopsies are compared to traditional systematic biopsies in finding significant prostate cancer. Out of 282 patients, 195 had clinically significant cancer, and the targeted biopsies identified 88% of those cases, while the systematic approach caught an additional 12%. This research is important because it shows that for patients with high suspicion based on MRI results, fewer systematic biopsies may be needed, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures. Who this helps: This benefits prostate cancer patients by minimizing invasive procedures while ensuring effective diagnosis.

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This study looked at how well the Cambridge Prognostic Group (CPG) classification predicts mortality in prostate cancer patients compared to the older three-level system. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 62,000 men diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer to see how many received radical treatment based on their CPG classification. They found that treatment rates increased from just 11.3% for the lowest risk group (CPG1) to 78.8% for those in CPG4, highlighting significant differences in treatment options particularly for men with intermediate and high-risk diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients by providing better treatment guidelines based on their cancer risk level.

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This study looked at the side effects of adding pelvic lymph node radiation to standard radiation for men with high-risk prostate cancer. Out of nearly 7,000 men surveyed, those who received radiation to both the prostate and pelvic nodes reported slightly worse sexual function, with an average score difference of 2.3 points, but this difference isn’t considered clinically significant. Overall, there were no meaningful increases in negative side effects or quality of life when comparing the two treatment approaches. Who this helps: This benefits patients with prostate cancer receiving radiation treatment.

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This study looked at how hospital competition and patient choice affected the recovery of men after prostate cancer surgery in the UK between 2008 and 2011, involving nearly 13,000 patients. The researchers found that men who had surgery at hospitals in more competitive areas were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days (46% less likely) and those treated at hospitals that were good at attracting patients had shorter hospital stays (51% less likely to stay more than 3 days). These findings indicate that encouraging competition among hospitals can lead to better immediate results for patients after surgery. Who this helps: This helps prostate cancer patients and their families.

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This study looked at the results of robot-assisted surgery for men who had prostate cancer return after having received focused treatment. Out of 82 men studied, 74% were free of cancer after one year, but this dropped to 36% after three years. Despite the recurrence risk, the surgery was safe, with no major complications, and most men (83%) were still able to control their bladder one year later. Who this helps: This benefits men with recurring prostate cancer after initial treatment and their doctors.

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This study looked at the side effects of two types of radiation therapy for men with high-risk prostate cancer: one focused only on the prostate and the other that also included nearby pelvic lymph nodes. Researchers found that after three years, both groups experienced similar rates of severe gastrointestinal (14% for both) and urinary complications (9% for pelvic lymph node therapy and 8% for prostate-only therapy). This matters because it indicates that adding pelvic lymph nodes to the treatment does not increase the risk of severe side effects, which can help doctors make better treatment choices. Who this helps: This helps patients with high-risk prostate cancer and their doctors.

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Researchers studied how an educational seminar affects the dropout rates of men on active surveillance for prostate cancer, which can often be as high as 38%. They found that after attending the seminar, only 22% of men dropped out after five years, compared to 42% in the standard care group. This is important because providing clear information and support helps more men stay in their monitoring program, potentially leading to better health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits men diagnosed with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer who are under active surveillance.

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This study focused on a rare type of prostate tumor called a STUMP tumor in a 57-year-old man who had urinary problems and high PSA levels. After an initial surgery that removed benign tissue, the tumor returned aggressively within a year, growing from normal size to 131 ml. It was successfully treated with a different surgical technique called HoLEP, and there have been no signs of recurrence for 11 months, highlighting the need for better understanding and management of these unusual tumors. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with STUMP tumors and their doctors by providing insights into effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how to identify serious bone-related health problems in men with prostate cancer using standard hospital data. Researchers found that 1% of patients with localized cancer, 6% with locally advanced cancer, and 42.3% with metastatic cancer experienced these problems over five years when using a specific method of identification. This is important because it helps doctors track the progression of prostate cancer and potentially tailor treatment plans based on the severity of a patient’s condition. Who this helps: Patients and doctors managing prostate cancer.