EAU18 – EAU and SCAUR examines current Nordic research updates
Modern randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the Nordic countries, updates on renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and stone treatment were some of the topics covered during the Urology Within Europe Joint Session of the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the Scandinavian Association of Urology (SCAUR) held today. The Specialty Session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Christian Beisland (NO) and Prof. Jens Sønksen (DK).
“Nordic cancer registries serve as point of reference to other countries but general registries are not good enough, we need disease specific quality registries,” said Dr. Peter Boström (FI) in his lecture How to use registries and previous Nordic RCTs in new settings. “There should be the will to promote international prospective databases in order to provide standards of care and high-quality data for research purposes.”
In his lecture on a Scandinavian urethroplasty study comparing bulbar urethroplasty with either excision and primary anastomosis or with an onlay grafting procedure using buccal mucosa, Dr. Jukka Sairanen (FI) stated that when this study is completed, patients can be advised on the impact of urethroplasty on erectile function. The study’s completion will also determine whether these operations cause penile complications and identify the short-term results of stricture recurrence.
In Update on SPCG-15; RP vs. EBRT + HT in locally advanced prostate cancer, Prof. Olof Akre (SE) mentioned the determinants of managing the ongoing study and its inclusion process, such as a structured referral process; active research nurses and informed doctors; joint oncology and urology appointmetns; standard treatment outside the study; and “believing in the science.”
Modern stone treatment
Pelvic pressure increases dramatically during ureteroscopic procedures, stated Dr. Helene Ulrik Jung (DK) in her lecture Pharmacological modulation of upper urinary tract activity during flexible ureterorenoscopy. According to Jung, ureterorenoscopy (URS) may cause serious complications such as urosepsis. She said that pharmacologic modulation of the upper urinary tract might be an effective way to facilitate procedures and reduce complications. Jung stated that clinical studies are required to evaluate the short and long-term effects of pelvic pressure elevation during URS.
RCC follow-up
According to Prof. Börje Ljungberg (SE), the rationale for follow-up of RCC patients is: evaluation of complications; patients’ needs in terms of recovery, pathology and knowledge; functional follow-up (remnant renal function); and oncological follow-up.
Ljungberg stated that the oncological follow-up of RCC patients involves: intense imaging; detailed imaging modality; early detection of metastasis; enhancing curative metastasectom;, and early onset of systemic treatment. He also mentioned the controversial factors of RCC patient follow-up including age, co-morbidities, whether intense follow-up extends survival, what type of recurrences are salvageable, the duration of follow-up; and patient perspectives.
Article by Erika de Groot