Cost-effectiveness of serum, urine, and tissue-based prostate cancer biomarkers.

Purpose Of Review: Prostate cancer remains a leading malignancy among men in the United States. While prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening improves early detection, it also leads to over-diagnosis and over-treatment. Biomarkers offer a promising solution for risk stratification and guiding treatment decisions.

Impact of Narrow Networks on Access to Urologic Care and Quality Within Medicare Advantage Plans: A Narrative Review.

Narrow networks-defined by limited in-network provider options-are increasingly common in medicare advantage (MA) plans, leading to concerns about specialty care access. In this narrative review, we analyzed peer-reviewed literature, policy reports, and legislation to explore MA plan regulation and its impact on urologic care. While narrow networks may control costs, they may also disproportionately limit access to urologists, especially in underserved areas.

The impact of telemedicine on racial and ethnic disparities in oncologic care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Codification of COVID-19-era use of telemedicine as a permanent feature of US healthcare has been discussed as it may increase accessibility and equity. This study assesses whether telemedicine is associated with improved differential access to cancer care for racial and ethnic minorities. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health Interview Survey from July 2020 to December 2021 and estimated prevalence of telemedicine utilization in both the study population (N=46,799) and in a subgroup of cancer patients (N=7,784).

Oncologic control and predictors of urologic reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery for low-risk penile malignancy.

Purpose: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a low-risk penile cancer management option. However, contemporary patients' short-term oncologic control and preoperative characteristics predicting reconstruction needs are undefined. This study assesses MMS's oncologic efficacy for low-risk penile cancer and identifies baseline predictors of post-resection reconstruction referral.

Online Tools to Decrease Out-of-Pocket Prescription Costs for Patients: A Practical Guide for Urologists.

Introduction: Patients who seek urologic care have recently reported a high degree of financial toxicity from prescription medications, including management for nephrolithiasis, urinary incontinence, and urological oncology. Estimating out-of-pocket costs can be challenging for urologists in the US because of variable insurance coverage, local pharmacy distributions, and complicated prescription pricing schemes. This article discusses resources that urologists can adopt into their practice and share with patients to help lower out-of-pocket spending for prescription medications.

Diminished Short-Term Efficacy of Reduced-Dose Induction BCG in the Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

The ongoing Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) shortage has created challenges for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBCa). Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of reduced-dose induction BCG (RD-iBCG) compared to full-dose induction BCG (FD-iBCG) regarding recurrence rates. We hypothesized that patients receiving RD-iBCG may recur at a higher rate compared to those who received FD-iBCG therapy.

Projected Savings for Generic Oncology Drugs Purchased via Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company Versus in Medicare.

Purpose: Self-administered oncology drugs contribute disproportionately to Medicare Part D spending; prices often remain high even after generic entry. Outlets for low-cost drugs such as Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) offer opportunities for decreased Medicare, Part D, and beneficiary spending. We estimate potential savings if Part D plans obtained prices such as those offered under the MCCPDC for seven generic oncology drugs.

Prognostic significance of sarcomatoid features in metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with cytoreductive nephrectomy and targeted therapy.

Introduction: The presence of sarcomatoid features in localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with worse outcomes. We sought to use a national database to evaluate the outcomes and prognosis of metastatic RCC (mRCC) with sarcomatoid features treated with cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) and targeted therapy (TT).

Methods: The National Cancer Database (2010-2013) was used to identify patients with mRCC at diagnosis.

Spontaneous rupture of a bladder diverticulum with delayed open surgical repair.

Spontaneous rupture of a bladder diverticulum is a rare entity typically associated with tissue weakness, bladder outlet obstruction, increased intra-abdominal pressure, or inflammation. Diagnosis is most often achieved via cystogram with a reported role for pelvic ultrasound. Extraperitoneal ruptures are typically treated with catheterization and antibiosis while intraperitoneal ruptures are most frequently treated with immediate surgical intervention.

Racial Differences in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Multi-Site Study.

Study Design: This was a retrospective chart review.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine disparities within patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at a multi-site tertiary referral center with specific focus on factors related to length of stay (LOS).

Summary Of Background Data: There are previously described racial disparities in spinal surgery outcomes and quality metrics.