Urology Research

The Impact of Combined Traditional Chinese Medicine and Finasteride on the Morphology of the Posterior Urethra in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Lei Xu — 2025-04-02

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a six-month treatment combining traditional Chinese medicine derived from oilseed rape pollen with finasteride on the mean curvature of the prostatic urethra (UMCP), urethral length of the prostate (ULP), thickness of the prostate and bladder neck (TPBN), testosterone/estradiol ratio (T/E), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The goal is to determine whether the oilseed rape pollen preparation enhances the alleviation of urinary obstruction symptoms. Methods: Sixty-two patients with urinary obstruction due to prostatic hyperplasia, who met the study’s inclusion criteria and were treated at Tongxiang Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, were selected. They were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving the oilseed rape pollen preparation in combination with finasteride and the other receiving finasteride alone. Relevant indicators were measured and recorded at baseline and six months after treatment. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: The combined therapy with oilseed rape pollen did not significantly reduce the mean curvature of the prostatic urethra but effectively delayed its further increase. Patients in the experimental group showed a greater increase in urethral length compared to the control group. Additionally, the thickening of the prostate and bladder neck was significantly inhibited in the experimental group. Both groups exhibited a significant increase in T/E, with no notable difference between them. IPSS scores improved significantly in both groups, with a more pronounced reduction in the experimental group. Conclusion: The combination of oilseed rape pollen-based traditional Chinese medicine and finasteride for BPH treatment can help improve posterior prostatic urethral morphology, regulate hormone levels, and enhance symptom relief. This combined approach provides notable benefits for patients with BPH.

Evaluation of the Application Value of Combined Detection of BTA, BTA stat, NMP22, and Survivin in the Diagnosis of Urothelial Carcinoma

Chao Li — 2025-04-02

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of combined detection of bladder tumor antigen (BTA), bladder tumor antigen-associated test (BTA stat), nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22), and survivin in urothelial carcinoma. Methods: Sixty patients with urothelial carcinoma admitted from January 2024 to January 2025 were selected as the observation group for this study, and 60 healthy individuals were selected as the control group. BTA, BTA stat, NMP22, and survivin tests were performed on both groups, respectively. The test results were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic value of combined detection. Results: The levels of BTA, BTA stat, NMP22, and survivin in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of combined detection of BTA, BTA stat, NMP22, and survivin were higher than those of single detection methods (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the positive rates of BTA, BTA stat, NMP22, and survivin among patients with different tumor diameters, tumor numbers, pathological grades, clinical stages, and lymph node metastasis status (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma, the combined detection of BTA, BTA stat, NMP22, and survivin has high diagnostic value and can be promoted and applied in clinical diagnosis.

Exploring the Adverse Reactions and Risk Factors of Toripalimab in the Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma

Song Xue — 2025-04-02

Objective: This study aims to investigate the adverse reactions and risk factors associated with toripalimab in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 63 patients with urothelial carcinoma who received toripalimab treatment in our hospital from June 2021 to January 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient data, including baseline characteristics (age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [(ECOG] score, comorbidities), treatment history (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), and adverse reactions, were selected through the hospital’s electronic medical record system. Results: Among the 63 patients, 49 (77.78%) experienced toripalimab-related adverse reactions, with skin rash occurring most frequently. Univariate analysis showed that age, comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and bronchial asthma, as well as the use of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were significantly associated with toripalimab-related adverse reactions (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that combined chemotherapy was an independent risk factor for toripalimab-related adverse reactions (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Immune-related adverse reactions observed during toripalimab treatment for urothelial carcinoma include skin rash, elevated transaminase levels, abnormal renal function, anemia, etc. Factors influencing these reactions include age, underlying diseases, and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, among which combined chemotherapy is an independent risk factor for adverse reactions. When using toripalimab in clinical practice, it is essential to follow the approved indications on the label, monitor patients for adverse reactions during treatment, and intervene effectively to ensure patient safety.