Hiroshi Okada

Bio: Hiroshi Okada is an academic researcher from Kobe University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Azoospermia & Cystectomy. The author has an hindex of 33, co-authored 160 publications receiving 3238 citations. Previous affiliations of Hiroshi Okada include Kawasaki Medical School & Jikei University School of Medicine.

Serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 and its density in men with prostate cancer as a new predictor of disease extension

Abstract: We examined whether the serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) level and MMP-2 density could be predictors of the development and extension of prostate cancer. Serum samples were collected before any clinical treatment from 98 patients with prostate cancer and from 76 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Control sera were obtained from 70 healthy men. The serum level of MMP-2 was determined by 1-step enzyme immunoassay. A newly defined MMP-2 density parameter was determined by dividing the serum level of MMP-2 by the prostate volume, which was measured by ultrasonography. The mean serum level of MMP-2 in prostate cancer patients was significantly higher than in the control and BPH groups. Furthermore, the serum MMP-2 levels in prostate cancer patients with metastasis were highly elevated compared with those without metastases. The MMP-2 density in pathologically organ-confined prostate cancer was significantly higher than that in BPH. There was a statistically significant difference in the MMP-2 density between pT2N0M0 and pT1N0M0 prostate cancers. Moreover, the serum MMP-2 level correlated well with the clinical course of prostate cancer with bone metastasis. Our results suggest that MMP-2 plays an important role in the development and extension of prostate cancer and that the serum level of MMP-2 and the MMP-2 density indicate prostate cancer extension and are, therefore, useful for the followup of prostate cancer patients.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo- and propiverine-controlled trial of the once-daily antimuscarinic agent solifenacin in Japanese patients with overactive bladder.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To compare solifenacin succinate (5 and 10 mg once-daily) to placebo and propiverine hydrochloride (20 mg once-daily), respectively, in Japanese patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). PATIENTS AND METHODS A multicentre, 12-week, double-blind phase III trial randomized men and women aged ≥ 20 years with OAB to solifenacin 5 or 10 mg, propiverine 20 mg, or placebo. Changes at endpoint in number of voids/24 h, urgency, incontinence, urgency incontinence and nocturia episodes, volume voided/void, restoration of continence and quality of life (QoL) were examined. RESULTS Of 1593 patients randomized, 1584 were treated; at the endpoint there were greater reductions in mean (sd) voids/24 h with solifenacin 5 mg, at −1.93 (1.97), and 10 mg, at −2.19 (2.09), and propiverine 20 mg, at −1.87 (2.70), than with placebo, at −0.94 (2.29) (P < 0.001 for all). Solifenacin (5 and 10 mg) was superior to placebo, and no worse than propiverine 20 mg, for this variable. There were significantly fewer mean (sd) urgency, incontinence and urgency incontinence episodes with solifenacin and propiverine than with placebo, with respective changes on placebo of − 1.28 (2.90), − 0.72 (1.95) and − 0.69 (2.00); solifenacin 5 mg, − 2.41 (2.88), −1.59 (2.12) and −1.45 (1.89) (P < 0.001 for all), and 10 mg, −2.78 (2.82), − 1.60 (1.81) and − 1.52 (1.77) (P < 0.001 for all), and propiverine 20 mg, −2.30 (3.08), −1.25 (2.79) and − 1.19 (2.20) (P < 0.001, = 0.002 and = 0.002 respectively). All active treatments vs placebo improved the volume voided (P < 0.001 for all) and QoL; solifenacin 10 mg reduced nocturia episodes (P = 0.021) and significantly improved urgency episodes (P = 0.012) and volume voided (P = 0.009) vs propiverine 20 mg, and solifenacin 5 mg caused less dry mouth (P = 0.003). Solifenacin 10 mg caused more dry mouth (P = 0.012) and occurrences of constipation (P = 0.004) than propiverine 20 mg, but discontinuation rates between both treatment groups were similar. Continence was restored at endpoint in more than half of the patients on active treatment. CONCLUSION Solifenacin 5 and 10 mg once daily significantly improved the symptoms of OAB compared with placebo. Solifenacin therapy at 5 mg once daily is well-tolerated; 10 mg can be given if additional efficacy is required.

Matrix Metalloproteinases: Biologic Activity and Clinical Implications

Abstract: Tumor progression is a complex, multistage process by which a normal cell undergoes genetic changes that result in phenotypic alterations and the acquisition of the ability to spread and colonize distant sites in the body. Although many factors regulate malignant tumor growth and spread, interactions between a tumor and its surrounding microenvironment result in the production of important protein products that are crucial to each step of tumor progression. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of degradative enzymes with clear links to malignancy. These enzymes are associated with tumor cell invasion of the basement membrane and stroma, blood vessel penetration, and metastasis. They have more recently been implicated in primary and metastatic tumor growth and angiogenesis, and they may even have a role in tumor promotion. This review outlines our current understanding of the MMP family, including the association of particular MMPs with malignant phenotypes and the role of MMPs in sp...

Incidence of brain metastases in a cohort of patients with carcinoma of the breast, colon, kidney, and lung and melanoma.

Abstract: Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands ljschouten@epidunimaasnl BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to report on the incidence of and factors related to the occurrence of central nervous system metastases in a cohort of patients who were diagnosed with colorectal, lung, breast, or kidney carcinoma or melanoma METHODS: Using the population-based Maastricht Cancer Registry (MCR), a cohort was created of patients with colorectal carcinoma (n = 720 patients), lung carcinoma (n = 938 patients), breast carcinoma (n = 802 patients), renal carcinoma (n = 114 patients), and melanoma (n = 150 patients) The patients had to live in the catchment area of the University Hospital Maastricht (UHM) and had to have been diagnosed at the UHM during the period 1986-1995 Patients with brain metastases were searched for by linking the MCR to the Neuro-Oncology Registry of the UHM Radiology files were checked as well Follow-up lasted until December 31, 1998 RESULTS: Brain metastases were diagnosed in 232 patients (85%) in the cohort (n = 2724 patients) Of these patients, 84 patients were diagnosed with brain metastases within 1 month after their primary diagnosis, 82 patients were diagnosed with brain metastases within 1 year of their primary diagnosis, and 66 patients were diagnosed with brain metastases more than 1 year after their primary diagnosis The cumulative incidence after 5 years was estimated at 163% in patients with lung carcinoma, 98% in patients with renal carcinoma, 74% in patients with melanoma, 50% in patients with breast carcinoma, and 12% in patients with colorectal carcinoma The incidence was lower in patients age > or = 70 years compared with younger patients (breast and lung carcinoma), lower in patients who were diagnosed before 1991 compared with patients who were diagnosed after 1991 (breast and lung carcinoma), and lower in patients who had nonsmall cell lung carcinoma compared with patients who had small cell lung carcinoma CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of brain metastases in this cohort was highest in patients with lung carcinoma, followed by patients with renal carcinoma There was no evidence of an increasing incidence of brain metastasis in patients with carcinoma of the breast or lung