The assessment of bladder cancer resectability with bimanual palpation: A prospective study in laparoscopy and open cystectomy patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of examination under anesthesia (EUA) in the assessment of bladder resectability during cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included consecutive patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer at a single center between June 2017 and October 2020. EUA was conducted before cystectomy by two urologists who assessed the bladder for limited mobility. One examiner was blinded to the imaging results. Soft tissue surgical margin status in the pathological evaluation of a cystectomy specimen served as a measure of resectability. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess whether EUA performed by blinded or non-blinded examiners is associated with soft tissue positive surgical margins (PSMs) and to calculate the fraction of new information added by such an examination in addition to selected clinical variables. RESULTS: Among the 134 patients analyzed, limited bladder mobility was indicated by the blinded and non-blinded examiners in 23 (17.2%) and 21 (15.7%) cases, respectively. PSMs were identified in 22 (16.4%) patients, more often in patients with limited bladder mobility as assessed by the blinded (odds ratio [OR] 6.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-24.2) and non-blinded examiners (OR 12.9; 95% CI, 2.9-57.5). The fraction of new information added by the blinded and non-blinded examiners was 48.6% and 57.7%, respectively. The enrichment of patients who underwent pure laparoscopic cystectomy (n = 102; 76%) and the inclusion of patients for emergent surgery may limit the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of limited bladder mobility during preoperative EUA yielded prognostic information on surgical margin status. Our findings suggest that EUA has the potential to provide valuable insights in the assessment of bladder resectability. However, further research in a larger cohort of patients is warranted to validate and expand on these findings.

Sexual activity in a large representative cohort of Polish men: Frequency, number of partners, correlates, and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual activity of men has been evaluated at the population-level in different regions of the world. However, reliable data are lacking for Eastern Europe. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of sexual activity and the number of sexual partners in a large representative cohort of Polish men. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional investigation with computer-assisted web interviews. Participants were stratified by age (≥18 years) and place of residence. The most recent population census was used to produce a population-representative sample of respondents. Men's sexual activity was then correlated with multiple variables. RESULTS: We enrolled 3001 men, representative for age and place of residence, including adequate proportions of respondents from urban and rural areas. Most Polish men were sexually active, predominantly having had sex at least weekly with one partner. Almost 18% of respondents declined sexual intercourse and/or sexual partner in the prior year. The highest sexual activity was observed for men 35-44-years-old (for sex frequency) and 18-24-years-old (for partner number), living in medium-sized cities, employed, and married (for sex frequency) or divorced (for partner number). Erectile dysfunction negatively affected the frequency of sexual activity and lowered the number of sexual partners, although premature ejaculation did not have any effect. Frequency of sexual activity and number of sexual partners correlated well with psychological distress, quality of sex life, and overall life quality. Whereas lifestyle habits including smoking and alcohol intake decreased the likelihood of sexual activity, all analyzed comorbidities did not affect sex life. CONCLUSIONS: This study of men's sexual activity was the first population-representative and nationwide investigation performed in Poland. Most Polish men were sexually active and sexual activity correlated with multiple variables including sociodemographic factors, erectile functioning, mental distress, overall and sex-specific quality of life, and lifestyle habits.

Diagnostic accuracy of bimanual palpation in bladder cancer patients undergoing cystectomy: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess the concordance of examination under anesthesia (EUA)-based clinical T stage with pathological T stage and diagnostic accuracy of EUA in patients with bladder cancer undergoing cystectomy. METHODS: Consecutive patients with bladder cancer undergoing cystectomy between June 2017 and October 2020 in a single academic center were included in a prospective study. Two urologists performed EUA (one blinded to imaging) before patients underwent cystectomy. We assessed the concordance between clinical T stage in bimanual palpation (index test) and pathological T stage in cystectomy specimens (reference test). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to detect or exclude locally advanced bladder cancer (pT3b-T4b) in EUA. RESULTS: The data of 134 patients were analyzed. Given that stage pT3a cannot be palpated, for the nonblinded examiner, T staging in EUA was concordant with pT in 107 (79.9%) patients, 20 (14.9%) cases being understaged in EUA and 7 (5.2%) overstaged. For the blinded examiner, staging was correct in 106 (79.1%) patients, 20 (14.9%) cases being understaged and 8 (6%) overstaged. For the nonblinded examiner, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of EUA were 55.9% (95% CI 39.2%-72.6%), 93% (88%-98%), 73.1% (56%-90.1%), and 86.1% (79.6%-92.6%), respectively; for the blinded examiner, they were 52.9% (36.2%-69.7%), 93% (88%-98%), 72% (54.4%-89.6%) and 85.3% (78.7%-92%), respectively. Awareness of imaging results did not have a major impact on EUA results. CONCLUSION: Bimanual palpation should still be used for clinical staging, given its specificity, NPV, and that it could correctly determine bladder cancer T stage in 80% of cases.

Long-term functional outcomes of vesicourethral anastomosis with bladder neck preservation and distal urethral length preservation after videolaparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Introduction: Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa), with excellent oncologic outcomes; however, complications such as post-prostatectomy incontinence could significantly affect quality of life. Aim: To provide data on long-term urinary functional outcomes of bladder neck preservation (BNP) combined with distal urethral length preservation (DULP) in patients treated with videolaparoscopic prostatectomy. Material and methods: In this retrospective study, data were analysed from 619 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) due to localized prostate cancer between November 2014 and December 2018 in a single tertiary care centre in Poland. Of these patients, 227 had BNP and DULP during the procedure. Urinary continence status was assessed in patients at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after LRP. Cancer resection was assessed by surgical margin status. Results: In the group with BNP and DULP, urinary continence recurred earlier than it did in the control group up to 3 months after surgery: 204 (89.8%) patients in this group were fully continent compared with 283 (72.2%) in the control group (p < 0.001). The difference was also significant after 6 months (95.1% vs. 80.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). Despite these early promising results, there was no difference in urinary continence recovery after 12 and 18 months. There was also no difference between the 2 groups regarding surgical margin status of the resected tissue. Conclusions: Our study showed that BNP combined with DULP is a safe procedure that helps to improve early urinary continence rates after surgery without altering the risk of positive surgical margin.

Van Velthoven single-knot running suture versus Chlosta's running suture versus single barbed suture V-Loc for vesicourethral anastomosis in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a retrospective comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The quality of vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is associated with complications that could significantly affect quality of life. AIM: To compare different types of sutures (Chlosta's versus Van Velthoven versus V-Loc), used for VUA in LRP in terms of complication rates and continence recovery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent LRP between 2014 and 2018 in a tertiary center were enrolled in the study. Data were extracted from medical records. Urinary continence was assessed at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after LRP. Propensity score weighted regression models were used to estimate the effect of sutures on outcomes. RESULTS: A sample of 504 patients was analyzed, of which 109 patients underwent Chlosta's suture VUA, 117 patients had Van Velthoven suture VUA, and 278 patients had V-Loc VUA. Median time of anastomosis was 13 (IQR - interquartile range: 10-16) min using Chlosta's suture, 28 (IQR: 24-30) using Van-Velthoven suture and 12 (IQR: 11-16) min using V-Loc suture (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups concerning complications and urinary continence at 12 and 18 months after surgery. The time of urinary continence recovery was on average 19 days (95% CI: 5-33) and 31 days (95% CI: 16-45) shorter during 1 year of observation when the V-Loc suture was used compared to the Van-Velthoven and Chlosta's suture, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed comparable results considering urinary continence recovery at 12 and 18 months after LRP in all VUA groups. Van Velthoven VUA was more time-consuming and continence recovery was faster in the V-Loc group.

Treatment patterns for lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder in an Eastern European country: a nationwide population-representative survey.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to establish at the population level the treatment patterns for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and overactive bladder (OAB) in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used data from LUTS POLAND, a survey representative of the entire Polish population classified by age, sex, and place of residence. The treatment patterns we considered were lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, non-prescription drugs, prescription drugs, and surgical treatment. RESULTS: We obtained 6,005 completed interviews. About one-third of respondents who reported LUTS or OAB were seeking treatment, and many of these persons received treatment. Men were more proactive in seeking treatment than women, and men more often received treatment. Management with prescription drugs was the most common treatment modality of LUTS and OAB respondents. There were some disparities in distribution of other treatment options between LUTS and OAB persons, but, disappointingly, non-invasive and low-cost management strategies were rarely reported as being used. Specialists (mainly urologists) provided most of the treatments. We did not identify differences between urban and rural areas in treatment seeking, treatment receiving, and the treatment methods that were used. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland, the scale was low for seeking treatment for LUTS and OAB. As well, there was little reliance on non-invasive and low-cost management strategies for LUTS and OAB. Our findings underline the need for education of patients and physicians about LUTS and OAB, and for greater healthcare and financial resources for LUTS and OAB patients.

Prevalence of Renal Masses Suspected of Malignancy and Adrenal Incidentalomas in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of renal masses suspected of malignancy and adrenal incidentalomas in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm based on the computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: In the retrospective cross-sectional study, the CTA scans of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms type II-IV were assessed. Patients with thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms type I and V and history of abdominal aortic surgery were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Study group comprised 937 patients with a median age of 73.0 years, 83.8% of whom were male. CTA revealed renal tumors in 11 patients (1.2% of the study population) with a median size of 26 mm (interquartile range 20-50). Adrenal incidentalomas were found in 61 patients (6.5% of the study population). In 20 patients (2.1%) adrenal lesions were found bilaterally. CONCLUSION: In the described cohort, the renal and adrenal tumors were relatively common findings among patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms type II-IV. Both anaesthesiologists and surgeons should be vigilant about the possibility of such coexistence in order to provide the patients with the best possible perioperative care and an optimal surgical modality.

Overactive Bladder Symptoms Negatively Affect Sleep Quality of Patients With Depression.

PURPOSE: An established link exists between overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and impaired sleep. However, earlier research on this subject only focused on the general population, and certain patient subgroups have not been examined adequately. Depressed patients constitute a unique population because of a possible bidirectional relationship between OAB and depression. Thus, we investigated the association between OAB symptoms and sleep quality in patients with depression. METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, we analyzed data on depression, sleep quality, and OAB symptoms from depressed patients treated at our department of adult psychiatry. Data were collected with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire, the Athens Insomnia Scale, and the OAB Module of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 102 patients treated for depression were enrolled. Thirteen patients (12.7%) met the diagnostic threshold of OAB with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire OAB Module. Patients with depression and concomitant OAB had significantly higher scores on the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire than patients classified as nonOAB (P<0.01). OAB patients also had a higher risk of insomnia relative to non-OAB individuals (P<0.05). In addition, the relationship between OAB symptoms and sleep quality in patients with depression was independent from age and sex. CONCLUSION: In our cohort composed exclusively of individuals treated for depression, OAB symptoms were present in a significant proportion of patients, and OAB negatively affected sleep quality. Therefore, we recommend that OAB symptoms should be assessed collectively in patients with depression.

The Feasibility, Technique, and Medium-Term Follow-Up of Laparoscopic Transvesical Diverticulectomy.

BACKGROUND: To present our experience and results with the transvesical laparoscopic diverticulectomy, developed by Pansadoro et al. [BJU Int. 2009;103(3):412-24], as treatment of symptomatic bladder diverticula, with a medium-term follow-up. METHODS: Between June 2010 and July 2018, we successfully operated 15 patients (13 male/2 female), aged 32-85 years (mean age 61 years) in 2 centers in Austria, using the aforementioned technique. RESULTS: The median operative time was 297 min (range 83-488 min), and the blood loss was minimal. The median diameter of the diverticula was 94 mm (range 40-110 mm). The transurethral catheter was removed in most patients on day 7 (range 1-26 days), and cystography was performed before catheter removal. Patients were discharged on the ninth postoperative day (range 4-18 days). One case had a Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb complication (ureter injury), and 2 cases had a grade IIIa complication (nephrostomy drainage). After a median follow-up of 19 months, no recurrences were observed. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic, transvesical diverticulectomy is a feasible and valuable procedure with good outcomes. To avoid complications, the ureter needs to be spared meticulously.

Changes in neoadjuvant chemotherapy utilization in muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment: a tertiary center retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The year 2015 brought a major shift in the national health care system in Poland - the diagnosis and treatment of patients with malignant diseases became a priority. Close multidisciplinary collaboration was facilitated to optimize patients' care. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal changes in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) utilization in patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) due to muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in a single academic center in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent planned curative RC with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection between January 2013 and December 2018 in a tertiary care center were included in the study. To assess the response to chemotherapy, tumor regression grades (TRGs) were included into the standard pathological examination of RC specimens. RESULTS: Out of 183 patients enrolled into the study, 105 (57.4%) underwent NAC before RC. Only 1 (4%) out of 25 patients underwent NAC prior to RC in 2013. The percentage of patients who received NAC in subsequent years were: 4% (1/25) in 2013, 36% (9/25) in 2014, 55.3% (21/38) in 2015, 62.9% (21/35) in 2016, 83.9% (26/31) in 2017 and 89.7% (26/29) in 2018 (p-value for trend <0.001). Thirty patients (28.6%) had complete pathological response to NAC (TRG1), 50 patients (47.6%) showed strong response (TRG2) and 25 patients (23.7%) had weak or no response (TRG3). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed an increasing utilization of NAC amongst MIBC patients who underwent RC. Close multidisciplinary collaboration is the key to optimizing perioperative care of patients with MIBC.

Identification of potential prognostic factors for absence of residual disease in the second resection of T1 bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this single centre retrospective study was to analyse the results of second resection (repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumour - reTURBT) after a macroscopically complete resection of T1 urothelial bladder tumour and to identify prognostic factors for absence of residual disease (T0) in the second resection of T1 bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with T1 bladder cancer diagnosed in a macroscopically complete initial resection who underwent second resection within 12 weeks were included into the retrospective analysis. Based on the presence or absence of residual disease, patients were grouped for further analysis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify potential prognostic factors. RESULTS: Among the 139 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 96 (69.1%) had no residual disease (T0) and 43 (30.9%) had residual disease in the second resection (including muscle invasive bladder cancer in 2.2%). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) of T0 status obtained from the final model were as follows: detrusor muscle presence in the first resection (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.12-8.35, p = 0.03), immediate post-operative intravesical mitomycin C administration after the first TURBT (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.12-5.68; p = 0.03) and primary bladder cancer setting (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.10-5.47; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results add evidence regarding the importance of detrusor muscle presence in the first TURBT. Identification of predictors of T0 status at second resection could help design prospective studies assessing the possibility to avoid re-resection in selected patients with T1 bladder cancer without compromising oncological outcomes.

The Prognostic Value of Tumor Regression Grades Combined With TNM Classification in Patients With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Who Underwent Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radical Cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor regression grades (TRGs) quantify the pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of TRGs in combination with the TNM classification in an independent cohort of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with NAC followed by radical cystectomy (RC) in a retrospective setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients treated with a complete course of NAC followed by RC for MIBC between December 2012 and December 2017 were enrolled in the study. TRGs were determined in RC specimens. Data were collected preoperatively, and the follow-up was continued up to August 2018. Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to compare survival probabilities between major responders (no MIBC, < ypT2 and ypN0), partial responders (≥ ypT2 or ypN+ and TRG2), and non-responders (≥ ypT2 or ypN+ and TRG3). RESULTS: A group of 70 patients with a median age of 64 years (interquartile range, 58-67 years) was analyzed. There were 36 major responders, 21 partial responders, and 13 non-responders. In comparison with a major response, a partial response was associated with a hazard ratio of 9.44 (95% confidence interval, 1.10-80.89; P = .04) and non- responders showed a hazard ratio of 17.85 (95% confidence interval, 2.18-145.85; P = .007) for death. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the prognostic value of the pathologic response to NAC. Determination of TRGs is straightforward, provides valuable information, and could be easily included in the standard pathologic examination of RC surgical specimen. Prospective studies are needed to establish the role of TRG in routine clinical practice.

Implementation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment in Poland: a single institution retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Even though the survival benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in the treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is well established, NAC has not been widely used in Poland until recently. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utilization of NAC and its association with survival in MIBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for MIBC between December 2012 and December 2017 were included in the study. Data were collected in the perioperative period and long-term observation was continued up to August 2018. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the probability of survival. RESULTS: A sample of 155 patients with a median age of 65 (IQR: 60-69) years was analyzed. In this group, 79 patients (51%) were treated with NAC prior to RC. Patients in the NAC+RC group were younger, more often had a positive smoking history, and had lower preoperative levels of hemoglobin, white blood cells and C-reactive protein. A 90-day complication rate and mortality were similar in both groups and in the entire cohort were equal to 64.5% and 5.2%, respectively. The overall survival (OS) was on average 150 days longer in the RC+NAC group compared to the RC-only group when patients were followed-up for 3 years (95%CI:3 4 - 267; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a high utilization of NAC at our institution. The use of NAC was associated with a better prognosis than RC alone and was not associated with an increased morbidity or mortality. Our results support the use NAC as a safe and effective treatment modality in MIBC.

Assessment of knowledge concerning urology among medical students in Poland.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Urological diseases represent a significant health issue worldwide. Presented study aimed at assessing current urological knowledge and confidence in performing urological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures among medical students at Jagiellonian University Medical College in Poland and compare it on different stages of the undergraduate medical education. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an anonymous survey distributed among Polish students from 1st to 6th year of medical studies, before and after clinical urology course. Questions concerned general urological knowledge, prostate diseases, erectile dysfunction, and self-reported practical urological skills. RESULTS: Overall, 437 respondents participated in the survey. Mean total test score in our study group was 50.08%, mean general urological knowledge score was 53.44%, mean prostate diseases knowledge score was 55.43%, mean erectile dysfunction score was 36% and mean practical skills score was 45.83%. Mean total test score increased with consecutive years of studies (R = 0.58; p <0.001). The risk of an above average total test score was significantly influenced by the urology course (OR = 7.95, 95%CI = 1.81-34.84, p = 0.006) and the year of medical studies (4th-6th vs. 1st-3rd) (OR = 5.16, 95%CI = 3.41-7.81, p <0.001). Practical skills score above average was significantly more frequent in the group after the urology course (OR = 6.75, 95%CI = 1.54-29.58, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study reveal low mean scores obtained by students, even after completing the urology course, which implies that curriculum requires further development. Urological knowledge and self-assessed practical skills increased with years of medical education. The urology course improved the score obtained in our survey, both in terms of total test score and practical skills.

Determinants of hypofibrinolysis in patients with digestive tract cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, we demonstrated that digestive tract cancer (DTC) is associated with reduced fibrin clot permeability and impaired fibrinolysis. AIM: We investigated determinants of fibrinolysis in DTC patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 44 consecutive patients with DTC and 47 controls matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk, we evaluated fibrinolysis proteins, platelet activation markers, thrombin formation, together with plasma clot lysis time assays in the absence (CLT) and presence of carboxypeptidase potato inhibitor (CLT CPI) that blocks thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). RESULTS: In the DTC group CLT (by 22.3%) and CLT CPI (by 27.4%) were longer compared with controls. The DTC patients had higher plasma fibrinolysis inhibitors, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) (by 18.2%), TAFI activity (by 17.3%), and antigen (by 11.2%). The patients had markedly increased platelet markers - soluble CD40 ligand (by 338%) and P-selectin (by 97%), together with von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen (by 61%). Thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT) (by 48.7%) and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) (by 17.2%) were also increased in the DTC group (all p < 0.05). Patients with high-grade tumours (n = 26) compared with remainders (n = 18) had longer CLT, higher tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen, both TAFI antigen and activity levels, vWF, and sTM. Multiple regression analysis after adjustment for potential confounders showed that independent predictors of CLT in DTC patients were TAT, TAFI activity, and vWF. The only independent predictor of CLT CPI was TAT. CONCLUSIONS: Hypofibrinolysis in DTC patients is largely driven by enhanced thrombin generation, TAFI, and endothelial injury.

Altered plasma fibrin clot properties in patients with digestive tract cancers: links with the increased thrombin generation.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence indicates that cancer patients have increased thromboembolic risk. Given a potential role of prothrombotic clot phenotype in thrombosis, we investigated plasma fibrin clot properties in patients with digestive tract cancer (DTC). METHODS: We studied 44 consecutive patients with DTC, including 26 subjects with colorectal cancer, versus 47 controls matched for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. We evaluated ex vivo plasma fibrin clot permeability (Ks), turbidimetry (lag phase and maximum absorbance, ΔAbs), and efficiency of fibrinolysis using 3 different measures (CLT, t50% and maximum rate of d-dimer release from clots, d-Drate). RESULTS: Patients with DTC had lower Ks (-11.5%, p=0.016), shorter lag phase (-5%, p=0.019), longer CLT (+17%, p<0.001) and t50% (+8%, p=0.031), and reduced d-Drate (-12%, p<0.001) compared with controls. After adjustment for potential confounders, thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes were the independent predictor of CLT and t50% in the patients, while Ks was independently associated with tissue plasminogen activator but not with TAT. In high grade tumor patients (n=26) compared with the remainder (n=18), Ks was lower (p=0.004), and lag phase shorter (p=0.03), while CLT (p=0.012) and t50% (p=0.008) were longer, suggesting more profound unfavorable alterations in fibrin clots properties. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that patients with DTC tend to form less permeable fibrin clots relatively resistant to lysis. Prothrombotic clot phenotype might represent a novel prothrombotic mechanism in cancer patients.