Impact of a genomic classifier of metastatic risk on treatment recommendations post-radical prostatectomy: Report from the DECIDE study group

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Background: Only a minority of prostate cancer patients with adverse pathology and biochemical recurrence (BCR) post radical prostatectomy (RP) experience metastasis and die from prostate cancer. Improved risk prediction models using genomic information may enable clinicians to better weigh the risk of metastasis and the morbidity and costs of treatment in a clinically heterogeneous population. We present a clinical utility study that evaluates the influence on urologist treatment recommendations for patients at risk of metastasis using a genomic-based prediction model (Decipher). Methods: A prospective, pre-post design was used to assess urologist treatment recommendations following RP in both the adjuvant (without any evidence of PSA rise) and salvage (BCR) settings. Urologists were presented de-identified pathology reports and genomic classifier (GC) test results for 24 patients from a previously conducted GC validation study in high-risk post RP men. Participants were fellowship trained, high-volume urologic oncologists (n=21) from 18 US institutions. Treatment recommendations for secondary therapy were made based solely on clinical information (pre-GC) and then with genomic biomarker information (post-GC). This study was approved by an independent IRB. Results: Treatment recommendations changed from pre-GC to post- GC in 43% of adjuvant, and in 53% of salvage setting case evaluations. In the adjuvant setting, urologists changed their treatment recommendations from treatment (i.e. radiation and/or hormones) to close observation post-GC in 27% of cases. However, for cases with low GC risk (<3% risk of metastasis), 79% of these men were recommended for observation post-GC. Consistent trends were observed in the salvage setting including 24% patients with low GC risk recommended for observation even after BCR. Conclusions: These results indicate that urologists across a range of practice settings are likely to change many treatment decisions when presented with genomic biomarker information following RP. Implementation of the GC test into routine clinical practice may better direct treatment decision-making post-RP.

Impact of surgeon and volume on extended lymphadenectomy at the time of robot-assisted radical cystectomy: results from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC)

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: Lymph node dissection and it's extend during robot-assisted radical cystectomy varies based on surgeon related factors. This study reports outcomes of robot-assisted extended lymphadenectomy based on surgeon experience in both academic and private practice settings.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence of, and predictors for, extended lymph node dissection (LND) in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) for bladder cancer, as extended LND is critical for the treatment of bladder cancer but the role of minimally invasive surgery for extended LND has not been well-defined in a multi-institutional setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Used the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC) database. In all, 765 patients who underwent RARC at 17 institutions from 2003 to 2010 were evaluated for receipt of extended LND. Patients were stratified by age, sex, clinical stage, institutional volume, sequential case number, and surgeon volume. Logistic regression analyses were used to correlate variables to the likelihood of undergoing extended LND.

RESULTS

In all, 445 (58%) patients underwent extended LND. Among all patients, a median (range) of 18 (0-74) LNs were examined. High-volume institutions (≥100 cases) had a higher mean LN yield (23 vs 15, P < 0.001). On univariable analysis, surgeon volume, institutional volume, and sequential case number were associated with likelihood of undergoing extended LND. On multivariable analysis, surgeon volume [odds ratio (OR) 3.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.37-5.06, P < 0.001] and institution volume [OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.47-4.78, P = 0.001) were associated with undergoing extended LND.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted LND can achieve similar LN yields to those of open LND after RC. High-volume surgeons are more likely to perform extended LND, reflecting a correlation between their growing experience and increased comfort with advanced vascular dissection.

Evaluation of a genomic-based prognostic test for metastasis in high-risk post-prostatectomy patients: Does it impact physician decision making?

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Background: Currently, identification of individual patients who are truly at risk of developing lethal prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP) is based on clinical nomograms. A prospectively validated genomic classifier (Decipher) has been shown to more accurately predict metastatic disease post RP than established clinical predictors and can identify patients with adverse pathology who may be cured by RP alone and may therefore not require additional treatment. Methods: An IRB-approved study assessed the impact of a genomic classifier (GC) test in 240 pathologically high-risk post RP case reviews. Twenty (20) urologic oncologists from 18 institutions reviewed 12 cases presented in a randomized, de-identified fashion via a secure online platform to provide treatment recommendations pre- and post- patient GC test results. Possible recommendations included referral to radiation oncologist and/or initiation of adjuvant hormones, close observation, or other. The primary endpoint was any change in treatment recommendation after unblinding of GC test results. Confidence in treatment recommendations was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: Following unblinding of GC test results, treatment recommendations changed in 43% (95% CI: 37-49) of all cases. Specifically, among cases with a pre-GC recommendation involving treatment, 31% (95% CI: 23-41) of respondents changed their recommendation to observation post-GC.Respondents considered the GC result to have influenced their recommendation in 63% (95% CI: 56-68) of cases. The addition of information provided by the GC result increased decision making confidence in 39% (95% CI: 30-49) of cases where a change of treatment recommendation was made. Following unblinding, physicians reported that the GC result was clinically relevant in 84% (95% CI: 79-84) of cases. Conclusions: GC appears to influence treatment recommendations and decision making confidence for high-risk prostatectomy patients. This study suggests that clinical implementation of GC may potentially impact treatment recommendations.

The first assistant sparing technique robot-assisted partial nephrectomy decreases warm ischemia time while maintaining good perioperative outcomes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Prolonged warm ischemia time (WIT) and operative time (OT) during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) can adversely affect renal function and clinical outcomes. Minimizing the duration of WIT and OT is critical to achieving good results postoperatively. Our standard technique for RAPN has evolved into an intracorporeal preparation (ICP) that minimizes the reliance on the first assistant. The goal of the current study was to analyze outcomes after ICP RAPN compared with those of the standard RAPN.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent RAPN was performed, comparing standard vs ICP technique. The ICP approach involves tacking of preprepared sutures along the abdominal sidewall adjacent to the kidney in preparation for hemostasis and renorrhaphy before arterial clamping, the use of robotic Scanlan(®) Reliance, bulldog clamps preplaced near the hilum of the kidney, and "sliding-clip" renorrhaphy. We compared intraoperative (OT, WIT, estimated blood loss [EBL]) and pre/postoperative outcomes (serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate [GFR], length of stay [LOS]) of RAPN between the ICP and standard approach.

RESULTS

A total of 44 consecutive RAPNs (18 ICP, 26 standard) were performed. Median nephrometry score was 7a, and mean follow-up was 13 months. Mean tumor size was 2.4 cm, and most common stage was T(1a). There was no significant difference between ICP and standard RAPN with regard to nephrometry score and stage. Mean WIT was significantly lower for the ICP vs standard RAPN (19 vs 23 min, P=0.049) as was mean OT (161 vs 204 min, P=0.027). On multivariate analysis, ICP RAPN was an independent predictor of WIT (P=0.02). There was no significant impact on preoperative and postoperative GFR for either approach. EBL and LOS were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The ICP RAPN leads to a significant reduction in WIT and OT while maintaining similar perioperative outcomes compared with the standard approach.

Clinical, pathologic, and functional outcomes after nephron-sparing surgery in patients with a solitary kidney: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Surgical management of a renal neoplasm in a solitary kidney is a balance between oncologic control and preservation of renal function. We analyzed patients with a renal mass in a solitary kidney undergoing nephron-sparing procedures to determine perioperative, oncologic, and renal functional outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter study was performed from 12 institutions. All patients with a functional or anatomic solitary kidney who underwent nephron-sparing surgery for one or more renal masses were included. Tumor size, complications, and recurrence rates were recorded. Renal function was assessed with serum creatinine level and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients underwent 105 ablations, and 100 patients underwent partial nephrectomy (PN). Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was similar between the groups. Tumors managed with PN were significantly larger than those managed with ablation (P<0.001). Ablations were associated with a lower overall complication rate (9.5% vs 24%, P=0.01) and higher local recurrence rate (6.7% vs 3%, P=0.04). Eighty-four patients had a preoperative eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Among these patients, 19 (23%) fell below this threshold after 3 months and 15 (18%) at 12 months. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in eGFR between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Extirpation and ablation are both reasonable options for treatment. Ablation is more minimally invasive, albeit with higher recurrence rates compared with PN. Postoperative renal function is similar in both groups and is not affected by surgical approach.

Pathological confirmation of nerve-sparing types performed during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: Incremental nerve-sparing techniques (NSTs) improve postoperative erectile function after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). However, there are no studies to date that histologically confirm the surgeon intended NST. Thus, in the present study, we histologically confirmed that the surgeon performed the nerve preservation as his intended NSTs during RARP. Also, we found that there was more variability in fascia width outcome on the left side compared with the right. Therefore, when performing nerve preservation on the surgeon's non-dominant side, we need to pay more close attention.

OBJECTIVES

To confirm that the surgeon achieved true intended histological nerve sparing during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) by studying RP specimens. To aid the novice robotic surgeon to develop the skills of RARP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June 2008 and May 2009, 122 consecutive patients underwent RARP by a single surgeon (K.K.B.). The degree of nerve sparing (wide resection [WR], interfascial nerve sparing [ITE-NS], intrafascial nerve sparing [ITR-NS]) on both sides was recorded. The posterior sectors of RP specimens from distal, mid, and proximal parts were evaluated. Fascia width (FW) of each position in RP specimens were compared across nerve-sparing types (NSTs). FW was recorded at 15 ° intervals (3-9 o'clock position), measured as the distance between the outermost prostate gland and surgical margin. The slides were reviewed by an experienced uropathologist who was 'blinded' to the NST.

RESULTS

In all, 93 men were included. The overall mean (sd) FW was the greatest in the order of WR, ITE-NS, and ITR-NS, at 2.42 (1.62), 1.71 (1.40) and 1.16 (1.08) mm, respectively (P < 0.001). FW was statistically significantly correlated with the surgical technique used. When the surgeon intended to perform various levels of nerve sparing, these were reflected in the FW. Interestingly, the left-side FW showed more variability than the right side. We suspect that this was a result of the surgeon's right-hand dominance. Erectile function (EF) recovery rate according to NST was 88.9%, 77.3%, 65.6%, 56.3%, and 0% in bilateral ITR-NS, ITR-NS/ITE-NS, bilateral ITE-NS, ITE-NS/WR, and bilateral WR, respectively. To further validate and confirm these preliminary findings, additional studies involving multicentre cohorts would be required.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgeon intended dissection and FW correlate, with ITR-NS providing the narrowest FW and the EF recovery rate was the highest in bilateral ITR-NS. There was more variability in FW outcome on the left side than the right. The novice robotic surgeon should consider this variability when performing RARP. It may have implications for technique improvement on nerve preservation for EF.

Comparison of two core biopsy techniques before and after laparoscopic cryoablation of small renal cortical neoplasms

A pre-ablation standard biopsy technique resulted in the most accurate pathologic diagnosis for patients undergoing cryoablation for renal cortical neoplasms.

Introduction:

Cryoablation is an acceptable treatment option for small renal cortical neoplasms (RCN). Unlike extirpative interventions, intraoperative needle biopsy is the only pathologic data for ablated tumors. It is imperative that sampled tissue accurately captures pathology. We studied the optimal intraoperative needle core biopsy protocol for small RCN during laparoscopic renal cryoablation (LCA).

Methods:

Patients with RCN<4cm underwent intraoperative biopsy during LCA. Four biopsy cores were taken per tumor, 2 before and 2 after LCA by using both a standard and modified technique. Standard technique: needle biopsy device was deployed after insertion into the renal tissue at a depth of 5mm. Modified technique: needle biopsy device was deployed 1mm outside of the renal tissue. Biopsies were examined and compared with reference standard pathology. Percentage agreement was calculated across biopsy types (standard vs. modified) and time points (pre- vs. postcryoablation). Logistic regression was used to identify factors impacting biopsy accuracy.

Results:

Thirty patients with 33 RCNs underwent LCA. The mean patient age was 69.1±8.0yrs, and mean tumor size was 2.3±0.7cm. No significant bleeding resulted from biopsies. A definitive diagnosis was made in 31/33 RCNs (94.0%). Ten tumors (30.3%) were benign, 21 (63.7%) were malignant, and 2 (6.0%) were nondiagnostic. Biopsy length was significantly longer using the standard vs. modified technique with mean lengths of 9.3mm vs. 7.0mm, respectively (P=.02). Highest agreement was seen in preablation biopsies (90.3%). A significant association with agreement was seen for younger age (P=.05) and larger tumor size (P=.02).

Conclusions:

Younger age and larger tumor size were associated with improved accuracy. Preoperative sampling resulted in superior accuracy and the standard technique resulted in significantly longer cores. Use of preablation standard biopsy technique may result in the most accurate pathologic diagnosis for patients undergoing cryoablation for small RCNs.

Is there a difference in laterality during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy? Assessment of lymph node yield and neurovascular bundle dissection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The da Vinci Surgical System (dVSS) has been reported to eliminate innate hand dominance of the surgeon. There are no studies to date, however, that specifically address whether the dVSS has its own inherent "handedness" resulting from the fixed left-right preference of specific instrument docking and assistant positioning. We identified the pelvic lymph node (LN) and neurovascular bundle (NVB) dissections as well as positive surgical margin rates as procedure points during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) that could be influenced by laterality and sought to illustrate left-right consistency.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent RARP by a single right-handed surgeon (KKB) between 2008 and 2010 were identified. Surgeon instrument preference and port placement were consistent across all cases. Pathologic LN yield was stratified by the intended limits of dissection (limited or extended) and laterality. In addition, fascial widths (FW) were prospectively measured for 93 consecutive patients, a narrower FW indicating a more precise intended NVB dissection. The pathologists were blinded to intended dissections.

RESULTS

A total of 340 limited, 11 bilateral extended, 11 right extended, and 5 left extended LN dissections were performed. For patients undergoing limited LN dissection, the mean LN yield was greater on the right compared with the left (3.26 vs 2.76, P=0.010). This difference was not seen in the extended LN dissection (P=0.96). Average FW was narrower on the right surgical margin compared with the left (1.99 vs 2.64 mm, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a greater number of LNs and a closer NVB dissection are achieved on the right compared with the left using the dVSS during RARP. This can be attributed to surgeon handedness, robotic instrument laterality, or assistant instrument laterality. Surgeon awareness of these potential differences is important for the preoperative planning before RARP.

Evaluation of preoperative bioimpedance spectroscopy quantification of body composition on predicting postoperative outcomes following robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)

INTRODUCTION

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a novel, precise quantification of body composition (BC) using low electrical currents through tissue. Accurate BC quantification may better predict postoperative outcomes. We compared BIS-BC and body mass index (BMI) for correlation with post-surgical outcomes in robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preoperative BIS-BC and BMI analyses were conducted on men with biopsy-proven prostate cancer undergoing RARP. Height, weight, percentage and fat mass (PFM, FM), percentage and fat-free mass (PFFM, FFM), percentage and total body water (PTBW, TBW), and percentage and intracellular/extracellular water (PICW, PECW, ICW, ECW) were obtained using the ImpediMed SFB7 Device (San Diego, CA, USA). Preoperative PSA, biopsy and pathologic Gleason scores, prostate volume, percentage tumor volume, margin status, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL) and pathologic stage were recorded. Spearman's rank correlation was estimated to evaluate the association between BIS-BC results, BMI, and post-surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Between April 2009 and August 2010, 63 men had been enrolled in this ongoing study. Fourteen were of normal weight (18.5 kg/m2-24.9 kg/m2), 33 were overweight (25 kg/m2-29.9 kg/m2) and 16 were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Mean age was 60.7 years, mean preoperative PSA was 7.4 ng/mL, and median Gleason was 7. BMI correlated with FFM (p = 0.002), FM (p = 0.01), and PTBW (p = 0.02). FM correlated with preoperative PSA (p = 0.01). PFFM (p = 0.03), PFM (p = 0.03) and PTBW (p = 0.04) correlated with % tumor volume. ICW (p = 0.01) and TBW (p = 0.009) correlated with EBL. BMI (p = 0.04), PECW (p = 0.04), FM (p = 0.05), and PICW (p = 0.03) correlated with pathologic tumor stage.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI correlates with BIS-BC FFM, FM and PTBW. PFFM, PFM and PTBW correlated with % tumor volume. ICW and TBW correlated with EBL. BMI, PECW, FM, and PICW correlated with pathologic tumor stage. BIS-BC metrics may be helpful in predicting post-RARP outcomes. Further study is required to validate these predictions.

Nonischemic laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using a novel wet monopolar device in a porcine model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is the minimally invasive standard of care for the management of a cT(1a) renal mass. We evaluated a novel saline enhanced electrosurgical resection (SEER) device for performance of a nonischemic LPN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six pigs were used in a nonsurvival pilot study. Energy penetration was characterized by applying the SEER to the lower pole of each kidney for 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 3 minutes using pure cutting energy at 100W and a drip rate of 1 drip per second. Energy testing was performed with the hilum clamped in six kidneys and without clamping in six kidneys. Subsequently, a nonischemic upper pole LPN was performed with the SEER device, and the kidneys were harvested. The areas of necrosis were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Depth of necrosis was visualized grossly and microscopically for each time point. We also recorded time to perform LPN, estimated blood loss (EBL), and subjective severity of bleeding.

RESULTS

The average operative time was 15.4 minutes. The mean EBL was 44.2 mL with nine (75%) cases classified as minimal, 2 (17%) moderate, and 1 (8%) severe bleeding. The mean depth of necrosis on the kidney remnants was 2.97 mm. The mean depth of necrosis for unclamped kidneys at 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 3 minutes was 0.38 mm, 0.88 mm, and 1.27 mm, respectively. The mean depths for the clamped kidneys were 2.73 mm, 3.23 mm, and 8.68 mm respectively. Depth of necrosis was significantly higher in the clamped kidneys at 3 minutes (P=0.0035).

CONCLUSIONS

In the porcine model, the SEER transected parenchyma and collecting system with low resection times and minimal blood loss. Use of coagulation during resection is the main advantage of a monopolar resection compared with cold scissors. Testing performed for 3 minutes during hilar clamping demonstrated a significantly deeper level of necrosis.

Independent diagnostic and post-treatment prognostic models for prostate cancer demonstrate significant correlation with disease progression end points

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A major advance in the standard practice of tissue-based pathology is the new discipline of systems pathology (SP) that uses computational modeling to combine clinical, pathologic, and molecular measurements to predict biologic activity. Recently, a SP-based prostate cancer (PCa) predictive model for both preoperative (Px+) and postoperative (Px) prostatectomy has been developed. The purpose of this study is to calculate the percent agreement and the concordance between the Px+ and Px end points.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-three patients underwent robot-assisted prostatectomy for PCa, and had Px+ and Px testing performed. Data were collected on Px+ end points and Px end points along with pathologic specimen results. The percent agreement and the degree of correlation between the Px+ and Px end points were then calculated.

RESULTS

The percent agreement (PA) between Px+ end points and Px end points ranged from 77% to 87%. The PA between a high Px+ favorable pathology (FP) classification and dominant Gleason score ≤ 3 and Gleason sum ≤ 6 was 71.7% and 37.4%, respectively. On univariate analysis, Px+ disease progression (DP) score significantly correlated with Px prostate-specific antigen recurrence (PSAR) score (P<0.001), while Px+ DP probability significantly correlated with PxPSAR probability (P<0.001). Px+ FP probability significantly correlated with postprostatectomy dominant Gleason grade ≤ 3 (P<0.001) and Gleason sum (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The PA between Px+ and Px testing end points for radical prostatectomy patients was very good. Furthermore, there was a direct correlation between most Px+ and Px end points. While the Px+FP classification and Gleason sum demonstrated a poor PA, Px+FP score still maintained a direct correlation to prostatectomy Gleason sum.

Polyglyconate unidirectional barbed suture for posterior reconstruction and anastomosis during robot-assisted prostatectomy: effect on procedure time, efficacy, and minimum 6-month follow-up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

With widespread implementation of posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction (RSR) followed by urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA), reconstruction has become a significant portion of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Successful anastomosis can be measured by time for reconstruction and the absence of urinary leak. We prospectively evaluated the experience of a single surgeon (KKB) in using the V-Loc™ wound closure device for the posterior RSR and UVA, and compared it with a standard reconstruction and anastomosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 84 patients divided into two groups underwent RALP, undergoing RSR and UVA using a Van Velthoven technique with the V-Loc or with a standard 3-0 monofilament suture. The primary end point was the time to complete RSR, UVA, and the total reconstruction. As a secondary end point, the clinical evidence of an anastomotic leak was also documented.

RESULTS

The mean RSR, UVA, and total times were 9, 18, and 27 minutes for the control group, and 6, 12 and 18 minutes for the V-Loc group, respectively. The time differences between the two groups for RSR, UVA, and total time were 3 minutes (P<0.01), 6 minutes (P<0.01), and 9 minutes (P<0.001), respectively. There was no clinical evidence of anastomotic leak in either group. Continence recovery was equivalent between the groups at 6 weeks and 6 months. At a 9-month follow-up, no patients in either group had a clinical UVA stricture necessitating intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The V-Loc suture is associated with a significantly shorter time for the RSR and UVA compared with the traditional suture and is not associated with a higher incidence of clinical urinary leak; however, a larger randomized study with long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm these results.

Impact of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) use on blood loss during robot-assisted and open radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In addition to their lipid lowering effects, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have been shown to exert antithrombotic effects through downregulation of the coagulation cascade. Because statin use is widespread, it is important to understand the impact of these drugs on blood loss (BL) during surgery. We studied the impact of statin use on BL during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of a database approved by the Institutional Review Board for patients who underwent RARP or ORP at a single academic institution. Patients were categorized as statin-users or statin-naïve at the time of surgery. Patient demographic information was recorded as was perioperative data, including preoperative and postoperative hematocrit (Hct) value. BL was defined as % Hct change presurgery vs postsurgery. In addition, the outcome of ≥10% drop in Hct was studied. The t test and chi-square analysis were used to compare variables across statin use groups. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors that impacted BL.

RESULTS

From 1987 to 2010, 3578 patients underwent prostatectomy for prostate cancer (RARP=945 and ORP=2633). Of these, 676 men were identified as statin-users and 2902 as statin-naïve. Mean patient age was 60.2±7.0 years. Statin-users were found to be older (P<0.001), have lower mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (P=0.002), and have higher pathologic Gleason sum scores (P<0.001). For ORP, statin use was associated with increased BL with Hct % change of 20.7% for users vs18.6% for nonusers, (P<0.001). For RARP, no significant change in Hct was seen with statin use with % changes of 12.6% and 12.5%, respectively (P=0.9). When controlling for age, Gleason sum, surgeon, date of surgery and PSA level, statin use was associated with increased BL (P=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Even when controlling for age, Gleason sum, surgeon, date of surgery, and PSA, statin use is associated with increased BL during RP. This information may impact preoperative planning and patient counseling for men who are taking statins while preparing for RP.

Paraneoplastic production of heparin-like anticoagulant in a patient with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma

It has been reported that patients with bladder cancer have widely varying paraneoplastic consequences, including metabolic, dermatologic, myopathic and neurologic disturbances. We report a case of a 52-year-old man with advanced transitional cell carcinoma and liver metastases, who developed a severe coagulopathy following robotic radical cystoprostatectomy due to circulating heparin-like substances prior to onset of liver failure. Heparin-like anticoagulant production is a rare paraneoplastic effect documented in concert with transitional cell carcinoma, breast carcinoma and hematological malignancies.