Effect of routine repeat transurethral resection for superficial bladder cancer: a long-term observational study

Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy for T1 superficial bladder cancer

INTRODUCTION

The management of transitional bladder cancer, which invades the lamina propria (pT1) and has a marked propensity for recurrence and progression, is controversial. Without adjuvant treatment the recurrence rate can be up to 80% and progression up to 50%. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of recurrence and progression of pT1 transitional bladder cancer (grade 1-3) after complete transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT) and adjuvant immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

77 patients with stage pT1 transitional cell carcinoma underwent TURBT of all visible tumors and adjuvant BCG intravesical instillations. Before BCG therapy, 12 patients presented with stage pT1 G1 tumors, 50 presented with pT1, and 15 with pT1 G3 tumors.

RESULTS

51 patients (66.2%) were disease-free throughout the BCG instillation and follow-up period (median of 45 months); 8 patients (10.4%) experienced recurrence during the BCG instillations, but were disease-free following the last instillation; 16 patients (20.8%) experienced recurrence at a median of 17 months, and 2 patients (2.6%) with pT1 G3 died because of progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant intravesical BCG therapy following TURBT appears to be an effective primary treatment for patients with pT1 transitional cell carcinoma.

Optimal management of high-risk T1G3 bladder cancer: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists about the most appropriate treatment for high-risk superficial (stage T1; grade G3) bladder cancer. Immediate cystectomy offers the best chance for survival but may be associated with an impaired quality of life compared with conservative therapy. We estimated life expectancy (LE) and quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) for both of these treatments for men and women of different ages and comorbidity levels.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We evaluated two treatment strategies for high-risk, T1G3 bladder cancer using a decision-analytic Markov model: (1) Immediate cystectomy with neobladder creation versus (2) conservative management with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and delayed cystectomy in individuals with resistant or progressive disease. Probabilities and utilities were derived from published literature where available, and otherwise from expert opinion. Extensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify variables most likely to influence the decision. Structural sensitivity analyses modifying the base case definition and the triggers for cystectomy in the conservative therapy arm were also explored. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to assess the joint uncertainty of all variables simultaneously and the uncertainty in the base case results. External validation of model outputs was performed by comparing model-predicted survival rates with independent published literature. The mean LE of a 60-y-old male was 14.3 y for immediate cystectomy and 13.6 y with conservative management. With the addition of utilities, the immediate cystectomy strategy yielded a mean QALE of 12.32 y and remained preferred over conservative therapy by 0.35 y. Worsening patient comorbidity diminished the benefit of early cystectomy but altered the LE-based preferred treatment only for patients over age 70 y and the QALE-based preferred treatment for patients over age 65 y. Sensitivity analyses revealed that patients over the age of 70 y or those strongly averse to loss of sexual function, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or life without a bladder have a higher QALE with conservative therapy. The results of structural or probabilistic sensitivity analyses did not change the preferred treatment option. Model-predicted overall and disease-specific survival rates were similar to those reported in published studies, suggesting external validity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model is, to our knowledge, the first of its kind in bladder cancer, and demonstrated that younger patients with high-risk T1G3 bladder had a higher LE and QALE with immediate cystectomy. The decision to pursue immediate cystectomy versus conservative therapy should be based on discussions that consider patient age, comorbid status, and an individual's preference for particular postcystectomy health states. Patients over the age of 70 y or those who place high value on sexual function, gastrointestinal function, or bladder preservation may benefit from a more conservative initial therapeutic approach.

The management of superficial bladder cancer

From review of the currently available trial evidence, several clinical recommendations for bladder tumor management become apparent. Transurethral resection should be done, but this procedure is prone to both overestimating and underestimating staging. Restaging transurethral resection for patients with T1 tumors should, therefore, be performed. Data support the immediate postoperative instillation of a chemotherapeutic agent for patients with solitary, low-grade papillary tumors, whereas patients with multiple lesions might benefit from a more intensive adjuvant regimen. Although the use of intravesical immunotherapy for reducing tumor progression or as maintenance therapy is controversial, bacillus Calmette-Guérin has demonstrated significant benefit for tumor prophylaxis when no obvious residual disease is present. Early radical cystectomy can be beneficial and should be performed in patients with refractory T1 tumors or carcinoma in situ before progression to muscle invasion. In this Review I present an overview of the management of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. The most common intravesical chemotherapeutic agents are described as well as the impact of chemotherapy on the recurrence and progression of tumors. The effect of intravesical immunotherapy in bladder cancer is explored as well as the role of early cystectomy.

Superficial and Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Principles of Management for Outcomes Assessments

Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer embraces a spectrum of tumors with varying degrees of clinical behavior. Transurethral resection remains the surgical mainstay for the treatment of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In an attempt to decrease the recurrence or progression rate, intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy is also used. Radical cystectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection remains the gold standard for treating muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Over the last decade, the orthotopic neobladder has gained widespread popularity as the preferred mode of urinary diversion in both males and females with similar oncologic and functional outcomes. Well-designed trials with effective chemotherapy have shown a beneficial role for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Long-term benefit of 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence assisted transurethral resection of superficial bladder cancer: 5-year results of a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE

As shown in various studies 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) induces fluorescence of malignant and dysplastic bladder tissue and increases tumor detection rates by about 20%. However, data on the long-term benefits are sparse. Thus, the 5-year outcome data of a prospective randomized trial comparing patients who initially underwent bladder tumor resection (TUR) under standard white light or with ALA induced fluorescence were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 115 patients with suspected superficial bladder cancer were randomized to undergo standard or ALA assisted TUR. After the second look TUR at 6 weeks patients were followed for a median of 39 (standard) and 42 (ALA) months.

RESULTS

Median time to first recurrence was 5 months in the standard and 12 months in the ALA group. Recurrence-free survival was 25% in the standard and 41% in the ALA group. The recurrence rate at 2, 12, 36 and 60 months after initial TUR was 41%, 61%, 73% and 75%, and 16%, 43%, 59% and 59% in the white light and ALA groups, respectively. The total number of recurrences was 82 in the standard and 61 in the ALA group. Tumor progression occurred in 9 patients in the standard and 4 in the ALA group. Cost analysis suggests a considerable economical advantage of ALA fluorescence assisted TUR compared to the standard procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial advantage of improved tumor detection and decreased recurrence rates by ALA fluorescence assisted TUR is maintained for years, and effectively reduces morbidity and costs in patients with superficial bladder tumors.

The value of a second transurethral resection for T1 bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a series of repeat transurethral resections (TURs) of tumour in patients with T1 bladder cancer, usually used to ensure a complete resection and to exclude the possibility muscle-invasive disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 136 consecutive patients had a second TUR because of a histopathological diagnosis of T1 transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) after their initial TUR. Of the 136 patients, 101 were first presentations and 35 had recurrent tumours. The second TUR was done 4-6 weeks later. The evaluation included the presence of previously undetected residual tumour, changes to histopathological staging/grading, and tumour location.

RESULTS

In all, 71 patients (52%) had residual disease according to findings from specimens obtained during the second TUR. The staging was: no tumour, 65 (48%); Ta, 11 (8%); T1, 32 (24%); Tis, 15 (11%); and > or = T2, 13 (10%). Histopathological changes that worsened the prognosis (>T1 and or concomitant Tis) were found in 21% of patients. Residual malignant tissue was found in the same location as the first TUR in 86% of the patients, and at different locations in 14%. Overall, 28 patients (21% of the original 136) had a radical cystectomy as a consequence of the second TUR findings.

CONCLUSIONS

A routine second TUR should be advised in patients with T1 TCC of the bladder, to achieve a more complete tumour resection and to identify patients who should have a prompt cystectomy.

The Effect of Repeat Transurethral Resection on Recurrence and Progression Rates in Patients With T1 Tumors of the Bladder Who Received Intravesical Mitomycin: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

We compared the outcomes of repeat transurethral resection plus intravesical mitomycin C with initial transurethral resection of bladder plus intravesical MMC in patients with newly diagnosed pT1 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in terms of recurrence, progression and overall survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 148 newly diagnosed patients with T1 bladder cancer 142 were prospectively randomized in 2 groups between January 2001 and January 2005. A total of 74 patients underwent second TURB and received adjuvant MMC intravesically (group 1) and 68 patients received adjuvant MMC following the initial TURB (group 2). All repeat TURB operations were performed 2 to 6 weeks following initial TURB. Patients with incomplete resection, Cis or muscle invasive disease were excluded from study. The first dose of mitomycin C (40 mg per week for a total of 8 weeks) was instilled intravesically in all patients during the first 24 hours after the last surgery.

RESULTS

Mean followup was 31.5 months (range 6 to 48) with no difference between the 2 groups. The rate of recurrence-free survival was 86.35% (SE 0.4%), 77.67% and 68.72% in group 1, and 47.08%, 42.31% and 37.01% in group 2 for the first, second and third year, respectively (overall 74.32% vs 36.76%, log rank 0.0001). Recurrence was observed in 19 of the 74 (25.68%) patients in group 1 and in 43 of the 68 (63.24%) patients in group 2. Ten of the 19 (52.63%) patients in group 1 and 35 of the 43 (81.39%) patients in group 2 had recurrence within 12 months. Recurrence was observed in 17.6%, 25% and 60% of patients with G1, G2 and G3 tumors, respectively, in group 1. The same rates for group 2 were 25%, 64% and 90%. The RFS rate was significantly worse in the high grade group (G2 and G3) (p <0.001). Progression was observed at 4.05% for group 1 compared to 11.76% for group 2 (log rank 0.0974). OS was 91.89% and 89.71% in group 1 and 2, respectively (log rank 0.732).

CONCLUSIONS

The high recurrence rate in patients who did not undergo ReTUR is due to a high residual tumor rate following initial TURB. The benefit of ReTUR is especially true for high grade tumors. Since intravesical MMC was present in both groups, this study has shown that intravesical chemotherapy does not compensate for inadequate resection. Progression does not seem to be affected by ReTUR although there was a trend favoring the ReTUR group. We recommend ReTUR for patients with primary high grade T1 disease to achieve better recurrence-free survival.

Is a Second Transurethral Resection Necessary for Newly Diagnosed pT1 Bladder Cancer?

PURPOSE

We evaluated the potential benefit of a second transurethral resection in patients with newly diagnosed pT1 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2001 and May 2003, 80 patients with stage T1 bladder cancer were included in this protocol in which all patients prospectively received second TUR within 2 to 6 weeks following the initial resection. Patients with incomplete resections were excluded from study. The pathological findings of the second TUR were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 80 patients who underwent second resection, 18 (22.5%) had macroscopic tumors before resection. However, with the addition of microscopic tumors, overall residual disease was determined in 27 (33.8%) patients. Of the 27 patients 7 had pTa, 14 had pT1, 3 had pT1+pTis and 3 had pT2 disease. Residual cancers were detected in 5.8%, 38.2% and 62.5% in G1, G2 and G3 tumors, respectively. The risk of residual tumor directly correlated with the grade of the initial tumor (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Although second TUR dramatically changed the treatment strategy in a small percentage of cases, we strongly recommend performing second TUR in all cases of primary pT1 disease, especially in high grade cases.

Management of stage T1 tumors of the bladder: International Consensus Panel

The International Consensus Panel on T1 bladder tumors markers reviewed the subject from a clinical perspective. From diagnosis to treatment decisions, what are the important issues in the management of a new patient? The assessment of prognostic factors for progression requires optimal resection and documentation. The role of immediate adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy after resection remains controversial. How often should the upper tract be assessed for tumor recurrence? The decision on whether to attempt bladder conservation with intravesical therapy or to perform a cystectomy is the most difficult issue in the management of superficial bladder cancer today. Finally, what therapies exist if initial intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin fails to eradicate the disease or prevent recurrence? The panel thoroughly explored all these subjects and has made recommendations with supporting evidence.

Treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer: progress and new challenges

The management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer has evolved over the last 20 years. Radical surgery, while curative for a significant number of patients, is inadequate for a subgroup with aggressive features including, but not limited to, advanced local stage, lymphovascular invasion on transurethral resection specimen, or variant histology such as small cell carcinoma. It is now clear that chemotherapy can improve the outcome for such patients. Combination platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with a survival advantage of 5-8% at 5 years over local therapy alone. Improvements in surgical technique are also important and need to be further refined. Biologic-based staging and targeted therapies hold promise for the future. The critical issue in multimodal therapy for this very heterogeneous disease is individualized patient selection. In this review, data are presented with emphasis on the practical application of current knowledge to the management of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Persistence, recurrence, and progression rates of superficial bladder tumours after resection using the differentiated technique

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the differentiated resection technique for excising superficial bladder cancer leads to higher recurrence and progression rates as compared with regular resection.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 163 patients, 66 undergoing a differentiated and 97 a regular resection. All patients underwent a routine second resection within 6-10 weeks. Recurrence and progression rates as well as tumour persistence on second resection were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with differentiated resections of bladder tumours did not have higher tumour recurrence and progression rates. Also, these patients had a significantly higher percentage of tumour-free second resections (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The differentiated resection technique for excising superficial bladder cancer has no negative influence on recurrence and progression rates, but it leads to a reduced tumour persistence.

RESTAGING TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF HIGH RISK SUPERFICIAL BLADDER CANCER IMPROVES THE INITIAL RESPONSE TO BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN THERAPY

PURPOSE

This study was an evaluation of whether restaging transurethral resection (TUR) of superficial bladder cancer improves the early response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 347 patients with high risk superficial bladder cancer (high grade Ta and T1 tumors associated with carcinoma in situ) underwent a single transurethral resection (TUR, 132 patients) or restaging TUR (215 patients) before receiving 6 weekly intravesical BCG treatments. The patients were evaluated for response (presence or absence of tumor) at first followup cystoscopy, at 6 and 12 months after treatment, and evaluated for disease stage progression within 3 years of followup.

RESULTS

Of the 132 patients who underwent a single TUR before BCG therapy, 75 (57%) had residual or recurrent tumor at the first cystoscopy and 45 (34%) later had progression, compared with 62 of 215 patients (29%) who had residual or recurrent tumors and 16 (7%) who had progression after undergoing restaging TUR (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Restaging TUR of high risk superficial bladder cancer improves the initial response rate to BCG therapy, reduces the frequency of subsequent tumor recurrence and appears to delay early tumor progression.

Bladder cancer: Epidemiology, staging and grading, and diagnosis

Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease with a variable natural history. At one end of the spectrum, low-grade Ta tumors have a low progression rate and require initial endoscopic treatment and surveillance but rarely present a threat to the patient. At the other extreme, high-grade tumors have a high malignant potential associated with significant progression and cancer death rates. In the Western world, bladder cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in men and the eighth most common in women. In Europe and the United States, bladder cancer accounts for 5% to 10% of all malignancies in men. The risk of developing bladder cancer at <75 years of age is 2% to 4% for men and 0.5% to 1% in women compared with the risk of lung cancer, for example, which is 8% in men and 2% in women. For the geographic and temporal comparison of bladder cancer incidence, it is crucial to separate the low-grade from the high-grade tumors. In epidemiologic studies on risk factors for bladder cancer, it is important to distinguish the low-grade Ta tumors from high-grade carcinoma in situ (CIS) and tumors >T1. Current studies do not support the routine screening for bladder cancer. However, prospective long-term studies are required to evaluate the benefits of bladder cancer screening, particularly in those at high risk. After assessing all available evidence, the Epidemiology and Diagnosis Committee has made recommendations on various diagnostic issues, including pathologic evaluation, urinary cytology, and imaging studies. Optimal resection techniques, role of repeat transurethral resection in high-grade T1 tumors, random bladder biopsy, and prostatic urethral biopsy are discussed, and appropriate recommendations are made according to the strength of available evidence.

Micro-array analysis of the effect of post-transurethral bladder tumor resection urine on transforming growth factor-β1 dependent gene expression in transitional cell carcinoma☆

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Prior studies have shown that bladder trauma occurring during transurethral bladder tumor resection increases urinary levels of the cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. This study used complementary deoxyribonucleic acid micro-array technology to identify additional genes in human transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), whose expression is altered as a consequence of increased urinary levels of TGF-beta1.

METHODS

The human TCC line 253J was cultured in standard media, or media spiked with either 10% post-transurethral bladder tumor resection urine (PTU), or PTU and anti-TGF-beta1 neutralizing antibody. Messenger ribonucleic acid from these conditions, together with messenger ribonucleic acid from stably transfected 253J cells over-expressing TGF-beta1, was hybridized with ATLAS micro-array membranes (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA) containing 588 human genes. Hybridization signal intensity was quantified using phospho-imaging. An analytic strategy based on the variance in the signal intensity ratio of specific housekeeping genes in control and experimental comparisons was used to identify significant changes in gene expression. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of target genes was used to confirm gene over-expression and TGF-beta1 responsiveness.

RESULTS

Seven genes were identified on micro-array: v-RAF-1, colony stimulating factor-1 receptor, v-FGR, insulin growth factor-1 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, alpha5 integrin, and interferon receptor-1. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed over-expression in the autocrine TGF-beta1 producing cell line and increased expression in response to exogenous TGF-beta1.

CONCLUSIONS

TGF-beta1 in PTU alters the expression of multiple genes in human TCC in vitro. The impact of these changes on the biologic phenotype of the malignant cell and the efficacy of adjuvant therapies requires further evaluation.

5-aminolaevulinic acid-induced fluorescence cystoscopy during transurethral resection reduces the risk of recurrence in stage Ta/T1 bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of 5-aminolaevulinic acid-induced fluorescence cystoscopy (FC) during transurethral resection (TUR) on the recurrence rate and the length of tumour-free interval in stage Ta/T1 transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 122 patients with primary or recurrent stage Ta/T1 bladder TCC treated with TUR were enrolled in a prospective randomized study. In group A the TUR was performed with standard white-light endoscopy, and in group B with FC. The patients were followed using standard cystoscopy and urinary cytology. The recurrence-free interval was evaluated in whole groups, for single and multiple, and for primary and recurrent tumours separately.

RESULTS

At the time of the first cystoscopy (10-15 weeks after TUR) tumour recurrence was detected in 23 of 62 patients (37%) in group A, but only in five of 60 patients (8%) in group B. The recurrence-free survival rates in group A were 39% and 28% after 12 and 24 months, compared to 66% and 40% respectively in group B (P = 0.008, log-rank test). In separate analyses, the recurrence-free survival rates were significantly higher using FC in multiple (P = 0.001) and in recurrent (P = 0.02) tumours. In solitary and primary tumours the median time to recurrence was also longer in group B, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

5-aminolaevulinic acid-induced FC during TUR reduces the recurrence rate in stage Ta/T1 bladder TCC. The most significant benefit is in patients with multiple and recurrent tumours.

Bladder cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the recent literature concerning important issues in the management of patients with bladder cancer. A brief overview of all aspects of bladder cancer including the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed with a focus on recent advances.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bladder cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The treatment for bladder cancer should be based on individual patient risk assessment and should include a multidisciplinary approach. In patients with superficial bladder cancer, research has focused on improving and optimizing intravesical therapy to reduce tumor recurrence and progression as well as on methods to better select the most appropriate treatment for patients with high-risk features. The important prognostic and therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy during radical cystectomy has become apparent and recent work has attempted to better define what should be considered the standard for lymph node dissection. Finally, in an attempt to improve survival, advances have been made using systemic chemotherapy in both the perioperative settings as well as for treatment of metastatic bladder cancer.

SUMMARY

Research continues to improve our understanding of bladder cancer. This ongoing investigation is currently being translated to the bedside with refinements in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with bladder cancer.

Surgical factors in the treatment of superficial and invasive bladder cancer

Tumor stage, grade, and variations in biologic behavior are primary features that largely determine bladder cancer outcomes. Quality of surgery used to assess and treat bladder tumors is critical to a successful outcome. Diagnosis, prognosis, local tumor control, and survival are highly dependent on surgical factors associated with the quality of surgical methods. In cases of superficial bladder tumors, this involves an aggressive TUR of all visible and suspected tumors, including a second resection in most cases. For invasive bladder cancers, radical cystectomy and a complete PLND are required. Both procedures require a high level of skill to achieve a successful outcome. Urologists have no control over the extent of disease or tumor biology, but can control how they evaluate and treat patients. The challenge is how to get better at maximizing surgical efforts. The who and how of surgery in bladder cancer does indeed matter.

Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: The Case for Early Intervention

There are no prospective studies comparing early cystectomy versus cystectomy after failed conservative management in patients with high-risk superficial bladder cancer. In the absence of clinically proven biomarkers for predicting tumor biology and the response to therapy, the treatment decision must be individualized based on the high-risk features outlined herein. Assuming that all patients can be treated effectively with bladder-sparing regimens and safely salvaged at the time of failure or progression is dangerous. Data support the negative impact of a delay in cystectomy and argue for improvements in the timing of cystectomy despite the clinical absence of muscle invasion. Accordingly, high-risk patients with non-muscle invasive disease require vigilant follow-up and should be informed from the onset of the risk for progression and the possible need for cystectomy. Repeat resection before intravesical therapy in the patient with T1 tumor is advised and should help to improve, but will not completely eliminate, the problem of clinical under-staging. Among patients with CIS and recurrent high-grade non-muscle invasive tumors, repeat biopsies following intravesical therapy are encouraged to ensure treatment response. Although there is debate regarding the timing of early cystectomy for patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, there is little doubt that, for muscle invasive disease, prompt cystectomy influences the effectiveness of this therapy choice. An unnecessary delay in the performance of radical cystectomy in patients with organ-confined bladder cancer compromises outcomes and risks potentially avoidable deaths from disease.

Optimal Management of the T1G3 Bladder Cancer

TIG3 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder represents a highly malignant tumor with a variable and unpredictable biologic potential. The most critical aspect of management requires a detailed discussion with the patient regarding the treatment options. Both the physician and the patient should be willing to reconsider the treatment options as the disease continues to evolve. In most cases initial management involves complete resection of the tumor, accurate staging of the disease, and intravesical immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Rigorous surveillance with long-term follow-up is crucial for managing these cases. In selected cases with adverse prognostic factors immediate cystectomy should be considered. The choice and timing of the decision to abandon bladder preservation and proceed with cystectomy should be continuously reconsidered on an individual patient basis, in concordance with the evolution of the disease (Fig. 1). The goal is to spare the bladder when possible but not at the risk of death from metastatic disease. Radical cystectomy in high-grade stage T1 transitional cell carcinoma offers excellent results in regard to the prevention of recurrence and progression and survival. Improvements in urinary diversion and nerve-sparing techniques have decreased the magnitude of social implications related to cystectomy in most patients regardless of gender. The discovery of reliable markers may contribute to better selection of patients for bladder sparing. Until then, the optimal treatment for the T1G3 tumor remains controversial.

Correlation between clinical and pathological staging in a series of radical cystectomies for bladder carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the rate of concordance between the clinical and pathological Tumour-Nodes-Metastasis staging systems in a homogeneous series of patients who had undergone radical cystectomy for locally advanced or recurrent multifocal superficial bladder carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 156 patients who had undergone radical cystectomy and bilateral iliaco-obturator lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer in our department were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS The clinical stage of the primary tumour was carcinoma in situ in three patients (1.9%), cT1 in 67 (42.9%), cT2 in 70 (44.9%), cT3 in five (3.2%) and cT4 in nine (5.8%). Clinical lymph node involvement was detected in 19 patients (12.2%). The differences between clinical and pathological stages were statistically significant (P < 0.001), the concordance was moderate (kappa = 0.27, P < 0.001). Of the 70 patients with < or = cT1, 40 (57%) were reconfirmed as having pathological stage < or = T1; of the 70 with cT2, 16 (23%) had pT2 carcinoma. Of the 140 patients with clinically organ-confined (< or =T2) neoplasms, 70 (50%) had been understaged after radical cystectomy. The clinical and pathological systems were statistically overlapping for locally advanced cases only. Pathological lymph node involvement was diagnosed in 45 patients (28.8%); this was foreseen with pelvic computed tomography in 19 (12%) only (P < 0.001). All patients designated cN+ were also pN+.

CONCLUSION

These data confirm the high risk of clinical understaging of both local extension of the primary tumour and lymph node involvement.

High Risk Superficial Bladder Tumours: Is a Second Transurethral Resection after Intravesical Bcg Necessary?

According to some authors, residual tumour rate after superficial bladder cancer transurethral resection varies from 4–78%; among high risk superficial tumours (TaG3, T1G3, Tis) managed by transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) and adjuvant immunotherapy, residual tumour rate varies from 57–76%.

This study was aimed to evaluate residual tumour and/or tumour recurrence in 56 patients diagnosed with high risk superficial bladder tumour, who underwent transurethral resection, adjuvant 6-weekly course of intravesical bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and second TURB on the first resection sites, and in other sites suspicious for recurrence. Overall, 7/56 patients (12.5%) had residual tumour and/or recurrent disease at second TURB; no histological progression was recorded. Disease persistence or recurrence was not related to tumour multifocality at first diagnosis.

Our results appear to be consistent with other recent experiences, reporting low rates of residual tumour and disease progression in superficial bladder tumours after a first adequate resection and adjuvant immunotherapy.

Thus, our current practice in management of high risk superficial bladder tumour is oriented towards routine cystoscopy within 3 months after first bladder tumour resection, completed by cold biopsies on previous resection sites.

To our opinion, this approach provides adequate diagnostic reliability besides sparing the costs of a new resection and improving patients quality of life.

Bladder cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews recent advances in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bladder cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent research has attempted to improve the care of patients with this disease. Evidence suggests that bacillus Calmette-Guerin is the most effective intravesical therapy for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer and that maintenance therapy is superior to an induction course alone. In patients with muscle-invasive disease, nodal status and extent of lymphadenectomy have been shown to correlate with survival after radical cystectomy. The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer continues to evolve as well. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has recently demonstrated a survival benefit, and trials are ongoing to define the optimal regimen of chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma.

SUMMARY

Improved understanding and advancements in the management of all stages of bladder cancer continue to improve the care of patients with this disease.