Clinical outcomes of second transurethral resection in non-muscle invasive high-grade bladder cancer: a retrospective, multi-institutional, collaborative study

Repeat Transurethral Resection for Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis in the Contemporary Era

CONTEXT

Repeat transurethral resection (reTUR) is a guideline-recommended treatment strategy in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT); however, the impact of recent procedural/technological developments on reTUR outcomes has not been assessed yet.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes of reTUR for NMIBC in the contemporary era, focusing on whether temporal differences and technical advancement, specifically, photodynamic diagnosis and en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT), affect the outcomes.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Multiple databases were queried in February 2023 for studies investigating reTUR outcomes, such as residual tumor and/or upstaging rates, its predictive factors, and oncologic outcomes, including recurrence-free (RFS), progression-free (PFS), cancer-specific (CSS), and overall (OS) survival. We synthesized comparative outcomes adjusting for the effect of possible confounders.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 81 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. In T1 patients initially treated with conventional TURBT (cTURBT) in the 2010s, the pooled rates of any residual tumors and upstaging on reTUR were 31.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.0-37.2%) and 2.8% (95% CI: 2.0-3.8%), respectively. Despite a potential publication bias, these rates were significantly lower than those in patients treated in the 1990-2000s (both p < 0.001). ERBT and visual enhancement-guided cTURBT significantly improved any residual tumor rates on reTUR compared with cTURBT based on both matched-cohort and multivariable analyses. Among studies adjusting for the effect of possible confounders, patients who underwent reTUR had better RFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.97) and OS (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.81-0.93) than those who did not, while it did not lead to superior PFS (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.47-1.15) and CSS (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.86-1.03).

CONCLUSIONS

reTUR is currently recommended for high-risk NMIBC based on the persistent high rates of residual tumors after primary resection. Improvement of resection quality based on checklist applications and recent technical/procedural advancements hold the promise to omit reTUR.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Recent endoscopic/procedural developments improve the outcomes of repeat resection for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Further investigations are urgently needed to clarify the potential impact of the use of these techniques on the need for repeat transurethral resection in the contemporary era.

Clinical and pathological risk factors for tumour recurrence and upstaging in second TURBT for patients with NMIBC: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ZIEL: Offenlegung signifikanter Risikofaktoren durch Identifizierung gepoolter Effektschätzungsstatistiken in einer systemischen Überprüfung und Metaanalyse klinischer und pathologischer Risikofaktoren, die ein Tumorrezidiv und ein Upstaging auf eine zweite TURBT bei Patienten mit hochgradigem NMIBC vorhersagen.

MATERIAL-METHODE

Alle Datenquellen wurden umfassend bis Oktober 2022 untersucht. Die Daten wurden aus den relevanten Studien extrahiert und mit der Software RevMan analysiert. In einem inversen Varianzmodell mit zufälligen und festen Effekten werden Odds Ratio (OR)-Werte mit 95%-Konfidenzintervallen [95%-KI] angegeben.

ERGEBNISSE

Der Review umfasste insgesamt 18 Studien und 4548 Patienten. Gemäß den gepoolten Effektschätzern waren Carcinoma in situ (CIS), Tumorgrad, Multiplizität und Chirurgenfaktoren signifikante Risikofaktoren. Die gepoolten Effektschätzungen für das Tumorstadium und die Tumormorphologie waren sehr nahe an der Signifikanz. Für CIS, Grad, Multiplizität und Chirurgenfaktor, OR, IVR oder IVF [95%-KI] waren die p- und I2-Werte 1,8 [1,1, 3,0], 0,03, 75%; 2 [1,1, 3,4], 0,02, 53%; 1,3 [1,2, 1,6], <0,01, 40%; und 2 [1,4, 3], <0,01, 66%.

SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN

Als Ergebnis der ersten TURBT; Eine zweite TURBT sollte in den 2-6 Wochen der postoperativen Phase für Patienten mit hochgradigem, begleitendem CIS, multipler, solider Morphologie, DM(-) im pathologischen Präparat und NMIBC, das von Trainern/Juniorchirurgen operiert wird, geplant werden.

[The impact of restaging transurethral resection on recurrence and progression free survival in patients with T1 high grade bladder cancer]

INTRODUCTION

Restaging transurethral resection (re-TUR) of high grade T1 bladder cancer (HGT1-BC) is recommended but the impact in terms of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) is discussed. The objective of this study was to evaluate our practice of re-TUR for these tumors and its impact on overall survival (OS), RFS and PFS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2010 and 2020. The inclusion criteria was the presence of newly diagnosed HGT1-BC. Patients with incomplete resection, suspicion of infiltrating tumor, upper tract urothelial cancer, or metastatic disease were ineligible. Two groups were defined : Group 1 with re-TUR and Group 2 without re-TUR. RFS and PFS were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were included, including 50 (64,1%) in group 1. There were no significant differences between the two groups. The mean time to re-TUR was 8 weeks and 60% residual tumor was found. Initial under-staging was found in 12% of cases. RFS and PFS were significantly better in Group 1 (P=0.0019; P=0,02). No significant were found between the groups in OS and specific survival (SS).

CONCLUSION

Performing a re-TUR for high grade T1 bladder tumors allows detection of residual tumor and decreases the risk of under-evaluation. It is associated with a significant improvement in RFS and PFS with no impact on OS and SS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Can a reresection be avoided after initial en bloc resection for high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of en bloc resection for patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and explore whether a reresection can be avoided after initial en bloc resection.

Material and methods

We conducted research in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to October 12, 2021, to identify studies on the second resection after initial en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT). R software and the double arcsine method were used for data conversion and combined calculation of the incidence rate.

Results

A total of 8 studies involving 414 participants were included. The rate of detrusor muscle in the ERBT specimens was 100% (95%CI: 100%–100%), the rate of tumor residual in reresection specimens was 3.2% (95%CI: 1.4%–5.5%), and the rate of tumor upstaging was 0.3% (95%CI: 0%–1.5%). Two articles compared the prognostic data of the reresection and non-reresection groups after the initial ERBT. We found no significant difference in the 1-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate (OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 0.67–3.09, P = 0.35) between the two groups nor in the rate of tumor recurrence (OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.44–1.18, P = 0.2) or progression (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.33–2.89, P = 0.97) at the final follow-up.

Conclusions

ERBT can almost completely remove the detrusor muscle of the tumor bed with a very low postoperative tumor residue and upstaging rate. For high-risk NMIBC patients, an attempt to appropriately reduce the use of reresection after ERBT seems to be possible.

The probability of residual tumor detection in the second transurethral resection of pT1 urothelial bladder cancer according to the risk factors

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the predictive factors for residual tumors in the second resection after the initial transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) in patients with pT1 tumors and to develop a simple method to predict the probability of residual tumor detection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with pT1 bladder cancer who underwent a second resection within two to six weeks after the initial TUR-BT were included in our retrospective study. The patients' demographics and the tumor characteristics of the initial and second resections were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients were included in our analysis with a 53-month follow-up. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, tumor grade, concomitant carcinoma in situ (CIS), macroscopic appearance of the tumor (solid vs papillary), and presence of a variant histology, were significant risk factors for residual tumor. In the multivariate analysis, tumor grade was the only independent predictor of residual tumor at second TUR (OR: 5.62, 95% CI: 1.228-25.708, p = 0.026). According to our findings, the patients with the highest risk have a 90.9% residual tumor detection probability at the second resection, and the patients with the lowest risk have 25.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor grade, macroscopic appearance of the tumor (solid vs papillary), and concomitant CIS, were important predictors of residual tumors at second resection of primary pT1 NMIBC patients. We were able to calculate the probability of residual tumor which helped us determine risk adapted strategies according to these probabilities.

Clinical outcomes of reresection in patients with high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with en bloc transurethral resection: a retrospective study with a 1-year follow-up

Purpose To evaluate the impact of reresection on the clinical outcome in patients with primary high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who initially received en bloc transurethral resection. Methods A retrospective analysis of data on eligible high-risk NMIBC with en bloc resection from June 2015 to June 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of reresection after the initial en bloc resection. The primary study endpoint was recurrence-free survival. The secondary outcomes were the residual rate of the tumor after initial en bloc resection, tumor upstaging rate and progression-free survival. Results We identified 115 eligible patients, including 51 (44.3%) who underwent reresection within 6 weeks of the initial en bloc resection and 64 (55.7%) who did not undergo en bloc reresection after the initial en bloc resection. The clinicopathological features were similar in patients with or without reresection. On finding tumor residues after the first en bloc resection, there were 3 cases (5.9%) in the reresection group compared to 2 cases (3.1%) in the non-reresection group (P=0.473). Two patients (3.9%) in the reresection group had tumor progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer, whereas one patient (1.6%) in the non-reresection group exhibited tumor progression (P=0.430). The 1-year recurrence-free survival rate was 94.1% in the reresection group and 90.6% in the non-reresection group (P=0.269). In multivariate analysis, multifocality and T1 staging were independent prognostic factors for recurrence in patients with high-risk NMIBC who underwent en bloc resection. Conclusion In patients with high-risk NMIBC not exceeding 4 cm in diameter with no more than 4 lesions and not in the anterior bladder wall, reresection after en bloc resection seems to have failed to improve the patient's prognosis. However, a randomized controlled clinical study is required to confirm this hypothesis.

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 rational and benefits of the second look transurethral resection of the bladder for T1 high grade bladder cancer

The second look transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) represents a fundamental step in the treatment of papillary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC); it is therefore recommended by all guidelines. However, not all the literature agrees on its staging value and its ability to improve oncological outcomes of patients. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of second look TURB, trying to depict its evolving role in the management of high grade NMIBC. Using Medline, a non-systematic review was performed including articles between January 2000 and June 2018. English language original articles, reviews and editorials were selected based on their clinical relevance. To date, TURB seems to be largely inadequate in retrieving a correct diagnosis and in removing all tumor tissue. Second look TURB maximizes staging accuracy, allows to clear residual cancer and yields prognostic advantages allowing key information to identify possible candidates for immediate radical cystectomy for very high risk T1HG tumors. Moreover, it seems to have a therapeutic benefit by improving recurrence- and progression-free survivals. However, few recent large studies showed that these advantages seem to be limited to patients without detrusor muscle present at first resection. Similarly, the presence of residual disease and the risk of upstaging are related to the presence of detrusor muscle in specimen. It could well be that in the future the presence of detrusor muscle would be a quality criteria to avoid an unnecessary second look TURB as shown by recent studies using the en-bloc resection technique. Finally, it has to be underlined that this is a surgical procedure not free of risks and complications and with a non-negligible impact on patients’ quality of life, waiting lists and healthcare costs. Therefore, future studies trying to identify the criteria that may better allow which patients to select for a second look TURB while avoiding an unnecessary intervention with possible risks and associated cost are needed to allow a personalized approach to even this one size fits all strategy.

Predictors of Residual T1 High Grade on Re-Transurethral Resection in a Large Multi-Institutional Cohort of Patients with Primary T1 High-Grade/Grade 3 Bladder Cancer

The aim of this multi-institutional study was to identify predictors of residual high-grade (HG) disease at re-transurethral resection (reTUR) in a large cohort of primary T1 HG/Grade 3 (G3) bladder cancer patients. A total of 1155 patients with primary T1 HG/G3 bladder cancer from 13 academic institutions that underwent a reTUR within 6 weeks after first TUR were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of predictive factors with residual HG at reTUR. Residual HG cancer was found in 288 (24.9%) of patients at reTUR. Patients presenting residual HG cancer were more likely to have carcinoma in situ (CIS) at first resection (p<0.001), multiple tumors (p=0.02), and tumor size larger than 3 cm (p=0.02). Residual HG disease at reTUR was associated with increased preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) (p=0.006) and body mass index (BMI)>=25 kg/m². On multivariable analysis, independent predictors for HG residual disease at reTUR were tumor size >3cm (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.02-1.84, p=0.03), concomitant CIS (OR 1.92; 95% CI: 1.32-2.78, p=0.001), being overweight (OR= 2.08; 95% CI: 1.44-3.01, p<0.001) and obesity (OR 2.48; 95% CI: 1.64-3.77, p<0.001). A reTUR in high grade T1 bladder cancer is mandatory as about 25% of patients, presents residual high grade disease. Independent predictors to identify patients at risk of residual high grade disease after a complete TUR include tumor size, presence of carcinoma in situ, and BMI >=25 kg/m².

Differences in Pathologic Results of Repeat Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) according to Institution Performing the Initial TURBT: Comparative Analyses between Referred and Nonreferred Group

Objective

Although transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is a standard treatment and determines staging for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, many deficiencies persist. There is a risk of upstaging and residual cancer when repeat TURBT is performed. Authors compared the results of repeat TURBT by institution performing the initial TURBT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 289 patients who underwent repeat TURBT within 2-6 weeks after initial TURBT between 1998 and 2013. The patients were divided into the referred group and the nonreferred group by institution performing the initial TURBT. And we analyzed the intergroup differences in residual tumor and upstaging rate and the factors significantly correlated with residual tumor.

Results

The mean age was 69.6 ± 11.1 years and the mean follow-up was 49.7 (range: 0–191) months. The referred group included 69 patients, while the nonreferred group included 220 patients. The referred group included 57 (82.6%) patients with residual tumor after repeat TURBT. Overall upstaging occurred in 15 (21.7%), and upstaging to T2 occurred in 11 (15.9%) of the initial Ta and T1 patients. In the nonreferred group, there were 123 (55.9%) patients with residual tumor. Overall upstaging occurred in 10 (4.5%) and upstaging to T2 occurred in 7 (3.2%) patients.

Conclusions

Gross hematuria, grade, and tumor quantity and size were significantly associated with residual cancer on multivariate analysis. In the referred group, repeat TURBT and restaging are necessary.

A risk-stratified approach to the management of high-grade T1 bladder cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A bladder-preserving approach for high-grade nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer that has invaded the lamina propria (T1HG) may result in increased recurrence, progression, and even death from bladder cancer in some patients. Initial radical cystectomy does have increased cancer-specific survival (CSS), but represents significant overtreatment for many patients. An evidence-based, risk-stratified approach is required to select patients for immediate radical cystectomy in order to improve CSS.

RECENT FINDINGS

A restaging transurethral resection aids in optimal staging and treatment of T1HG. Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin induction followed by 3 years of maintenance is the standard adjuvant management. However, when very high-risk (hydronephrosis, abnormal bimanual examination, variant histology, lymphovascular invasion, or residual disease on re-resection, and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin failure or early recurrence) or multiple high-risk factors (concomitant CIS, size >3 cm, multifocality, unfavorable tumor location, extensive lamina propria invasion, and elderly) are present, the risk of progression often outweighs the risk associated with radical cystectomy. In these cases, an immediate radical cystectomy likely provides an improved opportunity for cure compared to a bladder-preserving strategy.

SUMMARY

In order to increase the CSS of patients diagnosed with T1HG bladder cancer, an aggressive approach may benefit those with increased risk of progression.

Repeat Transurethral Resection in Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Initial treatment for most bladder cancers (BCs) involves transurethral resection (TUR) or tumours. Often more cancer is found after the initial treatment in around half of patients, requiring a second resection. Repeat transurethral resection (reTUR) is recommended for high-risk, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) to remove any residual disease and improve cancer outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the practice and therapeutic benefit of an early reTUR for high-risk NMIBC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of original articles was performed using PubMed/Medline and Web of Science databases in December 2016 (initial) and October 2017 (final). We searched the references of included papers.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We screened 15 209 manuscripts and selected 31 detailing 8409 persons with high-grade Ta and T1BC for inclusion. Detrusor muscle was found at initial TUR histology in 30-100% of cases. Residual tumour at reTUR was found in 17-67% of patients following Ta and in 20-71% following T1 cancer. Most residual tumours (36-86%) were found at the original resection site. Upstaging occurred in 0-8% (Ta to ≥T1) and 0-32% (T1 to ≥T2) of cases. Conflicting data report the impact of reTUR on subsequent recurrence and cancer-specific mortality. Recurrence for Ta was 16% in the reTUR group versus 58% in the non-reTUR group. For T1, recurrence ranged from 18% to 56%, but no clear trend was identified between reTUR and control. No clear relationship between reTUR and progression was found for Ta, although for T1 rates were higher in the non-reTUR group in series with control populations (5/6 studies). Overall mortality was slightly reduced in the reTUR group in two studies with controls (22-30% vs 26-36% [no reTUR]).

CONCLUSIONS

Residual tumour is common after TUR for high-risk NMIBC. The reTUR helps in the diagnosis of this residual cancer and may improve outcomes for cancers initially staged as T1.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Some bladder cancers (BCs) are aggressive but confined to the bladder surface. Initial treatment includes endoscopic resection. More cancer is found after the initial treatment in approximately half of patients. In the aggressive but confined group of BC, a second resection, a few weeks after the first, may help find this residual cancer and improve outcomes, although the evidence quality for this is weak.