Second transurethral resection and prognosis of high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in patients not receiving bacillus Calmette-Guérin

Prognostic significance of residual tumor at restaging transurethral bladder resection in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

PURPOSE

To assess prognostic significance of residual tumor at repeat transurethral resection (reTUR) in contemporary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients.

METHODS

Patients were identified retrospectively from eight referral centers in France, Italy and Spain. The cohort included consecutive patients with high or very-high risk NMIBC who underwent reTUR and subsequent adjuvant BCG therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 440 high-risk NMIBC patients were screened, 29 (6%) were upstaged ≥ T2 at reTUR and 411 were analyzed (T1 stage: n = 275, 67%). Residual tumor was found in 191 cases (46%). In patients with T1 tumor on initial TURBT, persistent T1 tumor was found in 18% of reTUR (n = 49/275). In patients with high-grade Ta tumor on initial TURBT, T1 tumor was found in 6% of reTUR (n = 9/136). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found no statistical association between the use of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD, p = 0.4) or type of resection (conventional vs. en bloc, p = 0.6) and the risk of residual tumor. The estimated 5-yr recurrence and progression-free survival were 56% and 94%, respectively. Residual tumor was significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrence (p < 0.001) but not progression (p = 0.11). Only residual T1 tumor was associated with a higher risk of progression (p < 0.001) with an estimated 5-yr progression-free survival rate of 76%.

CONCLUSIONS

ReTUR should remain a standard for T1 tumors, irrespective of the use of en bloc resection or PDD and could be safely omitted in high-grade Ta tumors. Persistent T1 tumor at reTUR should not exclude these patients from conservative management, and further studies are needed to explore the benefit of a third resection in this subgroup.

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.

[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

Do we need repeat transurethral resection after en bloc resection for pathological T1 bladder cancer?

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical significance of repeat transurethral resection (reTUR) and surgical margin status after en bloc resection of bladder tumour (ERBT) for pathological T1 (pT1) bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the record of 106 patients with pT1 high-grade bladder cancer who underwent ERBT between April 2013 and February 2021 at multiple institutions. All specimens were reviewed by a genitourinary pathologist. The primary outcome measures were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between patients with and those without reTUR. We also analysed the predictive value of surgical margin on the likelihood of residual tumour on reTUR.

RESULTS

A reTUR was performed in 50 of the 106 patients. The 2-year RFS and 3-year PFS were comparable between patients who underwent reTUR and those who did not (55.1% vs 59.9%, P = 0.6, 80.6% vs 82.6%, P = 0.6, respectively). No patient was upstaged to pT2 on reTUR. Regarding the surgical margin status, there were no recurrences at the original site in 51 patients with negative horizontal margins. Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that a positive vertical margin was an independent prognostic factor of worse PFS. On reTUR, six pTa/is residues were detected in patients with a positive horizontal margin, and three pT1 residues were detected in one patient with a positive vertical margin or other adverse pathological features.

CONCLUSIONS

A reTUR after ERBT for pT1 bladder cancer appears not to improve either recurrence or progression. Surgical margin status affects prognosis and reTUR outcomes. A reTUR can be omitted after ERBT in patients with pT1 bladder cancer and negative margins; for those with positive horizontal or vertical margins, reTUR should remain the standard until proven otherwise.

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.

A population-based study on the effect of a routine second-look resection on survival in primary stage T1 bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of second-look resection (SLR) in stage T1 bladder cancer (BCa) with respect to progression-free survival (PFS), and also the secondary outcomes recurrence-free survival (RFS), bladder-cancer-specific survival (CSS), and cystectomy-free survival (CFS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 2456 patients diagnosed with stage T1 BCa 2004-2009 with 5-yr follow-up registration in the nationwide Bladder Cancer Data Base Sweden (BladderBaSe). PFS, RFS, CSS, and CFS were evaluated in stage T1 BCa patients with or without routine SLR, using univariate and multivariable Cox regression with adjustment for multiple confounders (age, gender, tumour grade, intravesical treatment, hospital volume, comorbidity, and educational level).

RESULTS

SLR was performed in 642 (26%) individuals, and more frequently on patients who were aged < 75 yr, had grade 3 tumours, and had less comorbidity. There was no association between SLR and PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.1, confidence interval [CI] 0.85-1.3), RFS (HR 1.0, CI 0.90-1.2), CFS (HR 1.2, CI 0.95-1.5) or CSS (HR 1.1, CI 0.89-1.4).

CONCLUSIONS

We found similar survival outcomes in patients with and patients without SLR, but our study is likely affected by selection mechanisms. A randomised study defining the role of SLR in stage T1 BCa would be highly relevant to guide current praxis.

Diagnostic performance and predictive capacity of early urine cytology after transurethral resection of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer: A prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively evaluate the value of early urine cytology (EUC) after the primary transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) for the prediction of positive biopsy findings on repeat TURBT.

METHODS

After approval of institutional review board, patients who underwent TURBT for NMIBC between February 2014 and July 2018 were included in the study. Patients with concomitant Carcinoma in Situ (CIS), upper tract urothelial tumors, biopsy proven muscle invasion, or low-risk NMIBC (single, primary, Ta, and G1 tumor) were excluded. Forty-eight hours after primary TURBT, EUC was retrieved and patients were scheduled for repeat TURBT 2 to 6 weeks later according to the predetermined protocol. The primary outcome was to determine the role of positive EUC to predict positive biopsy findings on repeat TURBT.

RESULTS

During the study period, 198 patients fulfilled the study inclusion criteria of which 49 (25%) had recurrent NMIBC. Primary TURBT pathology results showed T1 stage in 195 (98.5%) patients and high-grade malignancy in 158 (79.8%). Intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC were defined in 49 (25%) and 149 (75%) patients, respectively. EUC was positive in 114 patients; of whom 78 (68.4%) showed positive biopsy findings on repeat TURBT (P = 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, negative, and positive predictive values of EUC for biopsy findings at repeat TURBT were 90% (95%CI: 87-94), 75% (95%CI: 71-79), 89% (95%CI: 85-94), and 68% (95%CI: 62-74), respectively. On mean (±SD) follow-up of 42(±13) months, tumor recurrence was encountered in 101 (53%) patients. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, EUC was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (HR = 4.6, 95%CI: 2.37-8.9, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Positive EUC after primary TURBT for NMIBC is significantly associated with positive repeat TURBT for malignancy. EUC is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence. EUC might be implemented after primary TURBT to help refining indications of repeat biopsy and planning of further intervention.

The prognostic value of routine second transurethral resection in patients with newly diagnosed stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: results from randomized 10-year extension trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of routine second TUR on the long-term outcome of patients with newly diagnosed stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 210 patients (mean age 62.1 years, 89.5% were males) with stage pT1 NMIBC who underwent first TUR were prospectively randomized into two groups including second TUR (n = 105) and no second TUR (n = 105) groups. Data on recurrence, disease progression, 7-year and 10-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 119 months (IQR 65-168). Per-protocol (PP) analysis revealed that compared to patients without second TUR, patients with second TUR had significantly higher 5-year, 7-year and 10-year rates for RFS (59.4%, 57.9% and 54.8% vs. 36.3%, 31.7% and 26.8%, respectively, p < 0.001) and PFS (93.3%, 91.9% and 90.4% vs. 74.0%, 71.4% and 68.5%, respectively, p < 0.001). According to PP and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, the 10-year OS rate was significantly higher in patients with second TUR (59.1 vs. 40.8%, p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that undergoing second TUR (OR 1.661, 95% CI 1.156-2.385, p = 0.006) was an independent determinant of prolonged OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, these findings indicate the prognostic value of second TUR in stage pT1 NMIBC patients, not only for RFS and PFS advantages but also for the long-term OS advantage. Therefore, second TUR should be routinely performed in all stage pT1 NMIBC patients with life expectancy of at least 10 years, given the positive contribution to all oncological outcomes.

Predictive factors of the absence of residual disease at repeated transurethral resection of the bladder. Is there a possibility to avoid it in well-selected patients?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the predictive factors of pT0 at repeated transurethral resection of the bladder (re-TURB) in pT1 high-grade (HG) nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer in order to explore the possibility to avoid it in well-selected patients.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study included patients with pT1HG nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer from 4 different centers who underwent a complete TURB. Re-TURB was defined as a second resection which involved the site of the first TURB performed within 2-6 weeks from the previous resection. A multivariable logistic-regression model was performed to evaluate the predictors of pT0 at re-TURB. A nomogram was built to calculate the probability of obtaining a negative histology at re-TURB. The performance of the nomogram and its net benefit were tested with the decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 321 patients were included in the study. On multivariable logistic regression, detrusor muscle in the specimen (HR 1.99, P = 0.02), concomitant carcinoma in situ (HR 0.29, P = 0.005) and resection performed with en-bloc technique (HR 7.71, P = 0.01) were independent predictors of pT0 at re-TURB. Decision curve analysis showed a net benefit for the nomogram for each probability over 0.35 compared to the strategy to perform a re-TURB in all pT1HG tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of detrusor muscle in TURB specimen, the absence of concomitant carcinoma in situ and the en-bloc resection were able to predict a negative histology at re-TURB, opening the door to the possibility to avoid it in an extremely well-selected cohort of patients. External validations and prospective studies are urgently needed.

Is Repeat Transurethral Resection Always Needed in High-Grade T1 Bladder Cancer?

Re-staging transurethral resection, the so-called repeat TUR (Re-TUR), is mandatory in case of incomplete first transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). In completely resected high grade T1 tumors, Re-TUR is recommended but question remains whether it provides advantages in terms of recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and cancer specific survival (CSS). The present study aimed to determine whether Re-TUR improves such outcomes in patients with completely resected high-grade T1 bladder cancer (BC). We queried our prospectively maintained database to identify patients with completely resected high-grade T1 BC who underwent (Group A) or not (Group B) Re-TUR before starting intravesical instillations of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The impact of Re-TUR as well as of other tested variables on RFS, PFS, and CSS was tested by Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank testing. A total of 118 patients underwent Re-TUR, which pointed out no BC in 61 (51.7%), NMIBC in 54 (45.8%) and pT2 disease in 3 (2.5%). The 3 patients with pT2 disease underwent cystectomy, whereas all others were offered BCG treatment. Forty-two patients refused BCG treatment while 2 did not complete it; therefore, Group A (Re-TUR before BCG treatment) consisted of 71 patients whereas Group B consisted of 40 patients who refused Re-TUR but completed BCG treatment. Mean follow-up was 60 months (range 12-142). Kaplan-Meier curves and Log-rank testing showed no difference in RFS, PFS and CSS between patients who had (Group A) or had not (Group B) Re-TUR before starting BCG treatment. Our findings suggest that a Re-TUR in patients with a completely resected high-grade T1 BC does not translate into a better oncological outcome. Given its impact on both patients and healthcare system, the need for Re-TUR in completely resected high grade T1 BC should be further investigated into the framework of a randomized study.

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.

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.

Results of second transurethral resection for high-grade T1 bladder cancer

Background:

The aim of this study was to examine the histological outcome and potential therapeutic benefit of second transurethral resection (TUR) for high-grade T1 bladder cancer.

Patients and Methods:

The subjects were 171 patients who underwent initial TUR between January 1993 and December 2013, and were diagnosed with high-grade T1 bladder cancer. Second TUR was performed within 4–6 weeks after the initial resection. Intravesical recurrence, invasive intravesical recurrence, and disease-free, progression-free, and overall survival were examined between second TUR group and no second TUR group.

Results:

Of the 171 patients, 79 (46.2%) underwent second TUR. Histological findings from second TUR were no cancer in 33 (41.8%), carcinoma in situ in 18 (22.9%), Ta in 15 (19.0%), T1 in 12 (15.2%), and muscle invasive bladder cancer (T2) in 1 case (1.3%). The 5- and 10-year intravesical recurrence-free survival rates were 72.0% and 57.4%, respectively, and the disease-free survival rates at these times were 69.7% and 49.6%, respectively. Second TUR had no influence on intravesical recurrence, regardless of the use of Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) therapy. No BCG therapy and recurrent cancer were significantly associated with intravesical recurrence in multivariate analysis. Recurrent cancer was also a significant risk factor for invasive intravesical recurrence. BCG therapy significantly improved disease-free survival. Second TUR was a significant factor in overall survival. In the histological results for second TUR, no cancer and Tis cases had reduced intravesical recurrence compared to Ta and T1 cases.

Conclusion:

Second TUR allows more accurate staging and pT0 cases in second TUR have a better outcome, indicating a possible therapeutic benefit of the procedure.

The impact of re-transurethral resection on clinical outcomes in a large multicentre cohort of patients with T1 high-grade/Grade 3 bladder cancer treated with bacille Calmette-Guérin

OBJECTIVES

To determine if a re-transurethral resection (TUR), in the presence or absence of muscle at the first TUR in patients with T1-high grade (HG)/Grade 3 (G3) bladder cancer, makes a difference in recurrence, progression, cancer specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a large retrospective multicentre cohort of 2451 patients with T1-HG/G3 initially treated with bacille Calmette-Guérin, 935 (38%) had a re-TUR. According to the presence or absence of muscle in the specimen of the primary TUR, patients were divided in four groups: group 1 (no muscle, no re-TUR), group 2 (no muscle, re-TUR), group 3 (muscle, no re-TUR) and group 4 (muscle, re-TUR). Clinical outcomes were compared across the four groups.

RESULTS

Re-TUR had a positive impact on recurrence, progression, CSS and OS only if muscle was not present in the primary TUR specimen. Adjusting for the most important prognostic factors, re-TUR in the absence of muscle had a borderline significant effect on time to recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 0.67, P = 0.08], progression (HR 0.46, P = 0.06), CSS (HR 0.31, P = 0.07) and OS (HR 0.48, P = 0.05). Re-TUR in the presence of muscle in the primary TUR specimen did not improve the outcome for any of the endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

Our retrospective analysis suggests that re-TUR may not be necessary in patients with T1-HG/G3, if muscle is present in the specimen of the primary TUR.

Current status of diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer in China - Analyses of Chinese Bladder Cancer Consortium database

Objective

To investigate current status of diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer in China.

Methods

A database was generated by Chinese Bladder Cancer Consortium (CBCC). From January 2007 to December 2012, 14,260 cases from 44 CBCC centers were included. Data of diagnosis, treatment and pathology were collected.

Results

The average age was 63.5 year-old and most patients were male (84.3%). The most common histologic types were urothelial carcinoma (91.4%), adenocarcinoma (1.8%), and squamous carcinoma (1.9%). According to 1973 and 2004 WHO grading system, 42.0%, 41.0%, and 17.0% of patients were grade 1, 2, and 3, and 16.0%, 48.7%, and 35.3% of patients were papillary urothelial neoplasms of low malignant potential, low, and high grade, respectively. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) were 25.2% and 74.1%, respectively (0.8% not clear). Carcinoma in situ was only 2.4%. Most patients were diagnosed by white-light cystoscopy with biopsy (74.3%). Fluorescence and narrow band imaging cystoscopy had additional detection rate of 1.0% and 4.0%, respectively. Diagnostic transurethral resection (TUR) provided detection rate of 16.9%. Most NMIBCs were treated with TUR (89.2%). After initial TUR, 2.6% accepted second TUR, and 45.7%, 69.9%, and 58.7% accepted immediate, induced, and maintenance chemotherapy instillation, respectively. Most MIBCs were treated with radical cystectomy (RC, 59.7%). Laparoscopic RCs were 35.1%, while open RC 63.4%. Extended and standard pelvic lymph node dissection were 7% and 66%, respectively. Three most common urinary diversions were orthotopic neobladder (44%), ileal conduit (31%), and ureterocutaneostomy (23%). Only 2.3% of patients accepted neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and only 18% of T3 and T4 patients accepted adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Disease characteristics are similar to international reports, while differences of diagnosis and treatment exist. This study can provide evidences for revisions of the guideline on bladder cancer in China.