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Mahlow J, Gupta S. Pathology focused review of morphologic subtypes and molecular variants of urothelial carcinoma with an emphasis on clinical/treatment relevance. Urol Oncol 2024; 42:193-202. [PMID: 38341364 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) has significant morbidity, mortality, and remains the most financially costly carcinoma to manage and treat. This review will cover special morphologic features of UC that may be noted by the pathologist and any subsequent significance in terms of clinical management or treatment considerations as mentioned or recommended in the latest WHO 2022 classification of GU tumors. Many important potentially therapy altering morphologic findings can be consistently identified and reported on routine microscopic examination of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides. Furthermore, there has been a rapid advancement of molecular diagnostics and tailored therapies throughout oncology, and we will briefly highlight some of these as they relate to the management of UC. We will actively attempt to limit the discussion of histologic descriptions or pathologic diagnostic criteria of these entities and focus rather on the recognition of their importance/implication for clinicians who must make clinical management decisions based upon these findings. Finally, the importance of open lines of communication with the pathologists who review clinical specimens as well as their practice and reporting methods cannot be overstated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon Mahlow
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
| | - Sumati Gupta
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; George E. Whalen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City UT
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2
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Varma M, Compérat E, van der Kwast T. Head-to-head: how many categories for grading urothelial carcinoma? Histopathology 2024; 84:421-428. [PMID: 37936516 DOI: 10.1111/his.15091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumour grade is a critical prognostic parameter for guiding the management of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. In 2004, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted a binary (low-grade/high-grade) grading system to replace the three-tier (grades 1-3) system used to grade urothelial carcinoma since 1973. However, there is significant global variation in the grading of urothelial carcinoma. Some pathology and clinical guidelines recommend reporting of the WHO 1973 and 2004 grades in parallel, while others require reporting only of the WHO 2004 grade. This variation in pathology practice is clinically significant, because the two grading systems are not readily translatable. Some experts have proposed novel systems for grading urothelial carcinoma that involve splitting of the WHO 1973 and 2004 grade categories. The arguments for and against splitting urothelial carcinomas into two-, three- and four-grade categories are independently discussed by the three authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Varma
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Eva Compérat
- Department of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theodorus van der Kwast
- Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Alfred Witjes J, Max Bruins H, Carrión A, Cathomas R, Compérat E, Efstathiou JA, Fietkau R, Gakis G, Lorch A, Martini A, Mertens LS, Meijer RP, Milowsky MI, Neuzillet Y, Panebianco V, Redlef J, Rink M, Rouanne M, Thalmann GN, Sæbjørnsen S, Veskimäe E, van der Heijden AG. European Association of Urology Guidelines on Muscle-invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Summary of the 2023 Guidelines. Eur Urol 2024; 85:17-31. [PMID: 37858453 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT We present an overview of the updated 2023 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer (MMIBC). OBJECTIVE To provide practical evidence-based recommendations and consensus statements on the clinical management of MMIBC with a focus on diagnosis and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A broad and comprehensive scoping exercise covering all areas of the MMIBC guidelines has been performed annually since 2017. Searches cover the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Libraries databases for yearly guideline updates. A level of evidence and strength of recommendation are assigned. The evidence cutoff date for the 2023 MIBC guidelines was May 4, 2022. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Patients should be counselled regarding risk factors for bladder cancer. Pathologists should describe tumour and lymph nodes in detail, including the presence of histological subtypes. The importance of the presence or absence of urothelial carcinoma (UC) in the prostatic urethra is emphasised. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the bladder is superior to computed tomography (CT) for disease staging, specifically in differentiating T1 from T2 disease, and may lead to a change in treatment approach in patients at high risk of an invasive tumour. Imaging of the upper urinary tract, lymph nodes, and distant metastasis is performed with CT or MRI; the additional value of flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT still needs to be determined. Frail and comorbid patients should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. Postoperative histology remains the most important prognostic variable, while circulating tumour DNA appears to be an interesting predictive marker. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy remains cisplatin-based. In motivated and selected women and men, sexual organ-preserving cystectomy results in better functional outcomes without compromising oncological outcomes. Robotic and open cystectomy have comparable outcomes and should be combined with (extended) lymph node dissection. The diversion type is an individual choice after taking patient and tumour characteristics into account. Radical cystectomy remains a highly complex procedure with considerable morbidity and risk of mortality, although lower rates are observed for higher hospital volumes (>20 cases/yr). With proper patient selection, trimodal therapy (chemoradiation) has comparable outcomes to radical cystectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery improves disease-specific survival and overall survival (OS) in patients with high-risk disease who did not receive neoadjuvant treatment, and is strongly recommended. There is a weak recommendation for adjuvant nivolumab, as OS data are not yet available. Health-related quality of life should be assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline and after treatment. Surveillance is needed to monitor for recurrent cancer and functional outcomes. Recurrences detected on follow-up seem to have better prognosis than symptomatic recurrences. CONCLUSIONS This summary of the 2023 EAU guidelines provides updated information on the diagnosis and treatment of MMIBC for incorporation into clinical practice. PATIENT SUMMARY The European Association of Urology guidelines panel on muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer has released an updated version of the guideline containing information on diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Recommendations are based on studies published up to May 4, 2022. Surgical removal of the bladder and bladder preservation are discussed, as well as updates on the use of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in localised and metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alfred Witjes
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Harman Max Bruins
- Department of Urology, Zuyderland Medisch Centrum, Sittard/Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Carrión
- Department of Urology, Vall Hebron Hospital, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard Cathomas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kantonsspital Graubünden, Chur, Switzerland
| | - Eva Compérat
- Department of Pathology, Medical University Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jason A Efstathiou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georgios Gakis
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anja Lorch
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Martini
- Department of Urology, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Toulouse-Oncopole, Toulouse, France; Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura S Mertens
- Department of Urology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard P Meijer
- Department of Oncological Urology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew I Milowsky
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yann Neuzillet
- Department of Urology, Foch Hospital, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Suresnes, France
| | - Valeria Panebianco
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - John Redlef
- Patient Representative, European Association of Urology Guidelines Office, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Rink
- Department of Urology, Marienkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathieu Rouanne
- Department of Urology, Foch Hospital, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Suresnes, France
| | - George N Thalmann
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sæbjørn Sæbjørnsen
- Patient Representative, European Association of Urology Guidelines Office, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Veskimäe
- Department of Urology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Yoshida T, Ohe C, Nakamoto T, Kinoshita H. Learning from the past and present to change the future: Endoscopic management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. Int J Urol 2023; 30:634-647. [PMID: 37294007 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Current guidelines recommend endoscopic management (EM) for patients with low-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, as well as those with an imperative indication. However, regardless of the tumor risk, radical nephroureterectomy is still mainly performed worldwide despite the benefits of EM, such as renal function maintenance, no hemodialysis requirement, and treatment cost reduction. This might be explained by the association of EM with a high risk of local recurrence and progression. Furthermore, the need for rigorous patient selection and close surveillance following EM may be relevant. Nevertheless, recent developments in diagnostic modalities, pathological evaluation, surgical devices and techniques, and intracavitary regimens have been reported, which may contribute to improved risk stratification and treatments with superior oncological outcomes. In this review, considering recent advances in endourology and oncology, we propose novel treatment strategies for optimal EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yoshida
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Corporate Sponsored Research Programs for Multicellular Interactions in Cancer, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chisato Ohe
- Corporate Sponsored Research Programs for Multicellular Interactions in Cancer, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakamoto
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Kinoshita
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
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Yang Y, Wang C, Li Z, Lu Q, Li Y. Precise diagnosis and treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer - A clinical perspective. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1042552. [PMID: 36798814 PMCID: PMC9927396 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1042552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the guidelines, transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by intravesical therapy remains the standard strategy for the management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, even if patients receive standard strategy, the risk of postoperative recurrence and progression is high. From the clinical perspective, the standard strategy needs to be optimized and improved. Compared to conventional TURBT, the technique of en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) removes the tumor tissue in one piece, thus following the principles of cancer surgery. Meanwhile, the integrity and spatial orientation of tumor tissue is protected during the operation, which is helpful for pathologists to make accurate histopathological analysis. Then, urologists can make a postoperative individualized treatment plan based on the patient's clinical characteristics and histopathological results. To date, there is no strong evidence that NMIBC patients treated with ERBT achieve better oncological prognosis, which indicates that ERBT alone does not yet improve patient outcomes. With the development of enhanced imaging technology and proteogenomics technology, en bloc resection combined with these technologies will make it possible to achieve precise diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. In this review, the authors analyze the current existing shortcomings of en bloc resection and points out its future direction, in order to promote continuous optimization of the management strategy of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qiang Lu
- *Correspondence: Qiang Lu, ; Yuanwei Li,
| | - Yuanwei Li
- *Correspondence: Qiang Lu, ; Yuanwei Li,
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Oxidative Stress Markers in Urine and Serum of Patients with Bladder Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020277. [PMID: 36829836 PMCID: PMC9952604 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalanced state of the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity that causes oxidative damage to biomolecules, leading to cell injury and finally death. Oxidative stress mediates the development and progression of several cancer diseases, including bladder cancer. The aim of our study was to determine markers of levels of the oxidative stress in serum and urine in the same patients in parallel in serum and urine. Furthermore, we tried to estimate the associations between oxidative stress markers and the type of cancer, its clinical stage and grade, as the well as correlations between serum and urinary markers in patients with bladder cancer. Sixty-one bladder cancer and 50 healthy volunteers as a control group were included. We determined the serum and urine levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), Amadori products, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative status index (OSI), and malondialdehyde. We confirm that almost all markers are elevated in serum and urine from patients with bladder cancer than from healthy subjects. Moreover, we did not find differences in the level of oxidative stress markers and the type of tumor, its clinical stage, and grade. We noted correlations between serum and urinary biomarkers, in particular TOS and OSI. Our results clearly indicate the participation of oxidative stress in the development of bladder cancer.
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Mathieu R, Amanda W, Eric B, Gang W, Black PC. Detection and resection of carcinoma in situ of the bladder: Implications for clinical trial design. Urol Oncol 2022; 41:254.e9-254.e15. [PMID: 36566105 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The path to approval of novel therapeutics for patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) requires demonstration of efficacy in eradicating carcinoma in situ (CIS), as determined by cytology, white light cystoscopy and only sometimes mandatory re-biopsy. This paradigm is based on the premise that CIS, in contrast to papillary tumors, cannot be completely resected. We aimed to determine the accuracy of CIS by standard means and the rate at which CIS may be eradicated by transurethral bladder tumor resection (TURBT). METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for high risk NMIBC or muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) between 2005 and 2019 in a tertiary academic center. The concordance in the presence of CIS in matched TURBT and RC samples was calculated. RESULTS Complete pathologic information was available for 816 patients with urothelial carcinoma. CIS was detected at TURBT in 354 (43.4%) patients (64.0% NMIBC, 32.3% MIBC) and at RC in 436 (53.4%) patients (64.7% NMIBC, 47.4% MIBC). CIS was missed by TURBT in 199 (45.6%) of those cases (NMIBC 25.4%, MIBC 60.6%). CIS detected on TURBT was not found in the RC specimen in 33.1% (117/354) of cases. Lack of prospective bladder mapping and central pathology review are limitations. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that TURBT is inaccurate in detecting CIS. The absence of CIS in the RC specimen after detection in the matched TURBT specimen suggests that CIS may be completely resected by TURBT in a proportion of patients. These factors need to be considered in the design of clinical trials in patients with NMIBC. The use of random biopsies or enhanced cystoscopy could improve the accuracy of CIS detection, but the former is associated with patient morbidity and randomization would alleviate concern about these variables impacting clinical trial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roumiguié Mathieu
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Urology, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Wong Amanda
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Belanger Eric
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Wang Gang
- Department of Pathology, British Columbia Cancer Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Peter C Black
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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8
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Aron M, Zhou M. Urothelial Carcinoma: Update on Staging and Reporting, and Pathologic Changes Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapies. Surg Pathol Clin 2022; 15:661-679. [PMID: 36344182 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Staging and reporting of cancers of the urinary tract have undergone major changes in the past decade to meet the needs for improved patient management. Substantial progress has been made. There, however, remain issues that require further clarity, including the substaging of pT1 tumors, grading and reporting of tumors with grade heterogeneity, and following NAC. Multi-institutional collaborative studies with prospective data will further inform the accurate diagnosis, staging, and reporting of these tumors, and in conjunction with genomic data will ultimately contribute to precision and personalized patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Aron
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California; Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California.
| | - Ming Zhou
- Department of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Box 802, Boston, MA 02111
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Galceran J, Parada D, Eden M, Tumino R, Warren AY, Martos C, Neamtiu L, Visser O, Daubisse-Marliac L. The 2022 ENCR Recommendations on recording and reporting of urothelial tumours of the urinary tract. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1046239. [PMID: 36505871 PMCID: PMC9727225 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1046239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An updated European Network of Cancer registries (ENCR) Recommendations on Recording and Reporting of Urothelial Tumours of the Urinary Tract had been published in 2022. After the publication by the ENCR of the "Recommendations for coding bladder cancers" in 1995, knowledge about the biology and pathology of urinary tract tumors and their classification has varied and increased substantially. On the other hand, several studies have shown that cancer registries use different definitions, criteria for inclusion and coding of urothelial tumors. This great variability among registries affects not only the criteria for recording (registration, coding and classification) but also the criteria of reporting (counting in the statistics of incidence and survival) urinary tract tumors. This causes difficulties in the data comparability from different registries. Recording and reporting of urothelial tumors requires the application of standard criteria that must take into account the combination of the multiple aspects as the primary topography, the histological type, the grade, the extent of invasion, the multi-centricity, the progressions and the time interval between tumors. This led to the creation of a Working Group of the ENCR that developed these recommendations on the recording and reporting of urothelial tumors of the urinary tract. This article reports these recommendations and the rationale for each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Galceran
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Service, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain,Institut d’Investigacions Sanitàries Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus-Tarragona, Spain,*Correspondence: Jaume Galceran, ; Carmen Martos,
| | - David Parada
- Institut d’Investigacions Sanitàries Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus-Tarragona, Spain,Pathology Service, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | | | - Rosario Tumino
- Cancer Registry and Histopathology Department, Provincial Health Authority (ASP), Ragusa, Italy
| | - Anne Yvonne Warren
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen Martos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy,*Correspondence: Jaume Galceran, ; Carmen Martos,
| | - Luciana Neamtiu
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Otto Visser
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization (IKNL), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Laetitia Daubisse-Marliac
- Claudius Regaud Institute, IUCT-O, Tarn Cancer Registry, Toulouse, France,CERPOP, Toulouse University, Inserm UMR 1295, UPS, Toulouse, France,FRANCIM, Network of French Cancer Registries, Toulouse, France,University Hospital Center, IUCT-O, Cancer Coordination Center, Toulouse, France
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Varma M, Williamson S. Clinical utility of histopathology data: urological cancers. J Clin Pathol 2022; 75:506-513. [PMID: 35853652 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2022-208186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Cancer datasets recommend standardised reporting of histopathological data items with elements categorised as either core (required) or non-core (recommended), irrespective of the clinical scenario. However, the clinical significance of a data item in an individual case would depend on the clinicopathological setting as well as local management guidelines. A data item that is critical for patient management in one clinical scenario may be largely irrelevant in another patient. Pathologists must understand how their data are used in clinical practice so that they can focus their limited resources appropriately. We briefly review the use of histopathological data in the management of urological cancers, highlighting scenarios where a data item may be of limited clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Varma
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sean Williamson
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Lopez-Beltran A, Blanca A, Cimadamore A, Montironi R, Luque RJ, Volavšek M, Cheng L. T1 bladder carcinoma with variant histology: pathological features and clinical significance. Virchows Arch 2022; 480:989-998. [PMID: 35122124 PMCID: PMC9033727 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03264-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to stratify high-grade T1 (HGT1) bladder urothelial carcinoma into risk categories based on the presence of variant histology when compared to conventional urothelial carcinoma. The clinicopathological features of 104 HGT1 cases of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with variant histology present in 34 (37%) were assessed. The endpoint of the study was disease-free survival and cancer-specific survival. Overall, variant histology was identified as a significant predictor of disease-free survival (P = 0.035). The presence of any specific variant histology (squamous, glandular, micropapillary, nested, microcystic, inverted growth, villous-like, basaloid, and lymphoepithelioma-like) was identified as a significant predictor of disease-free survival (P = 0.008) and cancer-specific survival (P = 0.0001) in HGT1 bladder cancer. Therefore, our results support including micropapillary HGT1 urothelial carcinoma within the aggressive high-risk category, as suggested by some recent clinical guidelines, but also favor nested, glandular, and basaloid to be placed in the high-risk category due to their potential of aggressive, life-threatening behavior and their limited response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy. Conversely, the low-risk category would include urothelial carcinomas with squamous, inverted growth, or microcystic morphology, all with limited life-threatening potential and good response to current therapy. A very low-risk category would finally include patients whose tumors present villous-like or lymphoepithelioma-like morphology. In conclusion, our findings support the value of reporting the variant histology as a feature of variable aggressiveness in HGT1 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lopez-Beltran
- Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Cordoba Medical School, Cordoba, Spain.
| | - Ana Blanca
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba, E-14004, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alessia Cimadamore
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rafael J Luque
- UGC Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Metka Volavšek
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Liang Cheng
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Urology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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12
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Mazzucchelli R, Marzioni D, Tossetta G, Pepi L, Montironi R. Bladder Cancer Sample Handling and Reporting: Pathologist's Point of View. Front Surg 2021; 8:754741. [PMID: 34926567 PMCID: PMC8674620 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.754741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this narrative review is to provide adequate information on handling and reporting of the bladder cancer samples to improve the closely collaboration between pathologists and urologists. The main (but not exclusive) research tool used was PubMed and 87 references were selected and quoted in the text. We have considered handling of biopsies, transurethral resection (TUR), and cystectomy specimens to summarize the different methods of sampling and the related issues. Moreover, we considered and discussed the main prognostic factors, such as histological tumor type, grade, and stage of bladder cancer, that should be described in the pathological report. In addition, critical issues encountered in the interpretation of histological samples were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Mazzucchelli
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Departement of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tossetta
- Departement of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Pepi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Updated pathology reporting standards for bladder cancer: biopsies, transurethral resections and radical cystectomies. World J Urol 2021; 40:915-927. [PMID: 34554298 PMCID: PMC8994708 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-021-03831-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Optimal management of bladder cancer requires an accurate, standardised and timely pathological diagnosis, and close communication between surgeons and pathologists. Here, we provide an update on pathology reporting standards of transurethral resections of the bladder and cystectomies. Methods We reviewed recent literature, focusing on developments between 2013 and 2021. Results Published reporting standards developed by pathology organizations have improved diagnosis and treatment. Tumor sub-staging and subtyping has gained increased attention. Lymph nodes continue to be an area of debate, and their staging has seen minor modifications. Several tasks, particularly regarding specimen preparation (“grossing”), are not yet standardized and offer opportunity for improvement. Molecular classification is rapidly evolving, but currently has only limited impact on management. Conclusion Pathological reporting of bladder cancer is continuously evolving and remains challenging in some areas. This review provides an overview of recent major developments, with a particular focus on published reporting standards.
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Lopez-Beltran A, Cimadamore A, Montironi R, Cheng L. Molecular pathology of urothelial carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2021; 113:67-83. [PMID: 33887300 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The current personalized oncology era has witnessed significant efforts to integrate clinical, pathological, and molecular classifications. The growing need for molecular biomarkers to feed personalized oncology, together with the unprecedented wealth of knowledge on the molecular basis of bladder cancer, has led to a novel approach to this disease, incorporating molecularly generated data in clinical practice for locally advanced or metastatic disease. Translational research allows a better understanding of the early events in the development of urothelial carcinoma in the urinary bladder. Thus, mutations in the KMT2D and KDM6A chromatin-modifying genes confer competitive advantages that drive cells to colonize larger regions of the urothelium. Additional mutations in TP53, PIK3CA, FGFR3, or RB1 genes then trigger the process of malignant transformation in the urothelium. In the current review, we provide an overview of what could be the expected transition from the morphology-based classification to a combined, molecularly enriched reporting of clinically meaningful parameters aiming to promote personalized oncology of urothelial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lopez-Beltran
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Cordoba University Medical School, Cordoba, E-14004, Spain.
| | - Alessia Cimadamore
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, 60126, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, 60126, Italy
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Yang Y, Liu C, Yan X, Li J, Yang X. En Bloc Tumor Resection, Optical Molecular Imaging, and the Potential Synergy of the Combination of the Two Techniques in Bladder Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:638083. [PMID: 33796465 PMCID: PMC8008058 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.638083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although transurethral resection of bladder tumor is the golden standard for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, this surgical procedure still has some serious drawbacks. For example, piecemeal resection of tumor tissue results in exfoliated tumor cells dissemination and implantation, and fragmented tumor specimens make it difficult for pathologists to accurately assess the pathological stage and histologic grade. En bloc tumor resection follows the basic principle of oncological surgery and provides an intact tumor specimen containing detrusor muscle for pathologists to make accurate histopathological assessment. However, there is no robust clinical evidence that en bloc tumor resection is superior to conventional resection in terms of oncological outcomes. Considering the high recurrence rate, small or occult tumor lesions may be overlooked and incomplete tumor resection may occur during white light cystoscopy-assisted transurethral resection. Molecular fluorescent tracers have the ability to bind tumor cells with high sensitivity and specificity. Optical molecular imaging mediated by it can detect small or occult malignant lesions while minimizing the occurrence of false-positive results. Meanwhile, optical molecular imaging can provide dynamic and real-time image guidance in the surgical procedure, which helps urologists to accurately determine the boundary and depth of tumor invasion, so as to perform complete and high-quality transurethral tumor resection. Integrating the advantages of these two technologies, optical molecular imaging-assisted en bloc tumor resection shows the potential to improve the positive detection rate of small or occult tumor lesions and the quality of transurethral resection, resulting in high recurrence-free and progression-free survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Yang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chao Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoting Yan
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Lopez-Beltran A, Cheng L. Stage T1 bladder cancer: diagnostic criteria and pitfalls. Pathology 2020; 53:67-85. [PMID: 33153725 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Accurate pathological staging is crucial for patient management. Patients with T1 bladder cancer are at risk of recurrence, progression, and death of cancer. Recognition of early invasion (stage T1 disease) in urothelial carcinoma remains one of the most challenging areas in urological surgical pathology practice. A logical roadmap to T1 diagnosis would include careful evaluation of histological grade, stromal epithelial interface, characteristics of the invading epithelium, and the stroma associated responses. Tangential sectioning, crush and cautery artifacts, and associated inflammatory infiltrate are commonly encountered problems and the source of pitfalls. In this review, we outline diagnostic criteria, common pitfalls, and different histological patterns of invasion into the lamina propria. Current recommendations on reporting of biopsy and transurethral resection specimens, molecular biomarkers, clinical implications of T1 cancer diagnosis and recent developments on the T1 substaging are also discussed. Most T1 bladder cancer patients will benefit from conservative management after restaging transurethral resection of bladder and bacillus Calmette-Guérin maintenance. Patients with high risk features, such as concurrent urothelial carcinoma in situ, increased depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and variant histology among others, should be considered for early cystectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lopez-Beltran
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Cordoba University Medical School, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA; Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
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