Preoperative chronic kidney disease predicts poor oncological outcomes after radical cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Survival of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Treated with Radical Cystectomy and Risk Factors of Glomerular Filtration Rate Loss Following Radical Cystectomy: Two Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Interplay Between Radical Cystectomy and Renal Function

CONTEXT

There is no high-level evidence regarding the risk factors of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) loss following radical cystectomy (RC) and survival outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing RC.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the risk factors of CKD in patients treated with RC for bladder cancer and to assess overall and oncological survival of patients with CKD who underwent RC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement, two systematic reviews were performed for studies published before September 30, 2022, assessing (1) risk factors of renal function (RF) decline following RC and (2) overall and oncological outcomes of CKD patients treated with RC.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 21 and 17 studies were included for qualitative and quantitative syntheses, respectively. The first meta-analysis of ten studies (15 502 patients) identified these factors to be significantly associated with GFR loss following RC: advanced age, lower baseline RF, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, postoperative hydronephrosis, ureteroenteric stricture, and locally advanced disease (hazard ratios [HRs] 1.03, 1.22, 1.5, 1.27, 1.24, 1.69, 1.92, and 5.13, respectively), while sex, preoperative hydronephrosis, perioperative chemotherapy, and diversion type were not. The second meta-analysis of seven studies (6900 patients) demonstrated significantly worse metastasis-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival in patients with higher CKD stages than in those with lower stages (HRs 1.54, 2.09, and 1.47, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that older age, lower baseline RF, higher CCI, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, postoperative hydronephrosis, ureteroenteric stricture, and locally advanced disease are associated with long-term GFR loss following RC. In addition, patients with higher stages of CKD have worse long-term overall and oncological outcomes following RC. These data may help in counseling and decision-making regarding therapy and preventive measures.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Several factors have been identified that can help identify patients at risk for glomerular filtration rate loss after radical cystectomy (RC). Chronic kidney disease is associated with poor cancer- and non-cancer-specific outcomes following RC.

Comparative survival analysis of bladder preservation therapy versus radical cystectomy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Bladder preservation therapy is an alternative to radical cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The purpose of this study is to compare survival outcomes between bladder preservation therapy and radical cystectomy in MIBC patients using an Asian nationwide cancer registry database.

METHODS

From the Taiwan Cancer Registry database and the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified bladder cancer patients from 2008 to 2018. The patients with urothelial carcinoma and clinical stage T2-T4aN0-1 M0 were included. Propensity score matching by age, gender, clinical stage, cT classification, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score was used between those receiving bladder preservation therapy or radical cystectomy. Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the predictive factors of OS, CSS, and DFS.

RESULTS

Following the propensity score matching, 393 MIBC patients were analyzed, 131 (33.3%) receiving bladder preservation therapy and 262 (66.7%) receiving radical cystectomy. After 5 years of the follow-up period the overall duration was with a median of 15.6 months. The treatment groups did not differ significantly in OS, CSS, and DFS (p = 0.2681, 0.7208, and 0.3616, respectively). In multivariable Cox regression models, bladder preservation therapy remained non-inferior to radical cystectomy in OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-1.50; p = 0.6689), CSS (aHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.72-1.57; p = 0.7728), and DFS (aHR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.46-1.27; p = 0.2929). Additionally, among patients ≥80 years, the use of bladder preservation therapy compared with radical cystectomy resulted in an equivalent OS, CSS and DSS.

CONCLUSION

In Asian populations, bladder preservation therapy yielded similar survival outcomes as radical cystectomy in MIBC patients. Based on the results, it is evident that a multidisciplinary approach and shared decision-making are recommended for bladder cancer treatment.

Effect of decreased renal function on poor oncological outcome after radical cystectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of preoperative renal impairment on the oncological outcomes of patients with urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy from 2004 to 2017. All patients who underwent preoperative ^99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renal scintigraphy (DTPA) were identified. We divided the patients into two groups according to their glomerular filtration rates (GFRs): GFR group 1, GFR≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²; GFR group 2, 60≤GFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m². We included 89 patients in GFR group 1 and 246 patients in GFR group 2 and compared the clinicopathological characteristics and oncological outcomes between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean time required for recurrence was 125.5±8.0 months in GFR group 1 and 85.7±7.4 months in GFR group 2 (p=0.030). The mean cancer-specific survival was 131.7±7.8 months in GFR group 1 and 95.5±6.9 months in GFR group 2 (p=0.051). The mean overall survival was 123.3±8.1 months in GFR group 1 and 79.5±6.6 months in GFR group 2 (p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative GFR values in the range of 60≤GFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m² are independent prognostic factors for poor recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival in patients after radical cystectomy compared with GFR values of ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m².

Oncologic Outcomes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Versus Urothelial Carcinoma With Squamous Differentiation After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

In this study we aim to compare clinicopathological characteristics and cancer specific survival between patients treated with radical cystectomy for pure squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation (SqD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed data of 1737 consecutive patients treated with radical cystectomy and urinary diversion between January 2004 and February 2014. Only patients with pure SCC or SqD were included in the analysis. Squamous differentiation was defined as intercellular bridges or keratinization in the tumor. Clinicopathological data and recurrence free survival (RFS) were compared between patients diagnosed with SCC and SqD.

RESULTS

SCC and SqD were found in 318 and 223 patients, respectively. Mean age was 57 ± 8.3 years in SCC and 58.8 ± 7.8 in SqD (P = .008). A higher proportion of female patients was observed in SCC group compared to SqD (31.8% vs. 22% P < .0001). Patients with SqD were more likely to have extravesical (58.3% vs. 46.2%: P = .006) and nodal positive disease (34.5% vs. 14.5%: P < .0001) than pure SCC patients. Bilharzial eggs were found in 61% of SCC vs. 46% of SqD (P = .001).; The median (IQR) follow up period for SCC and SqD was 63 (12-112) months and 23 months (9-74.7), respectively. The 5-year RFS for SCC and SqD were 77% and 59.8 %, respectively (P < .0001).; Multivariate cox regression analysis identified advanced pT stage (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.86, P = .0001), nodal positive disease (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.48, P = .01) and SqD histology (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.14-2.31, P = .007 as independent predictors of 5-year RFS.

CONCLUSION

Patient with SCC had significantly higher 5-year RFS in comparison to SqD. The higher rate of extravesical disease and lymph node metastasis in SqD patients is indicative of aggressive behavior of this histologic type.

Cancer, Mortality, and Acute Kidney Injury among Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Background:

To evaluate Coronavirus Disease 2019-(COVID19) patients treated within our academic medical system to determine if history of malignancy, both in general and specifically in genitourinary oncology patients, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in a multi-hospital, academic medical institution in New York City. Outcomes included mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and AKI among hospitalized patients. We also evaluated risk of hospitalization among all patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multilevel logistic regression models were used for analysis.

Results:

We identified 6,893 patients who met inclusion criteria, of which 4,018 were hospitalized. Among hospitalized patients 374 (9%) had a history of cancer, 281 (7%) experienced AKI, and 1,045 (26%) died. In adjusted analyses, patients with a history of cancer had 1.33 (95% CI = 1.05, 1.69) times the odds of death compared to those without cancer and this appeared to be driven by lung cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 2.44, 95% CI= 1.05, 4.39). Patients with a history of genitourinary cancer were not at higher risk of mortality compared to those without cancer (OR=0.99, 95% CI= 0.61, 1.62). History of cancer was not associated with ICU admission or AKI in overall and subgroup analyses.

Conclusions:

Patients with a history of cancer who are hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection are not at greater risk for AKI, though they are at higher risk for mortality as compared to patients without a history of cancer. The increased risk in mortality appears driven by patients with pulmonary neoplasms. Patients with a history of genitourinary malignancies do not appear to be at higher risk for AKI or for mortality compared to the general population.

Classical versus non-classical EGFR mutations: Erlotinib response and impact of renal insufficiency

INTRODUCTION

Erlotinib is an effective treatment option for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. It is important to predict patients who will respond better to erlotinib. We designed this study to investigate the effect of renal insufficiency (RI) on erlotinib treatment outcomes.

METHODS

All patients receiving erlotinib were stratified into 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of non-RI subjects with classical epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, Group 2 consisted of those with RI (Estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min) and classical EGFR mutations, and Group 3 consisted of those with non-classical EGFR mutations.

RESULTS

82 patients were included in the study. Median progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with classical mutation was approximately 6 months shorter in those with RI, although not statistically significant. Median overall survival (OS) in Group 1, 2 and 3 was 34.1 months, 35.2 months, and 15 months, respectively and although not statistically significant, median OS was 20 months shorter in Group 3. Univariate and multivariate cox-regression analysis revealed shorter PFS and OS in males and those with ECOG ≥2 while PFS and OS were longer in those with recurrent lung tumors and generating rash during erlotinib treatment. There was no difference between RI and non-RI patients in terms of adverse events except for fatigue and appetite loss.

CONCLUSIONS

This research showed OS in patients with and without RI was comparable. Although not statistically significant, PFS in patients with classical mutation was approximately 6 months shorter in those with RI patients.

Measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR) significantly and rapidly decreases after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Precise determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is essential for the management of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We aim to describe the early evolution of measured GFR (mGFR) after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (RCUD) and to identify risk factors for GFR decline. GFR measurement using ⁵¹Cr-EDTA continuous infusion, estimated GFR (eGFR) from five published equations and renal scintigraphy with split renal function determination were performed before and 6 months after RCUD. Chronic Kidney Disease (mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and GFR stages were defined according to the KDIGO guidelines using mGFR. Twenty-seven patients (men 85%, median age 65, IQR 59; 68 years) were included. A total of 20 (74%) patients experienced significant mGFR decline at 6 months postoperatively. Median mGFR decreased from 84.1 pre-operatively (IQR 65.3; 97.2) to 69.9 mL/min/1.73 m² (IQR 55.0; 77.9) 6 months after surgery (p < 0.001). Thirteen (48%) patients had a progression to a worse GFR stage. Of the 22 patients without pre-operative CKD, 5 (23%) developed post-operative CKD. Diabetes mellitus was more frequent in patients in the highest tertile of relative mGFR decline (44% vs. 11%, p = 0.02) and platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy tended to be more frequently used in these patients (44% vs. 17%, p = 0.06). Importantly, pre-operative weight was independently and negatively associated with post-operative mGFR and with mGFR slope in multivariable analyses. In this prospective series, we demonstrated that early and significant mGFR decline occurred after RCUD and perioperative platinum-based chemotherapy, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus and overweight.

Impact of substratification on predicting oncological outcomes in patients with primary high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor

OBJECTIVES

To validate the substratification of high-risk in the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines and to develop the simplified substratification to improve usefulness and predictive accuracy on oncological outcomes in patients with primary high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 428 patients with primary high-risk NMIBC who underwent TURBT from November 1993 to April 2019. First, the efficacy of the EAU highest-risk on intravesical recurrence-free survival (RFS) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)-free survival was evaluated with univariate analyses. Second, we developed our simplified substratification based on multivariate analysis for intravesical RFS (lower- and higher-risk). We compared predictive accuracy on oncological outcomes using the receiver operating characteristic curve between the EAU and the simplified substratifications.

RESULTS

Median age and median follow-up periods were 72 years and 51 months, respectively. The EAU highest-risk was not associated with shorter intravesical RFS and MIBC-free survival (P = 0.054 and P = 0.350, respectively). In multivariate analysis, tumor size, grade 3, and chronic kidney disease were significantly associated with shorter intravesical RFS, and we developed the simplified substratification including those 3 factors. Of 428 patients, 89 (21%) were substratified into the simplified higher-risk. The predictive accuracy of the simplified substratification on intravesical recurrence, MIBC and metastasis progression, and cancer-specific mortality was significantly superior to the EAU substratification.

CONCLUSION

Our simplified substratification might contribute to improving predictive accuracy on intravesical recurrence, MIBC and metastasis progression, and cancer-specific mortality in patients with primary high-risk NMIBC who underwent TURBT.

The significance of preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate on survival outcomes in patients who underwent radical cystectomy and non-continent urinary diversion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of preoperative renal function on survival outcomes in patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) with non-continent urinary diversion (UD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 132 patients with bladder cancer who underwent RC with non-continent UD due to urothelial carcinoma from January 2006 toMarch 2017 at our tertiary referral center were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups as those with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60mL/min/1.73 m2 and ≥60mL/min/1.73 m2 according to preoperative eGFR levels. Patients' characteristics, preoperative clinical data, operative data, pathologic data, oncologic data and complications were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The mean age was 64.5±8.7 (range: 32 - 83) years and the median follow-up was 30.9±31.7 (range: 1-113) months. There were 46 patients in Group 1 and 86 patients in Group 2. There was no difference in cancer-specific mortality (45.6% for group 1 and 30.2% for group 2, p=0.078) and survival (56.8±8.3 months for group 1 and 70.5±5.9 months for group 2, p=0.087) between the groups. Overall mortality was higher (63% for group 1 and 40.7% for group 2, p=0.014) and overall survival (43.6±6.9 months for group 1 and 62.2±5.8 months for group 2, p=0.03) was lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall mortality was higher and overall survival was lower in patients with preoperative eGFR<60mL/s. More patients had preoperative hydronephrosis with eGFR<60mL/s.

Preoperative chronic kidney disease predicts poor prognosis in patients with primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of preoperative chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the prognosis of patients with primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 434 patients with primary NMIBC who underwent TURBT from November 1993 to April 2019. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m² (non-CKD group) and <60 ml/min/1.73 m² (CKD group). Background-adjusted multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of preoperative CKD on oncological outcomes, including intravesical recurrence-free survival, muscle-invasive bladder cancer-free survival, upper urinary tract (UUT) recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival. We evaluated predictive accuracy of CKD on prognosis using the receiver operating characteristic curve and compared between risk factors in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer scoring system and CKD plus those risk factors.

RESULTS

The median age and median follow-up period were 72 years and 51 months, respectively. Of 434 patients, 141 (32%) were diagnosed with CKD before TURBT. In background-adjusted multivariate analyses, CKD was an independent risk factor for those oncological outcomes, except for UUT recurrence. The predictive accuracy of CKD plus risk factors in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer scoring system on oncological outcomes was significantly improved compared with those risk factors alone, except for UUT recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative CKD was a risk factor and might improve predictive accuracy on poor prognosis in patients with primary NMIBC who underwent TURBT.

Asymptomatic recurrence detection and cost-effectiveness in urothelial carcinoma

For the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer or upper tract urothelial carcinoma, the set guidelines recommend regular surveillance after radical cystectomy or radical nephroureterectomy. However, the prognostic benefit of regular oncological surveillance remains controversial in the absence of prospective studies although several retrospective studies with relatively large sample sizes have demonstrated the association between asymptomatic recurrence and better oncological outcomes. Seven out of eight studies reported that patients diagnosed with symptomatic recurrence showed significantly poorer prognosis in comparison to those diagnosed with asymptomatic recurrence. However, potential lead-time and length-time biases prevent the determination of any benefit of regular surveillance. In addition, an optimal surveillance protocol has yet to be established because conventional pathology-based protocols cannot identify the heterogenetic tumor biology of urothelial carcinoma, such as rapid- or slow-growing form of the disease. Several studies suggest that conventional pathology-based surveillance resulted in reduced cost-effectiveness. Recurrence risk-score stratified surveillance protocol including clinical and pathological factors may improve cost-effectiveness. The establishment of optimal risk stratification and surveillance strategies are required to improve the efficacy of regular oncological surveillance. Well-planned prospective studies are necessary to address the prognostic benefit of regular oncological surveillance and shared decision making.

Risk-stratified surveillance protocol improves cost-effectiveness after radical nephroureterectomy in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Objectives

To develop a surveillance protocol with improved cost-effectiveness after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), as the cost-effectiveness of oncological surveillance after RNU remains unclear.

Results

Of 426 patients, 109 (26%) and 113 (27%) experienced visceral and intravesical recurrences, respectively. The pathology-based protocol found significant differences in recurrence-free survival in the visceral recurrence but not in the intravesical recurrence. The medical costs per visceral recurrence detected were high, especially in normal-risk (≤ pT2N0, LVI-, SM-) patients. We developed a risk score associated with visceral recurrence using Cox regression analysis. The risk score-based protocol was significantly more cost-effective than the pathology-based protocol. Estimated cost differences reached $747,929 per recurrence detected, a suggested 55% reduction.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 426 patients with RNU for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) without distant metastasis at 4 hospitals. Patients with routine oncological follow-up were stratified into normal-, high- and very high-risk groups according to a pathology-based protocol utilizing pathological stage, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and surgical margin (SM). Cost-effectiveness of the pathology-based protocol was evaluated, and a risk score-based protocol was developed to optimize cost-effectiveness. Risk scores were calculated by summing up risk factors independently associated with recurrence-free survival. Patients were stratified by low-, intermediate- and high-risk score. Estimated cost per recurrence detected by pathology-based and risk score-based protocols was compared.

Conclusions

A risk score-stratified surveillance protocol has the potential to reduce over investigation during follow-up, making surveillance more cost-effective.

The Impact of Preoperative Severe Renal Insufficiency on Poor Postsurgical Oncological Prognosis in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The impact of preoperative renal impairment severity on prognosis in urothelial carcinoma remains unelucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of severe preoperative renal insufficiency on oncological outcomes in patients with urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy or nephroureterectomy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1066 patients with urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy or nephroureterectomy at six medical centres from February 1995 to November 2017 were retrospectively examined.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Oncological outcomes, stratified using preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR≥60, 45≤eGFR<60, and eGFR<45ml/min/1.73m²), were investigated. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of preoperative eGFR on prognosis.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 610 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), 80 (13%) had severe renal insufficiency (eGFR<45ml/min/1.73m²). Of 456 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), 101 (22%) had severe renal insufficiency. Significant differences were noted in background and prognosis among the patients with preoperative eGFR≥60, 45≤eGFR<60, and eGFR<45ml/min/1.73m². Findings of IPTW-adjusted Cox regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative eGFR<45ml/min/1.73m² was significantly associated with poor postsurgical recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survival rates in patients with either MIBC or UTUC.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with urothelial carcinoma with preoperative eGFR<45ml/min/1.73m² had a significantly lower survival probability than those without.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this report, we found that preoperative severe renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate<45ml/min/1.73m²) had higher risk for relapse and lower survival probability. Close attention is necessary when urothelial carcinoma patients have severe renal insufficiency before radical cystectomy or nephroureterectomy.

Detecting asymptomatic recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy contributes to better prognosis in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Background

The prognostic benefit of regular follow-up to detect asymptomatic recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether regular follow-up to detect asymptomatic recurrence after RNU improves patient survival.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analysed 415 patients who underwent RNU for upper tract urothelial carcinoma at four hospitals between January 1995 and February 2017. All patients had regular follow-up examinations after RNU including urine cytology, blood biochemical tests, and computed tomography. We investigated the first site and date of tumor recurrence. Overall survivals of patients who developed recurrence, stratified by mode of recurrence (asymptomatic vs. symptomatic group), were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to evaluate the impact of the mode of recurrence on survival.

Results

Of the 415 patients, 108 (26%) experienced disease recurrences after RNU. Of these, 62 (57%) were asymptomatic and 46 (43%) were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. The most common recurrence site and symptom were lymph nodes and pain, respectively. Overall survival after RNU and time from recurrence to death in the asymptomatic group were significantly longer than that in the symptomatic group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that symptomatic recurrence was an independent risk factor for overall survival after RNU and survival from recurrence to death.

Conclusions

Routine oncological follow-up for detection of asymptomatic recurrence contributes to a better prognosis after RNU.

Trends in neoadjuvant chemotherapy use and oncological outcomes for muscle-invasive bladder cancer in Japan: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

Despite benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), the adoption of guideline recommendations for NAC use in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has been slow. We aimed to evaluate temporal trends in NAC use and oncological outcomes in a representative cohort of patients with MIBC.

METHODS

We included 532 patients from 4 hospitals who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for ≥ cT2 MIBC in 1996-2017. We retrospectively evaluated temporal changes in NAC use and progression-free and overall survival. Candidates for NAC were administered with either cisplatin- or carboplatin-based regimens. The impact of NAC on oncological outcomes was examined using multivariate Cox regression analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) models.

RESULTS

Of 532 patients, 336 underwent NAC followed by RC (NAC group) and 196 underwent RC alone (Ctrl group). NAC use significantly increased from 10% (1996-2004) to 83% (2005-2016). The number of patients administered with cisplatin- and carboplatin-based regimens was 43 and 280, respectively. Oncological outcomes in the NAC group were significantly improved compared to those in the Ctrl group. Multivariable analysis with IPTW models revealed that NAC significantly improved oncological outcomes in patients with MIBC. A nomogram for 5-year overall survival predicted 16% improvement in patients undergoing NAC.

CONCLUSIONS

NAC use for MIBC increased after 2005. Platinum-based NAC for MIBC potentially improves oncological outcomes.

Preoperative chronic kidney disease predicts poor oncological outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Objective

To evaluate the impact of preoperative chronic kidney disease (CKD) on oncological outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical nephroureterectomy.

Methods

A total of 426 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy at five medical centers between February 1995 and February 2017 were retrospectively examined. Oncological outcomes, including intravesical recurrence-free, visceral recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival rates (intravesical RFS, visceral RFS, CSS, and OS, respectively) stratified by preoperative CKD status (CKD vs. non-CKD) were investigated. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to evaluate the impact of preoperative CKD on prognosis and a prognostic factor-based risk stratification nomogram was developed.

Results

Of the 426 patients, 250 (59%) were diagnosed with CKD before radical nephroureterectomy. Before the background adjustment, intravesical RFS, visceral RFS, CSS, and OS after radical nephroureterectomy were significantly shorter in the CKD group than in the non-CKD group. Background-adjusted IPTW analysis demonstrated that preoperative CKD was significantly associated with poor visceral RFS, CSS, and OS after radical nephroureterectomy. Intravesical RFS was not significantly associated with preoperative CKD. The nomogram for predicting 5-year visceral RFS and CSS probability demonstrated a significant correlation with actual visceral RFS and CSS (c-index = 0.85 and 0.83, respectively).

Conclusions

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients with preoperative CKD had a significantly lower survival probability than those without CKD.

Risk-stratified surveillance and cost effectiveness of follow-up after radical cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Background

The recurrence risk stratification and the cost effectiveness of oncological surveillance after radical cystectomy are not clear. We aimed to develop a risk stratification and a surveillance protocol with improved cost effectiveness after radical cystectomy.

Results

Of 581 enrolled patients, 175 experienced disease recurrences. The pathology-based protocol presented significant differences in recurrence-free survival between normal- and high-risk patients, but the medical expense was high, especially in normal-risk (≤pT2pN0) patients. Cox regression analysis identified six factors associated with recurrence-free survival. Risk score-based 5-year follow-up was significantly more cost effective than the pathology-based protocol.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 581 patients with radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer at 4 hospitals. Patients with routine oncological follow-up were stratified into normal- and high-risk groups by a pathology-based protocol utilizing pT, pN, lymphovascular invasion, and histology. Cost effectiveness of the pathology-based protocol was evaluated and a risk-score-based protocol was developed to optimize cost effectiveness. Risk-scores were calculated by summing risk factors independently associated with recurrence-free survival. Patients were stratified by low-, intermediate-, and high-risk score. Estimated cost per one recurrence detection by the pathology and by risk-scores were compared.

Conclusions

Risk-score-stratified surveillance protocol has potential to reduce over-evaluation after radical cystectomy without adverse effects on medical cost.