Complete Transurethral Resection Research Articles

Value of Immediate Second Resection of the Tumor Bed to Improve the Effectiveness of Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor

Current guidelines recommend routine second transurethral resection (TUR) for accurate diagnosis and to prevent understaging of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of immediate second resection of the tumor bed during initial TUR and its prognostic significance. Patients (n=126) undergoing TUR were prospectively randomized to undergo (n=63) or not undergo (n=63) immediate second resection of the tumor bed after complete TUR. Second resection was repeated until muscularis propria (MP) was identified in the specimen and the depth of tumor invasion was inspected. The results of second resection were compared with final pathology results for diagnostic accuracy. Recurrence and progression rates were compared in the two groups, and factors affecting recurrence were evaluated. Patient age, sex distribution, number of tumors, pathologic T stage and grade were similar in the groups. MP was included in all TUR specimens in the immediate second resection group, compared with 41 of 63 (65.1%) in the nonsecond resection group. The concordance rate of second resection with final pathology was r=0.810 (P<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of second resection for T(2) disease were 90.9% and 98.0%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values of second resection for T(2) disease were 90.0% and 96.2%, respectively. Among the 94 patients followed up, those in the second resection group had significantly higher 2-year recurrence-free survival rate (77.0% vs 45.8%, P=0.025), but there was no difference in progression-free survival rate. Immediate second resection of the tumor bed after complete TUR improves the effectiveness of resection by immediately confirming the presence of MP in the specimen and accurately differentiating muscle-invasive disease. The advantages of immediate second resection were precise prediction of final pathology results and reduced early recurrence.

Guía clínica del carcinoma urotelial de vejiga no músculo-invasivo de la Asociación Europea de Urología. Actualización de 2011

Context and objectiveTo present the 2011 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Evidence acquisitionLiterature published between 2004 and 2010 on the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC was systematically reviewed. Previous guidelines were updated, and the level of evidence and grade of recommendation were assigned. Evidence synthesisTumours staged as Ta, T1, or carcinoma in situ (CIS) are grouped as NMIBC. Diagnosis depends on cystoscopy and histologic evaluation of the tissue obtained by transurethral resection (TUR) in papillary tumours or by multiple bladder biopsies in CIS. In papillary lesions, a complete TUR is essential for the patient's prognosis. Where the initial resection is incomplete or where a high-grade or T1 tumour is detected, a second TUR should be performed within 2-6wk. In papillary tumours, the risks of both recurrence and progression may be estimated for individual patients using the scoring system and risk tables. The stratification of patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups (separately for recurrence and progression) is pivotal to recommending adjuvant treatment. For patients with a low risk of tumour recurrence and progression, one immediate instillation of chemotherapy is recommended. Patients with an intermediate or high risk of recurrence and an intermediate risk of progression should receive one immediate instillation of chemotherapy followed by a minimum of 1yr of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intravesical immunotherapy or further instillations of chemotherapy. Papillary tumours with a high risk of progression and CIS should receive intravesical BCG for 1yr. Cystectomy may be offered to the highest risk patients, and it is at least recommended in BCG failure patients. ConclusionsThese abridged EAU guidelines present updated information on the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC for incorporation into clinical practice.

Malignant Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Bladder with Rapid Progression

A 71-year-old man was referred for painless hematuria and a bladder tumor. Cystoscopy and computed tomography revealed a 3-cm oval nodular mass on the left lateral side of the bladder. The patient underwent a complete transurethral resection of the lesion and histology showed a proliferation of atypical spindle cells with inflammation consistent with a myofibroblastic tumor. After 4 and 7 months, follow-up cystoscopy demonstrated nodular mass lesions and transurethral resection of bladder tumor was done, which showed chronic cystitis and a recurred myofibroblastic tumor, respectively. Five months later, multiple lymph node, bone, and soft tissue metastases were found by positron emission tomography. The patient was treated first with palliative chemotherapy, including doxorubicin and cisplatin. After that, radiologic studies showed disease progression but the patient refused further treatment and died 6 months later.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced bladder carcinoma: Development of novel bladder preservation approach, Osaka Medical College regimen

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy has been widely used in a neoadjuvant as well as adjuvant setting. Furthermore, trimodal approaches including complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumor followed by combined chemotherapy and radiation have generally been performed as bladder preservation therapy. However, none of the protocols have achieved a 5-year survival rate of more than 70%. Additionally, the toxicity of chemotherapy and/or a decreased quality of life due to urinary diversion cannot be ignored, as most patients with bladder cancer are elderly. We therefore newly developed the novel trimodal approach of "combined therapy using balloon-occluded arterial infusion of anticancer agent and hemodialysis with concurrent radiation, which delivers an extremely high concentration of anticancer agent to the site of a tumor without systemic adverse effects ("Osaka Medical College regimen" referred to as the OMC regimen). We initially applied the OMC regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced bladder cancer. However, since more than 85% of patients with histologically-proven urothelial cancer achieved complete response with no evidence of recurrence after a mean follow-up of 170 (range 21-814) weeks, we have been applying the OMC-regimen as a new approach for bladder sparing therapy. We summarize the advantage and/or disadvantage of chemotherapy in neoadjuvant as well as adjuvant settings, and show the details of our newly developed bladder sparing approach OMC regimen in this review.

Female Gender and Carcinoma In Situ in the Prostatic Urethra Are Prognostic Factors for Recurrence, Progression, and Disease-Specific Mortality in T1G3 Bladder Cancer Patients Treated With Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

BackgroundControversy exists over the most important prognostic factors in T1 high-grade non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). ObjectiveEvaluate prognostic factors for recurrence, progression, and disease-specific mortality after adjuvant intravesical BCG immunotherapy in patients with T1G3 NMIBC and long-term follow-up. Design, setting, and participantsA single-institution retrospective analysis of 146 patients with primary stage T1G3 NMIBC. InterventionAll patients were treated with complete transurethral resection (TUR) plus multiple bladder biopsies that included the prostatic urethra. No second TUR was done. Patients underwent an induction course of intravesical BCG (Connaught strain, 81mg) without maintenance therapy. MeasurementsThe variables analysed for time to recurrence, progression, and death due to bladder cancer (BCa) were gender, age, tumour multiplicity, diameter, aspect, substaging, concomitant carcinoma in situ (CIS), and CIS in the prostatic urethra. Cox regression models were used to assess the univariate and multivariate prognostic importance of these factors and estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Time-to-event distributions were estimated using cumulative incidence functions. Results and limitationsThe median follow-up was 8.7 yr. Sixty-five patients (44.5%) had recurrence, 25 patients (17.1%) had progression, and 18 patients (12.3%) died because of BCa. Female gender and presence of CIS in the prostatic urethra were associated with an increased risk of recurrence (p=0.0003, HR: 2.53), progression (p=0.001, HR: 3.59), and death due to BCa (p=0.004, HR: 3.53). ConclusionsIn primary T1G3 bladder tumours treated with induction BCG, female gender or having CIS in the prostatic urethra were the only prognostic factors for time to recurrence, progression, and disease-related mortality. It is very important to perform a biopsy of the prostatic urethra in patients with primary high-grade NMIBC as a first step to obtain this prognostic information.

A pure microcytic bladder carcinoma synchronous to prostatic adenocarcinoma

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) or microcytic carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare entity comprising approximately 0.5% of all bladder tumors. Due to its rarity, no prospective studies evaluating the most effective treatment have been published in the medical literature. Several cases of bladder SCC have been presented so far. We describe our case report and we revise the recent literature. Our patient was diagnosed with pure bladder SCC and prostatic adenocarcinoma. After the initial and complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TUR-BT), he underwent a thorax and mediastinum computer tomography (CT) examination to exclude primary pulmonary small cell carcinoma and a bone scan scintigraphy for staging purposes. He received a three 14-day cycles of Cisplatin-containing chemotherapeutic schema and a single dose of Luteinizing-Hormone Releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue injection after 14 days of bicalutamide administration. The patient is followed for 24 months without any signs of bladder SCC recurrence or biochemical or local relapse from prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Do molecular biomarkers have prognostic value in primary T1G3 bladder cancer treated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin intravesical therapy?

ObjectivesWe examined whether altered protein expression for 7 potential biomarkers, including p53, pRb, PTEN, Ki-67, p27, FGFR3, and CD9, could predict tumor recurrence and progression in patients treated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy for primary stage T1 grade 3 (T1G3) bladder cancer (BC). Materials and methodsThe study included 61 patients with primary T1G3 BC who were treated with 6 weekly intravesical BCG instillations after clinically complete transurethral resection of bladder tumor between 1990 and 2007. All patients had proper muscle tissue in their specimen. Protein expression for 7 molecular biomarkers before BCG therapy was analyzed by immunohistochemistry based on tissue microarray methodology, and the percentage of positive cells was determined quantitatively in a blind fashion. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression to determine the effect of each marker on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after BCG therapy. ResultsOverall 5-year RFS and PFS rates were 56.0% and 84.5%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 60.0 months (range 6–217). The altered expression for each marker were noted in 53.3% for p53, 73.3% for pRb, 63.8% for PTEN, 40.0% for Ki-67, 66.1% for p27, 37.3% for FGFR3, and 47.5% for CD9, respectively. No significant association was found between altered marker status and clinicopathologic characteristics. While increased p53 expression was associated with progression after BCG therapy (5-year PFS rates: 90.7% in p53 < 10% vs. 78.7% in p53 ≥ 10%, P = 0.0495), no single marker was associated with RFS and PFS after BCG therapy in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Similarly, in subgroup analysis according to tumor size, multiplicity, and morphology, no single marker was associated with RFS and PFS. No difference was noted in molecular marker status between BCG responders and nonresponders. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that immunohistochemical analysis for 7 potential molecular markers has no predictive value for recurrence and progression in primary T1G3 BC treated with BCG therapy. Large prospective studies are needed to validate the prognostic molecular markers in primary T1G3 BC.

Superficial bladder tumours: recurrence and progression.

To determine various presentations of superficial bladder cancer, its management, recurrence and progression rates. Case series. Department of Urology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from January 2002 to December 2009. Patients with pathologically proven superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with minimal 2 years of follow-up were included. Their clinical presentations and management was recorded. Complete transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) was attempted in all patients. Tumour grading and staging was performed. Intra-vesical single instillation of Mitomycin-C was given postoperatively in selected patients. Cystoscopic surveillance was used to assess recurrence in all patients according to standard protocol. Metastatic work-up and biopsy record of follow-up TURBT was used to document progression in high risk patients. Results were described as simple descriptive statistics. A total of 92 patients were studied. The median age of patient was 62 years, with male preponderance (88%). Hematuria with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) was most common presentation (47.8%), followed by hematuria alone (25.7%), LUTS alone (9.2%) and upper tract symptom in 1.8% of patients. Complete TURBT in first attempt was possible in 72 patients (78.3%). Multiple tumours were seen in 34 patients (39.6%). Intravesical mitomycin was given in 70% patients. Over-all recurrence rate of 68.4% was noted. Patients with TaG2-3 showed recurrence rate of 58.8% which occurred late with good recurrence free interval. T1G2-3 patients have more and early recurrences (80.4%). Progression seen in 13 patients (14%), 6 patients have up-grading, four showed stage progression, one developed pelvic lymphadenopathy and another one had bone metastasis. One female patient (TaG2) developed right renal pelvic recurrence and progression while her bladder disease was well controlled. The number of patients with T1 disease was 45% in this study which is comparatively higher than other studies. Early recurrences and progression were observed with T1G2-3, while late recurrence were seen with Ta disease, having tumour free interval between 6 months to 2 years. Early radical cystectomy was advised to T1G3 disease and with multiple recurrences, but patient's compliance was poor..

Contemporary management of low-risk bladder cancer

Bladder cancer comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors, the majority of which are non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) at initial presentation. Low-risk bladder cancer--defined as pTa low-grade papillary tumors--is the type of NMIBC with the most favorable oncologic outcome. Although the risk of progression is less than 1% in 5 years, almost 15% will recur after 1 year, and 32% after 5 years. A complete transurethral resection, followed by an immediate single postoperative instillation of chemotherapy will reduce the risk of recurrence for the first 2 years. Follow-up cystoscopy is required to detect recurrence; in the vast majority of cases the recurrent tumor is of the same stage and grade as the primary tumor. The first follow-up visit, 3 months after surgery, is the most important in predicting risk of recurrence for the future. Recent developments in profiling urine and cancer tissue make it possible to better predict risk of progression and recurrence. In the future this profiling will play an important role in the timing and the choice of treatment, as well as guiding follow-up procedures.

Maintenance therapy with bacillus Calmette‐Guérin Connaught strain clearly prolongs recurrence‐free survival following transurethral resection of bladder tumour for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer

• To confirm the recurrence-preventing efficacy and safety of 18-month bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) maintenance therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. • The enrolled patients had been diagnosed with recurrent or multiple non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (stage Ta or T1) after complete transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT). • The patients were randomized into three treatment groups: a maintenance group (BCG, 81 mg, intravesically instilled once weekly for 6 weeks as induction therapy, followed by three once-weekly instillations at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after initiation of the induction therapy), a non-maintenance group (BCG, 81 mg, intravesically instilled once weekly for 6 weeks) and an epirubicin group (epirubicin, 40 mg, intravesically instilled nine times). The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS). • Efficacy analysis was performed for 115 of the full-analysis-set population of 116 eligible patients, including 41 maintenance group patients, 42 non-maintenance group patients and 32 epirubicin group patients. • At the 2-year median point of the overall actual follow-up period, the final cumulative RFS rates in the maintenance, non-maintenance and epirubicin groups were 84.6%, 65.4% and 27.7%, respectively. • The RFS following TURBT was significantly prolonged in the maintenance group compared with the non-maintenance group (generalized Wilcoxon test, P= 0.0190). • BCG maintenance therapy significantly prolonged the post-TURBT RFS compared with BCG induction therapy alone or epirubicin intravesical therapy.

Bladder metastasis of malignant melanoma: a case report and review of literature

Metastatic malignant melanoma of the bladder is extremely rare in clinical practice with less than 10 cases reported in the last 30 years in the English literature. We report a case of malignant melanoma metastasis into the bladder, and review of the pertinent literature. A 60-year-old woman with a history of malignant melanoma in the distal phalanx on the right middle finger, excised 8 years ago presented with gross hematuria and weight loss. She underwent cystoscopy and complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. Pathological examination showed metastatic malignant melanoma of the bladder mucosa. The patient eventually died 7 months after transurethral resection.

Long‐term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial comparing thermochemotherapy with mitomycin‐C alone as adjuvant treatment for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)

• To present long-term efficacy data of intravesical thermochemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone with mitomycin-C (MMC) randomly administered to patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) as an adjuvant treatment after complete transurethral resection. • In all, 83 patients with intermediate-/high-risk NMIBC, following complete transurethral resection, were randomly assigned to receive either intravesical thermochemotherapy by means of Synergo® (Medical Enterprises, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) or intravesical chemotherapy alone, for prophylaxis of tumour recurrence. • Two doses of MMC (20 mg dissolved in 50 mL distilled water administered throughout two consecutive sessions) was used as the chemotherapeutic agent in both arms. • In all, 75 patients completed the original study (35 of 42 in the treatment arm, 40 of 41 in the control arm), whose results at minimum 2-year follow-up have already been published. • Recently, the files of these patients have been updated for long-term outcome definition. Data on general health, follow-up examinations, tumour relapse or progression, and cause of death were collected and analysed. • Updated complete data collection was available for 65/75 (87%) of the original patients. • The median follow-up for tumour-free patients was 91 months. The 10-year disease-free survival rate for thermochemotherapy and chemotherapy alone were 53% and 15%, respectively (P < 0.001). • An intent-to-treat analysis performed to overcome the potential bias introduced by the asymmetrical discontinuation rate still showed a significant advantage of the active treatment over the control treatment. Bladder preservation rates for thermochemotherapy and chemotherapy alone were 86% and 79%, respectively. • This is the first analysis of long-term follow-up of patients treated with intravesical thermochemotherapy. The high rate (53%) of patients who were tumour-free 10 years after treatment completion, as well as the high rate (86%) of bladder preservation, confirms the efficacy of this adjuvant approach for NMIBC at long-term follow-up, even in patients with multiple tumours.

Does mast cell density predict the outcome after transurethral resection of Hunner's lesions in patients with type 3C bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis?

This study aimed to assess mast cell density in the lamina propria for possible correlation with duration of symptom amelioration after transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB). Twelve patients (eight women and four men) referred to the tertiary referral facility, treated between June 2003 and June 2009, were included in the study. All had undergone three consecutive complete TURB procedures, where the first one was also diagnostic. All patients fulfilled the NIH-NIDDK criteria and the ESSIC bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis type 3C criteria; they had Hunner's lesions and biopsy findings with inflammatory infiltrates, granulation tissue and mastocytosis. Bladder biopsies were evaluated for mast cell density by immunochemistry and symptom amelioration was recorded by self-report of symptom relapse. Median mast cell density in the lamina propria at the first, second and third TURB was high. No statistically significant correlation between mast cell density in the urothelium, lamina propria or detrusor, and duration of symptom amelioration could be seen after the first, second or third TURB. Mast cell density does not appear to correlate with duration of symptom amelioration after complete transurethral resection of Hunner's lesions, either in the lamina propria or in the urothelium or detrusor.

Bladder preservation multimodality therapy as an alternative to radical cystectomy for treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer

• To evaluate the efficacy of a bladder preservation multimodality protocol for patients with operable carcinoma invading bladder muscle. • In this prospective study, we included 33 patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) (T2 and T3, Nx, M0) who were amenable to complete transurethral resection. • These patients refused radical cystectomy as their first treatment option. After maximum transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT), all patients received three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy in the form of methotrexate, vinblastin, adriamycin and cisplatin (MVAC) followed by radical radiotherapy. • Four weeks later, all cases had radiological and cystoscopical re-evaluation. • Complete responders were considered to be those patients who had no evidence of residual tumour. All patients were subjected to a regular follow-up by cystoscopy and tumour site biopsy conducted every 3 months. Abdomino-pelvic computed tomography and chest X-ray were conducted every 6 months. • The study endpoint was the response to treatment after completion of the first year of follow-up after therapy. • Out of 33 eligible patients, a total of 28 patients completed the study treatment protocol. Their mean ± SD age was 56.7 ± 6 years. Trimodal therapy was well tolerated in most of cases, with no severe acute toxicities. After 12 months of follow-up, a complete response was achieved in 39.3% and a partial response in 7.1%, with an overall response rate of 46.4%. • By the end of the first year, disease-free survival was reported in 39.3%, whereas 25% were still alive with their disease, giving an overall survival of 64.3% for all patients who maintained their intact, well functioning bladders. • Tumour stage and completeness of transurethral resection of bladder tumour were the most important predictors of response and survival. T2 lesions had complete and partial response rates of 69.2% and 23%, respectively, whereas T3 lesions had rates of 40% and 13.3%, respectively (P = 0.001). • The response rate in patients who had complete TURBT was 82.6% vs 20% in those with cystoscopic biopsy only (P = 0.001). In addition, disease-free survival was 72.7% in T2 patients and 27.3% in T3 patients (P = 0.001). • In the present study, bladder preservation protocol with MVAC and radical radiotherapy achieved suboptimal response rates at 1 year in patients with localized TCC invading bladder muscle. Patients with solitary T2 lesions that are amenable to complete TURBT achieved the best response rates. Longer follow-up is needed to verify these results. Patients with localized disease should be encouraged for radical cystectomy, which achieved better results.

Detrusor muscle in the first, apparently complete transurethral resection of bladder tumour specimen is a surrogate marker of resection quality, predicts risk of early recurrence, and is dependent on operator experience

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2010; 194: W316-22.Objective: The objective of our study was to determine the relationship between the apparent diffusion coef-ficient (ADC) value on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and Gleason score of prostate cancer and percentage of tumor involvement on prostate core biopsy. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 57 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer who underwent endorectal MRI with DWI between July 2007 and March 2008. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on ADC maps at sites of visible tumor on DW images and ADC maps. A hierarchic mixed linear model was used to compare the ADC value of prostate cancer with the Gleason score and the percentage of tumor on core biopsy. Results: Eighty-one sites of biopsy-proven prostate cancer were visible on DW images and ADC maps. The least-squares mean ADC for disease with a Gleason score of 6 was 0.860 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (standard error of the mean [SEM], 0.036); Gleason score of 7, 0.702 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (SEM, 0.030); Gleason score of 8, 0.672 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (SEM, 0.057); and Gleason score of 9, 0.686 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s (SEM, 0.067). Differ-ences between the mean ADC values for a prostate tumor with a Gleason score of 6 and one with a Gleason score of 7 (p = 0.0096) and for a prostate tumor with a Gleason score of 6 and one with a Gleason score of 8 (p = 0.0460) were significant. Comparison between the ADC and percentage of tumor on core biopsy showed a mean ADC decrease of 0.006 (range, 0.004-0.008 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) for every 1% increase in tumor in the core biopsy specimen. Conclusion: DWI may help differentiate between low-risk (Gleason score, 6) and intermediate-risk (Gleason score, 7) prostate cancer and between low-risk (Gleason score, 6) and high-risk (Gleason score > 7) prostate cancer. There is an inverse relationship between the ADC and the percentage of tumor involvement on prostate core biopsies.

Feasibility of Radical Transurethral Resection as Monotherapy for Selected Patients With Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

We proved the feasibility of radical transurethral bladder tumor resection in selected patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer with a minimum followup of more than 15 years and investigated the impact of patient age on survival. A followup schedule was developed based on progression and recurrence during this period. A phase II nonrandomized trial was designed including patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer with negative biopsies of tumor bed who were apparently healthy after undergoing complete transurethral bladder tumor resection. Patients with positive biopsies, or with macroscopically residual tumor, hydronephrosis or metastasis were excluded from study. In this trial 133 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and had a minimum followup of more than 15 years. Cancer specific survival was 81.9%, 79.5% and 76.7%, and progression-free survival with bladder preservation was 75.5%, 64.9% and 57.8% at 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Patient age had a negative impact on overall survival on univariate (HR 0.842, p = 0.049) and multivariate analyses (HR 1.062, p = 0.000), and according to median and quartile age stratifications (p = 0.000 and p = 0.000, respectively). However, age did not have a negative impact on cancer specific survival even when following the same stratifications. Although progression and recurrence were concentrated during the first 3 years (70% and 65%, respectively), both steadily increased afterward. A followup schedule was developed according to this sequence of events. Radical transurethral bladder tumor resection is a reliable therapeutic approach for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer after complete tumor resection and with negative biopsies of the tumor bed. These results are consistent in all age ranges.

Intensive Intravesical Mitomycin C Therapy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Dose Intensity Approach

Objective: The aim of this work was to verify the tolerability and the preliminary clinical results of intensive intravesical instillations of a mitomycin C (MMC) regimen. Patients and Methods: From September 2007 to November 2009, 40 consecutive evaluable patients with pathologically confirmed intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) were enrolled after complete transurethral resection of all visible tumors. The mean age of the patients was 64.5 years. 40 mg MMC diluted in 50 ml of saline was instilled in the bladder three times a week for 2 weeks. The median follow-up was 9 months. Results: All patients fulfilled the scheduled treatment. The local adverse events seen were negligible, while no significant deviation from normal values was observed in blood counts for each patient. Twenty-three of 40 patients (57.5%) showed negative at the cystoscopic control which was performed every 3 months with normal spontaneous and washing cytological exams. Conclusion: MMC is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent for the intravesical therapy of NMIBC. With a view to improving its results, we changed the frequency and intensity of the instillations. No significant local or systemic toxicity was reported. Intensive intravesical instilllations of MMC might become a tool in the management of NMIBC.

Bladder cancer: ESMO Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

n Europe, an estimated 151 297 new cases of bladder cancer were diagnosed in 2012, with an age-standardised incidence rate (per 100 000 persons) of 17.7 for males and 3.5 for females. Overall, the annual crude incidence rate is 20.4/100 000. In 2012, there were 52 395 deaths from bladder cancer with an annual crude mortality rate of 7.1/100 000 [1]. Approximately 70% of patients with bladder cancer are >65 years of age. The most common presenting symptom is painless haematuria, seen in >80% of patients. Others may also present with irritative symptoms such as dysuria, frequency or urgency. Symptoms of metastases such as bone or flank pain are rare. Most diagnosed cases of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC; 80%–90%) present as primary invasive bladder cancer. However, up to 15% of patients have a history of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), mainly high-risk cases.

Quality of Life Assessment After Concurrent Chemoradiation for Invasive Bladder Cancer: Results of a Multicenter Prospective Study (GETUG 97-015)

To evaluate bladder preservation and functional quality after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for muscle-invasive cancer in 53 patients included in a Phase II trial. Pelvic irradiation delivered 45 Gy, followed by an 18-Gy boost. Concurrent chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil by continuous infusion was performed at Weeks 1, 4, and 7 during radiotherapy. Patients initially suitable for surgery were evaluated with macroscopically complete transurethral resection after 45 Gy, followed by radical cystectomy in case of incomplete response. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire QLQ-C30, specific items on bladder function, and the Late Effects in Normal Tissues-Subjective, Objective, Management, and Analytic (LENT-SOMA) symptoms scale were used to evaluate quality of life before treatment and 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment. Median age was 68 years for 51 evaluable patients. Thirty-two percent of patients had T2a tumors, 46% T2b, 16% T3, and 6% T4. A visibly complete transurethral resection was possible in 66%. Median follow-up was 8 years. Bladder was preserved in 67% (95% confidence interval, 52-79%) of patients. Overall survival was 36% (95% confidence interval, 23-49%) at 8 years for all patients, and 45% (28-61%) for the 36 patients suitable for surgery. Satisfactory bladder function, according to LENT-SOMA, was reported for 100% of patients with preserved bladder and locally controlled disease 6-36 months after the beginning of treatment. Satisfactory bladder function was reported for 35% of patients before treatment and for 43%, 57%, and 29%, respectively, at 6, 18, and 36 months. Concurrent chemoradiation therapy allowed bladder preservation with tumor control for 67% patients at 8 years. Quality of life and quality of bladder function were satisfactory for 67% of patients.

Editorial Comment

The authors of this study look at their experience in restaging transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in a referral setting, with the hypothesis that the presence of disease at restaging TURBT is an indicator of an incomplete initial resection. They find a high rate of residual disease (70%), with 30% of those patients having residual disease at the original site of resection and 70% having disease at another site. This leads them to conclude that “urologists may not be uniformly performing a complete TURBT. Efforts should be directed to improve the completeness of resection.” While they do acknowledge the limitations of a small, retrospective, single-institution study in reaching that conclusion, their point is well taken. As they cite in the article, a good resection should include muscle in the specimen, and a restaging procedure should provide no new information. “Complete Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor”: Are the Guidelines Being Followed?UrologyVol. 75Issue 2PreviewTo determine how often complete eradication of all visible tumors during transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is accomplished in a referral setting. The American Urological Association guidelines recommend complete eradication whenever possible. Full-Text PDF ReplyUrologyVol. 75Issue 2PreviewWe appreciate Dr. Berglund's comments. I think it is important to distinguish our series from the rest that have examined the incidence of residual tumor, and when present, the staging discrepancy between the original transurethral resection (TUR) and the routine second TUR (reTUR). In some of those analyses, the population consisted of patients who had TUR of a bladder tumor either by a different urologist or by the same urologist, with the primary goal of determining whether there is residual tumor in the bladder and the grade and stage of any such tumors. Full-Text PDF