History Of Bladder Tumor Research Articles

Risk factors and prognosis of intravesical recurrence after surgical management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A 30-year single centre experience

ObjectiveTo review the incidence, predictors and prognosis of bladder cancer recurrence after management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who were surgically treated for UTUC from 1983 to 2013. The tumours were categorised according to the 1997 Tumour-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging and the three-tiered World Health Organization grading systems. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of any intravesical recurrence after treatment. We studied the possible risk factors that may contribute to development of intravesical recurrence, as well as the prognosis of the patients who had recurrence. ResultsIn all, 297 patients were eligible for analysis. Recurrent bladder tumours occurred in 139 patients (46.8%). The mean (range) time to recurrence after surgery was 33 (6–300) months. Neither sex, past history of bladder tumours, concomitant bladder tumour, the side of the tumour, UTUC stage, grade, presence of carcinoma in situ or multicentricity at the time of diagnosis of UTUC, were significant predictors of intravesical tumour recurrence. Ureteric tumour was the only identified risk factor (P=0.02). Post-treatment bladder recurrence was a significant predictor of later urethral recurrence (P=0.002). ConclusionsIn our present series, bladder cancer recurrence of urothelial malignancy occurred in nearly half of the patients after surgical management of UTUC. Ureteric tumour was the only identifiable risk factor, thus patients with ureteric tumours may benefit from prophylactic intravesical chemoimmunotherapy. Bladder recurrence does not appear to affect the cancer-specific survival after surgical management of UTUC.

MP78-01 IMPACT OF URETEROSCOPY BEFORE RADICAL NEPHROURETERECTOMY FOR UPPER TRACT UROTHELIAL CARCINOMAS ON ONCOLOGIC OUTCOMES: A META-ANALYSIS

Objectives To investigate whether ureteroscopy (URS) before radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) has an impact on oncological outcomes. Patients and Methods We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for citations published prior to September 2017 that described URS performed on patients with UTUC and conducted a standard meta-analysis on survival outcomes. Results Our meta-analysis included eight eligible studies containing 3975 patients. The results were as follows: cancer-specific survival (CSS; hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-0.99; P = 0.04), overall survival (OS; HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.48-1.21; P = 0.24), recurrence-free survival (RFS; HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.69-1.14; P = 0.37), metastasis-free survival (MFS; HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.82-1.36; P = 0.66), and intravesical recurrence-free survival (IRFS; HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.29-1.77; P l 0.001). When excluding previous bladder tumour history, the result for IRFS was a HR of 1.81 (95% CI 1.53-2.13; P l 0.001). Conclusions This meta-analysis indicated that URS before RNU did not have a negative impact on CSS, OS, RFS, or MFS in patients with UTUC. However, patients were at higher risk of intravesical recurrence after RNU when they had undergone URS before RNU. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of post-URS intravesical chemotherapy on intravesical recurrence.

Factores pronósticos de recidiva vesical en los pacientes con tumor de urotelio superior tratados con cirugía

ObjectiveTo identify the prognostic factors for vesical relapse in patients with tumours of the upper urothelium treated with surgery. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with tumours of the upper urothelium who underwent surgery between 1999 and 2011 at our centre (139 patients). We collected demographic, clinical, diagnostic and pathological variables, as well as the treatment, complications and progression.A descriptive analysis was performed using the chi-squared test for categorical variables and the ANOVA test for continuous variables. We also performed a univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model. Statistical significance was considered when P<.05. All calculations were performed with SPSS Statistics version 21. ResultsDuring the follow-up, 26.6% of the patients (37 cases) showed vesical relapse. Some 19.6% of the patients with no history of bladder tumours showed a bladder tumour relapse compared with 48.6% of the patients with a history of bladder tumours (P<.001). In the multivariate analysis, only the presence of bladder tumours prior to or concomitant with the upper urinary tract tumour diagnosis was identified as an independent predictor of bladder tumour relapse (P=.007). ConclusionIn our series, only the presence of a prior or synchronous bladder tumour behaved as an independent predictor of bladder tumour relapse in patients with tumours of the upper urothelium treated with surgery.

The value of extended good quality transurethral resection of bladder tumour in the treatment of the newly diagnosed bladder cancer

ObjectiveTo report our experience for the initial management of patients with newly diagnosed bladder tumours using our team approach for each case and using an aggressive extended transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) in order to investigate the real need for a routine ‘second-look’ cystoscopy in the current era. Patients and methodsThe study included 50 consecutive patients admitted to the urology department, of our tertiary care centre, for management of newly diagnosed bladder cancer. Exclusion criteria included past history of bladder tumour, palpable mass on bimanual examination under anaesthesia, presence of residual tumour at the end of resection, and patients with tumours of the bladder dome as thorough resection is difficult to achieve in this area without an attendant risk. Patients that had pathologically confirmed carcinoma in situ were also excluded. White-light cystoscopy was used in all of the cases. Extended TURBT was defined as resection of the whole tumour, resection of the tumour base and 1cm of apparently normal bladder wall around the circumference of the tumour. ResultsThe median (range) age of the patients was 52 (39–60)years. After initial TURBT, 10 patients (20%) were identified as having muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Of the remaining 40 patients, three had low-grade Ta disease, and so second biopsies were not taken. The remaining 37 patients had T1, grade 2–3 disease and none of them had evident residual disease at the site of tumour resection. ConclusionRe-staging TURBT could be safely omitted for select groups of patients. An experienced surgeon and teamwork, together with an extended TURBT can accurately achieve complete tumour resection, with accurate tumour staging, on initial resection.

Urinary pH Levels are Strongly Associated with Bladder Recurrence After Nephroureterectomy in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Patients with a Smoking History.

Aromatic amines, well-known bladder carcinogens, derived from cigarette smoke are activated by acidic urine. We herein determined whether urinary pH levels are associated with bladder recurrence in upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients with a positive smoking history. A total of 256 upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients who were surgically treated at our institution between 1990 and 2013 were included. Urinary pH levels were defined as the median of at least two consecutive measurements within 1month of surgery. Ninety-six patients (37.5%) had pH<5.5 and 160 (62.5%) had pH≥5.5, and urinary pH levels were identified as one of the significant predictors for bladder recurrence in univariate but not multivariate Cox regression analysis in overall. In patients with a positive smoking history among those without a history of bladder tumor (N=110), the 5-year bladder recurrence-free survival rate was 52.5% in patients with pH≥5.5, which was significantly higher than that in those with pH<5.5 (25.9%, p=0.032). In the multivariate analysis, urinary pH<5.5 (p=0.022, HR; 1.86) was independently associated with bladder recurrence. No significant difference for bladder recurrence was observed between these two groups in patients with no smoking history among them. Urinary pH<5.5 is associated with an increased risk of bladder recurrence in upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients with a positive smoking history among those without a history of bladder tumor. Modifications to pH for urine alkalization may prevent bladder recurrence.

Prognostic Impact of Preoperative Anemia on Urothelial and Extraurothelial Recurrence in Patients With Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

BackgroundTo investigate the prognostic impact of preoperative anemia on urothelial and extraurothelial recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy. MethodsA single-center series of 238 consecutive patients who were treated with radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma was evaluated. We categorized patients on the basis of hemoglobin level into 2 groups, including normal or anemia. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the association of preoperative anemia with outcome, controlling for clinicopathologic variables. ResultsNinety-seven patients (40.8%) had anemia (median hemoglobin level, 143 vs. 107 g/L). Preoperative anemia was associated with history of bladder cancer (P = .01), tumor multifocality (P = .03), lymphovascular invasion (P = .05), and adjuvant chemotherapy (P = .01). Higher tumor stage and grade, and lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with preoperative anemia. Preoperative anemia was independently associated with extraurothelial recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.34; P = .01) in multivariate Cox regression analyses. Only a history of bladder tumor (hazard ratio, 2.07; P = .009) and tumor multifocality (hazard ratio, 3.97; 95% confidence interval, 2.37-6.67; P < .001) were independently associated with urothelial recurrence. The 5-year cancer-specific survival for patients with normal hemoglobin level was 82.1% and for patients with preoperative anemia was 54.2%. ConclusionPatients with preoperative anemia had a greater probability of having upper tract urothelial carcinoma with higher tumor stages, higher tumor grades, and lymph node metastasis (pN+). Preoperative anemia was statistically significantly associated with worse cancer-specific survival and extraurothelial recurrence in patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy.

P123 Bladder tumour history, does it predict worse survival in upper tract transitional cell carcinoma?

P123 Bladder tumour history, does it predict worse survival in upper tract transitional cell carcinoma?

A New Method for Detecting Urinary Bladder Cancer by Using FDG PET/CT

To evaluate the accuracy of a new fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) method when applying an increased upper limit of the image threshold (IULIT) to detect bladder cancer. All patients with an unknown history of bladder tumors were retrospectively included for analysis. Applying an IULIT in PET showed a hypermetabolic focus. (18)F-FDG accumulation in the bladder that was higher or lower than the urinary level of (18)F-FDG was considered an abnormal focus. In 12 of the 28,767 patients with bladder cancer, applying an IULIT in PET allowed the visualization of the contrast between lesion and urinary activity. The proposed method could increase the accuracy of detection of bladder cancer.

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

Abstract Objective To define the natural history of T1G3 bladder tumor not receiving intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic value of a second transurethral resection (Re-TUR) in these patients. Patients and methods Retrospective study on the natural history of 210 patients treated at two institutions for T1G3 bladder carcinoma without associated CIS. In no case was BCG administered; 79 (37.6%) received TUR alone, and 131 (62.4%) Re-TUR 4–6 weeks later; 23 (12.4%) underwent cystectomy for tumor progression. Results Median follow-up was 55 (78 IQR) months, male/female ratio 8/1, and mean age 70.6 ± 11.8 (range 37–93). 19.5% were free of recurrence at 10 years, and 61.9% free of progression. Independent prognostic factors for progression were solid pattern (HR: 2.71; p = .0004), multiplicity (HR: 2.26; p = 0.003), and recurrence at 3 months (HR: 3.4; p = 0.003). Cancer-specific survival was 81.5% at 5 and 69% at 10 years. Independent predictors of survival were: progression during the first year (HR: 17.9; p p = 0.02), multiplicity (HR: 2.05; p = 0.03), and age > 65 years (HR: 2.9; p = 0.03). Re-TUR avoided under-staging (7.4%), detected T1G3 residual disease (10.7%), reduced recurrence rate at 3 months (11.4–4.6%; p = 0.06), and rate of progression on the 1st year (13.9–3.8%; p = .0075). However, in these patients the risk remains and no differences were detected in the long term in terms of recurrence (log-rank, p = 0.14), progression ( p = 0.91), or cancer death ( p = 0.21) in patients treated with Re-TUR. Conclusion The recurrence in the first 3 months of a T1G3 tumor not receiving BCG is the main risk factor for progression, and progression of this type of tumors within the first year is the main factor of cancer death. The Re-TUR improves both variables but it does not change the long-term prognosis.

Segunda resección transuretral y pronóstico del cáncer de vejiga no músculo-invasivo de alto grado en pacientes que no reciben bacilo de Calmette-Guérin

ObjectiveTo define the natural history of T1G3 bladder tumor not receiving intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and assess the diagnostic and therapeutic value of a second transurethral resection (Re-TUR) in these patients. Patients and methodsRetrospective study on the natural history of 210 patients treated at two institutions for T1G3 bladder carcinoma without associated CIS. In no case was BCG administered; 79 (37.6%) received TUR alone, and 131 (62.4%) Re-TUR 4 to 6 weeks later; 23 (12.4%) underwent cystectomy for tumor progression. ResultsMedian follow-up was 55 (78 IQR) months, male/female ratio 8/1, and mean age 70.6+11.8 (range 37-93). 19.5% were free of recurrence at 10 years, and 61.9% free of progression. Independent prognostic factors for progression were solid pattern (HR: 2.71; P=.0004), multiplicity (HR: 2.26; P=.003), and recurrence at 3 months (HR: 3.4; P=.003). Cancer-specific survival was 81.5% at 5 and 69% at 10 years. Independent predictors of survival were: progression during the first year (HR: 17.9; P<.0001), solid pattern (HR: 2.13; P=.02), multiplicity (HR: 2.05; P=.03), and age>65 years (HR: 2.9; P=.03). Re-TUR avoided under-staging (7.4%), detected T1G3 residual disease (10.7%), reduced recurrence rate at 3 months (11.4 to 4.6%; P=.06), and rate of progression on the 1st year (13.9 to 3.8%; P=.0075). However, in these patients the risk remains and no differences were detected in the long term in terms of recurrence (log-rank, P=.14), progression (P=.91), or cancer death (P=.21) in patients treated with Re-TUR. ConclusionThe recurrence in the first 3 months of a T1G3 tumor not receiving BCG is the main risk factor for progression, and progression of this type of tumors within the first year is the main factor of cancer death. The Re-TUR improves both variables but it does not change the long-term prognosis.

Comparison of post-operative intravesical recurrence and oncological outcomes after open versus laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

To retrospectively evaluate intravesical recurrence and oncological outcomes after open or laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for the upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC). This study comprised 122 patients diagnosed UUT-UC and subsequently nephroureterectomy was performed on. Several clinical and pathological parameters were emphasized for comparison of clinical outcomes. Among 122 patients with UUT-UC, 101 (82.8 %) and 21 (17.2 %) underwent open or laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (ONU or LNU), respectively. In univariable and multivariable Cox regression models, the surgical procedure exerted an impact neither on post-operative intravesical recurrence rate (p = 0.179 and 0.213, respectively) nor on cancer-specific mortality rate (p = 0.561 and 0.159, respectively). The 1-, 2- and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates of patients undergoing ONU or LNU were 92.1 versus 95.2 %, 87.1 versus 90.5 %, 79.2 versus 85.7 %, respectively, and the Kaplan–Meier plot illustrated that patients from two groups enjoyed an equivalent survival rate (p = 0.559). Moreover, we added that previous history of bladder tumor and pre-operative hydronephrosis was associated with intravesical recurrence, whereas three prognostic factors, including pathological tumor stage, grade, and lymphovascular invasion, showed possibility to be predictors of cancer-specific mortality. There existed no significant difference of intravesical recurrence and CSS between patients after ONU and LNU. Conclusively, laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy did not present superiority to open management for patients with UUT-UC.

Long-term follow-up of patients with tumours of the renal pelvis and ureter: How often is a bladder tumour diagnosed after five tumour-free years?

Objective. It is not known when cystoscopy follow-up should be terminated after surgery for tumours of the renal pelvis and ureter [upper urinary tract tumours (UUTTs)]. The aim of this study was to investigate the length of the interval from surgery to diagnosis of the first bladder tumour. Material and methods. A review was performed of all 930 patients who were diagnosed with a UUTT from 1971 to 1998 in western Sweden. The time to the first bladder tumour was estimated using Kaplan--Meier analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses of potential risk factors for bladder recurrence were performed. Results. In total, 614 patients were treated surgically for a renal pelvic or ureteral tumour and underwent cystoscopy at least 3 months afterwards. Of these 614 patients,192 (31.3%) patients developed a bladder tumour after the upper tract surgery. The majority, 157 out of 192 patients (81.8%), were diagnosed during the first 2 years, an additional 24 patients (12.5%) during years 3--5 and 11 patients (5.7%) between years 5 and 20. A history of bladder tumours, large tumour diameter, carcinoma in situ and UUTT diagnosed during the last part of the study period were significant risk factors for bladder recurrence after upper tract surgery. Conclusion. Cystoscopy should be performed at short intervals during the first 2 years after surgery for a UUTT, in particular among patients with a history of bladder tumours. Late bladder recurrences are unusual; therefore, as a rule, follow-up cystoscopy should be terminated after 5 tumour-free years.

Air Cystoscopy is Superior to Water Cystoscopy for the Diagnosis of Active Hematuria

We evaluated the clinical use of air cystoscopy, including its possible advantages and disadvantages over water cystoscopy. Two independent observers prospectively studied consecutive patients who underwent water cystoscopy first and then air cystoscopy at our center from May to September 2012. The indication for rigid cystoscopy in the operating room was noted independently by either observer. Findings after rigid cystoscopy were correlated with the results of flexible water and air cystoscopy using the Pearson correlation and Student t-test. Included in the study were 57 patients with active hematuria, of whom 36 had bladder cancer, and 257 with a history of bladder tumor. The cause of bleeding was clearly identified on water cystoscopy in 22 patients (38%), including tumors in 17 and prostate bleeding in 5, and by air cystoscopy in 49 (86%), including tumors in 32 and prostate bleeding in 17. For diagnosing bladder tumors air cystoscopy had higher sensitivity than water cystoscopy (88% vs 47%, p=0.003) and similar specificity (97% vs 100%, p=0.93). In the 295 patients without hematuria there was no difference in the indication compared to that identified on rigid cystoscopy (43 vs 43, p=1.0). Water cystoscopy revealed more small papillary tumors than air cystoscopy but the number was not significantly different (76 vs 67, p=0.26). All such implants identified on water cystoscopy alone were less than 2 mm. No complication specifically related to air cystoscopy was noted. We found no statistical difference between water and air cystoscopy in patients without hematuria. Air cystoscopy had higher sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing active hematuria while adding almost no specific complications to the procedure.

Long-term results of retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in China

Objective: We compared long-term clinical outcomes of upperurinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) patients treated byretroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (RNU) or open radicalnephroureterectomy (ONU).Methods: Upper urinary tract TCC patients were treated with RNU(n = 86) or ONU (n = 72) and followed-up for more than threeyears. Demographic and clinical data, including preoperativeindexes, intraoperative indexes and long-term clinical outcomes,were retrospectively compared to determine long-term efficacy ofthe two procedures.Results: The RNU and ONU groups were statistically similar inage, gender, previous bladder cancer history, tumour location,pathologic tumour stage, pathologic node metastasis or tumourpathologic grade. The original surgery time required for both RNUand ONU was statistically similar, but RNU was associated witha significantly smaller volume of intraoperative estimated bloodloss and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay. Follow-up(average: 42.4 months, range: 3-57) revealed that the RNU 3-yearrecurrence-free survival rate was 62.8% and the 3-year cancerspecific survival rate was 80.7%. In the ONU group, the 3-yearrecurrence-free survival and the three-year cancer-specific survivalrates were 59.2% and 80.3%, respectively. Neither of the survivalrates were statistically different between the two groups. T stage,grade, lymph node metastasis and bladder tumour history wererisk factors for tumour recurrence; the operation mode and thebladder cuff incision mode had no correlation with the recurrencefreesurvival.Conclusion: The open surgery strategy and the retroperitoneoscopicnephroureterectomy strategy are equally effective for treating upperurinary tract TCC. However, the RNU procedure is less invasive,and requires a shorter duration of postoperative hospitalized care;thus, RNU is recommended as the preferred strategy.

Diagnostic et prise en charge des événements indésirables sévères survenant au décours des instillations endovésicales de BCG pour le traitement des tumeurs de vessie n’infiltrant pas le muscle (TVNIM)

BCG therapy, which is the standard treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder tumours with high risk of recurrence and progression, has potential life-threatening adverse effects (AEs). Rapid deterioration of general condition in a patient with history of bladder tumour should question about an ongoing treatment with BCG and specify the date of the last instillation. Trauma during catheterization and untreated concomitant urinary infection upon instillations are risk factors of severe AEs. In emergency, the diagnosis of severe AEs of BCG therapy is only based on the medical questioning with the notion of current BCG treatment and risk-bearing event upon instillation. Management of AEs is related to their pathophysiological mechanisms and relies on a combination of antibiotics against BCG, the symptomatic treatment, and corticosteroid therapy which has shown to improve patient outcomes.

Repeated endoscopic treatments of multiple recurrent ureteral tumors following 15–year–long history of bladder tumors in the patient from endemic nephropathy region

Ureteral urothelial tumors (UUT) are uncommon; their incidence is higher in areas affected by Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), with low–grade lesions prevalent. In these patients, the efficacy of conservative surgery is comparable to that of nephroureterectomy. Endoscopic treatment is indicated for single, small and low grade UUT, in older patients with significant comorbidity.The case of an 84–year–old lady from an area affected by BEN is presented. Over 20 years, the patient underwent five endoscopic interventions for multiple UUT, and numerous endoscopic interventions for recurrent bladder tumors.Among a highly select group of patients, endoscopic treatment of multiple small superficial low–grade ureteral tumors may prove successful.

Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Is There a Best?

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the prognostic and risk factors for bladder and systemic recurrence after nephroureterectomy (NU) in patients with upper urinary tract (UUT) transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Patients and MethodsData from 101 patients with nonmetastatic UUT TCC who underwent NU between 1987 and 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Kaplan-Meier curves for sex, age, anemia, smoking, stone disease, or history of bladder tumor, primary tumor localization, multiplicity, and disease stage and grade were constructed to predict 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for recurrence. ResultsBladder, distant, and local recurrence rates at a mean of 56.19 ± 5.30 months after NU were 38.5%, 19.8%, and 7.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that among the patients with bladder recurrence, female patients had significantly lower 5-year RFS than did male patients (34.7% ± 0.13% vs. 62.4% ± 0.06%, P = .038); however multivariate analysis showed that both female sex and a history of smoking were independent risk factors for bladder recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 4.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-11.4; P = 0.005 and OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.1-7.4; P = .032, respectively). Univariate analysis showed that among the patients with local and distant recurrence, anemia, a positive history of bladder tumor, localization of the primary tumor, multiplicity, disease stage, and tumor grade significantly affected RFS, whereas primary tumor stage and grade were the only independent risk factors for 5-year RFS (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.45-13.79; P = .009 and OR, 5.82; 95% CI, 2.08-16.26; P = .001, respectively). ConclusionFemale sex and a history of smoking were independent risk factors for bladder recurrence after NU. Such patients should be monitored closely using cystoscopy and urine cytologic examination. Invasive and higher grade UUT TCC was associated with worse local or systemic RFS.

Intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinomas: predictors and impact on subsequent oncological outcomes from a national multicenter study

To identify predictive factors and assess the impact on oncological outcomes of intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Using a national multicentric retrospective dataset, we identified all patients with UTUC who underwent a RNU between 1995 and 2010 (n=482). Intravesical recurrence was tested as a prognostic factor for survival through univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Overall, intravesical recurrence occurred in 169 patients (35%) with a median age of 69.2years (IQR: 60-76) and after a median follow-up of 39.5months (IQR: 25-60). Actuarial intravesical recurrence-free survival estimates at 2 and 5years after RNU were 72 and 45%, respectively. On univariable analyses, previous history of bladder tumor, tumor multifocality, laparoscopic approach, pathological T-stage, presence of concomitant CIS and lymphovascular invasion were all associated with intravesical recurrence. On multivariable analysis, previous history of bladder cancer, tumor multifocality and laparoscopic approach remained independent predictors of intravesical recurrence. Existence of intravesical recurrence was not correlated with worst oncological outcomes in terms of disease recurrence (p=0.075) and cancer-specific mortality (p=0.06). In the current study, intravesical recurrence occurred in 35% of patients with UTUC after RNU. Previous history of bladder cancer, tumor multifocality, concomitant CIS and laparoscopic approach were independent predictors of intravesical recurrence. These findings are in line with recent published data and should be considered carefully to provide a definitive surveillance protocol regarding management of urothelial carcinomas regardless of the location of urothelial carcinomas in the whole urinary tract.

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer developing after nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

ObjectivesTo evaluate the risk factors and prognosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) developing after nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UUT-UC). Materials and methodsWe reviewed the medical records of 422 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy for UUT-UC between 1990 and 2010, and identified 173 (40.9%) with intravesical recurrence and 28 (6.6%) with MIBC. We evaluated the clinicopathologic features, risk factors, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards regression models. ResultsThe median intervals from nephroureterectomy to intravesical recurrence and the development of MIBC were 8 and 17 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the pathologic stage (≥pT3 vs. Ta/T1, HR 5.03, P = 0.001) and ureteral tumor location (HR 2.79, P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for the development of MIBC, whereas a history of previous or concomitant bladder tumor was the only significant risk factor for intravesical recurrence. The probability of developing MIBC 5 years after nephroureterectomy was 12.6% in patients with 1 risk factor and 20.6% in patients with both risk factors. Patients with MIBC had significantly worse CSS than those without MIBC (P = 0.004), whereas CSS rates were similar in patients with and without intravesical recurrence (P = 0.593). However, stratification analysis for matching pathology revealed that CSS rates were not significantly different in patients with pT2 or higher stage of UUT-UC. ConclusionsApproximately 5% of the patients developed MIBC after nephroureterectomy with a median interval of 17 months. Patients with advanced pathologic stage (≥pT3) and a ureteral tumor location are at increased risk of developing MIBC after nephroureterectomy.

Long-term results of retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in China

We compared long-term clinical outcomes of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) patients treated by retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (RNU) or open radical nephroureterectomy (ONU). Upper urinary tract TCC patients were treated with RNU (n = 86) or ONU (n = 72) and followed-up for more than three years. Demographic and clinical data, including preoperative indexes, intraoperative indexes and long-term clinical outcomes, were retrospectively compared to determine long-term efficacy of the two procedures. The RNU and ONU groups were statistically similar in age, gender, previous bladder cancer history, tumour location, pathologic tumour stage, pathologic node metastasis or tumour pathologic grade. The original surgery time required for both RNU and ONU was statistically similar, but RNU was associated with a significantly smaller volume of intraoperative estimated blood loss and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay. Follow-up (average: 42.4 months, range: 3-57) revealed that the RNU 3-year recurrence-free survival rate was 62.8% and the 3-year cancer specific survival rate was 80.7%. In the ONU group, the 3-year recurrence-free survival and the three-year cancer-specific survival rates were 59.2% and 80.3%, respectively. Neither of the survival rates were statistically different between the two groups. T stage, grade, lymph node metastasis and bladder tumour history were risk factors for tumour recurrence; the operation mode and the bladder cuff incision mode had no correlation with the recurrence-free survival. The open surgery strategy and the retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy strategy are equally effective for treating upper urinary tract TCC. However, the RNU procedure is less invasive, and requires a shorter duration of postoperative hospitalized care; thus, RNU is recommended as the preferred strategy.