Stage Transitional Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

Comparison of Bipolar and Monopolar Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumours: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: The standard treatment of Urinary Bladder Cancer (UBC) is Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumours (TURBT) commonly using a monopolar resection system. Bipolar-TURBT (B-TURBT) is associated with better haemostasis than MonopolarTURBT (M-TURBT). Despite this, there exists controversy whether B-TURBT can completely replace M-TURBT. Aim: To assess the perioperative outcomes of B-TURBT and compare it with the conventional monopolar system (M-TURBT). Materials and Methods: The present randomised clinical study was conducted at the Department of Urology of SCB Medical College, Cuttack between January 2018 and January 2020. Fifty patients of either sex, aged >18 years with urinary bladder tumour size of ≤4 cm were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into B-TURBT and M-TURBT treatment groups. Demographic data (age and sex), morphology, location, shape, grade, stages of transitional cell carcinoma, degree of artifact were analysed and compared. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The qualitative and quantitative variables between the groups were compared using independent sample t-test and chi-square test, respectively. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 50 patients with UBC were evaluated in this study where the majority of patients were male 45 (90.0%) with mean age 60.9 years. The most common morphologies were papillary tumour (28.0%), broad solid mass (22.0%), and papillary solitary (22.0%). Total 25 patients underwent M-TURBT and 25 patients underwent B-TURBT. Older patients (>55 years) had a higher rate of severe artifact compared to younger patients (<55 years). The B-TURBT had a significantly lower rate of artifact compared to M-TURBT (p-value <0.001). The need for secondary procedure was comparatively higher in M-TURBT than in bipolar resection (p-value=0.253). The obturator jerk and bladder perforation were not observed in this study. Conclusion: The B-TURBT had a lower incidence of severe artifact and restaged TURBT as compared to M-TURBT. Thus, B-TURBT is a safer and more effective treatment for patients with UBC.

Transitional cell carcinoma involving graft kidney in a kidney transplant recipient: a case report

BackgroundKidney transplantation (KT) is the treatment option for patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) to prolong survival and improve quality of life. Although the use of potent immunosuppressive agents increases graft survival in kidney transplantation recipients (KTRs), it may lead to the development of malignancy, including transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). TCC developing in the pelvis of graft kidney is very rare in KTRs.Case PresentationA 40-year-old male visited hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting and gross hematuria. Eleven years ago, he was diagnosed ESRD of unknown origin, and received a living related KT from his father 1 year later. Radiologic findings showed a huge polypoid mass in the pelvis of graft kidney with pelvo-calyceal dilation and a 3.3 cm-sized nodule in aortocaval chain and a 2.5 cm-sized nodule in right iliac chain as TCC stage IV. Sonography-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of pelvis mass in the graft kidney revealed a low grade urothelial cell carcinoma. Radical graft nephroureterectomy was performed and histopathological diagnosis confirmed as a low grade urothelial carcinoma of graft pelvis and ureter lumen, which invaded to perirenal fat and renal parenchyma with lymphovascular presence (T3Nx). The patient started with adjuvant concurrent chemo-radiation therapy and returned to regular hemodialysis.ConclusionsWe report a rare case of TCC in the pelvis of graft kidney with already advanced disease at diagnosis in a young KTR. For the early diagnosis of TCC in KTRs, exposure history to Chinese herb or analgesics should be investigated before KT and high risk population in KTRs should be tightly performed regular postoperative surveillance for TCC and considered of less calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppressant protocol.

Stage IIIC transitional cell carcinoma and serous carcinoma of the ovary have similar outcomes when treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Objective:Previous studies reported better outcomes for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the ovary when compared with more common histologic types such as serous epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs). The aim of this study was to compare the survival outcomes of platinum- based chemotherapy in patients with stage IIIC TCCs and serous EOCs.Material and Methods:Clinicopathologic features and survival data of patients with FIGO stage IIIC TCC and serous EOC who had undergone primary surgery followed by six cycles of intravenous platinum/taxane between 2007 and 2015 were retrieved from the database of Hacettepe University Hospital.Results:We identified 14 (10.9%) TCCs and 114 (89.1%) serous EOCs. The median follow-up duration was 28 months (range, 3-101 months). Univariate analysis revealed that the TCCs and serous EOCs had similar progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with residual disease less than 1 cm had longer OS than patients with residual disease greater than 1 cm (75.0 vs. 45.0 months, p=0.012). Cox regression analysis of all potential prognostic factors showed that the only independent prognostic factor significantly associated with OS was residual disease less than 1 cm [hazard ratio=0.38; 95% confidence interval: (0.19-0.77); p=0.007].Conclusion:Surgically treated advanced stage TCCs did not have a significantly better prognosis after platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy when compared with serous EOCs. Residual tumor volume after primary surgery was the only independent predictor of OS in patients with EOC. Our results demonstrate the significance of achieving optimal cytoreduction in all histologic subtypes of EOC.

Targeting XBP1-mediated β-catenin expression associated with bladder cancer with newly synthetic Oridonin analogues.

Conventional chemotherapy is commonly used for advanced stages of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with modest success and high morbidity; however, TCC eventually develops resistance. Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is recognized as a lethal disease due to its poor response to traditional chemotherapy. Numerous studies have implicated β-catenin, a critical effector in Wnt–mediated pathway associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell, is involved in TCC progression, and furthermore closely associated with chemo-resistance. In this study, we discovered a novel natural product analogue CYD 6-17 that has a potent inhibitory effect on TCC cells exhibiting drug resistance to various chemotherapeutics, with an IC50 at nM range. Delivery of CYD 6-17 significantly inhibited the tumor growth using xenograft model but without detectable side effects. Mechanistically, it targeted β-catenin gene transcription by decreasing the binding of XBP1 to the promoter region, which appeared to be a new regulatory mechanism for β-catenin gene expression. Clinically, XBP1 expression correlated with the poor overall survival of patients. Overall, this study unveils unique mechanism of β-catenin gene regulation in advanced TCC and also offers a potential rational therapeutic regimen to MIBC.

Up and down staging of TCC using 18F-FDG PET/CT scan

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of PET/CT to restage urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) whether up or down after initial staging by histopathology and other imaging modalities. Patients and methodsDuring three year duration 27 patients with urinary bladder TCC were prospectively evaluated. They were previously diagnosed by histopathology after biopsy and had prior imaging for initial staging. All patients underwent PET/CT examinations following a preset protocol. The images obtained were reconstructed using dedicated software and workstations. Results of PET/CT examinations were confirmed by histopathology. ResultsPrior imaging and PET/CT findings were matched in 17 patients (63%) with no changes regarding their initial TNM stages and differed in 10 patients (37%). Six patients (22.2%) showed new sites of distant metastasis and unchanged initial stages. Two patients (7.4%) were up staged and 2 patients (7.4%) were down staged for whom the plan of clinical management was justified. Conclusion18F-FDG PET/CT can up and down stage TCC and can detect new sites of nodal or distant metastasis leading to optimal therapy planning.

Is there necessary to perform ureterectomy in renal cell carcinoma treatment

Is there necessary to perform ureterectomy in renal cell carcinoma treatment

Radical cystectomy in eldery.

Radical cystectomy is the method of choice for the treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer. This major surgery is associated with many complications, especially in older patients. The aim of this study was to analyze preoperative comorbidity, and intraoperative and postoperative complicatons in patients older than 75 years. This clinical, retrospective study included 46 patients over 75 years, who underwent radical cystectomy. Indications for surgery, and complications during and after the surgery were followed up. Preoperatively, anemia caused by hematuria was registered in 76% of the patients. In 52% of the patients urine derivation was performed by ileal conduit, in 35% by ureterocutaneostomy and in 13% orthotopic ileal neobladder was created. The average duration of surgery was 190 (120-300) min. A total of 76% of the patients were treated by blood supstitution intraoperatively, average 630 (310-1230) mL. Concerning pathological stage of transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder, 26% of the patients had T2, 4% T3a, 52% T3b, and 14% T4a stage. In one case, planocellular carcinoma was diagnosed by patohistological examination, and in 2 cases prostate carcinoma was incidentally found. The average duration of hospitalization was 16 (8-35) days. The main reason for cystectomy in patients over 70-and 80 years was gross hematuria caused by bladder cancer, with consecutive anemia which could not be solved using endoscopic treat- ment or blood supstitution. As expected, a prolonged stay in hospital after cystectomy, and a higher rate of complications were recorded in this population.

Comparison of Urinary and Serum CA 19-9 as Markers of Early Stage Urothelial Carcinoma

Although the glycoprotein group tumor marker CA 19-9 has been detected in both serum and urine of bladder cancer patients, information about their comparative role in screening of low grade transitional cell carcinoma (LGTCC) and high grade transitional cell carcinoma (HGTCC) is rare. In this study we measured both the urinary and serum levels of CA 19-9 in 35 LGTCC and 20 HGTCC patients by ELISA and determined the cut off value of both urinary and serum CA 19-9 levels by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) for both patient groups. Odds ratio (OR) for CA 19-9 was analyzed with its range at 95% confidence interval to analyze the role of this tumor marker as a screening parameter for both of these cancer types. For urinary CA 19-9 the OR was 20.16 with an interval of 4.91-82.71 whereas for the serum CA 19-9 it was 7.5 with an interval of 2.28-24.62. From these data we suggest that urinary CA 19-9 is a better screening parameter with optimum sensitivity and specificity than its serum counterpart for diagnosis of low grade and early stages of transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder. Furthermore, it can be suggested that urinary CA 19-9 can be used as better prognostic marker for LGTCC than its serum counterpart.

Aorto-enteric fistula development secondary to mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm following intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) treatment for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

INTRODUCTIONIntravesical BCG-instillation for bladder cancer is considered safe but is not without risk. While most side-effects are localised and self-limiting, the development of secondary vascular pathology is a rare but significant complication. PRESENTATION OF CASEA 77-year-old male presented with a mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm and associated aorto-enteric fistula 18 months after receiving intravesical BCG-instillations for early stage transitional cell carcinoma. DISCUSSIONResponse rates to intravesical BCG for early stage transitional cell carcinoma are high. The procedure produces a localised inflammatory response in the bladder but the exact mechanism of action is unclear. The treatment is generally well tolerated but BCG-sepsis and secondary vascular complications have been documented.Mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm with associated aorto-enteric fistula secondary to BCG is very rare. Few examples have been documented internationally and the extent of corresponding research and associated management proposals is limited.Surgical options include in situ repair with prosthetic graft, debridement with extra-anatomical bypass and, occasionally, endovascular stent grafting. Recommended medical therapy for systemic BCG infection is Isoniazid, Rifampicin and Ethambutol. CONCLUSIONCurrent screening methods must be updated with clarification regarding duration of anti-tuberculous therapy and impact of concomitant anti-tuberculous medication on the therapeutic action of intravesical BCG. Long-term outcomes for patients post graft repair for mycotic aneurysm are unknown and more research is required regarding the susceptibility of vascular grafts to mycobacterial infection.Recognition of the risks associated with BCG-instillations, even in immunocompetent subjects, is paramount and must be considered even several months or years after receiving the therapy.

Antioncogenic Effects of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 in the Progression of Transitional Urothelial Cancer of Human Bladder

The progression of normal cells to a tumorigenic and metastatic state involves the accumulation of mutations in multiple key signaling proteins, encoded by oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Recently, members of the TRP channel family have been included in the oncogenic and tumor suppressor protein family. TRPM1, TRPM8, and TRPV6 are considered to be tumor suppressors and oncogenes in localized melanoma and prostate cancer, respectively. Herein, we focus our attention on the antioncogenic properties of TRPV1. Changes in TRPV1 expression occur during the development of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of human bladder. A progressive decrease in TRPV1 expression as the TCC stage increases triggers the development of a more aggressive gene phenotype and invasiveness. Finally, downregulation of TRPV1 represents a negative prognostic factor in TCC patients. The knowledge of the mechanism controlling TRPV1 expression might improve the diagnosis and new therapeutic strategies in bladder cancer.

Urinary Survivin mRNA Expression and Urinary Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 BladderChek® and Urine Cytology in the Detection of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of urine cytology (UC), survivin mRNA expression, and the NMP22 BladderChek® (NMP22BC) test for the detection, grading and staging of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. Materials and Methods: Voided urine samples collected from 25 healthy controls and 80 patients diagnosed with TCC of the bladder were subjected to UC, the NMP22BC test and reverse-transcription real-time PCR for survivin mRNA expression. Results: Survivin mRNA expression showed the highest sensitivity (87.5%) followed by the NMP22BC test (61.3%) while UC exhibited the lowest sensitivity (40%). All three urine markers had a similar specificity of 96% (95% CI 80.5–99.3%). Survivin mRNA expression was the only urine marker that showed a significant difference in relation to tumour histological grade (χ² 8.5, p = 0.015). None of the three urine markers was significantly related to tumour pathological stages. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of urinary survivin mRNA expression was superior to that of UC and the NMP22BC test and correlates with tumour pathological grade but not stage.

Urinary Met level as a novel biomarker for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

257 Background: To determine whether urinary soluble Met (sMet) can differentiate between benign conditions and bladder cancer (CaB), and in cases of bladder cancer, between different stages of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Methods: Urinary samples from patients with (Total: 63, pTa: 12, pTis: 22, pT1: 13, ≥ pT2: 16) and without (Total: 27) CaB from three different institutions were prospectively collected prior to cystosopy, TURBT or cystectomy. sMet levels were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and normalized to urinary creatinine values. Normalized sMet values were compared to final pathologic stage. AUC values were obtained comparing patients with and without TCC. Results: Urinary sMet levels accurately differentiated between patients with and without CaB (AUC: 78%, sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were: 68%, 78% and 95%, respectively), patients with no CaB and those with lamina propria invasion (AUC: 79%, sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were: 65%, 81% and 95%, respectively) and patients with no CaB and those with muscle invasive CaB (AUC: 85%, sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value were: 75%, 83% and 97%, respectively). Conclusions: Urinary sMet levels accurately distinguish patients with CaB from those without, and between patients with different CaB stages. These results suggest that urinary sMet may have utility as a bladder cancer marker for screening, treatment follow-up and clinical trial design. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Bladder cancer: translating molecular genetic insights into clinical practice

Transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma of the bladder is the second most common urologic malignancy and is one of the best understood neoplasms, with relatively well-defined pathogenetic pathways, natural history, and tumor biology. Conventional clinical and pathologic parameters are widely used to grade and stage tumors and to predict clinical outcome of transitional cell carcinoma; but the predictive ability of these parameters is limited, and there is a lack of indices that could allow prospective assessment of risk for individual patients. In the last decade, a wide range of candidate biomarkers representing key pathways in carcinogenesis have been reported to be clinically relevant and potentially useful as diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers, and as potential therapeutic targets. The use of molecular markers has facilitated the development of novel and more accurate diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies. FGFR3 and TP53 mutations have been recognized as key genetic pathways in the carcinogenesis of transitional cell carcinoma. FGFR3 appears to be the most frequently mutated oncogene in transitional cell carcinoma; its mutation is strongly associated with low tumor grade, early stage, and low recurrence rate, which confer a better overall prognosis. In contrast, TP53 mutations are associated with higher tumor grade, more advanced stage, and more frequent tumor recurrences. These molecular markers offer the potential to characterize individual urothelial neoplasms more completely than is possible by histologic evaluation alone. Areas in which molecular markers may prove valuable include prediction of tumor recurrence, molecular staging of transitional cell carcinoma, detection of lymph node metastasis and circulating cancer cells, identification of therapeutic targets, and prediction of response to therapy. With accumulating molecular knowledge of transitional cell carcinoma, we are closer to the goal of bridging the gap between molecular findings and clinical outcomes. Assessment of key genetic pathways and expression profiles could ultimately establish a set of molecular markers to predict the biological nature of tumors and to establish new standards for molecular tumor grading, classification, and prognostication. The main focus of this review is to discuss clinically relevant biomarkers that might be useful in the management of transitional cell carcinoma and to provide approaches in the analysis of molecular pathways that influence the clinical course of bladder cancer.

Tumor Characteristics of Urothelial Carcinoma on Multidetector Computerized Tomography Urography

We investigated the relationship between tumor characteristics of urothelial carcinoma and detectability on multidetector computerized tomography urography. We retrospectively reviewed all adult consecutive patients with hematuria who underwent multidetector computerized tomography urography during a 23-month period at our hospital. Patients with a final diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma verified by histological examination of surgical specimens were included in the study. The presence and location of urothelial carcinomas on multidetector computerized tomography urography without knowledge of final diagnosis were recorded. Tumor characteristics (location, size, histological classification and stage) were recorded based mainly on histological findings. The association between tumor characteristics and urothelial carcinoma detectability on multidetector computerized tomography urography was analyzed. A total of 70 patients who underwent multidetector computerized tomography urography had 87 verified urothelial carcinomas. Of these carcinomas 6 (6.9%) were undetectable by multidetector computerized tomography urography, including 5 ureteral and 1 bladder urothelial carcinoma. Size of detectable and nondetectable tumors on multidetector computerized tomography urography differed significantly (3.05 +/- 1.79 vs 0.65 +/- 0.99 cm, respectively, p = 0.001). Tumor location (p = 0.009), tumor size 1 cm or larger (p = 0.003) and noncarcinoma in situ tumors (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with multidetector computerized tomography urography detectability. Conversely organ confined disease had no association with multidetector computerized tomography urography detectability. Multivariate analyses showed that noncarcinoma in situ tumor was a significant predictor of multidetector computerized tomography urography detectability (p = 0.001). Multidetector computerized tomography urography is useful for detecting nearly all urothelial carcinomas in adults with hematuria. Careful assessment by multidetector computerized tomography urography is needed to detect small (less than 1 cm) or ureteral urothelial carcinomas. It remains a challenge to detect carcinoma in situ tumors by multidetector computerized tomography urography. Thus, negative results of urothelial carcinomas on multidetector computerized tomography urography do not exclude the presence of carcinoma in situ tumors.

Second-Line Intravesical Gemcitabine in High Risk Superficial Bladder Cancer: Our Experience

Purpose Intravesical instillation of Gemcitabine may represent a useful second-line chemotherapy in case of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Herein, we reported our experience with intravesical Gemcitabine in a group of patients affected by high-grade transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed a total of 17 patients (15 males and 2 females), affected by high-risk superficial bladder cancer, who were refractory, intolerant or not eligible to intravesical BCG immunotherapy. Each patient received 2000 mg of Gemcitabine diluted in 100 mL of 0.9% saline solution, administered twice a week for 6 weeks. At start, TCC stage and grade were: CIS in 10 patients, TaG3 in 5 and T1G3 in the remaining 2 cases. Those with no macroscopic lesion and negative cytology and histology were considered as complete responders; those with only positive cytology as partial responders, and those with positive biopsy or evidence of macroscopic lesions as non-responders. Results Patients’ mean age was 71.5 yrs (± 7.3 yrs standard deviation). Overall, median follow-up was 12 months [interquartile range (IQR) 9–15 months]. A complete remission was achieved in 10 cases (58.8%), a partial response in 2 (11.8%), while 5 patients (29.4%) were considered as non-responders. Tumor stage and/or grade progression was observed in 26.7% of the cases. Overall, the 6-month recurrence-free survival was 33.3%. Drug toxicity was relatively low: 2 patients developed a grade II dysuria (NCI-CTC criteria); fever >38° was observed in 1 case. Conclusions Although our experience and follow-up are still rather limited to formulate any conclusive assessment, our study seems to confirm that Gemcitabine could be used as a safe and efficient intravesical chemotherapy agent even in high grade TCCs, representing a promising second-line option in those cases who failed, were intolerant or not eligible to BCG therapy. (Urologia 2009; 76: 178–84)

Imaging and Staging of Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Part 2, Upper Urinary Tract

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the upper urinary tract is a common malignancy affecting the genitourinary tract. It is commonly multifocal with a high incidence of recurrence requiring rigorous urothelial surveillance. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, pathologic characteristics, and patterns of tumor spread. We illustrate and discuss the role of imaging in the diagnosis, staging, and surveillance of TCC of the renal pelvis and the ureter. The hallmark of TCC is multiplicity and recurrence. Nearly 2-4% of patients with bladder cancer develop upper tract TCC, but 40% of patients with upper tract TCC develop bladder cancer. Diagnosis of upper tract TCC is heavily dependent on imaging. Understanding the appearances of upper tract TCC on the different imaging techniques used is important in the accurate interpretation of imaging studies. Newer techniques such as CT urography are now increasingly used instead of conventional excretory urography in the surveillance of the upper tract in patients with bladder cancer.

Imaging and Staging of Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Part 1, Lower Urinary Tract

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is one of the most common malignancies affecting the genitourinary tract and is characterized by multifocality and a high incidence of recurrence. Radiologists play an important role in the staging and surveillance of this malignancy. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, pathologic characteristics, and patterns of tumor spread of bladder carcinomas. We illustrate and focus on the role of imaging in the diagnosis, staging, and surveillance of TCC. The hallmark of TCC is multiplicity and recurrence. Cystoscopy is the method of choice for evaluation of the primary tumor in patients with bladder carcinoma. Imaging acts as an adjunct to accurately stage disease in these patients. Nearly 2-4% of patients with bladder cancer develop upper tract TCC. Hence, surveillance of the upper tract, in which imaging plays a central role, is an important component in the management of TCC. As in every other cancer, we face some limitations in nodal staging of TCC, particularly when the nodes are not enlarged. Development and validation of newer scanning techniques and MR contrast agents may help address some of these limitations in the future.

Tumor markers of bladder cancer: the schistosomal bladder tumors versus non-schistosomal bladder tumors

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to comparatively elucidate the underlying molecular pathways and clinicopathological criteria in schistosomal bladder tumor (SBT) versus non-schistosomal bladder tumor (NSBT).MethodsThis study explored the role of p53, p16, bcl-2, ki-67, c-myc, Rb and EGFR, by using Immunohistochemistry assay, in 45 SBT and 39 NSBT patients in comparison with 16 schistosomal chronic cystitis (SC), 28 non-schistosomal chronic cystitis (NSC), and 20 normal control (CTL) subjects. The studied markers in SBT and NSBT were correlated with different clinicopathological criteria namely, tumor histopathology, grading, invasiveness, stage, and presentation of the disease.ResultsSBT was associated with high grade invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) while NSBT was associated with lower grade less invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). The expression of p53, bcl-2, c-myc, and EGFR was higher in SBT than in NSBT while Rb was higher in NSBT than in SBT. However, p16 and ki-67 were not different between SBT and NSBT. The profile of molecular markers in SC was similar to NSC except for EGFR which was higher in SC than in NSC. Both SC and NSC showed higher level of p53, bcl-2, ki-67, and EGFR than in CTL group while p16, Rb, and c-myc were not different. p53 was associated with high grade SCC in both SBT and NSBT. Bcl-2 was associated with high grade invasive tumors in SBT and NSBT. P16 was associated with low grade, late stage, and recurrent SBT and high grade, invasive, late stage, and recurrent NSBT. Rb was associated with SCC in SBT, invasive tumors in NSBT, and late stage and recurrent presentation in both SBT and NSBT. C-myc was associated with high grade, invasive, and late stage SBT and SCC, high grade, invasive, and late stage NSBT. EGFR was associated with invasive SCC in SBT and invasive, high grade, and late stage TCC in NSBT. ki-67 was associated with invasive SBT and high grade late stage NSBT.ConclusionSBT and NSBT showed distinct molecular profile of tumor development and progression which can be taken into consideration in fine adjusting the anti-cancer therapy for SBT and NSBT.

Staging of transitional cell carcinoma: Has anything changed?

Objective:This article is a systematic review of various changes in the evolution of the contemporary clinico-pathological staging of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).Materials and Methods:A thorough search of the literature was done by Medline and other internet references.Results:Accurate staging of TCC is necessary for designing optimal therapy in clinical practice. Further, the current emphasis on bladder conservation and improved long-term disease free survival (DFS) necessitates minimal errors in staging and it's predictability towards recurrence and progression. Traditionally, the staging of TCC revolves around clinical and pathological findings. The staging has evolved through the understanding of various clinico- pathological factors like tumor appearance, number, size, grade, depth of invasion, muscle substratification, lymphovascular invasion and has reached the standard TNM classification. Cystoscopy and transurethral resection still remain the mainstay of staging and noninvasive imaging techniques have further enhanced the accuracy.Conclusion:The TNM classification for bladder cancer is currently the gold standard for TCC.

Voided Urinary Cytology in Bladder Cancer: Is It Time to Review the Indications?

The sensitivity of voided urinary cytology has been reported as very low. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity and clinical utility of voided urinary cytology in the detection of various grades and stages of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder compared with the urinary nuclear matrix protein-22 (NMP-22) qualitative assay. From March 2004 to April 2006, all patients with TCC of the bladder receiving follow-up care and those presenting with gross hematuria were enrolled in this prospective study. These patients underwent urinary cytologic examination and NMP-22 qualitative assay. The diagnosis, determined from the cystoscopy findings and biopsy findings of the suspicious lesion, was accepted as the reference standard. A total of 196 patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 127 patients had previously been diagnosed with bladder TCC and 69 were presenting for investigation of gross hematuria. A total of 52 cases of bladder TCC were diagnosed. The overall sensitivity of voided urine cytology and NMP-22 assay was 21.1% and 67.3%, respectively (P <0.001). The sensitivity of urinary cytology and urinary NMP-22 for well-differentiated tumors was 9.5% and 52.4%, respectively, and was 18.1% and 77.3%, respectively (P <0.001), in moderately differentiated tumors. The overall specificity of urinary cytology for TCC of the bladder was 98.6% and was greater than the specificity of NMP-22 (80.5%). The results of our study suggest that urinary cytology has a very low sensitivity and can be omitted in favor of NMP-22 in the follow-up of low-grade superficial bladder TCC.