Cyclophosphamide-induced bladder cancer: three case reports

Three cases of cyclophosphamide (CPM)-induced transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder are reported. A 36-year-old female (case 1) and a 63-year-old male (case 2) received CPM at total doses of 104 g and 100 g, respectively, for the therapy of Wegener's granulomatosis. A 50-year-old female (case 3) received CPM at a dose of 57 g for the therapy of recurrent breast cancer. They visited our institute with the chief complaint of macrohematuria. In all cases, cystoscopy revealed bladder tumor with hemorrhagic cystitis. They underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Histological examination revealed grade 2 TCC in cases 1 and 2 and grade 3 TCC in case 3. All patients underwent intravesical instillation of Mitomycin C with or without hyperthermia. Including our 3 cases, 17 cases of CPM-induced bladder tumor have been reported in the Japanese literature.     

Combined modality treatment with bladder preservation for muscle invasive bladder cancer

ObjectiveTo evaluate the 5-year results of the following trimodal therapy for treatment of some selected cases of muscle invasive bladder cancer.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective study, we included 104 patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) (T2 and T3a, N0, M0) who were amenable to complete transurethral resection. All patients received adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) in the form of gemcitabine and cisplatin and conventional radiotherapy after the maximum resection of their tumors. Two weeks later, all cases had radiologic and cystoscopic evaluation. The patients who showed no evidence of the bladder tumors [complete response (CR)] went on to complete the CRT, while those with recurrent invasive tumors did not receive any more CRT and were assigned to have salvage cystectomy. Thereafter, all patients were subjected to a regular follow-up.ResultsThis trimodal therapy was well tolerated in most of cases with no severe acute toxicities. Complete response was achieved in 78.8% of cases after the initial CRT, and tumor grade was found to be the most significant risk factor to predict this response (P = 0.004). With a median follow-up of 71 months for patients with initial CR, 16.2% of cases showed muscle invasive recurrences, and multifocality was the only significant risk factor for their development (P = 0.003). Meanwhile, superficial recurrences were detected in 8.1% of cases with initial CR and were successfully treated with transurethral resection and intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). On the other hand, we reported distant metastasis in 24.3% of patients with initial CR, and tumor grade, stage and multifocality were the most significant risk factors for this complication (P = 0.002, 0.031, 0.006). No cases of contracted bladder or late gastrointestinal complications were demonstrated in this series. The 5-year overall survival rate for patients with initial CR was 67.6%, and for all the patients in this study it was 59.4%.ConclusionsThis trimodal therapy can be considered as a treatment option for patients with localized muscle invasive TCC. The best candidates for such therapy are those with solitary T2, low grade tumors that are amenable to complete transurethral resection.     

Preliminary results of concurrent cisplatin and radiation therapy in locally advanced bladder cancer.

Between March 1981 and March 1990, 15 patients with locally advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were treated concurrently with cisplatin and radiotherapy. Treatment comprised a radiation dose of 40-50 Gy in 20-25 fractions over 4-5 weeks and intravenous infusion of cisplatin with hydration during days 1-5 and 22-26. The total scheduled dose of cisplatin was 200 mg. A complete response (CR) was seen in 3 patients (2 T2 tumours and 1 T3) and the other 12 were regarded as partial responders. Two of the 12 partial responders (1 T2 tumour and 1 T4) underwent cystectomy after treatment, but 9 patients (2 T2, 6 T3 and 1 T4) underwent only transurethral resection. The remaining patient (with a T4 tumour) died from systemic disease, further treatment not being possible because of unrelated heart failure. In 3 CR patients and 9 with a partial response (PR), bladder function was preserved and they have survived for a mean of 18.3 months (range 5-47) after therapy. Although 4 patients in this group had recurrent bladder tumours and 1 died from cancer in another part of the body, 7 have survived with normal bladder function and no recurrence. It is concluded that concurrent cisplatin and radiation therapy is a safe and viable regimen and may be considered as a means of preserving the bladder in patients with locally advanced transitional cell carcinoma.     

EZH2基因在膀胱移行细胞癌细胞株和癌组织标本中的表达及意义

目的 探讨EZH2基因在膀胱癌发生及进展中的作用. 方法 应用RT-PCR、蛋白质印迹及免疫细胞化学方法,以前列腺癌细胞株PC-3M作为阳性对照,检测EZH2基因在人膀胱移行细胞癌细胞株T24、EJ、MGH-U1、BIU-87中的表达;采用RT-PCR方法检测45例膀胱移行细胞癌和12例正常膀胱黏膜组织中EZH2基因表达情况.45例膀胱移行细胞癌中表浅性癌(Tis、Ta、T1)31例(68.9%),浸润性癌(T2～T4)14例(31.1%);病理分级G1 13例(28.9%),G2 21例(46.7%),G3 11例(24.4%). 结果 4种膀胱癌细胞株中均有EZH2基因表达.EZH2基因在膀胱移行细胞癌组织中的表达率(82.2%)明显高于正常膀胱黏膜(8.3%,P<0.05),在表浅性膀胱癌中的表达率为74.2%,浸润性膀胱癌中为100.0%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).EZH2基因在G1,G2和G3级肿瘤中的表达率分别为61.5%,85.7%和100.0%.随细胞分级程度升高.EZH2表达率有增加趋势,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论 EZH2基因可能在膀胱癌的发生及进展中起重要作用,可能成为膀胱癌一个潜在的基因治疗靶点.     

纤溶酶原激活物在膀胱移行细胞癌中的表达及其意义

采用免疫组化法检测３２例膀胱移行细胞癌组织及１０例正常膀胱组织中尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活物（ｕＰＡ）表达，另用底物发色法测定２４例膀胱移行细胞癌组织和１０例正常膀胱组织中组织型纤溶酶原激活物（ｔＰＡ）活力。结果显示膀胱肿瘤组织中ｕＰＡ呈不同程度阳性染色，并与膀胱肿瘤分期分级有关（Ｐ＜０．０５），正常膀胱组织染色阴性。正常膀胱组织和膀胱肿瘤组织之间及不同分期、分级的膀胱肿瘤组织之间ｔＰＡ活力无显著性差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）。结果表明，ｕＰＡ可作为判断膀胱肿瘤恶性程度指标之一。     

Photodynamic therapy for refractory superficial bladder cancer: long-term clinical outcomes of single treatment using intravesical diffusion medium

BACKGROUND: Diffuse superficial transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) refractory to standard therapies poses a clinical dilemma. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses an interaction between absorbed light and a retained photosensitizing agent to destroy tissue, has been used to treat diffuse superficial bladder TCC, although there are few reports of long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 34 patients, 29 with TCC carcinoma in situ (CIS) and 5 with multiple small papillary stage T(a) or T(1) lesions, received porfimer sodium (P) 48 hours before whole-bladder PDT with 630-nm laser light. A 0.02% soybean emulsion diffusion medium was instilled into the bladder, and the laser optical fiber was positioned under triplanar sonography prior to PDT. The mean follow-up was 52 months. RESULTS: At 3 months, a complete response (CR) in 14 (44%) of the 32 evaluable patients, a partial response (PR) in 4 (12%), and no response (NR) in 14 (44%). Four of the five patients with extensive papillary lesions did not respond. The NR rate for patients with CIS with or without resected papillary lesions was 37%. The mean time to recurrence in the CR group was 9.8 months, and five members of this group (36%) underwent cystectomy (mean time 20 months) for persistent/progressive disease (N = 3) or bladder contracture (N = 2). In the NR group, 6 (43%) underwent cystectomy (mean time 14 months) for persistent/progressive disease. Metastatic bladder cancer was the cause of death in only 4 of the 12 patients who have died. Of the remaining 22 patients, 15 are still alive and have an intact bladder, nine with no disease and six with only superficial disease. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of long-term results following whole-bladder PDT using diffusion medium for isotropic light distribution. More than half of the patients with TCC refractory to traditional intravesical therapy received benefit from a single PDT session. Patients with extensive flat papillary lesions do not appear to respond well. Patients who achieve a CR have less likelihood of and longer time interval before needing cystectomy for progressive disease than NR patients. Our PDT protocol is associated with minimal morbidity in these high-risk patients.     

A combined treatment with 8 MHz radiofrequency hyperthermia, HPC-adriamycin, immunotherapy, radiation, systemic chemotherapy and irradiation for invasive bladder carcinoma

Hyperthermia was induced for the treatment of invasive bladder carcinoma in order to study its usefulness. The subjects were 12 cases of invasive bladder cancer; including 5 cases of T2, 3 cases of T3, 2 cases of T4, and 2 cases of recurrence after total cystectomy. As previous treatment, 4 patients received radiotherapy and the other received TUR, systemic chemotherapy, and intravesical injection of anticancer drugs. For hyperthermia treatment, a Thermotron RF-8 was used for heating a deep seated tumor. Each case received hyperthermia 2 to 10 times. Combined therapy included injection of HPC-adriamycin into the urinary bladder in 5 cases, immunotherapy in 3 cases, M-VAC therapy in one case, radiotherapy in one case, radiotherapy and intra-arterial injection in one case, and Peplomycin and OK-432 local injection in one case. The treatment results showed a 75% effectiveness; with CR in 4 cases, PR in 5 cases, MR in 2 cases and PD in one case. Three patients died and 9 survived. Of four patients who had received radiotherapy as a previous treatment 3 cases obtained CR and one case MR. Therefore, it was considered that a favorable treatment effect with hyperthermia could be obtained after radiotherapy.     

Paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with metastatic transitional cell cancer of the urinary tract

OBJECTIVES: The combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC) is currently considered the most effective chemotherapy for metastatic transitional cell cancer (TCC) of the urinary tract, but because of its considerable toxicity, alternative regimens appear very interesting. We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line therapy for metastatic TCC. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (8 women, 24 men; mean age 67.03 years, range 50 to 79) with metastatic TCC of the bladder or upper urinary tract were included in the study. Paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) was given as a 3-hour intravenous infusion, carboplatin was dosed to an area under the plasma concentration curve of 5 mg/m/min calculated according to the Calvert formula [(creatinine clearance + 25) x 5] as a 30-minute intravenous infusion immediately after paclitaxel. Response evaluation was performed after every 2 cycles and additional therapy depended on response. The maximum number of cycles was 6. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 13.1 months (range 2 to 28), 23 of 32 patients responded to treatment (response rate 71.9%), with 31.3% complete remission (CR) (10 of 32) and 40.6% partial remission (PR) (13 of 32). Four patients (12.5%) had stable disease, and 5 patients (15.6%) showed progression. These results compare well with the outcome after MVAC. Toxicity was mainly characterized by neurotoxicity grade 3 and 4 in 9.4%, grade 3 and 4 leukopenia in 37.5%, and grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 3.1% of the patients. No nephrotoxicity was observed, but all patients developed alopecia. Time to progression after CR was a mean of 7.0 months (range 4 to 13) and after PR a mean of 5.9 months (range 2 to 9). CONCLUSIONS: Paclitaxel/carboplatin is an effective therapy for metastatic TCC, with low toxicity.     

A case report of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the bladder with metastasis to small intestine

A 67-year-old male presented to our clinic with gross hematuria. Cystoscopic examination revealed a broad-based tumor of 2.5 cm in diameter on the lateral side of the right ureteral orifice. Under the clinical diagnosis of TCC G2 > G3, T3bNOM0, radical cystectomy with orthotopic bladder substitution was performed. Pathological diagnosis was TCC G3 with sarcomatoid carcinoma, pT2pR0pL1 pVlpN0. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed because of his transient poor conditions. Lung metastasis was observed 6 months postoperatively. Despite of M-VAC therapy and radiation therapy, additional metastases to brain and liver were observed. One month later, partial ileectomy specimen for occlusive ileum revealed the same histologic findings, TCC G3 with sarcomatoid carcinoma. He died 9 months postoperatively. To our knowledge, this is the first case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the bladder with metastasis to small intestine, although 6 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with metastasis to small intestine has been reported in Japan.     

Intra–Arterial Infusion Therapy Following Alteration of Pelvic Blood Flow and Concurrent Radiation Therapy for Invasive Bladder Cancer

Intra–arterial infusion therapy following alteration of pelvic blood flow and concurrent radiation therapy was performed in 13 patients with muscle invading bladder cancer (T2, 2; T3, 6; T4, 5). The internal iliac artery of the opposite side was embolized and the ipsilateral gluteal and obturator arteries were embolized by metallic coils. A catheter was placed in the ipsilateral internal iliac artery. CDDP was administered daily at a dose of 7–9 mg/body over 1 minute. Radiation was done by Microtron using 10 MV x–ray. Total dose was 4500–7060 cGy.
Evaluation was done by cystoscopy, radiography and biopsy. Eight patients achieved complete response (CR) histologically. Others had partial response (PR). All CR patients had no recurrence. The observation period was between 3 and 29 months, with a mean of 11 months. This treatment modality is effective for locally advanced bladder cancer.     

Risk factors for positive findings in patients with high‐grade T1 bladder cancer treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TUR) and bacille Calmette‐Guérin therapy and the decision for a repeat TUR

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors predictive of positive findings at the 3‐month follow‐up evaluation (after transurethral resection of bladder tumour [TUR] and bacille Calmette‐Guérin [BCG] therapy) in patients with initial high‐grade (HG)T1 bladder cancer, and to assess the depth of lamina propria (LP) invasion and effectiveness of BCG therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 138 patients with initial HGT1‐transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) were prospectively assigned, after TUR + BCG and according to depth of LP invasion, to a postBCG‐TUR (T1b) or cystoscopy/cytology (T1a) at 3 months. Any finding at 3 months was considered positive. The predictive value of 11 clinical and pathological variables was assessed by chi‐squared, Mann–Whitney U and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 138 patients (14 women, mean age 69 years), 42% had T1a and 58% T1b TCC. Tumour size and carcinoma in situ (CIS) were significantly associated with positive findings and present in 26% (36/138) of the patients. The postBCG‐TUR (T1b cases), was positive in 31% (25/80), including seven infiltrating tumours. On multivariate analysis, again a tumour size of >3 cm (odds ratio, OR, 7.02) and associated CIS (OR 5.4) were significantly related to a positive postBCG‐TUR. A secondary finding was that at 20.3 months; patients with T1a TCC, who did not undergo a repeat TUR, did not have increased progression; only 3% (two of 58) had progressed compared with 21% (17/80) of those with T1b/c TCC (P < 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In initial HGT1‐TCC, tumour size and CIS were predictive factors of positive findings at 3 months after the initial TUR + BCG therapy. Patients with HGT1‐TCC invading the LP (T1b TCC) had a seven times higher risk of a positive repeat TUR if the initial tumour was >3 cm and a five‐fold increased risk if associated with CIS. The repeat TUR after BCG therapy allowed confirmation of complete resection and pathological evaluation of the BCG response. Although data are still preliminary, the strategy of performing a repeat TUR only in cases with LP involvement, i.e. T1b TCC, did not increase the risk of progression in cases with T1a TCC.     

Treatment of advanced bladder cancer with intra-arterial infusion of cisplatinum (CDDP) and aclacinomycin (ACR), combined with angiotensin II

Ten patients with advanced bladder cancer were treated with intra-arterial infusion therapy. The patients consisted of nine males and one female between 55 and 82 years old (median: 70 years). In all patients, cisplatinum (CDDP) (2 mg/kg), aclacinomycin (ACR) (0.5 mg/kg) and Angiotensin II (25 mg) were infused via the internal iliac artery for a period of about 30 minutes. Seven patients also received X-ray therapy with a linac. The efficacy of this therapy was assessed by computed tomographic scanning, sonography and cystoscopy. As a result of this assessment, 2 patients were rated complete response "(CR)", 6 partial response (PR) (showing 50% or more reduction in the lesion) and 2 no change "(NC)". To compare the efficacy of this therapy for two histopathologically defined groups of patients (patients with grades 2 and 3 cancer), one patient was rated "CR", four "PR" and two "NC" in the grade 3 group (total 7 patients), while one was rated "CR" and two "PR", in the grade 2 group (total 3 patients). In effective cases, pollakiuria and miction pain disappeared shortly following intra-arterial infusion therapy. As for side effects of the therapy, mild nausea or vomiting was observed in all patients, while leukopenia was noted in one patient.     

Intraarterial chemotherapy with bladder preservation in patients with invasive bladder carcinoma

Intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC) was carried out on patients with invasive bladder carcinoma to treat the bladder carcinoma while preserving the bladder. Fifteen patients with bladder carcinoma at stage T2-T4 were treated with intraarterial cisplatin (CDDP: 70 mg/m2) and adriamycin (ADM: 30 mg/m2) every 3 to 4 weeks. The response was observed in all 15 patients. Ten (66.7%) achieved a complete response (CR), and 3 (20.0%) obtained a partial response (PR). With a mean follow-up of 22.6 months, the overall survival rate was 86.7% and 12 patients were alive with functioning bladder. One patient received radical cystectomy. Although further studies and long-term follow up are required to clarify its effectiveness, IAC for patients with invasive bladder carcinoma might be an effective therapy with a preserved bladder.     

Significant activity of single agent vinorelbine against small-cell cancer of the bladder as second line chemotherapy: A case series and review of the literature

Small-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is an extremely uncommon form of urologic malignancy, accounting for less that 1% of new cases of bladder cancer. It is an aggressive malignancy which, like its pulmonary counterpart, tends to spread with distant metastases. This malignancy is generally chemotherapy and radiotherapy sensitive. Metastatic disease is typically treated with regimens active against small-cell carcinoma of the lung, such as cisplatin and etoposide. There are no data regarding second-line treatment of this cancer. We report our experience in 3 patients using the second generation vinca alkaloid, vinorelbine, in refractory metastatic small-cell carcinoma of the bladder. These 3 patients had extensive prior therapy but all 3 responded to weekly vinorelbine, with a complete response (CR) in 1, near CR in the second, and partial response in the third. Of note, the patient who sustained a CR has remained without disease and with excellent quality of life for nearly 4 years since starting vinorelbine. Indeed, the therapy was very well tolerated in all 3 patients with grade 2 cytopenia being the only toxicity. We conclude that vinorelbine is well tolerated and has activity in this case series in the second-line treatment of metastatic small-cell carcinoma of the bladder.     

Histopathological aspects of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: Analysis of 20 years experience

BACKGROUND: In this study we used histopathological examinations performed over a 20-year period to describe the characteristics of newly diagnosed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder in relation to patient age, and to verify changes in the TCC over different periods of observation or in relation to patient age. METHODS: We reviewed all histopathological examinations performed from January 1979 to December 1998 in patients undergoing surgery who were newly diagnosed with TCC of the bladder. All examinations were performed by the same pathologist and reviewed by two pathologists. In each case analyzed, we evaluated T classification of the tumor, histological grade, size, localization, growth type, multiplicity and carcinoma in situ (CIS). RESULTS: The study population included 3113 men and 620 women. The mean patient age was 66.31 +/- 10.84 years. A high percentage of Ta (52.2%) and T1 (27.7%) tumors were found. The number of cases observed and, in particular, the percentage of Ta tumors increased significantly and progressively from the first (1979-1983 = 376 cases; Ta = 37.8%) to the last (1994-1998 = 1732 cases; Ta = 56.3%) period of observation (P < 0.001). A significant difference in the distribution of histological grade and T classification in the different age decades was apparent (P < 0.001); in particular, for G1 and Ta tumors there was a trend to decrease, whereas for G3, T1 and T2 tumors there was a tendency to increase with age decades. CONCLUSION: In our analysis, age of patient and the period of examination significantly influenced different pathological characteristics of newly diagnosed TCC of the bladder.     

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: early results of PVB and CAP therapy

A total of 22 patients with locally invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder were treated with neoadjuvant cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP), vincristine, peplomycin (PVB) or cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, CDDP (CAP) combined with radiation therapy in our institutes between June, 1982 and May, 1988. Twelve patients were entered into the PVB regimen and the remaining 10 patients into the CAP regimen. In the PVB treated group, clinical response was obtained in 2 complete response (CR) and 6 partial response (PR), 8 out of 12 patients (66.7%). Downstaging was noted in 8 out of 12 patients (66.7%). In the CAP treated group, a clinical response was obtained in 1 of CR and in 2 of PR out of the 9 patients with evaluable lesions (33.3%). Downstaging was noted in 6 out of 9 patients (66.7%). There were no significant side effects in either the PVB or CAP treated groups, and these neoadjuvant therapies were well-tolerated. These results indicated that neoadjuvant PVB or CAP combined with radiation therapy would be useful in the management of invasive bladder cancer.     

Three cases of transitional cell carcinoma in bladder diverticulum treated by a bladder-preserving approach

Three cases of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in the urinary bladder diverticulum were encountered during a period of 12 years and bladder preserving treatments were performed. Case 1: A 78-year-old man was admitted with a chief complaint of hematuria. Papillary tumors in the diverticulum of the right bladder wall were revealed (TCC, G3, T3N0M0). Intraarterial infusion chemotherapy was performed and complete remission was achieved. When a recurrent bladder tumor appeared 22 months later, transurethral resection was performed and there was no evidence of recurrence for 50 months. Case 2: A 60-year-old man was admitted with a chief complaint of gross hematuria. Cystoscopic examination revealed papillary tumors in a bladder diverticulum near the ureteral left orifice. Transurethral resection revealed TCC G2 and carcinoma in situ. Partial cystectomy, including the bladder diverticulum, and vesicoureteral neostomy was performed. The histological stage of the tumor was pTis and the wall of diverticulum possessed a thin muscle layer histopathologically. Twenty two months later, recurrence in the left bladder wall developed and transurethral resection and bladder instillation therapy were performed. For 21 months he had no evidence of recurrence. Case 3: A 59-year-old man was admitted with a chief complaint of hematuria. A solid tumor in the diverticulum of the bladder left wall was revealed. After 4 courses of intraarterial infusion chemotherapy, 41% remission was achieved and partial cystectomy was performed. Histopathological diagnosis was TCC G3, pT3b, INF-alpha, v (-), ly (-), and no muscle layer was found in the diverticulum. There was no evidence of recurrence 16 months after operation. By using the combination therapy, bladder preserving treatment is possible in the cases of bladder cancer arising in the diverticulum.     

Current status of adjuvant chemotherapy of invasive bladder cancer]

The current status of adjuvant chemotherapy for clinically localized but invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is reported. Since 1986, a prospective randomized study has been conducted to examine the effects of neoadjuvant cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin + cisplatin (CAP) and radiation therapy for T2-3N0-3M0. A total of 47 patients were entered. However, 4 patients were excluded from the study. All eligible patients were randomized into two groups: neoadjuvant CAP plus radiation and control group. In the neoadjuvant treated-group, a 55% complete response plus partial response rate and a 88% downstaging were noted. Both the 12- and 36-month disease-free survival rates of neoadjuvant treated-group were 94.7%, and were higher than those of the control group (p less than 0.1). As for T4N0-3M0 cases, a total of 6 patients were treated with neoadjuvant methotrexate + vinblastine + doxorubicin + cisplatin (M-VAC) therapy. Favorable results were not obtained in this study at this point, because full dose M-VAC and planned recycling were not performed sufficiently. These findings suggests that neoadjuvant CAP plus radiation therapy would be useful for T2-3 invasive cancer of the bladder. Methods to administer full dose M-VAC; such as developments of new chemotherapeutic agents and of new anti-toxic agents, should be developed. In addition, a more successful regimen than M-VAC should be considered for T4 localized invasive bladder cancer.     

Only metastasis to uterine corpus from superficial bladder cancer that of no original recurrence

We report a rare case of uterine corpus metastasis from superficial bladder cancer. A 78-year-old female presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding. She received transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-Bt) two years previously, and the pathological findings were transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) grade 3 pT1. Eight courses of BCG instillation were performed postoperatively. There was no recurrence of bladder cancer when vaginal bleeding occurred. Cytology of vaginal discharge was class V, and transitional cell carcinoma suspected. Pathological finding of transvaginal uterine corpus biopsy was TCC. We diagnosed metastases to uterine corpus from bladder cancer.     

Upper tract transitional cell carcinoma following cystectomy for bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: We assessed the incidence of upper urinary tract tumors (UUTTs) after cystectomy for invasive or superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. The risk factors, patients' characteristics and evolution of those who developed UUTTs are analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1980 to February 1994, 568 radical cystectomies were performed for TCC of the bladder: in 469 instances (82.5%) due to invasive tumor (T2-T4), and in 99 cases (17.5%) for superficial tumor (Ta, T1, Tis). All patients were followed for at least 5 years or until death. A retrospective study of patients who developed UUTTs has been performed. A revision of bladder tumor and UUTT characteristics, and the intervals between both is also evaluated. RESULTS: 26 patients (4.5%) developed UUTTs: 11 of the 99 patients cystectomized for superficial TCCs (11.1%); 6 of the 392 patients with primary invasive TCC (1.5%), and 9 of the 77 (11.6%) patients with invasive tumors and a prior history of superficial TCC. The interval to the development of UUTT was higher after cystectomy for superficial tumor. TCCs of the bladder that subsequently developed UUTTs were high grade in 84%, multifocal in 80%, or had carcinoma in situ in 65%, tumor in the prostatic urethra in 52%, and involvement of the distal ureter in 57%. Twenty-two UUTTs (84%) were located in the calyces or the renal pelvis, 3 were bilateral (11.5%), 14 multiple (58%) and 4 superficial (16%). With a median follow-up time of 18 (range 3-103) months, 14 patients (53.8%) died of tumor, 2 were alive with disease, 2 were lost for follow-up, and 8 (30%) were alive and free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients cystectomized for superficial or invasive TCC with a prior history of superficial TCC have a higher incidence of UUTTs. These cases require follow-up with annual urography or loopography.