Multivariate analysis of clinical parameters of synchronous primary superficial bladder cancer and upper urinary tract tumor

PURPOSE: We determined the incidence and characteristic of synchronous upper urinary tract tumors (UUTTs) in patients with primary superficial bladder carcinoma and evaluated the characteristics of bladder tumors related to UUTTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 1,529 patients with primary superficial bladder carcinoma who underwent initial examination of the upper urinary tract with excretory urography. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis using logistic regression. Variables evaluated and related to the incidence of UUTT were multiplicity, carcinoma in situ, bladder tumor size, localization of tumor in the bladder, and tumor grade and stage. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients (1.8%) had simultaneous bladder tumor and UUTT. UUTTs showed no preferred location and 17.9% were multiple. Of UUTTs 46% were invasive and almost 87% were grade 2 or 3. The only significant variable related to UUTT was bladder tumor in the trigone (RR 5.8, 95% IC 2.18 to 15.9, p <0.0005). Of 147 tumors located in the trigone 11 (7.5%) were associated with UUTT, corresponding to 41% of the UUTTs first diagnosed. If multiplicity and tumors in the trigone (551 cases) had been considered, 66.7% of tumors would have been diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous UUTT and superficial bladder tumor are uncommon but 46% are invasive. Considering the possible examination of the upper urinary tract only in patients with tumor in the trigone or with multiple bladder tumors 41.4% or 69% of UUTTs, respectively, would have been diagnosed. Patients with tumor in the trigone are at almost 6-fold higher risk for a synchronous tumor in the upper urinary tract.     

Value of selective upper tract cytology for recognition of upper tract tumors after treatment of superficial bladder cancer

Background: The value of selective upper urinary tract (UT) cytology in patients who are asymptomatic and tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder carcinoma has not been studied. The present study was performed to evaluate the value of selective UT cytology in patients who are tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder cancer. Methods: Forty‐seven consecutive patients who had undergone definitive surgical treatment for superficial bladder cancer at least 24 months prior and were tumor free at control cystoscopy were evaluated with bladder wash for cytology as well as selective UT urine cytology by catheterization of both ureteral orifices. Of the 47 patients, disease was stage Ta in 30 (63.8%), T1 in 15 (31.9%) and Ta/Tcis in 2 (4.3%). Primary tumor was unifocal in 24 (51.1%) and multifocal in 23 (48.9%) patients. The time elapsed from the initial diagnosis to the last evaluation ranged from 2 to 21 years (mean 5.39). Results: UT cytology was positive in 2 cases. Although, excretory urography (IVP) revealed mild pelvicalicectasis in 1 of these 2 patients, ureterorenoscopy (URS) revealed no abnormality. In the other patient with normal IVP and retrograde pyelography (RGP), URS revealed a ureteral tumor 5 mm in diameter. Although the UT cytology was normal in the remaining 45 patients, IVP revealed right hydronephrosis in 1 patient and URS revealed multiple ureteral tumors. Conclusion: Given the normal appearance of the UT, it is highly unlikely that these patients have tumor in the UT. Thus, during the follow‐up of patients with superficial bladder cancer, it is not useful to perform UT select cytology in the absence of any identifiable filling defects in the upper urinary tract.     

Endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in patients with a history of bladder urothelial carcinoma

PURPOSE: Endoscopic management of renal pelvis and ureteral urothelial carcinoma is gaining acceptance as a conservative treatment modality. Patients with a history of bladder urothelial carcinoma are at high risk for upper tract recurrence. We evaluate the role of endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in patients with a history of primary bladder urothelial carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 90 patients with a history of primary bladder urothelial carcinoma who underwent endoscopic treatment of localized upper tract urothelial carcinoma between 1983 and 2004. RESULTS: Median patient age at diagnosis was 73 years (range 50 to 90). A total of 13 (14.4%) patients previously underwent cystectomy. With a median followup of 4.3 years (range 0.1 to 17), 105 upper tract urothelial carcinoma recurrences developed in 55 patients at a mean of 0.6 years (range 22 days to 5.9 years). Of these recurrences 76 were amenable to endoscopic management while 29 required nephroureterectomy. In 38 patients there were 91 bladder recurrences. At last followup 48 patients died, 17 of urothelial carcinoma at a median of 3.4 years (range 1 to 10). Cancer specific survival at 5 years for this cohort was 71.2%. Risk of death from urothelial carcinoma was significantly associated with stage (RR 3.23) and grade (RR 4.05) of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, imperative indication (RR 4.30), and treatment of bladder urothelial carcinoma with cystectomy (RR 3.34). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in patients with primary bladder urothelial carcinoma demonstrates a significant local recurrence rate. Furthermore, 5-year cancer specific survival is low. These patients represent a high risk cohort requiring strict ureteroscopic followup after endoscopic management is instituted.     

Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin reduces the risk of progression in patients with superficial bladder cancer: a meta-analysis of the published results of randomized clinical trials

PURPOSE: We determine if intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) reduces the risk of progression after transurethral resection to stage T2 disease or higher in patients with superficial (stage Ta, T1 or carcinoma in situ) bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed of the published results of randomized clinical trials comparing transurethral resection plus intravesical BCG to either resection alone or resection plus another treatment other than BCG. RESULTS: We identified 24 trials with progression information on 4,863 patients. Based on a median followup of 2.5 years and a maximum of 15 years, 260 of 2,658 patients on BCG (9.8%) had progression compared to 304 of 2,205 patients in the control groups (13.8%), a reduction of 27% in the odds of progression on BCG (OR 0.73, p = 0.001). The percent of patients with progression was low (6.4% of 2,880 patients with papillary tumors and 13.9% of 403 patients with carcinoma in situ, reflecting the short followup and relatively low risk patients entered in many of the trials. The size of the treatment effect was similar in patients with papillary tumors and in those with carcinoma in situ. However, only patients receiving maintenance BCG benefited. There was no statistically significant difference in treatment effect for either overall survival or death due to bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical BCG significantly reduces the risk of progression after transurethral resection in patients with superficial bladder cancer who receive maintenance treatment. Thus, it is the agent of choice for patients with intermediate and high risk papillary tumors and those with carcinoma in situ.     

Contemporary management of stage T1 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

PURPOSE: Transitional cell carcinoma involving the lamina propria (stage T1) is associated with a high recurrence and progression rate with implications for patient survival and quality of life. A better understanding of the natural history of and treatment alternatives for this tumor may improve the outcome in patients with this stage of bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature of the last decade was comprehensively reviewed in regard to clinical and pathological diagnosis, adjuvant treatments, prognosis, and the role and timing of cystectomy. The information was gathered from MEDLINE, current urology journals, abstracts from recent urological meetings and personal experience. RESULTS: High grade and the depth of lamina propria invasion are important prognostic factors. Early diagnosis and accurate pathological assessment are essential for determining the most adequate treatment pathway. Initial treatment consists of complete transurethral resection and adjuvant treatment with intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Immediate postoperative instillation of mitomycin C decreases the risk of recurrence possibly related to tumor implantation. Intravesical treatment does not substantially decrease the chance of progression. Lack of a complete response to BCG at 3 to 6 months, high grade, the depth of lamina propria invasion, the association of carcinoma in situ and prostate mucosa or duct involvement represent significant predictors for progression. Cystectomy should be suggested for recurrent stage T1 tumor after BCG, new onset or persistent carcinoma in situ, tumor located at a difficult site for resection, prostatic duct or stromal involvement and muscle invasion. CONCLUSIONS: High grade stage T1 transitional cell carcinoma is a highly malignant tumor. Complete resection followed by immediate mitomycin C instillation and 6 weekly BCG instillations results in an acceptably low recurrence and progression rate. Rigorous long-term surveillance and continuous reconsideration of radical cystectomy in concordance with the evolution of the disease are essential.     

Clinical panurothelial disease in patients with superficial bladder tumors: therapeutic implications

PURPOSE: We established the prognostic and therapeutic implications of panurothelial involvement in patients with superficial bladder tumors for optimizing therapeutic approaches in those at risk for panurothelial involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the records of 35 patients with clinical panurothelial disease. Since all of these patients presented with high risk superficial bladder cancer during followup, they were included in specific therapeutic and followup regimens. Radical procedures or conservative therapies were indicated mainly according to pathological examination and the recurrence pattern. RESULTS: Panurothelial involvement was a late stage of a recurrent and diffuse process that essentially developed in sequences, in which all patients presented with high risk superficial bladder tumors. This process involved continued relapse after panurothelial involvement developed. Notably 19 patients (79.1%) at risk for recurrence had repeat relapse in the urothelium. In the upper urinary tract 12 patients (34.3%) had bilateral involvement, including 7 (41.2%) of 17 patients after cystectomy. We identified 2 subgroups of patients. The subgroup with a better prognosis included 27 patients in whom late panurothelial disease developed step by step after a complete response to intravesical therapy, including 14 (51.8%) who were free of disease. The other subgroup with a poor prognosis included 8 patients with concurrent bladder carcinoma in situ and prostate involvement as well as early panurothelial disease, of whom only 2 (25%) were disease-free. All patients underwent many therapeutic approaches. A mean of 7.5 surgical procedures per patient were done, including a mean of 5.5 transurethral resections, a mean of 1 conservative approach to the upper urinary tract and a mean of 1.1 radical procedures. At a median followup of 111 months 10 patients (28.5%) were disease-free but only 7 (20%) retained the bladder, while 19 (54.3%) died of tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high risk superficial bladder multifocal tumors and associated bladder carcinoma in situ are at high risk for panurothelial involvement. Radical cystectomy may be recommended in these patients when initially or during followup, concurrent high risk superficial bladder tumors and prostate involvement develop or prostate involvement recurs. For the upper urinary tract conservative therapies may be advisable when noninfiltrating tumors are diagnosed even after cystectomy due to the high rate of bilateral new onset disease. When cystectomy is performed, extended excision of the upper urinary tract and pyelo-intestinal anastomosis may be considered.     

Tumor recurrence in the remnant urothelium of females undergoing radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: long-term results from a single center

PURPOSE: We analyzed the risk factors and incidence of secondary TCC of the remnant urothelium in women following radical cystectomy for TCC of the bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 85 women with a mean age of 64.5 years with clinically localized TCC of the bladder underwent radical cystectomy between 1992 and 2004. Orthotopic bladder substitution was performed in 46 females, while 39 underwent nonorthotopic urinary diversion. Of the entire cohort 22 (26%) patients underwent cystectomy for multifocal or recurrent TCC. Followup examinations were performed at 6-month intervals. RESULTS: Mean followup in the entire cohort was 49.8 months (median 42). Intraoperative frozen sections obtained from the urethra and distal ureters were negative for TCC and CIS in all patients. Four women (4.7%) had TCC in the remnant urothelium at a mean of 56 months postoperatively. These patients had undergone cystectomy for multifocal or recurrent TCC (4 of 22 or 18%). No secondary TCC was seen in the 63 patients with solitary invasive or nonrecurrent bladder cancer (p <0.05). Urethral recurrence was found in 2 patients (4.3%) 65 and 36 months after orthotopic neobladder surgery, respectively. In the orthotopic group 1 patient (2.1%) had an upper urinary tract tumor 76 months after surgery, while in the nonorthotopic group 1 (2.5%) was found to have an upper urinary tract tumor 48 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent or multifocal TCC may represent a risk factor for secondary TCC of the remnant urothelium after cystectomy. In our series all recurrent tumors were late recurrences (more than 36 months postoperatively). Because the rate of urethral recurrence in the current series corresponds to that reported in men (2% to 6%), urethra sparing cystectomy with orthotopic bladder replacement does not appear to compromise the oncological outcome in women.     

Upper urinary tract tumors after primary superficial bladder tumors: prognostic factors and risk groups

PURPOSE: We evaluated the prognostic factors of primary superficial bladder cancer that may predict a metachronous upper urinary tract tumor. We also determined whether the incidence of upper urinary tract disease varies according to risk group based on primary superficial bladder tumor classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied disease evolution in a cohort of 1,529 patients with a primary superficial bladder tumor. To determine the prognostic factors of upper urinary tract cancer we performed multivariate analysis using Cox regression. Independent variables were grade, T stage, multiplicity, tumor size, carcinoma in situ association, previous or synchronous upper urinary tract tumor and intravesical instillation. We also performed the chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to assess the variable incidence of upper urinary tract tumors according to primary superficial bladder tumor risk group classification. RESULTS: The incidence of upper urinary tract cancer was 2.6%. The only factor prognostic for an upper urinary tract tumor was multiplicity (relative risk 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 6.84). All patients with an upper urinary tract tumor had a previously recurrent primary superficial bladder tumor. In the low, intermediate and high risk groups the incidence of upper urinary tract cancer was 0.6% (relative risk 1), 1.8% (relative risk 3.1, 95% CI 0.4 to 23.9) and 4.1% (relative risk 8.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 61.6), respectively (chi-square and log rank tests p = 0.007 and p <0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A higher risk of upper urinary tract cancer must be expected in cases of multiple primary superficial bladder tumors. This finding supports the multicentricity theory of transitional cell carcinoma. Primary superficial bladder tumor classification by risk group is also useful for predicting the various risks of metachronous upper urinary tract cancer.     

Primary T1G3 bladder cancer: organ preserving approach or immediate cystectomy?

PURPOSE: In this retrospective nonrandomized study we compared the long-term outcome in patients with newly diagnosed stage T1G3 bladder cancer treated with transurethral resection and bacillus Calmette-Guerin or immediate cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 121 patients with a median age of 67 years (range 36 to 88) diagnosed with primary T1G3 bladder cancer between 1976 and 1999, 92 were treated by transureteral resection with additional intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin and 29 were treated with immediate cystectomy. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients treated with an organ preserving approach 29 remained disease-free, local recurrence developed in 33 (36%) and progression developed in 30 (33%) at a median followup of 6.9 years (range 0.6 to 16.5). Of these 92 patients 27 (29%) underwent deferred cystectomy at a median of 12.9 months (range 4.8 to 136), of whom 10 (37%) with a median postoperative followup of 19 months (range 2 to 173) died of progressive disease with a median survival of 13 months (range 3 to 34) after cystectomy. The majority of patients who died of progressive disease refused cystectomy, were referred too late for cystectomy, were inoperable or had upper urinary tract disease. Six of the 29 patients (21%) undergoing immediate cystectomy had progression at a median of 13.2 months (range 5.5 to 37). Overall and tumor specific survival at 5 years in patients treated with an organ preserving approach was 69% and 80%, and in those treated with immediate cystectomy it was 54% and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis demonstrate that the concept of an organ preserving approach is acceptable and spares the bladder in approximately half of the patients with primary T1G3 bladder cancer. Of the patients 30% require deferred cystectomy, making meticulous, close followup mandatory.     

Upper tract urothelial recurrence following radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: an analysis of 1,069 patients with 10-year followup

PURPOSE: Risk factors for upper tract recurrence following radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder are not yet well-defined. We reviewed our population of patients who underwent radical cystectomy to identify prognostic factors and clinical outcomes associated with upper tract recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From our prospective database of 1,359 patients who underwent radical cystectomy we identified 1,069 patients treated for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder between January 1985 and December 2001. Univariate analysis was completed to determine factors predictive of upper tract recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 853 men and 216 women were followed for a median of 10.3 years (maximum 18.5). There were 27 (2.5%) upper tract recurrences diagnosed at a median of 3.3 years (range 0.4 to 9.3). Only urethral tumor involvement was predictive of upper tract recurrence. In men superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic urethra was associated with an increased risk of upper tract recurrence compared with prostatic stromal invasion or absence of prostatic transitional cell carcinoma (p <0.01). In women urethral transitional cell carcinoma was associated with an increased risk of upper tract recurrence (p = 0.01). Despite routine surveillance 78% of upper tract recurrence was detected after development of symptoms. Median survival following upper tract recurrence was 1.7 years (range 0.2 to 8.8). Detection of asymptomatic upper tract recurrence via surveillance did not predict lower nephroureterectomy tumor stage, absence of lymph node metastases or improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bladder cancer are at lifelong risk for late oncological recurrence in the upper tract urothelium. Patients with evidence of tumor involvement within the urethra are at highest risk. Surveillance regimens frequently fail to detect tumors before symptoms develop. However, radical nephroureterectomy can provide prolonged survival.     

Chemoprevention for bladder cancer

PURPOSE: Bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat and follow in the United States due to often extended courses of treatment coupled with the necessity for frequent surveillance examinations. Because direct exposure to carcinogens is implicated in bladder cancer development and many potentially protective compounds are concentrated in urine, bladder cancer is a logical target for chemoprevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a MEDLINE search of the English language literature to identify reports of chemoprevention of bladder cancer. Study outcomes were evaluated and mechanisms of action were identified when possible. In cases of multiple reports of the same compound critical comparisons were performed. RESULTS: For most putative chemopreventive agents against bladder cancer the results of different studies are conflicting. Megadose vitamins, certain vitamin A analogues and pyridoxines have been associated with promising findings. For vitamins C and E and selenium, studies showing benefit are balanced by studies showing no benefit. Other compounds, such as soy, green tea and isothiocyanates, have been suggested by some studies to be protective and by others to be tumor promoting. CONCLUSIONS: For most bladder cancer chemopreventive agents studied to date results regarding efficacy vary, precluding the possibility of universal support by health care providers for this specific role. Megadose multivitamin supplements have demonstrated the ability to prevent bladder cancer recurrences in a single smaller study. Some analogues of vitamins A, B6, C and E have been shown to be beneficial in other disease processes, suggesting that these compounds may be advocated with the caveat that they do not have a specific protective role in bladder cancer. Data from randomized, prospective trials show a benefit in bladder cancer only after eliminating early or initial recurrences, suggesting the need for long-term administration of a chosen agent. Additional prospective trials with long-term followup, likely involving multiple institutions, are required before definitive recommendations can be made about chemoprevention for bladder cancer. In 2006 no oral agent can be recommended and to our knowledge the best chemopreventive strategy remains to be determined.     

Restaging transurethral resection of high risk superficial bladder cancer improves the initial response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy

PURPOSE: This study was an evaluation of whether restaging transurethral resection (TUR) of superficial bladder cancer improves the early response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 347 patients with high risk superficial bladder cancer (high grade Ta and T1 tumors associated with carcinoma in situ) underwent a single transurethral resection (TUR, 132 patients) or restaging TUR (215 patients) before receiving 6 weekly intravesical BCG treatments. The patients were evaluated for response (presence or absence of tumor) at first followup cystoscopy, at 6 and 12 months after treatment, and evaluated for disease stage progression within 3 years of followup. RESULTS: Of the 132 patients who underwent a single TUR before BCG therapy, 75 (57%) had residual or recurrent tumor at the first cystoscopy and 45 (34%) later had progression, compared with 62 of 215 patients (29%) who had residual or recurrent tumors and 16 (7%) who had progression after undergoing restaging TUR (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Restaging TUR of high risk superficial bladder cancer improves the initial response rate to BCG therapy, reduces the frequency of subsequent tumor recurrence and appears to delay early tumor progression.     

丝裂霉素膀胱热灌注化疗治疗高复发浅表性膀胱癌的初步临床研究

目的:探讨丝裂霉素(MMC)膀胱腔内热灌注化疗治疗高复发浅表性膀胱移行细胞癌(TCC)的有效性。方法:选择高复发性TCC患者18例,男16例,女2例,年龄41～80岁,平均59.4岁。Ⅰ级、Ⅱ级各9例,病理分期均为T1期。复发次数3～12次,平均4.1次;最后1次复发间隔3～12个月,平均6.2个月;复发肿瘤个数1～20个,平均6.5个。所有患者入院后先行经尿道膀胱肿瘤电切术,术后随机分为两组,对照组9例,术后24h内膀胱灌注MMC 20mg,治疗45min,3天1次共4次;实验组9例,术后3天行MMC膀胱腔内热灌注化疗:先给予杜冷丁+非那根肌注,留置三腔导尿管,生理盐水600ml中加入MMC 80mg,治疗温度45℃,流速150ml/min,通过动力泵泵入膀胱,将进水管连接热交换器,进行膀胱体外循环治疗45min,3天1次共4次。治疗前后2天复查血常规、肝肾功能。治疗后2年内每3个月复查膀胱镜,2年后每6个月复查膀胱镜,了解肿瘤有无局部复发;同时检查X线、B超,了解肿瘤有无远处转移。结果:实验组男7例,女2例,平均年龄61.2岁;对照组男9例,平均年龄57.6岁。实验组与对照组治疗前的肿瘤复发次数、肿瘤个数、肿瘤复发时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。实验组入水温度44.7～45.2℃,出水温度43.5～44.0℃,温度差(入水温度-出水温度)小于2℃。患者治疗期间耐受性和依从性良好,无一例因出现严重并发症而退出治疗。治疗期间主要不良反应为尿频、尿急、尿痛,排尿不适,症状在治疗后3天～2周内消失。患者均获得平均20个月的随访,均健在,无盆腔淋巴结转移及远处转移。对照组7例出现局部复发,复发时间平均6.4个月,肿瘤个数1～5个,平均2.6个;实验组局部复发3例,复发时间平均10个月,复发个数1～2个,平均1.7个。两组治疗后复发间期比较,实验组治疗后复发间期较对照组显著延长(P<0.05)。结论:对于高复发浅表性TCC患者,MMC膀胱热灌注化疗可减少肿瘤复发机会,使肿瘤复发时间延长,数目减少,可增强MMC治疗TCC的临床效果。     

人膀胱浅表性移行细胞癌基因表达变化的基因芯片研究

目的研究人膀胱浅表性移行上皮细胞癌（TCC）和正常膀胱组织差异表达基因。方法应用基因芯片技术对6例膀胱浅表性TCC癌组织和正常膀胱组织的总RNA进行检测。结果在13939条目的基因中共发现差异表达基因720条。在癌组织中234条表达增加，486条表达降低；678条能在GeneBank中登录。结论膀胱浅表性TCC的发生、发展足多基因异常引起多条传导通路异常致使细胞恶性转化的结果，基因芯片技术可同时定量研究大量基因表达水平，是一种稳定、高效的方法。     

The risk profiles of three clinical types of carcinoma in situ of the bladder

Study Type – Therapy (individual cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Although it has been reported that patients with primary carcinoma in situ of the bladder (CIS) have a better prognosis than patients with concomitant or secondary CIS, the risk profiles of these three clinical types of CIS have not yet been fully clarified. The current study was performed to give further insight into the risk profiles of these three clinical types of CIS. In clinical practice it would be helpful to be able to discriminate ‘high‐risk’ from ‘low‐risk’ CIS before the start of intravesical therapy and as such to tailor the treatment and follow‐up to this risk‐profile.

OBJECTIVE

? To further clarify the risk profiles of three clinical types of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

? Population‐based data from the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Middle Netherlands, as part of the nationwide Netherlands Cancer Registry, were used for patients presenting with CIS in the period from 1987 to 2009. ? Patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer on primary diagnosis were excluded. The patients were divided into three groups according to their ‘clinical type’, being primary, concomitant or secondary CIS.

RESULTS

? Overall, 90 patients with CIS were identified with a mean age of 63.4 years, predominantly men (91.1%). Primary CIS (P‐CIS) was found in 43 patients (47.8%), concomitant CIS (C‐CIS) in 21 patients (23.3%) and secondary CIS (S‐CIS) in 26 patients (28.9%). Mean follow up was 81.3 months (range 8–222 months). Recurrence of disease was observed in 68.9% of patients, with significantly more recurrences in the S‐CIS group (88.5%). ? Progression to muscle‐invasive disease was seen in 17 patients (18.9%): eight patients (18.7%) with P‐CIS, four (19.0%) with C‐CIS and five (19.2%) with S‐CIS. Overall, 29 patients underwent a cystectomy, equally distributed over the three groups. The duration of bladder preservation was worse in the C‐CIS group but did not differ significantly between the groups. ? Overall survival at 5 years was 79.6% for the total group, with poorer results for the C‐CIS group, although the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

? Carcinoma in situ is clearly an entity that requires meticulous treatment and thorough follow up because of its high recurrence rate (68.9%) and high rate of progression to muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (18.9%). ? The C‐CIS group appears to have a poorer prognosis with a shorter duration of bladder preservation and a worse overall survival.