Long-term follow-up of noninvasive bladder tumours (stage Ta): recurrence and progression

To evaluate long-term recurrence-free and progression-free survival of noninvasive bladder tumours (stage Ta), and the significance of simple risk factors, including concomitant epithelial dysplasia.

The study included 217 patients with primary noninvasive bladder tumour (stage Ta) who were followed routinely for up to 20 years. Voided urine cytology (VUC) and preselected site biopsies (PSB) were obtained prospectively to evaluate the significance of concomitant epithelial dysplasia.

The mean follow-up was 84 months (maximum 238). Of all tumours, 39% did not relapse, a further 20% recurred infrequently (less than once a year) and 41% recurred frequently, amongst which the most frequent were multiple and early recurrent tumours; 42 (19%) tumours progressed to stage T1+ and 23 (11%) progressed further (stage T2+ or metastases). No grade 1 tumours became invasive. Positive VUC or PSB, a short recurrence-free period or multiplicity, and size > 3 cm were significant predictive factors. The treatment and surveillance of epithelium-confined bladder tumours are discussed.

Concomitant dysplasia and early recurrence are associated with considerable risk of progression in the long-term follow-up in a group of otherwise low-risk superficial bladder tumours (stage Ta).