Prognostic utility of human complement factor H related protein test (the BTA stat Test)

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Prognostic factors for superficial bladder cancer are well-established.
• Accurate prediction of disease-free interval (DFI) is crucial for patient management.
• The role of the BTA stat Test as an independent prognostic marker requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation of the BTA stat Test with disease-free interval (DFI) in primary superficial bladder cancer.
• To compare the prognostic significance of the BTA stat Test with established factors like histological grade, stage, tumor size, and multiplicity.
• To determine if the BTA stat Test offers independent prognostic value beyond traditional markers.

Main Methods:

• Prospective multicentre study of 116 newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients.
• Urine samples collected pre-TURB for BTA stat testing, cytology, and culture.
• DFI analysis using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression, with follow-up until first recurrence or last visit.

Main Results:

• The BTA stat Test was positive in 75.3% of patients; cytology detected 20.6%.
• A positive BTA stat Test and intermediate/high-grade tumors were associated with shorter DFI.
• For grade 2 tumors, positive BTA stat Test correlated with a significantly higher 1-year recurrence risk (68.6% vs. 42.9%, P=0.041).

Conclusions:

• The BTA stat Test demonstrates sensitivity for primary bladder cancer detection.
• The BTA stat Test may possess independent prognostic significance, particularly for predicting recurrence risk.
• Integrating BTA stat Test results could refine prognostic stratification for superficial bladder cancer patients.