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Recurrence pattern for superficial bladder cancer.
Keigo Akagashi1, Hitoshi Tanda, Shuji Kato
1Department of Urology, Sanjukai Urological Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. akagashi@sanjukai.or.jp
Summary
Superficial bladder cancer patients often experience recurrences even after long recurrence-free intervals. Long-term follow-up is crucial for all patients to monitor for late tumor recurrences.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Superficial bladder tumors can have extended periods without recurrence.
- Understanding long-term recurrence patterns is essential for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if patients with superficial bladder tumors experience recurrences after long recurrence-free intervals.
- To determine optimal follow-up strategies for these patients.
Main Methods:
- 244 patients with superficial bladder cancer (pTa and pT1) underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and adjuvant pirarubicin chemotherapy.
- Patients were followed for a median of 75.5 months and stratified by recurrence-free interval length.
Main Results:
- 50.8% of patients experienced recurrence; 65 out of 185 patients recurrence-free for 3 years had subsequent recurrences, often after 5+ years.
- Ta tumors showed a 14.5% recurrence rate, frequently after extended recurrence-free periods.
- 40% of patients with at least one prior recurrence who were recurrence-free for 3+ years had further recurrences.
Conclusions:
- Superficial bladder tumors, including pTa, can recur late, even after 3 years without recurrence.
- Subsequent recurrences in patients with prior recurrence appear independent of the recurrence-free interval length.
- Extended long-term follow-up is recommended for all patients with superficial bladder tumors.