[Pronostic factors in recurrence and progression of superficial bladder cancer. Risk groups (part I)]

We have carried out a retrospective study on a series of superficial bladder tumours, analyzing the clinical-pathological factors that can determine the subsequent evolution of the tumour as for recurrence and progression.

They were revised on the whole 473, of which finally 419 superficial bladder tumours were useful for the study (223 primary tumours and 196 recurrent). Studies are carried out univariate and multivariate on 24 variables of each tumour referred to the characteristics and to the evolution of the tumour.

We find significant differences in the free time to recurrence, diminishing it in the tumours that recurred in less than 12 months, in multiple tumours (3 or more tumours) and in bladder dome tumours. Also statistically significant differences existed when were studied two homogeneous groups of surgeons, while the treatment with bladder instillations increased it. The time to progression, diminishes in: Tumours that had recurred prematurely (in 6 months), tumours over 3 cm, high grade tumours and when two groups of surgeons were studied, we also find that the maintenance therapy with BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guerin) showed a greater time to progression versus induction therapy.

The independent factors to explain smaller free time till superficial recurrence were: recurrence in the 1 degree year, multiplicity, surgical technique, not employment of bladder washes, treatment with low dose of BCG and use of intravesical therapy with induction therapy versus maintenance. About the progression, we objectify that the factors with greater influence in the progression were, recurrence in the first 6 months, grade (grade 2 and grade 3 + Tis) and treatment with maintenance therapy versus induction.