[Prognostic factors for survival in patients with transitional bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy]

To recognize clinical and pathological variables that influence in bladder cancer specific mortality in patients with transitional bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy.

Retrospective analysis of 333 patients with transitional bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy. Variables included during pre-cystectomy, peri-cystectomy and post-cystectomy period were analyzed. Four groups were defined based on pathological state: a) Organ-confine bladder cancer without lymph node metastasis (pT0-2, pN0); b) Extravesical desease without lymph node metastasis (pT3-4, pN0); c) Bladder cancer with lymph node metastasis (pT0-4, pN+); d) No data of lymph node affection (pT0-4, pNx). Univariate analysis and two models of multivariate analysis were performed including the risk group as a variable in one the latest.

Mean follow up was 52.6 +/- 51 (2-221) months with a median of 31 months. Pathological state pT0 was observed in 7.2% of the patients, 12% were pT1, 26.7% pT2, 34.5% pT3 and 10.5% pT4. Lymph node metastasis was detected in 20.7% of the patients. Lymph node metastasis increased according to pathological state rises. Five and 10 years specific survival was 57% and 54% respectively.

Local pathological state, lymph node status and risk groups were independent predictive factors for bladder cancer specific survival. Risk group association is a reliable method to predict bladder cancer specific survival and to identify the suitable patient group to get benefit from adjuvant therapy.