Superficial bladder cancer. Risk of recurrence and potential role for interferon therapy

Superficial bladder tumors--cancer in situ (CIS) and papillary transitional carcinoma of the bladder--are the most frequent presentations of bladder cancer, the second most common disease of the urethelial tract. These superficial tumors demonstrate a tendency to recur, either at the same stage and grade or as deeply invasive tumors. To some extent, the likelihood of tumor recurrence can be predicted, based on certain risk factors. Furthermore, the probability of recurrence can be altered through appropriate clinical interventions. A review of the literature, much of which is preliminary, suggests that interferon therapy for bladder cancer may modify the biologic behavior of this disease and provide clinical benefit for some patients.