Developments and controversies in the management of noninvasive bladder cancer

To summarize recent developments and controversies in the diagnosis and management of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

The majority of incident bladder cancer diagnoses are noninvasive. The mainstay of diagnosis remains cystoscopy and transurethral resection, with enhanced optical techniques potentially improving detection of nascent disease. Intravesical chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents reduce the likelihood of recurrence and progression, with novel agents showing promise. The identification of variant histology with aggressive phenotypes permits identification of patients unlikely to respond to intravesical agents, in whom early cystectomy is advocated. Risk stratification of patients with NMIBC continues to improve and should be used to inform surveillance and treatment paradigms. Tobacco cessation may improve disease-specific endpoints and overall mortality.

NMIBC encompasses a variety of tumors with heterogeneous natural histories, making clinical management challenging. Improved detection with novel technologies and optimization of existing treatment modalities hold promise of improving oncologic outcomes in the future.