Predictive Molecular Biomarkers of Bladder Cancer Identified by Next-Generation Sequencing-Preliminary Data

Background: The majority of patients with bladder cancer suffer from tumour recurrence. Identifying prognostic factors for tumour recurrence is crucial for treatment and follow-up in affected patients. The study aimed to assess the impact of somatic mutations in bladder cancer on patient outcomes and tumour recurrence. Methods: The study group comprised 46 patients with urothelial bladder cancers referred for transurethral resection of the tumour. A molecular study on tumour-derived DNA was performed using next-generation sequencing. Somatic mutations were screened in 50 genes involved in carcinogenesis. Results: We identified 81 variants in 23 genes, including 54 pathogenic mutations, 18 likely pathogenic variants, and 9 variants of unknown significance. The most frequently mutated genes were FGFR3, PIK3CA, and TP53 in 52%, 35%, and 24% of tumours, respectively. The average tumour-free survival was significantly longer in cases with mutations in the PIK3CA gene (p = 0.02), and mutations in the PIK3CA gene were associated with a decreased risk of tumour recurrence (Hazard Ratio = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11-0.62; p = 0.018). Conclusions: The PIK3CA gene was shown to be a predictive marker of a low risk of bladder tumour recurrence. Molecular screening of bladder cancers supported predictive biomarkers of tumour recurrence and showed that tumour-free survival is molecularly determined.