Risk of Bladder Cancer in Patients with Chronic Indwelling Catheters: A Real-World Data Analysis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Bladder cancer is a major global health concern.
• Chronic indwelling catheter (CIDC) use is common in urological care.
• The association between CIDC and bladder cancer risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between CIDC use and bladder cancer risk.
• To explore the influence of comorbidities and complications on this association.
• To identify specific patient subgroups with elevated risk.

Main Methods:

• A population-based retrospective cohort study using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (2007-2018).
• Identification of patients with CIDC (≥6 catheterizations) and matched controls without CIDC.
• Statistical analysis using Cox hazards model to determine bladder cancer incidence rate and risk.

Main Results:

• Patients with CIDC had a 5.16-fold higher risk of bladder cancer (95% CI: 4.35-6.13, p<.0001).
• Higher incidence rates observed in CIDC users (213.29/100,000 person-years) vs. controls (40.4/100,000 person-years).
• Stronger associations found in younger patients, females, and those with urinary tract stones or BPH.

Conclusions:

• CIDC use is strongly associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer.
• Urological complications (BPH, stones) and comorbidities (CKD, hypertension, COPD) exacerbate this risk.
• Integrated healthcare strategies are crucial for managing bladder cancer risk in CIDC patients.