Exploring the Need for a Consensus Guideline for the Management of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Scoping...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a heterogeneous disease with high recurrence and progression rates.
• Current management strategies present unique challenges despite tumor resection.
• Existing clinical practices show substantial variability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on the management of NMIBC.
• To explore risk stratification, intravesical therapy, surveillance, and emerging treatments.
• To identify gaps and areas for improvement in NMIBC care.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.
• Adherence to PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews.
• Inclusion of English publications from January 2010 to April 2025.

Main Results:

• Reviewed 16 studies covering diagnosis, resection, intravesical therapy, surveillance, patient factors, and novel therapies.
• Identified inadequate use of immediate postoperative chemotherapy and varied surveillance schedules.
• Highlighted promising novel therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors and intravesical agents.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences exist in clinical practice for NMIBC management.
• There is a lack of therapy standardization and a patient-centered approach.
• Harmonized guidelines, broader access to innovative treatments, and collaborative research are needed.