Therapy of superficial bladder cancer

Intravesical therapy has been used in the management of superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder (Ie, Ta, Tl, and carcinoma in situ [CIS]) with specific objectives that include treating existing/residual tumor, preventing recurrence of tumor, preventing disease progression, and prolonging survival. The initial clinical stage and grade remain the main determinant factors in survival irrespective of the treatment. Intravesical chemotherapy has shown a decrease in short-term tumor recurrence rates, but has had no positive impact on disease progression or prolongation of survival. Presently, bacillus Calmette-Guèrin vaccine (BCG) immunotherapy remains the most effective treatment and prophylaxis for TCC (Ta, Tl, CIS) and has positive outcome on tumor recurrence rate, disease progression, and prolongation of survival. Prostatic urethral mucosal involvement with bladder cancer can also be effectively treated with BCG intravesical immunotherapy. Interferons, keyhole limpet hemocyanin and photofrin-photodynamic therapy are under investigation in the management of TCC and early results are encouraging. This review highlights and summarizes the recent advances in intravesical therapy and prophylaxis of superficial TCC.