Comparison of the prognosis of primary vs. progressive muscle invasive bladder cancer after radical cystectomy: Results from a large multicenter study

Urol Oncol. 2021 Mar;39(3):195.e1-195.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.09.006. Epub 2020 Nov 16.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess whether progressive and primary muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) have different prognosis after radical cystectomy or not. To date only a few data are available on this topic with conflicting results. Further studies on large cohort are needed to clarify these outcomes that may influence bladder cancer management for these patients.

Material and methods: A multicentre retrospective study was conducted on patient treated for MIBC at 5 centres between 2005 and 2015 by radical cystectomy. Patients' outcomes were compared between patients with primary MIBC vs. progressive MIBC subsequent to a history of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Results: A total of 1197 patients were included. Median (IQ) age was 65 (58-72) years and median follow-up was 65 months. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups as well as the Tumour pT stage, N status and positive surgical margins. Patients with progressive MIBC had worse overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36, [95%CI 1.10-1.76]; P = 0.004), cancer specific survival (CSS) (HR 1.41 [1.13-1.78]; P = 0.002), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 1.21 [1.01-1.49]; P = 0.05). Pathological stage ≥pT3, positive surgical margins, and positive lymph nodes status (pN+) were also found as predictors of OS, CSS, and RFS.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that patient having a progressive BC have a worse prognosis in terms of OS, PFS, and CSS than patient with primary disease. These 2 groups may require different management and patients with high risk NMIBC should be assessed properly to avoid progression and be offered early cystectomy.

Keywords: Bladder cancer; Prognosis; Progression; Radical Cystectomy; Survival.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cystectomy* / methods
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / surgery*