Analysis of Results of Recurrence and Progression Rates of High-Grade Ta Bladder Cancer and Comparison with Results of High-Grade T1

Abstract

Introduction

We aimed to evaluate the long-term recurrence and progression rates in a Turkish population with high-grade Ta and T1 bladder cancer and to determine malign potential of high-grade Ta bladder cancer.

Methods

191 patients who had non-invasive bladder cancer were evaluated at a single institution between 2005 and 2010. Median follow-up was 55.6 months (13-108). Long-term follow-up results of recurrence and progression rates of high-grade Ta and T1 were analyzed and compared with each other.

Results

Of the 191 patients, 143 (74.9%) were high-grade T1 and 48 (25.1%) were high-grade Ta. Of the 143 patients who were high-grade T1, 39 (27.2%) responded to the induction BCG without recurrence. 33 (23%) patients had invasion deep into the muscle layer. 61 (42%) patients had recurred as high-grade T1. Of the 48 patients who were high-grade Ta, 15 (31%) responded to induction BCG without recurrence. 18 (37.5%) patients had recurrence as high-grade Ta. 12 (25%) patients had invasion deep into to the muscle layer. Of all the patients, 13 (7%) patients died of causes related to bladder cancer. In a multivariate analysis, concomitant CIS was statistically significant for the progression of high-grade Ta bladder cancer (p<0.005).

Conclusions

According to the data of the current study, the presence of concomitant CIS in patients with high-grade bladder cancers is associated with a higher risk of progression. There is a need for larger scale multi-institutional studies in order to support the hypothesis that high-grade Ta tumors should be considered as T1 tumors.