| 1. |
- Babjuk, Marko, et al.
(author)
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European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non–muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (Ta, T1, and Carcinoma in Situ)
- 2022
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In: European Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0302-2838. ; 81:1, s. 75-94
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: The European Association of Urology (EAU) has released an updated version of the guidelines on non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Objective: To present the 2021 EAU guidelines on NMIBC. Evidence acquisition: A broad and comprehensive scoping exercise covering all areas of the NMIBC guidelines since the 2020 version was performed. Databases covered by the search included Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries. Previous guidelines were updated, and the level of evidence and grade of recommendation were assigned. Evidence synthesis: Tumours staged as Ta, T1 and carcinoma in situ (CIS) are grouped under the heading of NMIBC. Diagnosis depends on cystoscopy and histological evaluation of tissue obtained via transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) for papillary tumours or via multiple bladder biopsies for CIS. For papillary lesions, a complete TURB is essential for the patient's prognosis and correct diagnosis. In cases for which the initial resection is incomplete, there is no muscle in the specimen, or a T1 tumour is detected, a second TURB should be performed within 2–6 wk. The risk of progression may be estimated for individual patients using the 2021 EAU scoring model. On the basis of their individual risk of progression, patients are stratified as having low, intermediate, high, or very high risk, which is pivotal to recommending adjuvant treatment. For patients with tumours presumed to be at low risk and for small papillary recurrences detected more than 1 yr after a previous TURB, one immediate chemotherapy instillation is recommended. Patients with an intermediate-risk tumour should receive 1 yr of full-dose intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy or instillations of chemotherapy for a maximum of 1 yr. For patients with high-risk tumours, full-dose intravesical BCG for 1–3 yr is indicated. For patients at very high risk of tumour progression, immediate radical cystectomy should be considered. Cystectomy is also recommended for BCG-unresponsive tumours. The extended version of the guidelines is available on the EAU website at https://uroweb.org/guideline/non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer/. Conclusions: These abridged EAU guidelines present updated information on the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC for incorporation into clinical practice. Patient summary: The European Association of Urology has released updated guidelines on the classification, risk factors, diagnosis, prognostic factors, and treatment of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The recommendations are based on the literature up to 2020, with emphasis on the highest level of evidence. Classification of patients as having low, intermediate, or and high risk is essential in deciding on suitable treatment. Surgical removal of the bladder should be considered for tumours that do not respond to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment and tumours with the highest risk of progression.
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| 2. |
- Beijert, Irene J., et al.
(author)
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International Opinions on Grading of Urothelial Carcinoma : A Survey Among European Association of Urology and International Society of Urological Pathology Members
- 2023
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In: European Urology Open Science. - 2666-1691. ; 52, s. 154-165
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Grade of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is an important prognostic factor for progression. Currently, two World Health Organization (WHO) classification systems (WHO1973, categories: grade 1–3, and WHO2004 categories: papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential [PUNLMP], low-grade [LG], high-grade [HG] carcinoma) are used. Objective: To ask the European Association of Urology (EAU) and International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) members regarding their current practice and preferences of grading systems. Design, setting, and participants: A web-based, anonymous questionnaire with ten questions on grading of NMIBC was created. The members of EAU and ISUP were invited to complete an online survey by the end of 2021. Thirteen experts had previously answered the same questions. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The submitted answers from 214 ISUP members, 191 EAU members, and 13 experts were analyzed. Results and limitations: Currently, 53% use only the WHO2004 system and 40% use both systems. According to most respondents, PUNLMP is a rare diagnosis with management similar to Ta-LG carcinoma. The majority (72%) would consider reverting back to WHO1973 if grading criteria were more detailed. Separate reporting of WHO1973-G3 within WHO2004-HG would influence clinical decisions for Ta and/or T1 tumors according the majority (55%). Most respondents preferred a two-tier (41%) or a three-tier (41%) grading system. The current WHO2004 grading system is supported by a minority (20%), whereas nearly half (48%) supported a hybrid three- or four-tier grading system composed of both WHO1973 and WHO2004. The survey results of the experts were comparable with ISUP and EAU respondents. Conclusions: Both the WHO1973 and the WHO2004 grading system are still widely used. Even though opinions on the future of bladder cancer grading were strongly divided, there was limited support for WHO1973 and WHO2004 in their current formats, while the hybrid (three-tier) grading system with LG, HG-G2, and HG-G3 as categories could be considered the most promising alternative. Patient summary: Grading of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a matter of ongoing debate and lacks international consensus. We surveyed urologists and pathologists of European Association of Urology and International Society of Urological Pathology on their preferences regarding NMIBC grading to generate a multidisciplinary dialogue. Both the “old” World Health Organization (WHO) 1973 and the “new” WHO2004 grading schemes are still used widely. However, continuation of both the WHO1973 and the WHO2004 system showed limited support, while a hybrid grading system composed of both the WHO1973 and the WHO2004 classification system may be considered a promising alternative.
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| 3. |
- Burger, Maximilian, et al.
(author)
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ICUD-EAU International Consultation on Bladder Cancer 2012: Non-Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
- 2013
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In: European Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-7560 .- 0302-2838. ; 63:1, s. 36-44
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Our aim was to present a summary of the Second International Consultation on Bladder Cancer recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment options for non-muscle-invasive urothelial cancer of the bladder (NMIBC) using an evidence-based approach. Objective: To critically review the recent data on the management of NMIBC to arrive at a general consensus. Evidence acquisition: A detailed Medline analysis was performed for original articles addressing the treatment of NMIBC with regard to diagnosis, surgery, intravesical chemotherapy, and follow-up. Proceedings from the last 5 yr of major conferences were also searched. Evidence synthesis: The major findings are presented in an evidence-based fashion. We analyzed large retrospective and prospective studies. Conclusions: Urothelial cancer of the bladder staged Ta, T1, and carcinoma in situ (CIS), also indicated as NMIBC, poses greatly varying but uniformly demanding challenges to urologic care. On the one hand, the high recurrence rate and low progression rate with Ta low-grade demand risk-adapted treatment and surveillance to provide thorough care while minimizing treatment-related burden. On the other hand, the propensity of Ta high-grade, T1, and CIS to progress demands intense care and timely consideration of radical cystectomy. (C) 2012 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.
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| 4. |
- Grimm, Marc Oliver, et al.
(author)
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Treatment of High-grade Non–muscle-invasive Bladder Carcinoma by Standard Number and Dose of BCG Instillations Versus Reduced Number and Standard Dose of BCG Instillations : Results of the European Association of Urology Research Foundation Randomised Phase III Clinical Trial “NIMBUS”
- 2020
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In: European Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0302-2838. ; 78:5, s. 690-698
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an accepted strategy to prevent recurrence of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) but associated with significant toxicity. Objective: NIMBUS assessed whether a reduced number of standard-dose BCG instillations are noninferior to the standard number and dose in patients with high-grade NMIBC. Design, setting, and participants: A total of 345 patients from 51 sites were randomised between December 2013 and July 2019. We report results after a data review and safety analysis by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee based on the cut-off date of July 1, 2019. Intervention: The standard BCG schedule was 6 wk of induction followed by 3 wk of maintenance at 3, 6, and 12 mo (15 instillations). The reduced frequency BCG schedule was induction at wks 1, 2, and 6 followed by 2 wk (wks 1 and 3) of maintenance at 3, 6, and 12 mo (nine instillations). Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The primary endpoint was time to first recurrence. Secondary endpoints included progression to ≥ T2 and toxicity. Results and limitations: In total, 170 patients were randomised to reduced frequency and 175 to standard BCG. Prognostic factors at initial resection were as follows: Ta/T1: 46/54%; primary/recurrent: 92/8%; single/multiple: 57/43%; and concomitant carcinoma in situ: 27%. After 12 mo of median follow-up, the intention-to-treat analysis showed a safety-relevant difference in recurrences between treatment arms: 46/170 (reduced frequency) versus 21/175 patients (standard). Additional safety analyses showed a hazard ratio of 0.40 with the upper part of the one-sided 97.5% confidence interval of 0.68, meeting a predefined stopping criterion for inferiority. Conclusions: The reduced frequency schedule was inferior to the standard schedule regarding the time to first recurrence. Further recruitment of patients was stopped immediately to avoid harm in the reduced frequency BCG arm. Patient summary: After surgical removal of the tumour, patients with high-grade non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer are treated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin to prevent recurrence and progression. This is associated with significant side effects. We report the results of a clinical trial showing a reduction in the number of instillations (from 15 to nine in total) being inferior to the standard protocol. From today's perspective, complete tumour resection and a standard number of instillations remain the standard of care. In high-grade non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer, a reduced frequency of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillations during induction and maintenance is inferior to the standard BCG schedule regarding time to first recurrence. Repeated transurethral resection followed by the standard BCG regimen, as recommended by the European Association of Urology guideline, remains the state of the art.
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| 5. |
- Schultz, Iman J, et al.
(author)
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Gene expression analysis for the prediction of recurrence in patients with primary Ta urothelial cell carcinoma
- 2007
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In: European Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0302-2838 .- 1873-7560. ; 51:2, s. 416-423
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives The individual recurrence-free period after primary surgery of patients with Ta urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) cannot be predicted accurately. This study aims at discriminating between patients with primary Ta UCC and long or short recurrence-free periods. Methods We investigated mRNA expression of 23 genes in 44 primary Ta tumours (23 and 21 tumours were from patients with long [≥4 yr] or short [≤2 yr] recurrence-free periods, respectively), using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The genes were selected from previously published studies and showed a relationship with tumour recurrence in patients with UCC. Results Differential mRNA expression between the two patient groups indicated statistical significance only for the gene survivin (p = 0.0011). Its recurrence predictive value could not be increased by a combination with any of the other genes. Comparison of the receiver operating characteristic curves for survivin expression between patients with long or short recurrence-free intervals revealed an area under the curve of 0.79 (95%CI, 0.65–0.92). Using the median expression (0.84) as cut-off level, survivin identified 71.4% (95%CI, 47.8–88.7) and 69.6% (95%CI, 47.1–86.8) of the patients with long or short recurrence-free periods, respectively. Conclusions Our study identifies survivin as the most promising candidate to distinguish between patients with primary Ta UCC and long or short recurrence-free intervals. Therefore, survivin mRNA expression analysis might help the urologist to individualise patient treatment and prevent unnecessary cystoscopies in a subgroup of these patients.
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| 6. |
- Schultz, Iman J., et al.
(author)
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Prediction of recurrence in Ta urothelial cell carcinoma by real-time quantitative PCR analysis : a microarray validation study
- 2006
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In: International Journal of Cancer. - : Wiley. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 119:8, s. 1915-1919
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Accurate prediction of tumor recurrence in patients with superficial urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) might result in a significant reduction of invasive follow-up cystoscopies. A recent study identified a panel of 26 genes from a large cDNA microarray analysis of bladder tumors that discriminated between early- and late-recurring patients with superficial Ta tumors (Dyrskjot et al., Nat Genet 2003;33:90-6). We aimed to validate this panel of genes in 44 primary Ta UCCs (23 and 21 tumors from patients with short or prolonged recurrence-free periods, respectively), by real-time quantitative PCR. Statistical analysis showed marginal significant different mRNA expression levels between the 2 patient groups. To evaluate a supplementary effect of genes for the identification of patients with short or prolonged recurrence-free intervals, forward logistic regression analysis was applied. This revealed that a combination of the expression profiles of the genes HNRPK, LTB4DH and ANP32B resulted in the best performance, although the combination only marginally increased the predictive value of HNRPK alone. Comparing the receiver-operating-characteristic curves for HNRPK expression among patients with short or prolonged recurrence-free periods, revealed an area under the curve of 0.696 (95% CI, 0.537-0.855). Using the median HNRPK expression level as cut-off, a sensitivity of 69.6% and a specificity of 71.4% were obtained for the identification of patients with short or prolonged recurrence-free periods, respectively. In conclusion, we were not able to confirm the microarray gene expression pattern of the 26 genes shown by Dyrskjot et al. The discovery of accurate recurrence predictive markers, therefore, remains a challenge.
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| 7. |
- Schultz, Iman J., et al.
(author)
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Simultaneous proteomic and genomic analysis of primary Ta urothelial cell carcinomas for the prediction of tumor recurrence
- 2007
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In: Anticancer Research. - 0250-7005 .- 1791-7530. ; 27:2, s. 1051-1058
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The prediction of tumor recurrence in patients with Ta urothelial cell carcinoma is inaccurate and new prognostic markers are desirable. Materials and Methods: Surface-enhanced laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) was performed on 33 primary Ta tumors (16 and 17 tumors were from patients with long and short recurrence-free periods, respectively) and data were compared to previously obtained mRNA expression profiles of 49 genes. Results: The intensities of a protein peak at m/z 33331 varied most significantly between the two patient groups (p=0.0048). This was comparable to survivin, whose mRNA expression differed most significantly (p=0.0042) of the 49 genes. ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve for protein peak 33331 and survivin of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.62-0.94) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.63-0.94), respectively. Protein peak 33331 and survivin identified 3 (17%) and 8 (47%) patients with a recurrence-free period of at least 4 years, respectively, without generating false-negatives. Conclusion: These findings indicate that SELDI-TOF MS and real-time Q-PCR analysis on the same tissue can result in the identification of markers with comparable differential expression. Such combined analyses may yield combinations of several markers that might improve disease prognosis.
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| 8. |
- Schultz, Iman J., et al.
(author)
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The Prognostic Role of the STK15 T91A Polymorphism and of STK15 mRNA Expression in Patients with Urothelial Cell Carcinoma
- 2007
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In: Anticancer Research. - 0250-7005 .- 1791-7530. ; 27:2, s. 1025-1030
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The prognostic role of the STK15 T91A polymorphism and of STK15 mRNA expression was investigated in patients with urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). Materials and Methods: The STK15 genotype with respect to the T91A polymorphism was assessed by restriction fragment length polymorphism in 135 patients. STK15 mRNA expression was measured in tumor tissues of 103 patients, using real-time quantitative PCR. Results: The T91A polymorphism lacked any prognostic information in our patient cohort. Interestingly though, STK15 mRNA expression was increased in invasive and high-grade tumors (p-values of 0.009 and 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, patients with superficial UCC (n=82) who had a tumor recurrence in the first year after surgery displayed elevated STK15 mRNA expression levels (p=0.009). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed an increased risk of tumor progression for patients with Ta tumors (n=62) and high STK15 expression (log-rank p=0.04). Furthermore, a decreased overall (log-rank p=0.006) and UCC-specific survival (log-rank p=0.001) were shown for patients with elevated STK15 mRNA levels. Conclusion: Patients with UCC and elevated levels of STK15 mRNA generally showed a more adverse disease course than patients with low levels. This may help in identifying patients in need of more aggressive treatment.
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| 9. |
- van Straten, Christine G.J.I., et al.
(author)
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Quality of Life in Patients with High-grade Non–muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Undergoing Standard Versus Reduced Frequency of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Instillations : The EAU-RF NIMBUS Trial
- 2023
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In: European Urology Open Science. - 2666-1691. ; 56, s. 15-24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Adverse events induced by intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to treat high-grade non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) often lead to treatment discontinuation. The EAU-RF NIMBUS trial found a reduced number of standard-dose BCG instillations to be inferior with the standard regimen. Nonetheless, it remains important to evaluate whether patients in the reduced BCG treatment arm had better quality of life (QoL) due to a possible reduction in toxicity or burden. Objective: To evaluate whether patients in the EAU-RF NIMBUS trial experienced better QoL after a reduced BCG instillation frequency. Design, setting, and participants: A total of 359 patients from 51 European sites were randomized to one of two treatment arms between December 2013 and July 2019. The standard frequency arm (n = 182) was 6 weeks of BCG induction followed by 3 weeks of maintenance at months 3, 6, and 12. The reduced frequency arm (n = 177) was BCG induction at weeks 1, 2, and 6, followed by maintenance instillations at weeks 1 and 3 of months 3, 6, and 12. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Analyses were performed using an intention-to-treat analysis and a per-protocol analysis. QoL was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 version 3.0 (QLQ-C30 v.03) prior to the first and last instillations of each BCG cycle. Group differences were determined using linear regression corrected for QoL at baseline. Differences in QoL over time were tested for significance using a linear mixed model. Side effects were recorded by the treating physician using a standardized form. Chi-square tests were used to compare the side-effect frequency between the arms. Results and limitations: There were no significant differences in the means of each QoL scale between the two arms. There were also no significant changes over time in all QoL domains for both arms. However, differences in the incidence of general malaise at T1 (before the last induction instillation), frequency, urgency, and dysuria at T7 (before the last maintenance instillation) were detected in favor of the reduced frequency arm. Conclusions: Reducing the BCG instillation frequency does not improve the QoL in NMIBC patients despite lower storage symptoms. Patient summary: In this study, we evaluated whether a reduction in the number of received bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillations led to better quality of life in patients with high-grade non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We found no difference in the quality of life between the standard and the reduced bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation frequency. We conclude that reducing the number of instillations does not lead to better quality of life in patients with high-grade non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
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| 10. |
- Witjes, J. Alfred, et al.
(author)
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Hexaminolevulinate-Guided Fluorescence Cystoscopy in the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Patients with Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer : Review of the Evidence and Recommendations
- 2010
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In: European Urology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0302-2838 .- 1873-7560. ; 57:4, s. 607-614
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Compared with standard white-light cystoscopy, photodynamic diagnosis with blue light and the photosensitiser hexaminolevulinate has been shown to improve the visualisation of bladder tumours, reduce residual tumour rates by at least 20%, and improve recurrence-free survival. There is currently no overall European consensus outlining specifically where hexaminolevulinate is or is not indicated. Objective: Our aim was to define specific indications for hexaminolevulinate guided fluorescence cystoscopy in the diagnosis and management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Evidence acquisition: A European expert panel was convened to review the evidence for hexaminolevulinate-guided fluorescence cystoscopy in the diagnosis and management of NMIBC (identified through a PubMed MESH search) and available guidelines from across Europe. On the basis of this information and drawing on the extensive clinical experience of the panel, specific indications for the technique were then identified through discussion. Evidence synthesis: The panel recommends that hexaminolevulinate-guided fluorescence cystoscopy be used to aid diagnosis at initial transurethral resection following suspicion of bladder cancer and in patients with positive urine cytology but negative white-light cystoscopy for the assessment of tumour recurrences in patients not previously assessed with hexaminolevulinate, in the initial follow-up of patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) or multifocal tumours, and as a teaching tool. The panel does not currently recommend the use of hexaminolevulinate-guided fluorescence cystoscopy in patients for whom cystectomy is indicated or for use in the outpatient setting with flexible cystoscopy. Conclusions: Evidence is available to support the use of hexaminolevulinate-guided fluorescence cystoscopy in a range of indications, as endorsed by an expert panel. (c) 2010 European Association of Urology.
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