Is switching intravesical chemotherapeutic agents beneficial in short-term recurrent high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder tumors? A 5-year retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To explore if switching intravesical chemotherapeutic agents is beneficial in short-term recurrences of high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) following the failure of preceding intravesical therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From June 2010 to October 2015, 205 patients with NMIBC who experienced tumor recurrence within a year after receiving first-line intravesical chemotherapy (IVC) were classified into two groups. After a second complete transurethral resection (TUR) process, we immediately altered the intravesical instillation agent for 107 patients (group A). In contrast, the remaining 98 patients (group B) continued using their original intravesical instillation agent. After transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT), all patients received either an immediate instillation of epirubicin (EPI), gemcitabine (GEM), or hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), followed by regular induction and maintenance instillations. Recurrence and progression rates were evaluated using the Chi-square test, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

In this study, there was no significant difference in either the 5-year tumor recurrence or progression rates between the two groups (p > 0.05) The Kaplan-Meier plot showed no difference in progression-free or recurrence-free survival between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Switching IVC agents does not improve RFS and PFS for patients with short-term recurrent high-risk NMIBC.

Intravesical chemotherapy synergize with an immune adjuvant by a thermo-sensitive hydrogel system for bladder cancer

Surgical resection remains the prefer option for bladder cancer treatment. However, the effectiveness of surgery is usually limited for the high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Consequently, intravesical chemotherapy synergize with immunotherapy in situ is an attractive way to improve therapeutic effect. Herein, a combined strategy based on thermo-sensitive PLEL hydrogel drug delivery system was developed. GEM loaded PLEL hydrogel was intravesical instilled to kill tumor cells directly, then PLEL hydrogel incorporated with CpG was injected into both groins subcutaneously to promote immune responses synergize with GEM. The results demonstrated that drug loaded PLEL hydrogel had a sol-gel phase transition behavior in response to physiological temperature and presented sustained drug release, and the PLEL-assisted combination therapy could have better tumor suppression effect and stronger immunostimulating effect in vivo. Hence, this combined treatment with PLEL hydrogel system has great potential and suggests a clinically-relevant and valuable option for bladder cancer.

The optimal intravesical maintenance chemotherapy scheme for the intermediate-risk group non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

Although the current European Association of Urology(EAU) guideline recommends that patients with intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) should accept intravesical chemotherapy or Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for no more than one year after transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT), there is no consensus on the optimal duration of chemotherapy. Hence, we explored the optimal duration of maintenance intravesical chemotherapy in patients with intermediate-risk NMIBC.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This was a real-world single-center retrospective cohort study. In total 158 patients with pathologically confirmed intermediate-risk NMIBC were included, who were divided into 4 subgroups based on the number of instillations given. We used Cox regression analysis and survival analysis chart to explore the 3-yr recurrence outcomes of tumor.The optimal duration was determined by receive operating characteristic curve (ROC).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 5.2 years. Compared with instillation for 1-2 months, the Hazard Ratios(HR) values of instillation for less than 1 month, maintenance instillation for 3-6 months and > 6 months were 3.57、1.57 and 0.22(95% CI 1.27-12.41;0.26-9.28;0.07-0.80, P = 0.03;0.62;0.02, respectively). We found a significant improvement in 3-yr relapse-free survival in intermediate-risk NMIBC patients who maintained intravesical instillation chemotherapy for longer than 6 months, and the best benefit was achieved with 10.5 months of maintenance chemotherapy by ROC.

CONCLUSIONS

In our scheme, the optimal duration of intravesical instillation with pirrubicin is 10.5 months. This new understanding provides valuable experience for the precise medical treatment model of intermediate-risk NMIBC.

Underutilization of intravesical chemotherapy and immunotherapy for high grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in California between 2006-2018: Effect of race, age and socioeconomic status on treatment disparities

OBJECTIVE

Among patients diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), those with high risk disease have the greatest risk of recurrence and disease progression. The underutilization of intravesical immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been a longstanding concern in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the disparities present in receipt of adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy and immunotherapy in treatment of patients with high grade NMIBC following initial transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT).

METHODS

The California Cancer Registry data was used to identify 19,237 patients diagnosed with high grade NMIBC who underwent TURBT. Treatment variables include re-TURBT, re-TURBT and intravesical chemotherapy (IVC) and/or BCG. Independent variables include age, sex, race/ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), primary insurance payer and marital status at diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression and multinomial regression models were used to examine variation in the treatments received following TURBT.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients receiving TURBT followed by BCG was similar across all racial and ethnic groups (28%-32%). BCG therapy was higher in patients belonging to the highest nSES quintile (37% for highest vs. 23%-26% for the 2 lowest quintiles). In multiple variable analyses, receipt of any intravesical therapy (IVT) was influenced by nSES, age, marital status, race/ethnicity, and insurance type. Patients in the lowest nSES quintile had a 45% less likelihood of receiving IVT compared to the highest nSES group (OR [95%CI]: 0.55[0.49, 0.61]). Race/ethnicity differences in receipt of any adjuvant therapy were noted in the middle to lowest nSES quintile for Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander patients when compared to non-Hispanic White patients. When comparing variation in treatment by insurance type at diagnosis, those with Medicare or other insurance were 24% and 30% less likely to receive BCG after TURBT compared to those with private insurance, (OR [95%CI]: 0.76 [0.70, 0.82] and 0.70[0.62, 0.79]) respectively.

CONCLUSION

In patients with a diagnosis of high risk NMIBC, disparities in utilization of BCG are seen based on SES, age, and insurance type.

A 6-month maintenance schedule of mitomycin C after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma for the prevention of intravesical recurrence: a retrospective, single center study

PURPOSE

To show the effect of a 6-month (4 times weekly followed by 5 times monthly) maintenance mitomycin C regimen on the prevention of intravesical recurrence (IVR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

METHODS

A total of 119 patients undergoing a RNU between 2007 and 2021 in a single center hospital were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 66 patients were eligible for further analysis. 27 patients received no post-operative MMC (median follow-up: 110 months) and 39 patients received a 6-month (4 times weekly, 5 times monthly) maintenance regimen of MMC (median follow up: 48 months). The primary outcome was the 1-, 2- and 5-year bladder recurrence free survival (BRFS).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference (p = 0.001) in BRFS between the two groups. The 1-, 2, and 5-year BRFS for the MMC- group was 67%, 63% and 43%, respectively. The 1-, 2- and 5-year BRFS for the MMC + group was 95%, 86% and 86%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed no other potential prognostic factors that had a significant effect on the BRFS.

CONCLUSION

A 6-month maintenance schedule of MMC is effective at significantly reducing the risk of IVR after RNU for UTUC. We could not find any other significant prognostic factors to predict IVR.

Novel Therapies for High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The treatment options for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), particularly following BCG, remain limited. We highlight recent, promising therapies for high-risk NMIBC.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several therapies utilizing different mechanisms of action have demonstrated favorable results in the BCG-naïve and BCG-unresponsive settings. These treatments include intravenous and intravesical immunotherapy, viral- and bacterial-based intravesical therapies, combination intravesical chemotherapy regimens, and novel intravesical chemotherapy administration. Overall, the efficacy and tolerability of emerging treatments for NMIBC appear promising and provide potential alternatives to radical cystectomy. As the landscape of managing BCG-unresponsive disease evolves, clinical trials will explore future options and determine effective alternatives.

Tumor-targeting albumin nanoparticles as an efficacious drug delivery system and potential diagnostic tool in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer therapy

Current intravesical chemotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has limited efficacy due to loss of the instilled agent from urine voiding and the agent's lack of specificity for the tumors. We developed a nanocarrier (txCD47-HNP, ∼100 nm) based on human serum albumin conjugated with a peptide that targets the cluster of differentiation 47 receptor overexpressed on bladder cancer (BC) cells. The IC₅₀ of gemcitabine elaidate (GEM) loaded in the txCD47-HNP was almost an order of magnitude lower than that of free GEM. In a mouse orthotopic BC model, GEM loaded in txCD47-HNP effectively reduced the tumor burden. Tumor cells in BC patients' urine can also be targeted by fluorescence-labeled txCD47-HNP resulting in >83 % of the cells exhibiting fluorescence. Thus, txCD47-HNP can potentially be a theranostic agent in NMIBC management by serving as a targeted drug delivery vehicle as well as an alternative to urine cytology.

Immediate post-operative intravesical instillation of a single dose chemotherapy is not superior to continuous saline irrigation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether there is any difference between immediate postoperative instillation of intravesical chemotherapy (IPOIC) and continuous saline bladder irrigation (CSBI) in terms of bladder cancer (BC) recurrence in patients with primary low- or intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive BC (NMIBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of 1482 patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor between March 1994 and August 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to IPOIC and/or CSBI administration status [Group-1 = CSBI alone; Group-2 = CSBI following IPOIC]. Low- and intermediate-risk NMIBC patients were also divided into subgroups according to IPOIC and/or CSBI administration status.

RESULTS

A total of 594 patients with primary NMIBC were included. Of the patients, 86 (14.5%) were female and 508 (85.5%) were male with a median age of 69 (60-78) years. The frequency of patients in Group-1 and Group-2 were 361 (60.8%) and 233 (39.2%), respectively. Recurrent disease was observed in 213 (35.9%) patients. There was no difference between the groups when they were compared for recurrent disease frequency, median time to first recurrence and frequency of recurrence within first 12 months (P = .064, P = .671, and P = .145, respectively). Disease recurrence rates in low-risk NMIBC patients was lower when they were treated with "CSBI following IPOIC" when compared to "CSBI alone" (P = .042). However, no difference was observed in low-risk NMIBC subgroups when they were compared for pathological features of recurrent tumors such as number, size, grade, stage, and presence of carcinoma in situ (P > .05, for each).

CONCLUSIONS

"CSBI following IPOIC" combination was not superior to "CSBI alone" for preventing adverse pathological outcomes in recurrent low- and intermediate-risk NMIBC.

Adjuvant Intravesical Chemohyperthermia Versus Passive Chemotherapy in Patients with Intermediate-risk Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (HIVEC-II): A Phase 2, Open-label, Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy following tumour resection is recommended for intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of adjuvant intravesical chemohyperthermia (CHT) for intermediate-risk NMIBC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

HIVEC-II is an open-label, phase 2 randomised controlled trial of CHT versus chemotherapy alone in patients with intermediate-risk NMIBC recruited at 15 centres between May 2014 and December 2017 (ISRCTN 23639415). Randomisation was stratified by treating hospital.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to adjuvant CHT with mitomycin C at 43°C or to room-temperature mitomycin C (control). Both treatment arms received six weekly instillations of 40 mg of mitomycin C lasting for 60 min.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint was 24-mo disease-free survival as determined via cystoscopy and urinary cytology. Analysis was by intention to treat.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients (131 CHT vs 128 control) were randomised. At 24 mo, 42 patients (32%) in the CHT group and 49 (38%) in the control group had experienced recurrence. Disease-free survival at 24 mo was 61% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51-69%) in the CHT arm and 60% (95% CI 50-68%) in the control arm (hazard ratio [HR] 0.92, 95% CI 0.62-1.37; log-rank p = 0.8). Progression-free survival was higher in the control arm (HR 3.44, 95% CI 1.09-10.82; log-rank p = 0.02) on intention-to-treat analysis but was not significantly higher on per-protocol analysis (HR 2.87, 95% CI 0.83-9.98; log-rank p = 0.06). Overall survival was similar (HR 2.55, 95% CI 0.77-8.40; log-rank p = 0.09). Patients undergoing CHT were less likely to complete their treatment (n =75, 59% vs n = 111, 89%). Adverse events were reported by 164 patients (87 CHT vs 77 control). Major (grade III) adverse events were rare (13 CHT vs 7 control).

CONCLUSIONS

CHT cannot be recommended over chemotherapy alone for intermediate-risk NMIBC. Adverse events following CHT were of low grade and short-lived, although patients were less likely to complete their treatment.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The HIVEC-II trial investigated the role of heated chemotherapy instillations in the bladder for treatment of intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We found no cancer control benefit from heated chemotherapy instillations over room-temperature chemotherapy. Adverse events following heated chemotherapy were low grade and short-lived, although these patients were less likely to complete their treatment.

Thermal intravesical chemotherapy in adjuvant treatment of high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the oncological results of hyperthermic Mitomycin C (MMC) in adjuvant treatment of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and to assess its side-effect profile.

METHODS

Patients who were followed up in two reference university hospitals due to high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder tumors were included in the study. High-risk patients according to the EAU non-muscle invasive bladder cancer guideline, patients who were rejected early cystectomy, patients who could not be treated with BCG due to a shortage, and patients for whom the cystectomy would be too risky due to their comorbidities were included in the study. All patients were followed up forat least 24 months with physical examination, cystoscopy, and urine cytology at 3-month intervals. Transurethral tumor resection was performed in all patients and a non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma was diagnosed pathologically. Hyperthermic MMC was administered with Synergo system SB-TS 101. Records were kept prospectively and evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight high-risk group patients 18 (31%) of whom were at pTa stage and 40 (69%) at pT1 stage were included in the study. During a mean follow-up of 42 months, 34 (58%) patients had recurrence, while 5 (8%) patients progressed to muscle-invasive disease. Eleven (19%) of the patients under went radical cystectomy. The mean time to relapse was 10 months (3-34 months), and the mean time to progression was 41 months (6-87 months). Five-year overall survival, cancer-specific survival, progression-free survival, and relapse-free survival of the patients were 76%, 88%, 90% and 38%, respectively. Multifocality alone was found to be an independent risk factor (HR: 0.26; 95% Cl: 0.08-0.78; p=0.016) affecting recurrence. The observed side effects included tachycardia, cystitis, dysuria, macrohematuria, procedure-related pain, and allergic skin reactions. Treatment had to be discontinued in one patient due to a diffuse skin reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Thermal intravesical MMC therapyis a safe treatment and it could be effective treatment option in preventing disease progression in patients with high risk and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with unsuccessful Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or who could not be treated with BCG for other reasons.

The benefit of a neoadjuvant instillation of chemotherapy in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: Interim analysis of the PRECAVE randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Although an immediate postoperative instillation of chemotherapy (IPOIC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) is recommended for the prevention of recurrences of non-muscleinvasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), evidence shows there is an important compliance failure worldwide. We believe that an immediate neoadjuvant instillation of chemotherapy (INAIC) can act similarly, reducing the recurrence risk of NMIBC. Here we present the interim analysis of the PRECAVE clinical trial.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with clinically diagnosed NMIBC were randomized to receive an INAIC with mitomycin C before TURBT (Group A) or to a control group with TURBT only (Group B). Primary end point was to compare the efficacy of an INAIC in the early recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary end points were: RFS in patients who did not receive adjuvant treatments, toxicity, and feasibility.

RESULTS

A total of 124 patients with Ta/T1 G1-G3NMIBC were included in the initial analysis (Group A:64, Group B: 60). Demographics, risk classification, complications, and adjuvant treatments were balanced between groups. Eighty-four patients (Group A: 45, Group B: 39) who completed a one-year follow-up were included in the efficacy analysis and no difference was observed in the RFS between groups (p=0.3). In the subgroup of patients who did not receive adjuvant treatments, we found a significant difference in favor of an INAIC (p=0.009) and an 80% reduction in the risk of early recurrences (Hazard Ratio: 0.20; 95% confidence interval: 0.05-0.81; p=0.0024). No differences were observed in adverse events. Only 4 patients did not receive an INAIC despite being planned.

CONCLUSIONS

In this interim analysis, although we could not demonstrate a reduction in the RFS of all patients, we did find a significant decrease of recurrences in patients who did not receive adjuvant treatments. The administration of an INAIC seems to be safe and our protocol appears feasible and reproductive.

Application of intra-arterial chemotherapy in high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

To summarize the current evidence on the effects of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) on high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and compare oncology results with intravesical chemotherapy (IVC).

Methods

We performed a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of the primary outcomes of interest by a systematical search of multiple scientific databases in February 2021. The mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated for continuous and dichotomous variables respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The hazard radio (HR) with 95% CIs was used for overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

A total of six studies with 866 patients were included. For IAC combined with IVC versus IVC alone, statistically significant differences were found regarding tumor recurrence rate (OR: 0.51, 95% CI [0.36∼0.72], p = 0.0001), tumor progression rate (OR: 0.47, 95% CI [0.30∼0.72], p = 0.0006), tumor-specific death rate (OR: 0.49, 95% CI [0.25∼0.99], p = 0.05), PFS (HR: 0.47, 95% CI [0.23∼0.96], p = 0.04) and RFS (HR: 0.60, 95% CI [0.41∼0.87], p = 0.007). No significant difference between two groups was found for time to first recurrence (MD: 3.27, 95% CI [−2.37∼8.92], p = 0.26) and OS (HR: 1.20, 95% CI [0.44∼3.32], p = 0.72). For IAC alone versus IVC, There was no statistical difference in the terms of tumor-specific death rate (OR: 0.67, 95% CI [0.29∼1.53], p = 0.34), RFS (HR: 0.90, 95% CI [0.56∼1.46], p = 0.68) and PFS (HR: 0.71, 95% CI [0.32∼1.55], p = 0.39). Adverse events mainly included nausea/vomiting (36.3%), hypoleukemia (19.4%), neutropenia (16.0%), increased creatinine (9.9%), increased alanine aminotransferase (18.7%), and thrombocytopenia (9.9%).

Conclusion

The IAC combined with IVC is a safe and effective treatment for high risk NMIBC, with lower rates of recurrence, progression, tumor-specific death, PFS and RFS, and with minor and tolerable events. The effectiveness of the IAC alone is parallel to the IVC alone.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (Ta, T1, and Carcinoma in Situ)

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.

Spinal Anesthesia Provides Longer Administration Time for Postoperative Intravesical Chemotherapy after TUR-B Operation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the tolerability of postoperative early intravesical chemotherapy session after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TUR-B) according to the different anesthesia types.

METHODS

The study was conducted between February 2017 and June 2020. Patients who were given intravesical mitomycin (MMC) 40 mg after TUR-B were included. Patients' risk categories (low, medium, and high) were determined according to the European Association of Urology (EAU) risk stratification system based on the tumor number, size (<3 and ≥3 cm), T stage (Ta and T1), and grade (low and high). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the applied anesthesia technique as group S (spinal) and group G (general). The patients' visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded every 30 min for 2 h after urethral clamping. The patients' pain scores were recorded using the VAS questionnaire form at 30th (VAS1), 60th (VAS2), 90th (VAS3), and 120th (VAS4) min after the urethral clamping. Requirement of analgesic, urethral clamp removal time, total instillation time, and discharged urine volume were recorded. Complications and complication grade (1-5) were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo system.

RESULTS

A total of 232 consecutive patients who received intravesical MMC were included. Sociodemographic characteristics of group S (n = 113) and group G (n = 119) were similar (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in tumor size, number of tumors, concomitant CIS, and T stage in both groups (p > 0.05). High-grade tumors were higher in group S (23.9 vs. 11%; p = 0.008). Requirement of analgesic (53.9 vs. 91.5%; p = 0.00) and termination of therapy <60' (2 vs. 26%; p = 0.00) and <120' (32.7 vs. 76.4%; p = 0.00) were significantly lower in group S. The mean instillation time (108.05 ± 19.40 vs. 85.67 ± 24.66 min; p = 0.00) was found significantly higher for group S. In group G, mean VAS1-4 scores were significantly higher than in group S (p < 0.05). Linear correlation analyses showed that the VAS score is correlated with the instillation time (p < 0.05). The rates of minor (I-III) (7 vs. 8%; p = 0.706) and major (IV-V) (0.9 vs. 1.6%; p = 0.590) complications were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The patients' tolerability of intravesical MMC treatment can be improved by spinal anesthesia. It provides longer instillation time and less pain during intravesical chemotherapy.

The HELENA study: Hexvix®-TURB vs. white-light TURB followed by intravesical adjuvant chemotherapy-a prospective randomized controlled open-label multicenter non-inferiority study

Purpose

Photodynamic diagnosis and white-light TURB with adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy (ICT) is widely used in treatment of bladder cancer. This non-inferiority trial is designed to demonstrate non-inferiority regarding recurrence-free survival (RFS) of Hexvix^® TURB followed by immediate instillation compared to white-light TURB with immediate instillation followed by maintenance ICT.

Methods

Between 07/2010 and 12/2016, 129 patients with EORTC intermediate risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treated with TURB were included in this multicentre phase III study. Patients were randomized and received either white-light TURB with immediate ICT followed by maintenance ICT (n = 62, 20 mg Mitomycin weekly for 6 weeks as induction phase, afterwards 20 mg/month for 6 months) or Hexvix^® TURB with immediate ICT only (n = 67, 40 mg Mitomycin). Primary study endpoint was RFS after 12 months. Hexvix^® TURB was counted as non-inferior to white light alone if the upper limit of the one-sided 95% confidence interval of hazard ratio was lower than 1.676. Due to the non-inferiority design, the per-protocol population was used as the primary analysis population (n = 113)

Results

Median follow-up was 1.81 years. Hexvix^® group showed more events (recurrence or death) than white-light group (19 vs. 10) resulting in a HR of 1.29 (upper limit of one-sided 95%-CI = 2.45; p_{non-inferiority} = 0.249). The ITT population yielded similar results (HR = 1.67); 3.18], p_{non-inferiority} = 0.493). There was no significant difference in overall survival between both groups (p = 0.257).

Conclusion

Non-inferiority of Hexvix^® TURB relative to white-light TURB with maintenance Mitomycin instillation in intermediate risk urothelial carcinoma of the bladder was not proven. Hence a higher effect of maintenance ICT is to assume compared to a Hexvix^®-improved TURB only, confirming its important role in patient treatment.

Current treatments for BCG failure in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)

The treatment of choice for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). However, when this fails, the indicated treatment is radical cystectomy. In recent years, trials are being developed with various drugs to avoid this surgery in patients with BCG failure. The aim of this article is to update the treatments under study for bladder preservation in this patient population. Non-systematic review, searching PubMed with the terms "Bladder cancer", "Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer", "NMIBC", "BCG", "BCG-refractory", "Mitomycin C", "MMC", "Hyperthermia", "Electromotive Drug Administration", "EMDA". We used the search engines clinicaltrials.gov and clinicaltrialsregister.eu to find clinical trials. The only intravesical drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for carcinoma in situ (CIS) after failure to BCG is Valrubicin. Recently, the FDA has approved intravenous Pembrolizumab, following the publication of preliminary data from the KEYNOTE-057 study. Atezolizumab has demonstrated similar preliminary efficacy results. Only microwave-induced chemohyperthermia and EMDA-MMC (Electromotive Drug Administration) are recognized as alternatives in European guidelines. Other options under investigation are taxanes and gemcitabine, alone or in combination, recombinant viruses and device-assisted intravesical chemohyperthermia. The results of new drugs are promising, with a large number of trials underway. Knowing the mechanisms of resistance to BCG is essential to explore new therapeutic options.

Delayed Bladder Perforation Related to Immediate Single Dose Intravesical Doxorubicin Instillation After TURBT: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction

Intravesical chemotherapy instillation immediately after tumor resection is a well-known practice in the management of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Despite being largely well tolerated in most cases, it is not devoid of severe and life-threatening complications.

Case Presentation

We present an unusual case of bladder perforation that happened 2 weeks after bladder tumor resection. The patient had received single dose intra-vesical instillation of doxorubicin after TUR-BT. Conservative managements failed to achieve bladder healing; as a result, open surgical repair was performed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bladder perforation after intra-vesical doxorubicin instillation.

Conclusion

The occurrence of such a rare serious complication in a mostly safe intervention must be taken into consideration. A high index of suspicion, timely management, and proceeding to more invasive surgical treatments when necessary are cornerstones in the management and preserving the bladder.

Treatment of Large Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: The Potential Role of Neoadjuvant Intravesical Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

The endoscopic resection of large and bulky bladder cancers represents a challenge. To reduce the tumor and make it more easy to resect, we used neoadjuvant short and intensive intravesical mitomycin (MMC) therapy.

METHODS

Patients with large bladder tumors were evaluated for this study. At cystoscopy, the surgeon evaluated the feasibility of complete resection. In patients where this was not possible, biopsies from the tumor, bladder mucosa, and prostatic urethra were taken. These patients then underwent a short and intensive cytoreductive schedule of intravesical MMC. This was then followed by TUR-BT.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in our study. The mean age was 74 years (range: 56-82; SD ±6 years). Mean tumor size was 51 mm (range: 35-65; SD ±8 mm). After neoadjuvant treatment, complete resection was then feasible in all patients. The mean tumor volume after the chemo-resection had reduced to 34 mm (range: 10-50; SD ±13 mm). No adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Intravesical cytoreductive neoadjuvant MMC as an initial treatment of large NMIBC can be considered safe, effective, and feasible.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy compared with intravesical BCG immunotherapy retrospectively in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) combined with intravesical chemotherapy (IVC) against intravesical BCG immunotherapy in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

130 patients with high-risk NMIBC who had underwent TURBT were divided into two groups, of which IAC + IVC group received four courses of IAC (cisplatin and epirubicin) combined with IVC (epirubicin or pirarubicin) after surgery and BCG group received intravesical BCG immunotherapy. Recurrence rate and progression rate were assessed by Chi-square test, while recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

In this study, the recurrence rate was 27.9% (12/43) in IAC + IVC group and 26.4% (14/53) in BCG group, while progression rate was 9.3% (4/43) in IAC + IVC group and 9.4% (5/53) in BCG group. Both of the recurrence and progression rate did not show a significant difference. In the Kaplan-Meier plot, no difference was found with respect to recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival. Moreover, 46.5% (20/43) patients suffered from adverse events of IAC and 83.1% (49/59) patients suffered from adverse events associated with BCG, of which 6 patients discontinued treatment due to serious adverse events of BCG. Univariate analysis suggested that only recurrent tumor could be an independent risk factor related to recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

IAC combined with IVC used in high-risk NMIBC could reduce the recurrence and progression as effective as BCG instillation with lower adverse events.

Precave: Immediate neoadjuvant instillation of chemotherapy for the prevention of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma recurrence: A prospective randomized clinical trial protocol

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Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer can recur in around 60% of patients.

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Only 1/3 of patients receive a postoperative immediate intravesical instillation.

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We believe more patients can benefit with a neoadjuvant instillation.

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We designed a prospective, phase IV, randomized trial to prove our hypothesis.

Introduction and objectives

Recurrence rates for patients presenting with non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) can be as high as 60% during the first year after a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Currently, an immediate postoperative instillation of chemotherapy (IPOIC) is recommended for the prevention of recurrences in patients with low to intermediate risk disease. Although in real clinical practice this specific instillation of chemotherapy has many difficulties to be standardized, including its contraindications (suspected or confirmed bladder perforation, wide or extensive resection and, continuous bladder irrigation requirement), which will only make it feasible for around 30% of patients.

We propose in this controlled study, to administer an immediate neoadjuvant instillation of chemotherapy (INAIC), which can be applied technically to all patients, no matter the surgical outcomes and compare it with a control group. We expect to find a reduction in the recurrence rate in the experimental group of at least 15%.

Methods

We designed a phase IV, randomized, controlled, open label clinical trial. Main inclusion criteria are: patients with a clinical diagnosis of localized, papillary-type bladder cancer (suspected low to intermediate risk) with a disease-free interval of at least 6 months. Eligible patients will be allocated into group A (INAIC plus TURBT) or group B (TURBT) using a computer-generated block randomization sequence/ratio 1:1. Time to recurrence of both groups will be analyzed and compared using Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank tests and, Cox-regression. Univariate and multivariate analyzes will be performed to determine factors which influence recurrence. The study has received the approval of the Ethics Committee for Drug Research (CEIm) of La Paz University Hospital and the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products.

The DaBlaCa-13 Study: Short-term, Intensive Chemoresection Versus Standard Adjuvant Intravesical Instillations in Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer-A Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Instillation therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) reduces recurrences but is associated with side effects. Preoperative instillation of chemotherapy could potentially be associated with fewer side effects compared with adjuvant instillations and in some patients make tumour resection (transurethral resection of the bladder tumour [TURBT]) superfluous.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate tumour response and adverse events related to short-term, intensive chemoresection with mitomycin C compared with adjuvant instillations in patients with recurrent NMIBC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A randomised, controlled trial was conducted in two urological departments in Denmark from January 2018 to June 2019. In total, 120 participants with a history of Ta bladder tumours, low grade or high grade, were included upon recurrence.

INTERVENTION

Intravesical mitomycin C (40 mg/40 ml) three times a week for 2 wk in the intervention group (59 patients) was compared with TURBT and six weekly adjuvant instillations in the control group (61 patients).

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Tumour response was evaluated in the intervention group by flexible cystoscopy after 4 wk. Side effects were prospectively registered in both groups using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Groups were compared using χ² or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Complete tumour response was seen in 33 participants (57%) in the intervention group. Fewer adverse events were reported in the intervention group than in the control group. Two patients in each group ceased instillation treatment due to adverse events. The main limitation is the current lack of long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term, intensive chemoresection yields a tumour response of 57%. Hence, only half of those treated with chemoresection needed TURBT. The treatment was furthermore associated with fewer clinically significant side effects. Owing to small numbers, further investigations on Ta high-grade tumours are needed.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We compared a nonsurgical treatment with standard treatment in patients with superficial bladder tumours. We found it to be safe and able to avoid surgery in more than half of the patients.

Intraoperative prophylactic intravesical chemotherapy to reduce bladder recurrence following radical nephroureterectomy

PURPOSE

Single, postoperative instillation of prophylactic intravesical chemotherapy (pIVC) is effective in reducing bladder cancer recurrences following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Despite high level evidence, pIVC is underutilized. Intraoperative pIVC (I-pIVC) may be easier and safer to implement than postoperative pIVC (P-pIVC). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of I-pIVC during RNU.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing RNU and I-pIVC or postoperative pIVC (P-pVC) with 20 to 40 mg mitomycin-C or 1 to 2 g gemcitabine. Recurrence rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier curves and log rank test. Cox regression was used for univariable and multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-seven patients were included in the final analysis. 81% (111/137) had I-pIVC and 19% (26/137) had P-pIVC. In the I-pIVC group higher rates of HG, muscle invasive disease and gemcitabine use were observed. Overall, 74% (101/137) and 26% (36/137) had mitomycin-C and gemcitabine instillations, respectively. Within 12 months 14% (19/137) of the patients experienced bladder recurrence. Median time to bladder recurrence was 7 months (range 3-27). Twelve months bladder recurrence-free survival rates were 82% for the I-pIVC group, and 72% for the P-pIVC group ((log rank P = 0.365).

CONCLUSIONS

I-pIVC during RNU may reduce bladder recurrence rates. Bladder recurrence rates are comparable to those reported using postoperative instillations. Intraoperative instillations may be easier to implement and may increase usage rates.

Advanced primary urethral cancer: a case report

Background

Primary urethral cancer is exceedingly rare, resulting in a limitation in clinicians’ experience, and an accurate diagnosis is often delayed due to the non-specific clinical presentation. Here, we present this case report to show the treatment of a patient with primary urethral cancer. Our patient was diagnosed as having primary urethral cancer in the First Clinical Hospital of Yichang by cystoscopy and biopsy. Due to her age, poor physical tolerance, and economic condition, she refused radical operation. Since there is no definite guideline for the treatment process of primary urethral cancer in clinics, operation methods and postoperative adjuvant treatments vary in different hospitals, leading to diverse prognostic effects.

Case presentation

An 88-year-old Asian woman had difficulty in urinating for more than 6 months and the syndrome was aggravated for 1 month. She chose a relatively conservative treatment plan: primary tumor resection combined with bladder perfusion chemotherapy. Postoperative pathology revealed “urethra” high-grade urothelial carcinoma (sarcoma-like variants) with extensive necrosis. After treatment with intravesical chemotherapeutic drug (hydroxycamptothecin 40 mg), she was eventually released from our hospital in a stable condition. Postoperation follow-up was performed to observe to what extent this conservative treatment plan improved the quality of life and overall survival time of our patient.

Conclusions

She needed radical resection according to the actual situation. However, her age restricted her tolerance to general anesthesia; relatively conservative treatment options are available to ensure a high quality of life. The treatment of primary tumor resection combined with bladder perfusion chemotherapy is feasible. This case highlights the importance of the dissemination of new cases and optimizing primary urethral cancer diagnosis to obtain an effective treatment.

Heated Intravesical Chemotherapy: Biology and Clinical Utility

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer can be a challenging disease to manage. In recent years, hyperthermia therapy in conjunction with intravesical therapy has been gaining traction as a treatment option for bladder cancer, especially if Bacillus Calmette-Guerin might not be available. Trials of intravesical chemotherapy with heat are few and there has been considerable heterogeneity between studies. However, multiple new trials have accrued and high-quality data are forthcoming. In this review, we discuss the role of combined intravesical hyperthermia and chemotherapy as a novel approach for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Effectiveness of Intravesical Doxorubicin Immediately Following Resection of Primary Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether adding single immediate postoperative intravesical instillation of doxorubicin (SID) to transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) significantly reduced the risk of recurrence in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 720 patients diagnosed with primary NMIBC between 2002 through 2018 at the Kameda Medical Center. The primary outcome measure was time to recurrence. Time to progression was also compared. The cohort of SID and the cohort of TURBT alone were matched one-to-one by propensity scores. Matching was done by patient age, gender, and factors of the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer recurrence risk table. The associations of adding SID and clinical outcomes were assessed with uni- and multivariate competing-risk regression models.

RESULTS

After matching, a total of 364 patients, including 182 receiving SID and 182 receiving TURBT alone, were analyzed. No statistically significant differences existed among the measured baseline characteristics in propensity score-matched cohorts. In the multivariate analysis, there was a significantly longer time to recurrence in patients receiving SID (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.95; P = .024) in propensity score-matched cohorts. There was no significant difference in time to progression (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-3.49; P = .58) in univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that SID significantly reduced the recurrence risk of primary NMIBC. Doxorubicin could be an inexpensive alternative to other evidenced-based chemotherapeutic agents for single immediate intravesical chemotherapy.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (TaT1 and Carcinoma In Situ) - 2019 Update

CONTEXT

This overview presents the updated European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), TaT1, and carcinoma in situ (CIS).

OBJECTIVE

To provide practical recommendations on the clinical management of NMIBC with a focus on clinical presentation and recommendations.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A broad and comprehensive scoping exercise covering all areas of the NMIBC guidelines has been performed annually since the last published version in 2017. 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/or CIS are grouped under the heading of NMIBC. Diagnosis depends on cystoscopy and histological evaluation of the tissue obtained by transurethral resection (TURB) in papillary tumours or by multiple bladder biopsies in CIS. In papillary lesions, a complete TURB is essential for the patient's prognosis and correct diagnosis. Where the initial resection is incomplete, where there is no muscle in the specimen, or where a T1 tumour is detected, a second TURB should be performed within 2-6 wk. The risks of both recurrence and progression may be estimated for individual patients using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) scoring system. Stratification of patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups is pivotal to the recommendation of adjuvant treatment. In patients with tumours presumed to be at a low risk and in those presumed to be at an intermediate risk with a low previous recurrence rate and an expected EORTC recurrence score of <5, one immediate chemotherapy instillation is recommended. Patients with intermediate-risk tumours should receive 1 yr of full-dose bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intravesical immunotherapy or instillations of chemotherapy for a maximum of 1 yr. In patients with high-risk tumours, full-dose intravesical BCG for 1-3 yr is indicated. In patients at the highest risk of tumour progression, immediate radical cystectomy should be considered. Cystectomy is recommended in BCG-unresponsive tumours. The extended version of the guidelines is available at the EAU website: 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 Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) Panel has released an updated version of their guidelines, which contains information on classification, risk factors, diagnosis, prognostic factors, and treatment of NMIBC. The recommendations are based on the current literature (until the end of 2018), with emphasis on high-level data from randomised clinical trials and meta-analyses. Stratification of patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups is essential for deciding appropriate use of adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy or bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillations. Surgical removal of the bladder should be considered in case of BCG-unresponsive tumours or in NMIBCs with the highest risk of progression.

Evaluation of the effects of intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy against intravesical chemotherapy alone after transurethral resection of bladder tumor in T1-staged Grade 3 bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

Comparing intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy against intravesical chemotherapy alone in the treatment of T1-staged Grade 3 (T1G3) bladder cancer after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2007 to December 2012, 203 patients diagnosed with NMIBC were randomly assigned into either intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy group (Group A, n = 68) or intravesical chemotherapy alone group (Group B, n = 135) after TURBT. Four cycles of intra-arterial chemotherapy were administered after initial TURBT with 1-month interval between each. Intravesical chemotherapy was administered in both groups including an immediate 50 mg epirubicin instillation after TURBT and weekly maintenance for 8 weeks, and then followed by monthly maintenance for 1 year. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS

Out of 203 patients, 53 were in Group A and 98 in Group B, and they were evaluated for recurrence and progression rate where recurrence rate was 35.8% (19/53) in group A and 41.8% (41/98) in group B with a significant difference (P < 0.05) and progression rate was 20.7% (11/53) in group A and 23.5% (23/98) in group B with a significant difference (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that intra-arterial chemotherapy could be an independent risk factors related to both overall survival and time to first recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy could reduce the risk of recurrence and progression compared to intravesical chemotherapy alone in T1G3 bladder cancer.

Efficacy of intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy in T1G3 bladder cancer when compared with intravesical chemotherapy alone after bladder-sparing surgery: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) combined with intravesical chemotherapy (IVC) in T1G3 bladder cancer (Bca) after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

METHODS

Our study retrospectively reviewed 200 patients with T1G3 BCa who had all undergone TURBT. The patients' medical records were divided into two groups, one group only had IVC with pirarubicin after surgery, and the other group had IAC (cisplatin and epirubicin) combined with IVC after surgery. The patients were monitored regularly by urine cytology and cystoscopy. Survival and recurrence curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Tumor recurrence, progression and tumor-specific death rate were compared with Chi-square test. A multivariate analysis was carried out to find out potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 200 medical record was analyzed, 131 patients received IVC, 69 IAC + IVC treatment, tumor-specific death rate between the combined IAC and IVC compared to IVC alone was 7.25 and 17.6%, respectively (p < 0.05); the tumor recurrence rate between the two groups was 31.8% (22/69) and 44.3%, respectively (58/131) (p < 0.05), and tumor recurred later in the IAC + IVC group (p < 0.05), tumor progression rate was 18.8% (13/69) and 28.2% (37/131), respectively, with p < 0.05. Overall survival was longer in IAC + IVC group (p < 0.05). Using the multivariable regression model, IAC was significantly related to disease recurrence (p < 0.05) and overall survival (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

T1G3 BCa post-TURBT surgery patients who underwent IAC combined with IVC had a longer overall survival and increased time interval to first recurrence, lower tumor recurrence rate, progression rate and tumor-specific death rate than compared with those who only underwent IVC alone.

Prospective randomized controlled trial of postoperative early intravesical chemotherapy with pirarubicin (THP) for solitary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer comparing single and two-time instillation

PURPOSE

Single immediate intravesical instillation of chemotherapy after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) has been the gold standard treatment for patients with low- and intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Herein, we conducted a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial in Japan, comparing recurrence-free survival between single and two-time instillation of pirarubicin (THP) for solitary NMIBC.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2009, 257 patients with solitary NMIBC were enrolled and randomized to single instillation of THP (30 mg/50 mL) immediately after TURBT (Group A) or two-time instillation of THP immediately after and 1 day after TURBT (Group B). The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival. Secondary endpoints included rates of recurrence and adverse effects, including hematuria, micturition pain, difficult urination, pollakiuria, systemic symptoms, and other complications. This study was registered as UMIN C000000266.

RESULTS

Of 257 patients, 99 in Group A and 102 in Group B could be evaluated for recurrence. Median follow-up was 71 months. The overall recurrence rate was 39 and 31%, respectively (p = 0.2704). Although the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 55.9% and 67.7% in groups A and B, respectively, the difference between groups was not significant (p = 0.2031). No significant differences in adverse effects were observed between groups, except for pollakiuria (7 vs 22%, p = 0.0031). Multivariate analyses did not show that the treatment group was a significant risk factor for bladder cancer recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative two-time intravesical instillation of THP was not superior to single immediate instillation for preventing recurrence after complete resection of a solitary NMIBC.

Recirculating chemohyperthermia as a treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: Current and future perspectives

About 75% of all bladder cancer diagnosed are non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), recurring over 50% of them after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. In order to prevent recurrences, adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy with mitomycin C and immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is traditionally used. Unfortunately, many patients relapse after receiving these treatments and a significant proportion of them require surgery. After a one-to-three years BCG maintenance, the risk for progression at 5 years was 19.3% for T1G3 tumors. Many new treatment approaches are being investigated to increase the effectiveness of adjuvant intravesical therapy. One of the developing treatments for intermediate and high-risk NMIBC is the combination of intravesical chemotherapy and hyperthermia, called chemohyperthermia. This article provides a review of the mechanism of action, current status and indications, results and future perspectives.

A prospective comparison of intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy and intravesical chemotherapy alone after transurethral resection with a thulium laser in high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Objective To compare intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy with intravesical chemotherapy alone in the treatment of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (HRBC) after thulium laser resection of a bladder tumor (TmLRBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2009 to December 2013, 283 patients with HRBC were randomly assigned to the combined group (group A, n = 141) or intravesical chemotherapy-alone group (group B, n = 142) after TmLRBT. Intra-arterial chemotherapy was administered after initial TmLRBT, with 3 courses at 4-week intervals. Each course consisted of cisplatin (50 mg/m²) and epirubicin (30 mg/m²). Intravesical chemotherapy was administered in both groups, including an immediate 50 mg of epirubicin instillation after TmLRBT and weekly maintenance for 8 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance for 1 year.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate was 29.1% (41/141) in group A and 42.9% (61/142) in group B, with a significant difference (p = 0.01). The progression rate was 15.6% (22/141) in group A and 25.3% (36/142) in group B, with a significant difference (p = 0.039). Patients with concomitant carcinoma in situ (CIS) also had a lower recurrence rate and progression rate in group A compared to those in group B (p = 0.006 and p = 0.03, respectively). On univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, patients with low-grade histology had a higher reccurrence-free rate. Multivariate COX analysis of tumor-related factors suggested that concomitant CIS was the only significant prognostic factor associated with poorer recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with intravesical chemotherapy could reduce the risk of recurrence and progression compared to intravesical chemotherapy alone in HRBC.

[Intravesical instillations in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Prospects for thermochemotherapy]

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is characterised by a high risk of recurrence when performing only a transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB). Intravesical instillations are performed postoperatively to decrease the rate of recurrence. The standard agents currently used are Mitomycin-C (MMC) or bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). In order to further enhance the efficacy of the adjuvant treatments and/or diminish their side effects, alternative treatments are studied. Intravesical MMC combined with hyperthermia could be an interesting alternative active treatment for intermediate- and possibly high-risk NMIBC, and has been investigated in the past years. Two methods for achieving hyperthermia are described and presently evaluated: heating the bladder wall by the mean of an intravesical microwave generator (Synergo^®) and heating the MMC before it is instilled in the bladder (Combat BRS^®).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Efficacy and safety of a new device for intravesical thermochemotherapy in non-grade 3 BCG recurrent NMIBC: a phase I-II study

PURPOSE

We report for the first time the activity and safety of Unithermia(®) (Elmedical Ltd, Hod-Hasharon, Israel), a novel device for administration of MMC-C with hyperthermia (HT), that employs conductive heating, in a series of non-grade 3 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) that failed Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).

METHODS

Patients with non-grade 3 NMIBC recurring after at least a full induction course of BCG were eligible for this phase I-II prospective single-arm study. Six weekly instillations with Unithermia(®) were scheduled following complete TUR. Primary end points were treatment safety and response rate (RR), and the latter defined as the absence of any unfavourable outcome at 12 months. Any grade 3 and/or muscle-invasive (T > 1) recurrence was considered disease progression. Kaplan-Meier estimation of the time to recurrence and progression, cancer-specific survival and overall survival was taken as secondary end points.

RESULTS

Thirty-four eligible patients entered the study between January 2009 and April 2011. RR was documented in 20/34 (59%). Among the 14/34 (41%) non-responders, four developed G3 disease, one developed carcinoma in situ, and one progressed to muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with an overall 18% progression rate at 1 year. At a median follow-up of 41 months, recurrence and progression rates were 35.3 and 23.5%, respectively. Toxicity did not go beyond grade 2 except in five cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial experience with MMC-HT with Unithermia(®) showed an interesting activity and safety profile in non-grade 3 NMIBC recurring after BCG, suggesting a role as second-line therapy in this selected subgroup of NMIBC.

From the battlefield to the bladder: The development of thioTEPA

Effective medications for the treatment of cancer were nonexistent in the early twentieth century. Ironically the widespread use of toxic chemical weapons, chlorine and sulfur mustard gas, during the “Great War” led to the first successful chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer patients. Soon after the introduction of poisonous gas on the battlefield, reports of the resulting pancytopenia in exposed combatants appeared in the medical literature. The biologic effect of chemical weaponry on rapidly dividing cells eventually was recognized for its salutary potential in the treatment of cancer. Once this potential was appreciated, hundreds of similar compounds were synthesized and evaluated as chemotherapeutic agents. One such compound, thioTEPA, would eventually open the era of intravesical treatment of urothelial cancer.

EAU guidelines on non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: update 2013

CONTEXT

The first European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on bladder cancer were published in 2002 [1]. Since then, the guidelines have been continuously updated.

OBJECTIVE

To present the 2013 EAU guidelines on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Literature published between 2010 and 2012 on the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC was systematically reviewed. Previous guidelines were updated, and the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation were assigned.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Tumours staged as Ta, T1, or carcinoma in situ (CIS) are grouped as NMIBC. Diagnosis depends on cystoscopy and histologic evaluation of the tissue obtained by transurethral resection (TUR) in papillary tumours or by multiple bladder biopsies in CIS. In papillary lesions, a complete TUR is essential for the patient's prognosis. Where the initial resection is incomplete, where there is no muscle in the specimen, or where a high-grade or T1 tumour is detected, a second TUR should be performed within 2-6 wk. The risks of both recurrence and progression may be estimated for individual patients using the EORTC scoring system and risk tables. The stratification of patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups is pivotal to recommending adjuvant treatment. For patients with a low-risk tumour, one immediate instillation of chemotherapy is recommended. Patients with an intermediate-risk tumour should receive one immediate instillation of chemotherapy followed by 1 yr of full-dose bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intravesical immunotherapy or by further instillations of chemotherapy for a maximum of 1 yr. In patients with high-risk tumours, full-dose intravesical BCG for 1-3 yr is indicated. In patients at highest risk of tumour progression, immediate radical cystectomy should be considered. Cystectomy is recommended in BCG-refractory tumours. The long version of the guidelines is available from the EAU Web site: http://www.uroweb.org/guidelines/.

CONCLUSIONS

These abridged EAU guidelines present updated information on the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC for incorporation into clinical practice.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The EAU Panel on Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer released an updated version of their guidelines. Current clinical studies support patient selection into different risk groups; low, intermediate and high risk. These risk groups indicate the likelihood of the development of a new (recurrent) cancer after initial treatment (endoscopic resection) or progression to more aggressive (muscle-invasive) bladder cancer and are most important for the decision to provide chemo- or immunotherapy (bladder installations). Surgical removal of the bladder (radical cystectomy) should only be considered in patients who have failed chemo- or immunotherapy, or who are in the highest risk group for progression.