The Factors Affecting Recurrence and Prognosis in Patients With Low-Grade Stage Ta Bladder Cancer

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to review the parameters affecting tumour recurrence, tumour progression and cancer survival of patients with low-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 262 patients with primary, low-grade Ta bladder cancer. Recurrence was defined as the occurrence of a new tumour in the prostatic urethra or bladder. Tumour progression was defined as confirmed high-grade Ta, all T1 or carcinoma in situ, upper tract recurrence or progression to T2. The associations between factors that affect recurrence and progression were analysed. Results: Tumour recurrence and progression occurred in 119 (45.4%) and 25 (9.5%) patients during follow-up (median follow-up: 50.9 +/- 36.3 months), respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrate that smoking, multiple tumours and large tumours (3 cm<) were significant. A Cox regression analysis revealed that progression was identified as a significant risk factor on survival. There was no effect of smoking on recurrence-free survival. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that one-, five- and ten-year progression-free survival rates were 99.6%, 88.2% and 70%, respectively. Conclusion: Multiple tumours, large tumours (>3 cm) and smoking were risk factors for recurrence and progression. Prevention of smoking and routine cystoscopic examination are essential in bladder cancer.