Optimal treatment for intermediate- and high-risk, nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer

Abstract

According to clinical and pathological factors the prognosis of a patient with non-muscle invasive bladder tumors can be assessed. The prognosis is determined by the likelihood of recurrence (30-70%) and/or progression to muscle invasive bladder cancer (1-15%).Trans urethral resection of bladder tumors remains the initial therapy but adjuvant intravesical instillations are necessary. All patients benefit from a single immediate post operative instillation with a chemotherapeutic agent and for low risk tumors this is the optimal therapy. Patients with intermediate and high risk tumors need more intravesical chemo-or immunotherapy. Chemotherapy reduces recurrences but not progression. Intravesical immunotherapy(BCG) prevents or delays progression. Patients at high risk for progression may need upfront cystectomy.