Increase in Circulating Tumor Cells in Invasive Bladder Cancer After Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor

Abstract

Background/aim: The present research was performed to clarify the differences in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) counts between non-muscle-invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive (MIBC) bladder cancer following transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

Patients and methods: The cohort in the prospective research was categorized into the NMIBC (n=13) and the MIBC (n=13) groups. The pre- and postoperative number of CTCs was counted by the FISHMAN-R® system.

Results: The difference of the number of preoperative CTCs between the NMIBC group (2.3±2.6) and MIBC group (4.8±4.2) did not reach statistical significance (p=0.08). However, there was a significantly greater increase in postoperative CTC count in the MIBC group (14.6±14.6) than in the NMIBC group (3.1±2.1, p=0.01).

Conclusion: After TURBT, more carcinoma cells can be discharged from the bladder in the MIBC. Excessive deep layer resection and excessive pressure of the infusion fluid during TURBT should be avoided in patients with MIBC.

Keywords: Circulating tumor cells; bladder cancer; transurethral resection of bladder tumor.