Role of maximal endoscopic resection before cystectomy for invasive urothelial bladder cancer

Introduction/background: The aim of this study was to examine whether TUR of all visible endophytic tumors performed before RC, with or without NC, affects final pathologic staging.

Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with clinical T2-T4N0-1 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who underwent RC at our institution between July 2005 and November 2011. Degree of TUR was derived from review of operative reports. We used multivariate logistic regression to assess the association of maximal TUR on pT0 status at time of RC.

Results: Of 165 eligible RC patients, 81 received NC. Reported TUR of all visible tumors was performed in 38% of patients who did not receive NC and 48% of NC patients (P = .19). Nine percent of patients who underwent maximal TUR and did not receive NC were pT0, whereas among NC patients, pT0 was seen in 39% and 19% of those with and without maximal TUR, respectively (P = .05). On multivariate analysis in all patients, maximal TUR was associated with a nonsignificant increased likelihood of pT0 status (odds ratio [OR], 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-4.94), which was significant when we restricted the analysis to NC patients (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.02-9.83).

Conclusion: Maximal TUR of all endophytic tumors before NC is associated with complete pathologic tumor response at RC. Candidates for NC before RC should undergo resection of all endophytic tumors when feasible. Larger series are warranted to see if maximal TUR leads to improved overall and disease-specific survival.