Risk-adapted management of low-grade bladder tumours: recommendations from the International Bladder Cancer Group (IBCG)

Objective: To provide a contemporary update and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of low-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BCa) based on current literature and expert consensus of the International Bladder Cancer Group.

Methods: We reviewed published trials, guidelines, meta-analyses and reviews (up to March 2019) and provide recommendations on baseline evaluations, treatment, endpoints, study design and surveillance protocols.

Results: Low-grade Ta BCa poses minimal risk to patients in terms of progression and disease-specific survival. Thus, to minimize patient morbidity, this entity should be managed appropriately. After initial diagnosis of low-grade Ta tumour, subsequent stable, low-grade-appearing recurrences can be managed conservatively with office cystoscopy and fulguration or even followed using an active surveillance protocol. Intravesical therapy other than single-dose peri-operative chemotherapy instillation should be used judiciously, and only after assigning appropriate risk points. Routine use of urinary cytology - other than at initial risk stratification, or for patients on active surveillance without therapy - is not recommended; and surveillance cystoscopy may be discontinued after 5 years. Clinical studies in this group of patients should focus on recurrence rates, and time to recurrence, rather than progression events.

Conclusions: The International Bladder Cancer Group has developed formal recommendations regarding the diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of low-grade non-muscle-invasive BCa to minimize morbidity and encourage uniformity among studies in this disease.