Retrospective analysis of partial cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma: A German single-center experience

Objectives: Partial cystectomy (PC) has been proposed as a less invasive alternative to radical cystectomy (RC) for the treatment of localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of PC in a contemporary patient cohort to identify potential risk factors for this procedure.

Methods: Data from 58 MIBC patients who underwent PC were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics, tumor characteristics, clinical outcomes, and pathology results were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier method to determine survival rates and risk factors.

Results: The cohort consisted of 58 patients with MIBC with a median age of 71 years. The 5-year overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 55%, 67% and 51%, respectively. Clinical suspicion for lymph node metastases (HR 3.82, CI 1.09-13.39, P = 0.036), advanced T-stages (HR 3.80, CI 1.38-10.49, P = 0.010), a higher grading (HR 6.57, CI 0.76-49.19, P = 0.010), positive resection margins (HR 1.81, CI 1.10-2.96, P = 0.012), lymphovascular invasion (HR 5.14, CI 1.77-14.88, P = 0.003), vascular invasion (HR 6.62, CI 2.16-20.27, P = 0. 001), and longer time from initial diagnosis to surgery (HR 1.003, CI 1.001-1.01, days, P = 0.010) were associated with decreased OS. Complications within the first 30 and 90 postoperative days were observed in 31% and 36% of patients, respectively. 4% experienced a Clavien-Dino grade III/IV complication. One patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and died 46 days after surgery.

Conclusion: Partial cystectomy appears to be a safe bladder-sparing approach for highly selected MIBC patients with favorable oncologic outcomes and acceptable complication rates. Patient selection and assessment of tumor characteristics are essential for successful outcomes. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.