Long Term Follow-up of Superficial Invasive Bladder Carcinoma With or Without Concomitant Epithelial Atypia: Recurrence and Progression

OBJECTIVE: To examine the significance of concomitant epithelial atypia on late recurrence and progression by long-term follow-up of superficial invasive bladder tumours (stage T1). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy consecutive, unselected patients with newly diagnosed transurethral resection (TURB)-treated stage T1 bladder tumour, and at least 1 year progression-free survival. Preselected site biopsies (PSB) were obtained prospectively to evaluate the significance of concomitant urothelial atypia. Followed for up to 17.6 years. RESULTS: The cumulative probability of recurrence (overall) was 85%, and for new stage T1 tumour 70% after 10 years. Forty per cent of those who survived 5 years without recurrence, were readmitted with often invasive recurrence later. Positive PSB significantly (p < 0.0001) predicted new T1 tumour. Progression (T2+ or metastases) occurred in 27 cases (39%) after the first year. The cumulative probability was 60% (15 years), with a mean progression-free interval of 64 months. Positive PSB, size >3 cm and early recurrence were significant predictive factors in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: T1-tumours are at high risk for late invasive recurrence and progression, especially if associated with urothelial atypia elsewhere in the bladder.