Detecting recurrent bladder cancer: new methods and biomarkers

In this review, a series of biomarkers and molecular assays are compared with conventional urothelial cytology in their ability to detect recurrent bladder cancer. The tests considered in detail include the BTA test, NMP 22 test, DNA ploidy measurements, telomerase determinations and microsatellite instability assays. Although all of these measurements show some degree of improvement for cancer detection, the microsatellite instability assay shows the highest sensitivity and specificity. Additional biomarkers considered in the review include bladder cancer tumor antigens, growth factors, cell adhesion molecules and various molecular markers including cell cycle regulatory genes and p53 mutations.