Optimal Management for Primary High Grade Ta Bladder Cancer: Role of re-staging TURBT and Intravesical Adjuvant Therapy

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of risk group classification, restaging transurethral resection (re-TURBT), and adjuvant treatment intensity on recurrence and progression risks in high-grade Ta tumours in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Materials and methods

Data from a comprehensive bladder cancer database were utilized for this study. Patients with primary high-grade Ta tumours were included. Risk groups were classified according to AUA/SUO criteria. Tumour characteristics and patient demographics were analysed using descriptive statistics. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the effect of re-TURBT and other clinical/treatment-related predictors on recurrence- and progression-free survivals. The survivals by selected predictors were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method, and groups were compared by the log-rank test.

Results

Among 218 patients with high-grade Ta bladder cancer, those who underwent re-TURBT had significantly better 5-year recurrence-free survival (71.1% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.0009) and progression-free survival (98.6% vs. 73%, p = 0.0018) compared with those with initial TURBT alone. Full BCG treatment (induction and maintenance) showed lower recurrence risk, especially in high-risk patients. However, residual disease at re-TURBT did not significantly affect recurrence risk.

Conclusions

This study highlights the significance of risk group classification, the role of re-TURBT, and the intensity of adjuvant treatment in the management of high-grade Ta tumours. A risk-adapted model is crucial to reduce the burden of unnecessary intravesical treatment and endoscopic procedures.