Bladder-sparing treatment using tislelizumab combined with gemcitabine/cisplatin in selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a real-world study.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the tislelizumab-based chemoimmunotherapy combined with gemcitabine/cisplatin for bladder-sparing in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). METHODS: Forty-five patients who received bladder-sparing treatment or radical cystectomy (RC) for MIBC (cT2-T4a, NxM0) were retrospectively enrolled. All patients received maximal transurethral resection of bladder tumor (mTURBT), followed by four cycles of chemo-immunotherapy with tislelizumab (PD-L1 inhibitor), gemcitabine, and cisplatin. Clinical efficacy was evaluated to compare the benefit of bladder-sparing treatment on clinical CR (cCR) and RC for non-cCR patients. The primary outcomes were bladder intact disease-free survival (BIDFS) and overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcomes were adverse effects. The PD-L1 status and molecular subtypes of tumors were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall survival rate was 88.8% (95%CI: 79.6%, 98.0%) at 12 months, 85.7% (95%CI: 74.9%, 96.5%) at 18 months, and 66.6% (95%CI: 45.2%, 88.0%) at 24 months. Twenty-nine patients (64.4%) achieved cCR and their OS rate was 96.6% (95%CI: 89.9%, 100%). Sixteen patients were in the non-cCR group, and their OS rate was 75.0% (95%CI: 53.8%, 96.2%) at 12 months, 65.6% (95%CI: 40.3%, 90.9%) at 18 months, and 52.5% (95%CI: 21.9%, 83.1%) at 24 months. The BIDFS rate for patients who received bladder-sparing treatment was 96.0% (95%CI: 88.4%, 100%) from 12 to 24 months. Four patients (8.8%) were PD-L1 positive and 41 patients (91.2%) were PD-L1 negative. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective study of patients with MIBC suggests that tislelizumab-based neoadjuvant therapy was a safe and effective bladder-sparing treatment.

Exploratory analyses of treatment subgroup interaction by PD-L1 status and according to PD-L1 expression in the JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial.

PURPOSE: Post hoc analysis of the JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial of avelumab maintenance in locally advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC) to determine the interaction by programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) status for overall survival (OS), and additional analyses of survival per a different PD-L1 expression cutoff of ≥ 1% in tumor cells or immune cells (TC/IC). METHODS: JAVELIN Bladder 100 data were used for the analysis of the interaction by PD-L1 status (per cutoff used in the trial) for OS and, additionally, OS and progression-free survival (PFS) analyses per a different ≥ 1% TC/IC PD-L1 expression cutoff (Ventana SP263 assay). RESULTS: No significant interaction between treatment and PD-L1 status was observed for OS. Clinically meaningful and robust survival data were observed in favor of avelumab using the different ≥ 1% TC/IC PD-L1 expression cutoff. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the benefit of avelumab maintenance in la/mUC regardless of PD-L1 expression, consistent with approved labels.

Descripción de la situación epidemiológica del cáncer vesical en Chile durante los años 2016 - 2022 / Description of the epidemiological situation of bladder cancer in Chile during the years 2016 - 2022

Introducción: El cáncer vesical es una neoplasia maligna común en hombres mayores de 55 años, que se ve propiciada principalmente por el tabaquismo y exposición ambiental ocupacional. Corresponde a la octava causa de muerte por cáncer a nivel mundial y es la decimocuarta causa de muerte en Chile, estando incluído en las Garantías Explícitas en Salud. Dado lo anterior, esta investigación busca recopilar datos y contribuir al conocimiento médico y la salud pública. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo sobre defunciones por tumor maligno de la vejiga urinaria en Chile (a nivel nacional-regional). Datos analizados del DEIS entre 2016-2022. No se requirió consentimiento informado ni revisión ética. Uso de Microsoft Excel para el análisis. Resultados: Durante el periodo estudiado, las defunciones por tumor maligno de la vejiga urinaria en Chile mostraron un aumento en 2018 y una disminución a partir de 2019. La relación entre hombres y mujeres fue de aproximadamente 2:1. Las tasas de mortalidad por región disminuyeron en general, con aumentos en 2022 en regiones como Del Libertador B. O'higgins, Ñuble y Biobío. La región de Antofagasta tuvo la tasa más alta durante todo el periodo. El tipo de tumor más común fue el no especificado, con tasas variables a lo largo del tiempo. Discusión: Este trabajo destaca la importancia de fortalecer las medidas preventivas y terapéuticas del cáncer de vejiga en Chile, en que el tabaquismo y la contaminación minera son factores de riesgo significativos. Se ha determinado, que es común en adultos mayores predominantemente masculinos. Las tasas de mortalidad se han mantenido estáticas en los últimos años. Salvo entre los años 2020-2021, en que se registró una tendencia a la baja. Lo anterior, desprende lo importante de seguir investigando y desarrollando tratamientos efectivos, así protocolos de manejo y prevención.

Introduction: Bladder cancer is a common malignancy in men over 55 years of age, which is mainly caused by smoking and environmental occupation. It corresponds to the eighth cause of death from cancer worldwide and is the fourteenth cause of death in Chile, being included in the Explicit Health Guarantees. Given the above, this research seeks to collect data and contribute to medical knowledge and public health. Methodology: Retrospective descriptive observational study on deaths from malignant tumors of the urinary bladder in Chile (at the national-regional level). Data analyzed from the DEIS between 2016-2022. No informed consent or ethical review was required. Use of Microsoft Excel for analysis. Results: Retrospective descriptive observational study on deaths from malignant tumors of the urinary bladder in Chile (at the national-regional level). Data analyzed from the DEIS between 2016-2022. No informed consent or ethical review was required. Use of Microsoft Excel for analysis. Discussion: This work highlights the importance of strengthening preventive and therapeutic measures for bladder cancer in Chile, where smoking and mining contamination are significant risk factors. It has been determined that it is common in predominantly male older adults. Mortality rates have remained static in recent years. Except between the years 2020-2021, in which a downward trend was registered. The foregoing shows the importance of continuing to investigate and develop effective treatments, as well as management and prevention protocols.

Evaluating health-related quality of life as a prognostic tool for overall survival in routine cancer care for older patients with bladder cancer: A US based study.

PURPOSE: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes, in addition to being useful for monitoring a person's health and well-being, may also predict overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. This study's objective was to examine the association of longitudinally assessed HRQoL and OS in patients with a history of bladder cancer (BC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal retrospective cohort study used the 1998 to 2013 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database linked with Medicare Health Outcomes Survey. Study cohort included patients having HRQoL assessments both pre- and post-BC diagnosis using Short Form-36/Veterans Rand-12. Using Cox Proportional Hazards adjusted for demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgery type, we studied the associations of 3-point difference in HRQoL assessed pre- and post-BC diagnosis and change from pre-to-post diagnosis with overall survival. RESULTS: The study cohort included 438 BC patients with deceased patients (n = 222; 50.7%) being significantly older than those alive (77.2 vs. 75.4 years; P = 0.004). Adjusting for covariates, a 3-point difference in physical HRQoL (physical component summary [PCS]) pre-, post-, and pre-to-post BC diagnosis was associated with respectively 6.1%, 8.7%, and 7.3% (P < 0.01 for all) decreased risk of death for higher PCS. Similarly, a 3-point difference in mental HRQoL (mental component summary [MCS]) post-BC diagnosis was associated with 4.5% (P < 0.05) decreased risk of death for higher MCS. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between PCS/MCS and OS imply that elderly BC patients with better physical/mental health are more likely to survive longer. Monitoring HRQoL in routine cancer care would facilitate early detection of HRQoL decline and enable timely intervention by clinicians to improve OS.

Patterns and timing of perioperative blood transfusion and association with outcomes after radical cystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) has been associated with worse outcomes across tumor types, including bladder cancer. We report our institutional experience with PBT utilization in the setting of radical cystectomy (RC) for patients with bladder cancer, exploring whether timing of PBT receipt influences perioperative and oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients with bladder cancer treated with RC were identified. PBT was defined as red blood cell transfusion during RC or the postoperative admission. Clinicopathologic and peri and/or postoperative parameters were extracted and compared between patients who did and did not receive PBT using Mann Whitney U Test, chi-square, and log-rank test. Overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated with the Kaplan Meier method. Univariate/multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to identify variables associated with postoperative and oncologic outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 747 patients (77% men; median age 67 years). Median follow-up was 61.5 months (95% CI 55.8-67.2) At least one postoperative complication (90-day morbidity) occurred in 394 (53%) patients. Median OS and RFS were 91.8 months (95% CI: 76.0-107.6) and 66.0 months (95% CI: 48.3-83.7), respectively. On multivariate analysis, intraoperative, but not postoperative, BT was independently associated with shorter OS (HR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.32-2.29) and RFS (HR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.20-2.01), after adjusting for relevant clinicopathologic variables. PBT (intra- or post- operative) was significantly associated with prolonged postoperative hospitalization ≥10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative BT was associated with inferior OS and RFS, and PBT overall was associated with prolonged hospitalization following RC. Further studies are needed to validate this finding and explore potential causes for this observation.

Atezolizumab in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: a pooled analysis from the Spanish patients of the IMvigor 210 cohort 2 and 211 studies.

BACKGROUND: The studies IMvigor 210 cohort 2 and IMvigor211 evaluated the efficacy of atezolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) upon progression to platinum-based chemotherapy worldwide. Yet, the real impact of this drug in specific geographical regions is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We combined individual-level data from the 131 patients recruited in Spain from IMvigor210 cohort 2 and IMvigor211 in a pooled analysis. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed in the overall study population and according to PD-L1 expression on tumour-infiltrating immune cells. RESULTS: Full data were available for 127 patients; 74 (58%) received atezolizumab and 53 (42%) chemotherapy. Atezolizumab patients had a numerically superior median overall survival although not reaching statistical significance (9.2 months vs 7.7 months). No statistically significant differences between arms were observed in overall response rates (20.3% vs 37.0%) or progression-free survival (2.1 months vs 5.3 months). Nonetheless, median duration of response was superior for the immunotherapy arm (non-reached vs 6.4 months; p = 0.005). Additionally, among the responders, the 12-month survival rates seemed to favour atezolizumab (66.7% vs 19.9%). When efficacy was analyzed based on PD-L1 expression status, no significant differences were found. Treatment-related adverse events of any grade occurred more frequently in the chemotherapy arm [46/57 (81%) vs 44/74 (59%)]. CONCLUSION: Patients who achieved an objective response on atezolizumab presented a longer median duration of response and numerically superior 12 month survival rates when compared with chemotherapy responders along with a more favorable safety profile. PD-L1 expression did not discriminate patients who might benefit from atezolizumab.

Smoke load prognostic impact on bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treated non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: Smoking habit is the major risk factor for bladder cancer (BC), related to about 50% of these tumors; however, the tobacco dose-effect impact on BC immune treatment is underexplored. This study evaluates the impact of smoke load on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) prognosis after intravesical BCG. METHODS: Smoke load, recurrence, progression and disease-specific survival were evaluated in a retrospective study including NMIBC patients treated with intravesical BCG between 2006 and 2015. Multivariate Cox regression, ROC and Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized. RESULTS: 132 pT1 NMIBC patients were included: 95 (72%) males, mean age 69.6 ± 10.5 years and mean smoking pack-years 22.0 ± 20.8. Recurrence, progression and disease-specific death occurred in 69 (52.3%, mean 20.55 ± 20.44 months), 22 (16.7%, mean 31.39 ± 20.19 months) and 11 (8.3%, mean 37.23 ± 18.34 months), respectively. Smoke load significantly impacted recurrence, HR = 1.019 (95% CI 1.008-1.030, p = 0.0004), and progression, HR = 1.034 (95% CI 1.016-1.052, p = 0.0002), but not survival. For every 1-year increment in pack-years, the risk of relapse and progression increases by 1.9% and 3.4%, respectively. Over 20 pack-year showed the best predictive prognostic power. CONCLUSION: The smoke load has a potential prognostic role in terms of recurrence and progression in the BCG treated NMIBC. Future studies should explore the smoking impact on the immune system, mainly beyond 20 pack-year.

Bladder cancer trends and mortality in the brazilian public health system

ABSTRACT Introduction Considering the lack of data on BC trends in Brazilian population, mainly as a result of the difficulty on gathering data, the present manuscript provides an overview of bladder cancer incidence, hospitalization, mortality patterns and trends using the Brazilian Data Center for The Public Health System (DATASUS). Materials and Methods All hospital admissions associated with BC diagnosis (ICD-10 C67) between 2008 and 2017 were analyzed. Distributions according to year, gender, age group, ethnicity, death, length of hospital stay, and costs were evaluated. Demographic data was obtained from the last Brazilian national census. Results From 2008 to 2017 there were 119,058 public hospital admissions related to BC. Patients were mostly white males aged 60 to 79 years-old. Mortality rates for patients who have undergone surgery was 6.75% on average, being 7.38% for women and 6.49% for men. Mortality rates were higher when open surgeries were performed compared to endoscopic procedures (4.98% vs 1.18%). Considering only endoscopic procedures, mortality rates were three times higher after urgent surgeries compared to elective ones (2.6% vs 0.6%). Over the years the cystectomy/transurethral bladder resection (C/T) ratio significantly decreased in all Brazilian Regions. In 2008, the C/T ratio was 0.19, while in 2017 it reduced to 0.08. Conclusions Despite BC relatively low incidence, it still represents a significant social economic burden in Brazil, as it presents with recurrent episodes that might require multiple hospitalizations and surgical treatment. The set of data collected might suggest that population access to health care has improved between 2008-2017.

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy: the first multicentric Brazilian experience.

The objective of this study is to report the first multicentric Brazilian series and learning curve of robotic radical cystectomy (RARC) with related intra- and postoperative outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 37 RARC prospectively collected at four different centers in Brazil, from 2013 to 2019. We analyzed the patient's demographics, pathological tumor, and nodal status, as well as intra- and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed with the IBM (SPSS version 25) software. Overall, 86% were male, and the median age was 69 years. 83% had muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and 17% a high-grade, recurrent non-muscle-invasive tumor. The median operative time was 420 min with 300 min as console time. Median blood loss was 350 ml and transfusion rate was 10%. In 68% of the cases, we performed an intracorporeal Bricker urinary diversion, 24% intracorporeal neobladder, and 8% ureterostomy. Six patients (16%) had a Clavien 1-2, 8% had Clavien 3, 2.5% had a Clavien 4, and 5% had Clavien 5. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days. The final pathological exam pointed out pT0 in 16%, pT1 in 8%, pT2 in 32%, ≥ pT3 in 27%, and 16% pTis. 95% had negative surgical margins. The survival at 30, 90, and 180 days was 98%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first multicentric series of RARC reporting the learning curve in Brazil; even if still representing a challenging procedure, RARC could be safely and effectively faced by experienced surgeons at centers with high volumes of robotic surgery.

Bladder cancer trends and mortality in the brazilian public health system.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the lack of data on BC trends in Brazilian population, mainly as a result of the difficulty on gathering data, the present manuscript provides an overview of bladder cancer incidence, hospitalization, mortality patterns and trends using the Brazilian Data Center for The Public Health System (DATASUS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All hospital admissions associated with BC diagnosis (ICD-10 C67) between 2008 and 2017 were analyzed. Distributions according to year, gender, age group, ethnicity, death, length of hospital stay, and costs were evaluated. Demographic data was obtained from the last Brazilian national census. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2017 there were 119,058 public hospital admissions related to BC. Patients were mostly white males aged 60 to 79 years-old. Mortality rates for patients who have undergone surgery was 6.75% on average, being 7.38% for women and 6.49% for men. Mortality rates were higher when open surgeries were performed compared to endoscopic procedures (4.98% vs 1.18%). Considering only endoscopic procedures, mortality rates were three times higher after urgent surgeries compared to elective ones (2.6% vs 0.6%). Over the years the cystectomy/transurethral bladder resection (C/T) ratio significantly decreased in all Brazilian Regions. In 2008, the C/T ratio was 0.19, while in 2017 it reduced to 0.08. CONCLUSIONS: Despite BC relatively low incidence, it still represents a significant social economic burden in Brazil, as it presents with recurrent episodes that might require multiple hospitalizations and surgical treatment. The set of data collected might suggest that population access to health care has improved between 2008-2017.

Cell Cycle Markers in the Evaluation of Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous neoplasia characterized by a high number of recurrences. Standardized clinical and morphological parameters are not always sufficient to predict individual tumor behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of cell cycle regulators proteins as potential adjuvant in prognosis and monitoring of this disease. Block paraffin samples from patients with urothelial bladder carcinoma treated by transurethral resection (TUR) were collected to immunohistochemistry analysis for proteins p16, p21, p27, p53, pRb and Ki-67. Chisquare, logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier curve were used to analyze the prognostic value of these markers. Of the 93 patients included in the study, the main categories of staging observed were T1 (53%) and Ta (29%), and the distribution between tumor grades was 58% of patients with low grade to 42% of patients with high grade. The expressions of p16, p21, p27, p53, pRb and Ki-67 were altered in 31%, 42%, 60%, 91%, 27% and 56% of patients, respectively. The immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67 was associated with tumor histological grade (p = 0.016), and expression of pRb with recurrence-free survival (p = 0.035), but no isolated marker was significant associated with recurrence and progression in multivariate analysis. More than two markers abnormally expressed were associated with presence of recurrence (p = 0.005) and lower recurrence-free surviva (p = 0.004). Our panel marker has important prognostic value for BC, especially when more than two have altered expression predicting good clinical recurrence implication.

Incidencia y mortalidad del cáncer de vejiga en Costa Rica y Panamá, 2007-2013 / Incidence and mortality of bladder cancer in Costa Rica and Panama, 2007-2013

Resumen Objetivo: Se desconoce el comportamiento epidemiológico del cáncer de vejiga en Panamá y Costa Rica; globalmente, se reporta un aumento de la incidencia de dicha patología. Este estudio tiene como propósito reportar la incidencia, mortalidad y severidad del cáncer de vejiga, durante el período comprendido entre 2007 y 2013, en ambos países. Métodos: Se realiza un análisis epidemiológico transversal en el periodo comprendido entre 2007 y 2013, contemplando los casos incidentes y fallecidos por cáncer de vejiga en Costa Rica y Panamá. La tasa de incidencia y mortalidad anual para cada uno de los países y según sexo fue estimada de acuerdo con las proyecciones anuales de población. La severidad del comportamiento de la esta neoplasia se evaluó mediante la razón de incidencia / mortalidad. Resultados: Se identifica un total de 2048 casos de cáncer de vejiga. Se evidencia un aumento de las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad en los últimos 3 años del periodo de estudio, con un compromiso mayor en el sexo masculino. La tasa de incidencia aumentó de 2007 a 2013 en un 42,3 % en Costa Rica y un 71,4 % en Panamá. En dicho periodo, la mortalidad aumentó un 25,9 % para Costa Rica y un 44,7 % para Panamá. La razón de incidencia / mortalidad se mantuvo estable para ambos países durante el periodo de estudio. Conclusión: Existe una tendencia creciente en las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer de vejiga, en Costa Rica y Panamá.

Abstract Aim: The incidence and mortality of bladder cancer has increased in some regions of the world. However, the epidemiological profile of this neoplasia is largely unknown in Panama and Costa Rica. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report the incidence, mortality, and severity of this disease during years 2007 to 2013. Methods: An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted between 2007 and 2013 with all incident and mortality cases of bladder cancer in Costa Rica and Panama. The annual incidence and mortality rates for each country, and according by sex were estimated based on the annual population estimates. The incidence/mortality ratio was estimated as a measure to evaluate the severity of the pathology. Results: A total of 2048 cases of bladder cancer were included. During the last 3 years of the study period we detected an increased in incidence and mortality rates, predominately in males. The incidence rate increased from year 2007 to year 2013 in 42.3% and 71.4% in Costa Rica and Panama, respectively. During the same period the mortality rate also increased 25.9% in Costa Rica and 44.7% in Panama. The incidence/ mortality rate had a steady behavior during the study period. Conclusion: These findings confirm a growing trend in the incidence and mortality rates of bladder cancer in Costa Rica and Panama.

Decrease in skeletal muscle index one year after radical cystectomy as a prognostic indicator in patients with urothelial bladder cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose The present study aimed to determine whether sarcopenia after radical cystectomy (RC) could predict overall survival (OS) in patients with urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). Materials and Methods The lumbar skeletal muscle index (SMI) of 80 patients was measured before and 1 year after RC. The prognostic significance of sarcopenia and SMI decrease after RC were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a multivariable Cox regression model. Results Of 80 patients, 26 (32.5%) experienced sarcopenia before RC, whereas 40 (50.0%) experienced sarcopenia after RC. The median SMI change was -2.2 cm2/m2. Patients with sarcopenia after RC had a higher pathological T stage and tumor grade than patients without sarcopenia. Furthermore, the overall mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with sarcopenia than in those without sarcopenia 1 year after RC. The median follow-up time was 46.2 months, during which 22 patients died. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a significant difference in OS rates based on sarcopenia (P=0.012) and SMI decrease (P=0.025). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that SMI decrease (≥2.2 cm2/m2) was an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio: 2.68, confidence interval: 1.007-7.719, P = 0.048). Conclusions The decrease in SMI after surgery might be a negative prognostic factor for OS in patients who underwent RC to treat UBC.

Survival Benefit Persists With Delayed Initiation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Following Radical Cystectomy for Locally Advanced Bladder Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if delaying the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy following radical cystectomy for locally advanced bladder cancer worsens overall survival. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Cancer Database from 2006 to 2013. We included treatment-naïve patients who underwent radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer found to have locally advanced disease (pT3-T4 and/or pN+). Patients received no chemotherapy or multiagent adjuvant chemotherapy between 30 and 180 days following surgery. We used a multivariable Cox Regression to assess for differences in overall survival according to when patients initiated adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: We identified 3590 patients: 2581 received no chemotherapy and 1009 received multiagent adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy began 31-60 days postsurgery in 538 patients, 61-90 days in 321 patients, and 91-180 days in 150 patients. Relative to patients who did not receive chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy decreased mortality when started 31-60 days (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.69; P <.001), 61-90 days (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.53-0.74; P <.001), and 91-180 days following radical cystectomy (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.87; P = .002). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy offers a survival benefit when started up to 6 months after radical cystectomy in patients with high-risk disease who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients who require delayed initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy can still benefit from treatment.

Small cell bladder cancer: should we consider prophylactic cranial irradiation?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes in patients with small cell bladder cancer at our institution, including those who received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for the prevention of intracranial recurrence. Materials and Methods: Patients with small cell bladder cancer treated at a single institution between January 1990 and August 2015 were identified and analyzed retrospectively for demographics, tumor stage, treatment, and overall survival. Results: Of 44 patients diagnosed with small cell bladder cancer, 11 (25%) had metastatic disease at the time of presentation. Treatment included systemic chemotherapy (70%), radical surgery (59%), and local radiation (39%). Six patients (14%) received PCI. Median overall survival was 10 months (IQR 4 - 41). Patients with extensive disease had worse overall survival than those with organ confined disease (8 months vs. 36 months, respectively, p = 0.04). Among those who received PCI, 33% achieved 5 - year survival. Conclusion: Outcomes for patients with small cell bladder cancer remain poor. Further research is indicated to determine if PCI increases overall survival in small call bladder cancer patients, especially those with extensive disease who respond to chemotherapy.

Decrease in skeletal muscle index 1 year after radical cystectomy as a prognostic indicator in patients with urothelial bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to determine whether sarcopenia after radical cystectomy (RC) could predict overall survival (OS) in patients with urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lumbar skeletal muscle index (SMI) of 80 patients was measured before and 1 year after RC. The prognostic signifi cance of sarcopenia and SMI decrease after RC were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a multivariable Cox regression model. RESULTS: Of 80 patients, 26 (32.5%) experienced sarcopenia before RC, whereas 40 (50.0%) experienced sarcopenia after RC. The median SMI change was -2.2 cm2/m2. Patients with sarcopenia after RC had a higher pathological T stage and tumor grade than patients without sarcopenia. Furthermore, the overall mortality rate was signifi - cantly higher in patients with sarcopenia than in those without sarcopenia 1 year after RC. The median follow-up time was 46.2 months, during which 22 patients died. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a signifi cant difference in OS rates based on sarcopenia (P=0.012) and SMI decrease (P=0.025). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that SMI decrease (≥2.2 cm2/m2) was an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio: 2.68, confi dence interval: 1.007-7.719, P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in SMI after surgery might be a negative prognostic factor for OS in patients who underwent RC to treat UBC.

Evaluation of incidence and histolopathological findings of soft tissue sarcomas in genitourinary tract: Uludag university experience

ABSTRACT Purpose: In this study we aimed to review urological soft tissue sarcomas of genitourinary tract that were diagnosed in our institution and their prognostic factors for survival. Materials and Methods: The clinical and pathological records of 31 patients who had diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas primarily originating from the genitourinary tract between 2005-2011 were reviewed. Results: The most common site was kidney (17 cases, 54.8%), and most common diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma (11 cases, 35.4%). A total of 24 patients (77.4%) had surgical excision. The surgical margins were positive in 7 patients who presented with local recurrence after primary resection. Twelve patients developed metastatic disease. During follow-up (range 9-70 month), 26 of the 31 patients (88.9%) were alive. Significant survival differences were found according to histological type (p: 0.001), with lower survival rates for malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The tumor size, the presence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis and tumor localization were not statistically significant for overall survival. Conclusions: In our series, prostate sarcomas, paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma had poor prognosis, especially in patients presenting with metastatic disease.

Small cell bladder cancer: should we consider prophylactic cranial irradiation?

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes in patients with small cell bladder cancer at our institution, including those who received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for the prevention of intracranial recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with small cell bladder cancer treated at a single institution between January 1990 and August 2015 were identified and analyzed retrospectively for demographics, tumor stage, treatment, and overall survival. RESULTS: Of 44 patients diagnosed with small cell bladder cancer, 11 (25%) had metastatic disease at the time of presentation. Treatment included systemic chemotherapy (70%), radical surgery (59%), and local radiation (39%). Six patients (14%) received PCI. Median overall survival was 10 months (IQR 4 - 41). Patients with extensive disease had worse overall survival than those with organ confined disease (8 months vs. 36 months, respectively, p = 0.04). Among those who received PCI, 33% achieved 5 - year survival. CONCLUSION: Outcomes for patients with small cell bladder cancer remain poor. Further research is indicated to determine if PCI increases overall survival in small call bladder cancer patients, especially those with extensive disease who respond to chemotherapy.