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.

The demographic features, clinical outcomes, prognosis and treatment options for patients with sarcomatoid carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a single centre experience

ABSTRACT Introduction Carcinosarcoma of the bladder is a very rare neoplasm. The pathogenesis of carcinosarcomas is not clearly understood and remains a subject of debate. Whilst there is some research conceptualizing the histopathological findings of bladder carcinosarcomas, the demographic features, clinical outcomes, prognosis and treatment options remain unclear. Materials and Methods We analyzed 12 consecutive cases of patients with sarcoma-toid bladder cancer who were treated surgically at a single Urology Department be-tween 1999 and 2015. Radiology, pathology and surgical reports were reviewed to determine the pathological staging at the time of cystectomy. These were directly compared with 230 patients having cystectomies for urothelial cell carcinoma. The sarcomatoid patients, were compared to patients with urothelial cell cancers. The other histological sub types, squamous cell (17), neuroendocrine (9), metastatic (7), mixed (4), adenocarcinoma (3), were not included. Results and conclusion Carcinosarcoma of the urinary bladder is often described in the literature as a highly malignant neoplasm that is rapidly lethal. We found that the sarcoma does not offer a worse prognosis than conventional high-grade urothelial car-cinoma. There is no significant difference in grade, stage, positive surgical margin rate, nodal involvement, associated prostate cancer or incidence rates of progression, all cause or disease specific mortality. There was a barely significant difference in carcinoma in-situ. However, carcinosarcomas are three times the volume of urothelial cell tumors which may contribute to its reputation as an aggressive tumour (44cc v 14cc). Sarcomatous elements do not appear, from our small study, to bestow a worse prognosis.

Comparison of Radical Cystectomy with Conservative Treatment in Geriatric ( 80) Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare overall survival in elderly patients (≥ 80 years) with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing either radical cystectomy (RC) or conservative treatment. Material and Methods We performed a retrospective, comparative analysis of overall- and cancer-specific survival in octagenarians with MIBC (≥ pT2) submitted to RC or conservative treatment. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to assess predictors of overall survival. Cumulative hospital stay was also analyzed for all patients. Results The RC-group consisted of 33 patients with a mean age of 82.3 years (IQR 80.4-85.4 years) and the bladder preservation a cohort of 35 patients aged 83.8 years (IQR 81.8-88.2 years). No difference was detectable for overall survival (15.9 months versus 9.5 months; p = 0.18) and cancer-specific survival (23.5 months versus 19.5 months p = 0.71) or 90-day mortality (6.1% versus 14.3%; p = 0.43) between the two groups. Patients who received conservative treatment had a shorter cumulative length of hospital stay (p = 0.001). Age at the time of transurethral resection of the bladder (TUR-B) was an independent predictor of the overall survival (p = 0.004). Conclusions In this retrospective study, no clear survival benefit was observed for patients ≥ 80 years submitted either to radical cystectomy or conservative treatment. There was however a trend favoring radical cystectomy but this did not approach statistical significance. Octagenarians that underwent RC however spent more of their remaining lifetime in the hospital than those treated conservatively. .

Cistectomía radical laparoscópica: técnica y resultados en 100 pacientes consecutivos / Radical laparoscopic cystectomy: experience in 100 patients

Background: Laparoscopic cystectomy is a less invasive alternative than traditional surgery. Aim: To report our experience with laparoscopic radical cystectomy, the technique, results and complications. Material and Methods: During a 10-year period, 100 consecutive laparoscopic cystectomies for bladder cancer were carried out. The procedures performed were 57 radical cystoprostatectomies, 27 pelvic exenterations, 14 cystectomies with prostate preservation and seven radical cystectomies. An extracorporeal urinary diversion was performed in 92 percent of cases. Results: The age of patients ranged from 29 to 83 years and the male/female ratio was 3:1. As urinary diversion, an orthotopic reservoir was used in 49 patients, and ileal conduit in 32, Indiana continent reservoir in 10 and intracorporeal Sigma-rectum pouch (Mainz pouch II) in 9 patients. All Mainz II pouches were constructed laparoscopically. Mean operative time and blood loss were 279 minutes (range 180 to 375) and 436 ml (range 50 to 1.500) respectively. Eight patients (11 percent) had perioperative complications: five had vascular lesions, two had eviscerations and two had septicemia. Delayed complications were observed in seven cases (9 percent). Three patients had a urinary sepsis, one had a ureteral stenosis, two had spontaneous ruptures of a continent reservoir and one had an intestinal fistula. Mean hospital stay was 8.8 days (range de 4 to 28). One patient died due to an intestinal fistula and secondary peritonitis. Mean follow-up was 18 months (range 2 to 68 months). Ten patients (13 percent) had disease progression and died in long-term follow up. Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is associated with a reduced operative bleeding, a short hospital stay and acceptable morbidity.

Objetivo: Presentar nuestra serie de cistectomía radical laparoscópica, su técnica, resultados y complicaciones. Material y Métodos: En un período de 10 años, se efectuaron un total de 100 cistectomías lapa-roscópicas en forma consecutiva por un solo cirujano, cuya indicación fue por cáncer vesical. Se realizaron 57 cistoprostatectomías radicales, 22 exanteraciones anteriores, 14 cistectomías con preservación prostática y 7 cistectomías radicales. La derivación urinaria fue efectuada por vía extracorpórea en el 92 por ciento de los casos. Se analizan los resultados peri operatorios y a largo plazo obtenidos con esta técnica. Resultados: Los 100 procedimientos se completaron por vía laparoscópica sin conversión. La relación hombre mujer fue de 3:1. La edad promedio fue de 63 años (29-83). El índice de masa corporal promedio (IMC) fue de 28 kg/m² (20-47). La derivación urinaria empleada fue una Neovejiga ortotópica en 49 pacientes, Conducto ileal incontinente en 32, Reservorios urinario-continente tipo Indiana en 10 y Neovejiga recto-sigmoidea (Mainz II) intracorpórea en 9 pacientes. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 271 min (180-375) y el sangrado estimado promedio de 459 ml (50-1.500). Hubo 8 pacientes (11 porciento) con complicaciones intra o peri operatorias. Hubo 7 complicaciones tardías (9 por ciento). El tiempo promedio de hospitalización fue de 8,8 días (4-28). Hubo un fallecido. El seguimiento promedio fue de 48 meses. Diez pacientes (13 por ciento) presentaron muerte por progresión de la enfermedad. Conclusión: Los resultados a mediano plazo son prometedores, se requiere de un seguimiento más prolongado para consolidar su validez oncológica.

Combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin in urothelial cancer patients unfit for cisplatin due to impaired renal or cardiac function

PURPOSE: Combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin is the accepted treatment for metastatic urothelial cancer patients unfit for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² (days 1, 8) and carboplatin AUC-4.5 (day 1) were given every 21 days to 23 patients with creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min, cardiac ejection fraction < 45% or active ischemia. Patient characteristics included: median age 73 (56-86) years; primary site: bladder 17 (73%), upper tract 6 (27%) patients; Bajorin's prognostic groups: good 6 (26%), intermediate 11 (48%) and poor 6 (26%) patients. Data was retrospectively documented. Patients were followed until they expired. RESULTS: We obtained objective responses in 8 (34.7%) patients, (95% CI, 16.3-57.2%), including one patient with complete response. The median progression-free survival was 4 (0.2-16.5+) months and the overall survival 8.6 (0.2-45.3+) months. At time of analysis, 4 patients (17%) remained disease free; 3 of them underwent resection of residual disease. Toxicity included: infection in 9 (39%) patients; among them, one died from pneumonia; bleeding > grade 2 in 3 (13%) patients and fatigue grade 3 in 2 (9%) patients. Hematologic toxicity included grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 2 (9%) patients and grade 4 neutropenia in 3 (13%) patients. Five (22%) patients discontinued therapy due to toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin demonstrated clinical activity in patients with advanced urothelial cancer unfit for cisplatin. It was associated with considerable toxicity. Resection of residual disease is feasible in this population.

Invasive bladder cancer in the eighties: transurethral resection or cystectomy?

PURPOSE: Describe morbidity and survival in patients older than 80 years with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with radical cystectomy (RC) or transurethral resection (TUR) in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed our database of all patients older than 80 years treated with RC and TUR for MIBC between 1993 and 2005 in our institution. Twenty-seven patients were submitted to RC, with mean age of 82 years and mean follow-up of 16.4 months. RC was carried out following diagnosis of previous MIBC in 14 cases (51.9 percent). The American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score was III or IV in 23 patients (85.1 percent). Seventy-two patients with a mean age of 84 years and mean follow-up of 33 months, diagnosed with MIBC, were managed by means of TUR. The ASA score was III-IV in 64 (88.8 percent) patients. RESULTS: Pathological stage of the RC specimen was pT3 in 18 cases (66.7 percent). Mean hospital stay was 16 days. Early complications were assessed in 8 patients (29.6 percent), with an overall survival (OS) of 42.94 percent, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of 60.54 percent. In patients submitted to TUR, clinical stage was T2 in 36 cases (50 percent). The mean hospital stay was 7 days, with a readmission rate (RR) of 87.5 percent. OS and CSS was less than 20 percent. CONCLUSIONS: RC in octogenarian patients is a safe procedure, with complication and survival rates comparable to RC series in general population. Transurethral resection (TUR) for patients with MIBC within this age range is a much less morbid procedure, but disease specific survival is lower.

Results from three municipal hospitals regarding radical cystectomy on elderly patients

OBJECTIVE: Radical cystectomy is the standard treatment for invasive bladder carcinoma in elderly patients at major surgical centers. As yet no data are available as to the question whether radical surgery on the genitourinary tract of patients over 75 can also be carried out at municipal hospitals with comparable intra and postoperative morbidity, and respective mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 452 radical cystectomies and urinary diversions as ileum conduits or ileum neobladders due to transitional cell carcinoma were carried out at three municipal hospitals between 1992 and 2004. At the time of the surgery, 44 patients (9.7 percent) were > 75 (75-84) (Group-1), by comparison 408 patients were younger than 75 (35-74) (Group-2). Comparisons are to be made between the groups for 30 day mortality, 30 day reoperation rate, early complication rate (< 3 months), late complication rate (> 3 months), progression-free survival, and overall survival. The results are to be discussed in view of the international literature. Mean follow-up was 49 months (median: 38 months). RESULTS: The perioperative mortality in Group-1 was 2.3 percent compared to 2.5 percent in Group-2 (p = 0.942). There was no significant difference in the perioperative mortality with regard to the different case load of the evaluated hospital. There were no significant group differences regarding the 30 day reoperation rate, early and late complications. Progression-free and overall survival of all patients after 5 years was 56.1 percent and 53.6 percent respectively; here again the differences between the age groups was not significant (p = 0.384 and p = 0.210). Our results for patients > 75 do not differ from the published data of large clinics with a high cystectomy frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that radical cystectomy on elderly patients can also be carried out in municipal hospitals with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates. Of prime importance is a careful...

The role of squamous differentiation in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with radical cystectomy

OBJECTIVE: We aim at determining the prognostic value of squamous differentiation in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder that were treated with radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1993 to January 2005, we retrospectively selected 113 patients. Correlations among squamous differentiation with other clinical and pathological features were assessed by both chi-square and Fisher tests. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate survival curves and statistical significance was determined by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed through a Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Squamous differentiation was observed in 25 (22.1 percent) of the 113 patients. This finding was significantly related only to the pathological stage. Mean follow-up after cystectomy was 31.7 ± 28.5 months. Disease recurrence occurred in 16 (64 percent) and 30 (34 percent) patients with and without squamous differentiation (log-rank test, p = 0.001), and mortality occurred in 10 (40 percent) and 14 (16 percent) of the patients with and without squamous differentiation respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that pathological stage, squamous differentiation, tumor size and lymph node involvement were significant predictors of cancer-specific survival. However, only squamous differentiation and tumor size were independent prognostic variables on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Squamous differentiation was an independent prognostic factor for cancer specific survival in patients with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy. Further studies with a larger number of patients are necessary to confirm these results.

A fourteen-year review of radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma demonstrating the usefulness of the concept of lymph node density

OBJECTIVE: We studied the long-term outcome of radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma and evaluated prognostic factors for disease specific survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out for all cystectomies performed for transitional cell carcinoma between 1989 and 2002. Disease specific survival was correlated to patient, pathological and operative factors as well as to adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Of the 133 cystectomies included, 100 were male and 33 were female patients. The median age was 69 years (range 43 to 86). The median follow up was 20 months (range 0 to 158). With univariate analysis, pT stage, N stage, lymph node density, carcinoma in-situ, surgical margin and post-operative radiotherapy to distant metastasis were predictive of disease specific survival. On the other hand, with multivariate analysis, only pT stage, lymph node density and post-operative radiotherapy to distant metastasis were predictive of disease specific survival. Within the group of node positive disease, lymph node density also predicted disease specific survival with both univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients with lymph node density 20 percent or below showed better disease specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: pT stage and lymph node density were found to be the most important predictive factors for disease specific survival after cystectomy in the Asian population.

17-year follow-up of a randomized prospective controlled trial of adjuvant intravesical doxorubicin in the treatment of superficial bladder cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant intravesical doxorubicin in superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder on long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 1986 and November 1991, all patients harboring superficial bladder cancers (Ta or T1) with one or more of these criteria (stage > a, grade > 1, size > 1 cm, multiple or recurrent tumors) were randomized to receive either 50 mg doxorubicin or no adjuvant therapy. Patients with recurrences were allowed to receive doxorubicin or other intravesical agents. Recurrence, progression and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 82 patients included (64 males and 18 females). The mean age was 64 years. Forty-six patients were randomized to the doxorubicin group and 36 to the control group. Final analysis was made at median follow-up of 45, 128 and 131.5 months for recurrence, progression and survival, respectively. Recurrence free, progression free and disease specific survival did not differ significantly between groups. The 10-year Kaplan-Meier estimates for recurrence free, progression free and disease specific survival were 67 percent, 84 percent and 92 percent, respectively for the doxorubicin group, and were 50 percent, 89 percent and 97 percent, respectively for the control group. Tumor size predicted recurrence (p = 0.013) and grade predicted progression (p = 0.004) with multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant intravesical doxorubicin could not be shown to improve recurrence, progression and survival of superficial bladder cancer, compared with control on long-term follow-up. Tumor size and grade were shown to be prognostic factors for recurrence and progression, respectively.