Contemporary management of superficial bladder cancer.
BACKGROUND
Bladder cancer is the second most common urologic malignancy after prostate cancer. Superficial bladder cancer presents as a heterogeneous group of tumors with variable biological potential. A significant percentage of patients diagnosed with superficial cancer will have multiple recurrences, and some will progress to invasive disease.


METHODS
Patients are stratified into low- or high-risk for recurrence and progression. We review the most recent literature regarding intravesical therapy for superficial bladder cancer, and we summarize indications for the use of intravesical agents as well as their efficacy, toxicity, and cost.


RESULTS
Several intravesical agents are available for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. Patients may be identified as low- or high-risk for recurrence and progression. High-risk patients benefit from intravesical therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Superficial bladder cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases. Treatment is effective in preventing recurrences and progression in the high-risk group.
Pow-Sang
J M
JM
Genitourinary Oncology Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute at the University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, USA. powsang@moffitt.usf.edu
Seigne
J D
JD
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011379:Prognosis; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001500:BCG Vaccine; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D016685:Mitomycin