The importance of an extended lymphadenectomy in the management of high-grade invasive bladder cancer.
The role of a regional lymphadenectomy in the surgical management of high-grade invasive bladder cancer has evolved over the last several decades. A growing body of evidence suggests that an extended lymph node dissection may provide, not only improved prognostic information, but also a clinically significant therapeutic benefit for both lymph node-positive and -negative patients undergoing radical cystectomy. The extent of the primary bladder tumor, number of lymph nodes removed and the lymph node tumor burden are important prognostic variables in patients undergoing cystectomy. In addition, the concept of lymph node density may further improve stratification of lymph node-positive patients. The historical development and contemporary rationale for an extended pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing radical cystectomy are reviewed.
Quek
Marcus L
ML
Department of Urology, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, MS#74, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 7416, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA. quekm@hsc.usc.edu
Sanderson
Kristin M
KM
Daneshmand
Siamak
S
Stein
John P
JP
D015653:Cystectomy; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D009017:Morbidity; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*