Factors affecting recurrence and progression in intravesical BCG treated high grade non muscle invasive bladder cancer

Objective: The rate of recurrence in high grade non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is 70% with progression rate of 15-40% at 5 years. The treatment of high grade NMIBC is intravesical BCG therapy, however for high risk cases radical cystectomy is recommended. In this study we determined the response of high grade NMIBC to BCG therapy and the factors affecting it in south Asian population.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 64 patients treated with intravesical BCG for high grade NMIBC from Dec 2008 to July 2012. Smoking, tumor size, location and multiplicity were taken as prognostic factors. Recurrence and progression were determined by cystoscopy and upper tract imaging according to European Association of Urology guidelines. The association of prognostic factors with recurrence and progression was determined.

Results: The rate of recurrence and progression was found to 45.8% and 27.1% respectively after a mean follow up 28.36 months. Smokers had 4 times greater odds of progression of tumor as compared to non-smokers. Patients with large tumors had 6.7 times greater odds of progression as compared to patients with small tumors.

Conclusion: Smokers with large and multiple high grade NMIBC constitute the high risk group. These patients may be offered early radical cystectomy and advised to stop smoking.