Presentation, methods of diagnosis and therapy for pelvic recurrence following radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

O. Lenaine Westney, Louis L. Pisters, Curtis A. Pettaway, Shi Ming Tu, Alan Pollack, Colin P.N. Dinney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the presentation, methods of diagnosis and treatment of pelvic recurrence following radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 33 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma between May 1960 and August 1995 at our cancer center and who later had pelvic recurrence. Results: The majority of patients underwent cystectomy for clinically advanced transitional cell carcinoma. Median time from cystectomy to recurrence was 10 months. Of the patients 25 were symptomatic (76%) at the time recurrence was diagnosed. Recurrence was discovered by digital rectal examination in 4 asymptomatic patients (12%) and by routine pelvic imaging in 2. Treatment included chemotherapy, surgery or radiation (alone or in combination). Of the 33 patients 29 died of progressive disease with a median survival of 7 months from the time of recurrence, and 4 remained free of disease at 7, 14, 26 and 95 months after local recurrence. Despite the poor survival rate following treatment 11 of 14 patients had complete resolution of symptoms following chemotherapy. Conclusions: The prognosis of patients with local recurrence is poor regardless of therapy. These recurrences are often symptomatic but careful post-cystectomy tumor surveillance, including digital rectal examination and pelvic imaging, provides an opportunity to diagnose local recurrences when they may be amenable to therapy. Systemic chemotherapy offers excellent palliation for symptomatic patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)792-795
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Urology
Volume159
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1998

Keywords

  • Bladder neoplasms
  • Cystectomy
  • Recurrence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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