Patterns and predictors of recurrence after open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a comprehensive review of the literature

To review the currently available literature reporting the patterns of recurrence and their predictive factors after open radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer.

A review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Sciences databases from January 1997 to May 2017.

The PRISMA guidelines were followed for the conduct of the study.

Local recurrence rate ranges between 30 and 54%. Distant recurrence is not often standardized and is reported in up to 50% of cases. The overall 5-year recurrence-free survival rates from 58 to 81%. The mean follow-up of studies included in the analysis ranged from 18 to 350 months. Details on the most important demographic and epidemiological, clinical, histologic and pathologic predictors of recurrence after radical cystectomy are provided through an evidence-based approach. The impact of the extension of lymph node dissection on recurrence after RC is investigated.

A correct prognostic assessment is essential for patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, thereby potentially improving their oncologic outcomes.

World journal of urology. 2017 Nov 16 [Epub ahead of print]

Andrea Mari, Riccardo Campi, Riccardo Tellini, Giorgio Gandaglia, Simone Albisinni, Mohammad Abufaraj, Georgios Hatzichristodoulou, Francesco Montorsi, Roland van Velthoven, Marco Carini, Andrea Minervini, Shahrokh F Shariat

Department of Urology, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy., Division of Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, URI, Milan, Italy., Department of Urology, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium., Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria., Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany., Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .