Expectant treatment of superficial bladder tumors: preliminary results]

A group of patients presenting with superficial bladder tumors (Ta-T1, G1-G3) was entered in a surveillance program following TUR. A standard univariative analysis was used to study tumor and patient prognostic factors to recurrence and progression. To define further the importance of each variable, a multivariative analysis was performed. Regardless of stage, grade and sex, patients with multiple tumors and/or size > or = 2 cm were particularly exposed to frequent recurrences. Early recurrences (before month 9) were associated with high recurrence rates. Considering the results of topical chemotherapy and toxicity of BCG immunotherapy, surveillance could be and option for superficial bladder tumors, reserving adjuvant therapy for large, multiple or early recurrence.