The current status of bladder preservation in the treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: Bladder preserving strategies for muscle invasive bladder cancer have evolved from single modality to multimodality treatment approaches with improved results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We review the rationale for a multimodality approach to treat invasive bladder cancer and the results of some recent multimodality bladder sparing treatments. In addition, we compare this approach to radical cystectomy.

RESULTS: Multimodality bladder sparing treatment involves combined transurethral bladder resection, external beam radiation with concurrent radiosensitizers and cisplatin based chemotherapy. With this approach overall 5-year survival is 48% to 63% and overall 5-year survival with the bladder intact is 36% to 43%. Survival with this approach is comparable to that in series of patients treated with primary radical cystectomy. The primary impetus for a multimodality bladder sparing approach is the improved quality of life associated with retaining the native bladder. However, the multimodality bladder sparing approach involves a complex treatment schedule associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cystectomy is eventually required after attempted bladder preservation in 34% to 45% of cases and the rate of superficial recurrence is approximately 28%.

CONCLUSIONS: Multimodality bladder sparing treatment is a viable option at centers with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. However, primary radical surgery remains the standard of care for invasive bladder cancer.