The Effect of Second TURBT on Recurrence and Progression in Primary Ta High-grade Bladder Cancers: A Multicenter Clinical Trial Comparing Long-term Outcomes

Objective: To evaluate the potential significance of the second transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT) in a population of patients whose primary pathology was high-grade pTa (Ta/HG) and who had received Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment for at least 12 on oncological outcomes, based on the presence or absence of detrusor muscle. Materials and Methods: Patients with primary Ta/HG tumors (n=207) that met the inclusion criteria were grouped based on the presence of muscle tissue in the first TURBT and whether the secondary TURBT was performed. Progression, recurrence, and disease-free survival rates were compared between the groups. Results: Median follow-up period was 24 (12-205) months. In cases with muscle in the first TURBT, a second TURBT significantly increased the median disease-free survival time compared with those that did not undergo the second TURBT [32 months (12-83) vs 12 months (6-67); p<0.005]. In cases without muscle in the first TURBT, the second TURBT significantly reduced the rate of progression (p<0.05). Regression analysis showed that tumor size >3 cm [95% confidence interval (CI)=1.09-2.96, hazard ratio (HR)=1.79, p=0.021], presence of muscle tissue (95% CI=0.35-0.92, HR=0.57, p=0.022), and multiple tumor (95% CI=1.06-2.90, HR=1.75, p=0.028) were independent factors affecting disease relapse in primary Ta/HG tumor. Conclusions: In patients with primary Ta/HG tumors, if there was no muscle in the first TURBT, a second TURBT should be performed to achieve lower progression rates. If there is muscle in the first TURBT, the second TURBT will only increase the median disease-free survival time.