Tobacco smoke and bladder cancer: the current research status and the future challenges

Bladder cancer is the ninth most common malignant tumors worldwide. Tobacco smoke is the primary risk factor for bladder cancer. The relationship and underlying mechanisms between tobacco smoke and the disease etiology are not, however, fully delineated. Understanding the role of tobacco smoke in the initiation and progression of bladder cancer is essential for clarifying the molecular mechanisms, improving future strategies for prevention, early detection, exploring novel diagnostic markers and effective therapeutics. Therefore, this review summarizes the relationship between tobacco smoke and bladder cancer. The direction of future research and the challenges on tobacco smoke-associated bladder cancer are also outlined.