Tumour location adjacent to the ureteric orifice in primary Ta/T1 bladder cancer is predictive of recurrence

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate tumour growth located around the ureteric orifice (LUO) at primary diagnosis of Ta/T1 urinary bladder cancer in relation to effects on recurrence and progression. Materials and methods: Clinical and pathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with primary Ta/T1 urinary bladder cancer from 1992 to 2007 were recorded prospectively. Location of the primary tumour and growth around the ureteric orifice (within 1 cm) were recorded and correlated with recurrence and progression during further follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox regression with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The study included 768 evaluable patients with a median follow-up of 60 months. Recurrence was observed in 478 patients (62%) and progression in 71 (9%). Growth of a primary tumour adjacent to the ureteric orifice was associated with recurrence (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.07-1.54) but not progression (HR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.65-1.67). The most common location of the first recurrence was the posterior bladder wall (29%). Other locations in the bladder did not predict recurrence or progression. Additional factors affecting recurrence were tumour size greater than 15mm, T1 tumour category, multiplicity, malignant or missing/not representative bladder wash cytology and surgery performed by residents. Conclusions: A primary tumour located around the ureteric orifice was predictive of recurrence, which could be taken into account in future follow-up schedules.