The challenge of high risk non muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment in elderly patients

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INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a tailored endovesical immunotherapy protocol with BCG for elderly Patients with high risk non muscle invasive bladder cancer (HG-NMIBC).

METHODS

We enrolled 200 consecutive patients older than 80 years newly diagnosed with HGNMIBC: 100 (group 1) with multiple comorbidities (WHO PS 2-3, ASA score >3, Charlson Comorbidity index >3, GFR

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found in terms of initial response to BCG (69% in Group 1 vs 71% in Group 2, with P=0,75), cancer free-survival at 2 years (57% vs 55% respectively, P=0,77) and rate of progression at 2 years (20% vs 14% respectively, P=0,26). The difference between the rate of overall complications was statistically significant (P=0,03) the rate of severe complications was not statistically significant (P=0,61).

CONCLUSION

A tailored regimen of BCG administration is possible and safe in frail elderly patients, limiting side effects and the risk of undertreatment but maintaining oncological outcomes. Mandatory is the most possible comprehensive assessment of the patient; thus, all patients can receive the proper treatment. We propose to continue with the enrollment and with follow-up to give greater significance to our experience.

Funding: none