The best treatment for high-grade T1 bladder cancer is cystectomy.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the role of initial cystectomy in the management of high-grade T1 bladder cancer. METHODS A selected review of the literature was performed to evaluate outcomes with intravesical therapy vs. initial cystectomy in this patient population, with a focus on identifying risk factors for failure of conservative therapy. RESULTS Many studies in the literature fail to include central pathologic review and re-TUR clinical staging, and there are no randomized studies comparing outcomes with these two initial approaches. Retrospective studies of patients with high-grade T1 tumors treated with initial intravesical therapy suggest that approximately 30% of patients will ultimately require cystectomy, and 30% will die of their disease with or without cystectomy. The risk of progression continues for the life of the patient, and late recurrence and progression is common. Initial clinical and pathologic factors can be identified that predict a high risk of progression and are reasonable indicators for initial cystectomy. CONCLUSION Radical cystectomy can provide a very high cure rate for these patients and should be considered early in the treatment plan.