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The role of BTA stat Test in follow-up of patients with bladder cancer: results from FinnBladder studies

World Journal of Urology volume 26, pages 45–50 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

To summarize the results of the FinnBladder studies of the BTA stat Test in follow-up of bladder cancer and more importantly to provide guidelines for daily clinical practise.

Methods

Voided urine samples of 501 patients were obtained prior to cystoscopy and split for culture, cytology and BTA stat testing. The overall sensitivity and specificity for the BTA stat Test were calculated, factors interfering with testing and the role of false positive test result were evaluated.

Results

Out of 501 patients 133 (26.5%) had a bladder cancer recurrence at cystoscopy, of which BTA stat Test detected 71 (53.4%). In the remaining 368 patients, 96 (26.1%) had a positive BTA stat Test result. An additional 9 (16.4%) recurrences were detected at further examinations. The overall sensitivities and specificities for the BTA stat Test and cytology were 56.0, 19.2 and 85.7%, and 98.3%, respectively. Urine infection and past BCG instillations and present instillations of any type caused false positive test result. Out of 79 patients with positive BTA stat Test and negative cystoscopy, 6 (7.6%) had recurrence at next scheduled follow-up cystoscopy.

Conclusions

Although BTA stat Test cannot replace cystoscopy in the follow-up of patients with bladder cancer, it could replace routine cytology especially in patients with low-grade disease. Test should not be used in patients with urine infection, in those having received BCG, or in those with present instillation of any type. In case of positive test result but negative cystoscopy, urine cytology should be obtained as the first line examination. Positive cytology is the indication for further examinations, whereas patients with negative cytology might wait until the next scheduled cystoscopy.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Medical Research Fund of Seinäjoki Central Hospital.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Hanneksenrinne 7, 60220, Seinäjoki, Finland

    Mika-P. Raitanen

Authors
  1. Mika-P. Raitanen
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Consortia

The FinnBladder Group

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mika-P. Raitanen.

Additional information

Member list of The FinnBladder Group is given in Appendix.

Appendix

Appendix

Member list of The FinnBladder Group is given below.

  • M. Ala-Opas and K. Tuhkanen, Kuopio University Hospital

  • T. Forssel, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka

  • P. Granbacka and C. Palmberg, Pietarsaari Hospital

  • T. Liukkonen, Mikkeli Central Hospital

  • H. Juusela, Jorvi Hospital, Espoo

  • H. Korhonen, Satakunta Central Hospital, Pori

  • P. Hellström and O. Lukkarinen, Oulu University Hospital

  • M. Nurmi and P. Rajala, Turku University Hospital

  • J. Permi and V-M. Puolakka, Lappeenranta Central Hospital

  • M. Talja, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital

  • T. Tammela and M-P. Raitanen, Tampere University Hospital

  • M. Leppilahti, M. Leskinen, T. Marttila and M-P. Raitanen, Seinäjoki Central Hospital

  • E. Kaasinen, Hyvinkää District Hospital

  • J. Ervasti, Ähtäri Hospital

  • A. Mehik, Oulainen Hospital

  • R. Kauppinen and M. Rauvala, Rovaniemi Central Hospital

  • J. Viitanen, Pohjois-Karjala Central Hospital, Joensuu

  • E. Hansson and P. Nylund, Vaasa Central Hospital, Finland

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Raitanen, MP., The FinnBladder Group. The role of BTA stat Test in follow-up of patients with bladder cancer: results from FinnBladder studies. World J Urol 26, 45–50 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-007-0230-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-007-0230-3

Keywords

  • Non-invasive bladder cancer
  • Monitoring
  • BTA stat
  • Tumor marker