Blood- and tissue-based biomarkers for prediction of outcomes in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

OBJECTIVES: Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Standard pathologic features (stage, grade, and nodal status) are insufficient to predict accurately a patient's outcome. Biomarkers could help clinicians provide individualized prognostications and allow risk-stratified clinical decision making regarding surgical and medical treatment. This review summarizes the existing tissue- and blood-based biomarkers in UCB.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A PubMed/Medline search was conducted to identify original articles regarding molecular biomarkers and UCB. Searches were limited to papers published in English. Keywords included urothelial carcinoma, bladder cancer, transitional cell, biomarker, marker, staining, cystectomy, recurrence or progression, survival, prediction, and prognosis.

RESULTS: The articles with the highest level of evidence were selected and reviewed, with the consensus of all the authors of this paper.

CONCLUSIONS: There is no doubt that a panel of biomarkers would eventually improve our clinical decision making regarding treatment and follow-up. However, to date, no biomarker panel is yet validated for daily clinical practice.