Secondary neoplasms of the urinary bladder-clinical management and oncological outcomes

Introduction

The urinary bladder appears to be the second most common site to be involved in secondary neoplasms to the genitourinary tract following the kidney (1). This accounts for 4.5% of all bladder neoplasms, and is often misdiagnosed, due to lack of any symptoms, i.e., haematuria (2).

Secondary neoplasms to the urinary bladder can be a result of direct extension from another pelvic malignancy, metastasis from distant organs, or hematopoietic malignancies as part of more extensive disease (3). The majority of secondary bladder tumours come from direct spread, as demonstrated by Velcheti et al. and Morichetti et al. (4,5). A smaller proportion of secondary neoplasms of the bladder are secondary to metastatic deposits, most commonly the breast, stomach, lung and skin (6,7). In some circumstances the histological appearances may be characteristic but many secondary tumours, particularly adenocarcinomas, can pose diagnostic difficulty (8,9). There is limited literature available reporting, the management and survival of secondary neoplasms to the bladder and of those available these are early studies and/or of small series (10-12). Moreover the majority of published data has been from autopsy which gives us incomplete details of disease management.

The available data suggests the most common primary sites of tumour origin that metastasise to the bladder are colon, prostate, rectum and cervix. These often reflect the most common histological subtype of each cancer origin (2,4-7,12). Breast cancer primaries metastasising to the bladder have the most data on management and survival however these studies vary on survival ranging from 1 month to over 5 years (10,13). While it has been reported that radiotherapy should be considered to provide local disease control, treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy and hormonal treatment (especially in prostate and breast cancer) (14). Partial and complete cystectomy have been rarely reported (4).

We aim to report our institution’s experience of secondary neoplasms of the bladder from various primary sites and the surgical and oncological management of these patients in addition to their survival. This is the largest single centre series presented in current literature with long term oncological follow up. We anticipate that this will help clinicians better understand the clinical presentation and management of patients with secondary neoplasms to the bladder.

We present the following article in accordance with the STROBE reporting checklist (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-20-955).

Methods

Study population

This is a single institutional, retrospective cohort study. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (as revised in 2013). The study was approved by the institutional review board (Lister Hospital, #17149) and individual consent for this retrospective analysis was waived. We retrieved data from all patients who had secondary neoplasms to the bladder treated at our centre from January 2007 to December 2017. We defined these as tumours involving the urinary bladder via direct spread from adjacent advanced tumours, or distant metastasis (including from hematopoietic malignancies). We ensured all patients had a diagnosis of secondary bladder neoplasm either by a histological appearance comparable to that of a primary tumour or that the histological features were incompatible with a urothelial origin. Furthermore the secondary tumour must have demonstrated invasion into the muscularis and/or lamina propria. Excluded from our study were patients with primary atypical bladder cancer which included primary squamous cell carcinoma, primary adenocarcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumours. We identified 40 patients with a diagnosis of secondary tumour of the urinary bladder over a 10-year period. Fifty-four cases were excluded from our study due to atypical histology. All cases were diagnosed by either transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) or bladder biopsy.

Measures and outcome assessments

Prognostic variables examined included age at diagnosis, sex, histology, clinical presentation, disease free survival and treatment. The treatments we examined included surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy prior to a diagnosis of secondary neoplasm as well as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or hormonal treatment following a diagnosis of secondary bladder neoplasm. Patient selection and variables were obtained through reviewing clinical history, histopathology, history of lymphovascular spread, radiological support of non-bladder origin, and Immunohistochemical analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate survival. Our primary outcome measure was overall survival. Survival was defined as number of days from secondary diagnosis of a bladder neoplasm to death or to our censorship date (19^th May 2019). We followed up all patients until the censorship date. Information bias was reduced by searching through both pathological and oncological data.

Statistical analyses

Prism 6 (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA) was used for graphical representation and statistical analysis. A two tailed t-test was used to determine the relationship amongst categorical variables. We used GRETL (Gnu Regression, Econometrics and Time-series Library 64bit) software to create a multiple regression analysis using step-wise backwards elimination to build models which identified the most significant treatments for each population group in terms of their survival. We defined the optimal model as the one with P values lower than our significance 95% (P value <0.05). We estimated overall survival using the Kaplan-Meier method. All statistical tests were two-sided by default, and the significance level was set to 0.05 unadjusted for multiple comparisons.

Results

We identified 40 patients with a diagnosis of secondary tumour of the urinary bladder. All 40 patients who were included in our study, completed follow-up, and were analysed. In the study population, average age at presentation was 68 (40–90) in men and 64 (48–80) years in women, with 50% of these patients having history of a non-bladder primary malignancy (Table 1). The median survival of our patient cohort from diagnosis of a bladder secondary neoplasm was 272 days (Figure 1). Complete patient management as well as individual survival is detailed in the attached Appendix 1, individual tumour characteristics are mentioned below.

Table 1 Patient demographics with those known to have history of a non-bladder primary malignancy
Full table

Figure 1 Kaplan-Meier curve of overall survival for all 40 patients following diagnosis of a secondary neoplasm to the urinary bladder.

There were 12 patients with secondary bladder neoplasms of prostatic origin with histological analysis demonstrating adenocarcinoma. The median age was 74 (51–90) and 8 patients were diagnosed at cystoscopy for urinary symptoms, with 1 patient diagnosed at transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) performed for lower urinary tract symptoms with no previous history of malignancy. 3 patients had imaging suggestive of a bladder tumour and 4 patients had a previous history of prostate adenocarcinoma. The median time from primary to secondary diagnosis was 981 days (948–4,748 days). All specimens exhibited carcinoma infiltrating the muscularis propria. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated positivity for PSA and PSAP confirming the prostatic origin of the specimen. AMACR 63 and CK5 favoured the diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Of these patients 5 (42%) continue on treatment for prostate cancer. The median survival for our patients was 446 days (Table 2). Our results show that fewer days from primary (prostate) to secondary (bladder) diagnosis (P=0.0013), patients receiving radiotherapy after diagnosis of a secondary bladder neoplasm (P=0.0012), and those receiving hormonal therapy after secondary diagnosis (P=0.004) had the most significant survival advantage. There was no significance in survival of those patients undergoing chemotherapy following their diagnosis (Table 3).

Table 2 The distribution of the primary foci of metastatic tumour’s to the bladder and their survival
Full table

Table 3 Survival variables for the primary malignancies which produced statistical significance (P<0.05). Breast, Lymphoma, Renal and Gastric cancers however produced ZERO statistical significant for any variable
Full table

A total of 9 patients with bladder metastases were from a colorectal primary with a median age of 62 (40–75) with the histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. One patient was diagnosed following cystoscopy for haematuria, 1 patient following an acute presentation with abdominal pain whilst the rest were diagnosed following suspicious radiological findings. Five patients had a known prior history of colorectal adenocarcinoma and 1 patient presented with a vesico-vaginal fistula. The median time from primary to secondary diagnosis was 531 days (62–2,979). All specimens exhibited carcinoma infiltrating the muscularis propria. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated in the vast majority of cases, positivity for CK20, CK7 and CDX-2. K-Ras sequencing results were available for 2 patients, both of which demonstrated a mutated gene. The median survival for our patients was 403 days (Table 2). Our results show patients undergoing surgery at initial diagnosis (P=0.03) and following diagnosis of a bladder secondary (P=0.013) had a survival advantage. Moreover, patients who received radiotherapy following diagnosis of a bladder secondary had an improved survival (P=0.045). Days from primary to secondary diagnosis as well as patients receiving chemotherapy following their secondary diagnosis had no impact in their survival (Table 3).

We identified 5 patients with secondary bladder neoplasms of ovarian origin with a median age of 65 (53–74). One patient was diagnosed following an episode of frank haematuria requiring hospitalisation and 1 patient had acutely presented with abdominal pain. The remainder were diagnosed following radiological investigation. Two patients had a known primary of ovarian carcinoma diagnosed within the last 10 years. Serous papillary carcinoma was seen in 4 patients and 1 patient had a mucinous papillary carcinoma. The median time from primary to secondary diagnosis was 111 days (143–411). All bladder biopsy’s or TURBT specimens exhibited carcinoma infiltrating the muscularis propria. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated positivity for CK7, WT-1 and Ca-125.The median survival for our patients with ovarian primary was 369 days (Table 2). Our results demonstrate that the most significant survival advantage came when patients received chemotherapy following diagnosis of a bladder secondary neoplasm (P=0.0002). Days from primary to secondary diagnosis and patients undergoing surgery at initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer did not improve survival (Table 3).

There were 4 patients with cervical origin of secondary bladder neoplasms with a median age of 60 (49–71), the primary histology being squamous cell carcinoma. One patient presented with haematuria, the rest were identified radiologically. Two patients had been diagnosed with cervical cancer within the last 10 years. The median time from primary to secondary diagnosis was 141 days (241–324). All specimens exhibited carcinoma infiltrating the muscularis propria. Immunohistochemistry analysis of the bladder specimens displayed positivity for CK5, 7 and P63 and negativity for CK20 confirming the cervical origin of the tumours. The median survival for patients with cervical cancer was 148 days (Table 2). Our results demonstrate that patients receiving surgery at initial diagnosis had an improved overall survival (P=0.043). Fewer days from primary to secondary diagnosis did not have a statistically significant effect on survival (Table 3).

We identified 3 patients with secondary bladder neoplasms of breast origin (invasive ductal carcinoma) with a median age of 65 (61–68). All patients presented with urinary symptoms (haematuria and urinary retention). The median time from primary to secondary diagnosis was 1,211 days (481–1,869). Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated positivity for CK7, CK8/18, ER, PR and CEA and a high proliferation rate of Ki67. The median survival for our patients was 241 days (Table 2).

3 patients were shown to have a secondary bladder neoplasm of lymphocytic origin (diffuse large B cell lymphoma) with a median age of 80 (78–82). All three patients presented with urinary symptoms (recurrent UTI and haematuria) and had a prior diagnosis of lymphoma. The median time from primary to secondary diagnosis was 368 days (146–431). The infiltrating cells were positive for CD45, CD20 and bcl-2 throughout. A high ki-67 proliferative marker was also noted in all specimens. The median survival for our patients was 145 days (Table 2).

We identified 2 patients with secondary bladder tumours of renal origin (clear cell carcinoma) with a median age 72 (59–85). One patient presented following a routine surveillance scan whilst the other patient had presented with a 3-month history of haematuria. Both patients had a prior nephrectomy. One patient had an existing diagnosis of G3 pT1 bladder cancer. The median time from primary to secondary diagnosis was 2,306 days (744–3,868). Both specimens demonstrated a tumour immunoprofile which was positive for CK7, P53, AMACR63 and CEA. The median survival for our patients was 854 days (Table 2).

There were 2 patients with a histological diagnosis of secondary bladder neoplasm of gastric origin with a median age of 56 (54–59), Histology demonstrated an intestinal type adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Both patients presented acutely, with severe abdominal pain, and bilateral hydronephrosis. Neither patient had a previous history of malignancy however their presentation was a consequence of widespread metastasis. The specimens demonstrated a well differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. The median survival for our patients was 66 days (Table 2).

Discussion

To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive retrospective study of clinical profile of secondary neoplasms to the bladder. Previously reported studies (Bates, Abrams, Morichetti, Melicow, Sheehan, Xiao, Ganem) (2-3,5-7,10,15), have been a combination of clinical and autopsy cases, with primary focus being the pathological characteristic of the tumours, and sparse evidence of clinical outcomes. Although the age at presentation of bladder cancer is 65–70, secondary metastasis of the bladder is seen at 68 in men and 64 years in women, as seen in our study (16).

Amongst our cohort, prostate cancer has been the highest contributor to secondary bladder neoplasms and prognosis of these patients has been better as oppose to other primaries. This could also primarily reflect current treatment outcomes in prostate cancer (17).

The longest duration between diagnosis of primary cancer and metastases was in patients with prostate and breast cancer, and shortest in cervical and ovarian cancer. In previously published series of secondary bladder cancer, the highest incidence was of colorectal cancer in both sexes, and the second most common were gynecological malignancies in women and prostate cancer in men (18).

When comparing the different sites of primary cancers, renal cell carcinoma appears to be the site with the longest survival data as compared to the others (854 days), followed by prostate (446 days). Furthermore, we found that other sites with a survival more than 365 days were colorectal and ovarian cancers.

An important finding in this study is the predilection of histological subtype of various primary sites and their survival as compared to the published data. Invasive ductal cancer is the chief histologic subtype in breast primary, with a median age of 65, and average survival of 241 days, which is in contrast to the published data of metastatic breast cancer (900 days) (19). The histologic subtype in renal, gastric, cervical, prostate and colorectal were in keeping with the typical common subtype of tumours seen in these cancers.

In patients with ovarian cancer as the primary, the papillary histology was seen in 80% of the tumours, with the remaining subtype being mucinous papillary carcinoma. Survival in our patients with ovarian cancer was 12 months in contrast to stage 4 ovarian cancer with a survival of 33.6 months (20,21). This illustrates the poorer outcomes in bladder metastasis. The prognoses of metastasis to the bladder, depends upon the type of primary, rather than the extent of the metastases.

There are no standard guidelines, to manage patients with secondary bladder cancer, however TURBT is an appropriate procedure, as it not only provides us with diagnostic information, but it is also useful for palliation in advanced disease. Due to the available therapeutic options an accurate diagnosis is essential for the optimal management. In samples with atypical histology, further analysis is advisable through immunohistochemistry to confirm tumour origin. Any patients with new urinary symptoms need to be worked up in order to exclude any bladder lesions (22).

Our major findings were illustrated through examining prognostic variables which had an impact on survival. Length of time between primary and secondary disease was significant in prostate cancer. Those undergoing surgery prior to their secondary diagnosis showed a statistically significant improvement in survival for colorectal and cervical cancer. Those receiving treatment after a secondary diagnosis demonstrated statistical significance in survival for colorectal (surgery), prostate (radiotherapy and hormonal therapy) and ovarian cancer (chemotherapy). Breast, lymphoma renal and gastric cancers however produced zero statistical significant for any variable. This is due to the number of observations (patients) being fewer than the number of variables in question. More data points are required to get any form of correlation.

This study does have its limitations. This was a retrospective, single centre study. The rarity of this diagnosis leads to a small sample size which limits its statistical power and makes it difficult to extrapolate these results. The retrospective nature of this study also introduces bias. We must also consider that in our breast, lymphoma, renal and gastric groups, limited numbers prevented statistically significant results. We would advocate a multicentre study with a larger cohort in order to be better equipped to recommend management. Our results and conclusions will be limited to patients with secondary neoplasms of the bladder and further research into other secondary malignancies will be important to provide comparisons.

Conclusions

The most common secondary neoplasms of bladder are prostate, colorectal, and of ovarian origin. Outcomes of metastatic cancer to the bladder depend on a variety of factors including location of the primary foci, grade, number and location of the metastatic lesions. With the availability of newer immunotherapeutic options and targeted therapies in solid tumours, it is essential to obtain tissue diagnosis from bladder tumours. Radical surgery (cystectomy) is not advisable, as it will increase morbidity and has a limited role in advanced disease. There is some survival benefit in well selected patients receiving treatment following a diagnosis of a bladder secondary. With life expectancy in metastatic bladder cancer less than a year, and survival in secondary malignancies of bladder more than a year, histological, clinical, radiological and biochemical diagnosis is helpful in guiding appropriate treatment.

Acknowledgments

Funding: None.

Footnote

Reporting Checklist: The authors have completed the STROBE reporting checklist. Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-20-955

Data Sharing Statement: Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-20-955

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tau-20-955). Dr. Sharma reports grants from NIHR, and Cancer treatment and research trust (CTRT), outside the submitted work. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (as revised in 2013). The study was approved by the institutional review board (Lister Hospital, #17149) and individual consent for this retrospective analysis was waived.

Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

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