Oncological outcomes and complications following radical cystectomy with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy – A retrospective comparative cohort study from a single-center in South India

Abstract

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in the management of muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma has not been adopted universally. We studied the oncological outcomes and complications in patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) with or without NAC. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent RC with or without NAC from June 2009 to June 2020 was conducted. Oncological outcomes, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), complications, and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results: Of the 314 patients who underwent RC, 83 patients received NAC (Group A), and 231 underwent RC alone (Group B). The median age was 58 years. The median follow-up duration was 22 (3–64) and 24 (3–62) months, respectively. The median OS in Group A was significantly higher than Group B (38 months [confidence interval (CI): 34–42] and 32 [CI: 29–35], respectively, [P = 0.033]). The RFS in Groups A and B was 34 (CI: 30–39) and 31 (CI: 28–34) months, respectively (P = 0.47). Higher pathological T stage (T3/4), node positivity and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were predictors of poor OS and RFS (P < 0.0001). Clavien grades 3/4 complications were comparable (8% vs. 15%; P = 0.19). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was associated with higher postoperative complications in both groups (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The OS with NAC was superior to upfront RC. RFS was, however, comparable. NAC was safe and well-tolerated. Pathologically, higher T stage, node positivity, and LVI were associated with poorer OS and RFS. Low GFR negatively influenced postoperative complications.