Active Surveillance with Delayed Intervention for Recurrent Low Risk Bladder Cancer.

Introduction: Active surveillance with delayed intervention aims to minimize the discomfort, potential complications and costs associated with immediate treatment of recurrent low grade Ta tumors of the bladder. We reviewed the data supporting this management strategy for low risk bladder cancer.
Methods: A PubMed® query was performed to identify relevant literature on the topic of active surveillance for low risk bladder cancer. English language publications were reviewed and select data presented.
Results: Available data suggest that only 5% to 10% of patients diagnosed with a low grade appearing papillary bladder tumor will have progression in stage or grade. Coupled with the discomfort and potential for complications associated with transurethral resection, this supports the role of active surveillance for patients with small, recurrent, low risk bladder cancer. In addition, this management strategy stands to benefit the health care system by reducing the costs associated with caring for patients with bladder cancer.
Conclusions: Active surveillance with delayed intervention represents a safe and cost-effective strategy for patients with recurrent low risk bladder cancer.