INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the prognostic value of T1 subclassification and fascin-1 expression in T1 human urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study with 105 consecutive patients, T1 tumors were subclassified into 2 groups according to the depth of tumor invasion. The tunica muscularis mucosae was used as a landmark. The expression of fascin-1 was examined by using an anti-fascin-1 mouse monoclonal antibody and was evaluated semiquantitatively for both intensity and distribution. The patients were followed up for 27.3 +/- 13.7 months. RESULTS: The T1 tumor subclassification was feasible in 99 patients (94%). T1a tumor was detected in 77 patients (73%), T1b tumor in 22 patients (21%). An invasive tumor was found in 5 patients (4.8%) during the restaging transurethral resection of the bladder. The risk of understaging in patients with T1b tumor was 18%. There was not a significant difference in time to the recurrence in the T1a and the T1b group. The progression-free survival rates were significantly different between both groups (p = 0.0034). No correlation was found between fascin-1 positivity and the depth of tumor invasion. Fascin-1 positivity did not correlate with recurrence or the progression-free intervals. In the multivariate analysis, only the extent of lamina propria invasion was an independent predictor of the tumor progression. The fascin positivity was not an independent prognostic factor relating to the risk of recurrence or progression. CONCLUSION: The finding of T1b tumor was connected with a significantly higher risk of progression and understaging. The fascin-1 expression did not correlate with the depth of tumor invasion or with the tumor recurrence or progression. 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Department of Urology General Teaching Hospital 1st Medical Faculty Charles University Prague Czech Republic