From the Guidelines
The overall 5-year survival rate for bladder cancer is approximately 78%, with significant variations depending on the stage at diagnosis, as reported in the most recent study 1.
Survival Rates by Stage
The survival rates for bladder cancer vary significantly based on the stage at diagnosis.
- For non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), the 5-year survival rates are around 95% for stage 0 and 75% for stage I, as indicated in the study 1.
- When cancer has invaded the muscle layer but remains confined to the bladder (muscle-invasive), the 5-year survival rate drops to about 70% for stage II, 35% for stage III, and 5% for stage IV, according to the study 1.
Factors Influencing Survival
These survival rates are influenced by factors including the patient's age, overall health, response to treatment, and specific tumor characteristics, as mentioned in the guidelines 1.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection significantly improves outcomes, which is why prompt medical attention for symptoms like blood in urine, frequent urination, or painful urination is crucial, as emphasized in the study 1.
Follow-up Care
Regular follow-up care is essential for bladder cancer survivors as recurrence is common, requiring ongoing surveillance cystoscopies and other monitoring tests, as recommended in the guidelines 1. Based on the most recent and highest quality study 1, the survival rate for bladder cancer is significantly influenced by the stage at diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Table 81: Response by Tumor Type Objective Response Rate Duration of Response range N n (%) 95% CI (months)
- Denotes ongoing response
- Results include patients in Cohort K of KEYNOTE-158 that were later determined to be pMMR or not MSI-H by central testing Bladder cancer 6 3 (50%) (12%, 88%) (35.6+, 57.5+)
The survival rate for bladder cancer is not directly provided in the FDA drug label. However, the objective response rate for bladder cancer is 50% with a duration of response ranging from 35.6+ to 57.5+ months 2.
From the Research
Survival Rate of Bladder Cancer
The survival rate of bladder cancer varies depending on the stage and type of cancer.
- According to a study published in 2021 3, the 5-year overall survival rate for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who underwent complete transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 77%, compared to 46% for those with incomplete TURBT.
- The same study found that complete TURBT was significantly associated with superior cancer-specific, recurrence-free, and muscle-invasive recurrence-free survival.
- A study published in 2020 4 reported that the average 5-year survival rate for bladder cancer in the US is 77%, but the 5-year survival rate for those with metastatic disease is only 5%.
Factors Affecting Survival Rate
Several factors can affect the survival rate of bladder cancer, including:
- The stage and type of cancer: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a better prognosis than muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) 5.
- The completeness of TURBT: Complete TURBT has been shown to improve survival and oncologic outcomes in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer 3.
- The use of intravesical chemotherapy: Intravesical chemotherapy has been shown to reduce recurrence rates in patients with NMIBC 6, 7.
- The presence of risk factors: Tobacco smoking, occupational or environmental toxins, and schistosomiasis infection are all risk factors for bladder cancer, and reducing or eliminating these risk factors can improve survival rates 4.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for bladder cancer include:
- TURBT: The standard of care for the diagnostics and primary treatment of bladder tumors 6.
- Intravesical chemotherapy: Used to reduce recurrence rates in patients with NMIBC 6, 7.
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Used to treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer prior to radical cystectomy 3.
- Radical cystectomy: The standard treatment for MIBC, but may not be suitable for all patients 5.
- Bladder preservation therapies: Emerging treatment options for MIBC, including trimodality therapy 5.