URINARY INTERLEUKIN-8 AND 18 PREDICT THE RESPONSE OF SUPERFICIAL BLADDER CANCER TO INTRAVESICAL THERAPY WITH BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN

Abstract

In this study we confirmed the value of quantitative IL-8 expression in the urine during the first 6 hours after BCG instillation for superficial bladder cancer to predict freedom of disease. Furthermore, to our knowledge we report for the first time the potential value of IL-18 expression in the urine during the first 12 hours after BCG to predict freedom from disease. These findings may help improve the treatment of patients with superficial bladder cancer, especially by identifying those with a high risk of disease recurrence and progression after BCG therapy.