# Predictive value of mitotic figure counts in tumor progression of non-invasive high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder: A retrospective study from a single cancer center

## TL;DR

High mitotic counts in bladder tumors predict progression to invasive cancer, suggesting the need for closer monitoring or early treatment.

## Contribution

This study identifies mitotic figure counts as a predictive marker for tumor progression in non-invasive bladder cancer.

## Key findings

- Tumor progression group had significantly higher mitotic counts (p = 0.001) compared to progression-free group.
- Tumors with more than three mitotic counts per HPF had a high risk of progression within 19.5 ± 6.1 months.
- High mitotic counts in initial biopsies indicate a need for closer monitoring or earlier treatment.

## Abstract

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common type of bladder malignancy. Although the majority of UC present as non-invasive tumors, a subset of them progress into invasive cancer and cause significant morbidity and mortality.

In this study, we examined the association between tumor mitotic activity associated and the progression of non-invasive high-grade papillary UC of the bladder.

Forty-four cases of tumors that met the selection criteria were retrieved from the Department of Pathology archives, and, for each case, mitotic figures were counted in 10 high-power fields (HPF) by two independent pathologists. Tumor progression was defined as the invasion of the tumor into the subepithelial connective tissue (lamina propria) or beyond during follow-ups. In addition, tumors that later exhibited distant metastases were included in the tumor progression group.

Our study revealed that the average mitotic count per 10 HPF in the tumor progression group was significantly higher (p = 0.001) than in the progression-free group. Furthermore, tumors with more than three mitotic counts per HPF in initial biopsies posed a high risk of tumor progression within the 19.5 ± 6.1 months of follow-ups.

The findings of our study provided valuable information for further stratification of risk factors among patients with non-invasive high-grade papillary UC of the bladder. Patients with high mitotic figure count in their initial biopsies should be monitored closely or treated earlier to prevent their tumors from progressing into invasive carcinoma.