Survival and progression in high grade tumour subset of G2 and G3 pT1 bladder transitional cell carcinoma

Aims The newer 1998 WHO/ISUP grading system for bladder transitional cell carcinoma combined grade 3 (G3) and high grade tumour subset of grade 2 (G2) of the older 1973 WHO grading system into one homogenous high grade group. We evaluated for possible differences in survival and progression between these 2 grades in pT1 bladder tumours. Methods From Jan 1st 1991–Dec 31st 2003, 105 (61 G2 and 44 G3) pT1 bladder tumours fulfilled the 1998 WHO/ISUP high grade criteria. Survival and progression of these tumours were assessed. Results Of the 44 patients with G3 tumours, 20 are alive versus 22 of the 61 patients with high grade tumour subset of G2 (P = 0.04). Of the 44 patients with G3 tumours, 13 progressed versus 12 of the 61 patients with high grade tumour subset of G2 (P = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, G3 was a significant predictor of tumour progression (P = 0.05) and marginally non-significant predictor of poor patient survival (P = 0.056). Conclusions A notable difference in survival and progression between high grade tumour subset of G2 and G3 is observed.