[Contribution of fluorescence immunocytochemistry (uCyt+TM) in the postoperative surveillance of bladder cancer].

Objective: To assess 1) the value of fluorescence immunocytochemistry (uCyt+ test, DiagnoCure Inc., Quebec) in the detection of recurrent bladder tumour after transurethral resection (TUR) and 2) the predictive value of a positive uCyt+ test in patients with negative cystoscopy.

Material And Methods: This study was based on 132 patients with a mean follow-up of 21.9 weeks after TUR. The initial tumours were pTa G1-2 in 66.7% of cases, and G3 in 28.8% of cases. Cystoscopy, urine cytology (UC) and uCyt+ test data were collected on the day of the first control visit (D0), and the patients were then reviewed at 6 and 12 months. All lesions detected on cystoscopy were biopsed.

Results: The mean sensitivity of UC was 47.4% and the mean sensitivity of uCyt+ was 73.7% (84.2% in combination). In patients with negative cystoscopy on D0, a positive uCyt+ test has no predictive value at 6 months. At 12 months, 20.0% of patients with positive UC had relapsed, versus 16.7% of patients with negative UC (p = ns). On the other hand, at 12 months, 50.0% of patients with negative cystoscopy but positive uCyt+ test had relapsed, versus 16.4% of patients with a negative uCyt+ test (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The uCyt+ test allows assessment of the risk of recurrence at I year, while UC alone only has a diagnostic value. These results raise the possibility of combining the tests in order to decrease the frequency of follow-up cystoscopy.