Changes in selective biomarkers after transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT) and their association with Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) recurrence and progression, as well as post-operative complications.

In 2010, there were 10,324 new cases of bladder cancer in the UK, 7,416 (72%) in men and 2,908 (28%) in women, giving a male:female ratio of almost 26:10. The crude incidence rate shows that there are 24 new bladder cancer cases for every 100,000 males in the UK, and 9 for every 100,000 females (Cancer Research UK).

The aim of our research study is to investigate changes in selective biomarkers after Transurethral Resection of Bladder cancer (TURBT) and to test the hypothesis that changes to biomarkers are associated with cancer recurrence and progression, as well as post-operative complications.

Certain biomarkers may be associated with recurrence and progression of Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), predominantly as a result of the immune response after TURBT surgery. Potentially, in the future, these biomarkers may be used in addition to, or in combination with, the currently used scoring systems to predict recurrence and progression. Furthermore, with TURBT operations increasing, patients developing post-operative complications such as infection and bleeding may also increase. This may result in longer hospital stays, or re-admissions to hospital, with associated financial implications. As there are no current predictors of post-operative complications, we anticipate that changes in these biomarkers, which are related to haemostasis and immune response, may eventually be able to predict those at highest risk of bleeding and infection after TURBT.

Clearly, this research offers the potential for improved patient monitoring for NMIBC recurrence and progression as well as potential to predict post-operative complications, at relatively low cost to the NHS.

For more information, please visit: http://www.biomedicalcpd.com/#!nw2urc/c1st6

When applying for this study, please indicate to the University of Chester Graduate School - that this is for the attention of Dr Stephen Hughes (Department of Biological Sciences).