The Value of Urinary Cytology, Serum and Urinary Carcinoembryogenic Antigen, Rheumatoid Factors, and Urinary Immunoglobulin Concentration as Tumor Markers or Prognostic Factors in Predicting Progression of Superficial Bladder Cancer

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Abstract
A total of 67 patients with superficial bladder cancer (TA, T1) were followed for 12-48 mo. (mean, 26.8 mo.) after surgical removal of the tumor. Every 3-4 mo., serum and urinary carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA), urinary cytology, serum rheumatoid factors and urinary IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations were determined. The purpose was to look for markers or prognostic factors in patients with superficial bladder carcinoma other than characteristics of the excised tumors themselves. Results were correlated with tumor recurrence and tumor progression rates. Only urinary immunoglobulins (especially IgG) proved to have prognostic value. Urinary CEA and (even more so) urinary cytology were found to be fairly good tumor markers: they were positive when the bladder tumors were present and in the case of recurrence before recurrent tumors were visible.