During this last decade, flow cytometry (FCM) has been widely investigated and employed in assessing the DNA content of bladder tumours. The prognostic value of FCM is recognised by the majority of investigators, above all when it concerns superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The determination of ploidy and the degree of aneuploidy seem to offer valuable prognostic information. The Authors have reviewed Literature on this subject, identifying three different categories of studies that analyse the relation of FCM to cytohystological characterisation, to the clinical behaviour of the tumours and to the patients’ survival.
— The value of urinary cytology in the diagnosis and follow-up of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is well known. Results of traditional cytologic examinations may be affected by the different methods of urine collection, preservation, manipulation and observation of the samples so that more objective tools are desirable. The aim of this study in to compare the traditional cytologic examinations with a new diagnostic in-vitro test (Bard BTA test), which can detect antigen complexes in the urine due to the contact of the tumour cells with the basement membrane. The Bard BTA test is a latex agglutination assay which identifies the bladder tumour antigens in the urine. The result of the agglutination reaction (positive or negative) may be visually distinguished by the variation in colour of special strips of testing paper. The Authors report on a preliminary experience in the follow-up of patients with previous superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: they compare the results of traditional cytology, the Bard BTA test and cystoscopy and have found agreement in 70% of the cases.
Acridine-orange flow cytometry of urinary bladder washings for the detection of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: The influence of prior local therapy