The state of cancer care in Russia: malignant neoplasms of the bladder (C67). One- and five-year by age, sex, and clinical characteristics. Contemporary treatment strategies (clinical and population study). Part III

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Abstract

Background. Survival rate calculation remains the key metric in evaluating the performance of cancer care systems. In Russia, only a limited number of administrative regions possess the infrastructure to reliably perform such assessments. The first population-based cancer registry in Russia, established by our team in 1993 and operating in accordance with international standards, significantly expanded these capabilities to the level of a federal district. Utilizing data from the population-based cancer registry of the Northwestern Federal District (NWFD), we currently conduct research reflecting the real state of cancer care delivery in the country.

Aim. To analyze survival trends in patients with bladder cancer (BC) in the NWFD of Russia and to assess current therapeutic approaches.

Materials and methods. The study was based on a population-based cancer registry dataset comprising over 1.6 million cases, including 31,126 patients diagnosed with BC. Data were processed using standard methods in line with the Eurocare protocols.

Results. A marked increase in one-year observed survival was found: from 68.7 % to 75.5 %; as well as in five-year survival: from 42.8 % to 48.4 %. Overall mortality during the observation period declined from 31.3 % to 24.5 %. Among patients under 40 years of age, one-year survival exceeded 90 %, while in the elderly and long-lived cohorts it remained below 50 %. The proportion of patients diagnosed with localized BC increased from 46.9 % to 70.4 %, whereas the rate for advanced disease reached 39.0 %. Patients with stage IV urothelial carcinoma demonstrate the poorest survival outcomes, which is consistent with international epidemiological data. The advent of immunotherapy and targeted agents has marked a new era in the management of the disease, showing improvement in long-term outcomes in selected patient subgroups.

Conclusion. The data demonstrate a positive trend in one-year survival among BC patients in the NWFD of Russia, particularly in those diagnosed with localized disease. The improvement in stage distribution and a reduction in unspecified tumor localizations indicate enhanced diagnostic accuracy and higher quality of oncological care.

About the authors

V. M. Merabishvili

N. N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: berkutv91@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1521-455X
Russian Federation, 68 Leningradskaya St., Pesochnyy, Saint Petersburg 197758

Mariya V. Berkut

N. N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Author for correspondence.
Email: berkutv91@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6276-1716
Russian Federation, 68 Leningradskaya St., Pesochnyy, Saint Petersburg 197758

A. K. Nosov

N. N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: berkutv91@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3850-7109
Russian Federation, 68 Leningradskaya St., Pesochnyy, Saint Petersburg 197758

S. S. Bagnenko

N. N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: berkutv91@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4131-6293
Russian Federation, 68 Leningradskaya St., Pesochnyy, Saint Petersburg 197758

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