RESULTS OF BARD BTA TEST IN MONITORING PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF TRANSITIONAL-CELL CANCER OF THE BLADDER

Objectives. To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Bard BT A test compared with bladder washing cytology in patients with a histo ry of transitional cell bladder cancer undergoing routine follow-up cy stoscopy. Methods. During routine follow-up for transitional cell blad der cancer, 75 patients underwent cystoscopy, bladder washing cytology , and the Bard BTA test, a latex agglutination test that qualitatively detects basement membrane complexes in voided urine. From October 199 4 to October 1995, a total of 104 Bard BTA test examinations were perf ormed. The results of the Bard BTA test were compared with those attai ned with cystoscopy and bladder washing cytology. Results. Cystoscopy found tumors in 13 cases. The Bard BTA test was diagnostic in 7 (54%) cases; it was more sensitive than bladder washing cytology, which was positive in only 3 (23%) cases. However, the specificity of the Bard B TA was lower (9% clinically unconfirmed positive tests) than that atta ined with cytology. In 2 patients (2%) in whom the cystoscopy was nega tive, the Bard BTA test was predictive for a positive cystoscopy 3 and 5 months later. Conclusions. The Bard BTA test is a noninvasive test that may be an important addition to cystoscopy and cytology in the ro utine surveillance of patients with a history of transitional cell can cer of the bladder. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.