Early cytogenetic studies in bladder cancer identify regions of chromosomal
gain or loss that can be candidate loci for oncogenes and tumor suppressor
genes. Oncogenes with potential prognostic significance identified in blad
der cancer the RAS family, epidermal growth factor receptor, ERBB-2 MDM2 an
d cyclin D1. The TP53 gene has been the most thoroughly characterized tumor
suppressor gene in bladder cancer, with correlation of TP53 alterations wi
th type of carcinogenic exposure, tumor stage and grade, as well as prognos
is. Studies evaluating alterations of the retinoblastoma pathway have ident
ified the retinoblastoma gene, RE, p161NK4A/CDKN2, and E2F-1 as tumor suppr
essor genes with potential prognostic significance in patients with bladder
cancer. Better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying bladder
tumor development and progression will allow better prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment strategies.