Diagnosis of recurrent bladder cancer by microsatellite analysis of the urine sediment (MAUS)

A reliable, noninvasive method for the monitoring of patients with transiti onal cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is of great clinical benefit. Cyst oscopy, the "gold standard" in the follow up of these patients is invasive, expensive and causes discomfort. Recently, a new tool in the diagnosis of de novo bladder cancer could be established based on microsatellite analysi s of the urine DNA. To investigate the value of this approach in the follow up of patients, we analyzed serial urine samples of 21 patients who were t reated for TCC by 20 polymorphic microsatellite markers in a blinded fashio n. Recurrent lesions could be detected in 10 of 11 cases, neoplastic cell p opulations could be correctly predicted in 2 patients 4 and 6 months before endoscopic evidence of a tumor. The test was negative in all patients with no recurrent lesions. Microsatellite analysis is a novel and potentially p owerful method in the detection of recurrent bladder tumors.