Safety and efficacy of transurethral laser therapy for bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Transurethral laser therapy techniques are increasingly being used in the management of bladder tumors. It has reportedly been associated with good outcomes in small case series. The objective of the present study was to review the published literature and compare transurethral laser therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) to assess the two techniques. The eligible RCTs and CCTs were identified in the following electronic databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Embase. RESULTS Seven studies were included in this systematic review. The baseline characteristics of these studies are comparable. We found no statistical difference between the two techniques regarding operative time. The intra- and postoperative complications showed that the laser procedure was better than TURBT for NMIBC, including obturator nerve reflex, bladder perforation, bladder irrigation rate, duration of catheterization and length of hospital stay. In addition, the 2-year recurrence-free survival improved in the laser group than in the TURBT group. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that laser techniques are feasible, safe, effective procedures that provide an alternative treatment for patients with NMIBC. Given that some limitations cannot be overcome, well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm our findings.