Real-World Care Pathway for Localised Muscle Invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Diagnostic and Treatment Timeframes in a Regional Australian Centre
| Wednesday, August 13, 2025 |
| 1:59 PM - 2:05 PM |
| Ballroom 2 and 3 |
Overview
Dr Malar Htut
Speaker
Dr Malar Htut
Medical Oncology Advanced Trainee
Royal Brisbane And Women's Hospital
Real-World Care Pathway for Localised Muscle Invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Diagnostic and Treatment Timeframes in a Regional Australian Centre
Abstract
Background
Bladder cancer diagnosis and management involves a complex, multidisciplinary approach. Delays in diagnosis and treatment have been shown to reduce survival.1,2 There is currently no Australian bladder cancer optimal care pathway to guide ideal time to diagnosis and treatment. We investigated diagnostic and treatment timeframes for localised muscle invasive or metastatic bladder cancer patients at a regional centre to identify delays compared to international standards.
Methods
Retrospective data was collected for patients with newly diagnosed localised muscle invasive or metastatic bladder cancer from 2018 – 2023 at a regional centre in Queensland, Australia. Key timeframes between initial referral and first treatment were calculated and compared to NHS Cancer Waiting Times.3
Results
53 patients were included with a median age of 73. 13% were indigenous, 21% resided rurally and 9% received telehealth consultation or treatment. 35 patients (66%) were diagnosed with localised muscle invasive bladder cancer, of which 28 (53%) had curative intent treatment. 13 patients (25%) had metastatic bladder cancer, of which 9 (17%) underwent palliative systemic therapy. Further 5 patients (9%) had muscle invasive bladder cancer with incomplete staging as they opted for best supportive cares. Table 1 summarises the diagnostic and treatment timeframes for our cohort.
Conclusion
Significant delays were identified in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment in a regional centre. Further strategies are needed to develop a standardised model of care to optimise referral pathways and improve care coordination.
References
1. Hollenbeck BK, Dunn RL, Ye Z et al. Delays in diagnosis and bladder cancer mortality. Cancer 2010; 116: 5235–42.
2. Gore J, Lai J, Setodji C et al. Mortality increases when radical cystectomy is delayed more than 12 weeks. Cancer. 2009; 115: 988-996.
3. NHS England: Cancer waiting times review. Models of care and measurement: consultation response, viewed 20 Jan 2024. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cancer-waiting-times-review/.
Bladder cancer diagnosis and management involves a complex, multidisciplinary approach. Delays in diagnosis and treatment have been shown to reduce survival.1,2 There is currently no Australian bladder cancer optimal care pathway to guide ideal time to diagnosis and treatment. We investigated diagnostic and treatment timeframes for localised muscle invasive or metastatic bladder cancer patients at a regional centre to identify delays compared to international standards.
Methods
Retrospective data was collected for patients with newly diagnosed localised muscle invasive or metastatic bladder cancer from 2018 – 2023 at a regional centre in Queensland, Australia. Key timeframes between initial referral and first treatment were calculated and compared to NHS Cancer Waiting Times.3
Results
53 patients were included with a median age of 73. 13% were indigenous, 21% resided rurally and 9% received telehealth consultation or treatment. 35 patients (66%) were diagnosed with localised muscle invasive bladder cancer, of which 28 (53%) had curative intent treatment. 13 patients (25%) had metastatic bladder cancer, of which 9 (17%) underwent palliative systemic therapy. Further 5 patients (9%) had muscle invasive bladder cancer with incomplete staging as they opted for best supportive cares. Table 1 summarises the diagnostic and treatment timeframes for our cohort.
Conclusion
Significant delays were identified in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment in a regional centre. Further strategies are needed to develop a standardised model of care to optimise referral pathways and improve care coordination.
References
1. Hollenbeck BK, Dunn RL, Ye Z et al. Delays in diagnosis and bladder cancer mortality. Cancer 2010; 116: 5235–42.
2. Gore J, Lai J, Setodji C et al. Mortality increases when radical cystectomy is delayed more than 12 weeks. Cancer. 2009; 115: 988-996.
3. NHS England: Cancer waiting times review. Models of care and measurement: consultation response, viewed 20 Jan 2024. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/cancer-waiting-times-review/.
Biography
Dr Malar Htut is a medical oncology advanced trainee based in Queensland, Australia. She completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) at Monash Univeristy in Clayton, Victoria. She went on to complete her RACP basic physician training in Queensland, training at The Prince Charles Hospital, Rockhampton Hospital and Caboolture Hospital.
Session Chair
Jessica Smith
Medical Oncologist
Macquarie University Hospital
