The Efficacy and Safety of Hyperthermic Intravesical Chemotherapy Compared with Other Instillation Methods in Treating Intermediate- and High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. In order to prevent the recurrence and progression of intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), various bladder instillation therapies have been developed in recent years. Among these, device-assisted Hyperthermic Intravesical Chemotherapy (HIVEC) has received a great deal of attention. Objective. To identify the efficacy and safety of HIVEC, we conducted this meta-analysis. Methods. We identified relevant articles from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) describing the role of bladder instillation for the treatment of intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC were involved. Outcomes included 1–3 years Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS), 1–3 years Progression-Free Survival (PFS), 5 years Overall Survival (OS), Adverse Events (AEs), and relevant subgroup analyses. Result. Our study involved a total of 10 RCTs and 1360 patients. In subgroup analysis, we found that compared to MMC instillation, HIVEC decreased the 1–3 years RFS (OR = 0.51; p = 0.009) while not increasing the incidence of AEs (OR = 0.86; p = 0.30). Compared with BCG instillation, HIVEC reduced the incidence of serious AEs (OR = 0.21; p = 0.04) while bringing the same efficacy (OR = 0.78; p = 0.63). Conclusion. HIVEC combined the advantages of efficacy and safety compared with the two recommended instillation modalities. As a potential alternative therapy, its widespread clinical effect remains to be further evaluated.