Identifying a Genetic Signature that Predicts the Progression of Non-Muscle Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma to Muscle-Invasive Cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) is Canada's fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer, with two distinct types: non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive (MIBC). The objectives of this study are to find molecular biomarkers that lead to the progression of MIBC from NMIBC to provide a targeted treatment approach therefore, also using early detection to decrease cases of MIBC and to predict the biomarkers which aid in the transition of high-grade NMIBC to MIBC. The hypothesis states that if molecular biomarkers are identified and predict the progression of MIBC from NMIBC, they can be implemented for clinical use. This study divided 22 BC patients from the Windsor Regional Hospital into two cohorts. The first cohort included NMIBC samples; the second included MIBC samples. Three STAR patient samples began with NMBIC diagnosis and progressed to MIBC during this study. Data sequencing and analysis were conducted to identify sequencing depth, allele frequency and non-synonymous mutations. The results indicated a higher allele frequency and mutational change in MIBC samples. Cell line studies were also conducted, showing increased proliferation rates. Retrospective data was collected from patients’ charts, indicating that 100% of MIBC patients' deaths were related to bladder cancer. This ongoing study brings significant value to the oncology and translational health field.