Vitamin E Reduces Superficial Bladder Cancer Recurrence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Most patients with superficial bladder cancer whoundergo transurethral resection of bladder tumor show recurrenceof the disease. So far, there have been numerous studies on waysto decrease bladder cancer recurrence, including the intake ofvitamins and antioxidants. The goal of this study was to investigatethe effect of vitamin E on the recurrence of non‑invasive bladdercancer.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 46 patients witha single, low‑grade, superficial bladder cancer, less than 3 cm indiameter, were randomly divided into two groups of vitamin Eintake (400 IU daily) and no intake of vitamin E. Ultrasound andurinalysis were performed every three months to detect bladdercancer recurrence.Results: There was no significant difference between the groupsin age, tumor size, mean time to recurrence, and follow‑up time.There recurrence rate was 28.3% throughout the follow‑up period(19% in the study group and 36% in the controls) (CI=0.19 – 0.92,RR=0.53, CI=0.11 – 0.94, OR=0.42, P=0.04). In both groups,most (69.2%) of the recurrences occurred during the first year.The rate of recurrence decreased in smokers from 50% in thestudy group to 25% in the control group (P=0.06) and from 26.7%to 15.4% in the non‑smokers in the control and study groups,respectively (P=0.15).Conclusion: Intake of vitamin E significantly decreased bladdercancer recurrence, especially among smokers, possibly due tohigher levels of oxidants, which vitamin E may target in smokers.The trial registry code: IRCT201105235527N2Keywords: Antioxidant, bladder cancer, recurrence, vitamin E