Bladder cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide, affecting nearly 600,000 people each year (Sung et al., 2021). While survival statistics are often discussed, many patients ask a different question: “What is Bladder Cancer Remission Rate?”
Remission refers to the absence of detectable cancer after treatment. Depending on the stage and type of bladder cancer, remission may be long-lasting, temporary, or—especially for early non–muscle-invasive disease—followed by recurrence. Understanding these patterns helps patients know what to expect and prepare for follow-up care.
Read About Bladder Cancer on OncoDaily
What Does Remission Mean in Bladder Cancer?
In oncology, remission is typically classified as:
- Complete remission (CR): No evidence of cancer on cystoscopy, imaging, or cytology.
- Partial remission: Significant tumor shrinkage but not complete disappearance.
Bladder cancer is unique because the bladder lining is prone to repeated tumor formation. Even after complete remission, recurrence rates can be high, especially in NMIBC. Because of this, remission is often discussed alongside recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival (Babjuk et al., 2022).
Remission Rates by Bladder Cancer Stage
Bladder cancer is broadly categorized as:
- Non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) – Ta, T1, and CIS
- Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) – T2–T4
- Metastatic bladder cancer
Each category has different treatment goals and remission expectations.
Remission Rates in Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)
Most bladder cancers—about 70%—are diagnosed at an early stage, when the tumor is confined to the inner layers of the bladder wall. These cancers have high remission rates, especially when treated promptly and followed by preventive therapy.
For low-grade tumors, remission is extremely common after surgery (TURBT). Many patients achieve complete remission, but recurrence may occur over time, which is why continued monitoring is essential.
For high-grade tumors, intravesical therapy such as BCG is usually recommended. Studies show that:
- Complete remission is achieved in about 70%–80% of patients after BCG treatment.
- The highest remission rates occur within the first 6 months of therapy.
- Even among patients who achieve remission, up to half may have a recurrence at some point, but many recurrences are still treatable.
Overall, NMIBC has an excellent chance of entering remission, especially when treated early and monitored regularly (Babjuk et al., 2022).
Remission Rates in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC)
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer is more aggressive and requires stronger treatments, such as surgery or chemoradiation. Despite being more advanced, remission is still possible, and modern treatments continue to improve outcomes.
When patients receive chemotherapy before surgery (called neoadjuvant chemotherapy), research shows that:
- About 30%–40% achieve a pathologic complete remission, meaning no cancer is found at the time of surgery.
- Patients who achieve complete remission often have significantly improved long-term survival.
For patients choosing bladder-preserving chemoradiation:
- Durable complete remission occurs in about 50%–70% of patients.
- Those who achieve remission often maintain a functioning bladder and good quality of life.
In both treatment pathways, the chance of remission depends on tumor biology, overall health, and response to therapy.
Remission in Metastatic or Advanced Bladder Cancer
Remission becomes more complex in metastatic disease, but modern therapies have transformed expectations.
Chemotherapy
Platinum-based chemotherapy produces response (partial + complete) in 40–60% of patients (von der Maase et al., 2000). Complete remission occurs in ~5–15%.
Immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Atezolizumab)
Complete remission in 5–10%, with durable responses in some patients (Bellmunt et al., 2017).
Read About Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer on OncoDaily
Antibody–Drug Conjugates (Enfortumab Vedotin)
- Response rates ~40–45%
- Complete remission in 4–6% (Rosenberg et al., 2019)
EV + Pembrolizumab (EV-302 Trial)
One of the most promising regimens: 67.7% response rate, with CR rates up to 29% (Powles et al., 2024). This represents a major breakthrough for previously untreatable metastatic disease.
Why Bladder Cancer Can Come Back Even After Remission
Bladder cancer has one of the highest recurrence rates of all cancers. This does not mean treatment failed—it is simply a characteristic of the disease. Even after a successful remission, small tumor cells may remain or may return over time. Because of this, bladder cancer requires ongoing cystoscopy, imaging, and urine tests. Early detection of recurrence allows for early treatment, which improves outcomes.
What Affects a Patient’s Chance of Remission?
Factors include:
- Stage and grade of the tumor
- Whether cancer has invaded muscle
- Presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS)
- Whether chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or BCG is used
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking
- Tumor mutations and response to therapy
Patients who stop smoking after diagnosis have better remission and survival outcomes.
How Long Does Remission Last?
This depends heavily on stage:
- Low-risk NMIBC: Many remain cancer-free long-term.
- Intermediate/high-risk NMIBC: Half recur within 5 years.
- MIBC (after cystectomy or trimodality therapy): Long-term remission possible in ~40%.
Metastatic disease: Remission is often temporary, but immunotherapy and ADCs have created long-lasting responses in a meaningful subset.
Can Bladder Cancer Be Cured?
Yes — but cure depends on stage.
- Early-stage (NMIBC): Many patients are effectively cured, though recurrence is common.
- MIBC: Cure is possible with surgery or chemoradiation.
- Metastatic disease: Rarely curable, but long-term remission is increasingly reported with modern immunotherapy and combination regimens.
Read About Bladder Cancer Cure Rate on OncoDaily
Follow-Up After Remission
Because recurrence risk remains lifelong, guidelines recommend:
- Cystoscopy every 3–6 months for NMIBC depending on risk
- Imaging every 6–12 months for MIBC
- Ongoing monitoring for metastatic disease using scans and biomarkers
Adhering to follow-up is one of the most important factors for maintaining remission.
The Outlook for Bladder Cancer Remission
Although recurrence is common, bladder cancer remains highly treatable, especially when detected early. Many patients live long, healthy lives after treatment, even with recurrences. New therapies—including immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and antibody-drug conjugates—continue to improve remission rates and long-term survival across all stages.
Remission is not always a one-time event in bladder cancer; rather, it is a process of treatment, surveillance, and ongoing care. With regular follow-up and modern therapies, patients have more options than ever before to achieve remission and maintain quality of life
You Can Watch More on OncoDaily Youtube TV
Written by Armen Gevorgyan, MD