Pooled analysis of MRE11 expression by MIBC tumors and mortality after trimodality therapy

Bladder-preserving trimodality therapy can be an effective alternative to radical cystectomy for treatment of muscle-invasvie bladder cancer (MIBC), but biomarkers are needed to guide optimal patient selection. Pooled analysis of six prospective trials evaluated pretreatment expression of the DNA repair protein MRE11 as response biomarker in MIBC patients undergoing trimodality therapy. Higher MRE11 nuclear-to-cytoplasmic signal ratio was associated with better disease-specific mortality after trimodality therapy. Lower MRE11 NC signal ratios identified a poor prognosis subgroup that may benefit from intensification of therapy.