On Thursday 21 May at 15:00, Ninna Kjær Nielsen defends her PhD dissertation entitled “Histopathological insights and clinical implications in non–muscle–invasive bladder cancer: T1 substaging and the potential advantages of en bloc resection”. 

The PhD project examined non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which accounts for most newly diagnosed bladder cancer cases. The research focused on how tumour tissue is removed during surgery and how tissue samples are assessed by pathologists, as both are important for determining prognosis and selecting the most appropriate treatment.

The project investigated a newer surgical method called en bloc resection, in which the tumour is removed in one piece instead of several fragments. This method may improve the quality and orientation of tissue samples and thereby support more accurate pathological evaluation. The studies showed that en bloc resection resulted in better specimen orientation and less heat-related tissue damage. Recurrence rates and patient-reported outcomes were similar to those seen with conventional surgery.

The project also evaluated a classification system for stage T1 bladder cancer, where the tumour has invaded connective tissue but not the bladder muscle. The findings showed that deeper invasion into the connective tissue was associated with a higher risk of recurrence and disease progression.

Overall, the PhD project highlights the importance of close collaboration between surgeons and pathologists in improving diagnosis and treatment planning for bladder cancer patients.

The summary is written by the PhD student.

The defence is public and takes place at Aarhus University Hospital, Auditorium C114-101, Main Entrance C. Please see the press release for more information. 

Contact

PhD student Ninna Kjær Nielsen
Mail: ninna@clin.au.dk 
Phone: +45 28903456 

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