# EORTC Bladder Cancer Recurrence and Progression Score

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/eortc-bladder-cancer/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The EORTC bladder cancer calculator estimates the 1- and 5-year risk of recurrence and progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (Ta/T1) after transurethral resection, from tumour number, size, prior recurrence, T category, carcinoma in situ and grade.

## Inputs

- Number of tumours
- Tumour diameter
- Prior recurrence rate
- T category
- Concurrent carcinoma in situ
- Grade (WHO 1973)

## Results

- Recurrence score
- Recurrence risk (1 year / 5 years)
- Progression score
- Progression risk (1 year / 5 years)

## Formula

```
Score = sum of the points for each item
```

## Explanation

The EORTC risk tables were derived from 2,596 patients in seven trials. They help choose follow-up intensity and whether to give intravesical BCG or chemotherapy. They were developed before routine BCG maintenance, so risks may be overestimated in treated patients.

### How to use the EORTC Bladder Cancer Recurrence and Progression Score

- **Number of tumours**
- **Tumour diameter**
- **Prior recurrence rate**
- **T category**
- **Concurrent carcinoma in situ**
- **Grade (WHO 1973)**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.

### Scoring table

ItemAnswers and pointsNumber of tumoursSingle = 0; 2–7 = 1; 8 or more = 2Tumour diameterUnder 3 cm = 0; 3 cm or more = 1Prior recurrence ratePrimary tumour = 0; 1 or fewer recurrences a year = 1; More than 1 recurrence a year = 2T categoryTa = 0; T1 = 1Concurrent carcinoma in situNo = 0; Yes = 1Grade (WHO 1973)G1 = 0; G2 = 1; G3 = 2

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterNumber of tumoursChoose one: Single, 2–7, 8 or moreTumour diameterChoose one: Under 3 cm, 3 cm or morePrior recurrence rateChoose one: Primary tumour, 1 or fewer recurrences a year, More than 1 recurrence a yearT categoryChoose one: Ta, T1Concurrent carcinoma in situChoose one: No, YesGrade (WHO 1973)Choose one: G1, G2, G3
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Number of tumours: Single; Tumour diameter: Under 3 cm; Prior recurrence rate: Primary tumour; T category: Ta; Concurrent carcinoma in situ: No; Grade (WHO 1973): G2.

Results — Recurrence score = 1 / 17; **Recurrence risk (1 year / 5 years) = 24% / 46%**; Progression score = 0 / 23; Progression risk (1 year / 5 years) = 0.2% / 0.8%.

## Key terms

- **CIS**: Carcinoma in situ.
- **BCG**: Bacillus Calmette–Guérin, an intravesical immunotherapy.

## FAQ

**What is non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer?**
Cancer confined to the lining (Ta, T1 or CIS) that has not grown into the bladder muscle.

**How is the score used?**
To decide the intensity of cystoscopy follow-up and intravesical treatment.

**Are there newer tools?**
Yes – the 2021 EAU risk groups and CUETO scores are also used.


## Sources

- [Sylvester RJ et al. Predicting recurrence and progression in individual patients with stage Ta T1 bladder cancer using EORTC risk tables. Eur Urol, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16442208/)