Combined cisplatin and radiotherapy for patients with invasive bladder carcinoma: a preliminary report

Choi, Ho Cheol; Park, Choal Hee; Kim, Chun Il; Lee, Sung Choon; Kim, Jin Hee; Kim, Ok Bae

Abstract

Ten patients with muscle-invading bladder carcinoma (clinical stage T2-TsB Nx Mo, T.C.C.) who were not candidates for cystectomy were treated with combined cisplatin and external-beam radiotherapy From Mar. 1990 through Feb. 1992. Results of the combined therapy had been compared with those of the radiation therapy alone. Using this combined therapy, 5(71.4%) of 7 patients achieved partial remission with a mean follow-up of 10.8 months. Three patients died of unrelated causes. Partial remission following radialion therapy alone was 6 (60%) of 10 patients. Patients with complete remission was none in the two groups. All patients in the combined therapy group were nauseated on the day treatment was given and 7 patients developed total atopecia. The malaise associated with cisplatin therapy tended to increase with the number of courses. All patients refused further treatment on this account (mean amount of cisplatin received: 3 courses). Combined cisplatin and radiotherapy may be applied to patients unsuited for radical cystectomy. Tolerance to cisplatin and radiotherapy was poor due to relatively severe toxicity, poor performance status with old age and underlying medical disease. Refinement of this protocol, careful selection of patients and longer follow-up will be necessary to determine the real benefit of this alternative modality.