Update on early instillation of chemotherapy after transurethral resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a highly recurrent disease. Early bladder chemotherapy instillation (EBCI) after transurethral resection (TURB) is an efficient way to diminish recurrence. However, this method is often challenged. Areas covered: There was a recent publication of a large meta-analysis with the original patient data and the largest study ever on EBCI. Both brought new evidence on EBCI. Also the results of the 2 trials of EBCI with apaziquone appeared. EBCI is discussed among other methods to decrease recurrence. Expert commentary: EBCI obtains a 35% relative reduction of recurrence with the best results in low risk tumors. However, tumors with an EORTC recurrence score of 5 or more do not respond. It should be given within a few hours after TURB. Mitomycin C and epirubicin have been most widely used with no difference in response. Intensive rinsing of the bladder is also able to reduce recurrence rates by about 21%. A rare, but major problem and reason for not using EBCI is the possible extravasation of the drug after TURB. Apaziquone is rapidly inactivated in tissue and blood and is therefore ideal for local use. Two phase III trials however obtained only a modest result.