Pre-cystectomy chemotherapy in patients with muscle infiltrating bladder carcinoma. A multicentre feasibility study.

Fourteen patients with muscle infiltrating bladder cancer in whom total cystectomy was planned, received 3 cycles of cis-platinum (70 mg/m2 Day 1) and Methotrexate (40 mg/m2 Day 1) with 3-week intervals before pelvic radiotherapy (20 Gy). Thirteen patients underwent cystectomy whereas the remaining patient finally was found to be inoperable. The subjective toxicity (nausea, vomiting, decrease of performance status), the hematological side effects and the nephrotoxicity of this pre-cystectomy treatment were acceptable. In particular, the treatment did not increase the per- and postoperative complication rate as long as patients were selected who were good risk candidates for major surgery. Stage reduction (P less than T) was seen in 9 of 13 patients. Combination therapy with cis-platinum/methotrexate and short term pelvic radiotherapy is feasible as adjuvant pre-cystectomy treatment in patients with muscle infiltrating bladder cancer. The possible therapeutic superiority of this adjuvant treatment has to be shown in randomized trials.