[PS (peplomycin-silicone) bullet catheter therapy for bladder tumor: combination of hyperthermic treatment and cepharanthine].

A peplomycin-silicone (PS) bullet containing 130 mg peplomycin, which was steadily released over a long period, was prepared. The PS bullet was then affixed to the top of a 3-way balloon catheter, to form a so called "PS bullet catheter". About 80% of the peplomycin was gradually released over 2 weeks from the PS bullet catheter. Using this device hyperthermic treatment using cepharanthine (biscoclaurin ++ alkaloid) in the irrigant was performed in 15 cases of superficial bladder tumor. Five daily hyperthermic treatments were carried out and all patients retained the PS bullet catheter in the urinary bladder for 2 weeks. Marked tumor regression was noted in 10 of the 15 cases. In addition, partial tumor regression occurred in 4 of the remaining 5 cases. None of these cases had irreversible side effects. This therapy had a good effect on superficial bladder tumor and it is considered that the PS bullet catheter would be useful for cancer therapy.