PURPOSE: We evaluate the usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The usefulness of neoadjuvant, modified methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin chemotherapy was evaluated in 36 patients with locally advanced bladder cancer. RESULTS: Of 36 patients 12 achieved a clinical complete response and 17 had a partial response. Of the 12 patients who achieved a clinical complete response the bladder was preserved in 11 and all patients were disease-free at a median of 33 months. No significant toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This chemotherapy is useful for locally advanced bladder cancer and the feasibility of bladder preservation in patients with a clinical complete response was suggested.
PURPOSE: We evaluate the usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The usefulness of neoadjuvant, modified methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin chemotherapy was evaluated in 36 patients with locally advanced bladder cancer. RESULTS: Of 36 patients 12 achieved a clinical complete response and 17 had a partial response. Of the 12 patients who achieved a clinical complete response the bladder was preserved in 11 and all patients were disease-free at a median of 33 months. No significant toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This chemotherapy is useful for locally advanced bladder cancer and the feasibility of bladder preservation in patients with a clinical complete response was suggested.