Premium
Bladder preservation and durable complete remission of small cell carcinoma of the bladder with systemic chemotherapy and adjuvant radiation therapy
Author(s) -
Oblon David J.,
Parsons James T.,
Zander Dani S.,
Wajsman Zev
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19930415)71:8<2581::aid-cncr2820710824>3.0.co;2-6
Subject(s) - medicine , cystectomy , chemotherapy , vinblastine , urinary bladder , radiation therapy , methotrexate , transitional cell carcinoma , carcinoma , urology , cisplatin , surgery , oncology , bladder cancer , cancer
Background . Small cell (oat cell) carcinoma of the bladder is a rare entity characterized clinically by an aggressive behavior with a high incidence of systemic metastases. Radical cystectomy has been the therapeutic focal point for this disease, but systemic relapse is almost universal. Results . The authors report that combination chemo‐therapy with cisplatin, methotrexate, and vinblastine, followed by external beam irradiation to the bladder, gave a durable continuous complete remission (more than 4.5 years). In addition, this bladder‐sparing approach has preserved normal bladder function and an excellent quality of life. Conclusion . This experience shows that radical cystectomy may not be necessary for small cell carcinoma of the bladder and that early intervention with systemic chemotherapy offers greater potential for cure.