Abstract
Purpose: This phase 1/2 study was designed to test toxicity and effectiveness of combination chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer. Methods and Materials: 17 patients with localised muscle-invasive bladder cancer, clinical stages T2–3 N0, M0, were treated with a radiotherapy schedule of 55 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks restricted to the bladder and 3 cycles of concurrent dose-intensive combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin 60 mg/m2, vincristine 2 mg and methotrexate 60 mg/m2 at 10-day intervals (MOPq10). Results: The complete remission rate following MOPq10 chemotherapy and radiotherapy was 88% as assessed at first cystoscopy with 82% remaining disease-free at 1 year. Risk factor analysis shows those older than 63 years (median) and those with creatinine clearance equal or less than the mean did worse. Actuarial disease-free survival at 2 years was 68% and of the patients treated 4/17 experienced acute G3/4 toxicity. Conclusion: This combination regimen was feasible. Its high initial response rate justifies further exploration in a randomised phase 2/3 trial setting with bladder volume and quality of life assessment.