Intraarterial Low-dose Cisplatin via an Indwelling Port and Concurrent Radiotherapy for Invasive Bladder Cancer

Abstract

Thirteen patients with invasive bladder cancer who had residual tumor after transurethral resections, were treated with consecutive intraarterial (IA) cisplatin (15 mg/d; total, 150 mg) and concurrent radiation (1.8 Gy/d; total, 30.6 Gy). All patients received unilateral or bilateral placement of vascular access devices (VAD) to perform daily cisplatin infusion after alteration of intrapelvic blood flow by coil embolizations. Tumor response was evaluated by transurethral biopsy 2 weeks after treatment. Complete response, defined as no viable tumor cell in the biopsy specimen, was achieved in seven patients (54%). After a median follow-up of 30 months (range, 12-48 months), 10 patients (77%) were alive, five (38%) of whom had no recurrence. Two cancer-related deaths were observed. All complete response cases survived with a median follow-up of 35 months (range, 25-48 months). Cause-specific and disease-free survival rates at 4 years were 85% and 28%, respectively. The regimen was well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxic events. There were no VAD-related complications. Consecutive IA low-dose cisplatin and concurrent radiation may be an acceptable alternative treatment for patients with bladder cancer who are not suitable for systemic chemotherapy. The use of a VAD contributed to successful consecutive IA infusions.