Related Experiment Videos
New approaches to treatment of metastatic bladder cancer
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-1595, USA. medelman@umgcc.umaryland.edu
Abstract:
The combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, Adriamycin, and cisplatin (MVAC) has been the standard therapy for transitional cell carcinoma for over a decade. Despite evidence that MVAC can improve outcome in comparison with single drugs or other combinations in this disease, only a small fraction of patients (less than 4%) become long-term survivors, and the regimen is quite toxic. Attempts to improve upon the MVAC regimen have partially ameliorated its toxicity, but they have not clearly improved outcome. Recently, a number of new chemotherapeutic agents have become available. This report summarizes the current experience with these agents and combinations.