Recent developments in chemotherapy for bladder cancer

Invasive bladder cancer is a chemotherapy-sensitive neoplasm. Historically, the development of cisplatin (Platinol)-based chemotherapy regimens has represented an important advance for patients with metastatic disease. More recently, investigations of new agents, such as gemcitabine (Gemzar) and paclitaxel (Taxol), have resulted in further options for these patients. Randomized trials comparing new regimens with cisplatin-based therapies have been initiated. The role of chemotherapy in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings is an area that is undergoing active investigation. The application of prognostic biological markers to risk-stratify patients has resulted in new avenues of investigation in these ongoing early disease trials.