Related Experiment Videos
[Gemcitabine in advanced bladder cancer].
1Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar. jan.lehmann@uniklinik-saarland.de
Der Urologe. Ausg. A
|February 8, 2003
Summary
Gemcitabine plus cisplatin offers comparable outcomes to MVAC for advanced urothelial cancer but with better tolerability. A modified 3-week schedule further enhances patient comfort without sacrificing efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Chemotherapy
- Urothelial Carcinomas
Context:
- Methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC) has been the standard treatment for advanced urothelial cancer for over 15 years.
- Recent studies compare gemcitabine/cisplatin combination therapy to MVAC, evaluating response rates, survival, and toxicity.
Purpose:
- To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy regimens in advanced urothelial cancer.
- To compare gemcitabine/cisplatin combination therapy with the established MVAC regimen.
Summary:
- Single-agent gemcitabine shows response rates of 11-28% in advanced urothelial cancers.
- Gemcitabine/cisplatin combination therapy achieves response rates up to 50% with median survival of 12-15 months.
- Triplet gemcitabine regimens can yield response rates up to 80%, especially in sequential therapy.
- A German phase II study demonstrated improved tolerability by reducing the gemcitabine/cisplatin schedule from 4 to 3 weeks (gemcitabine on days 1 and 8).
Impact:
- Gemcitabine/cisplatin provides a viable alternative to MVAC with a more tolerable toxicity profile for advanced urothelial cancer.
- Optimized dosing schedules, such as the 3-week regimen, can enhance treatment tolerability without compromising efficacy.
- These findings support the use of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy as a standard or alternative treatment option for advanced urothelial cancer.