Combined cisplatin and radiation therapy for advanced bladder cancer

Since September 1985, 44 patients with advanced urinary bladder cancer have been treated by combined cisplatin and full-dose radiotherapy. The patients were 32 males and 12 females, and their ages ranged from 33 to 83 years, with a median of 67.4 years. Radiotherapy consisting of a tumor dose of 50-60 Gy was administered with cobalt-60. Cisplatin was infused 5 days at a daily dose of 20 mg on the 1st and 4th weeks of treatment. Of the 39 evaluable patients 27 (69.2%) achieved a complete response. Toxicity was also evaluated for those 44 patients. Mainly gastrointestinal toxicity was noted: loss of appetite in 28 (64%), nausea and/or vomiting in 21 (48%), and diarrhea in 8 (18%). Leukocytopenia was noted in 16 (33%) and mild thrombocytopenia in 5 (11%). Mild dermatitis was noted in 8 (18%).