[Use of systemic carboplatin in superficial tumors of the bladder. Preliminary phase II study (toxicity)]

The high recurrence rate of superficial bladder tumors, its frequent association with premalignant tumors, and its evolution into infiltrating tumors in 15% of the cases justify the use of tumoricidal agents as adjuvant therapy. For the past 20 years, several agents have been used intravesically with limited efficacy (+/- 40% recurrence/year), high local morbidity (cystitis, urethral stenosis), and excessively long duration of treatment (+/- 1 year). The efficacy of CDDP in the treatment of bladder tumors has been reported elsewhere. An objective response of +/- 50% (RC + RP) at a dose of 50-70 mg/m2 has been observed. The new generations of platinum, less toxic and easier to use, have raised hopes vis-à-vis its efficacy in the treatment of this tumor type. To date, we have evaluated 26 patients with superficial tumor of the bladder over a period of one year. These patients had been submitted to a treatment protocol with systemic carboplatinum following complete TUR and assessment of bone marrow; renal function, WHO, audiometry, urinary cytology, determination of tumor cell markers (CEA, çGT). Treatment consisted of 3 cycles of i.v. carboplatinum at a dose of 300 mg/m2 (1/30 days). We have corroborated the following features: ease of use, good patient tolerance and scant toxicity. However, its efficacy has as yet to be determined through the disease-free interval.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)