Evaluation of response by CT in patients with advanced bladder cancer treated with cisplatinum/methotrexate

Nine patients with locally advanced bladder cancer were examined by CT to evaluate the response of chemotherapy with Cisplatinum/Methotrexate. A CT technique with a fat emulsion in the bladder lumen was used. Two series were performed, before and after intravenous contrast medium injection. The measurements of two perpendicular diameters were less applicable for response evaluation of primary bladder tumours. Area measurements by encircling the area should be used. The use of intravenous contrast was mandatory. When area measurements were used the CT examination showed complete remission in one patient, partial remission in five patients and no change in three patients. The evaluation of the response by clinical examination and CT showed the same result in five patients. In four patients CT and clinical evaluation did not correspond.