Comparison of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies for muscle invasive bladder cancer: A network meta-analysis

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a highly aggressive disease requiring multimodal treatment. While neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical cystectomy (RC) is standard, many patients experience recurrence, highlighting the need for improved perioperative strategies. The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings is promising, but the optimal approach remains unclear. This network meta-analysis (NMA) evaluates and ranks different perioperative treatments to identify the most effective strategy. We conducted a systematic review and NMA of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1995 and 2024, including 5,026 patients with MIBC. Treatments analyzed included NAC ± immunotherapy, adjuvant immunotherapy, perioperative regimens, and dose-dense MVAC chemotherapy. Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome. A Bayesian statistical model ranked treatments using SUCRA scores. The most effective strategy was NAC followed by surgery and adjuvant nivolumab (SUCRA: 99%, HR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.24-0.74). Perioperative durvalumab-based regimens (SUCRA: 82%) and dose-dense MVAC (SUCRA: 78%) also demonstrated significant benefit. Moderate heterogeneity (I² = 46%) was observed. These findings support integrating chemotherapy and immunotherapy into MIBC treatment. Adjuvant nivolumab after NAC and surgery appears most effective, while perioperative immunotherapy shows promise. Further trials are needed to refine treatment sequencing and optimize patient selection.