Adriamycin instillation therapy for bladder tumors

Topical instillation of Adriamycin, 40 mg in 20 ml sterilized distilled water, was performed in 20 cases of bladder tumors every day for two weeks. In 8 cases (40%) the tumors disappeared completely, while in 5 cases (25%) tumors were reduced in size, but in 7 cases (35%) there was no effect. Therefore, the rate of effectiveness was 65%. The local bladder reaction and urethral pain were noted in all cases, as a result of which the therapy was interrupted in 2 cases. Abnormal values of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets were not observed. In 3 cases the serum level of Adriamycin was only trace 1 or 2 hr after instillation. In conclusion, Mitomycin C was thought to be superior to Adriamycin as far as the effectiveness and irritability on the normal bladder epithelium were concerned.