Biochemotherapy (combined immunotherapeutic drugs and chemotherapeutic drugs) has shown virtue than that use chemical or biological drugs alone in the treatment of some malignant tumor. Here we investigated the efficacy of sequential intravesical therapy with EPI and BCG to EPI or BCG alone in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of bladder cancer after surgical management.
Methods From July 1996 to November 2003, a total of 138 cases of bladder cancer underwent TURBT or partial cystectomy were entered the trail. They were divided into 3 groups randomly: 1, EPI plus BCG; 2, use BCG alone; and 3, use EPI alone. All the patients have been followed up for 28-40 months after surgery (average time was 36 months), and the frequency of bacterial, chemical cystitis and other local side effects were also observed.Results After a median follow up of 36 months, the number of recurrences in group 1 was significantly reduced than group 2 and 3 (p\<0.05 vs group 2 and 3, x2-test). The frequency of bacterial, chemical cystitis and other local side effects was similar in group 1 and 2, whereas significant severe side effect was found in group 3 (p\<0.05 vs group 2 and 1, x2-test). Allergic reactions, including skin rash, were more frequent in group 3, and other systemic effects were more frequent in group 1. Conclusion Biochemotherapy by single dose EPI plus sequential BCG intravesical is markedly effect in preventing the recurrence of bladder cancer after surgical management. Its side effects are low. This method is of high clinical value.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
138
Recurrence rate
Side effect: Local toxicity was defined as the occurrence of culture proved bacterial cystitis, chemical or drug-induced cystitis, or other local side effects, such as hematuria, prostatitis or epididymiti
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