Phase II trial of intravesical gemcitabine in bacille Calmette-Guérin-refractory transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jun 20;24(18):2729-34. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2005.05.2720.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this phase II study was to determine the efficacy of gemcitabine administered as an intravesical agent in patients with bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) -refractory transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Patients and methods: Patients with superficial bladder cancer refractory or intolerant to intravesical BCG therapy and refusing a cystectomy were considered eligible for the trial. Eligible patients received two courses of intravesical gemcitabine twice weekly at a dose of 2,000 mg/100 mL for 3 consecutive weeks, with each course separated by 1 week of rest. Patients were evaluated for response at 8 weeks, then every 3 months to 1 year.

Results: Thirty eligible patients were included on study. The median follow-up for all the patients was 19 months (range, 0 to 35 months). Of the 30 patients, 15 (50%; 95% CI, 32% to 68%) achieved a complete response (CR). Twelve patients had tumor recurrence with a median recurrence-free survival time of 3.6 months (95% CI, 2.9 to 11.0 months). Two patients maintained a CR at 23 and 29 months, respectively. The 1-year recurrence-free survival rate for patients with a CR was 21% (95% CI, 0% to 43%). Two patients progressed to a higher stage while receiving gemcitabine treatment. The median follow-up for patients who did not have a progression or a cystectomy was 19 months (range, 2 to 35 months). Eleven patients (37%) underwent a cystectomy subsequent to gemcitabine therapy.

Conclusion: Gemcitabine has activity in a high-risk patient population and remains a viable option for some patients who refuse cystectomy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravesical
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage*
  • BCG Vaccine / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / drug therapy*
  • Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Gemcitabine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission Induction
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • BCG Vaccine
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Gemcitabine