GEMCYTABIN (CYTOGEM®) AND CISPLATIN AS FIRST-LINE THERAPY FOR ADVANCED BLADDER CANCER: RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE OPEN-LABELED NON-COMPARATIVE NON-RANDOMIZED STUDY

Purpose.  The primary end-points of the study were overall response rate, progressive-free and overall survival in patients received Gemcytabin (Cytogem®) and Cisplatin as first-line therapy for transitional-cell bladder cancer. Secondary end-points were toxicity and safty of the regimen.

 Material. From February 2005 to March 2007 25 patients with morphologically verified inoperable locally advanced and metastatic transitional-cell bladder cancer were recruited. Men-to-women ratio was 3:1. Median age of the patients was 66,5±6,8 years. All the patients received Cytogem® 1000 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15, cisplatin 70 mg/m2 on day 2; every 28 days. No more than 6 cycles were allowed if the evidence of disease progression and unacceptable toxicity were not registered. Median follow-up was 36,2±12,1 months.  

Results. Complete response was observed in 2 (8%), partial — in 11 (44%), stabilization — in 10 (40%), progression — in 2 (8%) of 25 patients. Twelve- and 24-month overall survival was — 51,3% and 22,4% (median 13,4±3,5 (95% CI: 6,6—20,4) months), progressive- free survival — 26% and 13% respectively (median 8,8±1 (95% CI: 6,6—10,6) months). Toxicity was evaluated in 24 patients and occurred in all cases (grade I—II — 16 (67%), grade III—IV — 8 (33%)). The main regimen-related toxicity was hematological (neutropenia — 16 (67%) (grade I—II — 8 (33%), grade III—IV — 8 (33%)), thrombocytopenia — 14 (58%) (grade I—II — 10 (41,5%), grade III—IV — 4 (16,5%)), anemia — 7 (29%) (grade I—II — 5 (21%), grade III—IV — 2 (8%))). Hematological toxicity was not associated with com- plications in any case. Non-hematological side-effects were nausea and vomiting in 21 (88%) (grade I—II — 67%, grade III — 21%), alopecia — in 11 (44%) patients. The regimen-related toxicity was considerable and reversible. No side-effect demanded blood transfusion, antibiotic and/or growth factors administration, and hospital admission.  

Conclusion. Gemcytabin (Cytogem®) and Cisplatin as first-line therapy for advanced transitional-cell bladder cancer have demonstrated satisfactory efficacy and acceptable toxicity. The regimen can be recommended for the clinical practice.