Single-dose intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for refractory bladder cancer after transurethral resection of bladder tumor: Report of 12 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate clinical effects of single-dose intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for the treatment of refractory bladder cancer after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBt). Methods A retrospective analysis was made on clinical data of 12 cases of refractory bladder cancer treated by single-dose intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy after TURBt from November 1999 to June 2005. The bladder tumor was resected as thoroughly as possible. Postoperatively, a bilateral internal iliac arteriography was made by using the Seldinger technique. The tumor vessels and normal blood supply were identified through the intubation of the right femoral artery. Half dose of chemotherapeutics (epirubicin 25 mg) was infused into both internal iliac artery, then tumor vessels of bladder was selected and infused with peripheral embolization agent (a mix of fragmented gelatin sponge and cisplatin 200 mg). The embolization agent was used repeatedly until all tumor vessels were embolized. Intravesical instillation with epirubicin was carried out postoperatively, and cystoscopy was performed every 3 months after operation. Results After intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy, there were 12 cases of nausea and anepithymia, 3 cases of vomiting, and 2 cases of fever, all of which were symptomatically relieved with expectant treatment. Mild hip pain occurred in 6 cases and subsided in 3~5 days. Decreased erythrocyte and leucocyte were restored to normal levels in 2 weeks. Liver and renal functions did not present marked changes. Follow-up was conducted for 4~55 months (mean, 34 months). There were 1 case of recurrence at 32 postoperative month and 11 cases of progression free survival. Conclusions This technique lowers the recurrent rate of refractory bladder cancer and the incidence of side effects, being a new alternative for patients who are not willing to receive total cystectomy.