Permeability of the bladder mucosa to thiotepa, adriamycin, and daunomycin in men and rabbits.

The permeability of the bladder mucosa to thiotepa and to the anthraquinonic antibiotics, adriamycin and daunomycin, was investigated both in humans and in experimental animals. Instillations in rabbits were performed either in intact males or in animals with ligated ureters. Absorption of thiotepa was significantly higher than that of the antibiotics both in men and in rabbits. Furthermore, a qualitative difference was observed in rabbits in relation to time and with regard to fixation to vesical tissues. In man, absorption was highest after transurethral surgery. It was also increased in cases with extensive anaplastic tumours or in the presence of acute inflammatory reactions.

Preliminary evaluation of VM-26: a new epipodophyllotoxin derivative, in the treatment of urogenital tumours.

VM-26, a podophyllin derivative, is cytotoxic in vitro against cell cultures of bladder tumours. Intravenous therapy of vesical carcinoma produces only occasional responses. One total regression was observed in our series. Intravesical instillations are more effective. Topical treatment of papillomatosis led to total or partial regression in one half of cases. A significant reduction of recurrence rate following transurethral surgery was obtained in patients treated intravesically with VM-26 at weekly intervals.