Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Docetaxel and Cisplatin in Patients with High-Risk Resectable Bladder Carcinoma: Long Term Results

Abstract Objectives: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been used to improve outcome after cystectomy or for selection for bladder preservation in patients with bladder cancer. We have shown encouraging results using docetaxel and cisplatin in patients with advanced urothelial cancer. We are reporting the results of a phase II study using this combination as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. Methods: Fifty patients were treated with docetaxel and cisplatin at 75mg/m 2 every 3 weeks for 3 cycles prior to cystectomy. Median follow-up was 70.2 months. Results: Chemotherapy was well tolerated. 5-year survival and progression-free survival (PFS) were 51.92% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 37.76–66.08) and 52.47% (95%CI: 37.99–66.95). Multivariate analysis showed that clinical stage (cT) ≤ 3a was associated with improved 5-year survival (86.42% vs. 40.81%, p =0.027). Forty one patients underwent cystectomy. No tumor was found in 15 cases (36.6%). 5-year survival was 60.34% (95%CI: 52.2–68.48) and PFS was 57.11% (95%CI: 41.29–72.93). Absence of residual tumor was associated with improved 5-year survival (93.33% vs. 40.72%, p =0.031). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin is feasible and produced high pathological complete remission rate and excellent outcome in patients with no residual tumor.