Intravesical Chemotherapy: An Update—New Trends and Perspectives

Abstract More than 90% of all malignant bladder tumours are transitional cell carcinomas (TCC). Superficial TCC of the bladder is characterized by a high risk of recurrence (30–85%) after transurethral resection (TUR) of the initial tumour. Despite this high risk of recurrence, the 5-year survival rate is 85% to 90%. Unfortunately 10% to 30% of the superficial tumours will progress to a muscle invasive tumour, which has a poorer prognosis. The greatest concern in patients with superficial TCC is therefore twofold: to lower the number of recurrences and to prevent progression. In an attempt to prevent or delay tumour recurrence or progression, adjuvant therapy after TUR has become common practice. The different chemotherapeutical modalities currently used and investigated for the treatment of TCC of the bladder are reviewed, starting with the first drug shown to be effective for treatment of superficial bladder cancer and chronologically leading to the latest treatment options.