A pilot study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine (GMZ) plus a platinum compound in locally advanced bladder cancer: Preliminary results.

e15142 Background: Radical cystectomy is commonly considered the standard primary approach for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Some randomized trials and a large metanalysis suggest an overall survival (OS) improvement in patients (pts) treated with a neoadjuvant cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy, even if the optimal regimen has not yet been identified; in several studies, pathological response rate was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Few data are available for the combination of GMZ with platinum compounds. We report our preliminary experience with neoadjuvant GMZ plus carboplatin (CBDCA) or CDDP in MIBC. Methods: Twenty pts (54-79 yrs, median age 76) satisfied inclusion criteria (age > 18 years, PS (ECOG) 0-1, histologically confirmed MIBC, stage ≥T2, no previous radiotherapy or chemotherapy) and received 3 cycles of GMZ (1000-1250 mg/m2, d. 1, 8) plus CBDCA (AUC 5, d. 1) or CDDP (75 mg/m2, d. 1) every 3 weeks, before undergoing radical cystectomy. Results: Fifteen out of 20 included p...