[Non-conventional fractionation in the irradiation of transitional cell tumors of the urinary bladder].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the potentials of non-conventional fractionated radiotherapy regimens for transitional cell tumors of the urinary bladder.


METHODS
The biological principles and clinical aspects taken into account in the design of non-conventional fractionated radiotherapy and the possibility of incorporating the foregoing to enhance the efficacy of the treatment protocols that are widely utilized are briefly analyzed.


RESULTS
Non-conventional fractionation enhances the results achieved with conventional radiotherapeutic regimens and should be included together with chemotherapy and cystectomy in the treatment of bladder cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Preservation of the bladder while maintaining or improving the cure rate continues to be the principal aim of treatment in cancer of the urinary bladder. The foregoing can be achieved with chemoradiotherapeutic regimens that include non-conventional fractionation of the radiation dose. A better understanding and knowledge of the factors that may have an influence on the therapeutic response and outcome can enhance patient selection for cystectomy.
Villar Rodriguez
A
A
Servicio de Oncología Radioterápica, Hospital Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España.
Martínez Cedrés
J C
JC
Fuentes Sánchez
C
C
Espiñeíra Yanes
M
M
Perez Suárez
M D
MD
Cabezón Pons
M A
MA
Borque Molinos
C M
CM
D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*