[Efficacy and safety of different dosages of intravesical epirubicin instillation for prevention of primary superficial bladder carcinoma from recurrence].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficiency and safety of different regimens by intravesical instillation of epirubicin, a derivative of adriamycin, for the prevention of primary superficial bladder carcinoma from recurrence.


METHODS
Ninety patients supplemented with intravesical epirubicin instillation after operation were randomly divided into three groups: Group A--80 mg in one dose; Group B--repeated epirubicin 40 mg q wk x 4-8 sessions followed by q month to the end of the second year; or Group C--50 mg q month to the same duration. All patients were followed up for two years by observing the recurrence rates and side effects.


RESULTS
The recurrence rate of groups A, B and C at one year was 16.7%, 13.3% and 16.7%, respectively, without any significant difference observed. However, it was 50.0%, 36.7% and 36.7% at two years, at which time the recurrence rate of group A was significantly higher than those of groups B and C. The side effects rate was 23.3%, 40.0% and 33.3% for groups A, B and C, respectively. The more instillations the patients had, the more severe side effects were.


CONCLUSIONS
Early postoperative single high dose intravesical instillation of epirubicin combined with repeated lower doses of the same drug every month may be an efficient and safe regimen to prevent the primary superficial bladder carcinoma from recurrence.
Wu
Zhong-biao
ZB
Department of Urology, First Wenling Hospital, Wenling 317500, China.
Lin
Guo-bing
GB
Chen
Bai-jun
BJ
Wu
Zhong-ming
ZM
Rong
Rui-ming
RM
D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D015251:Epirubicin