© 2001 by Oxford University Press
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 93, No. 13, 973-975,
July 4, 2001
© 2001 Oxford University Press
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Bladder Cancer Chemotherapy Trial Generates More Questions Than It Answers
Results from the long-awaited clinical trial testing neoadjuvant MVAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) plus radical cystectomy against the gold standard of cystectomy alone for locally advanced bladder cancer were hotly debated at the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting.
The reason, in part, was that the results ran counter to findings from seven prior studies. A meta-analysis had shown no survival advantage with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. And some researchers found the trials study design, accrual rate, and associated toxic effects controversial.
The rationale behind using neoadjuvant (preoperative) MVAC was to help shrink the tumor. Investigators also thought it would be better tolerated than adjuvant
Trial Design
Accrual Numbers
Toxicity