A new form of hydroxypropylcellulose-adriamycin (HPC-ADM), which was supplemented with verapamil, a known calcium antagonist, in order to potentiate the antineoplastic effect of HPC-ADM, was synthesized and used for the treatment of superficial bladder carcinoma for clinical evaluation. The results are reported in this paper.
A total of 23 patients who were treated for bladder carcinoma during a 2-year period (1987-1988) were subjected in this study. All patients were diagnosed cases of superficial bladder carcinoma as follows; Ta, 3 cases, T1, 18 cases and Tis, 2 cases.
For the injection protocol, firstly HPC-ADM solution supplemented with verapamil was introduced into the urinary bladder via the urethra. After 2-3 weeks, the efficacy of the drug against the tumor was evaluated by cystoscope. Patients in whom the drug were found to be effective received increased adminstration of drug. In cases in whom the drug was found to be ineffective, different drugs for further treatment were adopted.
The average frequenty and amount of drug was 2.3 times and 45.2mg, respectively.
Complete responses achieved in 9 of 23 cases (39.1%). Of the 23 cases, 4 cases was with PR and 10 with NC. No cases were found to be with PD.
Side effects were observed in 4 of the 23 cases (17.4%), however, severe side effects were not recognized.
The important aspect in applying the method of intravesical therapy is that it makes enhanced antineoplastic potency possible with concomitant reduction of side effects and prevents the invasion of tumor.