A controlled study of intravesical epirubicin with or without alpha2b‐interferon as prophylaxis for recurrent superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Abstract

In reducing the number of patients having recurrences and extending the recurrence-free interval, intravesical chemoimmunotherapy with epirubicin and alpha 2b-IFN had a promising effect on the natural course of superficial bladder cancer, particularly in patients with a history of prior recurrences.

5-Year Outcome of a Randomized Prospective Study Comparing bacillus Calmette-Guérin with Epirubicin and Interferon-α2b in Patients with T1 Bladder Cancer

“…We have previously reported the 24-month outcome of a Nordic study comparing epirubicin plus IFN-a2b to BCG, 2 a study concept based on a Finnbladder trial. 3 In our Nordic trial for prophylaxis of recurrence, BCG was more effective than the combination therapy. No significant differences were found for adverse events.…”

Effect of Intravesical Instillations on the Human Complement Factor H Related Protein (BTA <i>stat</i>) Test

“…Since 1976, immunotherapy has also provided significant possibilities in treating these patients [14]. More recently, promising results have also been reported with chemoimmunotherapy [7]and early single instillation of a chemotherapeutic agent [8, 9]. …”

“…Ten to 15% of these patients subsequently develop invasive or metastatic cancer resulting in a poor prognosis [4]. Due to this high risk for recurrences and progression in patients with superficial tumors, intravesical chemo– [5], immuno– [6] and chemoimmunotherapy [7]have been widely used. Instillation treatment usually consists of an induction course and 1–monthly [7]or 3–weekly [6]instillations thereafter.…”

“…Due to this high risk for recurrences and progression in patients with superficial tumors, intravesical chemo– [5], immuno– [6] and chemoimmunotherapy [7]have been widely used. Instillation treatment usually consists of an induction course and 1–monthly [7]or 3–weekly [6]instillations thereafter. More recently, promising results of a single instillation immediately after transurethral resection of the bladder have been published [8, 9].…”

Improved Patient Outcomes with BCG Immunotherapy vs. Chemotherapy &ndash; Swedish and Worldwide Experience

“…With 308 patients enrolled, both treatment arms had 73% of no evidence of disease at the 1-year follow-up, but side-effects were more common in the BCG-only arm. In a study from Finland, the combination of epirubicin and interferon-γ yielded promising results [16]. Combining the two types of treatment appears to be beneficial.…”