THE TREATMENT OF CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE USE OF PREOPERATIVE RADIATION THERAPY COMBINED WITH 5-FLUOROURACIL

Abstract

The coordinated efforts of the urologist, radiation therapist, and chemotherapist, the more careful staging of the disease, improved techniques in surgery and anesthesia, and better antibiotics have all contributed to the better management of patients afflicted with bladder cancer. The use of preoperative megavoltage radiation therapy is promising and data are presented to show that the end results may be improved following its use. Experience with the use of 5-FU and preoperative radiation therapy has increased the percentage of tumor regression noted at the time of surgery over that anticipated when either agent is used alone. It is important that continued experience be obtained with a large number of patients in order that a full evaluation of this combined regimen can be made. Whether or not there will be an improvement in the 5 year survival rates by using this method over other methods remains to be established.