[Clinical evaluation of intra-arterial methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cis-platinum for bladder cancer].

Chemotherapy regimens including Methotrexate, Vinblastine. Doxorubicin and Cis-platinum (M-VAC) have shown objective responses in more than 50% of uroepithelial tumors. And intra-arterial chemotherapy can theoretically increase the drug concentration delivered to the tumor with maximum efficacy and less toxicity. In this report we review our experience at Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital between September 1987 and February 1991 using intra-arterial M-VAC in 21 evaluable patients with bladder cancer. Response was observed in 62% of the treated patients, two with complete remission and eleven with partial remission. WBC nadir and platelet nadir were mild to moderate. Other adverse effects such as mucositis, hair loss and creatinine elevation were seen in a small number of patients. Intra-arterial M-VAC can be one of the most useful forms of chemotherapy for patients with bladder cancer.