[Intravesial instillation of recombination interferon-alpha and pirarubicin in the prophylaxis of local recurrence after resection of the superficial bladder cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of urinary bladder tends to recur after transurethral surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha)and pirarubicin (THP) on decreasing postoperative recurrence of superficial bladder cancer.

METHODS

Recombinant IFN-alpha and THP has been used in clinical study. One week After operation, 68 patients were prospectively enrolled and divided into two groups randomly: IFN-alpha plus THP group and THP group. The protocols of chemoimmunoprophylaxis include 8 weekly and 10 monthly instillation of 3 x 10(7) IU IFN-alpha plus 40 mg THP in 40 ml 5% glucose via catheter.

RESULTS

The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 32 months (median 18.2 months). The cytoscopy and cytology with cold cup biopsies had been carried out every 3 months for 2 years. Recurrence after instillation of IFN-alpha combining THP was observed in only 4 cases (12.1%), bladder irritation was found in 4 cases, fatigue in 3 cases, and rash in 1 case as well. Among the 35 cases in THP group, recurrence was found in 8 cases (22.8%), bladder irritation in 5 cases, fatigue in 3 cases. IFN-alpha plus THP yielded better effect than THP alone (P< 0.05),especially in grade 3 and stage PT1 bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

IFN-alpha working in coordination with THP would be an effective remedy to prevent the recurrence of bladder cancer. The intravesical IFN-alpha plus THP appears to be more effective against recurrence than THP alone. Further study is needed for side-effect and popularization in such way.