Intravesical doxorubicin induced bladder contracture that led to cystectomy: a case series.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Doxorubicin is a popular anthracycline antibiotic that exerts its anticancer effects through various mechanisms. Treatment protocols typically involve an initial induction phase followed by a maintenance phase.

CASE SERIES

We present two cases (ages: 66, 75 years) with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. They developed severe bladder contracture after transurethral resection of the bladder, followed by intravesical doxorubicin. Then required radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The intravesical instillation comes with the benefit of lower systemic side effects than systemic administration. Bladder contracture following intravesical doxorubicin is very rare.

CONCLUSION

Severe bladder contracture is a very rare but serious side effect of intravesical therapy. This incident can affect the patient's quality of life and may even lead to cystectomy. Objective monitoring of bladder capacity is recommended for those patients.