Pre-cystectomy radiation for carcinoma of the bladder: 17-year experience.

Our experience with pre-cystectomy radiation for carcinoma of the bladder from July 1959 through June 1976 is presented. Pre-cystectomy radiation would appear to be beneficial in the management of patients with invasive bladder cancer. There is an impressive improvement in survival rates in those patients demonstrating reduction in staging after radiation. Our experience correlates well with other comparative series. Based on this 17-year experience guide lines are outlines for the subsequent management of patients with bladder cancer.