M-CAVI, a neoadjuvant carboplatin-based regimen for the treatment of T2- 4N0M0 carcinoma of the bladder

Carboplatin, methotrexate, and vinblastine (M-CAVI) is an active and well-tolerated regimen for bladder cancer patients ineligible for cisplatin- based regimens. We treated 47 T2-4 N0 M0 bladder cancer patients with M-CAVI in a neoadjuvant phase II trial. These 47 patients are evaluable for clinical response and toxicity. Clinical overall response rate was 34%, for a 95% confidence interval (CI95%) of 21-49%. Pathological response was seen in 40% of the patients (CI95%, 26-56%) with a 26.5% rate of pathological complete response (CI95%, 15-42%). Factors associated with the achievement of a response to therapy were the initial TNM stage (pT3a or lower, greater than pT3a, p = 0.001) and a Karnofsky score greater or equal than 90%, which was marginally significant (p = 0.08). With a median follow-up of 14 months, the disease-specific actuarial survival at 2 years is 42%. No patient has relapsed beyond 21 months of follow-up in a disease-free status. Toxic effects have been moderate. In conclusion, M-CAVI is an active and well- tolerated regimen that should be compared in terms of response rate and survival with a cisplatin-based regimen for invasive bladder cancer.