The Role of Taxanes in the Management of Bladder Cancer

Abstract

Abstract Learning Objectives After completing this course, the reader will be able to: List the prognostic factors that are the best predictors of outcome for patients with metastatic bladder cancer.Interpret the results of the completed phase III trials comparing MVAC with taxane-based regimens in patients with metastatic bladder cancer.Describe the ongoing multinational phase III trial using taxane-based therapy in patients with metastatic bladder cancer.Define the role of taxanes as perioperative therapy in patients with localized bladder cancer. Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is a chemo-sensitive neoplasm. Whereas the MVAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) regimen was long considered the standard of care for patients with advanced disease, the evaluation of newer agents with retained activity and improved tolerability has been the focus of much investigation over the past decade. Among the most important of these newer agents are taxanes. Whereas taxane-containing regimens have not yet been shown to improve the survival of patients with transitional cell carcinoma in randomized trials, ongoing phase III trials will further define the role of these agents in both the perioperative and advanced disease settings.