New bladder cancer treatment shows promise

For the treatment of bladder cancer that has spread, Sunnybrook researchers report for the first time, that the use of a novel second-line chemotherapy, Abraxane* (currently only used for metastatic breast cancer), is effective with the highest reported response-to-treatment rate.

Bladder cancer or urothelial carcimona that has spread from the bladder is known as Stage IV bladder cancer or metastatic bladder cancer. For treatment of this stage of disease, cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the standard of care. However, there is currently no accepted standard second-line chemotherapy.

The drugs paclitaxel and docetaxel are commonly used in second-line treatment but with less success, with treatment response in fewer than one in five patients.

"Our study shows a strong potential for Abraxane* to provide patients with a better option for extended quality of life," says lead investigator and medical oncologist Dr. Yooj Ko.

Study findings indicate 32 percent of patients had a partial response to Abraxane*, and a total clinical benefit of partial response, or stable disease (no change progression after treatment) in 58 percent of patients.

*Abraxane is a registered trademark