Adriamycin Instillation Therapy for Bladder Tumors

Abstract
Topical instillation of adriamycin (40 mg in 20 ml sterilized distilled water), was performed in 20 cases of bladder tumors every day for 2 wk. In 8 cases (40%) the tumors disappeared completely, while in 5 cases (25%) tumors were reduced in size, but in 7 cases (35%) there was no effect. Therefore, the rate of effectiveness was 65%. The local bladder reaction and urethral pain were noted in all cases, as a result of which the therapy was interrupted in 2 cases. Abnormal values of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets were not observed. In 3 cases the serum level of adriamycin was only trace 1 or 2 h after instillation. Mitomycin C was thought to be superior to adriamycin as far as the effectiveness and irritability on the normal bladder epithelium were concerned.