taxane and gallium-nitrate

The combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, Adriamycin, and cisplatin (MVAC) has been the standard therapy for transitional cell carcinoma for over a decade. Despite evidence that MVAC can improve outcome in comparison with single drugs or other combinations in this disease, only a small fraction of patients (less than 4%) become long-term survivors, and the regimen is quite toxic. Attempts to improve upon the MVAC regimen have partially ameliorated its toxicity, but they have not clearly improved outcome. Recently, a number of new chemotherapeutic agents have become available. This report summarizes the current experience with these agents and combinations.

Topics: Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bridged-Ring Compounds; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Cisplatin; Deoxycytidine; Doxorubicin; Gallium; Gemcitabine; Humans; Ifosfamide; Methotrexate; Neoplasm Metastasis; Taxoids; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Vinblastine