Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer: One Step Forward, two Steps Back

Abstract

Bladder cancer is a common and lethal disease. Optimal treatment for high risk patients includes local and systemic therapy (neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy). It has not been demonstrated that adjuvant chemotherapy after cystectomy prolongs survival. Evidence regarding the role of adjuvant chemotherapy is conflicting and further randomized data are needed. This publication discusses the past, present, and future of adjuvant treatment in bladder cancer. It summarizes prior adjuvant trials, with a focus on long-awaited results from a large phase III trial and the future landscape.