Paclitaxel, cisplatin and methotrexate combination chemotherapy is active in the treatment of refractory urothelial malignancies

Abstract

Purpose: We investigated the activity of combination chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel, cisplatin and methotrexate in patients with advanced urothelial cancers.

Materials and methods: A total of 25 consecutive patients with metastatic refractory urothelial malignancies was treated with a combination of 200 mg./m.2 paclitaxel, 30 mg./m.2 methotrexate and 70 mg./m.2 cisplatin in a pilot study.

Results: There were no complete responses. Of 25 patients 10 (40%), including 3 of 7 with liver metastases, had a partial response. Hematological and nonhematological toxicity was tolerable.

Conclusions: The combination chemotherapeutic regimen of paclitaxel, cisplatin and methotrexate is active in patients with advanced urothelial cancer and warrants further study.