Hyperthermic perfusion therapy using peplomycin for bladder cancer

Hyperthermic intravesical perfusion therapy using peplomycin (40 micrograms/ml) in distilled water at 43 degrees C as a perfusate was performed for 2 to 3 hours in 18 patients with superficial bladder tumors and 2 with deep bladder tumors. The therapeutic efficacy was determined by cystoscopy, ultrasonography and/or CT scan. Complete and partial tumor regression was obtained in 1 and 3 of the 18 patients, respectively. There was no tumor regression in the 12 patients. Most of the patients studied had bladder discomfort such as irritation, urinary frequency and so on, during and/or after perfusion. None of the patients developed acute pyelonephritis.