Affiliation: | 1. Cancer Prognostics and Health Outcomes Unit, University of Montreal Health Center, Montreal, Canada;2. Department of Urology, SS Annunziata Hospital, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy;3. Academic Department of Urology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, University of Milan, Milan, Italy;4. Martini-Klinik Prostate Cancer Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany;5. Division of Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy;6. Department of Urology, University of Montreal Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada |
Abstract: | Introduction: In patients with muscle invasive or Bacillus Calmette-Guérin refractory urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCUB) radical cystectomy represents the standard of care. However, a proportion of patients experience disease progression, local recurrence and/or metastatic disease. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of available therapeutic strategies after radical cystectomy and examines ongoing clinical trials including cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Expert commentary: Cytotoxic chemotherapy offers limited benefit in UCUB patients. However, the recent introduction of immunotherapy provides new hope for durable responses or possibly complete cures. |