First line therapy of metastatic urothelial bladder cancer

Abstract

This manuscript reviewes recent knowledge regarding first line therapy of metastatic urothelial bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is on the 10th place in the world by its incidence, and more prevalent in men. Patients with metastatic urothelial cancer should be classified into one of the two groups: cisplatin-eligible and cisplatin-ineligible. Cisplatin-eligible can be treated with cisplatin based regimens and have better outcome. Cisplatin-ineligible patients (40-50%) are cisplatin-ineligible patients are primarily those with creatinine clirence les than 50 ml/min, the ones with certain comorbities and/or poor ECOG performance status, and, as an alternative, can be treated with carboplatin which is less effective. After the diagnosis of metastatic bladder cancer has been confirmed, it is necessary to choose one of the cisplatin based chemotherapy regimens. However, one should have in mind that cisplatin can cause certain side effects such as nephrotoxic, neurotoxic and ototoxic effects.