Treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in Canada: A survey of genitourinary medical oncologists and urologists

Authors

  • Tina Hsu University of Toronto
  • Peter C Black University of British Columbia
  • Kim N Chi British Columbia Cancer Agency
  • Christina M Canil Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre
  • Bernie J Eigl British Columbia Cancer Agency
  • Girish Kulkarni University of Toronto
  • Scott North Cross Cancer Institute
  • Lori Wood Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre
  • Alexandre Zlotta University of Toronto
  • Anthea Lau Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
  • Tony Panzarella Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
  • Srikala S Sridhar Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.2111

Keywords:

muscle invasive bladder cancer, bladder cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Canada, urologist, medical oncologist

Abstract

Introduction: Uptake of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has been low despite evidence of a survival benefit. The primary aim of this study was to better understand why the rates are low and determine what factors specifically influence the decision to recommend NC for MIBC.

Methods: A 31-question survey was emailed between 2009 and 2011 to medical oncologists belonging to the Canadian Association of Genitourinary Medical Oncologists (CAGMO); and to urologists belonging to the Canadian Urologic Oncology Group (CUOG). We gathered data on practice characteristics, referrals for NC, factors influencing NC use, and chemotherapy regimens offered. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results: In total, 26/30 (87%) medical oncologists and 25/84 (30%) urologists, who were primarily academic, completed the survey. Most clinicians (medical oncologists 96%, urologists 88%) recommended NC for MIBC, because they considered it to be the standard of care, but most medical oncologists saw ≤6 referrals annually. Performance status, presence of comorbidities and renal function were key considerations in offering NC. NC was not offered if performance status ≥2 (medical oncologists 38%, urologists 44%), age >80 (medical oncologists 46%, urologists 39%), or glomerular filtration rate ≤40 mL/min (medical oncologists 81%, urologists 50%).

Conclusions: Most academic clinicians in Canada believe that cisplatin-based combination NC is the standard of care for MIBC and recommend it for patients with adequate performance status and renal function. Using a multidisciplinary approach to treat this disease may be one strategy to increase referral rates for NC and uptake of NC.

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Published

2014-10-13

How to Cite

Hsu, T., Black, P. C., Chi, K. N., Canil, C. M., Eigl, B. J., Kulkarni, G., North, S., Wood, L., Zlotta, A., Lau, A., Panzarella, T., & Sridhar, S. S. (2014). Treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in Canada: A survey of genitourinary medical oncologists and urologists. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 8(9-10), 309–16. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.2111

Issue

Section

Original Research