Updates in Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Sia Daneshmand, MD, Associate Professor of Urology and Director of Clinical Research at the University of Southern California, describes the current landscape of muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment, highlighting developments in radical cystectomy and chemotherapy. He observes that while radical cystectomy has long been the gold standard, efforts are being made to preserve reproductive organs in female patients who have low-stage disease. Dr. Daneshmand also notes the significant number of neoadjuvant chemotherapy phase II trials currently underway. While studies examining adjuvant chemotherapy have shown promise, the limitations of these trials necessitate further research. Similarly, research comparing super-extended lymph node dissection (LND) with extended LND have yielded insignificant p-values, but absolute numbers demonstrate a positive upward survival trend over 5 years. Dr. Daneshmand concludes that additional clinical trials will reveal the optimal combination and sequencing of treatment options.