Sustained-release chemotherapy is an emerging treatment approach in cancer therapy, which has shown promising results in treating various types of cancer. Recent studies have revealed that this therapy can also potentially help in the treatment of bladder cancer. As one of the most common types of cancer, bladder cancer is known for its high recurrence rate and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. However, sustained-release chemotherapy can offer an alternative approach to bladder cancer treatment, providing a sustained and controlled release of chemotherapeutic agents to target cancer cells effectively. In this article, we will discuss the potential benefits of sustained-release chemotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer and how it could revolutionize bladder cancer management.
A recent study has indicated that a new intravesical sustained-release chemotherapy delivery device, TAR-200, inserted into the bladder would ensure the tumour response of elderly patients with advanced bladder cancer who are unfit for standard treatment. Mayo Clinic Arizona’s lead author, Dr Mark Tyson, MPH said, ‘TAR-200 was generally safe, well tolerated, and had beneficial effects on bladder cancer outcomes.’ The intravesical device ensures a continuous, low-dose, local delivery of gemcitabine chemotherapy which aims to limit cancer growth or progression while limiting the toxic effects of chemotherapy. It is said that the drug delivery device is able to decrease the severe side effects often associated with chemotherapy, keeping them at a safe distance while providing the therapy to the patient.
The Phase I study was conducted on 35 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and all patients had transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) to remove visible tumour. The drug delivery device, a silicone tube, which was implanted into the patient, released gemcitabine over a period of 21 days. Patients had another procedure to remove and replace the device, making a total of four treatments over 84 days. Overall, 11 of the 35 patients reportedly had a complete tumour response to TAR-200 with no evidence of bladder cancer at the follow-up, along with three additional patients who had a partial response, thus summing up to an overall response rate of 40 percent which is a 28% decade improvement of the current conventional treatment’s overall survival rate in previous studies of MIBC patients not receiving curative-intent treatment.
The study authors noted, ‘Overall, the observed clinical response to TAR-200 was robust and durable in patients with very limited curative-intent treatment options.’ Furthermore, 70.5% of the 14 patients who had lasting responses to TAR-200 treatment remained free from progressive bladder cancer at 12 months after the treatment.
As the observed clinical response to TAR-200 is quite promising, Dr Tyson suggested that ‘TAR-200 warrant[s] further study as an alternative treatment for MIBC.’ Overall, the study which was published in the May 2023 issue of The Journal of Urology sets the tone for further examination and improvement of TAR-200 as a cancer treatment device.
In conclusion, sustained-release chemotherapy presents a promising approach in the treatment of bladder cancer. This innovative strategy helps overcome the limitations of traditional chemotherapy, making it a more effective and efficient treatment option. With ongoing research and development in this area, sustained-release chemotherapy has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of bladder cancer on patients and healthcare systems alike. We hope that this article has shed light on the benefits of this novel approach and encouraged further investigation into its potential to improve bladder cancer outcomes.
