Single-dose Instillations Of Epirubicin As Prophylaxis For Recurrence Of Superficial Bladder Tumours: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To compare the value of single-dose of epirubicin and multiple instillations of epirubicin, mitomycin C, BCG in the postoperative prophylaxis of superficial bladder tumours.Materials: In a prospective randomized controlled study, 123 patients were assigned to four groups. In group A patients received a single dose of 80mg epirubicin immediately after operation; group B received 40mg epirubicin; group C received 20mg mitomycin C; group D received 150mg BCG 2 weeks after operation and instillations were repeated for 6 weeks and thereafter monthly to 1 year.Results: The recurrence rate had not significant differences between the four groups, 18. 8%(6/32),14. 7%(5/34),20. 7% (6/29), 17. 9%(5/28) in A, B, C, D groups respectively ( x2,p>0.05).Kaplan-Meier disease free interval analysis for four groups showed no significant difference (log rank test, p>0.05). Side effects of group D was greater than other groups ( x2, p<0. 05).Conclusions: For primary, well differentiated, early stage superficial bladder tumour single-dose immediate epirubicin intravesical instillation is effective on prophylaxis of tumor recurrence, with the advantage of being more cost-effective.