The efficacy of second-line chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of second-line chemotherapy, especially combination chemotherapy, for advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. Patients and Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients who received second-line chemotherapy after disease progression during first-line chemotherapy between January 2009 to May 2018. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity associated with second-line chemotherapy were assessed. Results: In total 25 patients received second-line chemotherapy; 21 patients had combination chemotherapy and 4 had single-agent chemotherapy. Median PFS and OS were 3.6 months (range=0.2-23.5) and 11.9 months (range=0.5-29.0), respectively. Twenty patients (80%) exhibited grade 3 or more severe toxicities. Conclusion: PFS and OS benefits of second-line combination chemotherapy corresponded to those of the phase 3 study of pembrolizumab, but adverse events were more severe. Pembrolizumab is potentially a better second-line treatment than combination chemotherapy.