Dear Colleague,
Treating superficial bladder cancer (SBC) is a major challenge for urologists. The goals of treatment are to spare the bladder, to prevent disease progression and recurrence, and to minimize treatment toxicity. Despite our efforts, approximately 30% of patients treated with the current standard regimen of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) develop persistent or recurrent disease. In addition, the toxicity of this immunotherapy limits dosing.
To improve patient outcomes, my distinguished colleagues and I have collaborated on Diagnostic and Treatment Issues in Superficial Bladder Cancer. We developed this CME monograph to present you with the most up-to-date findings on treatments for this disease and to offer you a detailed discussion of their clinical relevance and application. It is our hope that, upon reviewing this publication, you will be aware of new investigations into the treatment of SBC such as BCG/interferon alfa-2b combination immunotherapy. As a special feature, the CD-ROM that accompanies this monograph contains 13 slides describing this emerging therapy, which you may add to your own slide library. You can find further information and additional slide materials on superficial bladder cancer at www.projectsinknowledge.com.
It has been my pleasure to collaborate with this outstanding faculty to offer you the best in urologic education. I trust that this timely information will be invaluable as you develop strategies to achieve optimum responses for your SBC patients.
Thank you for joining us.
Sincerely,
Ihor S. Sawczuk, MD
Activity Chair
|