Cisplatin and S-1 for urachal carcinoma: A single-institution case series

Introduction: Urachal carcinoma is a rare cancer, manifesting predominantly as adenocarcinoma, and could be treated with chemotherapy in patients with advanced or recurrent disease. However, any standard chemotherapy regimens are yet to be determined.

Case presentation: We retrospectively reviewed five patients with urachal adenocarcinoma treated with a potent first-line chemotherapy, cisplatin and S-1, between 2011 and 2014. Among the five patients, three were males. The median age at diagnosis was 61 years, ranging from 47 to 67. The most common symptom at their first visit was macroscopic hematuria. The best response was stable disease in four patients, which persisted for 7 months. Three patients experienced only one episode of grade 3 toxicity. Cisplatin and S-1 was well tolerated and safe.

Conclusion: The activity of cisplatin and S-1 is modest and more efficacious treatment is desired against urachal carcinoma.