Treatment of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis with prostaglandins

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis, discuss prevention, and review treatment options, particularly the use of intravesicular prostaglandins. DATA SOURCES: Literature obtained through a computerized search, with subsequent bibliography scanning. Information on the individual case was obtained from the patient's medical record and the Pharmacy Clinical Research Specialist. CASE SUMMARY: A 29-year-old woman who had a postallogeneic bone marrow transplantation was hospitalized because of graft-versus-host disease. During hospitalization, she developed a cyclophosphamide-induced hematuria that, despite hydration and transfusions of blood products, progressed to refractory hemorrhagic cystitis. A response was prompted ultimately by a regimen consisting of continuous bladder irrigation and intermittent intravesical instillation of carboprost. DISCUSSION: The best treatment for hemorrhagic cystitis remains prevention. Therapies for established cystitis are varied; the choice depends on the degree of hematuria present. Therapies are often temporary or ineffective, and themselves cause significant morbidity. One promising treatment option involves the intravesicular administration of prostaglandins. Reports in the literature discuss a variety of products, dosages, and treatment schedules that have been used with some success. The available data on this technique are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Prostaglandins appear to be effective in resolving established hemorrhagic cystitis; however, their place in therapy remains unclear. Before this class can be employed routinely, several basic issues remain. These include optimal dosage, dosing schedule, duration of treatment, and comparative efficacy with other agents.