what are the types of treatment available for bladder cancer?

What procedures are used to treat bladder cancer?

They have not spread to distant parts of the body. Transurethral resection (TURBT) is often done first to find out how far the cancer has grown into the bladder wall. Chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder and nearby lymph nodes) is …

How to cure bladder cancer?

Bladder Cancer Surgery. Intravesical Therapy for Bladder Cancer. Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer. Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer. Targeted Therapy Drugs for Bladder Cancer.

What is bladder cancer, and how is it treated?

There are several types of chemotherapy. The most common chemotherapeutic drug used in bladder cancer is cisplatin. Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment approach that uses drugs and vaccines to harness the immune system’s natural ability to fight cancer, in the same way it fights off infections. The approach is still being researched and there is a lot left to …

Does bladder cancer require chemotherapy for treatment?

Mar 25, 2022 · There are different types of treatment for patients with bladder cancer. Five types of standard treatment are used: Surgery ; Radiation therapy Chemotherapy ; Immunotherapy; Targeted therapy; New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials. Treatment for bladder cancer may cause side effects.

What is the best treatment for bladder cancer?

What are the various treatments for bladder cancer?

What is the new treatment for bladder cancer?

What are the 3 types of bladder cancer?

How long do you have to wear a catheter after bladder surgery?

How many rounds of chemo do you need for bladder cancer?

What is the best hospital for bladder cancer?

Is cystoscopy major surgery?

Does bladder cancer spread quickly?

Is Stage 3 bladder cancer curable?

What is the prognosis for advanced bladder cancer?

Is a 5 cm bladder tumor large?

Treating Stage 0 Bladder Cancer

Stage 0 bladder cancer includes non-invasive papillary carcinoma (Ta) and flat non-invasive carcinoma (Tis). In either case, the cancer has not inv...

Treating Stage I Bladder Cancer

Stage I bladder cancers have grown into the connective tissue layer of the bladder wall but have not reached the muscle layer.Transurethral resecti...

Treating Stage II Bladder Cancer

These cancers have invaded the muscle layer of the bladder wall. Transurethral resection (TURBT) is typically the first treatment for these cancers...

Treating Stage III Bladder Cancer

These cancers have reached the outside of the bladder and might have grown into nearby tissues or organs.Transurethral resection (TURBT) is typical...

Treating Stage IV Bladder Cancer

These cancers have reached the abdominal or pelvic wall (T4b tumors) or have spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant parts of the body. Stage IV ca...

Treating Bladder Cancer That Progresses Or Recurs

If cancer continues to grow during treatment (progresses) or comes back (recurs), your treatment options will depend on where and how much the canc...

Which Treatments Are Used For Bladder Cancer?

Depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors, treatment options for people with bladder cancer can include: 1. Surgery 2. Intravesical th...

Which Doctors Treat Bladder Cancer?

Depending on your options, you can have different types of doctors on your treatment team. The types of doctors who treat bladder cancers include:...

Making Treatment Decisions

It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decisi...

Help Getting Through Treatment

Your cancer care team will be your first source of information and support, but there are other resources for help when you need it. Hospital- or c...

What is the first treatment for bladder cancer?

Chemo (with or without radiation) is typically the first treatment when bladder cancer has spread to distant parts of the body (M1). After this treatment the cancer is rechecked. If it looks like it's gone, a boost of radiation to the bladder may be given or cystectomy might be done.

What is stage 0 bladder cancer?

Stage 0 bladder cancer includes non-invasive papillary carcinoma (Ta) and flat non-invasive carcinoma (Tis or carcinoma in situ). In either case, the cancer is only in the inner lining layer of the bladder. It has not invaded (spread deeper into) the bladder wall.

What is the treatment for T3 tumors?

An option for some patients with single, small tumors (some T3) might be treatment with a second (and more extensive) transurethral resection (TURBT) followed by a combination of chemo and radiation. If cancer is still found when cystoscopy is repeated, cystectomy might be needed.

What to do if you have cancer that hasn't been removed?

(Less often, close follow-up alone might be an option.) If all of the cancer wasn't removed, options are intravesical BCG or cystectomy (removal of part or all of the bladder).

How to get rid of stage IV cancer?

The tumor is then rechecked. If it appears to be gone, chemo with or without radiation or cystectomy are options.

What is the treatment for cancer that recurs in distant parts of the body?

Cancers that recur in distant parts of the body can be harder to remove with surgery, so other treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy , might be needed. For more on dealing with a recurrence, see Understanding Recurrence.

Can you get a radical cystectomy before surgery?

Radical cystectomy may be the only treatment for people who are not well enough to get chemo. But most doctors prefer to give chemo before surgery because it's been shown to help patients live longer than surgery alone. When chemo is given first, surgery is delayed. This is not a problem if the chemo shrinks the bladder cancer, but it might be harmful if the tumor continues to grow during chemo.

What is the treatment for bladder cancer?

Depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors, treatment options for people with bladder cancer can include: Bladder Cancer Surgery. Intravesical Therapy for Bladder Cancer. Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer. Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer. Targeted Therapy Drugs for Bladder Cancer.

What are the things to consider when considering cancer treatment?

Some important things to consider include: Your age and expected life span. Any other serious health conditions you have. The stage and grade of your cancer. The likelihood that treatment will cure your cancer (or help in some other way) Your feelings about the possible side effects from treatment.

What kind of doctor treats cancer?

Based on your treatment options, you might have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors could include: 1 Urologists: surgeons who specialize in treating diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system 2 Radiation oncologists: doctors who treat cancer with radiation therapy 3 Medical oncologists: doctors who treat cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy

Why is it important to communicate with your cancer care team?

Communicating with your cancer care team is important so you understand your diagnosis, what treatment is recommended, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life.

What do people with cancer need?

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

What are the things to consider when making a treatment decision?

Some important things to consider include: Your age and expected life span.

What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?

These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.

What percentage of bladder cancer is superficial?

Bladder Cancer Liver Gallbladder and Pancreas Urological Conditions Cancer. Over 75 percent of bladder cancers remain confined to the lining of the bladder and do not invade the bladder wall. These are called nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer, or superficial bladder cancer, and when managed well, they are associated with excellent prognoses.

What is the drug that kills cancer cells?

Mitomycin C is a chemotherapy drug that kills the normal DNA function in cancer cells and is easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the bladder's lining.

What is a cystoscope?

Cystoscopy is an outpatient procedure during which a thin, lighted tube with a camera is passed through the urethra into the bladder, allowing your doctor to see the inside of the bladder. Most modern cystoscopes are also equipped with channels that permit small instruments to be passed into the bladder.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy uses chemical agents to interfere with replication and other normal functions of cells, resulting in tumor shrinkage or cancer cell death . The use of two or more chemotherapy drugs together has been found to be more effective than a single drug alone. There are several types of chemotherapy.

How often is urine syptoma emptied?

The urine is siphoned out of the urinary reservoir with a small catheter every four to six hours. The catheterizable pouch may require surgical repair at some point after surgery due to the wear and tear of frequent catheterization. This type of reconstruction is not performed on patients with a history of bowel disease.

Is immunotherapy better than chemotherapy?

There are a few FDA-approved immuno therapy drugs available for treating advanced and metastatic bladder cancer that has worsened after chemotherapy. Scientists are also investigating the possibility that combinations of immunotherapy drugs could be more effective than individual drugs.

Is bladder cancer non-invasive?

Bladder cancer treatment options vary depending on whether the cancer is nonmuscle-invasive or muscle-invasive, and specific treatments are determined based on the stage and grade of the tumor (s).

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen. It is shaped like a small balloon and has a muscular wall that allows it to get larger or smaller to store urine made by the kidneys.

What is it called when you have cancer in your bladder?

Cancer that is in the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer. Cancer that has spread through the lining of the bladder and invades the muscle wall of the bladder or has spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes is called invasive bladder cancer. See the following PDQ summaries for more information:

What type of cancer begins in squamous cells?

Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells (thin, flat cells lining the inside of the bladder). Cancer may form after long-term infection or irritation. Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular cells that are found in the lining of the bladder.

Why do cancer tests have to be repeated?

Some tests will be repeated in order to see how well the treatment is working. Decisions about whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may be based on the results of these tests.

Why do we do clinical trials?

Clinical trials are done to find out if new cancer treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment.

Where does bladder cancer start?

Most bladder cancers begin in the transitional cells. Transitional cell carcinoma can be low- grade or high-grade: Low-grade transitional cell carcinoma often recurs (comes back) after treatment, but rarely spreads into the muscle layer of the bladder or to other parts of the body.

Which type of cancer begins in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder?

These cancers are named for the type of cells that become malignant (cancerous): Transitional cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in cells in the innermost tissue layer of the bladder. These cells are able to stretch when the bladder is full and shrink when it is emptied.

How is bladder cancer classified?

Bladder cancers are further classified based on how the cancer cells appear when viewed through a microscope. This is known as the grade, and your doctor may describe bladder cancer as either low grade or high grade:

How to diagnose bladder cancer?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer may include: Using a scope to examine the inside of your bladder (cystoscopy). To perform cystoscopy, your doctor inserts a small , narrow tube (cystoscope) through your urethra. The cystoscope has a lens that allows your doctor to see the inside of your urethra and bladder, ...

What is a cystoscope?

Cystoscopy allows your doctor to view your lower urinary tract to look for abnormalities, such as a bladder stone. Surgical tools can be passed through the cystoscope to treat certain urinary tract conditions.

How to get a follow up on bladder cancer?

Get a schedule of follow-up tests and go to each appointment. When you finish bladder cancer treatment, ask your doctor to create a personalized schedule of follow- up tests. Before each follow-up cystoscopy exam, expect to have some anxiety. You may fear that cancer has come back or worry about the uncomfortable exam.

How does radiation therapy help bladder cancer?

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses beams of powerful energy, such as X-rays and protons, to destroy the cancer cells. Radiation therapy for bladder cancer usually is delivered from a machine that moves around your body, directing the energy beams to precise points.

What is the procedure called when you remove a sample of tissue for testing?

Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy). During cystoscopy, your doctor may pass a special tool through the scope and into your bladder to collect a cell sample (biopsy) for testing. This procedure is sometimes called transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). TURBT can also be used to treat bladder cancer.

What tests can be done to determine if you have bladder cancer?

Tests may include: CT scan.

CHEMOTHERAPY

A drug therapy designed to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, chemotherapy may be used with radiation therapy to treat bladder cancer.

CLINICAL TRIAL

A clinical trial may be available as part of your treatment plan, ask your physician if this is an option.

RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

A surgical procedure where the entire bladder is removed, along with some of the urethra, surrounding lymph nodes, and potentially nearby organs or tissue where cancer cells are detected.

RADIATION THERAPY

Radiation therapy is the use of high energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation is sometimes given before or after surgery to help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back and can be used to relieve symptoms from cancer. To learn more Radiation Oncology and the types of radiation therapies offered at West Cancer Center, click here.

TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION

A surgical procedure performed for both diagnosing and managing bladder cancer, transurethral resection uses electric currents to remove and destroy cancer cells.

What is the treatment for bladder cancer?

Standard treatment options include: Surgery. Radiation therapy. Chemotherapy. Immunotherapy. Targeted therapy. Your cancer care team may recommend one of these treatments, or a combination.

Why is surgery the first treatment for bladder cancer?

Surgery is typically the first bladder cancer treatment option for early-stage disease because tumors have likely not spread to other areas of the body.

How often can you get immunotherapy for bladder cancer?

For noninvasive bladder cancer that is either intermediate or high-risk, patients may receive a different immunotherapy delivered directly into the bladder, called induction intravesical immunotherapy. If it works, they may continue this treatment less often for up to several years as maintenance therapy.

How does a doctor remove cancer from the bladder?

For this procedure, a doctor inserts a thin tube through the urethra and into the bladder. A tool on the end of the tube removes the cancer with a wire loop or burns it with electricity in a process called fulguration. A transurethral resection with fulguration may be a treatment option if the cancer was diagnosed before stage IV. ...

What is the procedure to remove a large part of the bladder?

Radical cystectomy: When the cancer invades the muscle wall, or when superficial cancer covers a large part of the bladder, doctors may recommend a radical cystectomy to completely remove it as well as nearby lymph nodes, tissues and organs.

What stage of cancer did Jennifer B. have?

Jennifer B. was diagnosed with stage T2a bladder cancer at age 41. One of the most intimidating parts of her diagnosis and treatment plan included living with an intermittent catheter. Here, Jennifer shares tips she discovered through trial and error, frustration and laughter over time.

What is a partial cystectomy?

Partial cystectomy: If the patient has a low-grade tumor that’s spread to the bladder wall, but it’s only in one part of the bladder, doctors may recommend a partial cystectomy. Also called a segmental cystectomy, it surgically removes part of the bladder and nearby lymph nodes.

What type of cancer is found in the bladder?

In addition to transitional cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, small cell carcinomas, and sarcomas can form in the bladder. In the United States, transitional cell carcinomas represent most (>90%) bladder cancers.

How to treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer?

Nonmuscle-invasive disease can often be treated by removing the tumor (s) via a transurethral approach. Sometimes chemotherapy or other treatments are introduced into the bladder with a catheter to help fight the cancer.

What is the term for a tumor that forms in the transitional epithelium?

Most cancers that form in these tissues are transitional cell carcinomas (also called urothelial carcinomas ) that derive from transitional epithelium. (Refer to the PDQ summaries on Renal Cell Cancer Treatment and Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter Treatment for more information.)

What is the specialized membrane that surrounds the bladder called?

Under normal conditions, the bladder, the lower part of the kidneys (the renal pelvises), the ureters, and the proximal urethra are lined with a specialized mucous membrane referred to as transitional epithelium (also called urothelium). Most cancers that form in these tissues are transitional cell carcinomas (also called urothelial carcinomas) that derive from transitional epithelium. (Refer to the PDQ summaries on Renal Cell Cancer Treatment and Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter Treatment for more information.)

What is the urinary tract?

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. The urinary tract is lined with transitional cell urothelium from the renal pelvis to the proximal urethra. Transitional cell carcinoma (also referred to as urothelial carcinoma) can develop anywhere along this pathway.

What are the clinical features of bladder cancer?

Clinical Features. Bladder cancer typically presents with gross or microscopic hematuria. Less commonly, patients may complain of urinary frequency, nocturia, and dysuria, symptoms that are more common in patients with carcinoma in situ.

What are the most important risk factors for bladder cancer?

Increasing age is the most important risk factor for most cancers. Other risk factors for bladder cancer include the following: