Types of Treatment for Bladder Cancer
There are many options when it comes to bladder cancer treatment. However, not every type of bladder cancer treatment is suitable for everyone. In some cases, doctors may recommend more than one option depending on the stage of cancer.
Treatment recommendations are based on a few factors, including:
- Age.
- The stage and grade of your cancer.
- Overall health and other underlying medical conditions present.
- Feelings and tolerance about possible side effects from treatment.
Common types of bladder cancer treatment include the following:
Surgery
According to the National Cancer Institute, surgery is the main treatment for bladder cancer. The type of surgery recommended may depend on the location of the cancer within the bladder. In some cases, doctors recommend chemotherapy before surgery to reduce the amount of tissue removed.
Types of surgery for bladder cancer include:
- Transurethral resection with fulguration. This procedure involves inserting a small, thin light into the bladder. Next, the doctor inserts a specialized tool with a small wire loop on the end and removes the tumor using high-energy electricity.
- Partial cystectomy. This surgery involves removing a portion of the bladder. Doctors may recommend it for individuals who have a tumor that has spread to the wall of the bladder but remains limited to only one area. This type of surgery allows normal urination after the procedure.
- Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. This extensive surgery involves removing the bladder, nearby lymph nodes and nearby organs that contain cancer. For example, in males, nearby organs possibly removed include the prostate. In females, nearby organs removed may include the ovaries and the uterus. A radical cystectomy is a possible option when cancer has spread to the muscle layers or covers a large section of the bladder.
After the surgeon removes the bladder, the doctor performs a urinary diversion to create another way for the patient to store and then pass urine. Urinary diversion may involve redirecting urine into the colon and draining it through an opening in the abdomen connected to a bag outside the body.
Chemotherapy
Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy before or after surgery. Before surgery, chemotherapy helps shrink the size of the mass, making surgery easier. Doctors may also administer chemotherapy after surgery to try and kill any cancer cells that may remain.
Doctors administer chemotherapy in cycles intravenously or by mouth. This means an individual gets a round of chemotherapy followed by time to recover before the next cycle starts.
Various types of chemotherapy drugs are available to treat bladder cancer. The specific combination may vary based on the grade of cancer. Common chemotherapy drugs used to treat bladder cancer include the following:
- Cisplatin.
- Carboplatin.
- Paclitaxel.
- Gemcitabine.
Intravesical Therapy
This type of treatment involves injecting medication directly into the bladder instead of giving it through an IV or by mouth. Doctors deliver the medication through a urinary catheter. Intravesical therapy is an option for early-stage cancer in the inner lining of the bladder.
The drugs affect the cells inside the bladder but typically do not affect the cells elsewhere, which limits side effects. The medications given include chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Radiation Therapy
In some cases, when surgery is not an option, radiation therapy remains an alternative. Radiation therapy involves using high-energy X-rays to destroy the cancer cells. Bladder cancer is treated with external radiation, which involves using a machine outside the body to direct the radiation toward the bladder.
Radiation therapy may be done alone or in combination with other types of treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy
Target therapy involves using certain medications that target specific proteins, enzymes or other molecules involved in cancer cell growth. Targeted therapy drugs for bladder cancer include:
- Erdafitinib.
- Ramucirumab.
- Enfortumab vedotin.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy involves using certain medications to help the immune system attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is administered through an injection, an infusion or orally.
Individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan. It is also important to have any questions regarding treatment answered and to let your doctor know about any side effects that you experience during treatment.
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