There are a variety of bladder cancer treatments depending on the type, grade and stage of the cancer. Below are the main treatment options, each tailored to specific circumstances.
Bladder Cancer Treatments
Main Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer
Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT)
TURBT is a common procedure performed in a hospital. A tool is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to remove the tumours.
BCG – Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
BCG is a type of immunotherapy used to treat bladder cancer and is administered directly into the bladder through the urethra (intravesical therapy).
Chemotherapy and Radiation
Chemotherapy and radiation, either alone or in combination with surgery or other treatments, can be used to shrink cancer tumours.
Bladder Removal Surgery
Referred to as a Radical Cystectomy, this is the typical treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. This surgery can be used to completely remove the bladder or a section of it.
Immunotherapy
For this treatment, medication is inserted into the bladder to activate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. The most common immunotherapy is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).
Bladder Preservation
Chemotherapy, radiation and TURBT can be combined as an alternative to bladder removal for higher risk cases such as muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Other Types of Treatment for Bladder Cancer
Palliative Care
Palliative Care is a specialized medical care for people with serious illness focusing on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that explore new treatments for bladder cancer. They may provide possible treatment alternatives to patients who have not had success with standard and approved therapies.
Advanced/Metastatic Bladder Cancer Treatment
When cancer has spread to parts of the body outside the bladder, treatments can include chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This therapy can be continued after the initial treatment and is referred to as maintenance therapy.