There are a variety of treatments for bladder cancer depending on the type, grade and stage of the cancer. Here are the main treatment options, with links to more details about each one.
- Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) – A common procedure done in a hospital. A tool is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and removes the tumours.
- BCG – Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (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 alone or in combination with surgery or other treatments can be used to shrink the cancer tumours.
- Bladder Removal Surgery – Referred to as a Radical Cystectomy, this is the typical treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Can be used to completely remove the bladder or a section of it.
- Immunotherapy – Medication inserted into the bladder that activates the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. The most common immunotherapy is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).
- Bladder Preservation – Chemotherapy, radiation and TURBTs combined as an alternative to bladder removal for higher risk (i.e. muscle invasive) cases.
