Bladder cancer may be diagnosed early and continue to progress or may be advanced at the point of diagnosis. If metastatic bladder cancer is suspected, an ultrasound scan, CT scan, MRI scan or bone scan test will determine the diagnosis. Early detection and understanding of metastatic bladder cancer symptoms are crucial for determining the best metastatic bladder cancer treatment options.
Metastatic Bladder Cancer
What is Metastatic Bladder Cancer (Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma)?
Urothelial cancer (also called transitional cell carcinoma) is the most common type of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is considered metastatic or advanced when the cancer has spread from the bladder to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and bone. Approximately 10% of patients are diagnosed at this stage.
Once metastatic bladder cancer spreads, it can cause a range of symptoms and requires specialized treatment. Here are key points to understand:
- Bladder cancer is considered metastatic when it has spread to other parts of the body
- Metastatic bladder cancer treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery
- Treatment may help control the spread
Metastatic Bladder Cancer Treatment
The standard initial (or first-line) treatment for metastatic urothelial cancer is chemotherapy, using a combination of anti-cancer drugs based on Cisplatin, the most common drug used in the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer.
Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug that kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing. Depending on the dosage, Cisplatin can affect the nerves, inner ear, and kidneys.
Assessment Criteria Before Receiving Chemotherapy for Metastatic Bladder Cancer
Before starting metastatic bladder cancer treatment, patients are assessed on the following before proceeding with chemotherapy:
- Kidney function
- Heart function
- Performance status – a score that estimates your ability to perform certain activities of daily living without the help of others
- Hearing capacity
- Existing peripheral neuropathy – a type of nerve damage that usually causes pain, numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, but can progress up the limbs to involve the feet and legs, hands and arms
- Other factors your medical team may consider important
Understanding Treatment Challenges and Options for Metastatic Bladder Cancer
Fifty percent of people with advanced urothelial cancer are not eligible for Cisplatin-based chemotherapy, so alternative treatment options are considered.
Metastatic disease is associated with a more limited life expectancy than bladder cancer that is diagnosed at an earlier stage. Treatment is not likely to cure it, but is geared toward prolonging survival, shrinking or slowing growth of the tumour, easing the metastatic bladder cancer symptoms and improving quality of life.
Resources and Support for Metastatic Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer Canada has produced a helpful Guidebook with information about metastatic bladder cancer, how it’s diagnosed and the treatment options available. You can download a free copy of our Guidebook. We also host a moderated public Discussion Forum, where you can ask questions, share your experiences and read about the experiences of others.
We encourage you to contact Bladder Cancer Canada for support if you have metastatic bladder cancer by email or by calling 1-866-674-8889.