Approximately 75% of bladder cancers are non-muscle invasive. That means that the bladder cancer is contained completely within the bladder and has not penetrated the muscle surrounding the bladder. This is an early stage of bladder cancer previously referred to as superficial bladder cancer. However, it is important to know that about 25% of bladder cancer that was originally diagnosed as non-muscle invasive, progresses to muscle invasive bladder cancer, MIBC.
Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
What is Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer?
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is the most common type of bladder cancer.
- It is diagnosed by urine and blood tests, CT scan and by looking inside the bladder (cystoscopy)
- Treatment options include medication inserted directly into the bladder, referred to as a type of immunotherapy called Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)
- Successful treatment depends on early detection and treatment
Managing Recurrence in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
The rate of recurrence in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, NMIBC, can vary greatly based on the rate of progression or recurrence. Typical treatment for NMIBC is BCG, an antituberculosis vaccine developed by French bacteriologists. Other treatment options include chemotherapy, chemo-radiation and immunotherapy however for high-risk cases a radical cystectomy, (bladder removal), is recommended.
Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Treatment
The stage of your cancer helps your doctor to decide which treatment you need. For NMIBC, there are several treatment options available.
- Intravesical Treatments inserted into the bladder through the urethra:
- with BCG
- with Mitomycin C
- IV Treatment with Chemotherapy (with Cisplatin, Gemcitabine, Carboplatin or a combination of each)
- Immunotherapy
- Radical Cystectomy
Resources and Support for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer Canada has produced a helpful Guidebook with information about non-muscle invasive 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.
The Canadian Urological Association establishes guidelines providing evidence-based guidance for healthcare clinicians based on best practices. To review the guidelines regarding non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, please click here.
We encourage you to contact Bladder Cancer Canada for support if you have non-muscle invasive bladder cancer by email or by calling 1-866-674-8889.
