Chemotherapy is a common and effective treatment option for bladder cancer, especially in cases where the cancer has spread beyond the bladder or is at risk of doing so. At Birmingham Urology Centre, we provide comprehensive care that includes the latest advancements in chemotherapy treatments for bladder cancer. Our approach is tailored to your individual needs, ensuring that you receive the most effective treatment with the best possible outcomes.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing and dividing. In the context of bladder cancer, chemotherapy can be administered in different ways depending on the stage and spread of the disease:
- Intravesical chemotherapy: This method involves delivering the chemotherapy drugs directly into the bladder through a catheter. It is typically used for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer to target cancer cells on the bladder lining.
- Systemic chemotherapy: In this approach, chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously (through a vein) or orally. The drugs travel through your bloodstream, targeting cancer cells throughout your body. This is often used for muscle-invasive or advanced bladder cancer.
When is chemotherapy used for bladder cancer?
Chemotherapy for bladder cancer can be used at different stages and for various purposes:
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Administered before surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy aims to shrink the tumour, making it easier to remove and increasing the chances of a successful operation. It is commonly used before a radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder).
- Adjuvant chemotherapy: Given after surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy targets any remaining cancer cells that surgery may have missed, reducing the risk of recurrence.
- Primary treatment: For advanced or metastatic bladder cancer, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy may be the primary treatment to control the disease and relieve symptoms.
- Intravesical chemotherapy: Used for early-stage bladder cancer (non-muscle-invasive), intravesical chemotherapy directly targets cancer cells in the bladder to prevent recurrence after tumour removal.
Chemotherapy drugs used in bladder cancer treatment
Several chemotherapy drugs are commonly used to treat bladder cancer. These may be used alone or in combination to enhance their effectiveness:
- Cisplatin: Often used in combination with other drugs, cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy that is highly effective in treating bladder cancer.
- Gemcitabine: This drug is frequently combined with cisplatin for treating advanced bladder cancer. It is also used as a single agent in certain cases.
- Methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC): A combination of these drugs has been traditionally used to treat advanced bladder cancer.
- Carboplatin: An alternative to cisplatin, carboplatin is used in patients who may not tolerate cisplatin due to its side effects.
- Mitomycin C: Often used in intravesical chemotherapy to treat non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, mitomycin C targets the cancer cells lining the bladder.
What to expect during chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is typically administered in cycles, with each cycle consisting of a treatment period followed by a rest period to allow your body to recover. The number of cycles you will need depends on the type and stage of your bladder cancer, as well as your response to treatment.
- Administration: Systemic chemotherapy is usually given through an intravenous drip, but some drugs can be taken orally. Intravesical chemotherapy is delivered directly into the bladder.
- Duration: Each session can last from a few hours to an entire day, depending on the treatment plan. Intravesical treatments are typically shorter.
- Frequency: Chemotherapy cycles can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on your specific treatment plan. Each cycle is either a 2, 3 or 4 week period, depending on the chemotherapy you are having. You usually have 3 cycles of chemotherapy before surgery or radiotherapy. After surgery or radiotherapy, you might have 6 or more cycles. Your oncologist will explain how you have treatment, and how long they expect your treatment course to be.
Benefits and risks of chemotherapy for bladder cancer
Chemotherapy can be highly effective in treating bladder cancer, particularly when used in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy. The key benefits include:
- Tumour reduction: Shrinking the tumour before surgery can increase the chances of successful removal.
- Prevention of recurrence: Chemotherapy after surgery helps reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
- Symptom control: In advanced cases, chemotherapy can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Side effects of chemotherapy
While chemotherapy is an effective treatment, it can cause side effects due to its impact on healthy cells as well as cancer cells. The severity and type of side effects can vary depending on the drugs used, the dose, and your overall health. Common side effects include:
- Fatigue: Feeling tired is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy.
- Nausea and vomiting: Chemotherapy can cause digestive system irritation, leading to nausea and vomiting, but these symptoms can often be managed with medication.
- Hair loss: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause hair thinning or loss, although this is usually temporary.
- Increased risk of infection: Chemotherapy can lower your white blood cell count, making you more susceptible to infections.
- Anaemia: A decrease in red blood cells can lead to anaemia, causing fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Mouth sores: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause mouth sores or ulcers.
At Birmingham Urology Centre we will work closely with you to manage any side effects, ensuring that you are as comfortable as possible throughout your treatment.
Why choose Birmingham Urology Centre
At Birmingham Urology Centre, we offer a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to bladder cancer treatment. Our team of highly experienced urologists and oncologists work together to provide you with the most effective chemotherapy options, using the latest medical advancements and tailored treatment plans. We are committed to supporting you through every stage of your treatment, from diagnosis to recovery, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.
Contact us
If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer and would like to learn more about your chemotherapy options, contact Birmingham Urology Centre today. Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions and guide you through your treatment journey. Book your consultation now to take the first step towards effective and compassionate care.
