Treatments for Bladder Cancer
Treatments for bladder cancer depend on the stage and spread of the cancer. To help, there's Opdivo (nivolumab), an immunotherapy drug used to treat advanced or metastatic bladder cancer.
1. Opdivo (Nivolumab)
Opdivo is an immune checkpoint inhibitor. It targets a protein called PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1), which is found on the surface of T-cells, a type of immune cell. Under normal circumstances, PD-1 acts as a brake on the immune system, preventing it from attacking normal cells in the body. However, cancer cells can use this protein to avoid being attacked by the immune system.
2. Surgery
One common treatment for bladder cancer is surgery. There are different types of surgery depending on how advanced the cancer is:
- Transurethral Resection (TURBT): This surgery is for early-stage bladder cancer. Doctors remove cancer from the bladder through the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body.
- Cystectomy: In more serious cases, doctors may need to remove part or all of the bladder. If the entire bladder is removed, the doctor will create a new way for the body to store and release urine.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells. Sometimes it’s given directly into the bladder, especially for early-stage cancer. This is called intravesical chemotherapy. For more advanced cancer, chemotherapy may be given through the bloodstream. This treatment can be used before surgery to shrink the cancer or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. One common immunotherapy treatment for bladder cancer is called BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin). It’s a type of bacteria placed directly into the bladder to activate the immune system and kill cancer cells. Other types of immunotherapy, like checkpoint inhibitors, work in the bloodstream to boost the immune response against cancer cells.
5. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a treatment that focuses on specific molecules in cancer cells. It’s designed to attack cancer cells without harming too many healthy cells. For bladder cancer, targeted drugs like erdafitinib may be used if the cancer has certain genetic changes. These drugs are usually prescribed when other treatments haven’t worked.
6. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used when surgery isn’t an option. Radiation may be combined with chemotherapy to make it more effective. For people who can’t have surgery, radiation therapy can help reduce symptoms and control cancer growth.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
If you think you might have bladder cancer, here are some common symptoms to look for:
- Blood in the urine: This is one of the most common signs and may look pink, red or brown.
- Frequent urination: Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual.
- Painful urination: A burning or painful feeling when urinating.
- Lower back pain: Some people feel pain in their lower back or pelvis.
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection makes bladder cancer easier to treat.
Treating Bladder Cancer
Treating bladder cancer depends on its stage and spread. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are all options. Newer treatments like Padcev are providing hope for people with advanced bladder cancer. If you have any concerns or symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment plan for you.