Many medications, therapies, and surgeries exist for the treatment of bladder cancer. Here are some of the new treatments for bladder cancer.
Types of New Treatments for Bladder Cancer
Cystectomy
A cystectomy is a surgery that removes either part of the bladder or the whole bladder, in order to remove the cancer. A new type of surgery is being studied where a surgeon would sit behind a controlling a robotic arm. This arm allows the surgeon to perform the surgery with smaller incisions and, according to the American Cancer Society, would allow patients to recover more quickly.
It is usually used to treat prostate cancer. More research is necessary before it can be an appropriate treatment for bladder cancer.
Photodynamic Therapy
This therapy is being studied to see if it could work to treat early forms of bladder cancer. A light-sensitive drug would be injected into the patient, which will be left in for several days in order to attach to the cancer cells.
A laser-light would be put through a cystoscope and be focused on the inner lining of the bladder. The light would activate the light-sensitive drug, allowing it to kill the cancer cells.
This method is preferred because it causes little damage to normal cells that surround the affects area. However, it can only treat bladder cancers that are close to the lining of the bladder.
A side effect of photodynamic therapy is serious sensitivity to light for several weeks after the treatment.
Gene Therapy
This therapy involves changing the genes that are found in cancer cells. The treatment involves adding or removing new genes from the cell. This new therapy is an ongoing study and will need more tests before it can be available to the public.
Lastly, remember to talk to your doctor or oncologist to determine which of these new treatments for bladder cancer would work for you. It is important that you discuss all your options with them before you decide to proceed with a certain surgery or therapy.
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