According to recent research, bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men. Senior males are mostly diagnosed with this cancer, and almost 90% are older than 55.

It is important to begin treatment immediately after a bladder cancer diagnosis since it tends to spread very fast. Chemotherapy for bladder cancer is the main treatment when surgery is not possible. When doctors plan treatment for bladder cancer, they take factors such as the patient’s health conditions, age, and more, into account.

How and When Is Chemotherapy Used for Bladder Cancer?

Chemotherapy is categorized as a cytotoxic drug. This drug treats cancer systematically throughout the body by attacking and killing cancer cells. Doctors administer chemo for bladder cancer in two ways:

• Systemic chemotherapy – In this process, the drug is in the form of a pill or injection (given as intramuscular or intravenous). The drug then spreads to the entire body and attacks the cancer cells.
• Intravesical chemotherapy – In this bladder cancer treatment, doctors put the drug right into the bladder. This treatment is only applicable when the cancer is restricted to the lining of the bladder.

Doctors use chemotherapy for bladder cancer in the following situations:

• Before the surgery – Given in an attempt to shrink a tumor for easy removal, it also minimizes the chances of cancer recurrence.
• After the surgery – When given post-surgery, the therapy aims to kill any remaining cancer cells in the body.
• After radiation therapy – Expert oncologists opine that combining radiation therapy with chemotherapy works better.

Generally, when bladder cancer spreads to distant parts of the body, chemotherapy is often the only and the best treatment option.

Which Chemo Drugs Are Used to Treat Bladder Cancer?

The standard treatment for bladder cancer is cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Chemo drugs for bladder cancer are used alone or in combination depending upon the patient’s requirements, overall health condition, and other clinical factors.

Some drugs used singularly for bladder cancer include pemetrexed, paclitaxel, docetaxel, methotrexate, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, etc.

Drugs used in combination with cisplatin include vinblastine, gemcitabine, and many more. Doctors administer chemo in cycles – a treatment period follows a rest period. This gives the body a chance to recover.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Though chemo drugs attack cancer cells in the body, they also end up affecting the healthy cells. Side effects of chemo are prominent. However, the intensity depends on the dose and the type of drug. Some common side effects of chemo for bladder cancer include:

• Loss of appetite
• Excessive fatigue
• Increased risk of infection
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Mouth sores, nausea, and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Easy bruising or bleeding

Early Warning Signs of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer comes with early warning signs such as:

• Increased urination frequency
• Having problems with urine passing
• Burning or pain sensation during urinating
• Bone pain
• General weakness and fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pelvic pain or pain in one side of the lower back
• Loss of appetite

With early bladder cancer diagnosis and proper treatment, you can increase your chances of curing cancer.

Need Personalized Guidance on Bladder Cancer?

Whether you are looking for a bladder cancer diagnosis, treatment, or even another pinion, speak to our team at Chesapeake Oncology-Hematology Associates. Contact us to schedule your appointment with our expert oncologists today.

Also Read: What Should You Know About Cancer and Dehydration?