Bladder Cancer Treatments
Many treatment options are available for patients, like Padcev (Enfortumab vedotin), a targeted therapy for advanced bladder cancer that delivers cancer-killing medication.
1. Padcev (Enfortumab Vedotin)
Padcev is a type of antibody drug that targets and kills cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Padcev works by attaching to a specific protein on cancer cells and releasing a chemotherapy drug directly into the cell, reducing tumor size. It is often used for patients with advanced or metastatic bladder cancer, especially if other treatments, like chemotherapy, have been unsuccessful.
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2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often the primary treatment for bladder cancer. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells throughout the body and is typically recommended for patients with especially invasive bladder cancer. Chemotherapy is typically administered before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells. It has been shown to have higher success rates when used in tangent with other treatments.
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy treatments, such as BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin), work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This type of treatment is often administered directly into the bladder for non-invasive bladder cancers. Immunotherapy is typically considered when bladder cancer is at a high risk of recurrence or in cases where chemotherapy hasn’t been effective.
4. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, often serving as an option for those unable to undergo surgery. External beam radiation is the most common form and can help shrink the tumor. Radiation may be chosen for patients who cannot have surgery or as a post-surgery measure to prevent recurrence.
5. Additional Medications
Other medications can also play a role in bladder cancer treatment, especially as new drugs emerge in clinical trials. Some of these medications work by inhibiting certain enzymes or proteins that help cancer cells grow.
- Targeted therapy drugs: These drugs, such as erdafitinib, target specific gene mutations within bladder cancer cells, making them a good choice for cancers with these mutations. Furthermore, targeted therapy drugs typically have a lower impact on healthy cells and often produce fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, making it a popular choice.
- Hormonal and anti-angiogenesis therapies: These medications work by blocking the formation of blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tumor, effectively "starving" the cancer cells. Research shows that using this kind of therapy works to stop the growth of the tumor.
Each treatment for bladder cancer serves a unique purpose, often selected based on the cancer stage, the patient’s health, the severity of the disease, any previous treatments and other factors. Consultation with a healthcare team will help you tailor your treatment approach while considering side effects and overall patient wellness.
Finding the Right Treatment For You
If you’re struggling with bladder cancer, it is essential to pinpoint which treatment option is best for you. It is also important to remember that multiple treatment options can be used in tangent, possibly increasing treatment effectiveness.
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