Bladder Cancer
Other Treatment
Radiation treatment for bladder cancer uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. External beam radiation comes from a machine outside the body. The machine aims radiation at the area where the cancer cells are found. Internal radiation uses needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that contain radioactive materials placed close to or directly into the bladder. Which treatment you receive will depend on the type and stage of your cancer.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is being studied as a treatment for bladder cancer. PDT uses laser light and a special light-activated substance (Photofrin) to kill cancer cells. Results of early studies with photosensitizers show that PDT may be effective in treating recurrent noninvasive bladder cancer.2, 8 Until all the drug is out of the body, the skin can get a sort of sunburn after even short exposures to light. This effect can last several weeks.9
Other Treatment Choices
- Radiation treatment uses high-dose X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used before or after surgery. Radiation therapy also may be used if a person with bladder cancer cannot have surgery. Radiation therapy also may be used as palliative care to shrink tumors or relieve pain.
What To Think About
Some people with bladder cancer may be interested in taking part in research studies called clinical trials. Clinical trials are designed to find better ways to treat cancer patients and are based on the most up-to-date information. People who do not want standard treatments or who are not cured using standard treatments may want to take part in clinical trials. These are ongoing in most parts of the United States and in some other countries for people with all stages of bladder cancer.
The combination of conventional medical treatment and complementary medicine is an approach that is sometimes termed integrative medicine, in which conventional and complementary therapies work together for the best outcome.
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| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA | Last Updated: May 13, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology | |
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