Drugs for Bladder Cancer Treatment

Definition

Bladder cancer is the result of the abnormal and pathological development of some bladder cells: proliferating in a totally uncontrolled manner, the mad cells originate a malignancy, which can be malignant or benign, of variable size. Transitional bladder cancer (that is, transitional epithelia covering the inner bladder surface) is the absolute prevalence; squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas represent the smallest part.

Causes

The etiological factor triggering bladder cancer is still the subject of study and research; risk factors include: chemotherapy (prolonged use of cyclophosphamide), exposure to chemical agents at work, cigarette smoking, bladder infections, radiotherapy. Hypothesis: some artificial sweeteners seem to increase the risk of bladder cancer (there is no clear proof).

Symptoms

Pain during urine secretion and the emission of blood mixed with urine should cause the patient to run for cover for immediate medical check-up; among the symptoms - however highly non-specific - associated with bladder cancer, we cannot forget: difficulty urinating, abdominal pain, lumbar pain, tendency to urinate often, rectal tenesmus.

Information on Bladder Cancer - Bladder Cancer Treatment Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Bladder Cancer - Bladder Cancer Treatment Drugs.

drugs

Unlike many other cancers found only at an advanced stage, bladder cancer is diagnosed in 80-90% of cases in the initial stage, when the diseased cells remain confined to the bladder, and have not yet invaded the muscle tonic and the other neighboring areas. In this case, surgical resection is the most appropriate therapeutic option to resolve the disease.

The use of drugs is generally aimed at the treatment of multiple tumors - or in any case relapsing - in those individuals who present a very high risk of relapse after surgery.

In recent years it has been observed that the use of anticancer drugs improves the survival of patients suffering from bladder cancer with invasion of malignant cells in the muscular habit.

Anti-cancer drugs:

• Cyclophosphamide (eg Endoxan Baxter, bottle or tablet): is an alkylating agent used in therapy for bladder cancer treatment. When used as monotherapy, it is recommended to administer the drug exclusively to patients who do not have hematological abnormalities: 40-50 mg / kg fractionated in small doses in 2-5 days; alternatively, take 10-15 mg / kg every 7-10 days, or 3-5 mg / kg twice a week. Furthermore, the drug can also be taken by mouth at a dose of 1-8 mg / kg per day. Consult your doctor for the most suitable dosage.
• Doxorubicin (eg Myocet, Caelyx, Adriblastina) belongs to the class of antibiotics and antineoplastics; when used in therapy for the treatment of bladder cancer in association with other chemotherapy drugs, it is recommended to take the drug at a dose of 40-60 mg per square meter of body surface, intravenously, every 3-4 weeks. Alternatively, take 60-75 mg of active per square meter ev, every 21 days. Lower dosages are recommended for patients with obvious diseases affecting the marrow (mainly due to advanced age, previous therapy or previous malignancies).
• Cisplatin (eg Cisplatin ACC, Platamine, Pronto Platamine): the drug (alkylating agent) is widely used in therapy for the treatment of bladder cancer. It is recommended to take 50-70 mg / m2 ev every 3-4 weeks for patients who have not previously been treated with radiotherapy or other chemotherapy drugs. Alternatively, take 50 mg / m2 ev (slow infusion in 6-8 hours) every 4 weeks; the latter can also be used in patients with previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments.
• Methotrexate (eg. Reumaflex, Methotrexate HSP, Securact) the drug is an antagonist of folic acid synthesis, able to heavily influence the body's immune response. It is administered at a dose varying from 30-40 mg / m2 to 100-12, 000 mg / m2 in association with other chemotherapeutic drugs (eg leucovorin).
• Thiotepa (eg. Tepadina): the drug is an alkylating agent used in therapy for the treatment of bladder cancer: it is used, in particular, for instillations (insertion of the drug drop by drop) into the bladder. The recommended dose is variable from 30 to 60 mg for intrevescicale instillation; this dosage is reserved for superficial bladder cancer patients.
• Mitomycin (eg Mitomycin C): another active ingredient belonging to the class of antineoplastic antibiotics; should be administered indicatively at a dose of 40 mg by intravesical instillation.

Alternative treatment options for bladder cancer treatment:

1. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy represents an innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of bladder tumors: drugs exert their therapeutic activity by stimulating the immune system to attack and destroy malignant cells. For this purpose, the bacillus of Calmette-Guérin (live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis: eg Oncotice, Immucyst) is used for the treatment of bladder cancer. If immunotherapy does not explain the desired therapeutic activity, the patient is generally treated with interferon (eg Betaferon, Rebif, Avonex, etc.).
2. Radiotherapy: indicated for the treatment of bladder cancer, characterized by local infiltration of malignant cells. For inoperable patients.
3. Radical cystectomy + removal of pelvic lymph nodes: Indicated for patients with bladder cancer (multiple or recurrent lesions), in particular for the forms in which we see an infiltration of diseased cells in the muscular habit.
4. Bladder removal

The procedure is clearly indicated for severe forms of cancer: the bladder is replaced by a special tank for urine. In men, this extreme surgical practice is often accompanied by resection of the proximal part of the urethra and seminal vesicles. In women with advanced bladder cancer, the uterus, urethra and anterior wall of the vagina are generally removed.