The most prevalent malignancy of the urinary tract, bladder cancer, affects millions of people globally. While the traditional treatments of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have offered some success, the need for better options remains. Thankfully, the field of bladder cancer research is experiencing a surge in innovation, leading to exciting new treatments and improved patient outcomes.

 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the exciting developments in bladder cancer research and how these advancements are transforming the way patients with this disease are treated and managed.

 

Understanding the Battleground – The Landscape of Bladder Cancer:

Bladder cancer typically begins in the urothelium, the bladder’s inner lining. Depending on whether it has grown into the deeper muscle layers of the bladder wall, bladder cancer is classified as Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) or Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC). The more prevalent kind, NMIBC, is frequently curable with immunotherapy and surgery. MIBC, however, is more aggressive and has a higher risk of spreading.

 

Arsenal of Hope – Promising New Treatment Avenues:

The research landscape for bladder cancer is brimming with new possibilities. Let’s examine a few of the most auspicious developments:

  1. Immunotherapy – Unleashing the Body’s Defenses:

Immunotherapy represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment. Malignant cells are identified by and eliminated by the immune system of the body. A specific type of immunotherapy called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) shows significant promise for bladder cancer. These medications function by preventing the utilization of proteins by cancer cells to thwart immunological attacks.

  1. Targeted Therapy – Striking at the Cancer’s Weak Points:

Targeted therapies are drugs designed to attack specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Research on a wide range of targeted therapies is being conducted for bladder cancer. These drugs focus on mutations or abnormalities present in specific cancer cells, offering a more personalized approach to treatment.

  1. Rethinking Traditional Treatments – Refining Existing Approaches:

Researchers are also exploring ways to improve the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of existing treatments. For NMIBC, a cornerstone treatment is bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy, which instils a weakened tuberculosis vaccine into the bladder to stimulate the immune system against cancer cells. However, BCG shortages have posed challenges.

  1. Precision Medicine – Customizing Care for Each Patient:

The field of precision medicine is revolutionizing the way cancer patients are cared for. This approach focuses on identifying a patient’s cancer’s genetic and molecular characteristics to guide treatment decisions. In bladder cancer, researchers are developing biomarkers that can help predict how a patient will respond to specific therapies.

  1. Gene Therapy – Repairing Faulty Genes:

Gene therapy is one cutting-edge approach that has the potential to treat bladder cancer. This technique involves introducing healthy genes into cancer cells to correct mutations or replace defective genes that contribute to tumor growth. While still in the early stages of development, gene therapy offers a potentially revolutionary way to treat bladder cancer at the genetic level.

 

Beyond Treatment – Optimizing Patient Outcomes:

Bladder cancer research isn’t solely focused on new treatments. Further, endeavours are being made to enhance patient care and quality of life. These include:

 

The Road Ahead – A Brighter Future for Bladder Cancer Patients:

Bladder cancer research is on an exciting trajectory, fueled by a relentless pursuit of new and improved treatments. While challenges remain, the progress made offers a beacon of hope for bladder cancer patients. The combined efforts of researchers, clinicians, and patients are paving the way for a future where bladder cancer is not just treatable but potentially preventable and curable.

 

What the upcoming years should hold:

 

Appeal to take up arms in the fight against bladder cancer:

The progress detailed bears witness to the unceasing endeavours and commitment of investigators, medical professionals, and patients. However, research requires ongoing funding and support. Here’s how you can contribute to the fight against bladder cancer:

 

Together, through continued research, advocacy, and education, we can create a future where bladder cancer is a disease of the past. Never forget that you are not fighting this battle alone. With ongoing research and collaborative efforts, the prognosis for bladder cancer patients is continually improving. There’s reason to be optimistic about bladder cancer treatment’s future; we can make a significant difference with your support. Are you facing a bladder cancer diagnosis? Consult Oncolplus, a leading cancer hospital in Delhi, as we offer advanced treatment options and unwavering support. Get in touch for a personalized consultation and hope for a brighter future with bladder cancer.

Immunotherapy Drug – A Promising Treatment to Lower the Risk of Bladder Cancer Recurrence after Surgery:

 

Bladder cancer is a common malignancy that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the challenges in treating bladder cancer is the high risk of recurrence, even after surgical removal of the tumor. However, recent advancements in cancer treatment have shown promising results in reducing the risk of bladder cancer returning after surgery. One such breakthrough is the use of immunotherapy drugs, which have shown great potential in lowering the risk of bladder cancer recurrence and improving patient outcomes. If you or your loved ones are battling cancer, you can treat your different types of cancer at different stages with the help of the finest Immunotherapy in Delhi, India. Here in this blog, we will discuss how immunotherapy treatment lowers the risk of bladder cancer and its advantages.

 

Immunotherapy treatment lowers the risk of bladder cancer:

Bladder cancer is often treated with surgery, which involves removing the tumor from the bladder. However, even after the successful surgery, there is a high risk of cancer cells remaining in the bladder, leading to the recurrence of the disease. This is where Immunotherapy comes into play. It is a type of cancer treatment that works by harnessing the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.

Read More Blog: Immunotherapy For Cancer Treatment In Delhi

One Immunotherapy drug that has shown remarkable success in lowering the risk of bladder cancer recurrence is pembrolizumab, which belongs to a class of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Pembrolizumab works by blocking a protein called PD-1 in immune cells, which helps to activate the immune system and enhance its ability to identify and destroy cancer cells. By doing so, pembrolizumab helps to prevent cancer cells from evading the immune system’s detection and attack, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence after surgery.

 

Researchers have conducted multiple clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of pembrolizumab in reducing the risk of bladder cancer recurrence following surgery. One notable trial is the KEYNOTE-045 trial, which involved patients with advanced bladder cancer who had undergone surgery to remove the tumor. The trial results showed that pembrolizumab significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence compared to standard chemotherapy, leading to improved overall survival rates.

 

In addition to pembrolizumab, other immune checkpoints inhibitors, such as nivolumab and atezolizumab, have also shown promising results in lowering the risk of bladder cancer recurrence after surgery. These drugs received approval for treating advanced bladder cancer and are currently undergoing clinical trials to explore their potential in reducing the risk of recurrence after surgery.

 

Positive aspects of Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy offers a notable advantage with its comparatively favorable safety profile when compared to traditional chemotherapy. Unlike chemotherapy, which often leads to adverse effects like nausea, hair loss, and immune suppression, immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab typically exhibit fewer side effects and are better tolerated by patients. This makes them a more attractive option for bladder cancer patients who have undergone surgery and are looking to lower their risk of recurrence without experiencing debilitating side effects.

Read More Blog: How Does Immunotherapy Help In The Fight Against Cancer?

Another advantage of immunotherapy is its potential to provide long-term benefits. Unlike chemotherapy, which is typically given in cycles, immunotherapy is often administered continuously, allowing for sustained immune system activation and cancer cell destruction. This prolonged effect may help to prevent the regrowth of cancer cells in the bladder and reduce the risk of recurrence over the long term.

 

It’s important to note that:

 

Immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab show promise in reducing bladder cancer recurrence after surgery. They harness the body’s immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, preventing their spread. Clinical trials and real-world data support the efficacy of pembrolizumab and other immunotherapy drugs, especially for high-risk bladder cancer patients. Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in oncology, providing a new approach to managing this complex disease. However, more research is required to optimize patient selection, dosing, and combination therapies to maximize the benefits of immunotherapy in bladder cancer treatment.

 

So if you want to resist cancer, look no further than Oncoplus, the leading cancer hospital in Delhi. Our state-of-the-art facility offers cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments that harness the power of the body’s immune system to fight cancer effectively. With a team of highly skilled oncologists and advanced technology, we provide personalized care and treatment plans for various types of cancer. Experience the latest advancements in cancer care at Oncoplus, where hope meets innovation. Contact us today to book a consultation and take a step towards a brighter tomorrow!

Bladder cancer is one of the sixth most prevalent cancers in the world. Cancer in the bladder develops when the urinary bladder cells start to increase and abnormally grow out of control. The cells that abnormally increase are the cancerous cells that later turn to form a tumour and with time, starts to spread and affects the rest of the body.

The bladder in our body is a hollow organ that is located in the lower pelvis. It contains a muscular and flexible cell wall that helps to stretch and squeeze the accumulated urine out of the body. As our bladder is responsible for storing urine which is then carried by the two known tubes called ureters. To pass the urine to the next body part, the bladder contracts to force out the urine through the tube called urethra.
it occurs mostly in men and others above the age of 65 years. Other additional risk factors can lead to the development of bladder cancer as we’ll discuss further in the article.

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What are the types?

There are different types of it however 90%of them are mostly urothelial carcinomas. Here are other types that also lead to it:

  • Urothelial CarcinomaAs we mentioned above, Urothelial carcinoma also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is one of the most widespread types of it. Urothelial Carcinoma bladder cancer affects the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. It affects the inner lining of the bladder that also lines the other part of the urinary tract.

    It leads to the development of tumour in the walls of the urinary tracts which requires checking of the whole tract. It is most common in older adults. Urothelial Carcinoma is often diagnosed quite early when it's possible to cure. However, it can reoccur hence you will have to consistently go for follow-up checkups.

  • Adenocarcinoma:Adenocarcinoma is one of the rarest bladder cancers of all. It is a type of cancer that usually initiates in the mucus-producing glandular cells on the body. Mucus-producing cells secrete mucus and these are present in many parts of our body. Adenocarcinoma is known for being invasive hence immediate treatment is recommended.
  • Small Cell Carcinoma:Small-cell carcinoma is a rare but highly malignant type of cancer that starts in the nerve-like cells called neuroendocrine cells. It usually develops within the lung but also affects other body parts such as the cervix, gastrointestinal tract and prostate.

    Small-cell Carcinoma spread quickly, creating large tumours and growing out in different parts of the body. These tumour treatments include surgery as well as chemotherapy.

  • Squamous cell carcinoma:Squamous cell carcinoma is usually caused by the abnormal growth of squamous cells. These cells are characterised as thin, flat cells that look like fish scales when carefully observed under the microscope. It is also one of the invasive cancers hence immediate treatment must be sought.
  • Sarcoma:Sarcoma begins in the muscle cells of the bladder though they are very rare types of occurring. If identified at an early stage, chemotherapy is needed along with different types of drugs.

Risk Factor and causes

Risk factors and causes are intended to know the same information that is what leads to the development of bladder cancer. Here are the most known causes and risk factors of it:

Causes ?

There’s still not enough research and information available on what exactly leads to the cause of most bladder cancer among people. However, there are enough risk factors that lead to an understanding of the formation of cancerous cells. There are certain changes in the DNA inside the normal bladder cells that lead to the growth of abnormal cells and turn cancerous.


The DNA is the chemical on our cells that make up our genes. Since we get the genes from our parents, we turn to look similar to them but genes control more than that.

There are two types of genes

  • Oncogenes: These genes help the growth, division and living alive of the cells
  • Tumor Suppressor genes: These genes help to regulate cell division, repair mistakes in DNA or lead the cell to die at the right time to allow new cells to grow.

Cancer is our body forms when there’s a change in our DNA (gene mutations) that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumour suppressor genes. Other several gene changes lead to the formation of cancerous cells.

Acquired gene mutation

Most causes of bladder cancer develop due to acquired gene mutation that usually happens due to the change in a person's lifestyle than from inheritance. These acquired gene mutations result from the exposure of triggering chemicals or radiation that causes cancer. For example, chemicals in tobacco.

Most chemicals that you are unaware of their harmed result in the bladder somehow. Researchers in the field of acquired gene mutation are aiming to develop tests that can detect it at the early stage by finding the DNA changes.

Inherited gene mutation

As the name suggests, some people develop it due to their inherited genes from their parents. However, it rarely runs in the families or through inherited gene mutation are its biggest cause.

Some of them inherit a reduced ability to break down cancer-causing chemicals hence are more prone and sensitive towards it. For them, tobacco smoke and other Industrial chemicals can cause immense risk.

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What are the risk factors of Bladder Cancer?

Risk factors are great to help from the prevention of it and act as an early warning. Here are the most common risk factors that you can change to decrease your chances of developing bladder cancer and others which you can’t:

Risk factors that can be changed to reduce the growth

  • Smoking:Smoking results in almost the cause of half of the bladder cancer in both male and female as it is one of the most significant risk factors. Smokers are prone to three times more likely to develop it compared to nonsmokers.
  • Environmental chemical exposure:Industrial chemicals are highly linked to the cause of bladder cancer. Chemicals such as Aromatic amines that are used in the dye industry are the largest contributors to bladder cancer. Even organic chemicals also possess a higher risk of bladder cancer. Industries that deal with rubber, textiles, paint products, leather, printing carry out the major risk of bladder cancer. Also, professions that include painter, printer, hairdresser, machinist who is exposed to hair dyes and truck drivers that are exposed to diesel fumes are under the major risk of developing bladder cancer.
  • Medicines and Herbal Intakes:According to the latest research by the US Food and Drug Administration, diabetic medicines called pioglitazone contribute to bladder cancer. Also, Aristolochic acid in the deity supplements is the leading cause of urothelial cancers, including bladder cancer.
  • Presence of Arsenic in Drinking water:Arsenic is a chemical, if present in drinking water can lead to a higher cause of bladder cancer.
  • Inadequate Water Consumption:Water consumption is always said to be beneficial. Who knew it helps to reduce the risk of bladder cancer. Yes, it's true, people who drink a lot of water each day possess a lower risk of bladder cancer. It is because they can empty their bladders more often which would also get rid of chemicals remaining in the bladder.

Risk factor that cannot be changed to reduce the Impact

  • Race and Ethnic group:The white ethnic group is most likely to develop bladder cancer compared to African American and Hispanic. American Indians and Asians also have lower rates of developing bladder cancer. It mostly affects white ethnicity.
  • Gender:It’s been proven that bladder cancer is more common in men than women.
  • Chronic Bladder Irritation and Infection:Infection such as urinary, kidney, bladder stones, and bladder catheters that aren’t treated early and have been existing for a long time can cause bladder cancer. Schistosomiasis is a well-known infection that’s caused when a parasitic worm can travel into the bladder and trigger bladder cancer.
  • Age Group:Bladder cancer mostly affects the older age group, the elder you are then there’s a higher risk of bladder cancer.
  • Pre Existing history with Bladder or Urothelial Cancer:If you have seen or experienced Urothelial or Bladder cancer previously then there’s also a higher risk of developing it again. Even if the first tumour is removed completely, there’s still a risk of developing another bladder cancer.
  • Genetics and Family History:People with family members who have undergone bladder cancer have a higher chance of getting it themselves.

Consult the cancer specialist at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.