Chemotherapy can be given orally, or through an injection or IV.
Thiotepa, mitomycin and doxorubicin are the most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat bladder cancer. Bladder chemotherapy itself poses risks to the patients, as these are powerful drugs than can sometimes leave permanent effects on the body. During treatment, doctors will typically run blood tests to measure kidney and bladder function. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy may be given as a single drug or a combination of drugs. The drugs are designed to kill cancer cells and decrease the size of tumors, and to control cancer and enhance quality of life. The drugs work by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to divide and reproduce.
Mild Risks of Bladder Chemotherapy
Patients may experience bladder wall irritation and pain when urinating. As with many of the drugs used in chemo, nausea and vomiting are common side effects. Patients may receive anti-vomiting (antiemetics) and anti-nausea medication before they begin their treatment for the day. Headaches, constipation, mouth sores, blurred vision, hair loss, anemia, skin reactions, insomnia and lockjaw are other possible . Some patients may develop thrush or herpes simplex virus infections. Fluid retention is another possible risk.
Severe Risks
Two specific chemotherapy drugs are associated with toxic side effects to the bladder. Cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide can lead to cystitis. While diarrhea is at first not a serious side effect, and really quite common, the patient must stay hydrated or dehydration can set in--leading to serious complications. Anti-diarrheal therapy can include soup, water or the patient’s favorite drink. There are a host of anti-diarrheal drugs to help as well. In severe cases, intravenous fluid support might be required. Some drugs can cause adverse reactions on the heart. Patients who receive chemo for bladder cancer may also experience excessive bleeding or bruising.
Other Risks
Some patients may be hypersensitive to chemo. They experience symptoms such as itching, wheezing, hives, tightness in the chest, chills and low blood pressure. Chemo may also cause infertility or damage to the reproductive organs.
Reasons for Bladder Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one treatment choice for those with . Patients may have had their bladder removed or have had surgery for a tumor, or those with Stage IV bladder cancer may still receive chemotherapy. In the early stages of bladder cancer, chemo is typically given directly into the bladder. Otherwise, it is given intravenously.
Tags: bladder cancer, , Bladder Chemotherapy, cancer cells, Chemotherapy Chemotherapy, chemotherapy drugs