Уролог из Арканзаса рассказал о новых методах лечения рака мочевого пузыря

Arkansas urologist explains treatment options for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — About 85,000 Americans are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year, and while many cases can be treated successfully, doctors say it is important to continue follow-up care because the disease often returns. Dr. R. Jonathan Henderson with Arkansas Urology joined Channel 7 to discuss non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, also known as NMIBC, and what options are available when standard treatments stop working. Bladder cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the United States, Henderson said. It is often discovered after blood is found in a patient's urine, even if the patient cannot see it. "That's one of the reasons when you go to any physician, they check a urine," Henderson said. "They're checking to see if there's blood because you might not see it there." Other symptoms can include frequent or urgent urination. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for bladder cancer, Henderson said, making routine checkups especially important for people with a history of tobacco use. Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer means the cancer has not spread into the muscle of the bladder. Henderson said that distinction is important because the disease is often curable at that stage. However, about one-third of patients can eventually develop muscle-invasive bladder cancer if the disease progresses. "It's important to have this diagnosed early and aggressively treat it so it doesn't become a deadly condition," Henderson said. The most common treatment for NMIBC is BCG, which uses a weakened bacterium to stimulate the body's immune system to attack cancer cells inside the bladder. Doctors first remove the visible cancer through a scope before beginning BCG treatments. Henderson said the therapy works for about 70% of patients. For the remaining 30%, doctors now have additional options. One newer treatment, Adstiladrin, is a gene therapy delivered directly into the bladder. Unlike traditional BCG, which often requires weekly treatments for six weeks followed by maintenance therapy, Adstiladrin is typically given once every three months. Henderson also discussed other newer treatments designed to deliver chemotherapy directly into the bladder over an extended period. The growing number of treatment options means patients whose cancer does not respond to BCG may have alternatives before considering more aggressive procedures. Even after successful treatment, bladder cancer frequently returns. Henderson compared it to skin cancer, saying many patients do well but must continue regular monitoring and repeat treatment if the disease comes back. He said family members and loved ones can play an important role by helping patients keep appointments and stay on track with treatment. "Many people get turned off by all the frequent visits or by how invasive these treatments are and don't follow through," Henderson said. "It's really important to get the support." For more information, Henderson recommended the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, Arkansas Urology and major cancer centers such as MD Anderson. Patients who notice blood in their urine or experience persistent urinary symptoms should contact a healthcare provider for evaluation, Henderson said.