The Role of Immunotherapy in Bladder Cancer Treatment

Exploring Immunotherapy as a Treatment for Bladder Cancer

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine within the body, resembling a balloon. When cancer develops in the bladder muscle, it is identified as bladder cancer or bladder carcinoma. It is among the most common cancers, impacting approximately 68,000 adults in the United States annually, with men more frequently affected than women.

Various treatment options are now available for managing bladder cancer. If you're curious about the effectiveness of immunotherapy for bladder cancer, this article provides insight.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a targeted cancer treatment that activates the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, boosting natural defenses for effective eradication.

There are two primary forms of immunotherapy used for bladder cancer:

Checkpoint inhibitors

Cancer vaccines

How successful is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy has shown encouraging results in bladder cancer treatment, increasing patient response rates and lowering recurrence risks. Its ability to enhance immune response makes it a promising option for many patients.

Are there side effects?

While generally well tolerated, immunotherapy may cause temporary side effects such as swelling in the legs, high blood pressure, fatigue, mouth sores, and diarrhea. Usually, these effects diminish after treatment sessions, becoming milder with ongoing therapy.

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective bladder cancer treatment. Despite its high efficacy, immunotherapy does not eliminate the possibility of cancer recurrence. Patients should undergo regular follow-up tests for early detection and prompt intervention if necessary.