Ongoing Non Invasive Bladder Cancer

Posted by: brown in bladder cancer on Oct 23, 2006 Print PDF

I am a 65 year old male dealing with non invasive bladder cancer for over 6 years.  During this time, I have had quarterly cystos, several BCG procedurs including Mitomycin, Interferon and Epirubicin.  During 2006, I had two quarterly cysto's that were clear and was hopeful the worst was over.  Last cysto revealed 4 new tumours, one rather large on to of previous scar tissue.

Side effects from TURB last week have been very unpleasant, lots of bleeding, clots, painful urination.  Now scheduled for IVP to check kidneys prior to deciding on next course of therapy.  If biopsy reveals non invasive tumours, Urologist is leaning towards another round of BCG with Interferon.  After reading much on the net on the subject, there appears different schools of thought about recurring tumours and continued treatments and whether it has any effect on the recurrence.  Dr. does say "one of these days we will have to talk about removal of the bladder" so perhaps we are getting closer.  Will keep you posted after results of biopsy and IVP.
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Rosie
October 24, 2006

Brown,  a fellow b/c email pal sent me this interesting link from Italy that talks about tissue reaction and growths mistaken as cancer and/or unable to distiquish it. etc.  Changes produced in the urothelium by traditional and newer therapeutic procedures for bladder cancer -- Lopez-Beltran et al..  Rosie
Rosie
October 24, 2006

Sorry that didn't link properly.  Here is the link to that Italian study concerning change in bladder tissue that may not be cancer.  http://jcp.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/55/9/641    
Rosie
Wendy
October 26, 2006

Do you know if the stage of the tumor(s) is Ta, grade1, or T1-which are usually grade 1 o2.

That would make a lot of difference in decision making, I'd think.

Wendy

PS Rosie, great article! Thank you so much.
Wendy
October 26, 2006

PS Here are some interesting things to read if you want to know ALL the angles, for as much as anyone can do that:
http://blcwebcafe.org/synergoworkshop1.asp#witjes Discusses risk factors and a calculator for professionals that is found here:
www.eortc.be/tools/bladdercalculator/default.htm

The following hair-raising article is about the hazards of delaying cystectomy with T1 tumors:
http://www.urologytimes.com/ur...?id=372166

"A study presented at the AUA annual meeting by researchers from Columbia University in New York asked the provocative question, Are physicians overusing intravesical therapy in patients with T1 bladder cancer? "


Happy reading and remember, it's all about knowing the exact grade and stage.
Wendy

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