Intravesical Chemotherapy Exploration: Procedures, Potential Adverse Effects, and Prognosis
Intravesical chemotherapy is a treatment option for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), a type of early-stage bladder cancer. This therapeutic intervention involves injecting chemotherapy medication directly into the bladder.
After a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), patients may undergo intravesical chemotherapy, ideally within 6 hours for peri-operative treatment. Common agents used include Mitomycin C, Gemcitabine, and Doxorubicin. BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin), an effective immunotherapy, is also instilled intravesically, often combined with or alternated with chemotherapy agents in maintenance regimens.
Most side effects of intravesical chemotherapy go away within a few days. These include the need to urinate more frequently, a burning sensation when urinating, a small amount of red or pink color in urine, the presence of small scabs or tissue from bladder lining, and cystitis (inflammation of the bladder lining). Local irritation symptoms such as bladder discomfort, urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria (painful urination) are also common.
To manage these side effects, it's essential to drink more fluids than usual for 48 hours, consuming about 8-ounce cups of water 8 times per day. This helps to dilute the medication and reduce irritation. Drinking 2-3 liters of water per day can help with the side effects, and mild pain relief medication can also provide comfort.
Patients should avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol during recovery. It's also advisable to avoid products containing caffeine for 4 hours before treatment. A person should have as little urine in their bladder as possible before intravesical chemotherapy.
Proper handling and disposal of chemotherapy agents are essential due to their hazardous nature. Double gloves and safety protocols are recommended during preparation and administration. Patients should generally wait 14-21 days after TURBT before starting intravesical BCG therapy to allow healing and reduce the risk of systemic BCG infection.
Close monitoring for infection, bladder irritation, and systemic symptoms is necessary. Intravesical chemotherapy is contraindicated if there is gross hematuria or bladder perforation. A person should contact the doctor if side effects do not improve within 48 hours after the procedure.
Intravesical chemotherapy is a valuable treatment option, providing effective treatment for early-stage bladder cancer either on its own or as part of other treatments. The 5-year relative survival rate for people with localized bladder cancer is 70%.
It's crucial to remember that every individual's situation is unique, and a person should speak with a doctor about their likely survival rate based on their specific circumstances. A person should also take precautions such as wearing a condom or having their partner wear a condom for up to 48 hours following the therapy to protect their sexual health.
A person should use some form of birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment, as the drugs could harm an unborn baby. The catheter usually stays in place for 1-2 hours, and the person can urinate to void their bladder of the medication after an agreed time. After each treatment, the person may need to take special steps to clean their skin and clean out the toilet for up to 6 hours.
Intravesical chemotherapy is generally an outpatient procedure, but people may also have it after surgery. Clinical trials may offer options especially for patients unresponsive to BCG or standard chemotherapy.
In summary, intravesical chemotherapy is a valuable tool in the fight against bladder cancer, offering effective treatment for early-stage bladder cancer. Proper understanding, preparation, and care are crucial for managing its side effects and ensuring a successful treatment course.
Patients may opt for health-and-wellness therapies and treatments like intravesical chemotherapy, a medical-condition-focused intervention for non-music invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), which involves medicines like Mitomycin C, Gemcitabine, Doxorubicin, or BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) being injected into the bladder to combat cancer. This procedure, including peri-operative treatment after a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), can lead to side effects like urological discomfort, urinary frequency, and cystitis, but can be managed with measures such as increased fluid intake, mild pain relief medication, and avoiding caffeine-containing beverages. With proper handling, disposal, and medical supervision, intravesical chemotherapy contributes significantly to bladder health-and-wellness, providing effective treatment for early-stage bladder cancer.
