Bladder Cancer Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer
Chemotherapy (chemo) is the treatment of cancer with drugs that destroy cancer cells and tumors. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we may use chemotherapy in a variety of ways for the treatment of bladder cancer:
- Before surgery: Bladder cancer chemotherapy can help shrink tumors before surgery , which can make removing the tumor easier. This type of treatment is called neoadjuvant therapy. Sometimes, a less severe surgery may be possible when chemotherapy is used beforehand, which can help limit side effects.
- After surgery: Sometimes, chemotherapy for bladder cancer may be given after surgery to kill any cancer cells that remain in the body. This approach can lower the risk of cancer recurring later. This type of chemo is called adjuvant therapy.
- With radiation: Chemotherapy may also be given in conjunction with radiation therapy because it can help the radiation work better. However, bladder cancer chemo treatment can also increase the side effects of radiation.
At CTCA, chemotherapy for bladder cancer is individualized for each patient. Your care team will look at your blood counts and other health indicators to choose the right combination of chemotherapy drugs, along with other bladder cancer treatments.
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