Latest Research On Bladder Cancer

Executive Summary

Several research studies have been conducted to seek more information on bladder cancer, their related prevention method, their diagnostic approach at the initial phase, and the best treatments strategies. The research areas have included new options for patients through clinical trials in the treatment of bladder tumour. Minimally invasive cystectomy is integrated as surgery of the bladder involving robotic bladder removal, which is effective and safe. The FDA has approved one targeted medicine to treat metastatic urothelial cancer. The Southwest oncology group is researching whether removing more lymph nodes than the standard can improve the prognosis and outcome. Tumour genetics has become more impactful as any changes or mutations in DNA could help with bladder tumour prognosis. New combinations of drugs for chemotherapy are being researched that are safe and effective for the treatment of bladder cancer. Immunotherapy research has looked at drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors to manage advanced cancer. Clinical trials find a better way to reduce current therapies’ symptoms and side effects to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life.

Advancement in Bladder Cancer Research

According to the Latest Research On Bladder Cancer .The areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials:

Minimally invasive cystectomy

Several studies study whether laparoscopic or robotic bladder removal is as safe and effective as standard surgery ​1​.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy targets cancer cells’ specific genes, tissue environment or protein that contribute to the growth and development of cancerous cells. Hence, research has been continuously finding such targeted therapies for bladder cancer. The FDA has approved one targeted medicine to treat metastatic urothelial cancer ​2​.

Lymph node dissection

A study started by the Southwest oncology group is researching whether removing more lymph nodes than the standard can improve the prognosis and outcome ​3​.

Also Read: Can Regular Exercise Prevent Cancer Symptoms?

Molecular tumor testing

The genes or proteins that could be a sign of Bladder cancer are being identified by different tests to predict bladder tumour recurrence or judge which patients need intense treatment. Tumor genetics has become more impactful as any changes or mutations in DNA could help in the prognosis of bladder tumour, and further doctors can decide the best treatment options. Genetic predisposition to cancer can participate in cancer development in some people ​4​.

New drug combination

New combinations of drugs for chemotherapy are being researched that are safe and effective for the treatment of bladder cancer ​5​.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapies boost the natural defense of the body against cancer. Immunotherapy research has looked at drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors to manage advanced cancer. These drugs block proteins (PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4) that are found on the surface of T cells that directly helps the body’s immune system fight disease ​6​. FDA has approved several drugs that block the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and have received FDA approval to treat bladder cancer.

Palliative care

Clinical trials find a better way to reduce current therapies’ symptoms and side effects to improve patient’s comfort and quality of life.

References

  1. 1.
    Cheung G, Dasgupta P, Guru KA, Billia M, Khan MS. Minimally invasive cystectomy approaches in the treatment of bladder cancer. Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy. Published online June 2012:733-741. doi:10.1586/era.12.52
  2. 2.
    Szklener K, Chmiel P, Michalski A, Mańdziuk S. New Directions and Challenges in Targeted Therapies of Advanced Bladder Cancer: The Role of FGFR Inhibitors. Cancers. Published online March 10, 2022:1416. doi:10.3390/cancers14061416
  3. 3.
    Nakagawa T. Lymph node dissection for bladder cancer: Current standards and the latest evidence. Int J Urol. Published online November 3, 2020:7-15. doi:10.1111/iju.14398
  4. 4.
    Soria F, Krabbe LM, Todenhöfer T, et al. Molecular markers in bladder cancer. World J Urol. Published online September 26, 2018:31-40. doi:10.1007/s00345-018-2503-4
  5. 5.
    Peng M, Xiao D, Bu Y, et al. Novel Combination Therapies for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer. Front Oncol. Published online January 27, 2021. doi:10.3389/fonc.2020.539527
  6. 6.
    Wołącewicz M, Hrynkiewicz R, Grywalska E, et al. Immunotherapy in Bladder Cancer: Current Methods and Future Perspectives. Cancers. Published online May 7, 2020:1181. doi:10.3390/cancers12051181