4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is another treatment option for bladder cancer. This method of treatment focuses on the specific tissues, genes, and proteins that promote the growth and survival of cancer cells.
Targeted therapy blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells and tries to limit damage to healthy cells. It makes use of an FDA-approved drug called Balversa.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy makes use of catheters. These are thin tubes that are placed directly on the tissue to provide radiation. Radiation therapy delivers powerful radiation that can eradicate any leftover cancer cells after the removal of the tumor.
This is a treatment option to consider during the early stages of bladder cancer and if the patient cannot undergo surgery and chemotherapy.
2. Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy utilizes light energy and drugs, which are photosensitizing agents. This particular therapy destroys cancer cells once the light is activated. The drug becomes active when it is exposed to light. The light can originate from a laser or any other source, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
According to studies, this light-based therapy can stimulate the body’s immunological response, providing an additional layer to aid in the destruction of malignant and precancerous cells.
1. Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is the latest treatment option for bladder cancer. It addresses the underlying genetic issue that is causing the disease by modifying the patient’s DNA. A particular method of gene therapy employs laboratory-modified viruses.
Urinary bladder cancer cells are infected with a virus that is inserted into the bladder. In this type of infection, the virus actually injects a gene into the cells that instruct the immune system to go after the malignancy.
These are bladder cancer treatments worth considering.