What treatments are available for recurring bladder cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year and underwent TURBT. But now the cancer has come back again.

Is there anything beyond BCG that works better for recurrence?
Someone mentioned immunotherapy, like checkpoint inhibitors, can be used in bladder cancer too?
Also, what are the chances of bladder removal if it keeps coming back?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern.

I am sorry to hear about your bladder cancer recurrence. I will do my best to guide you on the treatment options and help you understand your current situation better.

You mentioned a recurrence after undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy. Unfortunately, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) can be recurrent in nature, especially in high-risk cases. If it is BCG-unresponsive, it is important to explore other treatment options.

Treatment options beyond BCG:

Immunotherapy, such as Atezolizumab, Nivolumab, or Pembrolizumab, is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for certain cases.
Gene therapy (Interferon).
Intravesical chemotherapy.
Cystectomy (best chance of long-term control).

The next steps for you will be to:

Confirm the pathology to determine if it is still NMIBC or has progressed.
Discuss with a uro-oncologist.
Follow-up and monitoring: Regular cystoscopic surveillance should be done.

Please keep your treating urologist informed about any new symptoms such as hematuria, urgency, or pain.

Wishing you strength and the best possible outcome in your treatment journey.

Hope this answers your question.

Thank you.