Bladder cancer research has helped in the formulation of newer and more effective treatment options for the condition. Treatment modalities are more targeted because the pathogenesis of the condition is now well understood. Currently, there are a number of other ongoing studies that are aimed at improving on the existing ones. Some of the areas that have generated interest include precipitating factors, epidemiological characteristics and aetiology among others.
Many new treatments are now routinely practiced in some places. Some of the most advanced treatments that are available for consideration include gene therapy, immunotherapy, laparoscopic surgery and personalised chemotherapy. Perhaps the most interesting of them is gene therapy. In this type, the cancerous cells are targeted at gene level just as the name suggest. Interfering with the reproductive mechanism halts the uncontrolled proliferation.
Studies show that the prevalence of this cancer is at 400,000 in the United States. The incidence is about 16,000 every year. These statistics mean that the disease is huge public problem that should be taken seriously. Mortality is mainly cause by the high grade types that are also very invasive. Early identification and treatment helps reduce mortality significantly.
The condition has also been seen in dogs and has been extensively studied. Among dogs, the commonest type is the high grade type which typically presents with urinary obstruction. If not diagnosed in time, the tumour rapidly causes death. A number of treatments are in different stages of development. So far, the results from trials involving treatment of transitional cell carcinoma among the canines have been very promising.
The risk factors for the condition have been clearly profiled. Smoking remains the biggest risk factor contributing to about 35% of the cases according to a study conducted in the UK in 2010. Compared to non-smokers, smokers are four times more likely to get the tumour. The risk is proportional to the length and quantity of smoking.
Persons who work in some industries such as those that deal with dyes and rubber are at a particularly increased risk. This occupational risk has been known since as far back as the nineteenth century but it took close to 50 years to be proven scientifically. Amines found in the dyes have been shown to be highly carcinogenic. The common ones include benzidine and naphthalene.
Besides the amines, there are several other drugs, medical procedures and conditions which have been shown to increase the risk. The drugs phenacetin and cyclophosphamide are some of the well known carcinogens. The medical procedure known to cause an increase is irradiation of the pelvic organs which is often required in treatment of testicular cancer and cervical cancer.
Bladder cancer research will only be helpful if the results are well recorded in a properly managed data base. Patient details should be kept in a confidential but an accessible area to authorised personnel. Some studies will require that data is kept for several years or even decades. For this reason, good management is key. Response to different therapies and interventions should be clearly indicated in patient files. It is these results that influence future decision making.
Many new treatments are now routinely practiced in some places. Some of the most advanced treatments that are available for consideration include gene therapy, immunotherapy, laparoscopic surgery and personalised chemotherapy. Perhaps the most interesting of them is gene therapy. In this type, the cancerous cells are targeted at gene level just as the name suggest. Interfering with the reproductive mechanism halts the uncontrolled proliferation.
Studies show that the prevalence of this cancer is at 400,000 in the United States. The incidence is about 16,000 every year. These statistics mean that the disease is huge public problem that should be taken seriously. Mortality is mainly cause by the high grade types that are also very invasive. Early identification and treatment helps reduce mortality significantly.
The condition has also been seen in dogs and has been extensively studied. Among dogs, the commonest type is the high grade type which typically presents with urinary obstruction. If not diagnosed in time, the tumour rapidly causes death. A number of treatments are in different stages of development. So far, the results from trials involving treatment of transitional cell carcinoma among the canines have been very promising.
The risk factors for the condition have been clearly profiled. Smoking remains the biggest risk factor contributing to about 35% of the cases according to a study conducted in the UK in 2010. Compared to non-smokers, smokers are four times more likely to get the tumour. The risk is proportional to the length and quantity of smoking.
Persons who work in some industries such as those that deal with dyes and rubber are at a particularly increased risk. This occupational risk has been known since as far back as the nineteenth century but it took close to 50 years to be proven scientifically. Amines found in the dyes have been shown to be highly carcinogenic. The common ones include benzidine and naphthalene.
Besides the amines, there are several other drugs, medical procedures and conditions which have been shown to increase the risk. The drugs phenacetin and cyclophosphamide are some of the well known carcinogens. The medical procedure known to cause an increase is irradiation of the pelvic organs which is often required in treatment of testicular cancer and cervical cancer.
Bladder cancer research will only be helpful if the results are well recorded in a properly managed data base. Patient details should be kept in a confidential but an accessible area to authorised personnel. Some studies will require that data is kept for several years or even decades. For this reason, good management is key. Response to different therapies and interventions should be clearly indicated in patient files. It is these results that influence future decision making.
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