Friday, March 21, 2014

A Look At Bladder Cancer Research

By Luisa Sharpe


Bladder cancer research today is looking at new ways to detect the disease earlier as well as more effective and less invasive ways to treat it once it has been discovered. There are many trials and studies being done that will contribute vital information to what is already known by researchers.

The trend for early detection is in urine analysis. There are three new tests for proteins in the urine that help to identify tumors especially in persons who have already been treated for this disease and may be suffering a relapse. The first, called BTA test, checks for a specific protein that signals the return of cancerous cells. There is a problem with false results because other conditions can affect the outcome.

The NMP22 test looks for a protein found in the nucleus of cells. This test works very well for detecting the most common type of transitional cell cancers. NMP22 occurs in most humans in very minute amounts and elevated levels indicate the patient may have TCC.

The latest test that has been developed is the Mcm5 test. It is used with the NMP22 test and has proven to be successful in finding the TCC in the majority of cases where it was used. This is important because early detection raises the chance of survival for the patient.

The method doctors most commonly use to find tumors is to use the cystoscopy system which is very effective and invasive. The doctor must insert a camera into the bladders of their patients after a liquid has been injected that helps illuminate the tumor and blood vessels that feed it. This procedure would need to be done regardless of any other tests that have been done.

Treatment is another area of interest for researchers. One that appears to be especially successful is photodynamic therapy. With this treatment the patient is injected through a catheter with a special drug and salt water. When the bladder is full a special type of light is directed at the organ to activate the drug. This treatment kills all cancerous cells as well as damaging the blood vessels that feed them. It then causes the immune system to activate and destroy the tumor. This method can only be used if the tumor has not broken through the wall of bladders of patients.

There are numerous studies being done that compare the different effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery combinations. The common goal is to find out which combination works best for patients. Chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumors, and then radiotherapy is used to help stop the return of the disease and surgery as a last resort to remove the organ. During the radiotherapy the area is flooded with oxygen because cancerous cells are more easily killed when they have plenty of oxygen.

Many researchers are experimenting with the concept of biological therapy. This method of treatment uses your body's natural substances to fight the cancers that you may have. Many drugs have been produced and are being used in tests with fairly good results. The reports from researchers give hope to those who may be suffering from this disease.




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