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Friday, 21 March 2014

New Trends In Bladder Cancer Research

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By Luisa Sharpe


Bladder cancer research has taken a lot of different paths in the past few years. Until recent years there was only one way to diagnose this disease and by then it was often much too late to effectively treat it. Today there are multiple studies on how to detect this ailment through urine analyses. These methods are far less invasive than previous methods and are preferred by doctors.

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 is used to detect the most common cancers found in bladders. These are transitional cell cancers and they produce a protein in the nucleus of their cells that is found in small amounts in all people. When the levels of this protein increase it can be detected by this test.

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.

Combination therapies are being tested and proving to be effective also. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used together to first shrink the tumor prior to considering surgery. Radiotherapy works to help stop the tumors from returning after treatment. Another step that is often added is to flood the affected area with oxygen because the cells die easier when they are flooded with 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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