Bladder Cancer: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Objectives

To provide a comprehensive review of the basics of bladder cancer, including epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment options, supported by the most up-to-date clinical trial evidence.

Data Sources

Original scientific papers and abstracts and review articles.

Conclusion

The treatment of bladder cancer is dependent on the stage of the disease. Several clinical trials have shown the value of various surgical approaches, intravesical instillations of BCG and MVAC, MVC, gemcitabine/cisplatin and novel agents, depending on the stage of the disease. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become a standard of care, but adjuvant chemotherapy is still being evaluated.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Because of the clinical challenges associated with bladder cancer, oncology nurses must be knowledgeable about disease stages and treatments and understand how to help patients navigate across the therapeutic spectrum.