Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is very common form. As with all cancers it is important to seek medical attention without delay whenever cancer is suspected.

Usually the bladder will be examined with a cystoscope by a urologist to check for the growth of tumours. These can be removed in a relatively simple surgical procedure carried out under general anaesthetic or after local anaesthesia provided by Electro Motive Drug Administration (EMDA).

EMDA may also be used to provide more concentrated levels of anti-cancer drugs in the bladder wall than is possible with passive instillation.

Mitomycin C (MMC) is a commonly used cytotoxic drug. It has been shown that MMC delivered with EMDA provides higher concentrations of the drug in the bladder wall and that this substantially increases the disease free times between the recurrance of bladder tumours.

Another drug used for bladder cancer is BCG - this is more effective than MMC provided by simple instillation in the baldder. But it does have side effects. Now it has been shown that MMC delivered by EMDA is as effective as BCG but more effective in significantly increasing the disease free time - and this is without side effects.

The relevant articles are provided in the Genesis Medical Chemotherapy binder.

EMDA is provided in the UK by Genesis Medical and further information is available on request. Outside the UK, please visit www.physion.it.