Treatment options
How is bladder cancer treated?
Several factors that impact your treatment options, including:
- Whether you have invasive or noninvasive cancer
- The grade and stage of your disease
- Your overall health
- Your preferences
Working as a team of specialists with expertise in surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology, we care for all types of bladder cancer, including the most complex cases.
Surgery
For most cases, surgery is typically part of the treatment plan. There are several different kinds of surgeries, and our urologic oncologists are highly experienced at both open procedures as well as minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques that may involve shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer risks.
The most common bladder cancer surgery for early-stage disease is transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). Also called transurethral resection (TUR), this procedure involves removing any bladder tumors during a cystoscopy. You may also benefit from blue light cystoscopy, which enhances tumor detection during the procedure. For some, TUR may be enough to eliminate cancer. In other cases, you may also benefit from additional treatments, such as intravesical chemotherapy.
When cancer invades the bladder muscle, you may benefit from a partial cystectomy (removing a portion of the bladder) or a radical cystectomy (removing the entire bladder). During a cystectomy, nearby lymph nodes and any organs affected by the cancer may also be removed.
Bladder reconstruction and urinary diversions
Because cystectomy involves removing some or all of the bladder, your surgeon will need to provide a way for your body to store and reroute urine flow. Traditionally, patients will need a urostomy, which involves using a portion of the small intestine to create a drain through a small hole in the stomach connected to a bag outside of the abdomen. Certain patients may be eligible for a newer option called neobladder construction. A more natural solution, this procedure involves connecting a portion of the small intestine to the urethra for urine to exit the body.
Ileal Bladder Cystectomy Surgery
The most common treatment for invasive bladder cancer is complete removal of the bladder called total cystectomy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy plays a larger role in treating advanced forms of bladder cancer. When there is a high risk of spread, systemic chemotherapy may be given before surgery to destroy cancer cells anywhere in the body. In other instances, you may benefit from chemotherapy following surgery to reduce the chance of recurrence. Our medical oncologists continue exploring new chemotherapy combinations and protocols that may improve outcomes for our patients. For certain metastatic cancers, you may be eligible for chemotherapies available in clinical trials that may help to manage your disease while preserving your quality of life.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an exciting treatment option that harnesses an individual's own immune system to target cancer cells. One form, bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy (BCG) therapy, is given postoperatively for patients who have a high risk of recurring noninvasive bladder cancer after transurethral resection. However, not everyone responds to this therapy.
A newer class of immunotherapy agents called checkpoint inhibitors may offer better long-term results and fewer side effects than some chemotherapies. We continue to investigate our use of these therapies in combination with other treatments and how to use it earlier in the disease process.
Learn More About Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
Looking for expert cancer care?
With multiple locations throughout the region, patients have access to many of the nation’s renowned cancer specialists offering high quality care, second opinions and a chance for better outcomes close to where they live and work. Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the nation’s comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), serves as the research engine allowing patients access to clinical trials that often lead to breakthroughs in cancer care.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
Urologic Oncology
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Mohit Gupta, MD
Urologic Oncology & Urology
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Jonathan J Hwang, MD
Urology & Urologic Oncology
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Keith John Kowalczyk, MD
Urologic Oncology
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Ross E. Krasnow, MD
Urologic Oncology & Urology
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Lambros Stamatakis, MD
Urologic Oncology & Urology
Show All Urologic Oncology
Medical Oncology
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Kevin Y. Chen, MD
Medical Oncology & Hematology Oncology
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Nancy Ann Dawson, MD
Medical Oncology
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Hira Latif, MD
Hematology Oncology
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Paul Denis Leger, MD, MPH
Medical Oncology
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Charles A. Padgett, MD
Medical Oncology
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George K. Philips, MD
Medical Oncology
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Kristen D Whitaker, MD
Hematology Oncology & Medical Oncology
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Radiation Oncology
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Katherine S Chen, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Sean Philip Collins, MD,PhD
Radiation Oncology
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Andrew Satinsky, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Paul Byron Fowler, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Kelly E. Orwat, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Stephen Krystjan Ronson, MD
Radiation Oncology
Show All Radiation Oncology
Our locations
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MedStar Franklin Square Cancer Center at Loch Raven Campus
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Russell Morgan Building First Floor Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus
12 MedStar Blvd. Ste. 180 Bel Air, MD 21015
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC 20007
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital
7501 Surratts Rd. Ste. 101 Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Health: MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18105 Prince Philip Dr. TG100 Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd. First Fl. Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9103 Franklin Square Dr. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Cancer Institute Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21237
Why choose us
Our specialists work collaboratively with experts in surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, radiology, pathology, and nursing to ensure we consider all your best treatment options. Patients come to us because:
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Our doctors are highly trained in sub-specialized fields with dedicated experience in treating urologic cancers.
Because our urologic oncologists focus exclusively on treating these types of cancers, they are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating patients with all forms of this disease. These surgeons have extensive training and skill in performing laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures involving smaller incisions and less blood loss which often leads to shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries. In addition, they remain at the cusp of emerging techniques that enable them to preserve as much natural bladder function as possible so you can maintain a high quality of life.
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Our multidisciplinary team approach ensures you have the best chance for a cure.
Our urologic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists are all experts in their respective fields. Still, patients benefit from our collaborative efforts to consider every possible testicular cancer treatment option together. We meet regularly to discuss complex urologic cancer cases, which offers patients the advantage of input from multiple cancer doctors. We also work alongside reconstructive surgeons, dermatologists, and other specialists, as well as specially-trained support staff, to ensure we provide customized treatment with the goal of curing your cancer with the least possible impact on your quality of life.
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We offer comprehensive treatment options using advanced technologies and therapies that may result in faster recovery and fewer side effects.
Our surgeons are pioneers in minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted technology that can effectively treat many testicular cancers with fewer complications and quicker healing than traditional surgeries. When appropriate, patients also benefit from access to a full range of advanced cancer treatments, from innovative radiation therapies to the latest cancer-fighting drugs, including those that may only be available in clinical trials.
Awards and recognition
Recipient of an Accreditation with Commendation, the highest level of approval, from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC)
Numerous surgeons, medical oncologists, and surgical oncologists recognized as "Top Doctors" by both Baltimore Magazine and the Washingtonian
Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Clinical trials and research
Clinical trials
We regularly participate in clinical trials, including those investigating immunotherapies that stimulate an individual's immune system to fight cancerous cells. Many of these promising options allow us to offer hope for patients whose cancer has not responded to standard therapies.
Research
Bladder cancer research continues to advance how we diagnose and treat these diseases. We continue investigating new ways to use existing and emerging therapies to destroy cancer cells in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer.
Support services
Even before treatment, we equip you with the support and resources you need to feel cared for mentally, physically, and emotionally during your journey with cancer. From peer-to-peer connections and support from social workers to experts in pain management, rehabilitation, and other specialties, we offer a wide range of services and programs tailored to your needs.
Learn More About Cancer Support Services
Genetic counseling
A very small percentage of these cancers are linked to genetic mutations that can be passed down from family member to family member. Meeting with our board-certified genetic counselors can help you and your family understand and mitigate your risk of developing this disease and other related cancers.
Learn More About Genetic Counseling
Personalized rehabilitation
When cancer treatment affects your mobility, strength, and stamina, our specialized rehabilitation experts can design personalized plans to help your body move to the best of its ability. Our experts in physical and occupational therapy are dedicated to restoring your quality of life and well-being.
Learn More About Cancer Rehabilitation
Survivorship
Cancer of the bladder has a high recurrence rate which is why follow-up care is so important after treatment. As part of your individualized survivorship plan, we'll help you stay on top of medical checkups and strategies for establishing good health. Our specialists can also help you navigate any emotional and physical challenges that may emerge, such as fear of recurrence, fertility concerns, or issues with your sexual or urinary health.