Bladder Cancer Advanced Stage 3: Symptoms, Origin, Remedies
In stage 3B bladder cancer, the cancer has spread beyond the bladder wall and may have invaded nearby organs such as the prostate in men or the uterus/vagina in women[1][2]. This advanced stage of bladder cancer requires comprehensive treatment strategies to combat the disease.
The primary treatment for stage 3B bladder cancer typically involves a radical cystectomy – a surgery to remove the bladder and affected nearby organs[1][2]. This procedure aims to eradicate the cancerous tissue and provide the best possible chances for recovery.
In addition to surgery, systemic treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often employed, either before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) the surgery[1][2][5]. Newer systemic treatments, such as the combination of PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin) plus KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), have shown significant survival benefits for muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients ineligible for traditional cisplatin-based chemotherapy[3].
Immunotherapy may also play a role in the treatment regimen, depending on individual patient factors and disease characteristics[1][2][3]. Radiation therapy can sometimes be used in bladder-sparing approaches when surgery is not feasible or desired[5].
The 5-year relative survival rate for regional bladder cancer, which includes stage 3 bladder cancer, is approximately 39%[4]. However, several factors can impact survival, such as a person's age, overall health, and how the cancer responds to treatment[6].
Stage 3 bladder cancer breaks down into two substages: 3A and 3B. In stage 3A, the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it may grow outside the bladder walls and muscles into the surrounding fatty tissue[1][2]. People who are unable to undergo surgery may need one or more of the following therapies: TURBT, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, intravesical therapy, or chemotherapy.
Symptoms of stage 3 bladder cancer include blood in urine (hematuria), a frequent need to urinate, trouble urinating, a weak urine stream, a burning sensation or pain during urination, feeling the urge to urinate even if the bladder is not completely full, needing to urinate multiple times per night, fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and lower back pain on one side[1][2].
Treatment plans should be individualized, considering patient health and preferences, and often involve multidisciplinary oncology teams[1][2][3][5]. It is essential for those diagnosed with bladder cancer to discuss their treatment options thoroughly with their healthcare providers.
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Bladder Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder/hp/bladder-treatment-pdq [2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Key Statistics for Bladder Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/about/key-statistics.html [3] AstraZeneca. (2021). PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) + KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) Combination Therapy Approved for Certain People with Advanced Urothelial Cancer. https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2021/padcev-enfortumab-vedotin-ejfv-combination-therapy-approved-for-certain-people-with-advanced-urothelial-cancer.html [4] American Cancer Society. (2021). Survival Rates for Bladder Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html [5] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Bladder Cancer. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/bladder.pdf [6] American Cancer Society. (2021). What Affects the Prognosis and Prognostic Factors for Bladder Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/prognostic-factors.html
