Understanding Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer - CTF Help

Forum / Cancer Community › Category: Bladder Cancer › How does immunotherapy work for bladder cancer?

CTF Help Staff asked 10 months ago

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. It can be particularly effective for bladder cancer, especially in cases where other treatments have not been successful. Here’s an overview of how immunotherapy works for bladder cancer:

Mechanisms of Immunotherapy

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
- PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors: These drugs block the interaction between PD-1 (a protein on T cells) and PD-L1 (a protein on cancer cells). By blocking this pathway, the drugs help activate T cells to attack cancer cells.
  - Common Drugs: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Atezolizumab (Tecentriq), Nivolumab (Opdivo), Durvalumab (Imfinzi), and Avelumab (Bavencio).
  - Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Therapy
- Description: BCG is a type of intravesical immunotherapy where a weakened strain of bacteria (Mycobacterium bovis) is instilled directly into the bladder. This stimulates the immune system to attack bladder cancer cells.
- Usage: It is commonly used for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, particularly after a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).
- Sources: American Urological Association, Mayo Clinic

Benefits of Immunotherapy

Targeted Action: Immunotherapy targets specific components of the immune system, helping it recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Durable Response: For some patients, immunotherapy can lead to long-lasting responses, even after treatment has ended.
Reduced Recurrence: BCG therapy, for example, helps prevent bladder cancer from returning after initial treatment.

Side Effects

While immunotherapy can be effective, it also comes with potential side effects, including:

Immune-Related Adverse Events: These can affect various organs and include inflammation, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and more severe conditions like pneumonitis or hepatitis.
- Management: Side effects are managed with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.
BCG-Related Side Effects: These may include bladder irritation, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and flu-like symptoms.
- Management: Symptoms typically resolve after a few days, but more severe reactions may require medical attention.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Patients undergoing immunotherapy require regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and manage any side effects. This often involves routine imaging tests, lab work, and clinical evaluations.

Sources and Further Reading

American Cancer Society - Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer
National Cancer Institute - Immunotherapy
Mayo Clinic - BCG Treatment
American Urological Association - Bladder Cancer Guidelines

Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of bladder cancer, offering new hope for patients with advanced or recurrent disease. Always consult with healthcare providers for the most personalized and up-to-date treatment options.

6 Answers

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Steve answered 10 months ago

Immunotherapy for bladder cancer works by helping your immune system fight the cancer cells. I found that it really helped me when other treatments didn't work as well. There are different types, like checkpoint inhibitors and BCG therapy.

For me, the side effects were manageable with my doctor's help, like dealing with fatigue and some urinary issues. It's important to stay in close contact with your healthcare team and keep up with your treatments - this type of therapy gave me hope and a new way to fight the cancer

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James answered 9 months ago

Durvalumab (Imfinzi) was the immunotherapy drug I used. It helped by activating my T-cells to target the bladder cancer cells. The treatment was intense, with some immune-related side effects like skin rashes and joint pain, but my healthcare team managed them well. I found joining a support group for other cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy to be very helpful. This treatment has been a crucial part of my cancer journey, offering me new hope when I needed it most.

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Lisa answered 9 months ago

I tried atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for my bladder cancer.

It works by blocking the PD-L1 protein on cancer cells, allowing my immune system to attack the cancer. It took some time for my body to adjust, and I did experience fatigue and some digestive issues, but overall, the treatment has been effective.

It's so important to have a good support system and to communicate openly with your doctors about any side effects. Immunotherapy has given me hope and a chance to keep fighting.

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John-1981 answered 9 months ago

BCG therapy was my treatment, and it worked by triggering my immune system to fight the cancer directly in the bladder. I had some bladder irritation and frequent urination, but these side effects were temporary and manageable. Staying hydrated and following my doctor's advice really helped. Immunotherapy provided me a new path when I thought there were no other options left. I encourage anyone considering it to discuss it thoroughly with their healthcare team.

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Emily answered 9 months ago

I was treated with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) after my initial bladder cancer treatments didn't work. Immunotherapy was a game-changer for me. It helped my immune system recognize and attack the cancer cells. The side effects were tough at times, like feeling really tired and having skin issues, but they were manageable. Regular check-ups with my doctor were essential. Overall, immunotherapy gave me a better quality of life and a fighting chance against the cancer.

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