Each year, approximately 70,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. A number of treatments are used to cure bladder cancer, including intravesical or intravesicular chemotherapy.
Identification
Intravesical chemotherapy involves inserting medicated liquid or chemicals into your bladder with a device known as a catheter. Drugs commonly used for intravesical chemotherapy include mitomycin, epirubicin or doxorubicin.
Function
The chemicals used for intravesical chemotherapy target and destroy the cancer cells present in your bladder. Doctors prefer to use intravesical chemotherapy when possible as it causes less frequent side effects than other types of chemo.
Types
Intravesical chemotherapy is typically given to patients with stage two or second grade bladder cancer. The American Cancer Society identifies stage two bladder cancer as a tumor that has grown into the muscle or second layer of the bladder, but has not moved into the third or fatty level.
Time Frame
After the medication enters your bladder, you hold the fluid for approximately two hours, reports Cancer Research UK. Once the time has passed, the medication is released from your body through regular urination.
Risks
Some patients develop inflammation of the bladder from intravesical chemotherapy that produces symptoms like frequent or painful urination or abdominal pain. Approximately one in every 10 people who receives intravesical chemotherapy develop a rash on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet, reports Cancer Research UK.
Tags: bladder cancer, intravesical chemotherapy, your bladder, American Cancer, American Cancer Society