Bladder cancer - European Society for Medical Oncology

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Other side effects that may occur frequently with either one or more of the chemotherapy drugs used for bladder cancer include: • Mouth sores or ulcers • Taste changes • Diarrhea • Gritty or watery eyes • Sensitivity to sunlight • Kidney damage • Hearing loss • Damage to the fetus in the womb of a cancer patient receiving chemotherapy • Loss of fertility • Interruption of periods in women (amenorrhea), which may be temporary Occasional side effects include: • Changes in liver function • Damage to the heart muscle • Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes (peripheral neuropathy) • Constipation • Blurred vision • Skin rash or reddening of skin • Cough or shortness of breath • Liver changes • Changes in color of skin and/or nails • Allergic reaction • Inflammation around the drip/injection site • Fever and chills Rare side effects are: • Depression • Sore eyes • Headaches • Increased heart rate • Dizziness • High blood pressure Finally, it should be noted that some chemotherapy drugs are passed along with breast milk and may be harmful to the baby. Bladder cancer: a guide for patients‐ Information based on ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines ‐v.2012.1 Page 18 This document is provided by Reliable Cancer Therapies with the permission of ESMO. The information in this document does not replace a medical consultation. It is for personal use only and cannot be modified, reproduced or disseminated in any way without written permission from ESMO and Reliable Cancer Therapies.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TREATMENT? It is not unusual for cancer patients to experience treatment‐related symptoms after the treatment has been completed. • Patients may experience anxiety, sleeping difficulty or depression, and may need psychological support. • During and after treatment, nutrition may become problematic due to reduced appetite, nausea and general malaise • Difficulties in concentration and memorization are not uncommon side effects* of systemic chemotherapy, i.e. when administered in a vein or orally. Follow‐up* with doctors After completion of treatment the doctor will propose a follow‐up aiming to: • Detect and prevent adverse effects of the treatment • Detect possible recurrence* as soon as possible and direct appropriate treatment • Provide medical information, psychological support and referral to specialized support providers to optimize returning to normal daily life. The follow‐up protocol will include regularly timed office visits and investigations. The protocol depends on the grade* and staging* of the bladder tumor that was treated, and on the type of treatment given. In general, follow‐up visits may include a combination of the following investigations: • History of general physical health and bladder cancer‐related symptoms since the last visit • Cystoscopy* to detect recurrence* and to perform a biopsy* of new lesions • Imaging of the upper urinary system • Urinary cytology*: laboratory examination of the urine for the presence of tumor cells that are shed by a potentially recurring bladder tumor. • Laboratory investigations: blood chemistry and kidney function • Repeated radiologic investigations* in case initial examinations showed abnormal findings. There are no generally accepted follow‐up protocols. The following are recommended possible regimens: When organ preservation therapy* is given, very close follow‐up is mandatory: cystoscopy, urine cytology* and/or bladder biopsy* are recommended with a frequency of 3 months for the first 2 years, and every 6 months thereafter. This is also the case in patients who have been treated with radiotherapy*. After cystectomy, clinical control* should take place every 3 months during the first 2 years and subsequently every 6 months for 5 years. Returning to normal life Returning to normal daily life may be difficult knowing that the cancer may come back. If any of the known risk factors* for bladder cancer are present, it is advised to maximally eliminate these. Follow‐up* visits with the doctor provide an opportunity for the patient to obtain medical information, psychological support and referral to specialized support providers. Additional expert Bladder cancer: a guide for patients‐ Information based on ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines ‐v.2012.1 Page 19 This document is provided by Reliable Cancer Therapies with the permission of ESMO. The information in this document does not replace a medical consultation. It is for personal use only and cannot be modified, reproduced or disseminated in any way without written permission from ESMO and Reliable Cancer Therapies.
Page 1 and 2: BLADDER CANCER: A GUIDE FOR PATIENT
Page 3 and 4: DEFINITION OF BLADDER CANCER This d
Page 5 and 6: WHAT CAUSES BLADDER CANCER? Today,
Page 7 and 8: HOW IS BLADDER CANCER DIAGNOSED? Bl
Page 9 and 10: WHAT IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW TO DEF
Page 11 and 12: • Results of the biopsy* The tiss
Page 13 and 14: Intravesical* chemotherapy* or immu
Page 15 and 16: Chemotherapy* The standard combinat
Page 17: eproductive organs* may lead to sex
Page 21 and 22: DEFINITIONS OF DIFFICULT WORDS Aden
Page 23 and 24: Epirubicin A drug used together wit
Page 25 and 26: Methotrexate A drug used to treat s
Page 27 and 28: Squamous cell carcinoma Cancer that

Bladder cancer - European Society for Medical Oncology

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