Bladder cancer research today is looking at new ways to detect the disease earlier as well as more effective and less invasive ways to treat it once it has been discovered. There are many trials and studies being done that will contribute vital information to what is already known by researchers.
The studies dealing with earlier detection use analyses of urine to detect the tumors through proteins common to the growth. There are three separate types of urine analyses that are showing promise. The BTA test looks for specific proteins that may signal a return of prior cancers. It is very accurate but can be influenced by other conditions.
The NMP22 test is used to detect the most common cancers found in bladders. These are transitional cell cancers and they produce a protein in the nucleus of their cells that is found in small amounts in all people. When the levels of this protein increase it can be detected by this test.
The newest test being used is the Mcm5 test. It has shown itself to be just as effective at detecting TCC as the NMP22 test. When used together these two tests reliably indicate the presence of TCC earlier than other methods.
The method doctors most commonly use to find tumors is to use the cystoscopy system which is very effective and invasive. The doctor must insert a camera into the bladders of their patients after a liquid has been injected that helps illuminate the tumor and blood vessels that feed it. This procedure would need to be done regardless of any other tests that have been done.
Treatment is another area of interest for researchers. One that appears to be especially successful is photodynamic therapy. With this treatment the patient is injected through a catheter with a special drug and salt water. When the bladder is full a special type of light is directed at the organ to activate the drug. This treatment kills all cancerous cells as well as damaging the blood vessels that feed them. It then causes the immune system to activate and destroy the tumor. This method can only be used if the tumor has not broken through the wall of bladders of patients.
Combination therapies are being tested and proving to be effective also. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used together to first shrink the tumor prior to considering surgery. Radiotherapy works to help stop the tumors from returning after treatment. Another step that is often added is to flood the affected area with oxygen because the cells die easier when they are flooded with oxygen.
Other therapies being researched are hyperthermia and chemotherapy used together to help stop the return of tumors in patients. Medication is placed into the patient and heated with a micro-wave probe to enhance its effectiveness. Another approach that is gaining popularity is biological therapies. This process uses natural body substances to fight this disease. The drugs being made from body substances are being tested in multiple trials to determine the extent of their effectiveness on several different cancers. They have proven effective in several studies and appear to have a promising outcome in many others. The scientists are also constantly developing new drugs for this condition. The new drugs must be thoroughly tested and proven prior to being used for treatment on humans.
The studies dealing with earlier detection use analyses of urine to detect the tumors through proteins common to the growth. There are three separate types of urine analyses that are showing promise. The BTA test looks for specific proteins that may signal a return of prior cancers. It is very accurate but can be influenced by other conditions.
The NMP22 test is used to detect the most common cancers found in bladders. These are transitional cell cancers and they produce a protein in the nucleus of their cells that is found in small amounts in all people. When the levels of this protein increase it can be detected by this test.
The newest test being used is the Mcm5 test. It has shown itself to be just as effective at detecting TCC as the NMP22 test. When used together these two tests reliably indicate the presence of TCC earlier than other methods.
The method doctors most commonly use to find tumors is to use the cystoscopy system which is very effective and invasive. The doctor must insert a camera into the bladders of their patients after a liquid has been injected that helps illuminate the tumor and blood vessels that feed it. This procedure would need to be done regardless of any other tests that have been done.
Treatment is another area of interest for researchers. One that appears to be especially successful is photodynamic therapy. With this treatment the patient is injected through a catheter with a special drug and salt water. When the bladder is full a special type of light is directed at the organ to activate the drug. This treatment kills all cancerous cells as well as damaging the blood vessels that feed them. It then causes the immune system to activate and destroy the tumor. This method can only be used if the tumor has not broken through the wall of bladders of patients.
Combination therapies are being tested and proving to be effective also. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used together to first shrink the tumor prior to considering surgery. Radiotherapy works to help stop the tumors from returning after treatment. Another step that is often added is to flood the affected area with oxygen because the cells die easier when they are flooded with oxygen.
Other therapies being researched are hyperthermia and chemotherapy used together to help stop the return of tumors in patients. Medication is placed into the patient and heated with a micro-wave probe to enhance its effectiveness. Another approach that is gaining popularity is biological therapies. This process uses natural body substances to fight this disease. The drugs being made from body substances are being tested in multiple trials to determine the extent of their effectiveness on several different cancers. They have proven effective in several studies and appear to have a promising outcome in many others. The scientists are also constantly developing new drugs for this condition. The new drugs must be thoroughly tested and proven prior to being used for treatment on humans.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about bladder cancer research, pay a visit to the web pages online here today. You can see details at http://www.seizetheribbon.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment