By Parsons JT, Zlotecki RA Journal of Urology. Research studies are frequently in progress involving new ways to treat bladder cancer. In most cases surgical removal of the bladder is recommended. When treatment with radiation therapy and chemotherapy is likely to be effective, the usual program is to treat the patient with approximately 6 months of chemotherapy and 7 weeks of external beam radiation therapy. Radiation therapy usually begins after 2 months of chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is given several times during the course of radiation treatment.
Side-effects of radiation therapy for bladder cancer may include fatigue, diarrhea, and irritation with urination. Treatment Results for Bladder Cancer Postdiversion precystectomy irradiation for cancer of the bladder. By Ellingwood KE, Drylie DM, DeTure FA, Million RR Cancer. By Parsons JT, Million RR International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics. By Parsons JT, Million RR Seminars in Surgical Oncology.