Actos Bladder Cancer Broadcast

Actos Bladder Cancer : Not resting on their laurels, the clinical research community has moved forward and is now testing a new combination that adds paclitaxel, another active drug mentioned above, to the gemcitabine- cisplatin regimen. A three-drug combination (gemcitabine-cisplatin- paclitaxel) has been compared to the two-drug standard, to see whether this produces better cancer shrinkage and improved survival. In June 2007, the first report of this trial was made public. It indicated that the three-drug combination offered no significant benefit compared to gemcitabine-cisplatin and was associated with more side effects.

Another new agent, pemetrexed, also targets the division and reproduction of cancer cells, and has a relatively gentle profile with regard to side effects. It is being tested in patients who have already been treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin to see whether it will cause tumor shrinkage. Early reports are promising, but its true use­fulness is not yet known, and it has not yet been assessed by the Food and Drug Administra tion, which must give formal approval for its use in the treatment of bladder cancer.

In addition to the use of chemotherapy, another class of anti-can- cer agents, the so-called growth inhibitors or targeted agents, is being tested in patients with advanced bladder cancer. It is known that pro­teins located on the surface of cancer cells can control the rate of DNA production and division and stimulate cancer-cell growth. An example is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which sits on the surface of some bladder-cancer cells and helps to control the rate at which they grow and divide. Inhibitors of the function of EGFR (and of the genes that control its production) have been developed and are known to slow or stop the growth of some cancer cells.

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You may be alarmed if your doctor suggests the possibility of par­ticipating in a clinical trial Does it mean that you have no hope? What should you do? How should you respond? It’s important not to dismiss the idea out of hand. The words experimental, research, and human volunteer can be upsetting, particularly at a time when you are dealing with the emotional issues surrounding a diagnosis of advanced cancer. But treatments in clinical trials can often be highly beneficial to those who volunteer. You and your loved ones should talk with your medical team members about the kind of clinical trial they are recommending and why it may benefit you. In fact, several studies have shown that patients participating in clinical trials have better outcomes than those found in the community at large. However, this also may be due to the types of patients who agree to participate in trials.

Does referral to a clinical trial mean that there is no hope of your surviving this illness? Not at all! There is always hope of survival, and any doctor can tell you about people who have responded positively to treatment and not only survived, but thrived. Being in a clinical trial doesn’t mean that you won’t continue to receive medical treatment; you wall, and since it’s a voluntary process, you have the right to stop participating in the trial at any time.

As with any aspect of your treatment plan, you make the decision about whether to proceed. Don’t feel pressured to participate in a trial if it doesn’t feel right for you, but do give it objective thought and consideration. How do you begin thinking through the decision on whether to participate in a trial?

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Probably the first question that comes to your mind is whether clinical trials are safe. Scientists and medical investigators work hard to ensure that they are as safe as possible. The medical community and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Sendees have put rules in place ensuring that every clinical trial is highly regulated and reviewed by health-care professionals, who determine that the trial is designed and conducted in compliance with federal regulations gov­erning research on human volunteers. Everything about the trial, from the doctors involved to the people who volunteer and the treat­ment being tested, is subject to strict review and monitoring. However, it is important to understand that some clinical trials do carry increased risks.

As with any treatment, you’ll want to ask about possible risks, ben­efits, side effects, how the treatment works, and what results doctors expect from the study.You’ll want to know who is conducting the clin­ical trial and what kind of oversight is in place. Also ask what is expected of you. Where will you go for the treatments? How often will you go? Are there more tests or office visits than you might have with standard treatment? Who administers the treatments and how are the results measured? Do you have to report regularly to those running the trial? Who pays for it all? Will there be extra costs to you as a result of your participation? Will the team conducting the trial (or the doctors involved) stand to benefit personally from the results of the trial or its conduct?

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Bladder Cancer

Actos Bladder Cancer News Flash

Actos Bladder Cancer : The word “invasive”refers to whether cells from your bladder cancer have “invaded” the muscle wall of the bladder, and if so, how far into the layers of muscle tissue it has penetrated.This can usually be deter­mined from biopsy results, or occasionally when an operation has been performed to remove the bladder and some of the surrounding tissues. In some cases, organs near the bladder (such as the vagina in women, or the prostate in men) may have been invaded as well.

Invasive cancer extends further into the body than superficial TCC does and is therefore a more serious stage of the disease. It requires more complicated treatment, such as surgical removal of the bladder. This may, in turn, change how you manage basic physical functions in your everyday life, such as your bathroom habits and even your sex life. Also of importance is the significant rate of recurrence connected with invasive cancer. Often other organs, such as the lymph nodes, lung or liver, are involved.

Despite such a gloomy introduction to this chapter, there is every reason for you to be hopeful if youVe been diagnosed with invasive cancer. Current treatment, which includes surgery (cystectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or two of these approaches com­bined, offers you an excellent chance for long-term survival and, in many cases, for a cure. This applies particularly to those invasive tumors that have not penetrated outside the bladder, the so-called ” organ- confined” tumors.

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There is no question that the after effects of surgical removal of the bladder (cystectomy) can be unsettling to think about. You won’t have a bladder or maybe even a urethra any longer. How will you be able to pass urine? Will you have to have some type of urine-collect­ing bag? Will there be an odor? Will it show when you wear certain clothing? We’ll talk about all those things in more detail, but in brief, your team will need to surgically create an artificial urine-collection system for you. This is known as a urinary diversion system. In years past, the only option was a urine-collection bag worn outside the body which many people found to be unpleasant or even embarrassing.

The good news is that now, in many cases, an artificial bladder (sometimes called a neobladder) can be fashioned from a piece taken from the intestine (bowel), enabling you to void urine in a normal or near-normal fashion. You’ll have to learn to use a different set of mus­cles when urinating, and there may be some leakage now and then, particularly at night. Leakage can be controlled by wearing under­wear designed with a disposable pad or, for men, a sort of condom. Overall, it’s a more attractive option that makes it easier to face a complicated and often scary surgery such as cystectomy. And with modern techniques, most patients no longer have to contend with urinary leakage, except on rare occasions.

Even if you are disappointed because the creation of an internal urinary diversion system is not possible in your situation, keep in mind that there is also no question that cystectomy is a powerful weapon against invasive bladder cancer that can increase your odds of living a long, cancer-free life. Cystectomy is the most common treatment option for invasive blad­der cancer. In most cases, your medical team will recommend a com­plete (or radical) cystectomy. This means that your bladder, the lymph nodes tucked around your bladder in the abdomen, the prostate in men, and the uterus, ovaries, and part of the vaginal wall in women will be surgically removed. Depending on where the cancer is locat­ed, the urethra may also be removed.

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It’s easy to confuse some of the terms your doctors use, such as “cystoscopy”(a diagnostic pro- cedure that introduces a tube into the bladder so that the doctor can look at the inner surface and take a biopsy) and “cystectomy” (the surgical removal of the bladder). Don’t hesitate to ask your doctors for clarification. Cystectomy seems like a drastic surgery, doesn’t it? Why remove so many body parts? Why not just take the tumor and some surrounding tissue?

Depending on where your tumor is located, the cancer-causing substances responsible for the tumors in your bladder were also fil­tered through the kidney, ureters, and urethra, and there is a possibil­ity that tumors may be forming in those organs, too. In particular, the tissues lining the bladder, ureters, and urethra (known as the urothe­lial tissues) may be at risk from the after effects of cancer-causing substances, such as agents in cigarette smoke or industrial dyes. Also, because your cancer may have penetrated the muscle wall, it’s possi­ble that organs surrounding the bladder, such as the prostate, uterus, or vagina, may also be at risk from further growth of the cancer cells.

So in the case of bladder cancer, which often recurs or spreads to other organs, you’ll have a much better chance of a cure once organs and tissue have been removed in areas where the disease is likely to spread or where it may already have infiltrated. And a cure is what you and your doctors most definitely want to strive for. Sometimes, if the cancer is very localized and surrounded by plenty of healthy, noncancerous tissue, a partial cystectomy might be recommended, whereby only a portion of the bladder is removed and some or all of the surrounding organs may be saved.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Bladder Cancer Advice

Actos Bladder Cancer : When an individual has gross hematuria or persistent microscopic hematuria, a complete assessment of the urinary tract is required. Although cystoscopy is the test of choice for examination of the bladder, imaging studies are required to make sure there is no disease in the upper tracts (kidneys and ureters). Bleeding can be caused from many different disorders including transitional cell carcinoma of the upper tracts, kidney or ureteral stones, or renal cell carcinoma (cancer of the parenchyma or fleshy part of the kidneys). Your urologist has a number of options to choose from. There are advantages and disadvantages of each.

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is accomplished by injecting a contrast agent into your vein and then obtaining X ray images. The contrast is excreted by your kidneys, subsequently filling the lumen of the kidneys, ureters and the bladder. The contrast allows one to see subtle filling defects within chambers of the urinary tract, possibly representing tumor, stone or blood clot. Tumors of the fleshy part of the kidneys can also be seen. The study also allows for an assessment of renal function. It is a sensitive test for renal obstruction, which can occur because of cancer. Disadvantages of the study include the possibility of an IV contrast agent allergy, which occasionally may be serious.

You will be asked whether you have a sea food allergy, a known allergy to iodine or to IV contrast. If this is the case, you may need to be premedicated prior to the exam to avoid a reaction. Although the study is quite useful at visualizing the upper tracts, it is not very good at picking up subtle tumors on the bladder surface. If your kidneys do not function well (you have renal insufficiency), the contrast may cause harm to your kidneys and the imaging will not be as good. For pregnant women, any X ray exam could be potentially damaging to the fetus and therefore, will not be performed.

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Ultrasonography can check for a kidney tumor, stone, or obstruction. Bladders filled with urine can be scanned. There is no contrast or X rays involved, and therefore the study can be accomplished in those with renal disease, contrast allergies or for women who are pregnant. Although larger tumors of the bladder are often visible, it is not a good study to rule out urothelial cancer (transitional cell cancer of the urinary tract lining) since smaller tumors or flat tumors in the lining are not visible. Also, other conditions such as enlarged folds in the bladder or enlarged prostates can be confused with bladder tumors. Ultrasound exams are generally fast, painless, and relatively inexpensive. An ultrasound combined with cystoscopy plus cytology (to rule out cancer cells) is a reasonable assessment for those with a low likelihood of having upper tract disease.

CT Scan or CAT (computerized axial tomography) provides a computerized cross sectional visualization of the abdomen and pelvis. X ray images are synthesized into exquisitely detailed images. The CT scan can be done with or without IV contrast, and therefore has the same limitations as IVP in those with allergies to contrast or renal insufficiency. These studies are excellent for finding renal cell cancers and stones within the kidneys and ureter, but not very good at delineating cancers of the lining. CT scan is often an important part of staging bladder cancer, determining whether the cancer has spread.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technology which uses strong magnets to provide detailed images of your internal organs. Like ultrasound, this study has no known harmful effects on the body. It does not require contrast injection like CT scan and can be done safely in patients with renal insufficiency. It is not generally used for initial screening. Many individuals find the test uncomfortable due to a loud noise heard throughout the test, in addition to the close quarters the machine requires, leading to feelings of claustrophobia. A mild sedative may be required if the test is necessary and the individual experiences these uncomfortable feelings.

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Initial treatment may eradicate an individual’s bladder cancer, however, for many, recurrent tumors may develop. Up to 70% of individuals will have recurrent bladder cancer after initial therapy. In approximately one third of patients, not only will tumors recur, but they will become more serious over time, developing a higher grade or stage. This chapter will review the importance of staging bladder cancer, the single most important predictor of future problems. In addition, we will review other important indicators that impact the prognosis.

After the diagnosis of cancer is made, it is critical to establish the stage of the cancer. Cancer stage quantifies the extent of cancer in the individual. The number of tumors, their size, whether or not they have grown into the wall of the organ or spread beyond, all fit into the various stages of a particular cancer. Most cancers can be found at an early, nonlethal stage. As they grow and worsen, they can invade the wall of the organ they lodge in, spread locally through the organ into surrounding tissue, or spread throughout the body via the lymphatic or blood system.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Bladder Cancer Top News

Actos Bladder Cancer : In both cases, the first step is a cystoscopy and removal of the tumor. For smaller superficial tumors, removal can sometimes be accomplished with biopsy forceps alone. For larger tumors, a resectoscope is used. In the case of a large invasive cancer which clearly is growing deep into the bladder, the urologist may choose not to remove the entire tumor since further surgery will be required and there is little to be gained by resecting more (and possibly more to be lost with a greater chance of serious bleeding or a bladder perforation with a more extensive resection). If however, the individual will not be a candidate for open surgery (due to advanced age or other medical risk factors), a more thorough resection may be advisable to prevent recurrence of future hematuria, or perhaps to allow for an alternate form of therapy such as a “bladder sparing” regimen, consisting of transurethral .resection, radiation, and chemotherapy.

In a small percentage of individuals a partial cystectomy, removing just part of the bladder, is possible, and may be the preferred form of open surgery. This procedure can generally be accomplished if the cancer is located in an accessible area of the bladder such as the dome, is not multi-focal, or too large. Many tumors arc too large, are multi-focal, or are in an inaccessible area, and therefore are not treatable with partial cystectomy. Furthermore, even when an individual presents with a cancer which is treatable via partial cystectomy, removal of the entire bladder may be preferable since recurrent, invasive disease in the remaining bladder is probable. For the elderly or those in poor health, and others with a limited life expectancy, partial cystectomy may be ideal if doable.

Radical cystectomy is a major surgery with potential complications. You therefore, need to be in the best possible medical condition prior to surgery. Your health care history will be reviewed by your urologist. If you have specific medical conditions such as heart disease or respiratory disease, a referral to the specialist or primary care physician overseeing management of these conditions is usually warranted to make sure your risk factors have been corrected or improved, to allow for safe surgery. If you have a medical condition which places you at substantial risk of a major complication, it should be addressed prior to proceeding with a surgery of this extent. For example, if you have a heart condition, such as an irregular heart beat, medication may need to be adjusted. Some patients may need to go on lung medication to improve their lung function. On occasion, an individual may need to even have surgery for a blocked heart vessel prior to going ahead with a radical cystectomy. If you still are smoking, you should definitely stop at least two weeks prior to surgery.

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You will need to discontinue any medications that can affect your ability to clot during surgery. These may include coumadin and aspirin and other medications which keep your blood from readily clotting. Some vitamins such as Vitamin E can also affect clotting and should be stopped. Herbal remedies will also need to be reviewed with your urologist, as some may affect your ability to clot. Your urologist will go over the medications and let you know which will need to be discontinued prior to surgery. If you drink more than the equivalent of 2 ounces of alcohol per day, it is important to stop drinking alcohol preferably at least a week or more prior to surgery. If you are an alcoholic and drink large quantities of alcohol on a regular basis, you will face the possibility of delirium tremens (DTs) after surgery when you cannot drink alcohol. DTs is a serious medical complication with a high mortality rate. If you have any doubts regarding your consumption of alcohol, you should discuss this with your urologist.

You may wish to donate blood which will be held in the blood bank for you exclusively during or after surgery. These units of blood are called autologous units and may be transfused only into you. Your urologist will advise you if it is necessary for you to donate blood. If you do choose to donate blood, generally a unit can be given every 7-10 days. It is advisable to take iron supplements during donation so your body can quickly rebuild its blood supply prior to surgery.

If you have experienced a recent illness which has weakened you, it is important to be fully recovered prior to proceeding with the operation. Illness may result in a state of malnutrition. If you have experienced recent weight loss, it may be important to take protein supplements to build up your body prior to surgery.

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Because your urologist will be using a piece of your bowel to create a new urinary drainage system, your small and large bowel will need to be thoroughly cleaned out prior to surgery. Your urologist will prescribe cleansing agents such as Golytely or Fleet Phospho-soda the day before surgery to rid the bowel of fecal contents. It is also standard to take a number of antibiotic pills the day before surgery to reduce the bacterial count in the bowel. You will be on “clear liquids” the day before with nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Your urologist will give you detailed instructions regarding the bowel prep and a prescription for the antibiotics.

Getting a good night’s sleep the evening before surgery will help you deal with the initial anxiety as you travel to the hospital. Ask your physician for a “sleeping pill” if you know you will be facing a sleepless night.

If you are very anxious about your upcoming surgery, talk to your urologist or primary care physician. A prescription for medication to reduce anxiety may be appropriate. For those individuals who wish to “go natural,” various techniques such as meditation, guided imagery, or Reiki can be practiced prior to and after surgery to reduce stress and anxiety and enhance your recovery. These modalities are generally available in most communities. If you need help in learning these techniques, ask your physician for a referral or call your hospital for resources in your community.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Bladder Cancer Legal Scoop

Actos Bladder Cancer : As mentioned in the previous chapter, current practice is to blend chemotherapy drugs in order to get a head start in treating the can­cer before it becomes too extensive.The goal is increased effectiveness in fighting advanced bladder cancer. This practice has often resulted in a longer and more comfortable lifespan for many bladder-cancer patients and has made it possible to offer increased hope.

A quick review: Chemotherapy is a term that refers to drugs that fight cancer, usually by causing cancer cells to die or causing the process of their growth to stop. It is often a liquid medicine given by injection into the vein. Sometimes it can be administered as a tablet. Chemotherapy treatment is usually provided on an outpatient basis, although certain drugs, such as dsplatin, may be given during a short in-patient stay.

Chemotherapy treatments – which drugs are given and how often ~ vary from person to person, depending on the stage of disease, the patient’s age and overall health, and many other factors. Usually you will receive the drugs intravenously (by needle into the vein), and each treatment will take from one to several hours. You may receive several treatments over the course of a month, and treatments may be given for up to six months or occasionally a bit longer. (More infor­mation about chemotherapy is available in Chapter 5, including a detailed discussion of side effects and potential benefits.)

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Chemotherapy has many uses. It is given to reduce or eliminate cancer cells present in your body, as well as to prevent existing cancer cells from growing and flourishing. Chemotherapy can inhibit and sometimes prevent the formation of new cancer cells. It can shrink tumors so that they are safely operable. When chemotherapy is used to stop bladder cancer from coming back after treatment by cystecto­my or radiotherapy it is called adjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy is not yet able to cure all cancer, but it has certainly opened the door for many people to enjoy man)” months of extended life.

Again, a reminder: Chemotherapy is powerful medicine. In addition to causing damage to cancerous cells, it can damage cells in the bone marrow that produce blood.This means that your blood count may be lower than usual. A shortage of white blood cells can leave you vulner­able to infections. A low platelet count may lead to bruising or even extensive bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes. Low red blood cell counts leave you feeling fatigued or exhausted (a condition called anemia). These side effects usually go away after the treatment is stopped. Temporary symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can be controlled to some extent by drugs, while other, more permanent side effects can occur, such as infertility or premature menopause.

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There are many chemotherapy drugs or agents, and it has been known for 50 years that some of these can cause advanced or metastatic bladder cancer to shrink or even disappear. The problem is that sometimes the cancer will recover and start to grow again.

Although many anti-cancer or chemotherapy drugs have been shown to work against advanced or metastatic bladder cancer, the list in “routine” use today is somewhat smaller. Before mentioning details of the different drugs, it is worth mentioning that a series of clinical trials (see page 111 for a discussion of clinical trials) has shown that combinations of chemotherapy drugs administered together are usually more effective than the use of single drugs. For many years, a combi­nation of four chemotherapy agents (methotrexate, vinblastine, Adriamycin, and cisplatin), the so-called MVAC regimen or treatment, has been used as a standard chemotherapy for advanced bladder cancer. Some years ago, a trial showed that MVAC gave higher shrink­age rates and longer survival than cisplatin alone and that it was also superior to a regimen that combined three drugs (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, and cisplatin).

The problem was that it was really quite toxic, with side effects that included nausea, vomiting, a sore mouth, risk of infection, and occasionally problems with cardiac (heart) function. Despite the problems, around 60 percent to 70 percent of patients experienced shrinkage of their metastatic bladder cancers in response to this treatment, and there were patients who survived in good health for several years after such treatment (without recurrence).

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Bladder Cancer : There are currently many ongoing clinical trials in the field of bladder cancer that will hopefully improve not only the survival outcomes for patients with bladder cancer, but also the quality of life of those living with bladder cancer. Clinical trials are an extremely important aspect in the treat­ment of many medical illnesses. In fact, many treatments you undergo today, whether it is for bladder cancer or another medical condition, were likely at some point part of a clinical trial. Your physician may approach you regarding clinical trials that are ongoing at his or her institution or near you. Don’t interpret this to mean your condition is not treatable with the currently approved therapies; your physician may just happen to know of a trial that may be helpful to you.

There are many types of clinical trials; some deal with new medical or surgical treatments for bladder cancer, some with new imaging modalities for diagnosis and staging of bladder cancer, and some with the possible prevention of bladder cancer. If you are approached about a clinical trial it is important to know exactly what you are getting into before you enroll. Although there is generally a lengthy consent process, the best way to be informed is to ask questions of both your physician and the person running the trial.

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It is important to remember that any treatment for bladder cancer, both surgical and nonsurgical, may be associated with complications and side effects. Some side effects can be mild and self-limiting, whereas others can more signifkantiy impact your quality of life. The best way to plan for the side effects of treatment is to know about them ahead of time. Although this won’t prevent side effects or complications, prior knowledge and preparation may ease any difficulties during or after treatment. It is also important to remember that each individual is unique and responds to treatment differentiy. If you know somebody who has been treated for bladder cancer in the past and had a particularly good (or not so good) experience, this does not necessarily apply to your situation. In this chapter we discuss some of the more common side effects and
potential complications associated with the treatment of bladder cancer. The following discussion may seem overwhelming and a bit daunting, but its intent is not to cause you stress. For the most part, severe and significant complications with treatment are rare, but they do happen and you should consider your tolerance for such events when choosing the most appropriate treatment plan for you. The best preparation is knowledge; therefore being aware of potential side effects up front will allow you to make more informed treatment decisions.

Roughly 5-10 percent of patients experience a fever after a transurethral procedure. This is almost always due to a urinary tract infection. The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection in this setting are fever, chills, side pain, and frequent or painftil urination. If you experience a fever postoperatively, you should contact your physician immediately. The vast majority of infections can be treated as an outpatient with oral antibiotics and resolve in several days. Most urologists give you antibiotics during your procedure and for a few days thereafter to prevent infection, but unfortunately a small percentage of patients will still experience an infection despite taking antibiotics. It is important to note that most patients have lower urinary tract symptoms after surgery. This is directly related to the manipulation from the cystoscope and any biopsies or resection that were performed. These procedures cause bladder and urethral inflammation, which may cause you to experience painful urination, urinary frequency, and urgency for several days after the procedure. These symp­toms are very similar to that of a urinary tract infection and can be confusing, but they do not cause fever like a urinary tract infection. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are a result of an infection or the procedure, the safest bet is to consult your urologist as soon as possible.

Urinary retention (inability to pass the urine) is another uncommon and generally self-limiting complication one can experience after surgery. In men, this is often caused by swelling of the prostate due to manipulation from the cystoscope. Excessive bleeding may also result in clot formation that can obstruct the flow of urine. Patients who experience this side effect urinate in small volumes or not at all, even though their bladder is uncomfortably full. The treatment for this is simple; a catheter is placed in your bladder for a few days to allow any edema (swelling) to resolve. The catheter can then be removed several days later and most patients void without difficulty at that point.

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At the time of TURBT, perforation of the bladder can occur. This happens if the full thickness of the bladder wall is resected at the time of TURBT. This is often inadvertent, but it can also be done intentionally by your surgeon in the case of a tumor that grows deep into the wall of the muscle. Most perforations are small and will close on their own, without additional intervention. You may need to have a Foley catheter for several days to permit healing and minimize leakage of urine from the perforation. In rare circumstances a bladder perforation may be so large or in such a location that it is dangerous to allow it to heal on its own. Such cases require open surgery to suture the bladder closed. This is performed through a lower midline incision. A Foley catheter again would be left in the bladder for several days to permit healing. Open surgery for bladder perforation is a rare event (less than 1 percent).

Radical cystectomy and associated urinary diversion is a complex procedure. Even in the best of hands, the potential for side effects and complications is significant. The most common side effects and complications related to this procedure are discussed below. Although this will give you a good understanding of what to expect after surgery, it is very important that you discuss the risks of cystectomy with your urologist before surgery to be as fully informed and prepared as possible.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Bladder Cancer Notice

Actos Bladder Cancer : Cell growth is closely regulated by genes which are composed of DNA located in the command center of the cell, the nucleus. When the genes become defective, cell growth can become unregulated, and tumors can develop. Oncogenes, also called cancer genes, can be activated, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth. Other genes which help prevent abnormal cell growth called tumor suppressor genes may be inactivated. Genes can be activated which enhance the tumor cell’s ability to spread throughout the body. The body’s immune system is a critical safeguard against the formation of cancerous tumors, often destroying the abnormal cells before they have a chance to grow and divide.

Cancer cells can spread throughout the body. They can spread through the lymphatic system, composed of lymph channels and lymph nodes, or distantly to other organs or the skeleton via the blood stream (hematogenous spread). In the case of bladder cancer, the cells can also spread by being carried in the urine and implanting in other locations in the urinary tract.

Larger tumors are more likely to spread than smaller tumors. Another critical concern is the grade of the tumor. Normal cells are specialized, differentiated to perform specific function, and have a typical structural arrangement with surrounding cells. As cancers worsen, the cells become less specialized, less differentiated, and lose their normal structural arrangement, resulting in a higher pathologic grade.

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For bladder cancer, another key indicator for likelihood to spread is the depth of penetration into the bladder wall. The bladder wall is composed of an inner lining called the urothelium (made up of transitional cells) which rests on a membrane layer called the basement membrane, below which is the connective tissue layer (support tissues) called the lamina propria. Within the lamina propria lies a small amount of muscle called the muscularis mucosa. Deep to the lamina propria is the deep muscle of the bladder arranged in three layers. This layer is called the muscularis propria. Tumors located in the inside, superficial layers of the bladder wall are unlikely to spread. Tumors that grow into the deeper layers (down into the muscle of the bladder wall) are much more likely to spread. Furthermore, there is a definite link between the grade of the tumor and its likelihood of invasion. Low grade tumors are almost always noninvasive, while high grade tumors are usually invasive. In general, papillary tumors, which are delicate and frond like in appearance are usually low grade and superficial. This is to be contrasted to sessile tumors which appear solid, are often high grade and invasive. Depth of invasion is critical in establishing prognosis. The tumor which invades into the lamina propria is a far more serious tumor than the superficial tumor which demonstrates no invasion. It has a much higher propensity to progress to the muscle invasive tumor, a much more dangerous cancer, with a high risk for spreading beyond the bladder.

The pathologist studies the prepared slides and makes a determination of the grade of cancer. There are a number of criterions that are used: degree of cellularity, nuclear crowding, loss of polarity and differentiation, nuclear pleomorphism, chromatin pattern and mitotic activity. In layman’s terms, the pathologist looks at the size, shape and relationship of the cancer cells. The nucleus is often abnormal since it contains damaged or mutated DNA. Cancer cells look different than normal cells. The greater the difference from normal, the higher the grade will be. These parameters are utilized to reduce the subjective nature of pathology. In the end, the pathologist assigns a grade.

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The medical history of those with bladder cancer varies. For many patients, the first clue is blood in the urine, while in others, it may be an alteration in urination. Sometimes a tumor is found inadvertently on an X ray or ultrasound exam. In all cases, an initial assessment is implemented by the urologist. In this chapter, we will review the presenting findings of those with bladder cancer and how they are initially “worked up.”

A sign is a physical finding from an underlying disease or disorder which can be noted by the individual or the physician. A symptom is something the individual feels or experiences from a disease. A clinical sign is a physical finding, while a symptom is something the individual experiences.

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Actos Bladder Cancer : Before visiting your bladder cancer specialist for the first time, you should gather all of your medical records. It is important to obtain copies of your biopsy and cytology reports, radiology studies, operative reports and any other test reports related to your diagnosis of bladder cancer. In addition to written reports, you should request your actual pathology slides for review by the urological pathologist who works with your urologist. It is also important to obtain actual copies of any radiological exams performed. Often, you can obtain a CD with your exams on it or actual films.

A biopsy is a small piece of tissue obtained during cystoscopy when a urologist looks inside of your bladder. This tissue sample is then sent to the laboratory and looked at under a microscope by a pathologist. Although there are standards that all pathologists follow, there can be small differences that can be seen by a trained eye. This is why it’s important to obtain actual slides and not just the report. In addition to biopsies, pathologists often look at urine specimens or bladder washings for the presence of abnormal cells. It’s important to bring this report to your first appointment as well.

Before your referral to a bladder cancer specialist, your primary care provider or urologist may order one of a few radiology exams to help evaluate the extent of cancer. We’ll briefly discuss those tests commonly ordered during the workup of someone with bladder cancer. These tests help determine someone’s cancer stage. Again, it is very important to obtain copies of your images (the actual films or CDs) along with reports.

An ultrasound is a noninvasive test used to evaluate the kidneys and bladder. Ultrasounds are painless and don’t have any associated side effects. Ultrasounds are performed by either a radiologist or radiology technician and take approximately 30 minutes to complete. An ultrasound allows doctors to image your kidneys to determine whether or not they are normal in size. An ultrasound can also determine if one of your lddneys is not draining properly, which can occur with bladder cancer. Although images of your bladder can be obtained, an ultrasound cannot rule out evidence of cancer. Ultrasound was a primary test used in the past to evaluate patients with bladder cancer; however, we now have better tests that allow us to image your entire urinary tract in greater detail. Ultrasound pros include its noninvasiveness and lack of radiation, whereas its cons remain its lack of fine details and the fact that some very small tumors can be missed.

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An intravenous pyelogram, or IVP, is a test used to define the anatomy of your urinary tract using intravenous dye and an x-ray machine. Doctors order this test to determine whether or not there are any blockages or tumors in the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder. Often, patients are asked to have a light meal the night before an IVP and to skip breakfast the morning of the exam. You may be given instructions to perform a bowel prep using magnesium citrate, a laxative available in your local pharmacy or supermarket, This clears out your small intestine and colon as these may interfere with visualization of your urinary tract. If you have diabetes and are using Glucophage (metformin), you may need to stop these medications several days in advance. This should be coordinated by your urologist and primary care physician.

IVPs can take an hour to perform because images are taken of your abdomen at various time points. You may feel a warm sensation, become nauseated, or have a metallic taste in your mouth when the dye is injected. There are several reasons why you should not have an IVP performed, and these will be explained by your doctor. If you have an allergy to IV dye, you could have a potentially severe allergic reaction. In some cases, steroids are given to prevent this from occurring. Either way, this is something that must be discussed with your doctor before the exam. If you have abnormal kidney function, another test will most likely be performed instead of an IVP. This is because the IV dye can worsen your kidney function. If you are pregnant, another test will be performed because of the potentially small risk that the radiation from the x-ray machine poses to the developing fetus. If you have asthma, multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, pheochromocytoma, or a tumor of your adrenal gland, your physician may order another test because you may also be at greater risk of complications from the exam.

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IVP pros include its ability to assess how well your kidneys are working and the images that it can obtain of your renal pelvis and ureter. Its cons include x-ray radiation exposure in addition to the risks of an allergic reaction to IV contrast and potential worsening of borderline kidney function. IVPs are still ordered to evaluate people with blood in their urine or a diagnosis of bladder cancer, but it is slowly being replaced by other, more accurate imaging modalities including CT scan and MRI.

A CT, or CAT scan, is a computed tomographic scan that obtains accurate, detailed images of the body and its contents. It allows radiologists to look at detailed images of all your internal organs, including your heart, lungs, liver, brain, kidneys, and bladder, in addition to soft tissues like lymph nodes. CT scans are performed in radiolog)’ departments by radiologists with the assistance of nurses and technicians. The actual exam may only last 15 minutes, but you may be in the radiolog)’ area for an hour. As with the preparation for an IVP, you wall be asked to eat a light dinner the night before, and some doctors prefer bowel preparation with a laxative the day before. You should not eat anything in the 8 hours before your scheduled appointment. Those with diabetes using Glucophage must stop taking these medications several days before die scan if IV dye will be used and will not be able to resume use of these medications for 48-72 hours after the scan. This is because of a potential harmful reaction from the medications and IV dye. Some physicians prefer that this exam be done after drinking a chalky oral dye to better differentiate your intestine from parts of your urinary tract. The pros of CT include the detailed images that it provides in addition to the relatively short amount of time it takes to perform the exam. Its cons are the risk of radiation exposure to the developing child in a pregnant woman and risk of an allergic reaction to IV dye.

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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The first T level refers to Ta or Tl tumors, which are superficial in nature. These noninvasive tumors can be papillary or carcinoma in situ (CIS), and have penetrated only the epithelium or intermediate cell layers of the bladder. This is an early, highly treatable stage of bladder cancer. The Ta tumor is the least invasive (or most superficial) variant, whereas theTl tumor shows the beginnings of invasion into the first layer of the bladder wall (before muscle is reached).

Tumors that are invasive and have moved into the muscle layer of the bladder are classified as T2. The lowercase letters a and b are used to describe how far into the muscle the tumor has spread. A T2a tumor has not penetrated as deeply into the muscle as a T2b tumor.

Tumors classified as T3, which can be further classified by the letters a and b, have penetrated beyond the bladder wall and into the fatty tissue surrounding the outside of the bladder. A T3a tumor is visible only with a microscope. A T3b tumor is visible in scans or to the naked eye during surgery.

AT4 tumor, the most serious and advanced of this local tumor grouping, has spread to other tissues or organs. A T4a tumor has inyaded the nearby uterus or vagina in a woman or the prostate in a man. A T4b tumor has spread through the pelvic or abdominal wall into the body.

 

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The letter N, followed by a numeral from one to three (1 to 3), tells your doctor whether your cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the bladder and how deeply the cancer has penetrated the nodes. The higher the number, the more lymph nodes are involved and the more enlarged the nodes are.

The letter Mfollowed by a one or a zero (1 or 0) indicates whether your cancer has spread to lymph nodes in other parts of the body (beyond the pelvis) or to other organs such as the lungs or liver. A zero indicates that the cancer has not spread to other organs; the number one means that it has.

Once your doctor and pathologist have determined your TNM values, the results will be combined and expressed as Roman numerals from zero to four (0 to IV). Stage IV, for example, is the most advanced and serious stage of cancer. The stages help predict rates of survival five years after treatment; they range from 98 percent survival in the Stage 0 category to about 15 percent in the Stage IV category. The stage of your cancer also helps doctors decide how aggressive to be in recommending treatment options,

 

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The terms Stage I or Stage IVare like medical shorthand, giving your physician a quick indication of overall prognosis and the general type of treatment that will be needed.

Grading tumors is another tool for your doctor. Instead of measuring how invasive the tumor is, grading indicates how abnormal the tumor cells appear under the microscope. The more abnormal, or undifferentiated, the tumor cells are, the more likely it is your cancer will spread aggressively.

Pathologists use the numerals one, two, or three (1, 2, or 3) or the words low, medium, or high to describe how abnormal the tumor cells appear. A tumor graded three (3) or higher is the most likely to spread aggressively. In some systems, grading is done on a scale of one to four.

 

Our use of the term or terms Actos Bladder Cancer is for descriptive purposes only. There is no relationship between the owners of this website and the maker of the product discussed in this post. Our use of the words Recall, Class Action Lawsuit and other similar words related to an event do not necessarily mean that this event has occurred. Refer to the website of the United States Food and Drug Administration for information on drug or medical device recalls. If a Class Action Lawsuit is formed in relation to the product discussed in this post we will provide that information at the time the Class Action is formed. A Class Action Lawsuit is not required to exist for you to file a lawsuit if you have been injured by the product discussed in this post.

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Actos Bladder Cancer12/20/2011: This brief review undermines the uncertainty of receiving chemotherapy during an experimental protocol. If the individual needs chemotherapy, it is generally safer and wiser to receive the standard regimen already established as safe and possibly effective. If however, prior standard chemotherapy has proven to be ineffective, or if the patient cannot tolerate standard therapy and the patient’s health allows for additional chemo, enrollment in a chemotherapy trial may be appropriate if the individual qualifies. At times, there can be breakthroughs and new agents can be more effective in eradicating cancer than the established drugs.

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