Bladder cancer research studies have given a great insight into the pathology of the disease. Better understanding of the disease has in turn has made it possible to develop better management protocols. Current there are many research activities still continuing throughout the world. Some of the areas that have generated a lot of interest among the medical fraternity in this area include the aetiology, precipitating factors and epidemiological characteristics.
There are many new types of treatments that are slowly but surely becoming part of routine therapies. These include, among others, gene therapy, personalised chemotherapy, robotic surgery of the bladder and immunotherapy. Gene therapy is a highly selective process that targets the genetic mechanism of cancerous cells. The aim is to interfere with the reproductive mechanism and to halt the proliferation.
In one of the studies carried out recently, it has been shown that the prevalence of bladder cancer stands at about 400,000 in the United States alone. Close to 6,000 new diagnoses are made every year. The mortality rate is very high for the aggressive, high grade carcinoma. Fortunately only a small number of people have these aggressive forms. It is important that signs and symptoms are identified early to halt progress.
The condition has also been seen in dogs and has been extensively studied. Among dogs, the commonest type is the high grade type which typically presents with urinary obstruction. If not diagnosed in time, the tumour rapidly causes death. A number of treatments are in different stages of development. So far, the results from trials involving treatment of transitional cell carcinoma among the canines have been very promising.
The risk factors for the condition have been clearly profiled. Smoking remains the biggest risk factor contributing to about 35% of the cases according to a study conducted in the UK in 2010. Compared to non-smokers, smokers are four times more likely to get the tumour. The risk is proportional to the length and quantity of smoking.
Persons who work in some industries such as those that deal with dyes and rubber are at a particularly increased risk. This occupational risk has been known since as far back as the nineteenth century but it took close to 50 years to be proven scientifically. Amines found in the dyes have been shown to be highly carcinogenic. The common ones include benzidine and naphthalene.
Some drugs and medical procedures may also increase the risk especially if used repeatedly. Cyclophosphamide and phenacetin are well known examples. Cyclophosphamide is a useful antitumor agent but may affect the urinary system as an adverse effect. The main medical procedure that may predispose is pelvic irradiation.
Bladder cancer research should be looked at as a continuous process if the management of patients is to be improved. All the patients should ideally have their details recorded in a data base. All the important aspects of disease must be clearly shown. If on treatment, they should be followed up until they recover or until they succumb. This is the only sure of ensuring that the effects of interventions are studied. Future decisions can be made based on these results.
There are many new types of treatments that are slowly but surely becoming part of routine therapies. These include, among others, gene therapy, personalised chemotherapy, robotic surgery of the bladder and immunotherapy. Gene therapy is a highly selective process that targets the genetic mechanism of cancerous cells. The aim is to interfere with the reproductive mechanism and to halt the proliferation.
In one of the studies carried out recently, it has been shown that the prevalence of bladder cancer stands at about 400,000 in the United States alone. Close to 6,000 new diagnoses are made every year. The mortality rate is very high for the aggressive, high grade carcinoma. Fortunately only a small number of people have these aggressive forms. It is important that signs and symptoms are identified early to halt progress.
The condition has also been seen in dogs and has been extensively studied. Among dogs, the commonest type is the high grade type which typically presents with urinary obstruction. If not diagnosed in time, the tumour rapidly causes death. A number of treatments are in different stages of development. So far, the results from trials involving treatment of transitional cell carcinoma among the canines have been very promising.
The risk factors for the condition have been clearly profiled. Smoking remains the biggest risk factor contributing to about 35% of the cases according to a study conducted in the UK in 2010. Compared to non-smokers, smokers are four times more likely to get the tumour. The risk is proportional to the length and quantity of smoking.
Persons who work in some industries such as those that deal with dyes and rubber are at a particularly increased risk. This occupational risk has been known since as far back as the nineteenth century but it took close to 50 years to be proven scientifically. Amines found in the dyes have been shown to be highly carcinogenic. The common ones include benzidine and naphthalene.
Some drugs and medical procedures may also increase the risk especially if used repeatedly. Cyclophosphamide and phenacetin are well known examples. Cyclophosphamide is a useful antitumor agent but may affect the urinary system as an adverse effect. The main medical procedure that may predispose is pelvic irradiation.
Bladder cancer research should be looked at as a continuous process if the management of patients is to be improved. All the patients should ideally have their details recorded in a data base. All the important aspects of disease must be clearly shown. If on treatment, they should be followed up until they recover or until they succumb. This is the only sure of ensuring that the effects of interventions are studied. Future decisions can be made based on these results.
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