Bladder Cancer Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells and is an important treatment for bladder cancer. It can be delivered directly into the bladder (intravesically) or by injection. Columbia Urology researchers did pioneering and innovative research proving the efficacy of docetaxel (Taxotere) for patients who failed first line intravesical therapy. These patients are often counseled to have their bladders removed, but this treatment may allow many of them to keep their bladders. Columbia Urology researchers are conducting a clinical trial of the effectiveness of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (Abraxane) when given intravesically.